Home is Where My People Are Review

 About the Book

All roads lead to home. It's easy to go through life believing that we can satisfy our longing for home with a three-bedroom, two-bath slice of the American dream that we mortgage at 4 percent and pay for over the course of thirty years. But ultimately, in our deepest places, we're really looking to belong and to be known. And what we sometimes miss in our search for the perfect spot to set up camp is that wherever we are on the long and winding road of life, God is at work in the journey, teaching us, shaping us, and refining us--sometimes through the most unlikely people and circumstances. In "Home Is Where My People Are," Sophie Hudson takes readers on a delightfully quirky journey through the South, introducing them to an unforgettable cast of characters, places, and experiences. Along the way, she reflects on how God has used each of the stops along the road to impart timeless spiritual wisdom and truth. Nobody embodies the South like Sophie Hudson, and this nostalgic celebration of home is sure to make even those north of the Mason-Dixon line long to settle in on the front porch with a glass of sweet tea and reflect on all of the people in our lives who--related or not--have come to represent home. Because at the end of the day, it's not the address on the front door or even the name on the mailbox that says home, but the people who live and laugh and love there, wherever "there" might happen to be. (Goodreads)

My Review

I suppose I wasn't sure what to expect with this book. It's a memoir but I guess I had hoped for a bit more. This is the first book by Sophie I have read and she definitely has her own quirky writing style, which is always fun! There is a bit of humor, some will find it more humorous than others. I enjoyed it but at times I was a bit irritated with the constant sarcasm. Sophie really paints a picture of life in the south during the 70s-90s. Everything from her hair to her clothes to her experience with college and a home cooked meal is discussed. I enjoyed some of her stories on her life more than others. The last few chapters I think were my favorite because she really hit the nail on the head about home and what it means. It's always interesting to hear someone's life story but it was difficult for me to get into her life a few times.

This is a fun spontaneous read where you can pick it up and get a few laughs and God moments. 

Four stars. 

"I received this book from Tyndale for free in exchange for an honest review."

Novel Interiors Review

 

 

 About the Book

For those who have ever lost themselves in the stylish worlds of novels like Sense and Sensibility, The Age of Innocence, Wuthering Heights, The Picture of Dorian Gray and countless others, this design book embraces the fantasy of time and place, showing you how to bring some of those elements into your own home.

Lisa Giramonti inspires a new approach to decorating: by teaching us through the lens of worlds we may already know and love. With gorgeous photographs by World of Interiors photographer Ivan Terestchenko, aspirational quotes, and tailored reading lists, Novel Interiors reveals the essence and details of interiors mentioned in great literary works. This is a stunning, photo-driven book that shares enchanting and timeless ways to live more elegantly. (Goodreads)

My Review

This is a beautifully large hardback book full of color. I enjoy reading magazines or books that have to do with homes and decorating. I love books and the author wanted to portray certain looks corresponding to a certain novel. I really enjoyed the first section of the book Shall I Put the Kettle On? The rooms are light and homey to me and more my style. These rooms reflect Charles Dickens, Jane Austin, Louisa May Alcott and a few others. 

The other sections are Remembrance of Things Past, Living in au Naturel, Oh,the Glamour of It All, Anything Goes, and Sometimes a Fantasy. 

The pictures are good and there are many side notes on what you could do with a certain idea. I wish there were more examples on how to do certain things but it is still a nice book to have on hand when you need an idea. Honestly, I think I get more out of my design magazines but then I think it's because I know I like certain things. 

Four stars. 

"I received this book from Blogging for Books for free in exchange for an honest review."

Still Life Book Review

About the Book

A tragic plane crash. One woman who lost her husband. Another who gave up her seat for him.

Ada spent her first twenty-five years with her family as part of a fringe religious sect. Her only contact with the outside world was through customers at their farm store. Then she met Julian, a photojournalist who'd come to document their lifestyle. They eloped mere days later and Ada was thrust into a completely new life as a wife, city-dweller, and an individual allowed to make her own decisions. But she has no idea who she is.

On her twenty-sixth birthday, Julian plans to fly home from an assignment to give her her first-ever birthday present. He's thrilled when Katherine Cramer gives up her seat so he can make the flight. But the plane crashes and everyone on board is killed, including Julian.

Ada is completely at a loss, with no friends and no marketable skills. When Julian's last photographs are published, her life erupts into chaos. She begins travelling--with Julian's camera for a companion--searching for answers to who she is and what she really wants.

Meanwhile, Katherine must live with the knowledge of "why "she gave up her seat--to extend her affair one more night. She recognizes her survival as a second chance to save her marriage. But is it too late?

When Ada's and Katherine's paths cross, they discover that there's still life ahead for both of them. (Goodreads)

My Review

I have mixed feelings while writing this review. There is a distinct writing style that Christa uses that I actually enjoy. I liked the overall idea about a tragedy happening and families figuring out where to go from there. I guess it was difficult to get into the characters for me. I really didn't understand Ada's side of the story I think I liked her friends the best out of the book. Katherine's story is a lot to handle. She is having an affair and then tragedy strikes. When the truth comes out, as it always does, I felt like she really had no regret about sleeping with another man. I didn't get any closure from that part of the story. I love that the book proves that Christ can be in any situation and that it might take the faith of a teen boy. But I feel like not a whole lot changed throughout the book.

I guess I was just disappointed with this book as it didn't grab me into the story line.

The cover is beautiful and I'm sure others will enjoy the book more than I did.

"I received this book from BookLook Bloggers for free in exchange for an honest review."

Loved Back to Life Review

About the Book

Join Sheila Walsh on her journey from despair to joy

Beautiful and talented, Sheila Walsh was at the pinnacle of her career, appearing daily on television as cohost of "The 700 Club." One day she found herself walking away from it all and checking in to a psychiatric hospital, where she stayed for a month.

From the outside everything seemed fine, but on the inside Sheila was in trouble. In her journal she wrote, "Lord, please hold me. I'm falling into a dark well. I feel as if I am disappearing a little more every day. I am so angry inside that I am afraid of myself. I feel so alone." How did this happen? What brought her to her knees? "Loved Back to Life" takes readers on Sheila's journey of the soul from hopelessness to joy as she finds that although the road was scary, at every turn God beckoned her to follow and trust Him. And He did not let her down. (Goodreads)

 My Review

I wanted to read this book because I had seen Sheila at a Women of Faith conference years ago. I really enjoyed what she had to say and have read some of her other books. I really liked this book because it was honest and to the point. Sometimes books about a person's life can drag on but this one was great! Sheila has had quite the life and going from being on TV to major depression is extreme. I think this book was written well and I enjoyed how she described her situation and the events surrounding her many decisions. This book really opens up the fact that everyone struggles. 

This is a good book and I got a lot of encouragement out of it. 

"I received this book from BookLook bloggers for free in exchange for an honest review."

Clean Slate Cookbook-A New Favorite!

About the Book 

 

It’s time to hit the reset button. This book emphasizes eating clean, whole, unprocessed foods as part of a primarily plant-based diet, with delicious and healthy recipes that make it easy to do just that. Refreshing juices and smoothies, savory snacks, protein-packed main dishes, and even delectable desserts will keep you satisfied all day long; among them are plenty of vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and allergen-free options, each identified by helpful icons. Comprehensive, informative, and utterly satisfying, Clean Slate is the complete go-to guide for boosting your energy and feeling your best.

More than just a cookbook, Clean Slate, from the editors of Martha Stewart Living, provides you with the nutritionally sound information you need to shop for and prepare food that nourishes body and mind. You’ll find guidelines for restocking your pantry with whole grains, beans and legumes, lean proteins, and healthy fats; glossaries of the best sources of detoxifiers, antioxidants, and other health-boosting nutrients; and menus for a simple 3-day cleanse and a 21-day whole-body detox, with easy-to-follow tips and strategies for staying on track.

Get inspired by more than 160 beautifully photographed recipes organized into action-focused chapters, including:

Replenish: Get off to a good start
Whole-Wheat Waffles with Strawberries and Yogurt;
Poached Eggs with Roasted Tomatoes

Reboot: Drink to your health
Grapefruit, Carrot, and Ginger Juice;
Green Machine Smoothie

Recharge: Load up on vegetables
Roasted Mushroom Tartines with Avocado;
Steamed Vegetable Salad with Macadamia Dressing

Reenergize: Choose your snacks wisely
Warm Spinach-White Bean Dip;
Trail Mix with Toasted Coconut

Restore: Make meals with substance
Wild Salmon, Asparagus, and Shiitakes in Parchment;
Grilled Chicken with Cucumber, Radish, and Cherry Tomato Relish

Relax: Have a little something sweet
Dark Chocolate Bark with Hazelnuts;
Berry-Almond Crisp

(Goodreads)

My Review

This is a new favorite cookbook of mine for many reasons. I got it in the mail surprised at how big of a book it was! There is a lot packed into this cookbook! The first part of the book is about eating healthy and clean. There is a 72 hour detox schedule you can follow and then there is a 21 day action plan where you follow the organized meal list. I like the meals because there aren't many where you have to buy weird random food items.  There are some great smoothie recipes that aren't all kale ( I've tried that and I'm not a fan). 

Another great part about this book is it lists if things are dairy free, gluten free, nut free, or vegan. For me the dairy free items are really helpful and I have a lot more options on different meals from this book. 

The pictures are great, there is one for each recipe so you know what you are making. The index is amazing and handy and I find this an all around usable cookbook!

I love Martha Stewart's recipes and magazine and this cookbook is just as great!

"I received this book from Blogging for Books for free in exchange for an honest review."