She Believed Book Review

Title: She Believed

Author: Jean Fischer

Genre: Children, Nonfiction, Inspirational, Biography, Christian.

Plot: Girls today need strong feminine role models to look up to and this collection of twelve stories provides girls with twelve historic women to admire and look up to.

Written in short concise entries, girls are introduced to Gladys Aylward, Clara Barton, Catherine Booth, Amy Carmichael, Fanny Crosby, Florence Nightingale, Edith Schaeffer, Mary Slessor, Corrie Ten Boom, Mother Teresa, Sojourner Truth and Harriet Tubman.

Each entry is beautifully illustrated and accompanied by a Bible verse that helps to anchor the story in the Word of God for readers.

Likes/Dislikes: I really enjoyed this little book. The stories are short, concise and to the point without being overly long. I read it to my three girls who are 6, 3 and 18 months. The baby lost interest when she wasn't allowed to eat the book or rip out the pages but the older two listened to the stories and seemed interested. I feel like it is missing the story of Joan of Arc though which was a story I always grew up with as a girl and which mine would adore because swords are popular in my house right now. All in all, I liked it.

Rating: PG-all ages

Date Reviewed: February 27th, 2020

I received a copy of this book courtesy of the publishers for my honest opinion. I wasn't required to write a positive review and the opinions expressed in the above review are my own.

This Is How You Lose The Time War Book Review

Title: This Is How You Lose The Time War

Author: Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone

Genre: Fiction, Science Fiction, Romance, Time.

Plot: The Time War is slowly and meticulously waged in the tiny moments of each day, stretching years into the distance. A small tweak here, a snip there and the ripple effect takes over. Each side is convinced that they will win in the end and only Time will tell if that claim is true.

Red is the best at what she does. She was built for this war, in many ways, but she is more than her design. She is thorough and does a good job. Commandant is pleased. But one day she finds a letter in the rubble and unknowingly sets off on a path that will burn across the threads of Time itself.

Blue is also the best at what she does. She was grown by Garden and lovingly cultivated at arms' length to be the best. She matches Red stride for stride and taunts her with her words spanning across the echoing distance.

Each is convinced that they will win the war, but who will lose it?

Likes/Dislikes: This book was amazing! It was shorter than I expected it to be (novella length) and so breathtakingly gorgeous that I read it in one day and haven't fully recovered. I told my husband he has to read it and buy me a copy for my personal library. I liked both protagonists which rarely happens. I loved everything about this story! Trust me, you have to go read it!

Rating: PG-16 and up, mainly for reading level and content (some talk of sex but in the same vein as eating or sleeping).

Date Reviewed: February 6th, 2020

Snug Book Review

Title: Snug

Author: Catana Chetwynd

Genre: Nonfiction, Comic, Graphic Novel, Romance, Humor.

Plot: Snug is a special word that accurately describes that comfortable feeling you only find in loving long-term relationships. And this book, Snug, is a celebration of that word and those feelings and those long-term relationships we are so comfortable in.

Catana and her bearded John are comfortable, loving and in a steady long-term relationship with spots of humor and fun to keep things perky and interesting. These calming black and white illustrations show life at its fullest with just the right amount of reality for spice.

Likes/Dislikes: My sister and I both follow Catana Comics online and like to send each other our favorite snippets. Now I have to find the books and send them to her. This is the second Catana book and I really enjoyed it. Some of the comics were my favorites I have already read and some were new to me. I would've liked more original pieces but I think that is just because I want more Catana and John doing cute things together.

Rating: G-12 and up.

Date Reviewed: January 25th, 2020

I received a copy of this book courtesy of Netgalley for my honest opinion and I wasn't required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed in the above review are my own.

That Can Be Arranged Book Review

Title: That Can Be Arranged

Author: Huda Fahmy

Genre: Nonfiction, Comic, Humor, Romance.

Plot: Huda Fahmy is the author of the popular web comic, Yes, I'm Hot In This which humorously talks about her day to day life as a traditional Muslim woman in today's modern world. Her debut book features all new content and tells the often-hilarious story of how she met and married her husband, Gehad.

Divided into easily managed sections, this book tells us about Huda's early days of crushes and searching for a suitable suitor while swamped in Jane Austen's famous novels. Eventually, she beats the naysayers in her life and does find her dream man.

Likes/Dislikes: I would like to note that I personally am not Muslim but I love reading about Huda's adventures. I have learned so much about her culture and strongly encourage everyone to check her out when you get a chance. I don't usually read a lot of graphic novels so I'm very picky when I decide to read one and I'm glad I read this one. My one real complaint is that it was too short. I really wanted to keep reading and learn more about Huda, Gehad and their baby, their daily life and what other books she's become obsessed with over the years. Maybe there will be a sequel. I really liked that it was original content and not just her popular posts printed up. My favorite bits were the interludes as her empty coffee cup pile grew as she told the story.

Rating: G-all ages but mostly 14 and up.

Date Reviewed: January 25th, 2020

I received a copy of this book courtesy of Netgalley for my honest opinion and I wasn't required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed in the above review are my own.

How I Broke Up With My Colon Book Review

Title: How I Broke Up With My Colon

Author: Nick Seluk

Genre: Nonfiction, Humor, Graphic, Comic Strip, Series.

Plot: The Awkward Yeti is a hilarious comic strip created by talented artist Nick Seluk and this is one of the books in the series featuring artistically retold stories of the funny, fascinating and bizarre medical stories readers shared with Nick.

There are 24 stories in all and each feature humorous internal organs such as Stomach, Gallbladder and two very productive kidneys, to name a few. Readers will love this collection of the medically graphic.

Likes/Dislikes: I follow The Awkward Yeti on Instagram and really enjoy the banter between Heart and Brain (who are not in this book) so getting the chance to read and review this book was a real treat. I thoroughly enjoyed it. My favorite story was the sea shell snail story. There's a lot of blood in a couple of the stories but no one dies and I wouldn't describe it as horrendously graphic but I'll mention it anyways just in case. All in all, an enjoyable book.

Rating: PG-14 and up, because of blood.

Date Reviewed: January 24th, 2020

I received a copy of this book courtesy of Netgalley for my honest opinion. I wasn't required to write a positive opinion and the opinions expressed in the above review are my own.

The 5-Ingredient Paleo Cookbook Book Review

Title: The 5-Ingredient Paleo Cookbook

Author: Genevieve Jerome

Genre: Nonfiction, Cookbook, Paleo

Plot: If you are looking for ease imflammation, control food allergies or simply eat more healthy then the Paleo diet might be the best option for you. But how do you switch over to this diet and then stick to it on busy days? How do you overhaul your pantry to qualify as Paleo and what exactly is Paleo anyway?

This slim cookbook answers all these questions and more while acting as a friendly and easy introduction to the Paleo diet.

Likes/Dislikes: Right off the bat, we need to point out that a lot of these recipes call for more than just five ingredients so don't be too thrown by that. My family and I are on the Paleo diet to help with autoimmune disorders and inflammation; it works for us and I have done a lot of research on it. This book, while probably not the best Paleo cookbook available, is a good starting place for beginners.

Rating: PG-all ages

Date Reviewed: January 22nd, 2020

I received a copy of this book courtesy of Netgalley for my honest opinion and I wasn't required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed in the above review are my own.

The Search For Rasha Book Review

Title: The Search For Rasha

Author: Paul B. Skousen

Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance, Sequel, Action/Adventure, Ancient Egypt.

Plot: As is the way with sequels and adventures, things are going well and all seems to be heading toward a lovely happy ending until the unthinkable happens. Rasha is kidnapped and dragged off into the desert by bandits, leaving her lover Bassam determined to save her.

But crossing the great Sahara to rescue his sweetheart will test Bassam in ways he hasn't been tested before and the rescue mission could go horribly wrong.

Likes/Dislikes: This is a sequel, which I didn't know when I picked it up, but it is set in Ancient Egypt and weaves a very exciting story. It just would've meant more to me if I had read the backstory. This isn't about the love blossoming between Bassam and Rasha, it is about their continuing relationship and trying to save and preserve their lives. It was very well written and very well researched.

Rating: PG-14 and up, mainly for reading level.

Date Reviewed: January 22nd, 2020

I received a copy of this book courtesy of Netgalley for my honest opinion and I wasn't required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed in the above review are my own.

100 Words Of Affirmation Your Husband Needs To Hear Book Review

Title: 100 Words Of Affirmation Your Husband Needs To Hear

Author: Lisa Jacobson

Genre: Nonfiction, Self-Help, Marriage, Husbands, Christian.

Plot: Straight forward and simple, pastor's wife Lisa Jacobson lists one hundred words or phrases rather which your husband needs to hear from you. These range from "You are my protector" to "Thank you for supporting our family" and "You are one handsome man."

Lisa and her husband Matt have been married for over 20 years and she has learned through trial, error and experimentation exactly what her husband needs to hear. This book is a product of those years of effort, love and learning that you van now apply to your marriage and affirm your husband in a loving and God-honoring way.

Likes/Dislikes: One of the things I really enjoyed about this book was that Lisa dived right into the things to say to your husband and didn't waste time telling us who this book was for, how to save your marriage, or why you should fight for your marriage in an abusive or otherwise uncomfortable situation like other marriage books I've read have done. While those books have their place, they all end up feeling preachy or guilt-tripping me for not doing enough or sacrificing enough. This book by Lisa made me feel like getting into the habit of affirming and loving my husband every day is something easy, fun and simple to do. The doable aspect was very appealing and I started texting my husband while reading the book.

For those of you curious, there is a companion book on ways to actively show love to your husband and the flip side to those books for showing love and 100 affirming words for wives. They make a great bundle for a wedding or anniversary gift.

Rating: PG-15 and up, mainly for reading level and content (it's a marriage book)

Date Reviewed: January 22nd, 2020

I received a copy of this book courtesy of Netgalley for my honest opinion. I wasn't required to write a positive review and the opinions expressed in the above review are my own.