Welcome to Last Chance by Cathleen Armstrong

Just finished reading "Welcome to Last Chance" by Cathleen Armstrong. I loved the small town feel and the diverse characters, and the way that Christian values were presented in a gentle, non-confrontational way. The story of the two main characters, Lainie and Ray, kept me guessing as there had to more to the story than was presented in the beginning, but I have to say that the warm, sweet, rock-steady character, Elizabeth, was my favorite. At times, the book read like a mystery with a bit of suspense thrown in, and at other times, like a romantic novel. I can imagine followup books in the series featuring these same characters. The suspense aspect won't keep you up at night, but the romantic side will warm your heart.

5 Days to a Clutter-Free House: Quick, Easy Ways to Clear Up Your Space by Sandra Felton, Marsha Sims

In my never-ending pursuit of being an organized person, I asked to review this book. When it came time to read and review, I couldn't find it. Boy, do I need this book! 

The first section of the book focuses on cleaning and organizing your home using a team approach. While I think that would be a great way to tackle a big job, most of my friends and family are every bit as busy as I am. Using their tips and taking more than five days, I do think the tips provided by authors Sandra Felton and Marsha Sims are still valuable and practical.

In my opinion, the second half of the book is where the real value lies. The authors focused more on maintenance of your home after you declutter. The chapter titled "Manage Yourself" helped me understand why I tend to let clutter build up. The next chapter "Manage Your House" had Clutter Busters and Rules that helped make the task of being organized seem more manageable. For the second half of the book alone, I would say this book is worth the purchase.

I will be putting their tips into practice. Right away!

*Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in order to facilitate my review. No other compensation was received. The opinions expressed above are my own.

What Happened to My Life? by Danna Demetre

Have you ever asked yourself these questions: How did I get here? Where has the time gone? Has my life made an impact? If so, you should pick up a copy of Danna Demetre's book with another question in the title – What Happened to My Life?

In her fantastic book, Demetre's goal is to help the reader discover joy and passion for life and break the cycle of discontentment. In her own words, "Whether you are single or married, young or old, living a life of contentment is essential to fulfilling God's perfect plan for your life."

Danna starts by asking the hard questions worded in such a way that it makes you reflect deeply on where you are in your life in relation to your goals, ministry, and relationship to God and family and friends. Writing with almost painful transparency, Danna tells how she matured to a life of contentment in Christ and knows the steps you need to take in order to stop living in emotional or spiritual poverty.

After she takes her readers through the examination, Danna helps you embark on a 40-day journey to rediscover contentment and joy.

I highly recommend this book. It inspired me to examine my life and make some changes. As Danna says, "It's time to move from simply surviving to truly thriving once again!"

Danna Demetre is an author and popular conference and retreat speaker. She is the president and founder of Women of Purpose, an evangelistic outreach ministry. Danna lives in San Diego, California, with her husband, Lew, and adopted 13 year-old grandson, Jesse. They also have three grown children and are expecting a new grandchild.

Available May 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, offers practical books that bring the Christian faith to everyday life. They publish resources from a variety of well-known brands and authors, including their partnership with MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) and Hungry Planet.

Have a New Husband by Friday by Dr. Kevin Leman

The title of the book seemed simplistic. And besides - a lot of women like their husbands. But for those wives whose marriages are less than what they bargained for, this is a quick read with a lot of practical advice. Filled with personal and funny anecdotes, Dr. Leman,  a psychologist, begins by saying, "There's a mistaken notion in society today that equality means 'sameness." Yes, men and women are equal, but one thing I'm positively sure of: they are not the same."

From that point on, Dr. Leman gives insights about how a man thinks, feels, and even how his relationship with his mother will impact his relationship with his wife. Very interesting stuff!

The chapter for each day has lists such as: Rules to Live By, How to Think Differently, and a list for 'What to Do' each day. Each chapter has an "Ask Dr. Leman" Q & A with real-life dilemmas and practical solutions.

Dr. Kevin is down to earth and quite straightforward with his advice. If your marriage could use some tweaking and you appreciate advice given with a healthy dose of humor, you'll find this book helpful and enjoyable.

Product Details:
Hardcover: 224 pages
Publisher: Revell (October 1, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0800719123
ISBN-13: 978-0800719128
 
Available October 2009 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
 
About Dr. Kevin Leman:

An internationally known psychologist, radio and television personality, and speaker, Dr. Kevin Leman has taught and entertained audiences worldwide with his wit and commonsense psychology.

The New York Times bestselling and award-winning author of Have a New Kid by Friday and The Birth Order Book has made hundreds of house calls for radio and television programs, including FOX & Friends, The View, Fox’s The Morning Show, Today, Oprah, CBS’s The Early Show, Janet Parshall’s America, Live with Regis Philbin, CNN’s American Morning, Life Today with James Robison, and Focus on the Family. Dr. Leman has served as a contributing family psychologist to Good Morning America.

Dr. Leman is also the founder and president of Couples of Promise, an organization designed and committed to helping couples remain happily married. He is a founding faculty member of iQuestions.com.


Dr. Leman’s professional affiliations include the American Psychological Association, the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, the National Register of Health Services Providers in Psychology, and the North American Society of Adlerian Psychology.

In 1993, he was the recipient of the Distinguished Alumnus Award of North Park University in Chicago. In 2003, he received from the University of Arizona the highest award that a university can extend to its own: the Alumni Achievement Award.


Dr. Leman attended North Park University. He received his bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Arizona, where he later earned his master’s and doctorate degrees. Originally from Williamsville, New York, he and his wife, Sande, live in Tucson, Arizona. They have five children and two grandchildren.

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.