Well.........

All I can say is.............

Murphy's Law

I am posting this from my Kindle. 

I do not know when my posts 

will go up at this point, 

but I am very hopeful 

Hello!!!

I must apologize 

for all the empty posts on my blog. 

All my posts are scheduled ahead of time 

on dates that are pre-scheduled for certain tours. 

I have had a few problems 

and just now being able to pick up where I left off. 

Thanks 
to all the 

Publishers, Authors, Book Review Companies, 
and followers of Ski-Wee's Book Corner 

for your 
patience, support and understanding.

Get ready! 

I will be posting book reviews 

more than usual. 

I am waaaaay behind 

but hang in there and be ready 

for some very interesting reads. 

Happy Reading!

Edythe

Ski-Wee's Book Corner

7 FAMILY MINISTRY ESSENTIALS by Michelle Anthony & Megan Marshman, David C. Cook Publishing

7 Family Ministry Essentials is for Leaders of Family Ministry in church settings and contributes to the planning and in-depth look at what needs to be brought to the forefront in teaching lessons.  There are nine chapters starting with a quote from renown ministers, spiritual and motivational leaders such as Les Brown, Francis Chan, Edward Everett Hale, and John H. Westerhoff (who went from United in Christ minister to an Episcopalian Priest).

Each topic chapter includes at least six or more sub-headings (The Temptation: Moral Formation; Worship Beyond Sunday; Discerning His Voice; Prayer Fixes Our Focus) for discussion in Ministry Leaders meetings. The chapters conclude with a Ministry Assessment containing Listen, So What?, and Now What? Questions and thought prompters to aid in leading people to faith transformation. Jake’s Story on page 120 reveals how “Jake has abandoned church—worse, he has abandoned his faith in Christ” and why Jake’s perspective was askew.

7 Family Ministry Essentials may be used as a tool for Ministry Leaders looking to add to their skills in teaching fundamental faith strengthening to people of faith and bringing people of non-faith closer to God.

I received this book from David C. Cook Publishing through the Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for an honest opinion in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines.

About the Authors:  

DR. MICHELLE ANTHONY is the vice president and publisher of learning resources at David C Cook and a popular speaker in the area of family ministry. She is the author ofSpiritual Parenting, The Big God Story, and Becoming a Spiritually Healthy Family. Michelle has graduate degrees in Christian education, Bible and theology as well as over twenty-five years of family ministry experience. Michelle and her husband, Michael are the parents of two adult children and live in Colorado.

MEGAN MARSHMAN is the director of student resources and production for David C Cook and has led and challenged thousands of students in their faith at Hume Lake Christian Camps. With a master's degree in organizational leadership from Azusa Pacific University, Megan speaks nationally at churches, conferences, and university chapels. She and her husband, Randy, live in Long Beach, California.

http://litfusegroup.com/author/AnthonyMarshman

TWO ROADS HOME, A Chicory Inn Novel by Deborah Raney, Abingdon Press

My favorite characters from book one, Home to Chicory Lane, Audrey and Grant Whitman are back with the problems of the majority of family drama in any nation. This second installment of the series focuses on their daughter Corinne, and son-in-law Jesse trying to work on marriage woes stemming from Jesse’s work associate.

Deborah Raney writes a sound and interesting story about sexual harassment and the toll it takes on an entire family. There are predictable scenes, but this should not deter you from reading this novel with topics that are tackled in most family homes. You will enjoy reading how Corinne and Jesse deal with this issue and how important family support and compassion needs are met in certain circumstances. I recommend reading Home to Chicory Lane also, but is not absolutely necessary to read Two Roads Home, as it is a standalone novel.

I received this book from Abingdon Press through the Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for an honest opinion, in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines.

About the author:

Deborah Raney's books have won numerous awards, including the RITA, National Readers Choice Award, HOLT Medallion, and the Carol Award, and have twice been Christy Award finalists. She and her husband, Ken, recently traded small-town life in Kansas-the setting of many of Deborah's novels-for life in the (relatively) big city of Wichita, where they enjoy gardening, antiquing, movies, and traveling to visit four children and a growing brood of grandchildren who all live much too far away.

Find Deborah online: website, Twitter, Facebook

http://litfusegroup.com/author/draney

DEVOTIONS from the GARDEN by Miriam Drennan, Thomas Nelson Publishers

For anyone who loves devotional books and gardening, whether it be vegetables, flowers or fruits, this book brings it all together. Every aspect of gardening is placed into this devotional from Neglected Beds to Blooms But No Fruit to Rock Gardening to Bringing First Fruits. Each mini-chapter offers a scripture reference, words of encouragement, and a prayer.

The pictures are crisp and beautifully photographed to correspond with the topic. This is a good go-to book for times of inspiration and devotion during your dedicated quiet time, that I will use frequently. Recommendation for this devotional is to those seeking inspirations, gardeners, as well as a great gifting opportunity to family and friends.

I received this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers through the BookLook reviewer program in exchange for an honest opinion, in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines.

LOVE BY THE BOOK by Melissa Pimentel, Penguin Books

“I stubbed out my cigarette. I’d made a decision. As of tomorrow, no more dating guides. In fact, no more dating. Instead, I’d do all the things I’d been wanting to do—should have been doing—during the time I spent goin on terrible dates. I’d go for long runs, make myself decent dinners, read books I actually wanted to read, focus on building my career, spend evenings in the bath with a bottle wine and a pack of Marlboro Lights—anything I wanted to do, I’d do. Fuck this shit: I was going to date myself for a while.”

-Lauren Cunningham in Love By the Book

by Melissa Pimentel

Love By the Book is Melissa Pimentel’s character Lauren Cunningham’s personal month-by-month journal of tested experts’ advice on dating via guides and on-line dating attempting “meeting-the-love-of-my-life thing.” Well, I must say, this journal is full of surprises, plenty of dates, and hilarious moments many women can relate to their own adventures, including myself.

Lauren shares her most intimate thoughts about dating and the ‘tools’ she used to make it happen. This is a must read for all women and I am giving it a five star rating on the strength of Melissa’s ability to document these adventures with such truth and humor, as it should be. I am in that place as I complete this review:

“I am stubbing out my cigarette (Capri Menthol 120s, not Marlboro),

pouring a glass of Smoking Loon Chardonnay,

with the decision to date myself for a while.”

-Edythe Hamilton

I received this book from Penguin Books through the Net Galley reviewer program in exchange for an honest review, in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines.

A HEART'S BETRAYAL, JOURNEY of the HEART Series, Book Four by Colleen Coble, Thomas Nelson

A Heart’s Betrayal opens with Emmie, the sister of Rand and friend of Sarah. Emmie learns of her husband Monroe’s bigamy that drives her out of the home she and Monroe built together. Feeling all alone and lost, Emmie hopes Rand and Sarah will be supportive in her time of need, as she travels to Wisconsin making Fort Laramie her new home. Emmie meets and let Isaac Liddle court her upon arrival, but fears the worst if he learns of the secret that led her to Fort Laramie that can destroy their happiness.

The saga continues in grand fashion bringing Rand’s sister, and Sarah’s friend from back home into the picture. Emmie’s situation adds extra intrigue to the already beguiling historical romance novel. Journey of the Heart is a good mini-novella series, and I recommend to book lovers of historical romance who love to read on a cozy afternoon or evening with a cup of latte or tea, while very much looking forward to the next installment in this series.

I received this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers through the Litfuse Publicity Group reviewer program, in exchange for an honest opinion in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines.

BRIDGES BURNED by Annette Dashofy, Henery Press

Zoe Chambers, Paramedic and Deputy Coroner, is in her element as she attends to Holt, a man who attempted to rescue his wife from a house on fire which they were previously evicted. Holt becomes a suspect as more homes burns and murder victims become more frequent in their small town.

After discovering a second murder victim and the prime suspect shot, there are more persons of interest added to the list of suspects. No one is safe in the little farm community while the killer is on the loose.

Bridges Burned is the third installment in The Zoe Chambers Mystery series, with Circle of Influence and Lost Legacy being Mystery #1 and #2, respectively. Annette Dashofy is an excellent mystery writer who has a person guessing, never giving a reader the easy task of identifying the true culprit. If you are a crime mystery fan, read the previous novel Lost Legacy, Mystery #2, you will not be disappointed. I recommend to crime, mystery, and suspense book lovers for a day or evening of good relaxed reading.

I received this book from Henery Press through the Net Galley reviewer program, in exchange for an honest opinion in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines.

A MODERN WAY TO EAT by Anna Jones, Ten Speed Press

A Modern Way to Eat is a Vegetarian cookbook filled with 200 plus recipes made with various grains, fruits, and vegetables. If you are looking for gluten-free menu items, Anna Jones adds notes for substitutions for your palate in many of the recipes.

Vegetarianism and Veganism are many times compared to each other as being the same. Vegans do not eat meat, meat-by products, or any food derived animals, insects, or the clothing they wear includes omission of eggs and honey. My daughter has taught me well in the eating habits of Vegans since becoming one herself years ago. Vegetarians, on the other hand, may or may not add eggs, fish, and poultry to their diets infrequently.

This cookbook has an array of dishes any person vegetarian or not, will delight in the healthy ingredients used to prepare these new menu items. Two of the recipes I will give a try are Avocado and Lemon Zest Spaghetti and Full-of-Green Fritters. Loving avocado, lemon, and greens made this an easy choice to add to my culinary recipe list. The photography of the recipes are inviting and make you want to eat right from the page. I recommend this cookbook to all home cooks and chefs alike to add new and refreshing dishes to list of menu items to serve family and friends.

I received this book from Ten Speed Press Publishers through the Blogging for Books reviewer program, in exchange for an honest opinion in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines.

THE PLANT PLUS DIET SOLUTION by Joan Borysenko, Ph.D., Hay House

The Plant Plus Diet Solution is comprised of scientific information regarding the food you digest and its effect on your health, and how to incorporate plant-based foods into your diet while omitting processed foods. The information includes chapters on metabolism, carbohydrates, sugar, insulin, and the fat anc cholesterol war.

The Plant Plus Diet Solution is not a recipe cookbook, 48 out of 303 pages contain cooking recipes to sample. The book has a few menu plans, suggestions on checking insulin levels, many references from medical institutions and articles on healthy eating.

If you are seeking scientific information on the hows and whys relating to eating habits and changing your diet, instead of cooking recipes, this is the book for you.

I received this book from Hay House Publishers through the BookNook review program in exchange for an honest opinion in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines.

THE DEVIL'S DETECTIVE by Simon Kurt Unsworth, Doubleday

Thomas Fool’s place of residence is Hell, literally. This novel is set in Hell, a place no one really wants to be or visit. Even though I loved the theme of learning one perspective regarding an inside look at what happens in Hell, I could not connect with the characters. The only scene I liked was the Angels from Heaven visiting for a short time, which was predictable with somewhat humorous dialogue.

The idea of someone committing murder in Hell is a little out of the box but interesting. I am not sure what genre this novel could be placed: mystery, crime drama, or horror. Therefore, I recommend to mystery, crime drama, and horror book lovers who like to read fictional Heaven and Hell themed novels.

I received this book from Doubleday Publishers through the Net Galley reviewer program in exchange for an honest opinion in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines.

SPINSTER: Making a Life of One's Own by Kate Bolick, Crown Publishing

“Very few people indeed are happy as solitaries, and they tend to be seen by their neighbours as peculiar or selfish or worse.”

Prisons We Choose to Live Inside by Doris Lessing, 1987

“The term spinster follows an inverse trajectory. It originated in fifteenth-century Europe as an honorable way to describe the girls, most of them unmarried, who spun thread for a living—one of very few respectable professions available to women.”

Spinster by Kate Bolick, 2015

Kate Bolick shares her experiences as a single woman and outsiders outlook of being an unmarried woman by a certain age that labels these women as ‘spinsters.‘ She also discusses five women whose lives are very similar in nature to her own as living single. Edna St. Vincent Millay, Maeve Brennan, Neith Boyce, Edith Wharton, and Charlotte Perkins Gilman are the women that Bolick considers as her heroes in the ‘spinster’ world because the forwardness of these women solitaries shed light amongst peers in their respective eras.

“…if not married by 26, they are past their prime” is the phrase many people use regarding women who have not snagged a man to marry. No one realizes that some women choose to be single and never give a second thought to the commitment of marriage. Bolick does not bite her tongue when she states “…where once I’d gone for emotionally available men, I was now irresistibly drawn to the noncommittal, who had no interest in making me their girlfriend.” Why is it that society pressures woman into thinking that you must marry and multiply by a certain age placing them as outcasts?  

Kate Bolick writes about her personal life experiences and shares historical experiences of her five heroes as ‘solitaries’ that the world identifies as spinsters. There are plenty of historical facts and new learning experiences (I gracefully accepted) that all women, married or not, should take the time to examine and discover that unmarried women are not a separate people. I highly recommend to single and married women for personal knowledge and education purposes to add this book to their shelves and recommend for a gifting opportunity.

I received this book free from Crown Publishing and Net Galley book reviewer program in exchange for an honest opinion in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines.

LITTLE CHICK'S BIBLE by P.J. Lyons and Melanie Mitchell, Zonderkidz (Zondervan)

Little Chick’s Bible has eight mini Bible stories with corresponding Bible verses that explain its meaning in seven sentences or less for ‘little chicks’ in the beginning learning stages of the written Word. Melanie Mitchell showing the story’s main theme accompanies mini lessons with colorful illustrations.

I read this book to my five-year-old niece who thoroughly enjoyed it, adding a few new words to her vocabulary. She loved this hardcover plush baby chick covering, which has a fluffy chick on the front, completely covered in fleece on the back and in a plastic snap cover ready for a gift bag. I recommend to anyone that has ‘little chicks’ in their family as a Bible learning experience and great gifting opportunity.

I received this book free from Zondervan/Zonderkidz Publishers and BookLook Bloggers in exchange for an honest opinion in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines.

SCHEDULED TO DIE, A Carter Mays Mystery #2 by Alan Cupp, Henery Press

Dana is on work assignment and meets Mike in a diner who offers and takes her to a play. Returning to her hotel, she invites Mike in and he subdues and injects Dana with a sleeping drug while informing her when she awakes that he has chosen her as his next project. Dana is given one to year to “live life to the fullest” before Mike will kill her. Mike shows Dana pictures of his previous victims who played by his rules and others who did not by alerting police of his threat (he killed them within six months).

Dana returns home and relays to her friend Erin the horrifying experience she endured while on assignment. Erin suggests she hire private investigator Carter Mays to locate Mike putting an end to the threatening situation. Dana is hesitant but agrees to speak with Mays regarding the eminent danger she faces with Mike.

I cannot say enough about Scheduled to Die the second installment in A Carter Mays Mystery series with When Lies Crumble being the first. Alan Cupp’s prowess in mystery writing is simply awesome and in my top ten list of crime drama novelists. From page one to page 252, there are twists and turns you do not see coming, suspense and mystery to last a ‘lifetime’ that makes you not want to stop reading. I kept telling myself “one more chapter, one more chapter.”

I highly recommend to all crime, drama, mystery, and suspense-reading enthusiasts to grab a copy because you will truly enjoy this reading experience. I am looking forward to #3 in this captivating Carter Mays series.  Alan Cupp does it again!

I received this book free from Henery Press through the Net Galley reviewer program in exchange for an honest opinion in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines.

Review: WHEN LIES CRUMBLE by Alan Cupp

PULLING BACK THE SHADES by Dannah Gresh and Dr. Juli Slattery, Moody Publishers

Pulling Back the Shades tackles the subjects of erotica, intimacy, and the wants of a woman and how spiritual women struggle with these issues in nine chapters. In reference to erotica romance novels, “We Know Why You Read It” and “Fifty Shades of Deception” are two chapters that discuss temptations that lure women and the “characteristics” used to reel you into the erotica genre. “Since When Does Prince Charming Carry Handcuffs?” covers BDSM (bondage, dominance, sadism, and masochism) through definition and the part submission plays in marriage and your faith.

Gresh and Slattery not only discuss the appeal and enticement of erotica but also share their own experience with this struggle many women engage in the titled chapter: “True Confessions from Dannah & Juli.” Together, they lay it on the line bringing to the forefront both spiritual and sexual sides of women, including references throughout to the erotica novel Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James.

There is plenty information in this nine chapter, 171 page book that any woman can appreciate with its straightforward approach and frankness. I recommend for individual reading and group study as it includes “Questions for Group Discussion” and two appendixes for resources and practical ideas.

I received this book free from Moody Publishers through the MP Newsroom book review program in exchange for an honest opinion in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines.

TRUTH OR TRADITION by Les Leno, Teach Services, Inc

Truth or Tradition gives insight to “false truths” about God and discusses the outlook on salvation. Les Leno shares his thoughts regarding “sin and our sinful nature,” by explaining views on atonement and what it means in regards to God.

As you read this book, the chapters and subject matter covered are easily titled and self-explanatory. Forgiveness, Grace, Faith, Intercession, Sanctification, and The Gospel are a few named chapter topics that facilitates understanding to many misconceptions about God and your personal walk with Jesus.

What I like about this book is Leno discusses each topic in plain easy-to-understand English and backs certain statements with bible scripture. He shares his opinions and understanding relating everyday situations and common thoughts of people concerning God and the scripture. It is a personal choice to accept the Lord as your Savior and Leno helps you make a clear choice about acceptance and salvation if you want to reaffirm your faith. I recommend Truth or Tradition to your bible reference and bible study shelf to grow and strengthen your relationship with Christ.

I received this book free from Teach Services, Inc. Publishing through the Book Crash book review program in exchange for an honest opinion in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines.

MY NEW ROOTS by Sarah Britton, Clarkson Potter/Publishers

“A great deal of cooking inspiration comes from following the seasons…high-water-content foods in summer…sweetly rich, starchy, calorie –dense foods fill us through winter. Spring tastes like wild leek pesto…Autumn tastes like fig and walnut jam…”

Sarah Britton

After the Introduction, Essential Techniques is packed with essential cooking charts for dry beans and growing sprouts, including making nut and seed butters and milks. The cookbook is divided into five chapters: Spring, Early Summer, Late Summer, Autumn, and Winter with a Stocking the Panty section and easy Index.

This is the first cookbook I have read that divides recipes into seasonal sections coinciding with available seasonal vegetables. Recipes share have clear instructions for easy preparation and beautifully photographed pictures with seemingly no recipe lasting over 45 minutes to an hour to prepare (exception for preparation of certain dry beans requiring an overnight soak).

The chapters contain sections tilted Mornings, Small Measures, Mains, and Sweets. My favorite recipes the five seasons to prepare:

Spring – Black Lentil Salad with Tzatziki, Avocado, and Peas Shoots

Early Summer – Caramelized Onion, Olive, and Kale Calzones

                           Sorrell Hummus

Late Summer – Cornmeal Pancakes with Gingered Plum Compote

Autumn – Warm Spinach, Bacon, and Egg Salad

                 Maple-Mustard Dressing

                 Roasted Butternut Squash with Grilled Halloumi and Dukkah on                   

                 Massaged Kale

Winter – Leek “Scallops” and Chanterelles on Black Rice

This cookbook is recommended for Vegetarians, Vegans, and any person wanting to add more veggies in their daily diets or taking a break from the usual main meat entrees.

I received this book free from Clarkson Potter/Publishers and Blogging for Books book review program in exchange for an honest opinion in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines.

THE SET-APART WOMAN by Leslie Ludy

“We felt we were spiritually mature enough to separate the good from the bad. We didn’t think a few worldly pastimes would harm us, as long as we were careful to put reasonable boundaries around what we listened to and watched.”

Leslie Ludy, regarding actions of herself and husband as Ministry Leaders

Leslie Ludy delves into setting yourself apart from “worldly indulgences” to “surrender your life to Jesus Christ.” The chapters are titled to give provoking thought by exchanging negative thinking for positivity in all areas of life. A few of the chapters are Incorruptible Beauty, Exchanging Drama, and Gossip for a Quite Spirit, He Must Increase, Exchanging Self-Promotion for Humility, and The Solid Rock, Exchanging Confusion for Certainty.

The Set-Apart Woman discusses leaving the lure of worldly pastimes of reading steamy novels, listening to suggestive sexual music and gossip by exchanging the reading of Scripture, listening to worship music and praying. At the end of each chapter are “Let’s Talk About It” (Group Study and Discussion) and “Take It Deeper” (Personal Study and Reflection).

The Set-Apart Woman is a good study guide for bible-based study groups and individuals discovering or re-discovering more ways to stay connected to Jesus. This a great book for a gifting opportunity for individuals and Ministry Leaders teaching bible-based group study. 

I received this book from Tyndale House Publishers through the Tyndale book review program in exchange for an honest opinion in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines.

DOUBLE CROSS by DiAnn Mills

A life insurance policy scam raises questions when the policyholders begin expiring. Laurel Evertson is a FBI Agent investigating evidence leads her to Morton Wilmington whom she arrested on a previous case. Laurel teams with Police Officer Daniel Hilton who believes his grandparents are the next targets in the scam.

Wilimington seems to be the best connection in the investigation but Laurel and Daniel must first learn to trust him. Morton claims he found salvation in God while in prison but Laurel is skeptical of his newfound redemption.  As the story progresses, there are plenty of twists in this tale that are suspenseful keeping you intrigued until the end.

DiAnn Mills is one of the better crime drama novelists that I have read who writes a complete story with all the mystery and suspense you can handle infusing Christian values of its characters. The novel starts slowly but picks up nicely and is an enjoyable crime drama mystery read. I recommend to crime mystery sleuths, suspense lovers, and Christian readers knowing you will not be disappointed.

I received this novel free from Tyndale Publishers through the Tyndale book review program in exchange for an honest opinion in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines.

A HEART'S DANGER: A JOURNEY OF THE HEART SERIES, Part 3 of 6 by Colleen Coble, Thomas Nelson

The saga of Sarah Montgomery and Rand Campbell continues at Fort Laramie with Ben Croftner creating problems for Rand and the Sioux Tribe negotiations. As tensions grow between the Sioux Tribe and Rand, Sarah must decide how to reveal the danger that lies ahead for Rand caused by Croftner and Jessica’s alliance. How will Rand conceive a plan to defeat Ben and handle Jessica’s deceit?

I love the mini novellas in this series as it leaves one waiting for the next installment in this exciting saga. I know Part 4 will be just as intriguing as the previous books in this set.

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers through the Litfuse Publicity review program in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines. 

 

http://litfusegroup.com/author/ccoble

About the author:

Colleen Coble has sold over 2 million novels worldwide.Seagrass Pier, the third installment in her acclaimed Hope Beach series, marks a new highpoint for emotion and complexity in Coble's addictive brand of romantic suspense.

Find Colleen online: website, Facebook, Twitter

CALLED TO BE AMISH by Marlene C. Miller, MennoMedia

Marlene C. Miller shares her life story from birth to present day as a member of the Old Order Amish community and how she converted. From Beach City, Ohio eating a “poor man’s Popsicle” (a big piece of ice inside a clean washcloth) to becoming pregnant out of wedlock with Johnny, the father, choosing his Amish faith over marrying an English girl who was not Amish.

The story continues with Marlene and Johnny overcoming their differences, marrying, Marlene’s conversion, life on a hundred-acre farm and raising twelve children. The book includes family pictures, facts, and questions page about the Amish and Marlene’s Favorite Recipes.

Ms. Miller does not shy away from any situation she encountered during her life journey by sugarcoating or looking through rose-colored glasses, but relays the life lessons learned head on with true realism. This novel is a very interesting read that teaches how the Amish think and live differently from modern society. I recommend to readers who love to read in detail how the Amish communities live everyday life.

I received this book free from Herald Press through the Litfuse Publicity review program in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines.

http://litfusegroup.com/author/MMiller

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1ESK6eR

About the author:

Marlene C. Miller joined the Amish as an adult and has been a member of the Old Order Amish for almost 50 years. She and her husband of 48 years live on a farm in Ohio surrounded by their nine children, more than 40 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

SIDE BY SIDE by Jana Kelley, New Hope Publishers

Mia, a Christian mother from the United States, and Halimah from an upper-class Arab family both live in Sudan and become friends despite the differences in their religious beliefs. Mia shares the Word of God with Halimah who eventually converts to Christianity. Halimah’s family learns of her secret and disowns her through beatings, cutting off her hair, burning all her clothes and shoes banishing Halimah from the family home. Mia and her husband Michael then attempt to aid in Halimah’s escape to Southern Sudan for her protection from further harm.

The journey of Halimah as a Christian convert is met with danger and the belief in God through prayer, reading the Bible, and Mia and Michael’s efforts helps Halimah to go forward never giving up until she reaches Southern Sudan in safety.

This novel is a fictional account of a Muslim converting to Christianity against dangerous repercussions that any Muslim may face in their country because they are not allowed to change from the Islam faith to any other religious belief. The novel is lengthy and may have been edited more but an interesting read regarding how converting to Christianity can be detrimental to some. I recommend to readers who wish to learn some of the consequences many face when changing faiths in an extreme religious based environment.

I received this book free from New Hope Publishers through the Litfuse Publicity book review program in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines.

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

About the author:

Jana Kelley is a Texan who hardly ever lives in Texas. Raised in Southeast Asia, Jana developed a love for cross-cultural living early in life. Her love for writing came soon after. Jana returned to Texas to attend college. She and her husband married a month after she graduated and by their second anniversary, they were living in a remote African town. Together with her husband and three boys, Jana enjoys travel and overseas living. After thirteen years in Africa and the Middle East, Jana and her family moved to Southeast Asia where they currently live.

Find Jana online: website, Facebook, Twitter

THE SOUP CLUB COOKBOOK by Courtney Allison, Tina Carr, Caroline Laskow, Julie Peacock, Clarkson/Potter Publishers

Cooking a big pot soup is one of the favorite things I enjoy doing and eating it is the next favorite on my to-do list and The Soup Club Cookbook is a great addition to the cookbook shelf in my kitchen. This  cookbook contains guidance to form a soup club with friends and what it takes for an essential pantry with the basic ingredients for soup. The information makes me want to start a soup club with family and friends.

The Soup Club Cookbook is divided into three parts: Part One – How to Be a Soup Club discusses starting your Soup Club, Broths, Soups of Assembly, and Toppings. Part Two entitled All the Soups with subchapters Beans, Purees, Hearty, Chilled, Fish, and Meat. Part Three – Foods for Forks & Fingers has Salads & Dressings, Vegetables, Bread, Grains & Pastas, Big Food, and Cook’s Snacks including an Index for easy look-up.

Being a soup fiend, I will experiment with the following recipes: Avocado-Arugula Soup, Roasted Winter Squash and Sweet Potato Soup, Jeweled Rice, Baba Ghanoush (I love and know how to prepare Hummus), Garlic Herbed Cheese, and Potato Tortilla (I no longer purchase tortillas but make mine from scratch).

The Soup Club Cookbook is definitely a fantastic addition to any home chef’s collection and is highly recommend. The recipes are easy to read with simple instructions to follow.

I received this book free from Clarkson Potter Publishers through Blogging for Books book review program in exchange for an honest review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines.