Book Review: Who's the New Kid? by Heidi Bond

About the book:
Who's the New Kid? shows readers how Heidi helped her daughter lose weight without the aid of fad diets, medication, or surgery and how other parents can do the same with their kids.

At nine years old, Breanna Bond weighed a whopping 186 pounds. Just walking up the stairs to her room was a challenge. Her legs chafed to the point of bleeding from rubbing against each other, and her school days were filled with taunts of "Hey, Fatty!" Breanna's mom, Heidi, was devastated and wondered, How can I get my daughter healthy again?

In just over a year, Heidi's plan worked! Breanna dropped 40 percent of her body weight and was transformed from a morbidly obese child who spent her days in front of the TV eating chips and chocolate to a vibrant, healthy, energetic little girl.

Filled with helpful diagnostic tools, easy-to-make recipes, eye-opening nutritional information, fun exercise ideas, and practical tips and advice, Who's the New Kid? will not only show parents how to help their kids lose weight naturally but also introduce them to simple, yet effective lifestyle changes that will benefit the entire family.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1R01IuI

My Thoughts:  I found the first part of the book to be slow going.  It seemed to cover the same ground over and over, and while I understand that it helped to get across their continual frustration and lack of progress, it dragged a bit too much.  I did, however, appreciate Heidi's honesty about her own responsibility in her daughter's weight gain, and that her own selfishness played a huge part in delaying the weight loss process.

I enjoyed the book a lot more once they started focusing on what finally began to work. I commend Heidi for fully committing to this weight loss journey with her daughter and walking (literally!) through it with her every step of the way.  I think this book would be a huge encouragement to anyone dealing with childhood obesity.


Thank you to Litfuse Publicity for organizing this tour and providing me with my complimentary review copy.

Join Odyssey Adventure Club for a Summer Challenge and Movie Ticket Giveaway

 

Summer . . . a time that kids pine for during the school year and parents may anticipate with something akin to dread. Fearing refrains of “I’m bored” or hours spent on the couch playing video games can make moms and dads nervous about the long, hot months stretching before their family. Focus on the Family’s Odyssey Adventure Club offers an answer, encouraging parents and kids to embrace faith and fun with the Take the Plunge Adventures in Odyssey Clubhouse magazine’s Summer Challenge.

Take the Plunge

The Take the Plunge challenge features:

• Master Mind Monday — commit God’s Word to memory
• Ways to Play Wednesday — spend active time with your family
• Faith Sharing Friday — share God’s love with others

The Take the Plunge challenge helps families memorize at least five verses, engage in five activities together and share their faith with five people before the school doors swing open again. Those who sign up will receive an 11-week plan with suggested verses to memorize, activity ideas (such as visiting a war memorial) and ways to witness (such as passing out popsicles at the park with an invitation to your church), making this challenge the perfect tool for parents who want summer to be a time of spiritual and social stimulation for their kids.

"Research tells us that the more senses we involve when teaching children a principle, the more likely it is to stick,” Plugged In editor and Adventures in Odyssey podcast host Bob Smithouser says. “Bible memorization by itself is great, but it becomes even more powerful when put into action. Know it. Share it. Live it.”

Families who sign up to take part in the challenge at www.whitsend.org/summer will have access to weekly verses to memorize, ideas for family fun and suggestions for service projects that allow a family to share their faith. Additionally, anyone who signs up to participate in the Take the Plunge challenge will receive a free scene from the latest Adventures in Odyssey album, as well as a free story from the book Strange Journey Back.

A Bonus Contest

From June 1–5, tell us in 30 words or less how you are going to take the plunge to deepen your faith this summer for a chance to win a family four-pack of tickets to the theatrical release of Beyond The Mask June 5th weekend and free access to the Odyssey Adventure Club all summer long (June, July, August—total $85 prize value)!

Send your entry to contests@whitsend.org. Two winners will be chosen to win each day June 1-5 and announced on the Adventures in Odyssey Facebook Page.

Entries will be chosen based on creativity and writing skill. Rules are available at whitsend.org.

Join the Odyssey Adventure Club for a ‘Buck’ (Plus a Summer Challenge)

 


Memorial Day is just around the corner, which means (for Americans) school will be out for the summer! And for Canadians, it's just over a month away.  Parents, does that fill you with dread, knowing all you'll hear for the next few months is, "I'm bored!"? Keep reading because we have a deal for you—one that will only cost you a buck and that will keep your kids safe online while allowing them to have fun and to grow in their relationship with Jesus.

Buck Oliver is back in the latest Adventures in Odyssey album, and to celebrate, you can try the Odyssey Adventure Club for just a buck for your first month. Sign up before May 31st using the promo code BUCK! *This deal only applies to first-time accounts and is good the first month only.


Members receive:
—24/7 streaming access to more than 750 Adventures in Odyssey episodes (a $1500 retail value).
—A new, members-only Adventures in Odyssey episode every month.
—A subscription to Adventures in Odyssey Clubhouse Magazine.
—A web quest of video stories and online activities reflecting the biblical theme of that month's episode.
—On-the-go access with the OAClub mobile iOS app.
—Growing access to Odyssey books, a daily devotion, access to select Radio Theatre dramas and more.

Additionally, a portion of each Odyssey Adventure Club membership benefits Focus on the Family partner organizations, such as Carry the Cure and Mission Aviation Fellowship, providing parents with an opportunity to teach children about the value of serving others. The Odyssey Adventure Club hopes to spend another 25 years hand-in-hand with parents seeking to teach biblical truth to their children while inspiring the theater of their imagination.


 

Your favorite Adventures in Odyssey characters are also Taking the Plunge in Album 59 and now you can, too! This summer, dive into your faith and grow closer to God by joining the Adventures in Odyssey Clubhouse Magazine Taking The Plunge Summer Challenge. It includes these simple things:

-Learn 5 memory verses
-Get active with 5 family activities together
-Share God’s love and your faith in 5 different ways 

When you commit to the Adventures in Odyssey Clubhouse Magazine Taking The Plunge Summer Challenge, you'll receive:

-A promo code for an exclusive Odyssey Adventure Club first month offer (for new members only)
-Adventures in Odyssey special studio message
-“Strange Journey Back” book excerpt
-“Jones and Parker Mysteries” book excerpt

To learn more about the Odyssey Adventure Club, visit www.oaclub.org, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

Book Review: How to Catch a Prince by Rachel Hauck

About the Book:

American heiress Corina Del Rey's life was devastated by war. Every thing she loved was lost. But after five years of grief, she's shed her grave clothes and started over in the sunshine along the Florida coast.

But some things are not so easily forgotten. When a secret from her past confronts her face to face, she realizes she must follow her heart. Even if it cost her everything.

Prince Stephen of Brighton Kingdom is a former Royal Air Command lieutenant turned star rugby player, trying to make sense of his life after the devastation of war.

When his brother, King Nathaniel, discovers Stephen's pre war secret, he must deal with an aspect of his life he longed to forget. But how can he do so without exposing the truth and breaching national security?

Yet, true love has a destiny all it's own. As the cathedral bells peal through Cathedral City, Corina and Stephen must chose to answer the call of love on their hearts.
Or let it be lost forever?

My Thoughts:  With the release of the new Cinderella movie, this seemed a very fitting book to review.  If you enjoy fairy tales and princesses, then you will love this book!

It's not all light and fluffy.  The book deals with serious issues including war and death.  Yes, there is romance and love, but there is also tragedy and sorrow.  What I really enjoyed were the spiritual lessons learned along the way.  One scene involving the prince towards the end of the book was particularly moving.

Thank you to Litfuse Publicity for organizing this tour and providing me with my complimentary review copy.

Book Review: Betting on Hope by Debra Clopton

About the Book: A bet gone wrong. A small town's meddling. And a cowboy intent on saving his ranch.

Maggie Hope is an advice columnist whose background leaves her with little advice to give . . . and it's beginning to show. When Maggie fills in at an interview with champion horse trainer Tru Monahan, the on-camera chemistry between them is undeniable. Maggie's bosses know this is the opportunity she's been looking for to launch her career---and their bank accounts. In order to save her column, Maggie takes Tru up on the bet that he can teach her to ride a quick-stepping cutting horse like any cowgirl, despite the fact that she has never been on a horse. And in the meantime, she can get the scoop on the man under the cowboy hat.

Tru has been on the competition circuit for longer than he'd like, but he knows it's the only way he can afford to keep the Four of Hearts Ranch that means so much to his ailing grandfather. So when his sponsors see the opportunity for Tru's fans to get to know the star on a more intimate level, he knows he must oblige. To his dismay, Maggie not only invades his small town of Wishing Springs, but she also invades his heart, and that is something he cannot let any woman do-for her own good.

In Wishing Springs, Maggie finds what she has always been looking for: a community and a home. But when her past catches up to her, it threatens everything, even the tender hope that this town holds all of her heart's desires.
My Thoughts: I don't think I've read anything by Debra Clopton before but that will change from now on - I'm hooked!  I'm not really into horses myself, and yet westerns still hold a great appeal as far as fiction goes.

Believable and extremely likable characters were the biggest draw for me in this story.  Even though the ending isn't very suspenseful, you are still caught up in the storyline because you care what happens to the characters.  Her writing is excellent, and makes you feel like you're right there in the small town of Wishing Springs.  I loved it!

Thank you to Litfuse Publicity for organizing this tour and providing me with my complimentary review copy.

Book Review: Twisted Innocence by Terri Blackstock

About the book:
Holly Cramer's past choices have finally caught up to her, but she never expected them to endanger her baby.

Though Holly's stumbled through most of her adult life as a party girl, she longs to live a more stable life for her daughter. Then police show up to question her about the whereabouts of Creed Kershaw, Lily's father. She has kept his identity a secret from friends and family---she never even told him about the pregnancy. Now he's a person of interest in a drug-related murder case.

Determined to keep him out of their lives and turn him over to police, Holly uses her private investigating skills to search for him. But her bravado backfires when he turns the tables and takes her and the baby hostage. As desperate hours tick by, Holly realizes his connection to Leonard Miller-the man who has gunned down several members of her family. Creed claims he's innocent and that Miller is after him too. His gentleness with Lily moves her, but she can't trust a man who has held her at gunpoint . . . even if he reminds her so much of herself.

Dangers old and new threaten Holly and her baby, and lives are demanded as sacrifices for love. Through a complex web of mistakes and regret, redemption is the one hope Holly has left to hold on to.

My Thoughts: I always know I'm in for a good read when I pick up a Terri Blackstock book and this one was no exception.

A great plot, believable and likable characters, suspense, and romance - this book has it all.  The book also tackles the deep subjects of second chances, and personal suffering being used by God to deepen our faith and our character.

You won't be disappointed in this one.


Thank you to Litfuse Publicity for organizing this tour and providing me with my complimentary review copy.

Book Review: Remember the Lilies by Liz Tolsma

About the Book:  Can Irene and Rand stave off starvation until the American troops bring freedom?

Interred by the Japanese, missionary Irene Reynolds comes across a mysterious note while working at the censor's office. She memorizes the parts she must black out and delivers it to wealthy nightclub owner Rand Sterling. Before she knows what's happening, she's drawn into a web of secrets and danger.

Rand Sterling wants nothing more than to reopen his nightclubs once the war ends. But slimy Frank Covey wants his hand in the till---and has news that could threaten Rand's reputation if it became public. More importantly, beautiful and intriguing Irene Reynolds cannot discover this information if he expects to persuade her to become his wife.

When Irene is attacked by a sinister Japanese guard and their secrets are exposed, they must learn the true meaning of forgiveness---if they can stave off starvation until the American troops bring freedom.


My Thoughts: I was very interested in reading this book, particularly after watching and reading Unbroken, the story of Louis Zamperini and his experience of being a prisoner of war in a Japanese camp.  I must admit to being a bit disappointed.  

The book was good and a decent read, and maybe my expectations were simply too high, but the story line was a bit slow moving for me; the characters were rather shallowly developed; I didn't gain a strong attachment to any of the characters; the dramatic portions of the storyline could have been written with more, well, drama; and I felt like there needed to be a bit more of an explanation about how, why, and when they all ended up in the internment camp.  The story just didn't capture me like I was expecting it to.


Thank you to Litfuse Publicity for organizing this tour and providing me with my complimentary review copy.

Book Review: The Dandelion Field by Kathryn Springer

About the book:
This handsome firefighter makes a living coming to the rescue, but Gin doesn't need a man to fight her battles.

After Raine's dad walked out, Ginevieve Lightly never lived in one place too long, a rambling lifestyle that defined her daughter's youth. When their car dies in Banister Falls, Wisconsin, Gin promises Raine they can stay until she finishes her senior year of high school. Gin will do anything to make sure her daughter has a bright future . . . a future that's compromised when Raine reveals she's pregnant.

Dan Moretti has only ever called Banister Falls home. After losing his best friend in a tragic accident, Dan devoted himself to responding to fires, rescuing the helpless, and guiding Cody Bennett, his best friend's son, through life. With Cody being the epitome of the good kid, it was an easy job. Until he says four little words: "The baby is mine."

Knowing gossip of Raine's pregnancy will erupt sooner or later in the small town, Gin's reflex is to grab the suitcase and escape to a new city, a new life. But with each passing day, Gin's feet stay rooted in Banister Falls, and she falls a little more for this local firefighter who shows her not all men abandon women at the first sign of smoke.

As Gin and Dan do the best they can to guide the two teenagers through their early entry into adulthood, they discover together that romance can bloom in the rockiest of situations. And God can turn the pieces of a broken past into a beautiful new beginning.

My Thoughts:  This is the first book I've read by Springer and I really enjoyed it!  The story immediately pulled me in, and I appreciated the depth of character she gave to several different characters - Raine, Cody, Dan, Ginevieve, and Evie (Cody's mom).

This book definitely does not shy away from the reality of life and that it is not easy.  The book tackles several tough issues including abuse, abandonment, teen pregnancy, single parenting, and death - and yet woven through it all is hope.  Hope in God, and knowing that even when we are alone, we are not alone.

I appreciated the realism in this book - including both the flattering and unflattering (sinful!) reactions of the church people to Cody and Raine's pre-marital relationship.  It is a harsh truth that one moment of weakness, one wrong decision, can impact your life forever.  And yet is is a beautiful truth that God can work, even through our sin, to bring joy and hope in the midst of life's hard times.



Thank you to Litfuse Publicity for organizing this tour and providing me with my complimentary review copy.

Book Review: The Case of the Jewel Covered Cat Statues by Cindy Vincent

About the book:
Buckley and Bogey, Cat Detectives, find their next big case with the Buckley and Bogey Cat Detective Agency to be their most complicated ever! It all starts when someone hides a mysterious package in their Mom's antique store --- in the middle of the night! Of course, the boys find it, and put it in a nice, safe place, until they can open it . . . and, find the rightful owner. But that's when a whole bunch of suspicious people show up in St. Gertrude, and every single one of them seems to be after that package! Holy Catnip! Plus, everything happens just when a priceless, jeweled statue collection goes on display at the St. Gertrude Museum. Missing from that collection are two jewel covered cat statues that disappeared almost a hundred and fifty years ago.

But soon Buckley and Bogey wonder how long those statues will stay missing. Because this is one case that really keeps them on their paws! From a trip to the Museum, and to an old church for the Blessing of the Animals; and from dinosaurs to diamonds, they end up dodging shady suspects the whole time. It sure helps to have their friends with them, especially when the bad guys make a beeline for boys. That's because it becomes very clear, very quick --- the priceless cat statues aren't the only cats those crooks are after! Holy Mackerel!

Olivia's Thoughts: I had my 9 year old daughter read and review this book for me.  These are her thoughts.....

The book begins when Buckley and Bogey are in their house while the humans in the family are sleeping, the mom's store is broken into in the night and Buckley and Bogey go with their mom to her store. A small package is left at the store and the mom and officer Phoebe don't notice it. Buckley and Bogey find it and hide it. The next day they go to the museum for ''take your cat to museum day''. The two cat detectives plan a distraction so they can look at the exhibit. while looking they find two little statues called ''the best friends'' statues''. in the exhibit they find two bad guys who used to be friends that are now enemies. the two little statues had been either missing or stolen. The next day they go to their mom's store and a pirate comes in claiming he left a package there. But the mom said they don't have any package. Later on the two cat detectives are going to their mom's store, and open the package and take it home. In the end they solve the mystery.

What I liked about the story is that Buckley is trying to be a good cat detective even if he makes mistakes, and that he has somebody to look up to.

What I didn't like very much about it is that near the end it's a little scary because of all the bad guys trying to kill the cats.

Some parts were a little boring and others were really suspenseful.

Overall it was a really good book and it would be very interesting to some other people.

Thank you to Litfuse Publicity for organizing this tour and providing me with my complimentary review copy.

Book Review: Love Without End by Robin Lee Hatcher

About the book: Love Without End || A King's Meadow Romance

Chet and Kimberly have both failed when it comes to love. Will they risk their hearts to love again?

Chet Leonard's life was forever changed when his 17-year-old son died and then, soon after, his wife walked out on their family. Over two years later, all he wants to do is hold onto his horse ranch and raise his remaining sons to be honorable men.

Kimberly Welch, widowed mother of Tara, a rebellious 15-year-old, has reached the end of her finances and nearly the end of her rope. She and Tara come to King's Meadow to try to piece their lives back together again. Kimberly has no intention of becoming involved with the residents of this remote mountain community and certainly not with any man.

When octogenarian Anna McKenna returns to King's Meadow and to the Leonard ranch, she becomes an agent of change and healing for the two hurting families. With her help, Kimberly and Chet may discover that true love has no end.


My Thoughts: I always enjoy Hatcher's book and this one was no exception.  I have not read any other books in this series and found that this definitely worked as a standalone book.

I particularly enjoyed how the main male character's story was highlighted perhaps even more than the female's - which is uncommon in fiction.

I liked that the storyline and characters were all realistic and believable.  And I enjoyed getting glimpses into Nana Anna's story as well. It was neat seeing both the young and the old Anna.  Sometimes, when we're relating to the elderly, we forget that they were (obviously) young once too, and that we can learn so much from them and their stories.



Thank you to Litfuse Publicity for organizing this tour and providing me with my complimentary review copy.