Starting at the Finish Line: The Gospel of Grace for Mormons by John B Wallace

Starting at the Finish Line: the gospel of grace for Mormons by John B Wallace
“Christianity is the only religion (although I hate to use that word) that starts at the finish line. Salvation is guaranteed up front! And every bit of obedience and good work flows from that salvation as opposed to the LDS teaching, which is that obedience and good works are necessary for salvation.”

This book by former Mormon John Wallace is really wonderful. Coming from his background as an extremely religious Latter-Day Saint, he especially excels in expounding the gospel for Mormons. On the other hand I was able to benefit greatly from this well-written and Biblically-sound book. First, I thought this book provided a very good explanation of the beliefs of Mormonism. John Wallace writes bravely and passionately, yet the reader will find that he has love for his former people, just as the apostle Paul felt love and longing for his people the Jews to come to saving faith.
On page 97, he writes, “The fact is, you have never been righteous, and you never will be, not when held up to the standard of God’s righteousness. I know, tough love, but it’s true.''
    On a personal note, the author is so on fire with faith that most of the book was wonderful for me, raised in the Christian faith to read! The author shared so many convicting portions. I do recommend this book for any readers! I think re-reading a Biblically-sound explanation of the gospel is important for all believers.
Lastly, I did disagree with some points the author made concerning the doctrine of salvation. But nothing big enough to mar the remainder of my reading of the book.

About the author:
Dr. John Wallace was an active member of the LDS church for two decades but in the last twenty years has come to see the beauty of simply being a follower of Jesus Christ.  A practicing dentist in Southern California, John is also director of Singles Ministry at his home church, Calvary Chapel Westgrove.  Reaching out to transitioning Mormons remains the primary focus of his personal ministry.

Read more reviews about this book here! Specifically, here is a really well-written review which I enjoyed reading and agree with.

Review of Knockout Knits by Laura Nelkin

 
As an avid knitter inheriting my love for this craft from my Irish grandmother, I am always intrigued by books full of ideas and patterns for beautiful creations.
Knockout Knits is a lovely paperback book devoted to new and unique patterns for accessories. Every pattern in the book would make a delightful gift; I am so excited to start sharing these warm expressions of love with my family and friends. The author is especially talented in creating lacy patterns. The book is full of instructions for hats, gloves, leg warmers, light-weight shawls and more. The photographs make the reader excited to try the patterns. The clothing is depicted in pretty spring-toned shades. As an aside, with the colors the knits are shown completed in along with the light-weight look of the shawls, I would say these accessories are perfect for springtime. 
I suppose I would call myself an intermediate/advanced knitter and I found these instructions and ideas do-able! So excited about this lovely book. 
I was pleased to receive this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.



More about the book....
An abundance of knitted luxuries--summery lace shawls, warm and woolly hats, a trio of cool knitted bracelets, and stunning beaded gloves--designed to grow your skills.

Who doesn't love to knit accessories? They're fast, often require only a skein or two of yarn, and make amazingly versatile gifts for friends and family. Small knits are also the perfect way to try something new--an unusual stitch pattern, wild multi-colored yarn, or even a touch of sparkle. Laura Nelkin is well-known for designing these fun-to-knit little projects introducing her students and fans to advanced techniques with her signature "You can do it!" enthusiasm. In her first book, she shares her 3 favorite types of knitting using wrapped stitches, lacework, and beads. Each chapter begins with a quick knitted cuff to lay the foundations, then gradually ramps up to more complicated designs. The result is an all-new collection of wearable, feminine knits with a slightly rustic aesthetic. Give them as gifts, stockpile for a chilly day, or dress up a casual outfit--these are knockout projects to enjoy knitting again and again.

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Review of Promises for God's Princesses

                                                   Promises for God's Princesses

   Having younger sisters, I was looking forward to this book from Tyndale publishers! I read through the entire book quite quickly and was pleased at the absence of shallow content. Too often in books for young believers, Christian values and doctrines are so weak they hardly exist. This book has the perfect balance, I think. It presents important lessons and things for young girls to ponder, yet the page-long devotions will not go over their heads. I gave it to my 8-year old sister to read. It would be good for older girls as well, but some of the references are younger and best for...ages 7-10 I would say!
   Of course if your daughter (or younger sister!) isn't saved, be sure to carefully explain to her that although she is created in God's image, she is not His princess yet. Therefore, she shouldn't take for granted that every promise and assuring word is meant for her as an unredeemed little girl! Nevertheless, I would still recommend this book for all readers, no matter what their Spiritual state. This book could even be the means to draw your young reader to Christ!
Every chapter/devotion begins with a verse and the following text explains or draws from that Bible verse.
A very good book which would also be helpful in training little girls to continue doing daily devotions!

I received a copy of this book from the publishers in exchange for my honest review.

This gift book for young girls is the perfect next step in the Tyndale princess line. As young girls grow and leave behind some of the fully illustrated picture books, they still want to feel special, and they still need to know they are loved as God’s daughters. This is the book to share with them. This devotional book is full of Scriptures about God’s love, protection, and promises. The book’s 100 devotions tie in the Scriptures to help young girls apply them to their lives. This diary-style book will attract the growing girl while still making her feel like a princess, a special child of God.

Review of book Gospel Assurance and Warnings by Paul Washer

Gospel Assurance and Warnings by Paul Washer


This third book in the author's 'Recovering the Gospel' series is full of Biblically-sound truths! Chapter after chapter, I was amazed at the soundness and depth of doctrine. This book covers the entire doctrine of salvation, making it a must-read for all. Whether an unbeliever or a saved person, and whatever point you might be in in your seeking salvation, or living out your faith, this book is important to read.  As many know, Paul Washer is a wonderful evangelist. He understands the true doctrine of saving faith, and he also shows Jesus' love to people!
I quote the author:
''How is it impossible for a person to have an encounter with even the smallest vehicle without being dramatically changed, and yet it is possible to have an encounter with the living God without even so much as a dent or a paint scrape on a person's character? How is it that so many people claim to have had an encounter with God, yet show so little evidence to back their claim?'' (chapt. 18)

Personally, this was one of the most impacting (no pun intended) quotes from Paul Washer. This goes for those in conservative groups as well! And you can't blame everything on ''sanctification''. I encourage everyone to examine his heart while reading this book. 

Another example of the wisdom this book is full of...
   Christianity is not about us trying to be something that we are not. Although doing righteousness is still contrary to our fallen flesh, it is not contrary to our new natures or adverse to our affections. (Galatians 5:17) We are new creations, recreated in the image of God in our true righteousness and holiness. We do righteousness because we love righteousness and loathe ourselves when we deviate from it. Although our complete transformation will be consummated at the resurrection, it began on the day of our conversion. Through the new birth, we became new creatures in the fullest sense of the term. 2 Corinthians 5:17
Paul Washer in Gospel Assurance and Warnings chapter 18

   I hate to be even slightly negative about such a fundamental work, but I will warn you that it takes some time to get through. Personally, I felt like each chapter could have been published as a separate book! That is how thorough Gospel Assurance and Warnings is.
In short, this book is a wonderful book for any individual or family. I suggest reading each chapter slowly, taking time to really meditate on the Biblical truths contained. Everything in this book is based completely on the Bible. Paul Washer doesn't add his own opinions or unusual ideas.

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

The New Indian Slow Cooker- a cookbook by Neela Paniz

Welcome to a new method of creating your favourite Indian dishes! I love Indian food and was excited to get this book. Although I don't mind spending hours creating the authentic meals of that country, I knew it would be useful to know how to assemble them faster and with less supervision and kitchen clean-up!
This is a large but thin paperback cookbook. In the tradition of Ten Speed Press, the tasty recipes are accentuated by beautiful and appealing photographs of the meals. There are about 60 recipes, along with recipes on the unique spice mixtures which make Indian cuisine so enticing! This is a wonderful first step to learning Indian cuisine. I recommend it!

The newest book in Ten Speed's best-selling slow cooker series, featuring more than 60 fix-it-and-forget-it recipes for Indian favorites. 

The rich and complex flavors of classic Indian dishes like Lamb Biryani, Palak Paneer, and chicken in a creamy tomato-butter sauce can take hours to develop through such techniques as extended braising and low simmering. In The New Indian Slow Cooker, veteran cooking teacher and chef Neela Paniz revolutionizes the long, slow approach to making Indian cuisine by rethinking its traditional recipes for the slow cooker.

She showcases the best regional curries, dals made with lentils and beans, vegetable and rice sides, as well as key accompaniments like chutneys, flatbreads, raita, and fresh Indian cheese. Using this fix-it-and-forget-it approach, you can produce complete and authentic Indian meals that taste like they came from Mumbai, New Delhi, and Bangalore, or your favorite Indian restaurant.

Featuring both classic and innovative recipes such as Pork Vindaloo, Kashmiri Potato Curry, Date and Tamarind Chutney, and Curried Chickpeas, these full-flavor, no-fuss dishes are perfect for busy cooks any day of the week

Book review of ''Joyful'' by Shelley Shepherd Gray

 Joyful by Shelley Shepherd Gray
Here I am reviewing another Amish fiction story! My knowledge of Amish romances is not the best; I have only read The Guardian by Beverly Lewis, Forever Amish by Kate Lloyd and perhaps a couple more.
In this third novel in author Shelley Shepard Gray's Sugarcreek series, Amish girl Elizabeth Nolt must face unexpected changes to her supposedly perfect future! The book begins with Elizabeth's beau Randall Beiler announcing his devastating decision to Elizabeth that their courtship cease as he believes his young siblings are his priority. Follow Elizabeth through the book as she learns to deal with her emotions- even in the most unusual circumstances. Time after time she and Randall are thrown together in different situations and both must learn to cope with their emotions. They must learn to quell their interest in each other- or should they? Perhaps they were meant for each other after all?
The author is well-known for her Amish romances. She has received honor from the NYTimes and USAToday
  Now comes my personal opinion of the book. To be honest, I did not think it spectacular. The story was weak. I couldn't sympathize with the heroine, and I felt like the whole book was a waste of time since it starts with the couple's relationship being broken, but almost straightaway they come into contact with eachother. In one way, that is realistic since they lived in a close-knit Amish community.
I think the author made a serious blunder in the substories included in this book. Every few chapters focuses on characters other than Elizabeth and Randall, leaving the reader confused. I am hoping the author plans on incorporating those characters into her future books in the series, because I didn't think they helped this book flow.
Speaking of these characters, I didn't care for the restaurant owner ''Pippa'' who finds love in her ex-husband's best friend. Odd twist to include in an Amish story, even if ''Pippa'' isn't Amish.
This book just lacked point. The main characters do learn lessons about pride and such but they are vague lessons which don't stick with the reader after she has finished the book.
This book doesn't hold a candle to Beverly Lewis's works!

I was given a free copy of this book by the publisher and expected to state my honest opinion, whether positive or negative. 

Don't miss Shelley Shepard Gray's newest book in the Return to Sugarcreek series, Joyful. USA Today raved: "A sweet, straightforward story about how love can be tested by family, faith, and personal insecurity. Enjoyable and heartwarming."

Click the banner for a chance to win books 1-3 in Shelley's Return to Sugarcreek series! 
Winner announced on Shelley's blog on 9/30.

The VB6 Cookbook- a review

The VB6 Cookbook by Mark Bittman
   This is an interesting cookbook published by Potter.
   As Mark Bittman makes a point in the preface, the VB6 (Vegan before 6, meaning keeping all meals before 6 pm. light and easy on the body) method is not simply a new diet. Instead of being just another diet to try for a month and then discard, the VB6 method is a lifestyle. A lifestyle to help you find your maximum vitality!
   I thought the recipes very fresh, tasty and interesting. Nothing boring about Mark Bittman's style of vegetarian! I loved how eating vegetarian isn't his...idol. He allows himself a real meal for dinner, and occasionally even allows himself a big breakfast as a treat! That reminds me of my eating lifestyle. Now, personally I don't agree with eating vegetarian. What Mark Bittman has overlooked is that meats, dairy and nuts are high in necessary nutrients for our bodies! We were meant to be omnivores. On the other hand, we rarely get enough vegetables into our diet so I appreciate all the vibrant and delicious recipes provided in this book! Although I include meat in my diet on purpose, I don't eat it at every meal and sometimes I do purposely decide on a vegetarian cleanse, therefore I am excited that this book includes such recipes as ''eggplant meatballs''.
To conclude, although I don't agree with the VB6 lifestyle, most of the recipes in this book are great for me, and that means anyone who wants more creativity in the realm of vegetables!

Biography

Mark Bittman is one of the country's best-known, most widely respected food writers. His How to Cook Everything books, with one million copies in print, are a mainstay of the modern kitchen. Bittman writes for the Opinion section of the New York Times on food policy and cooking and is a columnist for the New York Times magazine. He is regularly featured on the Today Show in How To Cook Everything Today cooking segments. For 13 years he wrote "The Minimalist" column and now a "Minimalist" cooking show is featured on the Cooking Channel. The How to Cook Everything series is highly respected: the first edition of the flagship book How to Cook Everything won both the IACP and James Beard Awards, and How to Cook Everything Vegetarian won the 2008 IACP award. He is also the author of Food Matters, Food Matters Cookbook, Fish, and Leafy Greens.