Best ipad Apps by Peter Meyers

This book is a great tool for anyone - iPad literate or not. Book was broken up into chapters that make it easier to find what you are looking for. The selections included are:
* At Work
* At Leisure
* Creative Corner
* At Play
* At Home
* Out and About
* For Your Health
Each section has subsections with best of apps and honorable mention apps. Each app also has the descriptions well as screen shots. But what makes it nice is that they also provide the price for each of the apps. This is nice for someone who wants to know how much their new helpful app will cost before getting excited about a download.

Great tool for any iPad user - whether for business or leisure.

5 out of 5 stars.

A Cousin's Promise (Indiana Cousins, Book 1) by Wanda E. Brunstetter

Review:
From Publishers Weekly
Amish specialist Brunstetter kicks off a new series set in Indiana Amish country. Loraine Miller's fiancé, Wayne Lambright, is crippled in the car accident that opens the novel. That initiates a tale of complications in their relationship. Wayne wants Loraine to be happy and doesn't believe a disabled man can meet her needs; Loraine doesn't understand the psychological complexities of Wayne's recovery. Into the tension between the two lovers comes Loraine's old boyfriend Jake, sorry for what he's lost and hoping to pick up the pieces. There's cooking, visiting and lots of neighborly support that fans of Brunstetter will appreciate as staples of Amish fiction. Since Loraine Miller also has a number of cousins introduced who face difficulties in the novel, the series setup is clear. Brunstetter could develop a better ear for dialogue, but she has a good ear for the distinctive Dietsch language of the Amish, sprinkling phrases of it into her characters' speech. Fans might enjoy reading this while the friendship bread is baking in the oven. (Mar.)
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Review
The strong spiritual element is perfectly evidenced in the characters'' consistent, loving Christian attitudes, even when it is met with hostility. Brunstetter kicks off the Indiana Cousisn series and demonstrates how God can help flawed Christians deal with devasting situations.
(LESLIE MCKEE ROMANTIC TIMES 20090112)

A Cousin''s Promise Wanda E. Brunstetter. Barbour, $10.97 paper ISBN 978-1-60260-060-7. Amish specialist Brunstetter kicks off a new series set in Indiana Amish country. Loraine Miller''s fiancé, Wayne Lambright, is crippled in the car accident that opens the novel. That initiates a tale of complications in their relationship. Wayne wants Loraine to be happy and doesn''t believe a disabled man can meet her needs; Loraine doesn''t understand the psychological complexities of Wayne''s recovery. Into the tension between the two lovers comes Loraine''s old boyfriend Jake, sorry for what he''s lost and hoping to pick up the pieces. There''s cooking, visiting and lots of neighborly support that fans of Brunstetter will appreciate as staples of Amish fiction. Since Loraine Miller also has a number of cousins introduced who face difficulties in the novel, the series setup is clear. Brunstetter could develop a better ear for dialogue, but she has a good ear for the distinctive Dietsch language of the Amish, sprinkling phrases of it into her characters'' speech. Fans might enjoy reading this while the friendship bread is baking in the oven. (Mar.)



(PUBLISHERS WEEKLY 20090301)

Set amid a quaint Indiana Amish community, A Cousin''s Promise, the first book in Wanda Brunstetter''s new "Indiana Cousins" series (Barbour, p, $10.97, ISBN 9781602600607), captures the simple, traditional Amish way of life beautifully. With hearfelt love for and understanding of these people, Brunstetter teaches life lessons by intertwining the Amish lifestyle with a light romance story, while delineating the plot with a wide range of emotions and behavior generated from grief and loss--and the adverse effects it can have on even the closest relationships. A special section contains questions on the grieving process, relationship, and life lessons learned. Recommend A Cousin''s Promise to teens and adults who enjoy a good love story with a message.
(NANCY KANAFANI CBA RETAILERS & RESOURCES 20090109)


My REVIEW:

Great book! I really enjoy Mrs. Brunstetter's novels and this one did not change my opinion at all! Character's were easy to empathize with. Story was not expected. FANTASTIC READ!

***** stars!

Little Green Dresses by: Tina Sparkles

From Amazon.com:
"Never shop retail again with this chic and sweet collection of DIY patterns from a former host of DIY Network’s Stylelicious, Tina Sparkles. Joining the green movement was never so easy — and cost saving! With Sparkles’ stripped-down approach to patterning and sewing, the delightful dresses, tops, skirts, and pants in this fashion-forward project book will not only raise your eco-IQ, but open your eyes to new methods for sewing garments. Author Tina Sparkles, a talented and imaginative designer, offers up an array of project ideas that are both earth- and user-friendly. Readers can pick and choose the patterns that suit them best, from A-line, tiered, and bubble skirts to “body tube” dresses and “cap-sleeve cutie” blouses. Included are sewing and shopping resources and a fitting guide."

My Review:
3 stars. Interesting patterns. Most I would NEVER wear. Maybe I am too old... LOL. Patterns are for high school students or even college kids... although some are a bit risky for either group!

Petunia Pepper's Picture Day by Cathy Breisacher

About book (from Publisher website)
Petunia Pepper's Picture Day

ISBN: 978-1-59317-397-5

Size: 11" x 8.5"

Pages: 32 o Full Color

Hardcover

Ages: 6 and up

Poor Petunia Pepper! Every year, disaster strikes on her school picture day. Puffy hair, pumpkin-style smiles and pink eye help her take pictures that only her family could love. But this year, Petunia promises herself things are going to change. She carefully plans for the perfect picture day. But when she misses the school bus, a series of misadventures begins that leads to yet another picture day fiasco. Will Petunia's perfect picture be ruined, or will she finally take a picture everybody in her class will love?

The story also features a "Time Out for God's Word" page that parents and teachers can use to reinforce the biblical foundation of the story with children. Kids are reminded how much God loves them, just the way they are, by focusing on the following scriptures:
" For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:13-14 NIV " See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me. Isaiah 49:16 NIV " Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings. Psalm 17:8 NIV " For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10 NIV

My review
Wonderful book!!! Both my 5 year old and 8 year old loved this book!!! Can't wait for my Petunia Pepper books! I love how the book ties in God's word at the end and gives a lesson! AWESOME book! This would make a wonderful gift as well!!!

5 out of 5 stars!!!

Love is Monumental by Annalisa Daughety

Product Description
Park ranger Vickie Harris might love her job at the Washington Monument, but she's never been in love. On her thirtieth birthday, Vickie impulsively promises that she'll ask out the next eligible man she meets. That man, professor Thatcher Torrey, has spent years building his life around work. Thatcher is searching for an historic document and enlists Vickie's help with his quest. Just as these polar opposites form a bond, a secret from Thatcher's past pulls them apart. Will they go their separate ways? Or will they finally realize that when it's with the right person, Love Is Monumental?

My review
Book is wonderfully written! The characters are introduced just enough to get you hooked in the begining (especially if you did not read book one in the series). It was refreshing to see that not all the characters in the novel were "perfect." Life happens... even in Christian novels! I also really enjoyed the references to religion and the Bible. There were not too many nor were they too "fire and brimstone" to discourage you from giving this book as a gift to a non-believer. I look forward to reading the rest of the series as I have not read the other 2 as of yet.
I give the book 5 stars!

Dinner for Busy Moms: Easy Strategies for Getting Your Family to the Table by: Jeanne Muchnick

Product Description

How do you improve your family's health and relationships, save money, and raise happier kids who get better grades and are less likely to do drugs? Family dinners! These easy strategies will get your family back to the table.

My Review

The author, Jeanne Muchnick, offers witty advice on how to bring the dinner to the table without it being stressful. Great source of information. Gives great practical ideas to make family time become dinner time. NOT A RECIPE BOOK! Although she does give a few links to great sites full of recipes and information as well. Also she has cite photos and illustrations.

Kids' Guide to Bible Animals (Kids' Guide to the Bible) by Jane Landreth

Product Description
Here’s a Bible reference kids will actually want to read! Kids love animals, and the Kids’ Guide to Bible Animals will lead them on a journey of discovery. This fully-illustrated book for 8–12-year-olds details every animal, bird and insect in scripture, from antelopes to camels, donkeys to fleas, pigs to worms—100 in all. Descriptions of each creature are provided, along with details of their importance in Bible times. Intriguing “Did You Know?” sidebars highlight some of the weird and amazing aspects of the animal world. It’s all wrapped up in a bright, colorful package that kids will love.

My Review:

Great book full of information. Product information says that book is fully illustrated, copy I received did not have illustrations. I am not able to vouch for illustrations. Hopefully book is illustrated as it would be nice. Book is FULL of facts! Great for a kid who is interested in animals.

Kids' Bible Facts (Kids' Guide to the Bible) by Ed Strauss

Product Description

Here’s a Bible reference kids will actually want to read! This fully-illustrated book for 8–12-year-olds provides over 800 interesting, fun entries on the people, places, and ideas of scripture. Brief biographies of key Bible characters, definitions of need-to-know terms, and fascinating features on the important, unusual, and sometimes gross aspects of the Bible are bolstered by hundreds of “fascinating facts” and nearly a hundred pictures. It’s all wrapped up in a bright, colorful package that kids will love.

My review:

I can not say enough about this book! Awesome!!!! A must have for every Christian school classroom and home!!!! Beautiful pictures and excellent descriptions!!

Sneaky Sheep by Chris Monroe

My Review:

Cute book about sheep. I had my 8 year old read it and give me her opinion. She liked it and even said she would buy it for a friend. Cute book and great for a gift!!

Kids' Bible Dictionary (Kids' Guide to the Bible) by Jean Fischer

Product Description

Hey, kids - here's a dictionary you'll actually want to read! The Kids' Bible Dictionary features 1,000 of the most important words and names from the Bible - from Aaron, Abba, and Abomination to Zacchaeus, Zeal, and Zion. Each definition is written in understandable - even fun - language to help you know your Bible better. Plenty of pictures and a cool, colorful design make Kids' Bible Dictionary the book for personal reading, school reports, or even stumping your friends with Bible questions.


My Review:

Great reference tool for kids! Excellent descriptions and beautiful pictures! Great buy for $10.00!

The Yo-Yo Diet Syndrome by Doreen Virtue

Publisher Description

How wonderful would it feel to be able to break free from the pattern of yo-yo dieting forever?

Recent research suggests that 95 percent of dieters fail to keep the weight off and continually:

· Lose pounds on countless occasions but end up putting it (and more) back on

· Overeat due to stress, depression, boredom, and fatigue

· Constantly crave, or binge on, fat- and calorie-laden food

In this revised edition of her landmark book, Doreen Virtue shows you how you can keep the extra weight off—permanently! She presents a wealth of practical information that shows you how to heal your appetite and dieting issues, from the inside out.

This book is a must if you want to address the psychological, spiritual, and physiological causes of weight gain, and desire a simple and realistic method for shedding those excess pounds—for good!

My review

Book is a Christian approach to why you eat the way you eat. This is not the typical diet book. This is much more of a self help book about Why you eat the way you do then the typical approach other diet books take (eat this and exercise like this for X amount of time and you will loose X pounds).
Great approach.
4 out of 5 stars.

Perfect One-Dish Dinners by Pam Anderson

Awesome ideas (especially for entertaining). My favorite was the Spinach & artichoke dip recipe. Book contains recipes you would find at an upscale restaurant.

Cookbook contains 4 sections:
Stews
Casseroles
Roasting
Salads & grilled

1 con: Book needs to be available on Kindle. I like having my books available on Kindle especially my cookbooks. They travel easier!

FYI- This cook book is not for a new cook. Definitely a seasoned cook. A few recipes I had trouble with.

4 out of 5 stars

Tuscan Holiday by Holly Chamberlin

Product Description
When Elizabeth Caldwell planned a trip to Florence with her daughter, Marina, she secretly hoped for a warm, fuzzy bonding experience worthy of a Lifetime movie. But Marina - twenty-one, newly graduated, and close to her mum in many ways - has always been more the PBS type: dependable, practical, and completely in control. Elizabeth knows Marina wants to avoid the kind of 'stupid mistake' that left Elizabeth a single mother at twenty-two, and she's bitten her tongue as Marina settles for a wealthy fiance who gives. her everything she thinks she wants. After all, Elizabeth - unable to bring herself to fully commit to the man she has dated for years - is hardly an expert in romance.Still, a lot can happen on vacation, especially in Tuscany, where every scent borne on the warm breeze inspires delight, and every view makes the heart soar. There, on streets once walked by Dante and Michaelangelo, Marina is blindsided by a gorgeous Italian named Luca who shows her how gloriously unpredictable passion can be, and Elizabeth finally lets go of the role that has defined her for so long to embrace her own uncertain future...

My Review:
Typical Mother daughter story.

Mother (Elizabeth) knows what is best for daughter (Marina). Marina thinks her mother is wrong and did wrong in her own life. Marina discovers her mother was right all along and she should follow her heart not her head.
Both women discover something about themselves and about their relationship with each other. In time relationships between mother and daughter change and evolve into friendships. Both women discover that they can be friends.

Easy read. Great for vacation!

4 out of 5 stars