Writer's Nudge by by Mary C. Busha and Robert W. Busha

The Bushas have a long history in publishing. Now they are making their years of expertise available to writers eager to make their mark as writers. Covering subjects like proposals, self-publishing, agents, and more, Writer's Nudge is a valuable resource to get you started on your road to being an author.

Wheat Belly: Lose the Wheat, Lose the Weight, and Find Your Path Back to Health - Dr. William Davis

Usually, I'm not this personal when I review a book, but this book requires more of a firsthand, first person review.

I'm like everyone else, I suppose. I've been on every diet there is. High carb. Low carb. High protein. No fat. Low fat. First fat makes you fat, then carbs make you fat. It's confusing and overwhelming. Then I heard about this Wheat Belly: Lose the Wheat, Lose the Weight, and Find Your Path Back To Health book. I gave myself a couple of weeks to read the book, digest the information, and then made the important decision not to digest wheat. Cold turkey. The first three days were difficult, but then (and I know you've heard this before), it's like the fog lifted. I felt better, started losing weight, and had more energy. The pervasive soreness I've dealt with for the past few years has abated, and for that, I'm very thankful.

Trying to find wheat-free foods, especially while eating out, is difficult, but not impossible. I find myself using the recipes in the Wheat Belly book and eating home more. And when I start to think that perhaps it's not really giving up wheat that made the difference, I go back to the research in the book - and there is plenty. I purchased the Kindle edition and I've highlighted all the way through so that I have quick and handy references. The research is a bit overwhelming, and this is not strictly a 'how-to' diet book, but it's more of a primer on why you should give up wheat and a launching pad of sorts with the recipes in the back.

I started a blog a while back called "Sick and Tired Woman." I have now changed the title to "Sick and Tired No More!" So, can giving up wheat really make a difference? In a word, yes. At least it did for me. Everyone's metabolism is different, but for me, this book has been a godsend. Highly recommended! 

Andrea Carter and the Trouble with Treasure by Susan K. Marlow

When I began reading Trouble with Treasure, it felt like I had gone back in time to the age of 11 or 12 and living an adventure in the Old West. Susan K. Marlow writes about the escapades of Andrea Carter (Andi) and how trust and teamwork work together. Young readers will absorb the customs of the 1880's, new terms, and laugh at Andi's antics, all the while learning the importance of strong family ties and the value of friendship. Andi's Christian faith remains strong in the face of adversity, but author Susan Marlow never preaches at her readers. Fun book! I recommend it along with the other books in the series.

Product Details:
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 144 pages
Publisher: Kregel Publications (January 18, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0825433525
ISBN-13: 978-0825433528

Visit Susan K. Marlow's website: Circle C Adventures



ADDED BONUS: A free study guide with activities like discussion questions, maps, crafts, crossword puzzle, and even a recipe for Rattlesnake Chili! Click HERE.

Rick & Bubba's Guide to the Almost Nearly Perfect Marriage by Rick Burgess & Bill "Bubba" Bussey

The way Rick and Bubba see it, "marriage wasn't meant to be perfect. It was to teach us how to love an imperfect person perfectly." And it cuts both ways. Their stated goal in writing the book is that you look at your marriage with new eyes. Appreciate what you have.

Although Martha Bolton helped translate Rick and Bubba's radio humor to the page, it still seems aimed mostly at men. Thin-skinned women might even be offended by some of the jokes. The text is a little disjointed as you get to read from Rick, Bubba's, and sometimes even their wives' point of view. Perhaps keeping each chapter to one person might have helped, but even more helpful is the CD included with the book. By listening to the radio program, I was able to get a better handle on each man's personality. And I laughed, no – guffawed, several times while listening.

What I found most refreshing about the book was hearing from two men who love God and their wives and speak reverently about marriage. They clearly love and respect their wives, even if they don't always understand them – and therein lies the abundant source of humor. Sprinkled amidst all the jokes, you'll find some sound advice. I especially appreciated the chapter called "Enemies of the Mate" and the "Top Ten Comebacks for People Who Tell You to Give Up on Your Marriage." This chapter delivers, giving the most guidance as promised in the title – Rick and Bubba's Guide to the Almost Nearly Perfect Marriage.

Product Details:
Paperback: 240 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson; Pap/Com edition (June 2, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1401603998
ISBN-13: 978-1401603991

Rick and Bubba's Commercial:

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A Year in the Life of a "Working" Writer - by Ernie Witham

I've been reading Ernie Witham's columns for several years, and love his sense of humor. I looked forward to reading A Year in the Life of a "Working" Writer.

I opened the book, read the first sentence of the first chapter and had to put the book down. Why? I had to find a tissue to wipe my eyes I had laughed so hard. Ernie is that funny. Not only does he bring a different perspective to almost any situation, he does it in a good-natured, self-deprecating, and hilarious way. I also had a lot of fun reading about how he comes up with ideas. His tips for writing would be helpful to writers in all genres. Fun book!

Ernie's Bio: Ernie Witham writes the humor column "Ernie's World" which appears in the Montecito Journal in Montecito, California and is syndicated through Senior Wire News Service. His humor has appeared in many publications and anthologies, including a dozen best-selling Chicken Soup for the Soul books. He is the humor workshop leader at the prestigious week long Santa Barbara Writers Conference and has led other workshops in Cape Cod, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Springfield IL. He lives in Santa Barbara, California with his wife and has a large family, many of whom appear in his humor stories. He likes writing "location humor" where he goes to a place or event to find a story.

Product Details:
Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: Daniel & Daniel Pub (September 15, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1564744876
ISBN-13: 978-1564744876

Read more about Ernie, his books, and his latest columns at Ernie's World.

The Potluck Club Cookbook by Linda Evans Shepherd & Eva Marie Everson

Many years ago, I sang in a quartet that traveled the tri-state in my area of the country. We sang for a lot of homecomings and 'dinners on the ground.' I always looked forward to these outings for the fun and the food. Scrumptious food and lots of it weighed down the folding tables brought out for the occasion. One time I enjoyed a dessert so much, I tracked down the cook to get the recipe.

When I read The Potluck Club Cookbook, it brought back so many of those good memories. In the preface of the book, Linda and Evan have listed a while list of ways to host a potluck dinner like a Salad Potluck or a Brunch Potluck.

The recipes are simple and for the most part use a few readily available ingredients. If you're a Julia Child wannabe, you may think this book too elementary, but for those of us who cook on the run and want basic recipes to fix in a hurry, grab a copy of this book. Make your own 'potluck' memories!

Available September 2009 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Here are a couple examples of recipes in the book.

Corn Pudding au Gratin

1 (15 oz) can creamed corn
2 Tbsp. flour
1 cup diced cheese
1/8 tsp. black pepper
2 Tbsp. margarine
2 eggs
1 cup milk
1 cup buttered bread crumbs

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine corn, flour, cheese and pepper; mix well. Add melted margarine and well-beaten eggs. Warm milk and add to mixture. Pour into 1 ½ quart casserole pan that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Cook in oven until pudding begins to set, then sprinkle buttered bread crumbs over the top and reduce heat to 325 and bake until firm. If bread crumbs are not sufficiently brown when pudding is firm, turn to broil briefly. Cooking time is about 30 – 40 minutes.

Eva: “This recipe reheats nicely.” (Page 169)

Linda’s Chicken Tortilla Casserole

2 ½ Tbsp. chopped onions
¼ cup butter
3 Tbsp. flour
1 ½ cups milk
¾ cup chicken broth
1 tsp. salt
3 Tbsp. jalapeno peppers
1 ½ cups chopped canned tomatoes (stewed)
3 cups cubed chicken, cooked
½ cup shredded cheese
12 tortillas, cut into 1-inch strips

Sauté onions in butter, then add flour and cook until mixture is bubbly. Stir in milk and broth gradually. Stir in salt, peppers, and tomatoes.

In casserole dish, layer chicken, cheese, then strips of tortillas. Pour sauce over layers then sprinkle casserole with cheese.

Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until bubbly. Serve hot. Serves 6-8.

Linda: “You can’t go wrong with this tasty dish. It’s a potluck crowd favorite.” (Page 130)

Product Details:
Paperback: 181 pages
Publisher: Revell; 1 edition (September 1, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0800733495
ISBN-13: 978-0800733490

A Different Kind of Wild by Debbie Alsdorf

In the first chapter of A Different Kind of Wild, Debbie Alsdorf says,

"Some assume if they wildly abandon themselve to God, they weill be expected to
have a holy and serious posture - bland, reserved, well, boring - when their real
personality is happy, bubbly, and a bit silly."

I knew when I read that snippet, I'd like Alsdorf's book. As a Woman in Lifelong Development (WILD) myself, I liked her upbeat tone and practical encouragement with a healthy dose of good counseling thrown in. Debbie is a biblical lay counselor and member of the American Association of Christian Counselors.

Questions at the end of each chapter reinforce the message and an expanded study guide in the back of the book makes it suitable for group study. Recommended.

Product Details:
Paperback: 207 pages
Publisher: Revell (July 1, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0800733665
ISBN-13: 978-0800733667

Visit Debbie Alsdorf's Website: Design4Living Ministries.

Zooprise Party/Fiesta Zoorpresa by Rebekha Delgado (Author), Joy Delgado (Illustrator)

Every creature likes to celebrate his birthday - even an Okapi named Mori. Zooprise Party/Fiesta Zoorpresa is a bilingual (English/Spanish) book with a simple message - friends can be of any shape or size. At the end of the story are facts about the unusual animals.

Most children love birthdays and will identify with the excitement over celebrating a birthday, and sympathize with Mori when he thinks his birthday has been forgotten. The illustrations perfectly complement the story.

The Zooprise Party Activity Book ($4.95, ISBN 978-0975545423) contains 24 pages with fun activities like coloring pages, mazes, and puzzles.

With the cute story, the animal facts, Activity Book, and Teachers Guide (separate purchase), the Delgados have compiled an excellent array of activities to keep children entertained and learning at the same time.

For up-to-date news about the book, visit Joy's blog: Zooprise Party

To download coloring pages, puzzles, and crafts, visit Laughing Zebra.

Direct order information:

Laughing Zebra – Books for Children Bookstore

http://www.laughing-zebra-children-books.com/book-store.html

Offers free shipping and autographed copies

Product Details:
Paperback: 36 pages
Publisher: J.O.Y. Publishing; first edition (October 24, 2008)
Language: English, Spanish
ISBN-10: 0975545418
ISBN-13: 978-0975545416

Available through Amazon and Target.