Another Dawn

Another Dawn

by Kathryn Cushman

Grace Graham goes to Tennessee to help her sister care for their father who is having surgery. Soon after they arrive, Grace's son Dylan becomes sick. She finds out that he may have put the lives of about 6 other children in danger - all because she chose not to have him vaccinated.

As Grace is struggling with guilt over putting other children's lives at risk, she is also dealing with issues of anger towards her father, whose years of smoking led to her mother's death.

She is also still dealing with hurt over the way her relationship with her fiance ended. Will she be able to forgive her father and ex-fiance? And will she be able to forgive herself for decisions she made that put lives at risk?

This book was a bit slow at the beginning, but once I got through the first couple chapters I couldn't put it down! I had heard about the vaccination-autism link before, but didn't know about the different sides to the issue. The book covers both sides of the issue with grace and understanding. I definitely want to read up on this more so I can be more knowledgeable when I have kids of my own. I also liked the way the author wove the forgiveness issue throughout the story. I would recommend this book to anyone who not only loves a good story, but one that touches on current issues of the day.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Life Promises for Success

Life Promises for Success

by Jim Tressel

"Commitment is the key to every relationship. Whatever team you're on, whether it's a marriage, a family, a work team, or a sports team, in order to achieve whatever goals you've set, you must be bound together by a love that exhibits itself in extreme commitment and the laying down of one's life for the common good. The failure to commit ourselves is evident in so many aspects of our society. People want to be "cool" rather than committed. They want to be esteemed and lifted up. But you can't focus on being cool if you want to be a champion." - Jim Tressel

In Life Promises for Success, Ohio State University Coach Jim Tressel talks about success in three sections: The Essence of Success, The Elements of Success, and The Epitome of Success. In The Essence of Success he asks questions such as "How do you define success?" and "What's your self worth?" In The Elements of Success he uses short stories and illustrations to talk about character traits such as attitude, humility, persistence, and selflessness. And The Epitome of Success he goes over some final thoughts such as how to know you have reached the top of success. 

Though Tressel used a lot of sports (mostly football) analogies and personalities throughout the book, I didn't feel as if I were missing out on information just because I don't follow football.

I did enjoy reading the scripture before each reading, and how Tressel felt it tied into the meaning of success. This book would be a great choice for the athlete in your life, or even someone who is graduating. I know I will use this book when I need something inspirational to read, or I'm looking for some great quotes.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Tyndale House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

The Chocolate Diaries

The Chocolate Diaries

by Karen Scalf Linamen

In The Chocolate Diaries, Karen Scalf Linamen shares true stories of women who have been through rough times, and their secrets for making it through those times. Karen mixes humor and a sprinkling of recipes throughout the book. I knew I was going to like it when I read the title of the first chapter: "Nobody Knows the Truffles I've Seen." I may or may not be a regular user of bad puns. Nevertheless, the author drew me in with the title of that chapter.

Later in the book, Karen talks about the cathartic and stress-relieving process of making lists. She writes, "Every morning, put eating chocolate on your to-do list. That way, you'll always get one thing done." What a great idea!

I really enjoyed this fast, light-hearted read. At the end of the book I felt I had just spent an evening with a great friend - sharing burdens, laughing, and learning from others.

Please click here to rank my review.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Paradise Valley

Paradise Valley

by Dale Cramer

I always love a book that not only entertains me, but teaches me something. Whether it's a lesson in history or an occupation I knew little about, I am fascinated with learning about new things. This book didn't disappoint. Before I picked up this book, I had no idea that the Amish had ever settled in Mexico. And if I had known that, I definitely wouldn't have known why they would ever decide to settle there. In 1921, Ohio passed a law that required all children to attend public school 5 days a week. The Amish, wanting to shelter their communities from the influence of the world, school their own children. When it became a requirement to go against this belief, many of the Amish were at a loss as to what they should do.

This book is a fictional account of their settlement in Mexico. It is centered around the lives of the first Amish family, the Benders, to settle in Paradise Valley, Mexico. I enjoyed reading about the Amish and Mexican culture, and the every day trials of the family, including misconceptions about both cultures, and random bandit raids.

This book is the first in a three-part series, and I am very much looking forward to reading the next.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Love At Last Sight: Book Review

Love at Last Sight: 30 Days to Grow and Deepen Your Closest Relationships

By Kerry & Chris Shook

The title of this book intrigued me. I had heard of the term "love at first sight," but certainly not "love at last sight." I decided it would be interesting to read what the authors thought this was.

First off, I really like the way the book is divided into 30 short and easy to read chapters with 3 challenges/questions at the end of each to encourage your work on your relationships. I also thought it was helpful that they created a topic to focus on for each week: Week One is "The Art of Being All There"; Week Two is "The Art of Acting Intentionally"; Week Three is "The Art of Risking Awkwardness"; and Week Four is "The Art of Letting Go."

Now for the things I didn't particularly care for. When I read the sentence, "Everything you've been told about relationships is upside down and wrong," I cringed and thought to myself, "What a horrible generalization," but decided to give the book a chance. Then the authors (a husband and wife team) stated that they would be writing the book as "one," so when one tells a story, it is impossible to know which one is talking. Though the concept of writing as one is a nice thought, I think it took a lot away from what could have been more valuable lessons.

Overall, I did enjoy reading this book. I found out that the idea of "love at last sight" is about living every day as if it would be your last with an important person in your life, whether it is a parent, spouse, or friend. I believe I can take away some valuable ideas in order to work on m y own relationships.

Please click here to rank my review.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."