Ready to Wed edited by Dr. Greg Smalley and Erin Smalley

Ready to Wed: 12 Ways to Start a Marriage You'll Love

by Greg Smalley (Editor), Erin Smalley (Editor)

   You’re engaged, and the checklist for the day of your dreams is a mile long. In the who, what, where, and how of planning, the why can be forgotten.

Ready to Wed provides chapter after chapter of wisdom and insight to provide a solid, Biblical base for marriages! Whether you are engaged, courting, dating, thinking about starting a relationship, or even single with no prospects in sight (such as myself), you will benefit greatly from the sound wisdom in this book! Likewise, married couples would do well to read this book together and analyze their marriage! With a compilation of thoughts from various Christian couples or individuals, Ready to Wed is truly a relationship-changing and thus life-changing book! Each chapter closes with discussion questions which will help you think through the lessons learned in each portion of the book. 
I whizzed through this book; it was so practical (even though I am not in a relationship!) and understandable. I highly recommend this book. Of course there are doctrinal differences which I noticed as I read it but can't recall now. And I didn't agree with all views the authors presented but for the most part this book was very helpful and I am looking forward to someday reading it with my own man!

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. 

Learn to: Define a vision statement unique to your marriage. Positively engage conflict to build a foundation of trust and forgiveness. “Leave and cleave,” even if you are a child of divorce. Manage expectations—and your in-laws! Navigate hot-button issues including, sex and the chore wars. Cope with change, stress, and crisis—especially in your first year. Build a community of support and find mentors. Assess your progress using the Couple Checkup. Loaded with advice, tips, and instructions, this valuable resource is ideal for soon-to-be-newlyweds and those who support them!

Yogurt cookbook by Janet Fletcher

   This is a simple yet delightful cookbook featuring the popular food: yogurt! Contained within this book are many recipes using this healthy and tasty product. Try roasted tomato bruschetta with yogurt cheese, or meatballs in a warm yogurt sauce or perhaps golden yogurt cake! The recipes range from sauces to dips to desserts!
I am an experienced cook and could live on yogurt and I personally was pleased with this book which I received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. 
Recipes come from Greece, Turkey, Lebanon, Syria, Iran, India and more. 
Also includes basic instructions on how to make your own yogurt- an easy and essential part of life in my opinion!
As always with this company's cookbooks, this yogurt cookbook is also filled with pleasing photography of the meals. 

Andrea Carter's Tales from Circle C Ranch By Susan K. Marlow

Andrea Carter's Tales from

Circle C Ranch

By Susan K. Marlow

  From Christian author Susan Marlow comes a companion book to the Andrea Carter series! This new chapter book is meant to be read along with the other books starring Andrea Carter. In response to queries from enthusiastic readers, the author decided to pen this book which answers any questions which may arise from reading the previous books in the series. Whether you have read the other books about this character or not yet, you will be able to enjoy these tales. Of course once you read Mrs. Marlow's works you will want to get her other titles as well!

   I have always been an avid reader. Growing up, I loved historical fiction. Now that I am an adult, I still enjoy speed-reading books for a younger audience in the hopes of finding new favorites for my siblings as well as my future children. Although there are many wonderful books for children and young adults which are not particularly Christian (think Little House and such), it is always great to be able to provide books for your children which reinforce Biblical truths and grace. I have found that Susan's books stay true to the Christian faith without becoming fake or unrealistic.
Unusually for Christian works of fiction, her books are also quite exciting. These books make splendid read-aloud as well as personal reading books.

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. Thank you!

Heart Sisters by Natalie Chambers Snapp (Be the friend you want to have)

by Natalie Chambers Snapp    

Abingdon Press  

   Heart Sisters, a new book by Natalie Chambers Snapp, gives advice to women on how to develop encouraging and beneficial friendships with other women. 
Natalie writes with clarity and understanding because, after all...she is a woman! Although not a psychologist, Natalie has insight from her past which she draws on as she shares valuable lessons for other women. 

   I expected much of this book since I have for years struggled with understanding friendships. However this book did not fulfill my personal needs; I do believe a psychologist would be able to address the questions which have arisen in my mind better than just another woman who has gone through life just as I have. I really enjoy Gary Chapman's books, as well as Jennifer Chapman's insight. Of course I agree with any reader who will tell me that is not a valid reason for disliking Heart Sisters since the author herself confesses that she is not the top leader in such topics. I was entirely open to learning from her book but came away with less than I expected to glean from the chapters. 
That said, I am sure that this book will still help most readers. I just have had more opportunities to discuss relationships and such with family and friends and we've kind of gotten the information presented in the book on our own. Of course the BIBLE helps. ;) 

As a last note, I also looked up the author and found that I personally don't agree with certain opinions and stances she takes on current issues.


**I was provided a copy of this book for my honest review and opinion. All of the opinions here are my own.