Motherhood Matters by Connie E. Sokol

Motherhood Matters: Joyful Reminders of the Divinity, Reality, and Rewards of Motherhood

Author: Connie E. Sokol

Publisher: Cedar Fort Published: March 2012

Hardcover: 128 pages

ISBN13: 9781462110186

FTC FYI: Review copy

Goodreads Summary: "In these hectic days where life's demands can quickly become a heavy burden, Motherhood Matters helps you find more memorable moments and take the stress out of the to-do lists. Written with clarity, concision, and wit, this short, yet indispensable handbook is better than flowers, more guilt-free than chocolate, and gives back to the woman who sacrifices so much of herself every single day."

My Review

This book was an absolute joy to read. While I was reading I started taking notes, and wrote down pages numbers of my favorite quotes from our amazing church leaders, and from the author herself.  Many inspirational messages quotes are in this book to help you through your busy mothering days. I was reminded to take life a day at a time, and most importantly to cherish your children. My kids are 14, 11, and 7. I miss the days when they were younger, but I am excited about the life we have now, and look forward to live and enjoy each day. No matter how busy we get. It also reminded me that my Heavenly Father loves me, and looks after me. Even as something as simple as watching over my house because I left a curling iron on.

5 out of 5 stars. This book is a great gift for Mother's Day for any mother, no matter what stage in her mothering she is in.

Read more about the author here. Use this link for purchase.

And the Winner is...

Thank you to all who entered!

Welcome to all my new followers.

The winner is...

AmyW!

The winner has been notified. I've got more giveaways coming soon! Stay tuned.

Have a great day everyone.

Banana Split by Josi S. Kilpack

You have a chance to win a copy of Banana Split.

Banana Split: A Culinary Mystery

Author: Josi S. Kilpack

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

Published: February 2012

Paperback: 372 pages

ISBN-13: 978-1-60908-903-0

FTC FYI: Review Copy

Goodreads Summary: "Sadie Hoffmiller has survived eighteen months of nonstop adventures filled with murder, deceit, and danger. She could really use some rest—and maybe even some time to heal—relaxing in the tropical paradise of Kaua'i. However, palm trees and sunshine are not as effective a medication as Sadie had hoped. And when she finds herself entangled—literally—with a dead body, she is forced to face the compounding fears and anxieties that are making her life so difficult to live.

Her determination to stay out of danger and to focus on overcoming her anxieties soon takes a backseat when she meets eleven-year-old Charlie, the son of the woman whose body she discovered near Anahola Beach. Charlies has some questions of his own about what happened to his mother, and he is convinced that only Sadie can help him. If only Sadie were as confident in her abilities as Charlie is.

With the help of her best friend and a local social worker, Sadie dives into another mystery with the hope that, at the end, she'll be able to find the peace and closure that has eluded her."

My Review

Sadie is having a rough time. All that has happened to her in the last 18 months has finally taken it's toll. Her panic attacks are getting more frequent, and in the middle of one, after an attempt at snorkeling, Sadie finds another dead body under a pier. Sadie visits Dr. McKay, her new psychiatrist. He talks with her about PTSD, and how he feels she is suffering from that. Determined to feel better, Sadie makes a list of things to do everyday.

"Go outside every day.

Eat fruit every day.

Talk to Pete every day.

Do something brave every day." Page 51

When the son of the woman whose body Sadie found comes to her, it takes time, but she realizes that she needs to help this boy. Sadie finds a list of Charlie's that he left at her house. That spurs her into action.

This is another strong offering from Josi. The best thing about her books is not only do they get better and better, but they are unique in their own way and can stand alone. Sadie is a different person in his book. She is hurting, mentally and physically. It's quite a change to see her react the way she does, my heart just ached for her. What I love most about Sadie is, even though she has forgotten this, she is a very strong lady. Sadie finds herself getting better when she is investigating, and it helps with her anxiety. She also remembers that helping others is a good thing, and she is not a dead body magnet. Gayle helps her see that it's okay to let someone else help her, too.

5 out of 5 stars. Follow Josi on Facebook and Twitter. Here are some purchase links as well.

AMAZON / BARNES AND NOBLE / DESERET BOOK / SEAGULL BOOK

NOW FOR A GIVEAWAY!

One lucky follower will win an autographed copy of Banana Split. All you have to do is follow this blog, and comment that you are a follower.

Easy as pie, or a banana split.

US ONLY. Ends Saturday, midnight.

Good Luck!

Pretty Darn Funny Webisodes

I was asked by my friend at Deseret Book to view the first few webisodes of their new comedy series Pretty Darn Funny. Not only are they pretty darn funny, they kept my interest and had me wanting to watch more. PDF is about a mom, Gracie, who takes her kids to a comedy sketch night, doesn't like what she hears, and is challenged to start her own all-women comedy troop. The first episode premiered April 2nd, and the next three will premiere each Monday this month.

On the website prettydarnfunny.com you can watch the first episode, and there are also character bios. My favorites are Gracie, Madison, and Jennifer. Scroll a little further down and there is also info for a fun contest. Are you pretty darn funny? Read about it and see.