Brave Is the New Beautiful by Lee Wolfe Blum

Brave Is the New Beautiful: Finding the Courage to Be the Real You
by Lee Wolfe Blum

 Women of all ages need to read books such as this one. Brave is the new beautiful is eye-opening, inspiring, and encouraging. With all the stories of women who have fought through trials and tragedy, it is also convicting. It puts our personal disappointments in perspective when compared to women's stories of losing a child, health, etc. I love how the author, Lee Wolfe Blum masterfully blended all her thoughts and convictions into a sensible and rock-solid book for women. I appreciated how the author was open with her own story and thoughts. I was humbled and encouraged as I read this book! Basically, it gently tells women to look beyond the surface and the image the media tries so hard to ingrain in us as ''the right image''. We need to realize there is more to ourselves than our outward appearance. Because truly, brave is the new beautiful!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

Our culture bombards women with "thinspiration" messages and pressure to "do it all" while wearing the mask of perfection. 

Women are left feeling alone and overwhelmed. How can they stop comparing themselves to others? How can they live out who they really are?

Lee Wolfe Blum offers stories from everyday women who have answered these questions with their lives-and found true beauty in the process. In Brave Is the New Beautiful, Blum weaves reflections from her own journey with inspirational stories from everyday women who chose to take off their masks and live authentically. Through call-to-action questions and ideas, she encourages readers to be brave enough to be who

God's Easter Miracles: Adventures of the Sea Kids by Lee Ann Mancini

God's Easter Miracles: Adventures of the Sea Kids
by Lee Ann Mancini

  As a preschool teacher I was interested in getting this book to read and review. Even before I began working with preschoolers, I always had a love for children's books and always found time to read old classics as well as new favorites.
Children will absolutely love the brilliantly-toned illustrations in this picture book. Ages 2-6 will especially love the colorful fish and settings in each picture. I thought the size of the book perfect for holding the attention of a whole class of young listeners.
The text in this book is a little much for two to four-year olds. Pre-K will be able to understand it better. In an effort to open children's eyes to a variety of things, the author included relationship struggles such as real children deal with. One of these relationships includes interacting with an autistic fish in the ''sea children's'' class. One of the fish is encouraged to be especially kind to the autistic fish. On a side, critical note I did feel like there was a little too much emphasis to treat the autistic fish better and thus differently than the other fish, instead of kind of letting him be a part of the group. At the same time, having dealt with autistic preschoolers, I know they are not always like the other children and do get certain privileges. But I think that is often up to the teacher to think of ahead, not the classmates. Teachers should always teach kindness and respect towards others, including those with special needs of course. I don't know if this will make sense at all. I just think children will be left slightly confused about the lessons they should take away from this book. I felt that the text in this book was a little too detailed and specific for the quality of the illustrations and the fact that these are fish, not people. I think the message the author was trying to impress upon children would be suited to a story featuring real children, but not fish! However, there are so many children's books out there that have illustrations which don't always match the text. Many of these books are popular, so I'm sure there will be an audience for this book as well.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

More about the book...

Paul, Jimmy, Brian and the whole town, witness God's Easter miracles in this unique story.

"In God's Easter Miracles, the sea kids learn that Easter isn't just about the Easter bunny or candy. It's about Jesus Christ giving up His life for all of us, and how we are to sacrifice ourselves for others. Paul, who is autistic, struggles with relationships. Jimmy doesn't want to share and Lenny clings to life due to a terrible boat accident. "
~from back cover 

Food52 Ice Cream and Friends: by Editors of Food52

Food52 Ice Cream and Friends: 60 Recipes and Riffs for Sorbets, Sandwiches, No-Churn Ice Creams, and More

by Editors of Food52, Amanda Hesser (Foreword), Merrill Stubbs (Foreword)

   The must-have ice cream book if you love ice cream, love friends, want to learn more about ice cream or expand your ice cream palate or want to widen your dessert horizons in general. Basically, this book will not disappoint! I am an avid ice cream maker (if that's a thing) and so I was extremely excited about this book. One main thing which pleased me about this cookbook is that it is not simply a repeat of basic ice cream recipes. It will accompany my original tried-and-true ice cream basics book beautifully. It is full of unusual recipes not found in typical ice cream how-to books. Not only unusual, there are also amazing and delicious-looking recipes such as smore's ice cream sandwiches, coffee frozen custard, cinnamon roll ice cream, avocado gelato, the richest chocolate treats I have ever seen....there is something for everyone and I am so excited about this book!

For those of you who are wanting more details, the book is organized into different sections: Chocolate, Vanilla & company; Nutty; Fruity; Herbs & Spices; Drink Riffs; and Savory. There are a decent amount of recipes per category.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

He Will Be the Preacher: The Story of God's Providence in My Life by Erwin W. Lutzer

He Will Be the Preacher: The Story of God's Providence in My Life

by Erwin W. Lutzer

The title comes from a sentence uttered by an elderly woman who was a friend of Erwin Lutzer's parents when Erwin was only a baby. Whether that statement was a momentary inspiration or an actual prompting of the Holy Spirit, either way it proved to be prophetically true. This is the story of Erwin Lutzer's life and how he became a preacher and the pastor of Moody church. This autobiography is detailed without becoming tedious and interesting to any readers whether your are already aware of who Erwin Lutzer is or not. I personally love and learn so much from Mr. Lutzer's books and sermons so was excited to read all about his life. I am so glad this book focuses on God's hand of providence in Erwin Lutzer's life. It is made very clear throughout this book that although man makes his plans, God directs his ways. This was both an interesting and informative read as well as a testimony to God's leading and Lutzer's listening in life.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

Let's Be Real: Living Life as an Open and Honest You by Natasha Bure

Let's Be Real: Living Life as an Open and Honest You

by Natasha Bure

foreword by Sadie Robertson

    This is an autobiographical/conversational/inspirational book from YouTube celebrity Natasha Bure. Whether you are already a fan of Natasha or like me, got to know her through this book you will benefit from and enjoy reading this book. I am so excited that famous and admired women and girls are making a stand for being real in this world where people think they have to copy famous people to be happy! In this book, Natasha Bure (who, by the way is Candace Cameron Bure's daughter!) is honest and open and humble. Teenagers especially will grow from reading this book.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

From singer, model and YouTube celebrity Natasha Bure, the daughter of Candace Cameron Bure, comes a real, honest conversational book that doesn’t hold back. Everywhere she goes and every video she posts has one basic message: this is real, this is life, and we all go through it. Whether it’s acne, boyfriends, faith, stress, or having fun, Natasha’s view is to simply be honest, simply be real, no matter what you face. Natasha’s real and relatable tone paired with personal notes and stories will help readers see that living a “real” life is the best life.

Under the Cover of Light by Carole Engle Avriett and Thomas Jerry Curtis

Under the Cover of Light: The Extraordinary Story of USAF Col Thomas "Jerry" Curtis's 7 1/2 -Year Captivity in North Vietnam

by Carole Engle Avriett, Thomas "Jerry" Curtis (Contributor)

This is the amazing autobiography of a colonel shot down down over North Vietnam in 1965. Colonel Thomas ''Jerry'' Curtis' life was changed as he endured the next 7 1/2 years in brutal captivity. That alone should be enough to make anybody want to read this biography, right? Add to it the fact that this account is a testimony of how a true Christian's faith is strengthened under hardships and trials such as this. Over and over again I was astounded by the fortitude Jerry showed. I absolutely loved how this book emphasized God's faithfulness and the hope Jerry had through Christ. This is a must-read! At first it took me a while to get into the book but for some (good) reason by the third chapter I was fully interested and didn't want to put the book down. I believe the reason I wasn't as engaged at first was that there are so many foundational details the author (Carole Avriett) is trying to lay down in the first chapters before getting to the action as it were. I found the writing style a little choppy (especially after being spoiled by Laura Hillenbrand's Unbroken). However, I think the writing style definitely improved further into the tale! One thing I loved about this book was the absence of foul language and crude names which were given by the Americans to their tormentors. (''Unbroken'' includes all the rude names given to the torturous captors and many of them are unrepeatable) I found this more appropriate for younger readers. The descriptions of the tortures, sickness and hardships made me cringe and weep and wonder how those men lived through them but are not unacceptable for even young teenage readers (thinking girls here :) ) to read. This book will make a perfect gift for anyone, especially for Dad's this upcoming Father's Day!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

In 1965, Col. Thomas "Jerry" Curtis's helicopter was shot down over North Vietnam. He was immediately captured and spent 71/2 years confined in a filthy 5′ x 7′ cell at the notorious Hanoi prison camp. Thousands of miles from home and unable to communicate with his wife and children, Jerry endured months of solitary confinement, suffocating heat, freezing cold, grueling physical and psychological torture, constant hunger, and unimaginable mental duress. And yet, time and again, the Light that darkness cannot overcome became his beacon of hope. Now, for the first time in print, Jerry shares the full story of his 2,703 days in captivity and what he learned about faith, hope, and the indomitable power of the human spirit.

Beauty Begins: Making Peace with Your Reflection by Chris Shook, Megan Shook Alpha

Beauty Begins: Making Peace with Your Reflection

by Chris Shook, Megan Shook Alpha

This book was important to me because I have struggled with self-image for years. This book from mother-daughter team Chris and Megan Shook had such a balanced and Biblical perspective on the subject of beauty. At first I thought it would be just another book on the topic, and I have previously read (and reviewed) excellent and sufficient publications focused on the subject. However, as I read further into the book I realized I could really glean from the words of wisdom within. The only thing I would have liked to have seen more of would be personal accounts/lessons experienced by the authors. On the other hand, this book is wonderful and will definitely help a variety of women of all ages. I loved how the authors pointed back to the Creator, and put our opinions of ourselves in perspective. (this may not make sense here, so read the book). They do a marvelous job explaining the difference between a joyful believer satisfied in Christ and knowing it is the beauty of the heart that matters, and someone who places their hope in this world and the unsatisfactory and temporary pleasures it offers.

I hope to add more to this review later.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

You are, and always have been, beautiful.

“Beauty begins. That’s the point of this book. Our understanding of beauty got started somewhere and somehow, and probably due to someone. Now that may have been a good start, but then again it may not have. But regardless of what your past looks like, we want to offer up this word of hope: it’s never too late to make peace with your reflection.”

We live in a culture that’s obsessed with beauty. Walk by any magazine stand, turn on a television, or visit the local shopping mall, and you’ll be bombarded with the images and ideals that our culture believes are the epitome of what it means to be beautiful. And if you’re like most women, you’ve probably spent countless hours trying to measure up to this standard of beauty whether you realize it or not.

But if you don’t make peace with your reflection, you’ll end up declaring war on yourself.

That’s where mother-daughter team, Chris and Megan Shook, want to help. In Beauty Begins, they explore the origins of beauty (hint, it didn’t start with a fashion magazine) and challenge each of us to trade the pressure of perfection for God's perfect love.

Poignant, relevant, and relatable, Beauty Begins is for every woman who wants to reclaim what it means to be truly beautiful.

Do you feel beautiful?
 
When you look in the mirror, what do you see? Others may tell you that you’re beautiful, but do you believe them? Why not? Don’t let another day go by without believing and knowing that you are fearfully and wonderfully made.
It’s time for you to exchange society’s cookie-cutter suggestions for what is beautiful and instead discover and reclaim what true beauty looks like – and the One who created it.
In Beauty Begins, Chris and Megan Shook share with you their own experiences and struggles with appearance and body image, as well as equip you with the wisdom to distinguish what’s artificial beauty and what’s real. Filled with heartfelt encouragement, insightful challenges, and undeniable truth, after reading Beauty Begins, you’ll never look in the mirror the same way again.