"Pippi Longstocking"

by Astrid Lindgren, YR, 1950, 160p, rating=3.5

"Pippi is an irrepressible, irreverent, and irrefutably delightful girl who lives alone (with a monkey) in her wacky house, Villa Villekulla. When she's not dancing with the burglars who were just trying to rob her house, she's attempting to learn the "pluttification" tables at school; fighting Adolf, the strongest man in the world at the circus; or playing tag with police officers. Pippi's high-spirited, good-natured hijinks cause as much trouble as fun, but a more generous child you won't find anywhere." (Goodreads)

I wanted to read a fun book and out of the blue Pippi came to mind.  I recall what joy it was to watch her on TV, so I figured I'd read the book for nostalgia.  Sure enough, the read brought me back to the wacky adventures of Pippi and her friends.  Fun times.

Yes, Pippilotta Delicatessa Windowshade Mackrelmint Efraim's Daughter Longstocking's not the best role model ...being unruly and such, but that's part of her charm and not the point (to glorify unruliness).  To me, she represents the adventurous kid inside of us.  It's no wonder Tommy and Annika enjoys spending time with her; there's just no dull moment around Pippi.  A fantasy full of fun and experience awaits when you're with her.  Just for those moments, one gets to fly, seek, laugh, smile, and have fun!  Pippi, the classic supernatural kid. 

Though the read brought me back to the fun feelings, the writing did not vividly capture the glee that I found and treasured in the TV series.  Nonetheless, a fun read for novelty.

Tommy, Pippi, and Annika

(sidenote:  I saw myself as Annika)

Song:  "I am Pippi Longstocking, how I love my funny naaaame.  I am Pippi Longstocking, if you say it fast it's fuuunny! ..."  Now this song is stuck in my head! LOL.

"Safe Haven"

by Nicholas Sparks, AF, 2010, 340p, rating=3
**SPOILER ALERT**

"When a mysterious young woman named Katie appears in the small North Carolina town of Southport, her sudden arrival raises questions about her past. Beautiful yet self-effacing, Katie seems determined to avoid forming personal ties until a series of events draws her into two reluctant relationships: one with Alex, a widowed store owner with a kind heart and two young children; and another with her plainspoken single neighbor, Jo. Despite her reservations, Katie slowly begins to let down her guard, putting down roots in the close-knit community and becoming increasingly attached to Alex and his family.  But even as Katie begins to fall in love, she struggles with the dark secret that still haunts and terrifies her . . . a past that set her on a fearful, shattering journey across the country, to the sheltered oasis of Southport. With Jo's empathic and stubborn support, Katie eventually realizes that she must choose between a life of transient safety and one of riskier rewards . . . and that in the darkest hour, love is the only true safe haven." (book's synopsis)

This was J. Lo's Enough meets Bruce Willis's The Sixth Sense.  A weird combination but the suspense factor (last 80 pages or so) got you through it.  At that point I wanted the ending to be a happy one or I'd go nuts!!  Let's just say that the ending involved saving the taxpayers some money.

Stories involving battered women is a hard topic for me.  It ruffles my feathers!  So this was a book that I had to read slowly.  That said, I felt for Erin (aka Katie).  I loathed Kevin, the abusive husband.  I cheered Erin's courage to escape Kevin.  I was glad Katie met Alex and the kids.  I was happy that there was an end to the nightmare.  Everything in between was unrefined but the account of a woman making it through such a horrendous ordeal was a defining moment.

It breaks my heart to know that women go through such torment.  It breaks my heart ...

Pondering the Scriptures Sunday #20

My three kids have been sick for the past couple of days ...yes, all three!  Usually, it gets passed around one at a time but that's not the case this time.  My two oldest is pretty much close to full recovery.  My youngest though is still suffering ... poor little guy.  I'm guessing it's some sort of the stomach flu.  That said, I've got sickness on my mind and so it shall be our topic of the day.

"Is any sick among you?  let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:  And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.  Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed.  The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."  James 5:14-16

I kid you not ... my son just threw up again!!  So I gotta go ..more baths, clean ups, and laundry!  ~Keep this scripture in mind ... it goes beyond physical sickness ...

What scripture verse(s) are you pondering about?

"Mermaid"

by Carolyn Turgeon, AF, 2011, 240p, rating=2.5

"Princess Margrethe has been hidden away while her kingdom is at war. One gloomy, windswept morning as she stands in a convent garden overlooking the icy sea, she witnesses a miracle: a glittering mermaid emerging from the waves, a nearly drowned man in her arms. By the time Margrethe reaches the shore, the mermaid has disappeared into the sea. As Margrethe nurses the handsome stranger back to health, she learns that not only is he a prince, he is also the son of her father's greatest rival. Sure that the mermaid brought this man to her for a reason, Margrethe devises a plan to bring peace to her kingdom.  Meanwhile, the mermaid princess Lenia longs to return to the human man she carried to safety. She is willing to trade her home, her voice, and even her health for legs and the chance to win his heart…" (book's blurb)

The beginning was interesting, the middle sensual with a little bit of darkness, and the end was a sappy twist!  I like this kind of fantasy/supernatural character oppose to demons, werewolves, vampires and such... for now.  Mermaids are softer and I could use a bit of fluffy read right now. 

I understand that this is a modern twist on Hans Christian Andersen's The Little Mermaid.  I haven't read that book yet but from Googling, I see the twists.  Generally, Turgeon's mermaid is older (18yo, oppose to 15yo) so she did adult things, hence this book has adult content.  In movie talk, I'd say a rated PG13 as written but with imagination it could be rated R.  I guess I do have some imagination so this read got pretty edgy for me!  And oh, of course this version is a far cry from Disney's animation adaptation.

The fairy tale story was interesting but I can't help but feel that this was like a film adaptation of the original Andersen book and the book version of course was much better. 

"Demon Glass"

by Rachel Hawkins, YA, 2011, 359p, rating=2.5

"That was the whole reason she was sent to Hex Hall, a reform school for delinquent Prodigium (aka witches, shapeshifters, and fairies). But that was before she discovered the family secret, and that her hot crush, Archer Cross, is an agent for The Eye, a group bent on wiping Prodigium off the face of the earth. Turns out, Sophie’s a demon, one of only two in the world—the other being her father. What’s worse, she has powers that threaten the lives of everyone she loves. Which is precisely why Sophie decides she must go to London for the Removal, a dangerous procedure that will destroy her powers. But once Sophie arrives she makes a shocking discovery. Her new friends? They’re demons too. Meaning someone is raising them in secret with creepy plans to use their powers, and probably not for good. Meanwhile, The Eye is set on hunting Sophie down, and they’re using Archer to do it. But it’s not like she has feelings for him anymore. Does she?" (book's blurb)

Okay guys, don't throw things at me.  I didn't find this book fascinating.  The pacing was slow and so was the action scenes.  I also wasn't crazy about the love triangle angle.  This just felt like another twist on Twilight ... poorly done.

Something was lacking ... perhaps a better storyline or villain.  I don't know.  It was overall just an okay read.  I was somewhat entertained but not fulfilled.  On a side note, I love the cover!  Gorgeous.  :)

I must confess that I didn't realize that this was a sequel.  I have not read the first book, Hex Hall.  I'm not sure that would have made much of a difference.  As a stand alone book, I felt that there was too much emphasis on Sophia's sauciness instead of surrounding her with characters that didn't make her have to use so much sarcasm.  Again, I don't know ... this one just didn't captivate me. :(

I have Chime by Franny Billingsley on my reading list but I think I'm going to take a short break on my YA kick and read an adult fiction next.

Starstruck!

I feel like a teenager again!  I had an author visit me on Facebook, "like" my page there, read my review of her book here and became a follower here too.  I'm stoked!  I seriously feel giddy.  :)

So who is this author?  Ms. C. Lee McKenzie!!!  The author of Princes of Las Pulgas.  A meaningful YA book that I recently reviewed and enjoyed.  AAAHHHHHH!!!!  ~I know, she's not Mark Harmon or Jason Bateman ...but I'm starstruck nonetheless! :D

Thank you Ms. McKenzie for stoppin' by.

Nativate Californian C. Lee McKenzie has always been a writer.  But she's also been a university professor and administrator, and for five years, she wrote a newsletter for university professors.  Her fiction and nonfiction for young readers has appeared in the award-winning e-zine, Stories for Children, and Crow Toes Quarterly has published her ghostly tales.  When she isn't writing, Lee enjoys hiking in the Santa Cruz Mountains in Los Gatos, California.  Her first young adult novel, Sliding on the Edge, was also published by WestSide Books.

*Check out the author's website HERE.
*Read my review of her book Princess of Las Pulgas HERE.

Lucky Leprechaun Winners

Finally, I have the winners to the Lucky Leprechaun Giveaway Hop!! 

Using the services of Random.org:

Tollehed95:  Winner of Prize #1... choose $10 gift e-card to Amazon.com or up to $10 toward a book from Book Depository

and 

Chris (kissyjensen):  Winner of Prize #2 ...choose a book from my Book Swap list

The winners have been notified via e-mail.  They will have 48hrs to redeem their prize.

Thank you everyone for entering my giveaway!  I appreciate the follow!! 
You are awesome!!!  :)

Movie to book?

Last night my hubby and I watched the movie The Invention of Lying via DVD and a thought came to mind ... This would be an interesting book ...which led me to wonder... Are there books based on movies?  I'm a recent bookworm so I haven't come across any (I think) that was a movie first before the book. 

I'm curious ... does anyone know of any book that was a movie first?  If so, which ones and what are your thoughts on it.  Usually (speaking of book to movie), I find the book version better than it's film adaptation.  I'm curious how it is on the flip side.  ~Thanks.




Play the video for the blurb ... intriguing.  ~I would give this movie 3.5 stars.

Pondering the Scriptures Sunday #19

With the recent calamity in Japan, many offer rescue and aid.  It is in such times that charity is found it high spirits.  That in mind, today I have chosen to ponder ...

"Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity:  for God loveth a cheerful giver." 2 Corinthians 9:7

My sincere condolences to the families who lost their loved ones.  God bless you and those still seeking reunion with the missing.

**Forgive me readers. My timidness gets the better of me and do not offer to ask what you are pondering about.  So now I solicit your thoughts and invite you to post a Pondering the Scripture Sunday meme of your own or replying to the scripture being pondered here.  If you do, please leave me a link in the comment so that I may have a look.  ~Thank you.  :)

Brief reviews: Death of a Salesman; Skin

Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller, AF, 1949, 139p, rating=3
Penguin Play edition

"The tragedy of a typical American--a salesman who at the age of 63 is faced with what he cannot face: defeat and disillusionment." (Goodreads)

The inner workings of the Loman family relationship was intriguing here ...old fashion, endearing, and frustrating.  There's a social class moral going on about the American dream ...will you really go far if you work hard?

by Ted Dekker, AF, 2007, audio CDs, 11.5hrs, rating=3

"A freak storm has spawned three tornados that are bearing down on the town of Summerville. Yet under the cover of the storm looms a much more ominous threat: A vindictive killer known as Red who’s left a string of victims in his wake and is now bent on exacting his final revenge on the unsuspecting town. But there is an enigma surrounding Red that the FBI is unwilling to admit—closely guarded secrets of something gone terribly wrong beneath the skin of Summerville. Secrets that will destroy far more than one small town. Wendy Davidson is caught in the middle. She’s a recovering cult survivor who takes refuge in Summerville on her way to visit her estranged mother. And with her, four strangers, any one of whom could be the next victim..." (CD blurb)

Listening to this over a two week period may not have been a great idea.  I think I missed the heart pounding effect it would have had, had I read it.  Nonetheless, I still sensed the twisty thriller that I'm becoming aware of Mr. Dekker's writing.  This one played on the core of reality and beauty.  It was a bit psychologically gory for me though.  And I'm not sure about the ending too ... I want a definite game over!  ~BTW, I will get to the highly recommended Dekker book, Blink. some day ...I just keep forgetting to check it out when I'm at the library!! :)

"Clarity"

by Kim Harrington, YA, 2011, 242p, rating=4.5

"Clarity "Clare" Fern sees things. Things no one else can see. Things like stolen kisses and long-buried secrets. All she has to do is touch a certain object, and the visions come to her. It's a gift. And a curse. When a teenage girl is found murdered, Clare's ex-boyfriend wants her to help solve the case--but Clare is still furious at the cheating jerk. Then Clare's brother--who has supernatural gifts of his own--becomes the prime suspect, and Clare can no longer look away. Teaming up with Gabriel, the smoldering son of the new detective, Clare must venture into the depths of fear, revenge, and lust in order to track the killer. But will her sight fail her just when she needs it most?" (book's blurb)

Being busy lately with real life affairs, my reading time was sacrificed.  So, it's been difficult to get through a book.  I'm glad I stumbled into this one because it was just the right light and entertaining read I needed for a relaxing break.  It had a nice balance of mystery and romance.  The light whodunit aspect was a wonderful surprise. The simple prose, the enthralling storyline, and the captivating characters made this a seductive read. It was quick, refreshing, and packed a spellbinding effect. The ending rounded the book well and gave enough appeal for the sequel. It wasn't the kind of cliff hanger that left you angry at the author for potentially waiting a year for the continuation ... I was satisfied but eager enough to await for what's next. 

Team Justin or Team Gabriel? ...As you know, I've been burned out with love triangles, but surprisingly I liked the conceptional and the developing Clare-Justin-Gabriel love interest here.  Their relationships were merely sweet.  Really looking forward to the follow-up in book #2.

This debut book gets a thumb's up vote from me!  Yeay, for fun YA books!! 

Lucky Leprechaun Giveaway Hop

Welcome and Happy St. Patrick's Day!!

Much thanks to BCM and IaaR,NaW for hosting this fun event.

Now on with the contest!

I have two prizes (one winner for each prize) up for grabs:

Prize #1 (choose):

A $10 gift e-card to Amazon.com

OR

up to $10 towards a book from The Book Depository

(Be sure that they deliver to your country)

Prize #2 (for US mailing address only):
Your choice of a book from my list of Books for Swap page. ~Here's a few examples:

RULES/INFO:
1.  To enter, you must be a public GFC or Facebook follower and fill out the entry form below.
2.  Filling out the form enters you for prize #1.
3.  You will have the option to enter prize #2 if you so desire and have a US address.
4.  Follow Books That Tug The Heart on Facebook for 2 extra entries.
5.  Contest ends 3/20/11 and winners will be announced 3/22/11.
6.  Winners will have 48hrs to redeem their prize or else the runner up will take his/her place.

Thank you for the follow and good luck!!

Now, head on over to the list of fabulous bloggers participating in this Giveaway Hop, HERE.

Pondering the Scriptures Sunday #18

If you stand for something you believe in, you are being true to yourself.  If you stand for Christ, you are standing in righteousness and blessed by God.

Let's take a look at reproach today.  ~Here are some scriptures on the subject:

• If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you:  on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.  1 Peter 4:14
• Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings.  Isaiah 51:7
• Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man:  thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.  Psalm 31:20
• And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake:  but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.  Matthew 10:22

"The Princess of Las Pulgas"

by C. Lee McKenzie, YA, 2010, 348p, rating=4

"After her father's slow death from cancer, Carlie's mother is forced to sell their cherished oceanfront home and move the family to the other side of the tracks--to dreaded Las Pulgas.  At her tough new urban high school, Carlie is nicknamed "Princess" because of her aloof attitude.  But what her classmates don't know is that Carlie isn't aloof; she's in mourning for her father and almost everything else that mattered to her.  Meanwhile, her younger brother Keith becomes angrier and more sullen by the day, and even their cat Quicken goes missing, sending Carlie and Keith on a search for her in the hidden orchard beside their seedy garden apartment complex.  They're met by a rifle-toting cowboy who ejects them at gunpoint from his property.  But when Carlie finds him in the kitchen having coffee with their mom the next day, having found and returned the cat, she begins to realize that in Las Pulgas, nothing is what it seems."  (book's blurb)

The grabbing opening line, Last night I pleaded with Death, but he turned a bony back to me, pushed Hope into the corridor and shut the door.  Now here's a YA that has meaning!  Right from the beginning you knew you were in for a conflict of the heart.  A story of bereavement but more about the gain in the long run.  A careful, soft portrayal of a grieving family's process of loss.  Incorporate a story with culture shock, Othello, and stereotypes and you've got yourself a book that didn't dwell on the grief but rather emphasized on growth and moving forward ...but never forgetting the pain of loss.  A moving read.  Beautifully crafted. 

The cast of characters was awesome.  Each brought substance to the plate.  Their predictability worked for me here.  I liked the classic lesson of not judging by appearance.  I especially enjoyed the lessons of sacrifice, perseverance, and friendship.  Hooray for characters with tenor!  Well done, Ms. McKenzie.

I'm glad I won this book.  Thank you Brandi @Blkosiner's Book Blog for holding the contest.  I had really wanted to win this one.  The title tickled my curiosity (Las Pulgas means fleas in Spanish) and the blurb along with your review gave added interest.

"Across the Universe"

by Beth Revis, YA, 2011, 398p, rating=3

"Amy and her parents believe they will wake on a new planet, Centauri-Earth, three hundred years in the future.  But fifty years before Godspeed's scheduled landing, cryo chamber 42 is mysteriously unplugged, and Amy is violently woken from her frozen slumber.  Someone tried to murder her.  Now, Amy is caught inside a tiny world where nothing makes sense.  Godspeed's 2,312 passengers have forfeited all control to Eldest, a tyrannical and frightening leader.  And Elder, Eldest's rebellious teenage heir, is both fascinated with Amy and eager to discover whether he has what it takes to lead.  Amy desperately wants to trust Elder.  But should she put her faith in a boy who has never seen life outside the ship's cold metal walls?  All Amy know is that she and Elder must race to unlock Godspeed's hidden secrets before whoever woke her tries to kill again." (book's blurb)

This had the potential to be a very frexing, brilly book but I was a chuntz and fell for the hype!  Okay, I had to do it.  In trying to be clean and teenage-hip in language these words in the book just got childish and annoying.  Oddly enough, in general this book was a page turner.  I got sucked into the plot and wanted to see it through.  Yet, as fascinating as it was it left me empty.  I was floored because the suspense, the dystopian angle, and the budding romance were enticing so I was expecting a wow ending. But by book's end, Nada!  I can't find the words to describe it.  Something was missing.  What comes to mind is lack of depth and meaning.  It didn't even give me the feeling of being left hanging and anxiety for the sequel.  I was sorely disappointed.  I hope the next book makes up for it.

I was generous with the rating because for an almost 400 page book, it was quick and entertaining for the moment's read.

P.S.  I actually won a copy of this book from Kristin @Beneath Shining Stars last December but I can't seem to find it, so this is a library borrowed book.

Brief reviews: The Whipping Boy, The 6th Target, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

The Whipping Boy by Sid Fleischman, YR, 1986, 90p, rating=3.5
Newbery Award Winner

Interesting tidbit that there was such a thing as a "whipping boy", someone taking the whipping for someone else.  In this book, Jemmy is the whipping boy for the royal heir, Prince Horace (aka Prince Brat).  So if the Prince acts up, which he often does, Jemmy gets the punishment ...boy, that'll teach the prince! (being sarcastic here).  Anyway, during the runaway adventure the boys learn about friendship and other things.  Like, although Prince Brat can be a dunce, he ends up having a tough skin afterall and Jemmy probably didn't have it that badly since he did end up learning to read and write ...not too shabby for a once orphaned rat catcher.  An overall good young reader book.

The 6th Target by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro, AF, 2007, Playaway audio, 8.25hrs, rating=2.5
(The Women's Murder Club, Book #6)

I should actually start this series in order then maybe I'll like it better!  Oh well, I'm looking at it as a stand alone and it's alright.  The separate cases again tie up and that's pretty cool.  The love story part just didn't satisfy me.  Either Mr. Patterson needs to get with a die hard romance writer and really spice it up or eliminate the love angle all together.  ~Sorry Mr. Patterson, this one didn't wow me, but I did enjoy the 9th book.  :)

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving, YR, 1820, 105p, rating=3

I'm not sure what I was expecting but I was a bit disappointed.  Although I don't remember much of the TV versions of this book (probably because the thought of a headless man scares the heck out of me!), I thought it'd be more exciting.  Still, excellent writing of its time and the book wasn't scary ... which is a plus for me!  ~Hmmm, so what did happen to Ichabod Crane?  I think he was like Zorro in training... hiding out until he gets the knack for becoming the next headless horseman.  ~BTW, I haven't seen the Johnny Depp movie version ...hmmm, that man's quite an eye candy ...I'll have to check it out sometime. :)))

Pondering the Scriptures Sunday #17

Today's scripture is found in Proverbs 22:6:

"Train up a child in the way he should go:  and when he is old, he will not depart from it."

Notice the writer used the word train.  According to Webster Dictionary it means:  to form by instruction, discipline, or drill; to teach so as to make fit, qualified, or proficient.  One has described the difference between teaching and training ... "Teaching is causing the child to understand, training is causing the child to do."  Hence, what we train our children will be the future.  ~Elder Gordon B. Hinckley, then a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, said it best: "It is so obvious that the great good and the terrible evil in the world today are the sweet and the bitter fruits of the rearing of yesterday's children.  As we train a new generation, so will the world be in a few years.  If you are worried about the future, then look to the upbringing of your children." (1978)

"The Pearl"

by John Steinbeck, AF, 1945, 90, rating=3
**SPOILER ALERT**

"Like his father and grandfather before him, Kino is a poor diver, gathering pearls from the Gulf beds that once brought great wealth to the Kings of Spain and now provide Kino, Juana, and their infant son with meager subsistence.  Then, on a day like any other, Kino emerges from the sea with a pearl as large as a sea gull's egg, as "perfect as the moon."  With the pearl comes hope, the promise of comfort and of security ..." (book's blurb)

This is the saddest book ever!! ...ever I've read so far.  So bleak and tragic!!  Reminded me of Cormac McCarthy's The Road but this one I couldn't stomach.  Literary wise it was poetic and well written, but I just couldn't get pass the tragedy.  It began in a sad tone and it didn't let up.  I saw a moral lesson coming but the end just threw me for a loop.  I was expecting a happy ending and needless to say it was not. 

Based on a Mexican folk tale, this book provides a good source for dissecting man's nature.  I was able to feel sadness, anger, disgust, love, and pain.  Unfortunately, it was too much of a downer for my taste.  In essence, greed equals trouble!  BIG trouble!!  There, you've read the book so spare yourself a heartache.

**On a happier note:  HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY MOMMY!!  I LOVE YOU MOM!  YOU'RE THE BEST!!

"Battle Ready Moms Raising Battle Ready Kids"

by Reba Bowman, non-fiction, 2009, 212p, rating=3.5

"Mom, you are in a war for the lives of your children. The enemy is real and deceptive, and his weapons are varied. If your children are going to become the men and women that you want them to be, you must take this battle seriously and prepare to fight. Battle-Ready Moms Raising Battle-Ready Kids equips mothers with the weapons they need to fight for the spiritual survival of their children. You'll learn • Why your role as mom is critically important to the well-being of your children • How to encourage good choices through connection, not rules alone • How to build character and nurture individuality • How to guide both girls and boys from infancy to young adulthood. Using Bible-based wisdom and experience-based advice, Reba Bowman challenges you to become the best mom you can be -- because the destiny of your children depends on it." (book's blurb)

I was attracted to the title but after seeing the title description A Biblical Strategy for Confident Parenting and reading the blurb, I sat on it for awhile.  I just wasn't up for something heavy.  Well, I finally got to it and it is definitely a Christian book.  God and scriptures were heavily mentioned.  Rightly so since Ms. Bowman was outlining how to raise children in God's influence.

I didn't get into this book until Chapter 5, which happened to be where the analogy of the military began to set in for me.  It was an excellent way to shape the book's substance.  The military has guidelines in training its soldiers to come out of a battle successfully, so as this book's point that God has also provided the guidelines to come out of Satan's grasp well, particularly as it relates to raising children.

This was a fine line on being preachy.  But even with the abundance of Christian language, it didn't give the hell fire tone.  Ms. Bowman was sincere in her words to reach out and offer her knowledge.  And she did so in an orderly and specific manner. 

Being under the umbrella of a Christian faith, I followed this book well.  So much so that it was not like I was generally learning anything new but was getting a refresher course.  Definitely nothing wrong with that!  Hearing something more than once is an excellent way of really sinking in a concept.  And this book has many potential Ah ha! moments for parents.  So if you're a parent who wants to raise your child(ren) in God's influence, then read this book and you might find the Ah ha! moment you've been looking for.

Books I Reviewed

A picture collage of books I reviewed in January and February of 2011.  This does not include toddler/picture books:

• Fancy Nancy and the Fabulous Boutique
• My Mommy Hung the Moon
• Too Many Toys
• Twinkle: Star of the Week

Top favorites:

• After the Last PR
• Anne of Green Gables
• Thr3e