Naomi's Gift by Amy Clipston

Book Description: Take a trip to Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania, where you'll meet the women of the Kauffman Amish Bakery in Lancaster County. As each woman's story unfolds, you will share in her heartaches, trials, joys, dreams ... and secrets. You'll discover how the simplicity of the Amish lifestyle can clash with the 'English' way of life---and the decisions and consequences that follow. Most importantly, you will be encouraged by the hope and faith of these women, and the importance they place on their families. Naomi's Gift re-introduces twenty-four-year-old Naomi King, who has been burned twice by love and has all but given up on marriage and children. As Christmas approaches---a time of family, faith, and hope for many others---Naomi is more certain than ever her life will be spent as an old maid, helping with the family's quilting business and taking care of her eight siblings. Then she meets Caleb, a young widower with a 7-year-old daughter, and her world is once again turned upside-down. 

My Review:  I love Christmas stories!  There's just something about the "magic" of the holiday.  And Amy Clipston once again pens a fascinating and heartwarming story set in the small village of Bird-in-Hand, Naomi's GIFT.

My heart goes out to Naomi . . . she lives for everyone else.  She's a hard working, kind hearted Amish lady.  She's one of those women that can easily bake, cook, clean, quilt and love her family.  But Naomi is "riddled" by sadness.  She longs to be married and have a family of her own but after two attempts of being "burned" by love, Naomi feels that she will probably be an old maid.  Not that she minds, but she just longs to love and be loved.

The story begins with Caleb, a widower, and his 7 year old daughter stopping at the farmer's market before visiting his aunt and uncle.  His daughter, Susie, takes off once they enter the market and heads directly for the quilts.  The quilts that Naomi makes.  It is here at the quilts that the distraught Caleb finds his lost daughter.  It is also where he and Naomi meet and Naomi is distraught by Caleb's eyes!  Oh!How! Those eyes speak!  Such sadness but "that" look says ever so much!

Caleb and Susie continue on their way, leaving Naomi to go on with her life only to meet Susie and Caleb at church.  Love this love story! 

This small book is packed with the"magic" of Christmas....a wonderful combination of love, adventure and His story!

*This book was provided for review by Zondervan*

Something New (Plain City) by Dianne Christner

Book Description:  Lil Landis envisions a life outside her Conservative Mennonite home. But as she chases after her dream, problems seem to hinder her every move. Fletch Stauffer has goals of his own…that don’t include falling for spunky Lil. Will the pursuit of their ambitions force them to sacrifice what matters most?

My Review:  Having read Something Old by Dianne Christner I was anxious to read the next book in the Plain City Series.

I love the way the story flows but there are times where it tends to stall, fortunately these times are few and far between.

Lil Landis is a somewhat frustrate Conservative Mennonite because she craves excitement and she wants to go to culinary school.  Not things on a "good" conservative Mennonite's list of to do things.

Lil gets her chance and is on her way to becoming a chef when she must return home to take care of her clinically depressed mother.  While at home she meets Fletch a veterinary student who isn't old order Mennonite.  They both have plans and ambitions but can two worlds join or will the things that are ingrained in them tear them apart?

I enjoyed reading about the old order Mennonites and about the lives of Lil and Fletch.  Lil is always cooking...there are great tips included throughout the book.

Even though this is a romance it brings a faith filled look at being true to God and following your heart.

*This ebook was provided for review by NetGalley and Barbour Publishing*

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday} Thanksgiving Pilgrim Hats

Recipe Ingredients

16 chocolate wafer cookies (such as Nabisco Famous Chocolate Wafers)

1 tube orange frosting with piping tips

16 small peanut butter cups

Recipe Preparation

Place cookies on work surface; squeeze a dime-size dot of frosting in center of each

Unwrap and invert peanut butter cups on frosting, pressing down gently

Using the round piping tip, pipe a "hat-band" with frosting around peanut butter cup and a square "buckle." Let frosting set before storing. 

Like Sweet Potato Pie (Southern Fried Sushi #2) by Jennifer Rogers Spinola

Book Description:  Witness as Shiloh’s new life in Virginia crumbles around her. The house she inherited from her mother is much more than a place to live—it represents Shiloh’s changed life and what little financial security she has. But her half sister is contesting their mother’s will and the IRS is threatening to take it for back taxes. She’s also discovering God’s ideal when it comes to love and romance. When Mr. Right shows up will she recognize God’s hand or let circumstances and prejudices blind her heart to the love of her life?

My Review:  I missed the first book in the Southern Fried Sushi but I'm not sure it mattered (even though I plan to go back and read the #1).  I love the cover of this book and the title!  If you're from the south you know what sweet potato pie is. 

This read is somewhat like sweet potato pie...soft and delicious packing a slight punch of cinnamon spice.  It's that slight punch that always gets.you!  

I couldn't help but like Shiloh.  She hangs in there...she hangs tough but better yet she hangs on to her faith and hangs on to God will provide and take care of her.

As a lot single women trying to survive on her own always hoping Mr. Right is around the corner, Shiloh doesn't always see the "right" guy in the "right" light.  But God has a way of opening our eyes to the truth and what will best benefit us.

Then there's the twist of family/sisterly woes.  Sisters are always sisters and sibling rivalry takes on a whole new twang.

A fun, light, faith-filled read! And a great Thanksgiving read!

*This ebook was provided for review by Net Galley and Barbour Publishing*

The Power of Positive Fitness Maximizing Physical, Mental & Spiritual Health John M. Rowley

Book Description:  The Power of Positive Fitness is a ''whole person'' fitness plan that will quickly give you the energy you need to live an inspired life.

The self help, fitness, and spiritual communities have tended to segment a person's life into isolated parts. Not this book. This book is passionate about seeing every dimension of your life developed to its fullest--being physically, mentally, and spiritually fit and living a lifestyle that supports your life. John Rowley, author, speaker, television and radio personality, and Wellness Director for the International Sports Science Association, will help bring your physical, mental, and spiritual goals to reality as you follow a plan you will find doable and enjoyable.

John includes a section depicting the lifestyle habits of over forty busy people from varied backgrounds. It's a diverse group, but you will see a pattern of a structured lifestyle that will assist you in designing your own Power of Positive Fitness Lifestyle. Read this book by America's Lifestyle Strategist and watch the positive effect on every aspect of your life.

My Review:  This past summer I've tried to retrain myself in the way I eat.  I chose to eat health foods (i.e. more veggies and proteins) and no or practically no, carbs.  It worked!  I'm down 25 pounds!  But I would like to lose my last 15 pounds but am stalled so when I saw this book, The Power of Positive Fitness, I was intrigued. 

Now I was thinking fitness as in running, walking, treadmills and so on but as I read this book I realized the power of positive fitness really stems from within.  On page 69, John Rowley tells us that, "What goes in your head is much more important than what goes in your mouth because one directs the other."  This statement is truly important and SO true!  I found that if I don't direct my mind to getting better <leaving out the "bad foods" that I sabotage myself and end up ending ALL wrong and feeling yucky.

John Rowley gives great helpful ideas to combat and to.not.just.diet but change your lifestyle, change your mind set and above all else make yourself better  . . . "Your mental, physical, and spiritual health is your responsibility, not the responsibility of your doctor, pastor, or psychiatrist." (page 85).  This statement plainly and truthfully puts the responsibility right where it belongs-with me (or in your case, with you!).  No one can make you eat right, exercise or even get more sleep.  You are responsible for your life and this is a great read to help you get back on the right eating path.  

Mr. Rowley also gives great ideas for planning and scheduling so that you don't sabotage your mindset.  I found that if I grocery shop ahead of time, have healthy foods on hand to eat and bake with, that I will eat right and lose weight.  

Close to the end of the book, chapter 16, on page 191, there are Positive Fitness Interviews...testimonials of people who went through The Power of Positive Fitness.  Real people with real weight problems who overcame not just by eating healthier foods by incorporating exercise into their daily regime.  To me the biggest factor was also having a devotional time that allowed me to a have "spiritual exercise" and beginning my day better!  

It's SO true that all three parts of our lives- physical, mental and spiritual-exercise do work together.

If you are stalled in your weight loss, need to gain more control of your eating, or simply want to add a better regime to your life then this is definitely the book for you! 

*This book was provided for review by ACU Press & Leafwood Publishers*

Meet the Author:

John Rowley is an author, speaker and contributor to much of the media including Fox News and Martha Stewart. He has earned the title "America's Lifestyle Strategist" by inspiring millions to become physically, mentally and spiritually fit. John's greatly anticipated new book, The Power of Positive Fitness ~ Restoring Physical, Mental and Spiritual Health will be out in September 2011.

A native of New York, Rowley started out working as a janitor after his athletic career was cut short by a near fatal car accident. He eventually made a name for himself in the toughest real estate market in the world--Manhattan. John quickly became one of the youngest senior vice presidents in Manhattan real estate, managing some of the most prestigious properties on Park Avenue and the upper east side of New York, including the holdings of such notables as Harry and Leona Helmsley.

John then stretched his entrepreneurial wings by purchasing R&J Health Studio, the Brooklyn gym that gained international attention when it was featured in the movie, Pumping Iron, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Lou Ferrigno.

Today, John is the CEO of Rowley's Results Unlimited and is widely recognized as a peak performance and fitness expert who routinely consults with celebrities, athletes, and business people alike, helping them to revitalize their bodies and ignite their passion, purpose, and drive for excellence.

John, his wife Cathy and their four children, daughter-in-law and two grandchildren live in Raleigh NC.

COTT: Clash Of The Titles....

*guest post by Michelle Massaro

Today it is my pleasure to shine the spotlight on two more amazing women who are both members of the COTT Blog Alliance.

Julie Arduini was born on Good Friday with tornado warnings. A description that she says could not be more accurate!

She lives in NE Ohio with her husband and two children. She's also a step-mom to two adult children who live in out of state. Her writing is featured in ten books (learn more on her site!) She also blogs monthly for the marriage counter at the Internet Café. She loves serving in children’s and women’s ministries through her local church and Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) chapter.

Julie says: "I love my strong coffee, lilacs, NCIS, and Beth Moore Bible studies (not in that order!)"
Her site has been up since December 31, 2006 and was her first act of surrendering fear of what others would think about her. That fear had kept her from doing what she loved since childhood but her baby step into blogging quickly led to many other writing opportunities—a true testament to listening to the whisperings of the Lord.
Julie's warm, transparent personality is woven throughout her blog posts. "I’m not a scholar, just a wife and mom trying to help anyone willing to read know that Jesus is close and intimate with arms open to receive, not turn away." Her focus is to encourage readers, mostly adult women, to find "freedom through surrender."
An avid reader, Julie provides book ideas on her site based on what she's reading. On Sundays you can take a peek at her amateur nature pictures with a few thoughts about God’s love. She posts 5-7 days per week so there's always something new! If you're looking for a blog-hostess gift, I hear she really really loves chocolate!
Surrendering the good, the bad, and---maybe one day---the chocolate
**********

Say hello to Renee Chaw (and her 3 year old dog, Coco.) Renee's blog features reviews of Christian fiction, romance and young adult fiction as well as posts about some of her favorite movies, TV shows, and Steelers football. Woot!
Black 'n Gold Girl's Book Spot is a fun place to gather. Renee is always looking for a way to make you chuckle or at least inform you about some great books and movies. She also sometimes posts about her other interests like vintage jewelry, TV, antiques, sports, pets etc. She always makes you feel welcome!
Another great reason to add her to your blog roll: she loves doing giveaways and hosting authors.
Renee says she's an avid reader of just about anything from the back of the cereal box to the back of a book. ^-^
"I love to blog. I've met so many great people through the blogging world and have had the opportunity to read so many wonderful books that I might not have otherwise had the chance to. I love being a member of FIRST Wild Card and this Blog Alliance, two other great groups that I wouldn't have had the chance to join if it wasn't for blogging. I'm loyal to the local sports teams, especially my Pittsburgh Steelers (LOVE those Black 'n Gold guys ;-)) and I'm a crazy car girl LOL! Take me to a car show over the mall any day of the week!"
She tries to post everyday but sometimes 'real life' limits her blogging to 3 times per week. If you want to bring her a blog-hostess gift, make sure you get a big box with holes in it. Renee loves big, furry dogs! =) Of course, it might be easier to just bring a treat for Coco.

Be sure to check out these two blogs and make a couple new friends!

* Michelle Massaro is Assistant Editor for Clash of the Titles. Find her on twitter @MLMassaro, and Facebook.

Truth & Dare {one year of dynamic devotions for girls} by Ann-Margret Hovesepian

Book Description:  Truth and Dare: Are you ready for more—more excitement, more adventure, more fun? Yeah? Then take the dare! Dare to discover the secrets to a life that sparkles for God. You’ve got what it takes to make an impact on the world. This devotional just for you is filled with powerful wisdom on everything from godly friendship and serving others to getting along with your parents and worshipping God. It’s advice for real life from the greatest best friend of all: your heavenly Father. 

Each day you’ll read a short Bible passage and discover some awesome truths. Then you’ll be dared to live it out with exciting challenges that can change your life. And fun quizzes keep it all real. It’s your time to shine as a girl who knows what it means to live a fierce and fearless life of faith.

My Review:  Looking for a devotional for a tween girl is like looking for a decent shirt for her to wear.  Many sizes, too low cute, too flirty and some are just too plain.  But when I found Truth & Dare by Ann-Margaret Hovsepian I knew that I had found a treasure chest for my niece.

Truth & Dare gives the tween girl ample places to write...like writing in her journal and it also gives a nice lesson/devotional with a Triple-do Dare at the end.  The Triple-Dog Dare offers three ways for the reader to "live" her faith.  

I liked this devotional. It's simple but yet complete, it's short but yet to the point, and it's in 

kid speak."

I think that most girls would read this on their own and write in the journal places too.  However, I think it would be most effective if a parent read and did the devotionals with their child.

This is a nice gift giving book and it's a great way to get a girl interested in spiritual matters.

*This book was provided for review by B&B Media Group, Inc.*

About the Author:

Ann-Margret Hovsepian is a professional freelance writer and editor in Montreal, Quebec, where she was born in 1972. She has more than two hundred published articles in a wide variety of Canadian and U.S. print periodicals. Her devotional for tween girls, The One Year Designer Genes Devo, was published by Tyndale in 2007, and she was the lead author and senior editor of Blossom, a tween BibleZine (Nelson, 2006). Ann-Margret is currently working on two more tween girls' devotionals for David C. Cook: the first, Truth & Dare, will be released in October 2011 and the second one in the fall of 2013. She is involved in many different areas of church ministry and serves on the board of Canadian Baptist Women of Ontario and Quebec.

Visit her at www.annhovsepian.com. You can also check out the Facebook pages for her books here: https://www.facebook.com/truth.dare.devotions and https://www.facebook.com/designergenesdevo.