I love to read. I am trying to bestow and teach (have my love of reading rub off on) my children to love reading also. We love visiting our local library to check out new books to read, explore, and learn. I am trying to make more time for me in quiet time… reading. This week I have checked out a few books from my local library, purchased from Amazon, and even am reviewing a few.
I am an eclectic type of person and a bit A.D.D. when it comes to focusing on one thing at a time. I currently am reading five different books with different topics. Ha! But it works for me. I get to a slow spot, I put my book down and pick up one of my other books to read, peruse and learn from.
With the warmer weather, the boys have been playing outside more (Yay!) and we have even ventured to the beach (lake) a few times. These precious quiet times (for me) have resulted in me being able to sit and read… and relax. I know these are few and far between and I am enjoying these precious quiet moments.
Here are five books that I am currently reading and enjoying. If you are looking for a new book to read you should check out any of these books!
The Good, The Bad, and the Grace of God
A Moving Story of Redemption and Second Chances
Jep Robertson, the youngest son of Duck Commander Phil Robertson, and his wife, Jessica, open up about their personal trials, their early years together, and the challenges that might have destroyed them both had the grace of God not intervened. Jep describes being molested as a child and his reluctance to tell anyone until only a few years ago, his downward spiral into drug and alcohol abuse, and the eventual intervention of his family. Jessica shares about the difficult failure of her first marriage while still a teenager and the hurt that came along with it, much of it from the church. Her insecurities spun out of control as she wondered whether she would ever be good enough or pretty enough. This book is their love story but, more importantly, their love story for God.
“We are desperate to let people know that no matter what you’ve done; no matter what you’ve lived through, you can come out of it. You can be washed clean. You are redeemed.”
I am reading this through a review through NetGalley and reading on my kindle. It is a super quick and easy read. The writing is very conversational in nature, almost as if you are sitting across from Jep and Jessica discussing their testimony (past) over coffee. I love a good inspirational read where broken, imperfect people overcome and choose joy over their circumstances. If you are a fan of Duck Dynasty and the Robert’s family, this would be a great read to get a little more background on this super cute and real family.
Mama Needs a Do-Over
Dirty dishes overflow the sink. Your two youngest kids just began their third round of hand-to-hand combat today. And now the washing machine won’t start. Visions of putting a home-cooked meal in the oven while the family plays happily in the living room evaporate amid screaming, complaining, and slammed doors—and that’s not even counting what the children are doing.
Lisa Pennington knows what those days are like. And she knows that even in the hard times you can find immense joy. In Mama Needs a Do-Over, Lisa offers hopeful, practical ideas for resetting your family’s mood in the toughest moments. She also dives deep into your mother’s heart to show you the power you have to turn those challenges into gifts. A little fun, a new perspective, and a go-to list for those do-over days, and you might just find joy in all those dirty dishes after all!
The title alone is what intrigued me to want to read and review this book from Netgalley. How many times during my day do I think, say, or even yell… Mama needs a do over! This is such a cute and lighthearted book that a weary mama (me) can read to change her perspective on even the most frustrating circumstances. This is a quick and easy read with short chapters… perfect for the mama who is time crunched.
No More Excuses Diet
Don’t let excuses stop you from having a body and a life that you love!
We all know that we should exercise and eat right, so why is it so hard to follow through? We make excuses for why we aren’t taking better care of ourselves, saying things like, “I’m too tired,” “I don’t have time,” or “I’m just not built to look that way.” But Maria Kang, the mother of three behind the viral “What’s Your Excuse?” mom photos, is here to say that the excuses stop now.
The No More Excuses Diet combines short term goals with healthy habit-forming behaviors to create permanent lifestyle changes. Using a specially designed transformation calendar, readers set clear, personal goals and make an easy-to-follow plan for each day. The program uses a balanced diet of 30% carbs, 30% protein, 30% fats, and includes a 10% flexible portion that can be customized depending on your goals— whether it’s extra protein for building muscles, or a sugary treat at the end of the day. The No More Excuses Diet also provides a completely customizable workout guide, with over 50 illustrated exercises designed to build strength, flexibility, endurance, and to shed fat. The program also includes 7 weeks of worth of exercise programs that can be done at home with no extra equipment. Packed with meal plans, grocery lists, lots of encouragement and a clear plan of action, The No More Excuses Diet is a must-read book for anyone who is ready to bust through the excuses the hold them back and take their health and fitness to the next level.
I have met Maria a handful of times when I lived in Sacramento. She really is such a sweet and down to earth woman who has a passion for MOM’s to get healthy and be a positive role model for her children. This book is very similar to many fitness, weightloss, and exercise books on the market. The unique perspective she gives is from a Mother’s view. If you are willing to commit to her program: nutrition, exercises and mindset, you will find success with her No More Excuses Diet.
You’re Not the Boss of Me: Brat-Proofing your 4-12 year-old child
“Save me! My child is acting like a brat!”
What parent hasn’t thought her child was a brat at one point or another? Whether your child really is a brat, is at risk of becoming one, or is simply trying to grow up in a world filled with temptations and distractions, you’ll love this book! It’s the ultimate hands-on guide to cultivating character traits that are tried-and-true “bratbusters.” Full of no-nonsense, practical “Tips and Scripts,” You’re Not the Boss of Me offers just the help you need to deal with many of the more challenging behaviors typical of four- to twelve-year-olds. With Betsy Brown Braun’s humorous, supportive, and authoritative voice as a guide, navigating some of the most exasperating aspects of these formative years with confidence and laying the groundwork for your child’s future just got a whole lot easier!
It’s All Here—What to Say and Do to Help Your Child:
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Get Over the Gimmes
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Tell the Truth
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Be Self-Reliant
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Develop Empathy
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Show Gratitude
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Be Respectful
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Take Responsibility
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Be Independent
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Exercise Humor
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and Not Be Spoiled!
I will be honest. I am still reading and highlighting and bookmarking ALL OVER THIS BOOK! As a mom of three boys, there are days where I feel like I need an army (village!?) to help me raise my kids. This book is easy to read with well laid out chapters discussing topics for each age. I also like that there is no one-size fits all approach in this book… she gives multiple options because she knows that not every parent and child are the same. She shows respect for that difference in her suggestions.
Aroma Kitchen: Cooking with Essential Oils
The human tongue and palate know only five tastes; our nose complements this rather limited sense. Much of what we think we taste is actually derived from our sense of smell! Because the nose and mouth are connected, taste and smell work hand-in-hand to complete our eating experiences; incorporating scent, in the form of essential oils, is a logical way to optimize our meals without adding additional chemicals and fillers to our food.
The recipes in this book focus on using fresh, local (if possible) ingredients and scented essential oils to nourish your loved ones in a healthy and varied way. Included are the basics of essential oils, including recipes for creating your own spiced oils, vinegars, butters, salts, syrups, honey, and sugars. Easy-to-follow recipes for warm and cold appetizers, soups, main and side dishes, desserts, and drinks and cocktails will have you cooking with essential oils in no time! A tips and tricks section helps to eliminate any guesswork on the part of the home cook, and the authors include menu examples by occasion.
I am a newbie with essential oils and am enjoying learning and experimenting with them. I use essential oils with my family and in my home, but am new to using them in my kitchen. This book has opened up a world of new recipes and possibilities with my favorite oils! If you are wanting to explore and learn more about essential oils and how to use them in the kitchen… check out this book.
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Okay… that is enough from me. I am off to enjoy my kiddos and am looking forward to sneaking off to enjoy one of the above books mentioned later this afternoon. Thanks to Blogging for Books and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to review some of the books above.
Farrah says
Maria seems so sweet through her book–that’s so awesome that you’ve met her! :]
Rachel says
Thanks. Yes. She really is just a ‘regular’ Mama (of three cutie boys) who is passionate about Moms. 🙂