My Foolish Heart by Susan May Warren

This was a very sweet story about learning to overcome the obstacles and trials that we have in our lives.  There are a couple of romances in the story.  Issy has been struggling ever since her mother died in a car accident.  She has been slowly making progress.  When she meets her new neighbor she starts to realize that maybe she doesn't have all the answers and sometimes she just needs to let go.  It is fun to watch the characters grow and heal in this story.  It was a very good read.  I would give it 4/5 stars.

The Lightkeeper's Ball by Colleen Coble

This was a very light read.  It was a bit of a mystery as well as a romance.  Parts of the book were a little cheesy, but overall it was a fun read.  Olivia Stewart wants to be loved for who she is inside, not for her status in society.  When she finds out about her sister's death, she is determined to find out more about it before she agrees to a marriage that her mother has arranged.  She finds out some heartbreaking things, but also finds the kind of love that she has always wanted.  I would give it 3/5 stars.

The Bridge of Peace by Cindy Woodsmall

I received a complimentary copy of this book from WaterBrook through their Blogging for Books program.  This is the second book in the series and I found myself wishing that I knew more of what had happened in the first book.  Most of the characters were very good and interesting.  There were several things that happened that seemed a little to coincidental.  I enjoyed reading the story and had a hard time putting it down, but there were parts that I had a hard time believing.  I did like the theme of the story about building bridges, and how it takes two people to try.  I would give this book 3/5 stars.

We Be Big by Rick Burgess & Bill "Bubba" Bussey

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson as part of their BookSneeze program.  I lived in the South for 4 years.  You can not live in the South and not know who Rick and Bubba are.  I admit that I only listened to their show a few times, but I enjoyed it when I did.  I was curious when I saw this book, and so I was excited to read it.  I really enjoyed this book.  It is written in a very readable way.  I would call it an easy read.  It was fun to learn how these two came together and how the Rick and Bubba show came to be.  I appreciate that they are willing to share their faith and acknowledge the help of God in their lives.  I would recommend this book to anyone.  I would give it 4/5 stars.

The Shape of Mercy by Susan Meissner

I received a complimentary copy of this book from WaterBrook Multnomah through their blogging for books program.  I enjoyed this book.  I really like Susan Meissners writing style.  I found the information about the Salem witch trials fascinating.  It was fun to see how all of the characters lives were similar and yet so different.  Lauren comes to understand herself so much better through the events of the book.  She comes to see herself as she truly is, and not just as she wants to see herself.  I would give this book 3.5/5 stars.

Regret Free Parenting by Catherine Hickem, LCSW

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson's BookSneeze program.  I enjoyed this book.  It talked a lot about being an intentional parent.  It talked about building a strong relationship with your children while they are young, and then the relationship can continue on into their teenage years.  The book also talked a lot about being confident in your parenting.  Children can tell if you don't mean what you say, and they will take advantage of that.  She also talked about involving God in our parenting.  This book made me think about the way that I am parenting my children, and gave me some useful ways to improve my methods.  I enjoyed it.  I would give it 4/5 stars.

The Dragon and the Turtle Go On Safari

I received a complementary copy of this book from WaterBrook Multnomah.  I read it with my daughter.  She enjoyed the story.  I liked the pictures.  They were cute and colorful.  The story was cute, but parts of it were hard to read out loud.  I got a little tongue-tied.  I liked that the characters were using their imaginations.  I also liked that they were brave and helped out another creature even though they were scared.  I think that the book has some great lessons in it.  My daughter and I both enjoyed this book.