Ten Top Summer Reads
Every summer I slow down long enough to read not one but a dozen books. It's never planned, but it always happens. I suppose it's because there is nothing more relaxing than sitting outside on a warm summer morning, listening to the birds chirp, and allowing my mind to escape to far off places. Usually, I pick "clean" novels, devotionals, and short stories. But this year, I've mixed it up a bit and was pleasantly surprised by topics I chose.
If you're summer is moving along at a slow pace, or if you've found yourself needing to break away from the daily rituals of life--so you can de-stress and relax, then I encourage you to check out the following books.
Book One Google Analytics by Mary E. Tyler and Jerri L. Ledford I am ashamed to admit that I received this book several months ago, for review, and just hadn't found the time to sit down and read it. And I say ashamed because it's a very good book and would be an asset to any home business library. Normally, books written to discuss website statistics, search engines, and the like are written with so much "industry talk" that the average business person is left feeling like his head is going to explode! But that's not the case with Google Analytics. Mary and Jerri do a great job of breaking down an otherwise complicated topic and making it so easy to understand that any home business owner can instantly begin to improve their overall web stats.
In Google Analytics, the authors take the time to explain how Google Analytics compares to other website statistic programs, how to use Google Analytics, how to integrate Google Analytics with Google Adwords, and most importantly how to use Google Analytics to turn a profit.
Book Two Generation Next Parenting by Tricia Goyer I interviewed Tricia back in 2006--prior to the book being released (http://thedabblingmum.blogspot.com/2006/08/interview-next-generation-parent.html) and had such a wonderful conversation that I couldn't wait to read the book. Then it arrived and I must say it was everything I expected it to be. Tricia writes in a conversational style. She doesn't dictate, she doesn't condemn, and she doesn't ridicule. Instead, she lovingly reminds her readers that no parent is perfect and it is because of her imperfections that she's able to write a book that will not only help the next generation, but heal her readers as well.
In the beginning, Tricia says, "I've prayed through the years and sometimes I'm surprised by what God brings to mind. I've discovered every time I open my heart to God's perusal, there's always something He wants to work on, to clean up." I love this quote because it's practically the same words my best friend and I have muttered over the last eight years, as we've dealt with some pretty painful memories from the past--in hopes to be better spouses, Christians, friends, and parents. And it's a quote that truly demonstrates her heart and the message of the book--we as parents are imperfect creatures but that's not to say that we are bad parents; a little confused maybe, but definitely not bad parents. And it's Tricia's job, as the author of Generation Next Parenting, to help us understand our role as parents--in today's society.
Book Three A Quarter After Tuesday by Jo Kadlecek Let me just say that I could not put this book down--I read it in two sittings! Jo does a fantastic job of bringing you into the story. And while this is the second book in The Lightfoot Trilogy, it can definitely be read and enjoyed without having to read the first book, A Mile Past Sunday.
In A Quarter After Tuesday, Jonna Lightfoot MacLaughlin is a reporter for the New Orleans Banner and her job is to write about all things religious--including religions that do not align with her faith. Wanting desperately to write about more than what church is holding what event where, she stumbles upon a devious plan to close down a multi-cultural, multi-religious senior center--all thanks to a very strange voodoo woman. But her path is blocked by romance--romance designed to deter her from the true story. Will she fall head first in love and forget all about her story, or will she let go of her dreams of finding the perfect man to save the home of several elderly residents--residents she's grown very fond of? I'm not telling! You'll have to pick up a copy for yourself.
And if that isn't a good enough reason to pick up a copy of this book, think on this: "All royalties from the sales of A Quarter After Tuesday will be donated to ministries and charities designed to help get New Orleans back on its feet."
Book Four Uprooted by Michelle Van Loon How many times had I tired of reading the same parables of Jesus--always so mushy and out of touch with reality--wishing that someone would come along and liven it up a bit. I just wanted someone to share the parables in such a way that they related to today's world--to our society. And then along came Michelle and her wonderful Parable series and I just knew I had to get my hands on a copy of her book.
Each section starts with the parable, directly out of the Bible. It's then followed by a modern-day fiction-based story designed to solidify the parable and make it easier to understand. And if that's not enough to help explain the meaning behind the parable, Michelle includes a real life that further brings home the point of the parable. And finally, she ties the section up with scripture and prayer prompts as well as a question and answer section designed to get you, the reader to think more about what you've read and how it pertains to your life.
I really loved this book for the clarity it provided. And while my first intent was to give it away to a reader of this blog, I decided to be a little selfish and keep the book in the family--hopefully to be read to my future grandchildren and great-grandchildren. So if you want a copy, you'll have to buy one.
Book Five One Step Over The Border by Stephen Bly I honestly don't think I'll ever get enough of Bly's books. He has such a way with modern-day westerns that I long to find a ranch of my own. In One Step Over The Border, a young cowboy falls in love with a young girl named Juanita. But when she leaves--never to be seen again--he sets out on a life long mission to find her. But his search has led him down a lonely road of one night stands and mischief--heck, it nearly gets his new roping partner killed! Yet, he can't give up--not after spending twenty years of his life trying to find her. But then life has a way of changing things and when it's least expected miracles happen. What was this cowboy's miracle? I'm not telling. But I will tell you this, you'll have a few happy tears!
Bly's putting together a blog featuring Hap Bowman, the young cowboy in One Step Over The Border. If you'd like to learn more and receive a free "Have you seen my Juanita?" search kit, email Bly at HapBowman@yahoo.com
Book Six Building the Christian Family You Never Had by Mary DeMuth Let me start by saying that this is a phenomenal book and well worth the investment. But with that statement, I must also tell you that it's very heavy reading. It's not something you can skim through lightly, pick up a few great insights and move on with your life. Mary's book will cause you to deeply reflect where your life has been and where it's headed. She will cause you to rethink many things about your life--including how people treat you, how the negatively influence your children, how you can avoid people who have nothing more to do with their lives but bring you down, and how you can have relationships with overly critical people without "endorsing their behaviors". And she will help you see where God has been in all that mess--even when you thought He wasn't there.
The sub-title of this book is, "A Practical Guide For Pioneer Parents" and it's so fitting. While we may not be pioneers of the past, moving by wagon trail to start a new life in a foreign land, many of us are in essence, pioneers. We are parents trying desperately to carve out a better life for our children--a life free of violence, a life free of always feeling like a failure, a life free of childhood molestation, bullies, and so forth. So if you are ready to turn your life around or if you simply want to let go of the past, pick up a copy of Building the Christian Family You Never Had and let Mary's word minister to you.
Book Seven Renovating Becky Miller by Sharon Hinck Renovating Becky Miller is the second book in the series so you might want to pick up a copy of The Secret Life of Beck Miller (read review: http://thedabblingmum.com/reviews/bookspleasure/beckysecret.htm) to get caught up. That being said, Hinck once again delivers a book worth reading. In Renovating Becky Miller, Hinck takes us down the road of mishap after mishap as Becky tries desperately to keep her life from spinning out of control--something every mother, everywhere can relate to!
As someone who longs to one day own a farmhouse of my own, I found this book a delightful read. My husband's always telling me, "An old farmhouse requires a lot of TLC, sweat equity, and hard earned dollars" and nothing brings that statement home more than Renovating Becky Miller. In Renovating Becky Miller, you'll discover why remodeling always costs more than you estimated, why you should always hire a plumber (and quite possibly an electrician) instead of trying to do it yourself, and why sometimes scenes in movies really need to stay in the movies.
Book Eight Confident Parenting by Jim Burns In Confident Parenting, Jim helps parents understand the importance of setting goals, making plans, and being consistent. Throughout the book Jim reinforces three things: affection, warmth, and encouragement. In other words, he helps parents:
* learn to "not react to the moods of their children or spouses", * stay consistent when it comes to disciplining--even when the easy way out seems so much better, * understand why they must build relationships with their children and not just dictate a bunch of rules, * understand the benefits of choosing which battles to win and which battles to let their children win, and * learn to celebrate both the small and large milestones in their children's lives.
There's even a section to help parents heal the brokenness in their own lives. I especially like this section because as much as we'd like to do what's right by our children, until we understand why we do what we do (and a lot of it is based on past hurts) we cannot move forward or build happy, healthy relationships.
Book Nine The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Rolling by Neta Jackson Let me say that without reading the first book, you may likely find yourself lost with this book--I know I did! That being said, The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Rolling is a great book about friendship and prayer. We all need friends who can get up in our faces and tell us the truth--regardless of how painful it may be, as long as it's done with love and compassion. We all need friends who can push us to be the best we were meant to be--regardless of how difficult that road may be. We all need friends who will stick by us no matter what the circumstances and no matter how crazy or busy their lives get. And we need friends who can remind us of what it means to have a loving, caring, almighty God right there fighting with us every step of the way. And that's what you get when you read The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Rolling.
In fact, it's my understanding that because of this series, many women are seeking deeper, stronger friendships built on love, commitment, and prayer. If you're ready to move forward in your prayer life but don't have a prayer partner. If you've longed for unconditional love, but have yet to find it in a girl friend, then I encourage you to pick up the series, The Yada Yada Prayer Group, call up a few of your girl friends and start a book reading club with this book. When you're done with the series, you may very well be on your way to the prayer group and friendships of your dreams.
Book Ten No More Jellyfish, Chicken, or Wimps by Paul Coughlin Paul Coughlin believes our children should not be raised to be timid, over-protected children who cannot think or do for themselves--who are nothing more than doormats. In fact, he believes we should be raising assertive and confident children who can be tough and gentle, who can stand up for themselves and still be loving, kind, and compassionate.
It's Paul's belief that as we shelter our children in an envelope of overprotection, we prevent them from creating healthy boundaries, from being able to do things on their own, and from thinking for themselves. He also goes into great depth about how we, as parents, need to change our ways in order to help our children grow into healthy, happy, well-adjust, confident, courageous adults who love life, love themselves, and respects the world around them. And there's advice on dealing with bullies, or protecting our children from predators, understanding the fine line between overprotection and protection, and helping children grow into their own skin.
There's a lot of good advice in No More Jellyfish, Chicken, or Wimps--too much to list here. So if you're ready to help your children stand on their own two feet, pick up a copy today.
About the Author
Alyice Edrich is the author of several work from home e-books designed to help parents earn extra cash while spending more time with their children. To learn more, visit http://thedabblingmum.com/ebookstore
Every summer I slow down long enough to read not one but a dozen books. It's never planned, but it always happens. I suppose it's because there is nothing more relaxing than sitting outside on a warm summer morning, listening to the birds chirp, and allowing my mind to escape to far off places. Usually, I pick "clean" novels, devotionals, and short stories. But this year, I've mixed it up a bit and was pleasantly surprised by topics I chose.
If you're summer is moving along at a slow pace, or if you've found yourself needing to break away from the daily rituals of life--so you can de-stress and relax, then I encourage you to check out the following books.
Book One Google Analytics by Mary E. Tyler and Jerri L. Ledford I am ashamed to admit that I received this book several months ago, for review, and just hadn't found the time to sit down and read it. And I say ashamed because it's a very good book and would be an asset to any home business library. Normally, books written to discuss website statistics, search engines, and the like are written with so much "industry talk" that the average business person is left feeling like his head is going to explode! But that's not the case with Google Analytics. Mary and Jerri do a great job of breaking down an otherwise complicated topic and making it so easy to understand that any home business owner can instantly begin to improve their overall web stats.
In Google Analytics, the authors take the time to explain how Google Analytics compares to other website statistic programs, how to use Google Analytics, how to integrate Google Analytics with Google Adwords, and most importantly how to use Google Analytics to turn a profit.
Book Two Generation Next Parenting by Tricia Goyer I interviewed Tricia back in 2006--prior to the book being released (http://thedabblingmum.blogspot.com/2006/08/interview-next-generation-parent.html) and had such a wonderful conversation that I couldn't wait to read the book. Then it arrived and I must say it was everything I expected it to be. Tricia writes in a conversational style. She doesn't dictate, she doesn't condemn, and she doesn't ridicule. Instead, she lovingly reminds her readers that no parent is perfect and it is because of her imperfections that she's able to write a book that will not only help the next generation, but heal her readers as well.
In the beginning, Tricia says, "I've prayed through the years and sometimes I'm surprised by what God brings to mind. I've discovered every time I open my heart to God's perusal, there's always something He wants to work on, to clean up." I love this quote because it's practically the same words my best friend and I have muttered over the last eight years, as we've dealt with some pretty painful memories from the past--in hopes to be better spouses, Christians, friends, and parents. And it's a quote that truly demonstrates her heart and the message of the book--we as parents are imperfect creatures but that's not to say that we are bad parents; a little confused maybe, but definitely not bad parents. And it's Tricia's job, as the author of Generation Next Parenting, to help us understand our role as parents--in today's society.
Book Three A Quarter After Tuesday by Jo Kadlecek Let me just say that I could not put this book down--I read it in two sittings! Jo does a fantastic job of bringing you into the story. And while this is the second book in The Lightfoot Trilogy, it can definitely be read and enjoyed without having to read the first book, A Mile Past Sunday.
In A Quarter After Tuesday, Jonna Lightfoot MacLaughlin is a reporter for the New Orleans Banner and her job is to write about all things religious--including religions that do not align with her faith. Wanting desperately to write about more than what church is holding what event where, she stumbles upon a devious plan to close down a multi-cultural, multi-religious senior center--all thanks to a very strange voodoo woman. But her path is blocked by romance--romance designed to deter her from the true story. Will she fall head first in love and forget all about her story, or will she let go of her dreams of finding the perfect man to save the home of several elderly residents--residents she's grown very fond of? I'm not telling! You'll have to pick up a copy for yourself.
And if that isn't a good enough reason to pick up a copy of this book, think on this: "All royalties from the sales of A Quarter After Tuesday will be donated to ministries and charities designed to help get New Orleans back on its feet."
Book Four Uprooted by Michelle Van Loon How many times had I tired of reading the same parables of Jesus--always so mushy and out of touch with reality--wishing that someone would come along and liven it up a bit. I just wanted someone to share the parables in such a way that they related to today's world--to our society. And then along came Michelle and her wonderful Parable series and I just knew I had to get my hands on a copy of her book.
Each section starts with the parable, directly out of the Bible. It's then followed by a modern-day fiction-based story designed to solidify the parable and make it easier to understand. And if that's not enough to help explain the meaning behind the parable, Michelle includes a real life that further brings home the point of the parable. And finally, she ties the section up with scripture and prayer prompts as well as a question and answer section designed to get you, the reader to think more about what you've read and how it pertains to your life.
I really loved this book for the clarity it provided. And while my first intent was to give it away to a reader of this blog, I decided to be a little selfish and keep the book in the family--hopefully to be read to my future grandchildren and great-grandchildren. So if you want a copy, you'll have to buy one.
Book Five One Step Over The Border by Stephen Bly I honestly don't think I'll ever get enough of Bly's books. He has such a way with modern-day westerns that I long to find a ranch of my own. In One Step Over The Border, a young cowboy falls in love with a young girl named Juanita. But when she leaves--never to be seen again--he sets out on a life long mission to find her. But his search has led him down a lonely road of one night stands and mischief--heck, it nearly gets his new roping partner killed! Yet, he can't give up--not after spending twenty years of his life trying to find her. But then life has a way of changing things and when it's least expected miracles happen. What was this cowboy's miracle? I'm not telling. But I will tell you this, you'll have a few happy tears!
Bly's putting together a blog featuring Hap Bowman, the young cowboy in One Step Over The Border. If you'd like to learn more and receive a free "Have you seen my Juanita?" search kit, email Bly at HapBowman@yahoo.com
Book Six Building the Christian Family You Never Had by Mary DeMuth Let me start by saying that this is a phenomenal book and well worth the investment. But with that statement, I must also tell you that it's very heavy reading. It's not something you can skim through lightly, pick up a few great insights and move on with your life. Mary's book will cause you to deeply reflect where your life has been and where it's headed. She will cause you to rethink many things about your life--including how people treat you, how the negatively influence your children, how you can avoid people who have nothing more to do with their lives but bring you down, and how you can have relationships with overly critical people without "endorsing their behaviors". And she will help you see where God has been in all that mess--even when you thought He wasn't there.
The sub-title of this book is, "A Practical Guide For Pioneer Parents" and it's so fitting. While we may not be pioneers of the past, moving by wagon trail to start a new life in a foreign land, many of us are in essence, pioneers. We are parents trying desperately to carve out a better life for our children--a life free of violence, a life free of always feeling like a failure, a life free of childhood molestation, bullies, and so forth. So if you are ready to turn your life around or if you simply want to let go of the past, pick up a copy of Building the Christian Family You Never Had and let Mary's word minister to you.
Book Seven Renovating Becky Miller by Sharon Hinck Renovating Becky Miller is the second book in the series so you might want to pick up a copy of The Secret Life of Beck Miller (read review: http://thedabblingmum.com/reviews/bookspleasure/beckysecret.htm) to get caught up. That being said, Hinck once again delivers a book worth reading. In Renovating Becky Miller, Hinck takes us down the road of mishap after mishap as Becky tries desperately to keep her life from spinning out of control--something every mother, everywhere can relate to!
As someone who longs to one day own a farmhouse of my own, I found this book a delightful read. My husband's always telling me, "An old farmhouse requires a lot of TLC, sweat equity, and hard earned dollars" and nothing brings that statement home more than Renovating Becky Miller. In Renovating Becky Miller, you'll discover why remodeling always costs more than you estimated, why you should always hire a plumber (and quite possibly an electrician) instead of trying to do it yourself, and why sometimes scenes in movies really need to stay in the movies.
Book Eight Confident Parenting by Jim Burns In Confident Parenting, Jim helps parents understand the importance of setting goals, making plans, and being consistent. Throughout the book Jim reinforces three things: affection, warmth, and encouragement. In other words, he helps parents:
* learn to "not react to the moods of their children or spouses", * stay consistent when it comes to disciplining--even when the easy way out seems so much better, * understand why they must build relationships with their children and not just dictate a bunch of rules, * understand the benefits of choosing which battles to win and which battles to let their children win, and * learn to celebrate both the small and large milestones in their children's lives.
There's even a section to help parents heal the brokenness in their own lives. I especially like this section because as much as we'd like to do what's right by our children, until we understand why we do what we do (and a lot of it is based on past hurts) we cannot move forward or build happy, healthy relationships.
Book Nine The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Rolling by Neta Jackson Let me say that without reading the first book, you may likely find yourself lost with this book--I know I did! That being said, The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Rolling is a great book about friendship and prayer. We all need friends who can get up in our faces and tell us the truth--regardless of how painful it may be, as long as it's done with love and compassion. We all need friends who can push us to be the best we were meant to be--regardless of how difficult that road may be. We all need friends who will stick by us no matter what the circumstances and no matter how crazy or busy their lives get. And we need friends who can remind us of what it means to have a loving, caring, almighty God right there fighting with us every step of the way. And that's what you get when you read The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Rolling.
In fact, it's my understanding that because of this series, many women are seeking deeper, stronger friendships built on love, commitment, and prayer. If you're ready to move forward in your prayer life but don't have a prayer partner. If you've longed for unconditional love, but have yet to find it in a girl friend, then I encourage you to pick up the series, The Yada Yada Prayer Group, call up a few of your girl friends and start a book reading club with this book. When you're done with the series, you may very well be on your way to the prayer group and friendships of your dreams.
Book Ten No More Jellyfish, Chicken, or Wimps by Paul Coughlin Paul Coughlin believes our children should not be raised to be timid, over-protected children who cannot think or do for themselves--who are nothing more than doormats. In fact, he believes we should be raising assertive and confident children who can be tough and gentle, who can stand up for themselves and still be loving, kind, and compassionate.
It's Paul's belief that as we shelter our children in an envelope of overprotection, we prevent them from creating healthy boundaries, from being able to do things on their own, and from thinking for themselves. He also goes into great depth about how we, as parents, need to change our ways in order to help our children grow into healthy, happy, well-adjust, confident, courageous adults who love life, love themselves, and respects the world around them. And there's advice on dealing with bullies, or protecting our children from predators, understanding the fine line between overprotection and protection, and helping children grow into their own skin.
There's a lot of good advice in No More Jellyfish, Chicken, or Wimps--too much to list here. So if you're ready to help your children stand on their own two feet, pick up a copy today.
About the Author
Alyice Edrich is the author of several work from home e-books designed to help parents earn extra cash while spending more time with their children. To learn more, visit http://thedabblingmum.com/ebookstore
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