Moms' Night Out & Moms' Night Out and other things I miss- Must Read Books for Moms!

My Thoughts:

I was given the most amazing opportunity to review two books this past month.  Moms' Night Out, by Tricia Goyer, and Moms' Night Out and other things I miss (devotions to help you survive) by Kerri Pomarolli.  Before I tell you about them, I have to mention that it was an absolute privilege to read these books.  They are both incredibly real, which is refreshing, and give hope to all moms!  They are also extremely laugh out loud hilarious!  But be prepared, as they will touch your heart and make you cry as well.  I absolutely loved reading each and every page as they were words I needed desperately to see.  Tricia Goyer and Kerri Pomarolli don't candy coat the beloved, but often challenging, role of mommy hood. They let us know that we're not alone in our moments of doubt, our episodes of frustration and the days we lose our temper.  I felt like I'd been given a big hug when I was done reading!

Mom's Night Out, by Tricia Goyer, is the story of three friends who plan a lovely evening out- something they haven't enjoyed in quite a long time.  Sounds simple enough, right?  Well, crazy things happen and they end up getting involved with the police, visiting a tattoo parlor, searching for a missing baby, having their car stolen and more!  It's one of the funniest, most heart felt books I've read in a long time!  What made it particularly endearing is that almost every character get to play the part of a hero.  I actually went to see the movie when I was 3/4 of the way through the book and I was thrilled that they had stuck to the storyline.  Even the dialogue was the same!  Delightful.  Tricia Goyer nails the story of the stay at home mom.  She knows the heart of every mom, though, and how we rarely, if ever, feel like we are "enough".  Tender, funny, and exciting- Moms' Night Out has it all!

Moms' Night Out and other things I miss, by Kerri Pomarolli, is a devotional that every mom needs by her bed.  The passages are short and sweet but pack a punch!  No mom has time for a long read and we want to be entertained as well as blessed.  Kerri Pomarolli does this and more.  She's so beautifully real!  When her daughter said "she can't stop thinking of all the bad things (mom) she's done to her" I stopped in my tracks!  This has happened to ME!  Oh, the mommy guilt!  Her 6 year old was just being honest, but it stings!  Ouch!  And the conversation that followed...  Oh, yeah, I've been there, too.  Mommy fail.  So glad I'm not alone!  If you want to laugh a lot, cry a little and feel God's love surround you, get your hands on this devotional!  It's a tender blessing for all mommies, Pinterest moms or not. ;)

About the book: 

Moms' Night Out is a novelization of the hilarious family comedy that celebrates real family life---where everything can go wrong and still turn out all right.

All Allyson and her friends want is a peaceful, grown-up evening of dinner and conversation . . . a long-needed moms' night out. But in order to enjoy high heels, adult conversation and food not served in a bag, they need their husbands to watch the kids for a few hours-what could go wrong?

Chronicling one night out gone awry, three harried moms, their husbands, a sister-in-law with a misplaced baby, a tattoo parlor owner, a motorcycle gang, and a bewildered cabbie all learn to embrace the beautiful mess called parenting. This book spotlights the unfulfilled expectations and serial self-doubts many moms feel . . . then reassures us that the key is raising kids in a loving home. Mom's Night Out is an endearing, true-to-life comedy.

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/wAT15

About the author: 

USA Today best-selling author Tricia Goyer is the author of over 35 books, including the three-book Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors series and Lead Your Family Like Jesus (co-written with Ken Blanchard). She has written over 500 articles for national publications and blogs for high traffic sites likeTheBetterMom.com andMomLifeToday.com. She is the host of Living Inspired, a weekly radio show. Tricia and family live in Little Rock, Arkansas. They have six children.

Connect with Tricia: website, Twitter, Facebook

Moms' Night Out and other things i miss . . .

About the book:

As a Mom, couldn't you use a good laugh?

Inspired by the endearing, true-to-life movie Moms' Night Out, comedian Kerri Pomarolli has created this light, yet inspiring devotional that will definitely make you laugh, but will also help you discover that indeed you are not alone, and that God's gracious provision of love and faithfulness is at work in your life and of your loved ones.

Whether you're running full-speed-ahead or disappointed that it's Monday (again), you'll find joy in these devotions where Kerri shares hilarious stories and insights on daily life. Messy homes, messy kids, lost pets, never ending casseroles, forgetful husbands, and the desire to just take a long bath . . . This world can be a funny place, and these stories are bound to prove it. Read a devotion to brighten your morning, or catch a few words to make you smile before bed. There's never a bad time for a good laugh, and as a Mom, you need a Moms' Night Out and Other Things I Miss: Devotions To Help You Survive.

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/wAUa1

About the author: 

Called Hollywood's "God Girl," Kerri Pomarolli is an accomplished actress, comedian, published author, Christian speaker and veteran of television---with credits that include 29 appearances on The Tonight Show and Comedy Central. 

Connect with Kerri: website, Twitter, Facebook 

About the film: 

The Moms' Night Out film features Sarah Drew (Grey's Anatomy), Sean Astin (THE LORD OF THE RINGS), Patricia Heaton (EVERBODY LOVES RAYMOND, THE MIDDLE), Alex Kendrick (COURAGEOUS), Robert Amaya (COURAGEOUS), Andrea Logan White (REVELATION ROAD), Kevin Downes (COURAGEOUS), and platinum-selling country recording artist Trace Adkins (THE LINCOLN LAWYER).

USA Today best-selling author Tricia Goyer has written the novelization to the much-anticipated movie, Moms' Night Out. Don't miss this hilarious family comedy that celebrates real family life—where everything can go wrong and still turn out all right.



And, look for the companion devotional written by comedian Kerri Pomarolli, Moms' Night Out and Other Things I Miss: Devotions To Help You Survive.



Tricia and Kerri have teamed up for the "No More Frumpy Mommy" challenge.







Motherhood can sometimes seem like survival of the fittest. Every day brings its own troubles, and by the end of the day, you’re spent. Between school, soccer practice, cleaning, laundry, cooking dinner, putting away dishes, and keeping your kids from going at each others’ throats, the last thing on your mind is getting away for an evening. If that’s you, you’re invited to take part in Tricia and Kerri's No More Frumpy Mommy challenge.




Tricia and Kerri will choose 10 winners to receive a Fandango gift card to see Moms' Night Out, as well as copies of Moms' Night Out (the book) and Moms' Night Out and Other Things I Miss. One grand-prize winner will receive $200 to put toward her own moms' night out or her own moms' night out "ride" (getting her car detailed and cleaned).

GO HERE TO JOIN THE CHALLENGE!

*I was given these books by Litfuse in exchange for my honest opinion.  No other compensation was received.*

Silenced by Dani Pettrey- Review and Book Giveaway!

My Thoughts:

This review is a bit of an inconvenience.  You see, thanks to my kindle, I know that I'm exactly 45% through Silenced.  And, to be honest, I truly didn't want to stop reading- even for my readers.  But you know I adore you so let me catch you up to speed.  There's been a terrible climbing accident... which turns out the be murder.  Potential suspects, all equally intriguing, are evasive and I have no earthly idea who the murderer is.  Not only that, the main characters, Kayden McKenna and Jake Westin are smolderingly magical together.  As the reader, we know that they have strong feelings (love?) for each other but due to tragedies from their pasts they're afraid to reveal their inner thoughts.  I want them to give in to their emotions.  Wait, no I don't.  They have to solve the mystery first, right?;)  I've read all of Dani Pettrey's books in her Alaskan Courage series and each one is better than the last.  She beautifully incorporates suspense, romance, adventure, and last but not least, the Lord into all of her stories.  If you're looking for a thrilling mystery to take to the beach, I recommend checking out Dani Pettrey's collection.  I'm only half way through Silenced and I already know it's going to be one of my favorites.

Book Summary:

A relaxing day of rock climbing takes a disturbing turn when Kayden McKenna's route leads her to a face-to-face encounter with a dead climber.  Is it a terrible accident or something sinister?  When the case is handed to the overburdened sheriff, he turns to Jake Westin.  With Jake's past now revealed, he's ready to use his talent for investigation again- but he could never prepare for where the case will take him.

Kayden and Jake soon realize that the death was no accident.  And worse, it seems the hiller is on to the them.  When strange things begin happening in Yancey, Jake is terrified that once again his world may put someone he loves in danger.

But the truth is far worse than either of them imagine.

Read an exciting excerpt HERE!

More about the Author:

Dani Pettrey is a wife, home-schooling mom, and the acclaimed author of the romantic suspense series Alaskan Courage, which includes her bestselling novels Submerged, Shattered, Stranded, and her latest release, Silenced.  She feels blessed to write inspirational romantic suspense because it incorporates so many things she loves- the thrill of adventure, nail biting suspense, the deepening of her characters' faith, and plenty of romance.  She and her husband reside in Maryland, where they enjoy time with their daughters, son-in-law, and super adorable grandson.

*Do you love suspense, adventure, romance and faith as much as I do?  Enter here for a chance to win a copy of Dani Pettrey's new release, Silenced!*

Leave a comment on this post and I will randomly select/announce a winner on Saturday, May 24th!

*No purchase is necessary.  Odds of winning are based on number of entries.  One entry per person.  U.S. residents over 18 only, please.*

10% Happier by Dan Harris

My Thoughts:

10% Happier, by Dan Harris, is one man's journey to gain control over the negative thoughts and disabling stress in his life.  Through his personal thoughts as well as engaging experiences with celebrities, Dan Harris delivers an honest, and often quite humorous, story.  His road to happiness is quite diverse including drug use, exploring behind the scenes of a mega church, interviewing self-help authors Eckhart Tolle and Deepok Chopra, and eventually escaping on a Buddhist retreat where he discovers the art of meditation.

Dan Harris is a refreshingly honest and cleverly entertaining author.  His story is one we can all relate to in one degree or another.  We all have fears for the future, we all seek to reduce stress and we all want to be happy.  Dan Harris has lead a truly exciting life and I really enjoyed reading about his many adventures. Reporting from Afghanistan, interviewing the Dalai Lama, as well as his life changing panic attack in front of the camera have all shaped him.  His occasional use of "colorful language" throughout the book was a bit off setting to me, though.

More About the Book:

10% Happier takes readers on a ride from the outer reaches of neuroscience to the inner sanctum of network news to the bizarre fringes of America’s spiritual scene, and leaves them with a takeaway that could actually change their lives.

After having a nationally televised panic attack on Good Morning America, Dan Harris knew he had to make some changes. A lifelong nonbeliever, he found himself on a bizarre adventure, involving a disgraced pastor, a mysterious self-help guru, and a gaggle of brain scientists. Eventually, Harris realized that the source of his problems was the very thing he always thought was his greatest asset: the incessant, insatiable voice in his head, which had both propelled him through the ranks of a hyper-competitive business and also led him to make the profoundly stupid decisions that provoked his on-air freak-out.

We all have a voice in our head. It’s what has us losing our temper unnecessarily, checking our email compulsively, eating when we’re not hungry, and fixating on the past and the future at the expense of the present. Most of us would assume we’re stuck with this voice – that there’s nothing we can do to rein it in – but Harris stumbled upon an effective way to do just that. It’s a far cry from the miracle cures peddled by the self-help swamis he met; instead, it’s something he always assumed to be either impossible or useless: meditation. After learning about research that suggests meditation can do everything from lower your blood pressure to essentially rewire your brain, Harris took a deep dive into the underreported world of CEOs, scientists, and even marines who are now using it for increased calm, focus, and happiness.

10% Happier by Nightline anchor Dan Harris embarks on an unexpected, hilarious, and deeply skeptical odyssey through the strange worlds of spirituality and self-help and discovers a way to get happier that is truly achievable.





Dan has teamed up with his publisher, Harper Collins, for a Kindle Fire HDX giveaway. 


 One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire HDX


• 10% Happier by Dan Harris


Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 10th. Winner will be announced May 12th on the Litfuse blog. Learn more about the 10% Happier backstory and read an excerpt here.







Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to stop by the Litfuse blog on May 12th to see if you won.




*I was given a copy of this from Litfuse in exchange for my honest opinion.  No other compensation was received.*

memories- old and new

On the way back to the ferry, we stopped for a few pictures.

Which turned into a bit of an adventure.  You see, my dad spotted some pussy willows- just a bit out of reach.  So my sweetie disappeared for a few minutes...

but then returned with treasure in hand!  It was so cute to see the joy on my dad's face. :)  (These two are trouble, let me tell you.  They've shared quite a few laughs over the years!)

We were on our way to celebrate my Nana's 100th birthday and my Dad knew how much she loved pussy willows.  She adores life's little pleasures which is just precious. 

Back on the ferry, but this time the weather was sunny and delightful.  Still quite breezy!

On our drive to British Columbia we stopped for a few more pictures.  We couldn't help ourselves!  There was beauty everywhere.

We stopped at True Grain Bread a few times while we were in Summerland.  It's charming and the baked goods are absolutely delicious.  They grind their own flour and sell local honey, preserves and even tea.

I wanted to go there every morning.  The people were so warm and welcoming...  

The bike and baskets filled with bread were such a charming accent to the entrance!

Speaking of warm and welcoming people, here's a look at my Uncle Chuck.  One of the most incredible men I have ever known.  He's a retired RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Policeman) and a kind, crazy, loving, intelligent man with a huge heart for the Lord.  So blessed to be related to him!  Showing off his fabulous green tennis shoes here.  They looked incredible next to my hot pink ones!;)

The view from our room at the Summerland Waterfront resort.  The rooms were cozy with fireplaces, fully stocked kitchens and comfy beds. Once again, the people were so very nice.

Another view from our window.  My aunt and uncle brought the tulips as a welcome gift to us.  They were a lovely surprise.

One afternoon we took a walk by the old creek where my dad grew up.  I remember walking on the rocks, eating plums freshly picked off the trees and once even running away from a swarm of angry bees!  Memories I'll always treasure although I don't want to repeat the bee incident.;)

It was good to get out and stretch our legs...

Here are all the hiking girls together.  The guys seem to have run off somewhere!

It was wonderful making new memories.

The Kissing Bridge by Tricia Goyer

My Thoughts:

The Kissing Bridge, by Tricia Goyer, is the delightfully romantic third book in her Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors series.  I adored the first book, The Memory Jar, and was quite excited to be invited to review The Kissing Bridge.  It was absolutely wonderful!  Let me tell you why...

1) Tricia Goyer's main characters, Rebecca and Caleb, are engagingly real. Their stories reflect the hopes, fears and wishes that we can all relate to- Amish or not.  I admired them for the fact that they honestly followed their hearts even though it was extremely difficult and meant going against those they loved and everything they'd ever known.

2) Their romance is refreshingly endearing.  In fact, I often read portions aloud to my girls.  We giggled and swooned!  I loved how Caleb pursued Rebecca in this book.  Awkwardly precious in parts, just like real life, and tenderly loving in others.

3) The book's focus is always on the Lord.  Tricia Goyer beautifully weaves reminders into her stories.

Elizabeth told me, "We just think we are in the land of the living, and that we're going to die, but when we believe in God the opposite is true.  We're in the land of the dying, and because of Jesus we're going to the land of the living.  The land where there is no more pain, not more tears, and where we'll be with Christ for eternity."

Tricia Goyer has authored many books and yet each one that I've read is unique and uplifting in it's own way.  The Kissing Bridge has now been added to my list of favorites.  It left me with warm fuzzies.:)

About The Kissing Bridge:

In the third book in the Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors series, award-winning author Tricia Goyer introduces a surprising new resident to West Kootenai as a young woman escapes from her stifling conservative Amish community to find a new life. Rebecca is an Amish woman whose pained past compels her to leave everything to become a nurse—abandoning her family and community. Caleb is an Amish man who is counting down the days until hunting season. At a crossroads in his own life, the excitement of hunting game is all he looks forward to. All the while he wonders what to do with the rest of his life. Even though he likes the Amish lifestyle, what good is an Amish man without faith in God?

An unexpected meeting pushes them together, and they embark with friends on a two-week-long wilderness wagon journey. Hardship tears down the flimsy walls of protection they've placed around their hearts, and as their friendship grows they open up to each other and eventually reveal their deepest secrets. While on the outside they appear to be traditional Amish people, inside they both know they are anything but that. Will their secrets pull them together or draw them apart? And will their faith in God grow? There is a bridge to cross at the end of the journey. Will true love take them across?

*I was given a copy of this book from BookLook Blogger in exchange for me honest opinion. No other compensation was received.*

5 on Friday

It's true.  I don't like strawberries.

Unless, they are local and freshly picked.  

Guess what we're doing tomorrow?

Yep.

My little one broke her toe.  This doesn't work well for walking, not to mention dancing in pointe shoes.  After looking at the x-ray the nurse practitioner announced, "Yep, it's broke."  I cringed.  Mainly because she didn't say, "It's broken."

We discovered these precious ones the other day.  Actually, our cat found them first.:(  Praying the mommy comes back.

Frappuccino Happy Hour at Starbucks.  May 1-10th from 3-5 PM.  I plan my day around it.  Doesn't everyone?  Caramel Light Frappe is only 140 calories and YUM.  My girls tried a Vanilla Bean the other day with a pump of hazelnut.  Tasted just like Birthday Cake.  

You're welcome.

Free shipping in my shop this weekend.  Still a few pretties left.

What do you have planned for this weekend?

Book Review: Kindergarten Baby by Cricket Rohman

My Thoughts:

Kindergarten Baby is a compelling combination of innocence, deception, romance, and mystery with sparkles of humor throughout.  It's unlike any book I've ever read before.  Lindsey Lark is a stellar kindergarten teacher with a sweetly generous nature.  Her husband is her real life Prince Charming and they're living their happily ever after... until she discovers he's cheating on her!  Lindsey is caring and intelligent, although overly trusting, and I loved her from the start.  When her husband leaves her for another woman (and even takes her beloved dog, Wendell, with him) I was hooked.  I just had to know what was going to happen.  Would Lindsey get her fairy tale ending?  Would her selfish, insensitive husband, Anthony, get what he deserved?  (I'll leave that up to your imagination. Creep.)

I was charmed by so much of Kindergarten Baby.  I enjoyed the relationship between Lindsey and fellow teacher/friend Laura.  Their vacation at the Grand Canyon was delightfully crazy!  The front desk clerk can't locate their hotel reservation (how they manage to get a room in a fully booked hotel is classic) and then later they get lost in the canyon during a snow storm!  Somehow they're still able to laugh their way through the adventure.  I had such a giggle when Lindsey began innocently reading the "adult" version of Sleeping Beauty.  Oh my.  Lindsey's naiveté was precious and that made her all the more lovable.  In addition, Laura was a wonderful supporting character with lots of spunk and sass.  She was just the kind of friend to lift Lindsey's spirits when she felt that her world was coming to an end.

Jake, the pet sitter/bar tender/delivery driver extraordinaire was quite a mystery.  I really enjoyed how the author slowly revealed his role in the story.  Mystery men are always delightfully intriguing.;)  I wondered how he knew so much about Lindsey, why he was always taking notes, and how he got his hands on Lindsey's dog, Wendell?  Was he a hero or a villain?  And how about the Cowboy "Bathroom Guy" Marty, Lindsey's Night in Shining Armor (?) Emmett, and the Matthew McConaughey pilot?  Cricket Rohman doesn't let her readers know until the very end.  Perfect.

While Kindergarten Baby is filled to the brim with mystery, humor and plenty of drama, be advised that there are adult topics present in the book.  Sexuality and child abuse make a brief appearance but they are crucial to the storyline.  There are quite a few surprises (no spoilers here!) along the way.  Some will make you laugh out loud, others will deeply touch your heart and there may even be a few that shock you.  The author, Cricket Rohman, never allows her audience to get bored!  The second book in the series, A Break in the Clouds, was released last month and I can't wait to see what's next for Lindsey Lark...

*Read an excerpt of Kindergarten Baby HERE.*

Back Cover:

Lindsey Lark, orphaned as a young child, often turned to fairy tales for comfort, joy, and survival. Now she’s all grown up and appears to live the perfect life; she’s pretty, she’s smart, and she’s the best kindergarten teacher in the southwest. The students, with all their hilarious classroom antics, keep her smiling—most of the time. But this school year is different. A sudden emotional shock ignites an odd internal journey as Lindsey attempts to reclaim an inkling of happiness, confidence, and dignity. Fate leads her to a life and death situation at the Grand Canyon, a career-changing event in a barn in North Dakota, and, finally, an emotional rebirth in the Zuni Mountain wilderness. Lindsey cherishes the companionship of her delightful dog, Wendell. The students’ heart wrenching traumas and their comical comments, combined with her desire to be a shining light in their lives, provide an escape from her problems … sometimes. Though lies from many, infidelity from one, and secret intimidation from a mysterious stranger add new challenges to her life, she still dreams of and hopes for romance, love, family, and the happily ever after. Will any of her dreams come true? Readers who love fairy tales, dogs—the four-legged and the two-legged variety—young children, school, and suspense … readers who love love … will want to read this book.

About the Author:

Cricket Rohman earned he MA in Literature and Philosophy from California State University. She authored picture books and big book songbooks used by teachers before making the longed-for leap to writing adult fiction a few years ago.  She finds inspiration and joy living with her husband and dog in both the Arizona desert and the Colorado mountains.  Kindergarten Baby is her debut novel.  Cricket loves to hear from readers and can be reached through her website at www.cricketrohman.com

*I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.  No other compensation was received.*