Showing posts with label non-fiction. Show all posts
Showing posts with label non-fiction. Show all posts

Friday, October 9, 2020

Standout Saints by Sierra Wilson {Review}

 

 
 
Standout Saints: Church History Heroes from Around the World by Sierra Wilson
Illustrated by Emily Shay Tueller
 
       
 

From prophets to pioneers, from songwriters to scientists, Standout Saints: Church History Heroes from Around the World presents the fascinating true stories of twenty women and twenty men from Church history. Each one-page biography describes impressive achievements and shares stories of great faith. Readers will encounter well-known and beloved Saints such as Joseph Smith and Eliza R. Snow along with lesser-known heroes from around the world such as Hu Wei-I, who miraculously translated the Book of Mormon into Chinese, and Mere Mete Whaanga, a prominent Maori woman who helped the Church spread into New Zealand. In addition, Standout Saints includes uplifting quotes, a Church history timeline, and resources for further study.

The courage and faith of these Saints made them stand out from the world, and this educational and inspiring book helps young readers know that they too can stand out.

My Review: 5 Stars

This book is a great way to introduce children (and adults) to some of interesting people in church history. I love how stories of all races and nationalities are included, and how inspiring each story and person is. I hadn't heard some of these stories before and found them fascinating. Each story is short and sweet, hitting the highlights of each person's personal tale. 

Thursday, March 28, 2019

Holy As You Are by Christie Gardiner {Blog Tour Review and Giveaway}


Holy as You Are by Christie Gardiner
Kindle Edition, 224 pages
Published March 1st 2019 by Covenant Communication
Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

https://amzn.to/2UaEXig    https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44165174-holy-as-you-are

When referenced in the scriptures, the word holy means to “set apart for a sacred purpose.” It is a description all women who seek to follow Christ want to embody—but the struggle between the ideal of a holy life and reality can seem far apart. In Holy As You Are, best-selling author Christie Gardiner seeks to close the gap reminding women of the holy attributes they already possess and how they can accomplish extraordinary ordinary things that will forever change the landscape and heart-scape of their worlds.
With a wealth of spiritual guidance and upbeat wisdom that doesn’t shy away from difficult topics, this inspired volume challenges readers to look at their tragedies and triumphs and everything in between as sacred opportunities to choose holiness. What if ordinary is extraordinary? What if you are Holy As You Are?

My Review: 5 Stars

What an amazing book full of exactly what I needed to hear and told in a way that warmed my heart. Sometimes these types of books leave me feeling "less-than" or overwhelmed by everything I'm not, but Christie Gardiner has a way of making the reader feel like a dear friend. I was embraced by a warm hug through these pages and reminded of who I am and how to become better, and all in a gentle way that makes it feel possible.

I also felt like parts of this book were absolutely inspired for me, personally. I was at my book club talking about journals and the next morning, read her insightful feelings on that topic and I felt like it was a nudge. I also sometimes feel judged, yet I realized I do my fair amount of judging the judgers. There were so many nuggets of inspiration and sweetness and I'm excited to ponder my findings for a long time to come and to realize that I am enough.


Schedule: 
*March 29th: https://brightlystreet.com/, http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/

Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday, May 3, 2017

An Unseen Angel by Alissa Parker {Review}



An Unseen Angel by Alissa Parker
Paperback, 192 pages
Published April 4th 2017 by Shadow Mountain

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31747186-an-unseen-angel

As the mother of one of the children who died at Sandy Hook school in Newtown, Connecticut, in 2012, Alissa Parker had her world shattered by a mass murderer's rampage. She was left to make sense of her daughter's life and death and to rebuild, seeking a deeply spiritual path to carry on with her life and find new meaning and purpose.

As a co-founder of SafeandSoundSchools.org, a touring national advocacy group that helps people take action to make schools safer, Alissa has talked to hundreds of parents around the country about her ordeal and how she was able to endure the unspeakable horror of Sandy Hook.

An Unseen Angel takes readers though Alissa's complete journey, chronicling the moment-by-moment account of the day that began with every parent's worst nightmare: hearing, "There's been a shooting at your child's school." It follows her faith-filled spiritual path to coping, healing, forgiving, and eventually feeling gratitude for the life and love of her daughter Emilie. She describes a bond of love between a mother and daughter that is so profound it transcends the physical body and touches Alissa and the people who loved Emilie who feel her presence every day. And she articulates her deep Christian faith, which guided the answers to Alissa's gut-wrenching, post-tragedy questioning:
"Where is Emilie now?"
"Can love transcend the physical body?"
"How can I know that Emilie is in a better place?"
"How do I deal with the 'here and now' when the pain and anger I feel is so overwhelming?"
This is the first book about the school-shooting tragedies with a focus on faith and spirituality. As we learn Alissa's story, we are introduced to a special little girl who was wise beyond her years and whose lessons about life and the transcendent power of love continued even after she had passed away.

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My Review: 5 Stars

I didn't want to read this book at first because I remember this incident and it was horrifying. How could a mother find peace and hope after this? I was intrigued by that thought and opened it up. And I read the whole thing in one sitting, all while crying my eyes out.

Alissa Parker is an amazing woman and I loved reading about her journey to finding it in her heart to forgive, therefore finding peace. Her sweet little girl was only 11 days younger than my youngest daughter, so this tragedy hit home. Emilie packed a lot of life into a short amount of time and I think even after her death, through this book, she's going to be touching many lives.

The Sandy Hook shooting ripped the hearts of many around the world--so many young, innocent lives lost. How could it be possible to move past that. I love that it's a process and it's not an easy road to travel. This author gives hope to many, not just those in her circumstance, by showing the steps she took and by realizing the many miracles, blessings, and tender mercies that happened around that time and afterward. I seriously couldn't put it down and was deeply moved. I think if all of us in times of trial reflect on our faith, no matter what it is, and take the time to grieve and heal, we, too, can find that peace.

Content: nothing too graphic, but it definitely tugs on the heart (violence); religious elements

*I received a copy through the publisher, which did not affect my thoughts in any way.*

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Buy Links:


http://amzn.to/2pwNz2L  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/an-unseen-angel-alissa-parker/1124571174?ean=9781629722795  https://deseretbook.com/p/unseen-angel-mothers-story-of-faith-hope-and-healing-after-sandy-hook?ref=product-name&variant_id=146369-paperback


Tuesday, January 10, 2017

Preparing for Your Endowment by Cory B. Jensen {Review}

Preparing for Your Endowment by Cory Jensen
Paperback, 161 pages
Publication: January 10th 2017
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the author, that in no way affected my review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Genre: LDS non-fiction            

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33621847-preparing-for-your-endowment?from_search=true

Receiving your endowment is a sacred experience. Sometimes in the excitement and focus of major life events like missions and marriage, the temple experience becomes secondary. However, your temple endowment can and should be a deeply meaningful experience.

Using entertaining stories and insightful teachings from the scriptures, this book helps teens and young adults replace their fears and questions about the temple with the faith and confidence necessary to make and keep eternal covenants and to experience all the blessings of temple worship.

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My Review: 5 Stars

This is a book that I wish I would've had years ago. I love how each chapter is broken down in a way that makes the topics relatable, as well as easy to visual and understand. My mind was opened to a few new concepts that I hadn't considered before, and I have the desire to learn more for myself through personal experience.

Each chapter takes a topic at a time. There's a "homework" section at the end of each chapter that gives the reader some additional, personal ideas for study and contemplation to make this experience right for each person. I like that because I think this is something personal and by allowing for that reflection, it truly becomes such.

I believe that different things stand out to me at different times in my life, depending on my circumstances at the time, and there were some really profound ideas that jumped out at me. I really am eager to study this out some more and to see what happens.

This is a great resource for someone who is preparing to go to the temple for the first time, as well as for those who have already been. Like I said, even I learned a few things.

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Buy Links:

http://amzn.to/2j23VOo   http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/preparing-for-your-endowment-cory-jensen/1124650000?ean=9781462119653


About the Author:

Cory Jensen
Cory B. Jensen was born and raised in Utah, growing up in the shadow of the Logan temple. He developed a love for the temple early in life and has been an avid student ever since. He graduated with honors from Brigham Young University with a Masters of Business Administration. A lifelong devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he served a mission in Rome, Italy and is looking forward to the completion of the LDS temple there.

He and his wife, Traci, are the parents of four children. Together they currently serve as ordinance workers in the Mount Timpanogos Temple. That service has greatly blessed their lives and their marriage, though Cory still hasn’t gotten used to getting up at 4 a.m. for their shift.

He hopes that the message of this book will bless your life, enrich your personal temple experience, and help you in your journey to understanding your endowment.


Monday, January 2, 2017

Saints At Devil's Gate {Review}

Saints At Devil's Gate

Softback with gatefold, 143 pages
Published November 17th 2016 by Church Historian's Press

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33285588-saints-at-devil-s-gate?from_search=true

A beautiful art book from the Church Historian's Press, publisher of The Joseph Smith Papers.

From 1846 to 1869, some 70,000 Mormon pioneers traveled the Mormon Trail, the 1,300-mile route from Illinois and Iowa to Salt Lake City. In 2011, three award-winning Mormon painters decided to visit sites all along the historic route and capture the landscapes in oil. This full-color art book, featuring 52 landscape paintings, presents the fruit of their five-year project. Each painting is paired with journal entries or reminiscences from pioneers who made the journey. Essays by the authors and an artist interview illuminate both the art and the history of the trail.

The book gives written and visual context to the pioneers’ experience of the trail, bears witness to the land as it exists today, and links the experience of pioneers to the challenges of today.

Note: This book was published to accompany an exhibition of the same name at the Church History Museum in Salt Lake City. Therefore, distribution of the book has been limited. Copies are available at the museum gift store, at store.lds.org, and at some independent bookstores in Utah.

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My Review: 5 Stars

I used to wonder what it would be like to live as a pioneer and even went as far to think it would be kind of fun. As I've gotten older and read stories about life on the trail, I've definitely changed my mind. I'm so grateful these men and women went through these challenges, hard times, and heartaches so that I can have the blessings that I do today, but I'm fine living my own battles.

This book is wonderfully done! With beautiful paintings on each page, framed by journal entries, real memories, and/or historian or artist's or curator's perspectives, this is a timeless piece that is perfect for those who want to learn more about this time period and the things these pioneers when through. I feel that the stories are really brought to life by combining the art with each thought and I loved learning more about every day life. Yes, life was really hard, but there are fantastic descriptions of the beauty around them and of good times. I'm much more appreciate of these people after reading this book. It's a great addition to any historical collection.

There is an exhibition that is available at the Church History Museum in Salt Lake City, UT and runs through August 2017. It's also available online at history.lds.org.

*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

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Buy Links



Saturday, June 18, 2016

The Make-Ahead Kitchen by Annalise Thomas {Review}


The Make-Ahead Kitchen by Annalise Thomas
Paperback, 176 pages
Published June 14th 2016 by Front Table Books 
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28756241-the-make-ahead-kitchen?from_search=true&search_version=service
Skip the hassle of last-minute meals and leftovers and replace them with simple, healthy, delicious, and easy-to-prepare make-ahead dishes! Your family will love these comfortable meals, new favorites, cozy drinks, and tantalizing desserts--all of them prepared ahead of time so you don't have to worry! Enjoy simple, soul-filling foods without the chaos of preparing them at the last minute.
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My Review: 4 Stars
I'm always on the lookout for easy, healthy dinner ideas and was so excited to check this book out. There are some great recipes and many of them are "comfort foods," but there aren't a lot of low-fat options. There are a few substitutions to make some of these recipes healthier (such as quinoa and brown rice), which I did appreciate. 
I'm really excited to try these out in the fall/winter, because it seems that a lot of the recipes are geared more towards those seasons, at least for my family, since we like to eat lighter, "cooler" foods in the hot summer months.
That said, we did enjoy a few of these dishes. The maple nut granola (in a bowl with some cold milk poured on top) was a hit and we've made it several times for our breakfasts. The hummus is a great snack idea and paired with pita bread or cut veggies, is a healthy option. We loved the chicken broccoli quinoa casserole. It has a similar taste to chicken divan, but is a healthier alternative. I didn't care for the cashew chicken and brown rice as much as the rest of my family did, but I think that's because I made those two recipes back-to-back and they're similar. The slow cooker meaty spaghetti sauce tasted really good and anything in the slow cooker is perfect for this time of year because it doesn't heat up the house and really tastes good. I didn't make any desserts this time around, but there are several that sound very delicious. There is a gluten-free brownie that I want to try the next time I host book club. It seems that a lot of the main dish recipes are cheesy (my son can't eat cheese) and a lot of the desserts have coconut (my kids don't like coconut), but I can always modify.
The recipes are easy to follow and the pictures included are beautifully done. I liked the general notes at the beginning and the way each chapter is broken down into simple sections, with a good variety of recipes in each category. This will definitely be a big help in my home when school starts up again, as we are always crazy busy.
*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*
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Buy Links:
http://amzn.to/1UehkLk
 http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-make-ahead-kitchen-annalise-thomas/1123351908?ean=9781462117260

About the Author:

Annalise Thomas is a big city girl married to a small town boy. Every day is a joy and a challenge as she learns to live and love this small town life. Annalise is a foodie with a deep passion for everything edible and for sharing what she loves with others. Annalise is a wife and mom, a baker, a cook, and a blogger. She and her family live a very real life and eat as much real food as possible. 
   

Friday, May 27, 2016

Sun and Sizzle Cookbook by Allison Miller {Review}


Sun and Sizzle by Allison Miller
Kindle Edition, 158 pages
Published May 10th 2016 by Cedar Fort, Inc.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30151037-sun-and-sizzle?from_search=true&search_version=service

Make summer the most memorable season of the year with these sizzling dishes!

From burgers and steaks to salads and vegetable bakes, this cookbook is stuffed with yummy entrees, appetizers, drinks, and desserts to make your summer unforgettable. Enjoy the sun as you enjoy in-season summer foods such as

Aloha Burger
Mixed Berry Wedge Salad
Summer Pasta Salad
Melon Punch
Peaches and Cream Bars

With meals perfect for parties and smaller gatherings, you’ll sure to enjoy the outdoors all season long!



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My Review: 4 Stars

This is a fun cookbook, perfect for the upcoming summer season. The recipes are definitely not low-fat, but are enjoyable for those hot summer evening and to satisfy hearty appetites.

I tried several recipes and found a few new family favorites. Bacon 'n Eggs Burger and Macaroni Salad were huge hits with my family and we made these each a few different times. The relish and hard boiled eggs in the salad adds the perfect tang and creaminess. The burger reminds us of a Hawaiian favorite--Moco Locos. The combination of the bacon, eggs, and meat really fill a stomach up. 

We also enjoyed the Baked Beans, but I left the meat out, as it just seemed to be too meat heavy with what we were pairing it with for dinner. The Baked Parmesan-Herb Zucchini was good, but I either bought squash a little too big or should have cooked it a few minutes longer because they were a little crunchy. It'll be easier to work with that recipe later on this summer, as my plant starts to produce. The Sparkling Strawberry Lemonade was a huge hit and really hit the spot on the hot spring day that we tried it. The No-Bake Eclair Cake is so easy, yet comes across as a very sophisticated and delicious dessert. There are several other recipes that we can't wait to try!

I love how great the pictures are and how easy the instructions are to follow. There are some great tips to follow at the beginning of the book that really help make the cooking experience better. This is a great book for those who want some easy and good summer dinners and don't mind the calories.

*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*

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Buy Links:

http://amzn.to/1WolhlS

http://booksandthings.com/sun-and-sizzle-grills-to-greens-and-everything-in-between-paperback.html
https://deseretbook.com/p/sun-and-sizzle-grills-to-greens-and-everything-in-between-ppr?variant_id=134085-paperback

Wednesday, May 4, 2016

I'MPossible: Desire, Dream, Do by Jeff Griffin {Review}


I'MPossible: Desire, Dream, Do by Jeff Griffin
Kindle Edition, 100 pages
Published June 21st 2015 by BalboaPress 
 
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26030935-i-mpossible
 
The sun's rays filtered in from the partially opened shades of the plane. They lit up the world in front of me and warmed my soul, knowing I was almost to my destination. The beautiful golden light replaced the grey and hazy cobwebs from my eyes, revealing the most spectacular scene I had ever seen in my entire life. I looked out the small seven-inch window and witnessed something that I'll never forget! I beheld something in this magnificent world that the majority of people never get to see. I was looking out at Mount Everest, the world's highest peak!

I was at the tail end of a three-flight journey with two layovers in between, nearly logging twenty-four hours of flight time. I hadn't gotten any real sleep in the last thirty-six hours. My bloodshot eyes were heavy, my mind was slow and sluggish, and my body was even slower in response. How did I get here? I thought to myself. Am I d-r-e-a-m-i-n-g?

As Lao and Confucius once said, “A journey of one-thousand miles begins with one step.” My story is about inspiring you to take your own journey one step at a time. It's about dreaming and accomplishing the impossible. It's not only about aiming for the sky and reaching for the stars but enjoying the journey along the way.

Begin your personal journey today, press forward to the top, and don't you ever stop. As you move toward your dreams, there will be obstacles and setbacks along the way; don't be afraid. You can get to the top of your world by following the signs and guide posts within these pages. You can do it with others! You can do it with me! We can do it together, one step at a time!


I'mpossible! - Jeff Griffin
 
 
 
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My Review: 5 Stars
 
I wasn't expecting the story that I got, based on this book description. A true story, Jeff Griffin had a horrific accident that changed his life forever. The first miracle is surviving the accident. I can't even begin to imagine the pain, the horror, the devastation, and the fear that followed, yet instead of wallowing in self pity, Jeff picked himself up and found new dreams to dream. I was completely amazed at how positive and hopeful he was and still is. 
 
Each chapter is set up in a way to cause the reader to make goals, as each of us has our own mountains to climb and challenges to endure. Full of hope, words of wisdom, and personal stories, these chapters are broken down in ways that make it seem attainable to reach the goals, instead of overwhelming. 
 
I can't believe the positive vibes that flow off the pages. I'm so much more grateful for what I do have and not wishing for what I don't. This is a great motivational book for anyone looking for inspiration.
 
Content: some difficult situations and scenes, but nothing too graphic. The author is LDS, so there are religious references.
 
*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*
 
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  Buy Links:
 
http://amzn.to/1SVCzTI
 http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/impossible-jeff-griffin/1122312374?ean=9781504335386
 
Jeff is offering the first chapter of his book free on his website. (Visit http://griffinmotivation.com/


Tuesday, April 19, 2016

Motherhood Matters/Life is Too Short Collection by Connie E. Sokol {Blog Tour Review and Giveaway}



Motherhood Matters by Connie Sokol

Motherhood is a divine calling but it may not always feel that way. Now you can show the women in your life how much they matter to you, with this delightful little volume full of wit and wisdom about the divinity, reality, and rewards of motherhood. Fresher than flowers and sweeter than chocolate, it's a perfect gift for the women who give so much.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13219309-motherhood-matters?from_search=true&search_version=service

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My Review: 5 Stars

I often beat myself up because I'm not the "perfect" mother. I love the little tidbits, quotes, and thoughts found in this book to help me realize that there's no such thing as what I'm trying to be! The key points that I took away from reading this are that I just need to love my kids, find joy in the journey, do my best, and make time for me, so that I can give that extra effort to my family when it's really needed. This is such a refreshing and uplifting book and told in a way that makes me feel that I am doing enough. 

There's also a little section on how to handle life, not if, but when, your children rebel/stray/become difficult. I loved that because I'm not alone--even scriptural parents dealt with similar parenting problems. I'm feeling good about my efforts and think this book is a great read for any mother.

*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*
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Buy Link:

http://amzn.to/1rb3q5n


The Life is Too Short Collection by Connie Sokol

Are you looking for a fabulous life boost today?

The Life is Too Short series is just what you need. Written by Connie Sokol—mother of seven, author, speaker, and amazing matching sock finder—these humorous self-development columns give you just the right amount of fun and functional.

Originally written for a major newspaper and magazines, you can now enjoy the entire collection in one book.

Put your feet up and laugh as you relate to time-tested tips on being a woman, wife, and mother. You'll learn the cozy stuff of how to adjust expectations, have faith in your dreams, and lighten up in motherhood. And, you'll learn a few life skills such as easy spring cleaning, simplifying the holidays, and creating successful goals.
It's the perfect gift for any woman!

Short, funny, insightful, these quick power columns are ideal anytime, anywhere, to rejuvenate your mind and soul.

Life is Too Short Trilogy combines three individual books, updated and revised:

Life is Too Short for One Hair Color
Life is Too Short for Sensible Shoes
Life is Too Short for Linoleum

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17306792-the-life-is-too-short-collection?from_search=true&search_version=service

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My Review: 5 Stars

Connie Sokol has an amazing gift! She is able to give hope, entertain, give helpful tips, and say it like it is, in a very tender way. Sometimes these types of books all seem to say basically the same thing, making me feel guilty for not measuring up, or overwhelmed by all I have to change, but I was amazed to actually learn a few new things and to feel good about it! Maybe they were just told in a way that rang a bell with me, but whatever it is, I have a new perspective on life and have realized a few changes that I need to make that are actually doable.

Life is too short and we only get one shot at it, so it's in our best interests to make every day and every moment count. I didn't realize, as I was reading this, that it is actually three books combined into one. I read it all in one sitting, but I would love to go back and read different sections, taking the time to really ponder and savor what is being said. I couldn't help but laugh and I love that Ms. Sokol puts it out there--she's just as human as the rest of us are and isn't afraid to admit that. Wouldn't it be amazing if we were all able to laugh at our stress and shortcomings and move on? This is the perfect read for any woman out there!

*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*

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Buy Links:

http://amzn.to/1Vy3N61
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/life-is-too-short-collection-connie-sokol/1115088531?ean=9780989019651

About the Author:

Connie E. SokolConnie Sokol is a mother of seven, and a favorite local and national speaker for over fifteen years. She is a TV core contributor "Studio 5 with Brooke Walker" and a national blogger for www.ksl.com. She is one of seven female hosts of The Living Room, an online value-based radio show where they dish on life, loving, and learning (www.fromthelivingroom.com). Mrs. Sokol is a bestselling author who has written 14 books, including her fiction: Christmas Kisses: An Echo Ridge Anthology, and Caribbean Crossroads; and her nonfiction: What Every 6th Grader Needs to Know, Faithful, Fit & Fabulous, Simplify & Savor the Season, Create a Powerful Life Plan, and 40 Days with the Savior. Mrs. Sokol marinates in time spent with her family and eating decadent treats. For her TV segments, blog, podcasts and more, visit www.conniesokol.com. 



Giveaway:
 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Follow the Tour:
  
April 18Lisa is a Bookworm
April 19Laural Walker

Monday, January 25, 2016

A Princess Story by Jaci Wightman {Review}

Blog Tour princess

A Princess Story by Jaci Wightman
Paperback, 208 pages
Published January 12th 2016 by Cedar Fort Publishing & Media
Source: I received a copy in exchange for an honest review

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26100369-a-princess-story

Discover your own personal princess story. This inspiring book helps you see your divine potential, recognize your inner princess, and learn how the plan of happiness is just like a fairy tale. Perfect for young women, moms, leaders, and princesses of all ages, this is an enchanting read that will guide you on the path to your own happily ever after.

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My Review: 4 Stars

I've always been a sucker for a princess story and I loved the way this author tied in a classic fairy tale formula with real life and our divine potential. Each chapter is set up as an element of a fairy tale and really brought things home for me. I learn well with metaphors and comparisons and this book does a good job of relating life to a typical girl's hopes and dreams in a way that, for me, is understandable.

As I read through, I could see things in a new way, but I will admit, the things I saw didn't always make me happy. Who wants to hear that you're not as good as you thought you were? I sure don't! I attend my religious meetings, I try to be kind, I do my best to give service and to go through the motions of what I'm "supposed" to do, but there are still miles worth of improvement! And that's not something I wanted to hear. For example, if I've had a bad day, I'm a little depressed, I'm overwhelmed, stressed, or discouraged, where do I turn? Oh, yeah, straight to a hard run, a carton of Ben & Jerry's, or some good upbeat (or sometimes depressing--depending) music. Where should I turn? To the scriptures, to the Lord, to the gospel. Yikes. What makes me feel good about myself? Losing weight, looking good, and feeling liked by others. Does that really matter? Uh, no. That's not what it's about and that really pierced me to the core. I'm doing things all wrong!

I enjoyed the layout of the story and the way scriptures, quotes, and stories are tied in. I also like how each chapter has a small section for additional study to delve deeper into the subject. This is a good book to read if you have a teen, or to have her read, or to even just read yourself, especially if a good discussion is involved and each chapter is savored.

Content: this is specific to the LDS faith and views are relevant to that religion, but good points can be drawn for anyone Christian.

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Buy Links:

<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/146211718X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=146211718X&linkCode=as2&tag=katcleboocol-20&linkId=GZHCASPUFI3T5F3W">A Princess Story: The Real-Life Fairy Tale Found in the Gospel of Jesus Christ</a><img src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=katcleboocol-20&l=as2&o=1&a=146211718X" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />
 http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-princess-story-jaci-wightman/1122279194?ean=9781462117185
  http://booksandthings.com/a-princess-story-the-real-life-fairy-tale-found-in-the-gospel-of-jesus-christ-paperback.html

About the Author:

Jaci WightmanJaci Green Wightman (pronounced JAY-see) was raised in five different states before meeting her husband, Greg, during her freshman year of college. Together, they’re enjoying the daunting task of raising seven children born in just eight years. In 2012, Jaci finally graduated from BYU-Idaho with a degree in University Studies, 21 years after postponing her schooling to start a family. Underneath all her outward busyness, however, Jaci is simply an ordinary woman who discovered an extraordinary Savior. Her greatest joy lies in teaching and testifying of the One who not only changed her heart, but radically transformed her entire life.