Worth Waiting For by Sally Johnson — Blog Tour

 Posted by  Book Reviews
Jul 152015
 

25347579Worth Waiting For

Author: Sally Johnson

Publisher: Covenant Communications

Published: July 1st, 2015

ISBN13: 978-1-68047-240-0

Paperback: 180 pages

FTC FYI: Received a paperback copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary

Sophia thought she was over her broken heart, but the news that her roommate has eloped with Sophia’s ex-husband hits the nineteen-year-old like a ton of bricks. She knows she should be fine with the unexpected revelation–after all, her boyfriend, Luke, is incredible, but it would seem her heart is not as resilient as she thought. And as Luke prepares to leave for his European study abroad, Sophia’s feelings of fear and inadequacy threaten to overwhelm her.

A summer with her family in Las Vegas gives Sophia the time she needs but she still can’t shake the questions haunting her, the questions that continually threaten to put more than physical distance between Luke and her. Is she really ready to jump into a new relationship when the last one ended so painfully? Will her divorce always define her? Is she the one with the problem?

As she wistfully observes others’ love stories blossoming around her, Sophia must decide whether she’s prepared to take another chance on love. Luke’s return from Europe forces Sophia to confront the decision she’s not sure she’s prepared for–will her troubled past destroy the happy ending she’s always dreamed of?

My Review

I didn’t realize this was a sequel until I was writing this review.  It can stand alone, but previous dates, and/or other events that were mentioned and not explained make sense now why they weren’t explained in this book.  That didn’t take me out the story though, I still really enjoyed it.  I really liked Sophia and I sympathized with her.  I thought her inner voice was very funny at times and I appreciated her humor.  This is a great book about letting go and putting your life back together, but also taking your time to really know what you want, and Sophia needed that time.  I loved Luke, he is a great guy, with mounds of kindness and patience.  The other characters were great too.  I wish there was more time with Justin, he was very funny and Gretchen was great too.  There were some scenes in the last few chapters where I was laughing out loud.

4 out of 5 stars.

Author Links

Goodreads / Facebook

Buy Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Deseret Book  / Seagull Book

Marriage Isn’t For You by Seth Adam Smith – Blog Tour & Combined Hubby Review

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews
May 122014
 

Marriage_Isnt_For_YouMarriage Isn’t For You, It’s for the One You Love

Author: Seth Adam Smith

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

Published: May 6, 2014

Hardcover: 48 pages

Genre: Marriage/Inspirational/Gift Book

ISBN# 978-1-60907-902-4

Reviewed by: Shanda and Marlow (Shanda’s hubby)

FTC FYI: free review copy in exchange for an honest review

Summary (Deseret Book)

What is the best marriage advice you ever received?

For author Seth Adam Smith, it was the advice from his father, who said, “Marriage isn’t for you. It’s about the person you marry.” These few words completely change the way Seth looked at his relationship with his wife. His thoughts on the subject became an online phenomenon. Paired with beautiful images, they are now available as a book—the perfect gift for newlyweds, those who are celebrating an anniversary, or anyone who wants to learn how to make a relationship stronger.

Shanda’s Review

Reading Marriage Isn’t For You literally took me five minutes, yet within that five-minute read is a message that has impacted millions. Such authenticity and honesty carries power, perhaps because those qualities are rare these days. Despite having “marriage” in the title, this book applies to relationships of all types.

While Marriage Isn’t For You would make a great gift for every new couple, make sure you buy a copy for yourself first and keep it visible. When things get tense (and they will), when frustration sets in (because it does), when anger threatens to overwhelm, pick up this book and take a five-minute time-out. Read it and remember: Marriage Isn’t For You, It’s for the One You Love.

Marlow’s Review

When my wife first showed me this book, I was a little surprised by the title. It wasn’t until I read the full title “Marriage Isn’t for You, its for the One You Love” that I began to understand. It is an excellent reminder on my role as husband and father. I’m not here just for myself. I am here to support, sustain, and bless the lives of my wife and kids.

This book is a very quick read and has good advice. It emphasizes the need for less selfishness and more selflessness in marriage. It contains a much needed reminder for all marriages and, if followed, will result in stronger and happier relationships.

I encourage all husbands (and future husbands) to read and ponder the messages in this book.

Visit Seth:

WEBSITE/BLOG | FACEBOOK | TWITTER

Find Marriage Isn’t For You:

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | DESERET BOOK

***GIVEAWAY***

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The Husband Whisperer by Kevin Hinckley – Blog Tour

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews
Mar 252014
 

TheHusbandWhispererThe Husband Whisperer

Author: Kevin Kinckley

Publisher: CFI/Cedar Fort, Inc.

Published: March 2014

Paperback: 144 pages

Genre: Religious Nonfiction/Marriage

ISBN# 978-1-4621-1384-2

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: free digital PDF copy from publisher in exchange for an honest review

Summary

Manipulation, threats, and anger only lead to harm and hurt feelings. Horse whisperers know that the best way to communicate in relationships is with a touch of gentleness. In The Husband Whisperer, Kevin Hinckley (MEd, LPC) shows women how to use their divine nature and to listen to the Spirit in order to bring peace into their marriages.

Review

Horse whispering has always fascinated me. I love watching horse whisperers at work. They have immense amounts of patience (which I don’t have) and a deep understanding of horses (which I also don’t have). They seem to know the animals better than the horses know themselves. They put themselves in the horses’ place, opening their hearts and minds to the needs and fears of some of God’s most beautiful creatures. In order to do what they do, they must love the horses, and put the animals’ concerns and feelings before their own desires to get the job done and get it done quickly.

Read that first paragraph again, substituting the word “husband” or “children” for horses, and you will understand where I was before reading The Husband Whisperer.

While I received encouragement to keep doing what is working in my marriage relationship, I was even more inspired to apply these principles to other relationships in my life, particularly my children–especially my teenagers. In fact, I believe a more appropriate title for this book would be The Family Whisperer, or even The People Whisperer.

When I first started reading The Husband Whisperer, I expected it to be more of a specific and detailed situational how-to book. For example, when your hubby does this, this is what he was thinking, and now you understand him better. In actuality, it is more personal and inspiring to me than that formulaic example. Through an easy-to-read, personable writing style and a touch of humor, the author strives to help women recognize their value and worth. He encourages women to see their divine nature and understand that their role is equally important in marriage as their husband’s role.

I appreciate how he explains, in scriptural context, that the term “preside” as used in The Family: A Proclamation to the World means to “watch over” rather than be the big boss man (my words, not the author’s).  I love his example of a fortress with two leaders of equal rank. One is charged with maintaining the outer defenses and watching for dangers, the other is responsible for the care of the people and supplies inside the fortress. Both stewardships are equal in significance, neither role is less important than the other, each requires a different yet essential set of skills, and they cannot effectively fulfill their assigned roles without each other.

There is so much more here than marital counsel, which felt like a smaller though still important part of the book. The author focuses on spiritual subjects such as heavenly communication, forgiveness, self-image, having convictions, seeking the Spirit, and listening to the promptings of the Holy Ghost. All of these aspects play an integral role in how we see ourselves and how we interact with others.

The Husband Whisperer is not heavy on marital advice. It certainly isn’t a book on husband manipulation. Instead it encourages women to recognize their spiritual talents, their divine worth, and their immense influence on those around them. By developing the spiritual attributes in which women are physiologically designed to excel, we can exemplify love and strength. We can teach our children with conviction and with the Spirit. We can be husband whisperers, children whisperers, family whisperers, people whisperers.

Find The Husband Whisperer:

AMAZON | KINDLE | BARNES & NOBLE | DESERET BOOK | GOODREADS

 

Marriage 101 for Men by Sherri Mills – Blog Tour

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews
Sep 242013
 

marriage101Marriage 101 for Men: Why Taking Out the Trash is a Turn-On

Author: Sherri Mills

Publisher: Plain Sight/Cedar Fort, Inc.

Published Date: May 2013

Paperback/Kindle: 176 pages

Genre: Marriage Help/Nonfiction

ISBN# 978-1462112098

Reviewed by: Shanda and Marlow (Shanda’s husband)

FTC FYI: received a free digital review copy in exchange for an honest review

Summary

Develop a game plan for reaching that surprisingly elusive, permanent win-win solution for both you and your wife: increased intimacy and a great life together. It starts with realizing “help” isn’t helpful and challenges you to defuse the ticking time bomb of your wife having “to do it all.” By following the principles taught in the book, couples will gain more time for love and an added respect on both sides.

Marlow’s Review

My wife and I recently celebrated our 17th anniversary. I feel like we have always had a good relationship and that we communicate pretty well with each other. After reading this book, I have a greater understanding of what she has been trying to tell me for the last 17 years. How I wished I could have read this book back then! Our relationship certainly is not in the desperate state of those documented in the book, but there is always room for improvement.

Being a product of divorced parents, I can see how unresolved hurts and uncommunicated needs can lead to heartbreak. There are several warnings in the book to always be vigilant and watch over your marriage. One chapter details the tragic stories of several men who thought things were going well enough, only to learn the hard way they were not. Read this chapter specifically with an open heart and mind. It very well could be you. Do you think your wife “nags” you to do things? You may already be headed down the path.

The book is easy to read and includes many examples and analogies. My favorite analogy is how she likens rising anger and frustration to a volcano: everything looks calm and composed on the outside, but on the inside is a cauldron of frustration, anger, and resentment. Only shared shouldering of household responsibilities and completely open communication, in both directions, can prevent this from happening.

After reading this book, you, as a husband, may feel some amount of sorrow from your (possibly unknown) blasé attitude toward your household responsibilities. I know that whatever amount of frustration and sorrow you may have brought your wife, you can bring just as much joy. Step up, be the man that you are (and that your wife knows you are on the inside) and do your part! Your marriage will be stronger, you and your wife will both be happier, and your family will be blessed.

The book is written to men in general, and husbands in particular. It is a quick read with a good balance of useful content blended with real-life examples and stories. This book should be required reading for anyone who is married, who is thinking of getting married, or has an XY chromosome.

Shanda’s Review

Sherri Mills’ listening ear has heard it all over her many years as a salon owner and hair stylist. After watching yet another marriage fail, she decided to take on the enemies of miscommunication and societal “norms” in the fight to save marriages.

Marriage 101 for Men is a continuation of her first book, but geared toward men. I have yet to read I Almost Divorced My Husband, But I Went on Strike Instead, so I don’t know how the information and format compare. This follow-up is simple and straightforward, broken up in to small sections, with Reminder bullet-points at the end of each chapter, perfect for revisiting often.

Sherri doesn’t mince words. She expresses her observations and concerns for her clients in the direct manner that stems from seeing it all and brooking no time for the petty stuff, yet with a concern and care that comes from knowing and serving these people for years.

My favorite chapters were “‘Help’ is a Four-Letter Word” and “Sharing Versus ‘Helping’ End Nagging.” These chapters contain what I consider the crux of Sherri’s message: Men need to stop “helping” and start “owning” their portion of the household jobs, and women need to let go of their “do it all” mentality and communicate their needs to their husbands. When man and wife share the load of householder duties, they both have more time and energy for fun, in more ways than one.

The book goes on to explain how to do this with the use of a printed and signed “Fair Marriage Contract,” clearly stating the expectations and duties that each partner will own and complete. She also includes a copy of the contract, as well as lists with a variety of household jobs for each partner to select as theirs.

While directed toward men, women will benefit from reading this book with their husbands. There was a bit of repetition from chapter to chapter, with some of the same quotes and concepts from earlier sections stated again later in the book. This may not be bad thing, though, since it would be a good idea to revisit certain sections from time to time and some of these good points could be missed.

Both newlywed and not-so-newlywed couples will benefit from reading Marriage 101 for Men and deciding now how to prevent miscommunications and the resentment that forms due to an unbalanced division of labor. My husband and I both look forward to sitting down to negotiate our own “Fair Marriage Contract” and divvy up the household jobs we are willing to own. Though the “no nag” agreement might be difficult at first, I think this is going to be a very good thing.

Visit Sherri Mills:

BLOG | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | YOUTUBE

Find Marriage 101 for Men:

AMAZON | KINDLE | BARNES & NOBLE | GOODREADS

Real Intimacy – Blog Tour

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews
Sep 132012
 

Real Intimacy: A Couple’s Guide to Healthy, Genuine Sexuality

Authors: Kristin B. Hodson (MSW, LCSW), Alisha B. Worthington (BSW, SSW), Thomas G. Harrison (MSW, LCSW)

Publisher: CFI/Cedar Fort, Inc.

Published Date: August 2012

Hardcover/Kindle; 220 pages

Genre: Nonfiction

ISBN# 978-1-4621-1052-0

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: received an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review

Summary

Based on doctrinal principles and years of professional experience, counseling real people, this uplifting volume approaches marital intimacy with a genuine desire to help couples. Learn to lovingly discuss your physical relationship with your spouse, identify false worldly ideas about sex, and reconcile your differing perspectives. Informative and engaging, this book will answer all your questions as you learn to truly become one.

Review

A quick personal history: My parents divorced when I was 18 and are now each on their third marriages. My husband’s parents divorced when he was seven, his mother remarried, and his father divorced his third wife shortly before we met. By this time, both of us were frustrated with seeing marriages fail.

We were engaged within three weeks of our first kiss (yes, that was fast) but we ended up having a nine month engagement. During that time we spent almost all of our non-kissing time talking about everything we could think of before tying the knot. We wanted to know as much about each other as we could before entering marriage. We gave each other “outs,” saying if we weren’t committed to making this marriage work, we could end it all right then and move on with our lives.

Today we are celebrating our 16th wedding anniversary. Two homes, three jobs, and four kids later, we are still going strong. It hasn’t all been smooth sailing, but I believe the reason we have overcome these struggles so well is because we talk to each other about everything. Mutual respect and devotion to each other has resulted in what both of us consider a happy marriage. (Note: I removed the “very” before that happy because my hubby is right – there is always room for improvement.)

I am so glad I agreed to review Real Intimacy. I’ve connected with and related to more in this book than any other marriage book I’ve read.

Each section is set up with an in-depth look at the topic, a “Nuts and Bolts” overview (for those who just want to read the basics), and follow-up questions for self-evaluation and discussion with your spouse. I enjoyed reading in-depth, while my husband (who isn’t a big reader) appreciated the “Nuts and Bolts” overview. I thought that we knew each other pretty well after all of our talking these past 16+ years, but several of the discussion questions at the end of each section covered new ground for us.

Even more importantly, I am glad to have this book for my children. My oldest is almost 15, counting down to getting her driver’s permit and not really thinking about marriage yet. In just a few short years, that will change. I appreciate how the authors clarify that there are many levels and aspects to intimacy, that sexual intimacy is only one part of that, and that sexuality is a gift from our Heavenly Father with the power to bond husband and wife together as well as create life.

I love how the authors clarify that a woman’s virtue and purity doesn’t change or disappear after marriage. Here is a quote from that section:

We teach our young girls to be pure and virtuous, which they should be, but don’t discuss with them how pure and virtuous they will continue to be within the confines of an intimate, marital relationship. Their virtue doesn’t change, it becomes enhanced with the added ability to create life as well as bring “life” to the relationship with their husband.

Real Intimacy covers all four aspects of intimacy: physical, emotional, sexual and spiritual. It also covers the basics of human anatomy (“Sex Ed 101”) and later, the differences in the way men and women’s brains function. The authors don’t shy away from addressing other topics such as husband and wife acting as stewards of their sex life and decided together what specifically is okay or not okay, as well as pornography, internet infidelity, sexual disorders, and when to get professional help.

In the last few years I have witnessed more than one marriage struggle and fail because of neither the husband nor wife understood the concepts addressed in this book. I appreciate the upfront and direct way that the authors address intimacy and sexuality, not as something to be embarrassed about or ashamed of, but as a sacred gift from Heavenly Father to be appreciated and enjoyed.

I wanted to include this excerpt from the back cover:

This book will teach you how to:

  • lovingly discuss your physical relationship with your spouse
  • resolve your divinely different masculine and feminine perspectives
  • overcome guilt from past transgressions
  • identify and counter false worldly ideas about sex
  • physically cherish your partner over the course of a lifetime into eternity
I highly recommend Real Intimacy to all married or soon-to-be married couples. Intimacy is a precious part of any relationship, and even more so in marriage where a couple is able to experience a level of intimacy found nowhere else. It’s worth the time and effort to protect and develop every aspect of intimacy in marriage, and Real Intimacy is an excellent resource for married couples in all stages of life.
To learn more about Real Intimacy and the authors, visit the website HERE.

Find Real Intimacy on:  

GOODREADS | AMAZON | KINDLE | BARNES & NOBLE | DESERET BOOK

Family by Design by Heather Justesen — Blog Tour

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews
Feb 042012
 

Family by Design

Author: Heather Justesen

Publisher: Cedar Fort

Published: 2012

Softcover: 245 pages

IBSN: 978-1-59955-920-9

FTC FYI: I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

Reviewed by Mindy

Back cover:  “Before he could think better of it, he blurted out, “I understand your concerns. I’m going to speak to my commander about getting an early discharge. My girlfriend, Rena, and I have talked about getting married. There just hasn’t been any rush.”  As soon as the words were out of his mouth, he wondered what he was thinking. Yes, they had discussed marriage, but not to each other! He and Rena had never even dated.

Tucker’s on his way to the biggest challenge of his life. Rena already has it all—except a family of her own. But neither one expected their friendship would take such a dramatic turn.

When Tucker becomes the guardian of his newly orphaned niece and nephew, he knows he can’t handle them alone, not when he might be shipped out with the Marines at any moment. Desperate, he turns to Rena for a major favor. His marriage proposal would give her everything she wants, but can she learn to live without the romance she’s always dreamed of?

As time, prayer, and a life-changing kiss work a little magic in her heart, Rena wonders if someone up there has a plan for her that’s better than anything she could’ve come up with on her own. And though it seems crazy at first, this could become her chance for a marriage that will last for eternity.”

My Review

Rena and Tucker have been friends for 10 years. They both have had their own broken heart stories and have relied on each other many times in the past. When Tucker approaches Rena with a proposal, she is stunned. Sure, they’ve talked about marriage to other people, but Rena never thought the day would come. Tucker needs her help. Rena’s decision will affect the rest of her life.

I absolutely loved this book. The characters are so well written and the story flows with a great amount of feeling and heart.  Each character is important, and I appreciated the author’s eye for detail.  Rena takes on a huge responsibility. After her decision is made, however, she never looks back.  She always has a prayer in her heart.  Even with that, there doesn’t mean there won’t be challenges.  When she is making decisions for Derek and McKensie, she thinks of their mom Haylie, and what she would do. I liked that. The author has a great way of showing real life. The children went through a terrible thing and were not immediately cured by the marriage. Derek especially needs help, and I thought it was handled in a great way.

The book is about family and design. Rena is a very talented designer, and I enjoyed being there with her. Another thing I enjoyed was the glimpses of Tucker serving his country, and the thoughts going through his mind while he was away from his new family. There is also another surprise that I thought was really clever and sweet.

4 out of 5 stars. I knew I was going to love this book when there are mentions of Harry Potter and my favorite line from Empire Strikes Back.  I want to thank Heather for asking me to be a part of her blog tour. I hope you enjoy the book as much as I did.

Also, as a special promotion for anyone who buys a book before February 5th, you can get a free ebook for her companion novella, “Shear Luck.” Once you buy a copy of her book go here (link) to get your free copy. http://www.heatherjustesen.com/shear-luck

As if that weren’t enough, Heather’s holding a host of giveaways on her blog throughout the next few weeks, see the rules at the bottom of this post to enter.

Here’s the blurb for Shear Luck:

Chelsea Robison has never forgotten the older boy next door whom she crushed on as a teen, so when she runs into him at the restaurant he’s preparing to open, it’s a delightful shock. And learning he’s available again is more than a little tantalizing.

Vaughn Krenshaw had never seen his neighbor as more than a nice kid—but Chelsea had definitely grown up in the decade since they saw each other last. He’s attracted to the feisty red head, but still struggles over his wife’s death the previous year. And then there’s his five-year-old daughter, Molly, who really liked Chelsea—until she realized the woman was dating her dad.

As Chelsea starts to wonder if their love for each other will be enough to make things work, a specter from Vaughn’s past rises, making her question whether she really knew him at all.

Here’s the links to the other review from the tour.  This is the last day to enter the contest!

Monday, Jan. 16 Danyelle Ferguson

Tuesday, Jan. 17 Kim Job

Wednesday, Jan. 18 Nichole Giles

Thursday, Jan. 19 Liz Adair

Friday, Jan. 20 Susan Dayley

Saturday, Jan. 21 Keith Fisher

Monday, Jan. 23 Robbin Peterson

Tuesday, Jan. 24 Julie Bellon

Wednesday, Jan. 25 Cindy Hogan

Thursday, Jan. 26 Rebecca Talley

Friday, Jan. 27 Kathleen Brebes

Saturday, Jan. 28 Debbie Davis

Monday, Jan. 30 Maria Hoaglund

Tuesday, Jan. 31 Tristi Pinkston

Wednesday, Feb. 1 Joann Arnold

Thursday, Feb. 2 Christine Bryant

Friday, Feb. 3 Rebecca Blevins

Saturday, Feb. 4 Mindy Holt

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