Tag Archives: Non-fiction

#BookReview: Coach Wooden’s Forgotten Teams by Pat Williams with Jim Denney

15 May

Coach Wooden’s Forgotten Teams is a fascinating look at John Wooden’s often overlooked career as a coach at summer youth basketball camps. His love of basketball and his fellow man made his camps memorable for those who attended them over the years; he taught what he loved, and he loved what he taught. As we walk down the road of life, we might never meet any extraordinary individuals, but John Wooden was certainly one and was able to touch many lives. Don’t miss this wonderful book and the stories and lessons it has to offer. “Coach Wooden isn’t with us anymore, but he left us his words, his passion, and his legacy of teaching and influencing future generations of young people.”

I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

 

About the book:

Legendary UCLA basketball coach John Wooden is known for his record-breaking run of NCAA championships and for working with some of the best players in the sport. His principles for success have been used by not only coaches and athletes, but also business leaders, entrepreneurs, and others. But his reach stretches even farther than most people know–into the hearts and lives of the people who learned the game of basketball on one of Coach Wooden’s forgotten teams.

For nearly twenty years, John Wooden ran scores of summer youth basketball camps in California and other states, imparting wisdom and teaching skills to thousands of boys and girls between the ages of eight and fifteen. Most would not grow up to play professional or even college ball, but all of them found their lives changed by their interaction with the greatest coach who ever lived. In those camps, Coach Wooden also impacted hundreds of camp counselors and assistant coaches. This one-of-a-kind new book shares their inspiring stories and six fundamental lessons for a life of success and an unforgettable impact on others.

Learn more about Coach Wooden’s Forgotten Teams.

#BookReview: Defeating Dementia by Dr. Richard Furman

14 May

Informative and encouraging, Defeating Dementia is a helpful resource for those who want to know more about dementia and its many forms. Dispersing medical research and scientific findings with personal experiences, Dr. Furman helps readers gain a greater understanding of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Pointing out the correlation between our lifestyle choices and the likelihood of various forms of dementia, Dr. Furman offers measures that can be taken to prevent dementia, as well as slow the process if it has already begun. “Every one of us is affected today in some way by Alzheimer’s dementia, though clearly some much more directly than others. Current trends suggest those connections will grow closer and more painfully personal with the passing of each year.” Having read this book, I am more equipped and committed to preventing this dreaded diagnosis.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

 

About the book:

Dementia. It’s one of the most dreaded conditions we face as we age. Many people claim they would rather be diagnosed with cancer than dementia or Alzheimer’s. What many don’t realize is that dementia is not a foregone conclusion as we get older. Our own lifestyle choices and habits can have a significant impact–for good or ill–on our chances of developing the disease. And that means there’s hope.

Drawing from the latest medical research, Dr. Richard Furman helps readers understand dementia and Alzheimer’s and shows them how to make three powerful lifestyle changes that can help decrease the probability of developing this disease. He explains how eating the right foods, exercising, and sustaining an ideal weight can dramatically reduce the likelihood of developing dementia in the first place, and even how it can slow the progression of the disease in someone who has already received a diagnosis.

Learn more about the book and the author

#BookReview: Sacred Rest by Saundra Dalton-Smith, MD

17 Jan

I thoroughly enjoyed Sacred Rest! I know many of us struggle with the hustle and bustle of daily life, and we can all benefit from a better understanding of genuine rest. Saundra Dalton-Smith, MD combines research with experience, identifying seven areas of rest in which we are deficient and offering insightful solutions for these deficiencies. A wealth of information, Sacred Rest enlightens and encourages readers to embrace the gifts of rest in order to “recover your life, renew your energy, and restore your sanity.” What a wonderful and worthy challenge!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

 

Dalton-Smith pin2

About the book:

How can you keep your energy, happiness, creativity, and relationships fresh and thriving in the midst of never-ending family demands, career pressures, and the stress of everyday life? In Sacred Rest, Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, a board-certified internal medicine doctor, reveals why rest can no longer remain optional.

Dr. Dalton-Smith shares seven types of rest she has found lacking in the lives of those she encounters in her clinical practice and research-physical, mental, spiritual, emotional, sensory, social, creative-and why a deficiency in any one of these types of rest can have unfavorable effects on your health, happiness, relationships, creativity, and productivity. Sacred Rest combines the science of rest, the spirituality of rest, the gifts of rest, and the resulting fruit of rest. It shows rest as something sacred, valuable, and worthy of our respect.

By combining scientific research with personal stories, spiritual insight, and practical next steps, Sacred Rest gives the weary permission to embrace rest, set boundaries, and seek sanctuary without any guilt, shame, or fear.

Learn more and purchase a copy.

Read what other bloggers are saying about Sacred Rest.

#BookReview: Prayers for a Heart-Shaped Life by Karen Moore

3 Jan

Prayers for a Heart-Shaped Life reminds us of the importance of sharing our heart with our Heavenly Father. I have enjoyed reading Moore’s encouraging thoughts and prayers and am endeavoring to be more purposeful in my own daily prayer life. “As it says in James 4:8 (NKJV), ‘Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.’” Including more than 200 prayers, Prayers for a Heart-Shaped Life is a lovely book and an inspiration for greater heartfelt living and prayer.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

 

About the book:

Inspired by 1 Corinthians 13:2: “If I had the gift of prophecy and knew all about what is going to happen in the future, knew everything about everything, but didn’t love others, what good would it do?” . . .the Heart-Shaped Life series will encourage you to live life “heart first.”

Prayers for a Heart-Shaped Life features more than 200 prayers that will inspire you to draw closer to your heavenly Father as you spend time in quiet conversation with the author of Love Himself. Each refreshing prayer and related scripture selection will help you discover the best path to the good life. . .which is LOVE.

Learn more about Prayers for a Heart-Shaped Life.  

#BookReview: 31 Proverbs to Light Your Path by Liz Curtis Higgs

19 Sep

31 Proverbs to Light Your Path is a lovely devotional! Ideal for personal and group study, the thirty-one verses from the book of Proverbs are presented in ways that are applicable and actionable. Higgs offers insights, stories, and inspiration, while compelling readers to perform a quick challenge at the end of each chapter. Uplifting and encouraging, I enjoyed spending time in this wonderful book and look forward to using it again and again!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

 

About the book:

With her signature ability to blend ancient truth with real-life takeaway, best-selling author and Bible teacher Liz Curtis Higgs examines thirty-one verses from the book of Proverbs, and then offers a unique “One Minute, One Step” challenge at the end of each chapter, suggesting a do-it-now task that requires one minute or less. Readers will quickly discover how practical and applicable the book of Proverbs is, and how the Lord can use even the smallest steps to lead us in the right direction.

Learn more about the book and the author.

#BookReview: Stepping on Cheerios | $75 Cash Card #Giveaway

23 Jun

 Filled with wit and wisdom, Betsy Singleton Snyder’s tales of parenthood are ones all moms can relate to. I enjoyed the observations found in Stepping on Cheerios, as Snyder shares her thoughts and experiences of finding God and grace amid everyday living. As she says, “Family life is beautiful and motherhood is a privilege, but it ain’t no picnic!” Child-rearing is challenging, and it is great to read stories from one who knows and understands both the blessings and misadventures of motherhood.

I received a complimentary copy of this book.  No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.  

 

Join Betsy in celebrating a crazy life of motherhood and her new book by entering to win a $75 Visa cash card!

One grand prize winner will receive:

  • A copy of Stepping on Cheerios
  • A $75 Visa cash card

Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on June 27. The winner will be announced June 28 on Betsy’s blog.

 

About the book:

Independent and self-sufficient, author Betsy Singleton Snyder lived a full and busy life as a pastor, missionary, and wife to a husband who served in the U.S. House of Representatives. She had her first child at age 44, then at 47, she found out she was carrying triplets. Suddenly finding herself overwhelmed is an understatement.

Stepping on Cheerios is a collection of funny, warm, and charming tales from the frontlines of parenthood, written for women who are juggling to accomplish everyday feats of work, motherhood, marriage, church, and more. It’s a comical story of one woman’s realization that her crazy life is a gift and how she found the grace in it.

#BookReview: Friends, Partners, and Lovers by Kevin A. Thompson

6 Jun

Friends, Partners, and Lovers shares Kevin A. Thompson’s thoughts and experiences on “what it takes to make your marriage work”. Thompson discusses three critical roles of a spouse and offers strategies and suggestions for developing and maintaining a healthy relationship. “Healthy marriages do not have less conflict; they have more positive interactions.”

I enjoyed the insight, practical approaches, and simple instructions outlined in the book, as well as the intentional thoughts and discussion questions that conclude each chapter. “Marriage at its best harnesses both the strength of two individuals and the power of a united couple.” Friends, Partners, and Lovers is a great source of encouragement for couples at any stage of marriage!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

 

About the book:

Great marriages don’t just happen–they’re made, intentionally, day by day. Yet most of us enter the covenant of marriage thinking that the role of spouse will be easy, natural, effortless. Rarely is this true. In fact, the number one cause of divorce isn’t adultery or finances or disagreements. It’s apathy–a lack of intentional emotional, physical, and mental investment in the relationship.

With engaging stories and clear, simple language, pastor Kevin A. Thompson explains the three critical roles of a spouse–friend, partner, and lover–and shows how to nurture those roles in order to keep a marriage healthy and strong. Using solid biblical principles, he helps couples understand how to grow their friendship, be a supportive partner through the good times and the bad, and develop a healthy and satisfying sex life.

Friends, Partners, and Lovers offers essential insight for couples at any stage of marriage but will be especially helpful to those who are struggling and those who are engaged or newly married and looking to start their marriage on strong footing.

Learn more about the book and the author.

#BookReview: Under a Desert Sky by Lynne Hartke

5 Jun

Under a Desert Sky is a candid and compelling read! When faced with her own cancer diagnosis, as well as the diagnoses of both her parents, Lynne Hartke wrestled with a myriad of thoughts, questions, and emotions. Relating her experiences to the Sonoran Desert, Hartke illustrates both the desolation and the beauty to be found in life’s desert places. Heartfelt and hopeful, Under a Desert Sky is a stirring memoir!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

 

About the book:

There comes a time in life when we find ourselves in the desert place of burning questions: Why? and Why me? But even as we shake our fist heavenward, the heart whispers another question: Who? Who are you, God? Who are you to me?

Against the backdrop of the Sonoran Desert, Lynne Hartke asks her own hard questions as cancer arrives like a thief with one goal: to take it all. Hair. The contents of a stomach. A marriage. A life. As her days become a blur of doctors’ appointments, treatments, and surgeries, she wrestles with a tumble of tangled emotions, a shaken faith, and crushing self-doubt. And then, the unthinkable. Cancer is now threatening not only her own life but also the lives of both her parents.

Through her raw, lyrical words, Hartke invites you to discover, as she did, that even in life’s hardest places, you are not alone in your fear, you are not foolish to hope, and you are never forgotten by a loving, pursuing God. Never.

Learn more about the book and the author. 

#BookReview: Unsinkable Faith | Prize Pack #Giveaway

10 Apr

If circumstances in your life are weighing you down, Tracie Miles offers a helping hand to help lift you up. In Unsinkable Faith, Miles reminds readers that while everyone struggles with negativity, a life of positivity is possible. “We can learn to change our perspectives about our circumstances, even if our circumstances don’t change.”

Each chapter addresses a unique topic and includes scripture references and strategies for reflection and transformation. Personal stories are also shared, as well as tips and tools for changing the way you think and feel. Unsinkable Faith is a great source of encouragement for those who are seeking more peace and positivity.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

 

Join Tracie and other readers on April 25th for a fun Facebook Live event and the Anchored in Faith Prize Pack Giveaway (details below)!

One grand prize winner will receive:

 

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 25. The winner will be announced at the Unsinkable Faith Facebook Live event. RSVP for a chance to connect with Tracie and others searching for unsinkable faith, as well as for a chance to win other prizes!

RSVP today and spread the word-tell your friends about the giveaway via social media and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 25th!

 

For many people, remaining optimistic and feeling positive about themselves and their lives is a constant battle – especially when circumstances are difficult and life is hard.  For others, negativity is something that only sneaks up from time to time, yet still wreaks havoc in their hearts. Regardless of the root causes, once pessimistic thoughts permeate our minds, our feelings and emotions begin to control us instead of us controlling them. Eventually it doesn’t seem possible to stay positive, happy, and full of joy, and negative thought patterns shake our faith, causing us to sink emotionally, mentally, and spiritually over time. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Despite what storms roll in, hearts anchored in God don’t sink. When we change the way we think, we can change the way we feel and live, even if our circumstances remain the same. Intentionally embracing the opportunity to experience a transformed heart and a renewed mind opens the door for a changed life, because a positive mind will always lead to a more positive life.

In Unsinkable Faith, author and Proverbs 31 Ministries speaker Tracie Miles offers hope for women who struggle with negativity. Each chapter explores Tracie’s and other women’s personal stories, showing how they rose above their circumstances by transforming and renewing their minds.

Unsinkable Faith is a breath of fresh air for anyone longing for a heart full of joy, an unbreakable smile, and a new, more optimistic perspective on life. This book will equip you to:

-Replace pessimism with positive thinking by becoming the captain of your thoughts;
-Learn how true joy and happiness are based on choice, not circumstances;
-Overcome unhealthy habits of negative thinking by intentionally implementing three easy mind-renewing steps;
-Stop feeling hopeless and pitiful, and start feeling hope-filled and powerful instead; and
-Discover that when you change the way you think, you change the way feel, and in turn you can change your life completely.

Purchase links | Author info | Blog tour 

#BookReview: Tightropes and Teeter-Totters by Lisa Pennington

7 Mar

Heartfelt and insightful, Tightropes and Teeter-Totters is a great resource for women! From marriage and motherhood to money and more, the author addresses key areas of life in which women often struggle to find their footing. Sharing her own experiences, as well as biblical inspiration, Pennington offers practical suggestions and strategies for finding balance in the up and down struggles of life. “I knew I had to write about finding balance. This love story between God and us is filled with comedies and tragedies, highs and lows, and we need to know how to stay standing.” Everyone needs encouragement, and Lisa Pennington offers that and more! 

 

About the book:

Do you wonder if you will ever find balance?
Lisa Pennington knows how to get up after losing her balance, even with a full house, a not-so-full bank account, and never enough energy. In her latest book, she offers readers:

-Strategies for finding balance in marriage, motherhood, and bad moods
-Playful yet biblically based tips for turning hard days around
-Inspiration for shaping obstacles into opportunities
-Ways to respond to irritations with gratitude
-Enthusiastic encouragement for living out God’s purpose.

For every woman who wonders if her satisfaction in life will ever match her dreams, Pennington has real-life answers full of hope and humor.

 

About the author:

Lisa Pennington is a homeschooling mom of nine who shares her life-one laundry load at a time-on her blog, The Pennington Point. She is a sought-after speaker at conferences and women’s groups and is the author of “Mama Needs a Do-Over.” Lisa and her family live near San Antonio.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/2mSzgWe

Visit the author: http://thepenningtonpoint.com/

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book.  No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.  Click here to read what other bloggers are saying about Tightropes and Teeter-Totters.