The Flowering Cross by Beth Ryan

Book Description

A modern-day story of how Christ’s resurrection is still changing lives

Six-year-old Katie’s next-door neighbor Papa Jack has the most beautiful flowers in town. He seems like a mean man to most, but Katie has a special place in his heart. Every Easter Sunday she stops by to get her flowers for the Flowering of the Cross at church. Only this year, Papa Jack decides to come along, and Katie helps him discover the real meaning of the Cross.

Designed to place God's truths in the heart of children, The Flowering Cross, has Faith ImprintTM suggestions thoughout that will help parents share God's Word with their young one.

Also included are instructions for making a Flowering Cross.

My Review:

This is a very cute children's book with a strong message of Easter. In reading this book your child will learn that they too can be a witness and tell other people what the true meaning of Easter is all about: Jesus' resurrection not the Easter Bunny. Katie and her family befriended an elderly neighbor man that others called mean and grumpy. It was through their kind generosity that Papa Jack comes to learn about the love of God. Throughout the pages of the story are Faith Imprints, these are ideas to help teach your child about Jesus and His truths-imprinting Jesus' truths on their hearts. There is a Scripture verse to go along with the imprints. At the back of the book are there are directions for making your own flowering cross. What a fun family together time and a tradition to keep put together this cross and then using it each year. The message of Easter is presented in a very clear manner. The illustrations are very colorful and bright. The message of God's love for us is very strong in this book. This is defiantly a keeper.

Click here for more information about this book.

A copy of this book was provided by Thomas Nelson for this review.

The Lord Is My Shepherd by Debbie Viguie

For this book tour and my review you'll have to go to my other site today.

Click here to go to Lighter Side

Communication ~ Talking with Teens by Annette Fuson

COMMUNICATION - Talking With Teens

By Annette Fuson author of “Straight Talk for Teenage Girls”
www.straighttalkforgirls.com

1. Be aware of their moods. Catch them at a “good” time.
2. Talk while doing other things together: riding in the car, pushing cart at Walmart, washing the car, cleaning the garage, cooking, dishes or doing the laundry.
3. Discuss TV shows, articles in magazines, newspaper or books (Straight Talk for Teenage Girls)
4. Tell about stories you have heard about other people, where you want to make a point. “I read……..or I heard…….”
5. When discussing, use the character’s name in the story. Ask: “What could be worrying Mira? What could happen to her? What could she do?” LISTEN. Don’t interrupt! After listening to her ideas, say, “If I were Mira, I might be concerned about…..or I might try…” Using the other person’s problem, you can discuss without arguing. The parent can incorporate what they want the teen to hear without defensiveness.
6. Ask the teens’ opinion or suggestions.
7. Role play if possible.
8. Watch your voice. Try to remain calm. Discuss like you would with a friend.
9. If the teen asks to talk, be sure and set aside time for them only. Don’t be hurried.
10. Act interested as you LISTEN to what they say and feel.
11. Look them in the eyes and smile. Watch what your face is saying.
12. Touch or hug them when possible.
13. When talking about things, “plant seeds”. Incorporate things you want them to hear as you discuss other people or situations. “Too bad they didn’t think to …….Maybe if they had tried…….I would probably say, try…..” Talk matter-of-factly as you give the ideas that you want heard.
14. Everyone has a right to an opinion. LISTEN to each other. Each person should have reasons for their opinion. Discuss them.
15. If there is to be a punishment, ask the teen what they suggest. Make the punishment fit the crime. If you threaten, then stick to it! Do what you say you will. Don’t back down. You loose respect and the battle. Remember, YOU are the parent. You set the rules! You are in charge.
16. Treat them with the same respect that you want and deserve.

Communication is the MOST important factor to having a decent relationship with a teen.

Parenting is the hardest, but the most rewarding job you will ever have! GOOD LUCK!

Learn more about this book and author here.

Visit this book's tour here.

A copy of this book was provided for review by Virtual Book tours
Visit Virtual tours here

Teaser Tuesday ~ the big 5-0h!

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along, so I thought I would play for fun! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Jared's gaze began moving beyond her to the ocean view when he did a double take. Beneath the knee-length hem of her black dress, his attention was drawn to shapely legs, crossed at the ankle.

What in the world? he thought as he took a closer look.

He wished he'd have darted his eyes away just a second faster, but Liv caught him gawking, and she followed suit. As she looked down at her own legs, she gasped, covering her mouth with both hands.

p. 78 & 79, the big 5-0h! by Sandra D. Bricker

Read my review of the book here.

Visit the blog tour here and find a link to the first chapter.

Mailbox Monday ~ Mar. 8, 2010

Join Mailbox Monday meme
@ The Printed Page

straight talk for teenage girls by Annette Fuson

Straight Talk for Teenage Girls is information to help teen girls make better choices about life situations so they will grow to adulthood successfully. The information comes from classes taught in school for over 20 years. The book is up-beat, positive and easy to understand. The mission is to help all girls make choices that will lead to a happier life.






“Mistakes are normal. Everyone makes mistakes. Mistakes don’t have to pull you down. You can learn from your mistakes. It is never too late to fix a mistake! Mistakes come from making bad or wrong decisions. They come from being with the wrong person or being easily led by them. Mistakes come from not thinking ahead or mostly not thinking…”Is this what’s best for ME?” You have NO control over other people, you only have control over yourself! Your mistakes will affect others too. You’ve learned in “Getting Out of Bad Situations” chapter that you have to learn to cope or take action when it comes to other people. Other people can’t use you without your permission. So you have made a big mistake, let’s learn from it and go on. It is NEVER too late to change, you just have to want to change. Let’s look at some mistakes and what you can do to change or help a friend change: Choosing Wrong Friends, Being Promiscuous, Drugs and Alcohol, Getting Pregnant, Molestation, Self-Injury/Cutting and Controlling/Abusive Boyfriends.”

My Review:
Since I have two teenage daughters I jumped at the chance to review this book. The author writes to teen girls at their level. In the book she discusses with the girls what is expected during the teen years. Each chapter ends with a quiz for the girl to take or some kind of checklist concerning the chapter. Fuson discusses many issues with the teens in the brief girl talk book.

• What to expect in teen years
• building self-esteem
• dealing with problems
• how to handle emotions
• girl friendships
• boy friendships
• bad situations
• opposite sex
• setting goals and dreams
• and more

The closing chapter in this book is a Q & A section dealing with things such as:

• personal/health & Hygiene (this covers things such as pimples, piercings, tattoos, make-up, PMS, eating disorders, hair, etc.)
• boys (questions are opposite sex related)
• parents (questions regarding parents in your life)
• some general questions

I loved the easy to read and appealing for format that this book was layed out in. There was one disappointment I had with her overall handling of issues and that of course was the sex issue. I'm a firm believer that there is to be no sex before marriage. The author doesn't make a case for this. She claims sex is for the more mature wise responsible teen. Even goes on to you'll just know when you are ready to have sex when you are older, wiser and sure of self. there will be no doubts. She recommends practicing safe sex. I'm sorry only safe sex is no sex until married, it's Biblical. That's a whole different thing and don't get me started. this was the only negative I had for this book. Would I recommend this book? For discussing most issues yes, but I'd have to let them know how I feel about the sex issue too. There are good quizzes and thought provoking issues that she brings to light. Fuson has a short test on-line you can take to find out if your boyfriend is right for you. Go to Straight Talk for Teenage Girls.

Read a guest article on Communication ~ Talking with Teens by Annette Fuson here .

Annette Fuson has been a teacher of teenage girls for many years. She has a BS and MA degree in Education and has also taught at the college level. She is married and has a daughter and granddaughter. The book, “Straight Talk for Teenage Girls” is about topics she taught, where she learned that the changes taking place in teen girls’ lives make them confused, afraid and frustrated. The information taught gave them realistic ideas to help them deal with this stage of life. The classes and discussions were lively and positive. The girls wanted ideas, encouragement and sensible answers to what was bothering them. She used this knowledge to write the book when she saw so many girls needed this kind of help. Girls need all the ideas and help they can get from school, parents, church and other adults to make good decisions that can help mold them with a minimum of problems along the way. Annette has a self-help test and case study at each chapter. Girls love these and adults who work with teens use them for discussion. It is in everyone’s interest for all teenage girls grow to be happy and confident adults. To that goal is her mission with the book. She speaks and has taught workshops for teens and parents of teens where she has information sheets and tests on parenting. Annette has a business helping people look and dress their best for themselves and their careers. She gives presentations to businesses. But Annette Fuson’s true purpose it helping teenage girls. She has been chosen Citizen of the Year and Queen of Sales many times. These accomplishments show she is a leader and a “people person” that can make a difference in many lives.

You can visit her website at www.straighttalkforgirls.com.

A copy of this book was provided for review by Virtual Book tours
Visit Virtual tours here

Review of the big 5-0h!

Today you'll need to head over to my other blog and check out my review of Sandra D. Bricker's book the big 5-0h!


Click here to go to Lighter Side.

Hearts Awakening by Delia Parr

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Hearts Awakening

Bethany House (March 1, 2010)

by

Delia Parr





ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Delia Parr, pen name for Mary Lechleidner, is the author of 10 historical novels and the winner of several awards, including the Laurel Wreath Award for Historical Romance and the Aspen Gold Award for Best Inspirational Book. She is a full-time high school teacher who spends her summer vacations writing and kayaking. The mother of three grown children, she lives in Collingswood, New Jersey.





ABOUT THE BOOK

Two people in desperate circumstances. Life has left few choices for Elvira Kilmer. Her hopes for marriage and a family of her own have long since passed her by, and her arrival on Dillon's Island, nestled in the Susquehanna River, is not of her choosing, either.



She needs work. And Jackson Smith needs a housekeeper. Yet Ellie never imagined the widower would be so young...so handsome. Jackson, on the other hand, has never met anyone quite so...plain. But he quickly comes to realize that Ellie's presence may solve his own problems--both the rearing of his young boys and the scandal that surrounds his first marriage.



When Jackson offers her something quite out of the ordinary, will Ellie look beyond mere necessity and risk opening her heart?



Yet what options does she have? To marry would mean a home and stability. So despite the rumors circling Jackson and his first wife, Ellie accepts this unlikely proposal...



If you would like to read the first chapter of Hearts Awakening, go HERE.

Somewhere to Belong by Judith Miller

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Somewhere to Belong

Bethany House (March 1, 2010)

by

Judith Miller





ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Most readers want to know how authors 'got started' writing. My first novel, Threads of Love, was conceived when I was commuting sixty miles to work each day. I had absolutely no idea how publication of a book occurred and had given no thought to the concept. However, through a co-worker, I was directed to Tracie Peterson who, at that time, worked down the hall from me.



With a graciousness that continues to amaze me, Tracie agreed to read my story, directed me to a publisher, and gave me information on a Christian writers conference. Since that first encounter many years ago, I have been blessed with the publication of numerous books, novellas and a juvenile fiction book. Joyously, Tracie and I had the opportunity to develop a blessed friendship. In fact, we have co-authored several series together, including The Bells of Lowell, the Lights of Lowell and The Broadmoor Legacy. In addition, I have continued to write several solo series.



Note: Judith Miller is an award-winning author whose avid research and love for history are reflected in her novels, two of which have placed in the CBA top ten lists. In addition to her writing, Judy is a certified legal assistant. Judy and her husband make their home in Topeka, Kansas.



ABOUT THE BOOK

Johanna Ilg has lived her entire life in Main Amana, one of the seven villages settled by devout Christians who believe in cooperative living, a simple lifestyle, and faithful service to God. Although she’s always longed to see the outside world, Johanna believes her future is rooted in Amana. But when she learns a troubling secret, the world she thought she knew is shattered. Is this truly where she belongs?



Berta Schumacher has lived a privileged life in Chicago, so when her parents decide they want a simpler life in Amana, Iowa, she resists. Under the strictures of the Amana villages, her rebellion reaches new heights. Will her heart ever be content among the plain people of Amana?





If you would like to read the first chapter of Somewhere to Belong , go HERE

Teaser Tuesday ~ Dancing with My Father

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along, so I thought I would play for fun! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

The key to enjoying God in every moment of these daily pleasures is to open the eyes of my mind to see and to appreciate what He has given. A thankful heart galvanizes the connection between my God and me.

p. 92, Dancing with My Father by Sally Clarkson


You may read my review of this book here.

Mother-Daughter Duet by Cheri Fuller & Ali Plum

Book Summery: Written by a mother and daughter who have successfully navigated the minefield from distance and tension to acceptance and friendship, Mother-Daughter Duet helps moms open wide the door of communication so that daughters want to walk through it. Filled with personal anecdotes and based on proven principles, each chapter offers timeless wisdom as well as a daughter's perspective. Often these principles apply to daughters-in-law as well.

My Review:
This book was very interesting to in the fact that I have a college age daughter, that is in community college right now and still at home, and also a newer teenage daughter in the house. When I saw it come up for review I jumped on it because I want to keep the mother/daughter lines of communication open. This book was very enlighten as to hour to build a life long friendship with my daughters. Some of the things that are discussed in this book were:

• learning to let go of your daughter
• learning to respect your daughter
• learning to believe in your daughter
• learning to listen to your daughter
• learning to take care of yourself
• learning the effects of forgiveness

Fuller and Plum give ways to connect or in some cases reconnect as a mother/daughter team. There were also ideas given on how to stay connected. Releasing your adult children is the hardest work of motherhood and this book has some equipment in it to help us in the letting go process. This book focuses on commonalities we have as women and discusses some of the generational issues. When we understand our daughter's generation we can better relate to each other. We need to be able to get on their turf. Each chapter has the mother's perspective, daughter's perspective and a two part harmony. is followed with discussion questions to help apply that which was discussed in the chapter. Maybe you aren't a mother, but everyone is a daughter so this book could help you in your relationship with your own mother. There are ideas for fostering and improving communication in the relationship. The author's will get you thinking and hold your attention. The information they present is very easy to read and digest and appealing to any that would love to have a better relationship with their mother or their daughter(s). I would recommend this book.


For more information about this book click here.

A copy of this book was provided for review by WMPG.

A Century Turns by William J. Bennett

Book summery:
Author, historian, and educator William J. Bennett examines America’s last two decades. Volume Three of "America: The Last Best Hope", "A Century Turns" covers the years 1988-2008. Describing years of change, hope, and the beginning of decades we've yet to experience, discover the beginnings of some of today's most prominent people.

My Review:
William J. Bennett is back by popular demand. Now, Vol III of his US History curriculum. If you've been in the dark as to where America has come from the past 20 years, then this is the book for you. Mr. Bennett in his book, "A Century Turns", will bring it all to light for you. He is honest and up-front in his writings as to where we have come from. He'll hold your attention and make you think about where America may be heading in the future. The information he presents is very informative and well written a very pleasant read. The book has several sections of colorful photographs from the past 20 years mingled in with the reading materials. He is straight forward and very truthful in all his writing. He holds to a conservative view, which I liked very much. I do highly recommend it for anyone that really wants to know their history. Mr. Bennett's history books are used in many school throughout America. For educators/homeschoolers: you may check out Mr. Bennett's Road Map to America site here.

For more information on this book click here.

A copy of this book was provided by Thomas Nelson for this review.

Mailbox Monday ~ Mar. 1, 2010

Join Mailbox Monday meme
@ The Printed Page

Here's what was in my mailbox this last week.

HOM march magazine

Check out Heart of Matter On-Line Magazine.
The focus is on reading this month.

In This Issue:

Reviews by Karin: Wordly Wise 3000 by Karin Katherine
How to Painlessly Add More Books to Your Reading Schedule by Jimmie
Look First, Learn First by Patty
5 Fun Early Learning Reading Games by Amy Stults
Vocabulary in Your Read Aloud Books by Jimmie
Homeschool Reading Is Superior by Dr. Ruth Beechick and Debbie Strayer
Lost and Found in Phonics Paradise by Cassie Simpson
For Moms: Reading the Classics by Ruthanne Genco
The Tools to Teaching Reading by Heather Laurie
Reading Aloud to Boys by Debra Anderson
Help for Struggling, Reluctant Readers by Max Anderson
Reading Recommendations from a Disgruntled 14 Year old Boy by Amy Fleeker
Cultivating Readers by Stacey Chik
Great Homeschools have Socratic Dialogue…or Maybe Not by Lee Binz
Getting Your Reluctant Reader to Love Reading by Leslie Valeska
Encouraging the Love of Literature by Yvonne Ferlita
Top 10 Sites to Download Free Children’s Books by Amy Stults
How We Teach Reading by the Heart of the Matter team

Click here to go to the on-line magazine.

Dancing with My Father by Sally Clarkson

Book summery:

When trusted author and mentor Sally Clarkson noticed a lack of joy in her own life, she realized how easy it can be, especially for women with overloaded to-do lists, to feel weighed down by drudgery and disappointment. But rather than slogging through her days, Sally wanted to know the delight of God's presence. She began prayerfully exploring how to cultivate deep-rooted joy even in the midst of difficult seasons.

In this warm and wise book, she invites you to experience for yourself what happens when you trust God to lead you into a life of anticipation, passion, and purpose.

My Review:

This book was very interesting in that the Mrs. Clarkson shares her heart for the reader to find how to know God deeply, intimately and personally. How to have a real hunger and thirst for dancing with Him. Joy is a heart issue. We need to seek God's presence in our everyday lives. Each chapter is followed with dig deeper questions along with a prayer. The author makes you think about your relationship with The Father. We need to learn to empty our hands so that we are free to hold His hand-and Dance, let go of our will. We experience the joy of dance when we follow His direction and let Him lead. The author was very easy to understand and conveyed Bible truths in all areas.
For more information about this book click here.

A copy of this book was provided for review by WMPG.