Cover L♡ver Book Review

Feeling appreciated in the workplace is important. It assures longevity and productivity, and improves relationships and work environment (among a host of other things.) But most importantly (to me, anyway) is it promotes happiness. If you feel useful and appreciated it is both inspiring and fulfilling. The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace  is encouraging and awakening. Just as we all have varied love languages, different things and actions make us feel appreciated. Chapter 11, dealing with our potential blind spots and our least valued language, was particularly eye opening to me. As a leader at a previous job, I can see now how I might’ve (and probably did) overlooked ways I could’ve made others feel rightfully valued and appreciated. This is a great book. It isn’t one you must read cover to cover, but when you find your language, or the language of a coworker, it warrants a deeper look into that particular chapter. Even if I’m no longer in the workforce, t

I have never seen the movie Mulan, or really know much about the story, so I didn’t know what to expect from this story. I have read other stories by Melanie Dickerson though and enjoy her writing style.    The Warrior Maiden  (book 9 of the Hagenheim series) is action-packed. Although it’s part of a series, it works as a standalone. (I’ve only read one other book in this series.) I really enjoyed Mulan’s fearlessness and her willingness and ability to step into a foreign male world. I can’t even imagine trying to pull this off. This story deals with many harsh and unfair realities and tackles them nicely. Although parts were a bit unrealistic in my eyes (such as Mulan’s transformation) I still enjoyed this tale. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Author: Melanie Dickerson Publisher: Thomas Nelson Pages: 320 Opening Line:  Galloping her horse past the bit oak tree, Mulan pulled the bow string taut. I received a complimentary copy of this book from BookLook Bloggers (and NetGalley) and was

On Tour with Prism Book Tours Book Tour Grand Finale for An Alaskan Proposal By Beth Carpenter We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops you can see snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below: Launch - Note from the Author . . . AN ALASKAN PROPOSAL is the fourth story in the Northern Lights series. It’s a classic “fish out of water” romance, set in Alaska. There are dogs, and outdoor scenes, and Leith’s niece Emma, who is a bundle of energy. I think you’ll like it. Thanks to all the bloggers and reviewers on this tour. And if you’re making any fresh starts this new year, I hope they lead to happily-ever-after. — Beth Baroness Book Trove - Review "An Alaskan Proposal by Beth Carpenter is delightful. I enjoyed visiting the spectacular places in Alaska along with Sabrina. . . . The story was fabulously written, and descriptions of the scenery were superb. It makes me want to visit Alaska even more. The characters

On Tour with Prism Book Tours Book Tour Grand Finale for No Safe Place By Sherri Shackelford We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops you can see snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below: Launch - Note from the Author Welcome to this blog tour! I'm excited to share the journey with you. My latest release is near and dear to my heart because this book starts a new adventure for me... The Power of Words - Guest Post Forensic Accounting “Follow the Money” Accounting might not seem dangerous, but hiding money is integral to nefarious activities. In the opening scene of Jack Ryan on Amazon, Jack is seen tracing the financial dealings of a suspected terrorist. What Jack discovers leads him on a harrowing adventure to the Middle East, but the spark of his investigation was a rather mundane series of financial transfers... Splashes of Joy - Review "I thoroughly enjoyed “No Safe Place” by Sherri Shakelford! I love fa

The best worst Christmas she ever had. Even though my to-read pile was overflowing, and I had more books to read and reviews to write before December closed, I couldn’t pass up the chance to read this book by Robert Tate Miller. I’ve read several of his Christmas books in the past and love the way he crafts his stories. The Christmas Layover  is a fun, touching, warm story for the holidays. Ally Henderson is a great main character—she quickly gained my sympathies and was easy to connect with. And Jake Nelson is just as likeable. Maybe even more so. They both have pasts to overcome, but thankfully, they aren’t overly dramatic about it. I love how their relationship grows organically and doesn’t feel rushed or contrived. Their conversations are believable and keep the story moving along at a great pace. And the town of Bethlehem is a character in itself, with a special charm and townsfolk who provide warmth and nostalgia. I enjoyed this wonderful holiday tale. It has g

I enjoyed this book. More than I thought I would, to be honest. As a “military brat” I moved around a lot and found myself in new towns, new states, new schools, etc. quite often. For me, this wasn’t a problem. I enjoyed (and still enjoy) new beginnings. But some of my siblings didn’t feel the same. While reading  Love Where you Live , my siblings came to mind.  Worth mentioning (or maybe not) the subtitle bothers me. I understand the meaning of  Live Sent  (after reading the introduction) but the wording kind of drives me crazy.  There are creative, inspiring, and thought-provoking tips in this book. The conversational tone throughout makes it an easy read. Even if you already love where you live, this book might just make you love it a little more. Great cover, fun reading, and helpful advice! ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Author: Shauna Pilgreen Publisher: Revell Pages: 272 Opening Line (chapter one):  I’m a rural girl. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the p

This book took me quite a while to read. Perhaps due to the busyness of the holidays or possibly because it is deeper and more affecting than I’d expected.  We Hope for Better Things  focuses on three generations and spans their various time periods—the Civil War, the 60s, and present day. Mary, Nora, and Elizabeth are interesting characters and I connected with each of them in different ways. Their stories, although messy and maybe not ending the way I’d hoped, are easy to get lost in. While I enjoyed these stories, I began to disconnect to the characters when so much time passed before they’re prominent in the story again. I was always able to reconnect, but to be honest, due to that, and the length of the book, my interest waned at times. Really strong imagery! I like the cover and the title, which are two main aspects that usually attract me to a book in the first place, and will seek out more of this author’s work in the future. If you like multi-generational histor

I am impressed with the meaningful devotions and inspiring questions this book presents. I have shelves and shelves of non-fiction spiritual books, and most of them, to be honest, are somewhat disappointing. Either they don’t draw me in and keep my interest, or fail to inspire me to truly change or grow.  On a Quest for Christ  does all of these things. I can’t tell you how powerful this little book is. The short stories are easy to read and relate to. Each story is followed by words of  encouragement ,  reflection , and  prayer , as well as thought provoking questions (with space provided to record your answers and thoughts.) These sections help to put things into perspective for your particular outlook, experience, or quest. Overall, this book encourages us on our spiritual journey. More often than not we come upon bumps in the road that slow us down or change our direction, and these meaningful devotions keep us moving forward. Whether in a group setting or alone, th

If you’ve never read any of Colleen Coble’s books you’re missing out. She is a talented storyteller, infusing her stories with mystery, romance, and threads of spirituality. She’s a go-to author for me, and after reading nearly two-dozen books of her books I’ve never been disappointed.   Secrets at Cedar Cabin , the third book in her  Lavender Tides  series, fares well as a standalone but I recommend reading the entire series. There are ties throughout the books that make each story fuller.  From the beginning, Bailey captured my sympathies. It is easy to relate to her and the emotions she experiences. She struggles with what and who to believe, understandably so, due to the circumstances. The pacing is fabulous, and the thickening plot kept me turning pages (and staying up later than I’d planned!) As with all her covers, the art is eye-catching, and I love the title. I’ve grown to love Lavender Tides and am a bit sad to leave it.  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Author: Colleen Coble P

This is another endearing children’s book from Zonderkidz. This board book, with a padded front cover, has warm and affectionate illustrations of various parent and child animals. The rhyming verses have a soft cadence and portray joyful, loving relationships. You’re My Little Sweet Pea  is a heartwarming book that reveals healthy and happy bonds. Rabbits, giraffes, bears, foxes, and mice are just a few of the adorable animals included. This is a sturdy bedtime or anytime storybook. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Illustrator: Kit Chase Publisher: Zonderkidz Target Age: Preschool and up Pages: 16 First Line:  Little Sweet Pea, I love you, from button nose to baby coo. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This is such a sweet book. The gentle rhyming verses have an easy cadence, revealing the loving relationship between a bunny child and his bunny parent. I Love You, Funny Bunny  has a delightful flair. It's perfect for a read-aloud bedtime story. The illustrations are full-page and adorable. Sweet! Sweet! Sweet!   ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 💞 Cover Love 💞 Illustrator: Sean Julian Publisher: Zonderkidz Target Age: Preschool and up Pages: 24 First Line:  I love you, Funny Bunny, from your whiskers to your toes. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I’m excited to introduce you to Clive and Ian! Clive and Ian are nature-loving brothers, exploring the world and sharing what they learn with readers. These lovable reporters take youngsters through exciting adventures. God Made the World   Clive explains to Ian how the world came into existence. He reveals how God created the entire world. I love the detailed full-color pages and the view of our world through these lovable characters' eyes. God Made the Animals Ian expresses his excitement about visiting the zoo and possibly seeing polka-dotted tigers.  His brother Clive quickly explains that tigers have stripes, not polka dots! But whether the animals are large or small, wear stripes or dots, are pink, blue, or any other color—God created them all! God Made Me Clive and Ian find fun things to do on a rainy day. They soon discover what makes them incredible—especially that they were made by God and are truly one-of-a-kind creations. God M