The Time Saving Mom by Crystal Paine

The Time Saving Mom by Crystal Paine teaches you how to juggle a lot, enjoy your life and accomplish what matters most. Crystal Paine is most well known for her blog on money saving tips. She has written several other books. Crystal is a very busy mom. She has much to do in her life, including care for a special needs child. This book does offer much insight, motivation, and wisdom. It is extremely simple which Crystal does share at the end of the book. I did find some things practical, but other things weren’t as practical as I would’ve liked. Personally, I would have liked a demonstration on using the Google Calendar that she recommends so much. I realize that something I can find easily. 

I did appreciate Crystal’s insight, concerning a stop doing list. I’ve never thought about writing out a list of things I would stop doing. Crystal also encourages you to step out and do the things you need to do as well as take personal responsibility for your life, your growth, and your actions. This book is definitely motivating and offers some practical tips along the way. I did find it very helpful. I was given a free copy from the publisher for my honest review, which I was happy to do. I highly recommend The Time Saving Mom by Crystal Paine.

The Maid of Ballymacool by Jennifer Deibel

The Maid of Ballymacool by Jennifer Deibel shares the story of Brianna Kelly who has grown up at the boarding school. She labors intensely all her days trapped in horrid circumstances. Brianna doesn’t know much about her past other than being dropped off at the boarding school with a locket around her neck. A locket she soon looses. The head of the boarding school, Magee, is downright mean to Brianna, but why? Enter Michael Wray who must go off to the boarding school to help with his younger cousin who is struggling. What neither Michael nor Brianna consider is the impact Michael’s visit will have. 

I simply could not put this book down! I was enthralled! It is an amazing read. Throughly enjoyable. I have appreciated Jennifer Deibel’s previous works and this does not disappoint. I do disgree with the first sentence on the back of the book. It states, "A slow-building..." Nope. This was not slow building at all. I thought it was excellent! I was given a free copy from the publisher for my honest review which I was happy to do. I highly recommend! Run to read this book.

The Gift of the Unexpected by Jillian Benefield

The Gift of the Unexpected is the story of a personal journey used to inspire so many. When Jillian was expecting her second child, she found out he has Down's Syndrome. Jillian takes you on her journey of the path that her, her husband, family and friends traveled on and continue to travel on. Jillian shares the hard raw emotions of her path through pregnancy, birth and beyond. She also shares the many changes her mindset has had over the years.

This book is arranged so that Jillian shares her story, she then shares the gift she has received, and finishes each chapter with questions for reflection. I found Jillian's story very enlightening, both in the world of disability and in general. Jillian shares information very relevant to those who have a child with a disability (her choice of descriptor). I would encourage those interacting with people who have a disability or special needs to read this book. However, I also found it extremely relevant for those on the the journey of life. I was given a free copy from the publisher for my honest review which I was happy to do. I highly recommend.

The Lord Bless You by Terry A. Smith

The Lord bless You by Terry A. Smith is a 28 day journey to experience God’s extravagant blessings. This wonderful devotional book begins with an introduction about the simple phrase “bless you”. The author explores using that phrase, and what it really means. It then goes into a daily devotional for 28 days. The first few pages of each day provide of some background and thought provoking information and then a question for the day. 

I found the Terry Smith provided good insight and really explores the concept of the Lord blessing an individual. The book is broken into several sections, including blessing, purpose, people, and gratitude. I was given a free copy from the publisher, for my honest review, which I was happy to do. I highly recommend this book.

Secrets of Sex & Marriage by Shaunti Feldhahn and Dr. Michael Sytsma

Secrets of Sex and Marriage by Shaunti Feldhahn and Dr. Michael Systma is a unique book with excellent information. This book is unique in that it offers much of the why behind sex in marriage. The authors have spent much time in research backing up their writing. I found the book to be different from other books in a good way. I also appreciated the frank talk and insight from the authors who have years of experience with helping couples. This book tackles many assumptions and myths and helps the reader to understand in a straightforward way. This book is a why behind sex, not a how to. Secrets of Sex & Marriage is written for the average person, not a counselor or therapist. (Although it could be used by a counselor or therapist.) This book offers new and well supported information. It was also easy to read. I was given a free copy from my publisher for my honest review which I was happy to do. 

The Cairo Curse by Pepper Basham

The Cairo Curse by Pepper Basham is the second book in the Freddie & Grace Mystery Series. I think it is crucial to read the first book in the series. This is one particular book that definitely lends itself to a series. As I started reading, I was confused by the background and some of the characters due to the fact that I did not read the first book in the series. There are multiple characters. Again, reading the first book would be helpful.

However, Pepper Basham does write in her award-winning style of suspense and romance. Readers will be captivated as a newlyweds, Lord and Lady Astley , head to Egypt on their honeymoon. It is quite the adventure and even dangerously thrilling with the outgoing character Lady Grace Astley. This book will take you on many exciting experiences.  I highly recommend this book in particularly if you read the first book in the series. I was given a free copy from the publisher for my honest review, which I was happy to do. I would recommend The Cairo Curse.