Book Journey

Large Prize Winners from BBAW

Published on September 21, 2009September 22, 2009 by Sheila (Book Journey)14 Comments

I have been meaning to draw these winners all weekend but it just didnt happen! So today I am finally able to do a bit of catching up and am thrilled to announce our last three BBAW Winners.

The winner of the prize package from a random drawing from comments on this blog between Sept 14 and Sept 18 goes to:

Lisa from When She Reads!!!

Congratulations Lisa! Email me your mailing info and I will get this out to you a.s.a.p. 🙂

The winner of the $15 gift card drawn from comments placed between Sept 14 – 18 is:

You Were Born For This by Bruce Wilkinson w/ Giveaway!

Published on September 21, 2009September 21, 2009 by Sheila (Book Journey)32 Comments

Reading this book – I ask myself, how many miracles sent my way do I miss? How many opportunities have I missed when I felt a need to say something and didn’t? ‘You Were Born For This’ was a great reminder. ~ Sheila

Summary

His New York Times phenomenon The Prayer of Jabez changed how millions pray. Now Bruce Wilkinson wants to change what they do next.

Anyone can do a good deed, but some good works can only happen by a direct intervention from God. Around the world these acts are called miracles—not that even religious people expect to see one any time soon. But what would happen if millions of ordinary people walked out each morning expecting God to deliver a miracle through them to a person in need? You Were Born for This starts with the dramatic premise that everyone at all times is in need of a miracle, and that God is ready to meet those needs supernaturally through ordinary people who are willing to learn the “protocol of heaven.”

In the straightforward, story-driven, highly motivating style for which he is known, Wilkinson describes how anyone can be a “Delivery Guy” from heaven in such universally significant arenas of life as finances, practical help, relationships, purpose, and spiritual growth.

Author Bios:

One of the world’s foremost Christian teachers, Bruce Wilkinson is best known as the author of the New York Times #1 bestseller The Prayer of Jabez. He is also the author of numerous other bestsellers, including A Life God Rewards, Secrets of the Vine, and The Dream Giver. Over the past three decades, Wilkinson has founded several global initiatives, including organizations that recruited and trained thousands of Americans to address hunger, AIDS, and poverty in Africa. Bruce and his wife, Darlene, have three children and six grandchildren. They live outside Atlanta.

David Kopp has collaborated with Bruce Wilkinson on over a dozen bestselling books, including The Prayer of Jabez. He is an editor and writer living in Colorado.

My Thoughts:

Many years ago I had read The Prayer of Jabez and really liked how Wilkinson put things into perspective. Now here I

am again with another amazing book by Wilkinson sitting next to me as I type. While what Bruce is saying is to me – common sense… apparently it needs to be said as I for one tend to forget that we are to be constantly looking for ways to serve Him… ways to do His work here on earth and yet days go by where I dont go the extra few steps to talk to that neighbor out watering her flowers or the person I know is going to want to talk and talk and I just do not have (or take) the time to listen. *OUCH!*

There are topics in this book that I can and will use for my team training I am currently doing for our Fall Honduras Mission. I love the term “Intentional Miracle Workers.” This book really was a great read for me and a definite keeper for the book shelves. This is one I can refer to time and again.

And YES! Thank you to Staci for also sending me an extra copy to giveaway! To enter this giveaway:

One entry for answering this question: What can you do to be more open to miracles that are around us everyday?

receive a second entry by becoming a follow of this blog (two entries if you already are a follower but you need to tell me)

earn another entry by blogging or tweeting this giveaway.

That’s it. Giveaway will close October 17

This book was sent to me for review by Staci Carmichael from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group

“Housekeeping”!

Published on September 21, 2009September 21, 2009 by Sheila (Book Journey)21 Comments

This week I am planning to do a bit of “Blog Housekeeping.”

I want to dust off the awards that run along my sidebar and put them under a header tab along the top part of my blog. This way they will be neater and I can actually list the people who were so wonderful to send them my way. Much more organized… that’s the plan. 🙂

I also have a little sidebar updating to do. I am trying to figure out a cool way to keep my current reads on the side bar that is going to be easy for me to remember to update. Currently I tend to forget and then see something I have read a month ago listed as my current read. “Doh”! So not cool.

I am working on cleaning up my book related emails. I have them just hanging out all over the in box – book review requests, ones I have accepted, communications with authors/publishers. It is like a tornado hit and I need to call in a Cleaning crew to come and assist.

I am also a bit behind on my giveaways so need to do some random pics pretty quick here and get them moving so I can add new giveaways that are waiting patiently.

AND last but not least my Challenges need a little updating as well. I have books completed for the challenges that I have not acknowledged and I need to just get a grip on this.

So – as you look over my blog which is always open to upgrades, do you have any suggestions?

Distant Thunder by Jimmy Root

Published on September 21, 2009September 21, 2009 by Sheila (Book Journey)8 Comments

What started as an uncertain read for me turned into a powerful look into a future that kept the pages turning long into the night! ~ Sheila

The unthinkable has happened. Tactical nuclear weapons have fallen into the hands of terrorists, and both the United States and Israel have been targeted. The Biblical prophecies are TRUE and the march toward the apocalypse us unstoppable.

Moshe Eldan is a “Lightning Driver”, the self-described vernacular of an elite group of

Israeli F-16 fighter pilots. It is his job to protect and defend his beleaguered country on a daily basis, but not even Moshe sees what is coming. Attacks along the Lebanese border, by Hizbollah fighters, is on the increase, but it’s only a diversion from the greater danger. Iran has nuclear weapons, and they plan to use them. Join Moshe as he desperately attempts to stop the most deadly terrorist attack in history. His only hope is found in beginning a new mission, one that will take him straight toward an encounter with the Truth.
Tyler Dempsey is a suburban Kansas City pastor, just trying to work through the grief of losing his little brother to the war in Iraq. His world is jolted by new revelations of old, Bible prophecies. But when he takes it to his apathatic congregation, trouble meets him head on in the form of a brewing church conflict. Unknown to them all, the United States, and specifically Kansas City, are in the sights of vicious killers bent on nothing less than bringing the greatest nation on the planet to its knees. Ty can see it coming. Can you?
Strap in tight as Moshe and Ty are strangely connected in this first book of the “Lightning Chronicles Trilogy.” You will never forget what the Bible says is about to happen!

My Thoughts: This one was a bit of a stretch for me… I am not a nuclear, blow up the world, terrorist threat, type of reader. Yet, when I was offered this book to review…. I couldn’t think of a good reason to pass. There were elements of the book that spoke to me:

Biblical Prophesies (I have a friend who wrote a book along these lines a few years back and I loved it!)

A Pastor dealing with grief ( it is a good story line – I always like to read how Pastors react when tragedy hits their own home… I think fictional or otherwise – it does show a Pastors true character)

This book surprised me and once again I got a good lesson in judging books by their covers. I was wrong to think I would not enjoy this read. I actually did. The characters were well developed and the relationship that develops between Pastor Ty Dempsey and Moshe Elden (fighter pilot) is an interesting way to put together this book. I found myself quickly reading through the pages in an intensity that matched the plot… I had to know what would happen next. This book kept me reading late into the night.

A book about Terrorists, Nuclear devices, and a Grieving Pastor? Oh my! I can not wait to get my hands on book two in the Lightning Chronicle Series!

Jimmy Root Jr., has served as an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God since 1982, including service in Nebraska, Missouri, and a seven year term as a missionary in Colombia, South America. Jimmy is the lead Pastor of Family Worship Center of Smithville, a growing suburb of Kansas City, Missouri. Married to his wife Jean for twenty-nine years, the Roots have three grown children.

Root is a 1981 alumnus of Central Bible College of Springfield, Missouri where he majored in Biblical Studies and Pastoral Theology. He is also an alumnus of Southeastern University, Lakeland Florida, where he majored in Intercultural Studies.

A lifetime student of Biblical prophecy, Jimmy is also the Professor of Eschatology, The Study of End Times, for Berean University through the Northern Missouri District School of Ministry. He is a featured speaker at Churches and other venues, and is the host of “The Bible Uncensored” radio broadcast heard on radio stations around the country.

I received this book from Dorothy with Pump up Your Book Promotions

It’s Monday, What Are You Reading?

Published on September 21, 2009September 21, 2009 by Sheila (Book Journey)17 Comments

Oh! It is Monday isn’t it? I would love to share with you what is true of last weeks reads, what is currently being read in the DeChantal household, as well as what I am hopeful to attack yet this week! Thank you to J. Kaye who created this wonderful meme so we can talk books!

Last week I completed:

Girl Naw! by Lacrica A. Angelle

Dreaming Anastasia by Joy Preble

North! Or Be Eaten by Andrew Peterson (with a double giveaway!)

Mix Shake Stir by Danny Meyer

Make Ahead Meals for Busy Moms by Jane Doiron (with one to give away!)

and as for my current reads…

The Sister Pact by Cami Checketts (I am so enjoying this book! It is a Christian fiction read but it is different from any I have read before and I am really excited to review it! I should be done yet tonight!)

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (yeah… I stated this one a month ago and sat it down to read something else and have yet to pick it back up. It is not from lack of interest by any mean… I really have liked what I have read so far. I hope to wrap this one up this week.)

and now for the ones I plan to get going on this week…

Abbeville by Jack Fuller: This one could very well be the book I had written the song for earlier this week. LOL. Patiently waiting on the shelf, this morning as I was choosing the next in line – I grabbed this one.

Cleopatra’s Daughter by Michelle Moran… this is a self explanatory pick. Seriously, if this book is in your home how can you not read it?

The Carpet Boy’s Gift by Shea/Morin: A beautifully illustrated childrens read that I can not bring myself to even put on the TBR shelf. It must be read. It must be read now.

I also started (or am working on the start of…) an online book club called Word Shakers. Check it out and sign the Mr. Linky if you want to be kepy updated on the reads and participate if you can!

Morning Meanderings…

Published on September 21, 2009September 21, 2009 by Sheila (Book Journey)8 Comments

Do mornings always come this early?

Up and prepped to take Chance to school (our Kinship Partner who is staying with us for awhile). He is 14 and I signed him up for the bus last week and they said it takes 5 days to make that happen. I don’t get that…. bus drives by my our house ever day…. Oh well – I guess it gets me up and actually motivated a little more than when I usually am doing morning meanderings…

I have been sitting here with Coffee Cup this morning hopping around and stopped in to visit Zia at My Life In Not So Many Words. I love her blog! I am reading this morning about what she is reading which I think is funny that I enjoy reading about what others are reading…. but I do. Sometimes it is a fellowship of “wow – we are reading the same book!” and other times it is “That books looks soooooo good I need to add that to the ever growing list of books to read!”

This morning that is exactly what I was doing when I read the post right below her current one and seen she was announcing a winner of The House of Power…. and….

it was me! (I even ran my cursor over the top of my name to make sure it linked to me!)

That was kind of exciting! Zia has probably already contacted me for info but I use a separate email for all my book related stuff and haven’t opened that email yet today!

So thats my morning news! I am starting out with a good Monday (I do so love winning books!). I have much to post this week, a few reviews, BBAW giveaway winners, back to my regular memes… AND I have some visiting to catch up on too. 🙂

Stay tuned… I will be active with my postings all week! Oh and thanks for stopping this morning! Its a bit cool in Minnesota this morning and having coffee and talking books with all of you is just the thing to do……

In My Mailbox…

Published on September 21, 2009September 21, 2009 by Sheila (Book Journey)13 Comments

Fair warning – this is a two week accumulation due to last weekends massive bike ride and with BBAW I never did catch up on my regular memes. Now I am back and excited to do a little house keeping this week on my blog…. moving some things around… etc.. but enough about that…. lest get to that mailbox: (In my Mailbox was created by Story Siren)

The Help by Kathryn Stockett: You have probably heard me talk enough about this book lately… I think it was in three different posts during BBAW. Funny – since I have not read it – just excited because of all I am hearing about it from my fellow bloggers!

The Guernsey, Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows: Yippy! I won a copy of this from Novel Menagerie (thank you thank you!) Yet two came in the mail in separate packages on the same day – so you know what that means? Yup! Giveaway coming soon!

Killer Summer by Ridley Pearson sounds wonderfully spooky doesnt it? I am thinking rainy night read or chilly fall night with a blanket and apple cider!

Dial Emmy for Murder by Eileen Davidson is just the fun cozy mystery I have been craving. This will be a fun read!

Heavens Keep by William Kent Krueger really interests me as this is a Minnesota author who I have seen around (everywhere actually) but have never read!

Bo’s Cafe by John Lynch is an October 2, Blog Tour. This book looks so good!

Bone Lake by : This is a book I won from J. Kayes Blog and I am so excited to read this as J. Kaye raved about it in a post she put up this past week.

When The Whistle Blows by : Sent my way by the author…. I just thumbed through this book tonight and it looks like it will be a good one.

Extraordinary by John Bevere looks fantastic and this one I will be digging into soon. Did you look at the picture? Yup. There are two of them and you know what that means! GIVEAWAY BABY!!!

Cross Culture Servanthood by: This is a purchase I made to use for my training sessions for the team I am leading to Honduras on October 3oth this year. I have heard this is a great read so I hope to use some of the info in it.

Marilyn Monroe by : I love a good memoir and I was hoping i would get a chance to review this book and I did! This should be a delight to read and review!

The Darceys and The Bingleys / The Plight of The Darcey Brothers: Ok… I know that this looks like I have given in to the hype on all the new “Austen like” books…. but in my defense, the jury is still out as I have not read them yet. Sure these are great looking books… but we will have to wait for the review to see if I have been sold.

Make Ahead Meals for Busy Moms by Jane Doiron: A great cook book that came to me this past week with a copy to giveaway. I posted my review of this earlier today after I read through it yesterday and made two recipes out of it for dinenr last night! See review and giveaway here!

Beautiful Ugly by Shelia E Lipsey: Sent to me by the author for review. Shelia described her book well in the email she sent me and it really peaked my interest!

A Thousand years by Donald Miller: Another one that I think is going to not only be a great read but one for the book shelf. Thats right – I said it. A keeper.

Benny and Shrimp by Katarina Mazetti: This is one of those books that Iread about on other blogs and was interested enough to pursue a review copy.

The Lighter Side of Trainers 2010 Calendar: This is one of those items I got in the mail and for the life of me can not remember if this is something I asked for or won or what. Forgive me – but I can not remember. It does look great though and it will be going in the book room for 2010.

The Carpet Boys Gift by Pegi Deitz Shea: A gorgeous childrens read that I am sure will be reviewed quickly because 1) it is so great looking I want to read this and review it and 2) I really want to get working on my childrens reviews and I have several to do!

Sir Dalton and The Shadow Heart by Chuck Black: Ooh! This is a bit out of my normal read but for some reason the cover draws me and i think I am going to enjoy it!

Charlie and Mama Kyna by Diana Rumhahn: Like I stated above, I am looking to do a whole category of Childrens books and am excited to get them to review when I can. This one also looks delightful and I cant wait tor ead this as well. This one is based off an international award winning film.

Labor Day by Joyce Maynard: I have read wonderful reviews on this one and I am excited to dig in and see what it is all about!

Deconstructing Sammy by Matt Birkbeck: Another memoir! Sammy has this odd place in my heart…. when I was a kid I had a pure bread poodle that was the grandson of Sammy Davis Jrs. dog. No kidding. I know that is really weird but as a kid… I was really proud of that. The book is just another one that I enjoy knowing the stories behind the stories.

The Sound of Sleigh Bells by Cindy Woodsmall: My first holiday book review! This one is a tour Set for mid October! I have read Cindy before and enjoy her books!

So there it is…. the mailbox in all of its glory. 🙂

Make Ahead meals For Busy Moms by Jane Doiron + Giveaway!

Published on September 20, 2009September 20, 2009 by Sheila (Book Journey)44 Comments

I loved reviewing this cook book! The recipes were easy to follow and delicious! ~ Sheila

Make Ahead meals are not just for Moms who work outside of the home. It’s a way of cooking that helps all families, big and small. It all comes down to a little planning. Make a meal or two in advance when you have some extra time. Then you’ll be rewarded with quick, delicious home-cooked meals when you really need them!

I met Author Jane Doioron through Book Blogs. We started chatting back and forth about books and she shared with me that she was the author of a cook book and asked if I would consider reviewing her book. I had never reviewed a cook book before and had to wonder how I would go about doing that….

no characters….. but ingredients

no plot…. but the act of bringing all the ingredients together to create something else entirely….

a conclusion? Well…. yeah… the overall ending product.

When the book arrived I realized it was actually easy to review a cook book, just dive in and try out some of the recipes. I had company coming for dinner on Saturday so the timing was perfect! I made the Crab Melts appetizer (page 5) and the Pumpkin Bread (page 45).

The Crab melts called for Kraft Old English Cheese Spread which I could not find so chose a cheese spread from our grocery store that I believed to be close to the same as what was called for. These appetizers were not only easy to make but they were delicious and a crowd pleaser!

The Pumpkin Bread was a big recipe and smelled so good with all the spices in it while I mixed. I made it is a cake pan and cut it into strips that were also delicious and everyone enjoyed with our meal. I had enough of this recipe left to bring to the tailgate party we had a t church today. (Jane says in her recipe that this can be split into three loaves and then froze up to two months). When I make it a again I think I will do that to have it handy for the upcoming holidays.

What I really enjoyed about the recipes is that they are easy to follow and the ingredients were many things you would have on hand anyway.

Jane was so wonderful to let me review her book and she also sent me an additional copy to give away! (Thank you Jane!)

To sign up for a chance to win this wonderful book:

1 entry by commenting here on a favorite recipe you have

Earn a second entry by blogging or twittering about this giveaway

a third entry can be achieved by commenting on any other non giveaway post here

That’s it – have fun!

Giveaway ends on October 20 – US and Canada entries only please and no po box numbers

** See another wonderful review of this book and another chance to get in on winning this book

here are Chocolate and Croissants

I received this book and the giveaway copy from the author, Jane Doiron

Mix Shake Stir – recipes from Danny Meyer’s NYC restaurants

Published on September 20, 2009September 20, 2009 by Sheila (Book Journey)3 Comments

A beautiful book filled with great cocktail recipes for home entertaining. ~ Sheila

Meyer has long been a hero to New York City restaurant goers via his eclectic and acclaimed eateries—the upscale Gramercy Tavern, exotic Tabla and low-down Blue Smoke and Shake Shack. Now, perhaps in a nod to the economic climate, Meyer befriends the stay-at-home crowd with an excellent guide to the affordable luxury known as the artisanal cocktail. Resisting the capitalistic impulse to crank out a book representing each of his establishments, he instead pulls recipes from all of them, 140 in toto, providing enough martinis, highballs and infused liquor to withstand any recession. He stacks the drinks into five different categories. Favorite Classics (old-fashioned, Negroni and such); New Classics like a Pomegranate gimlet and a modern martini with cilantro-infused gin; Inspired Flavors such as the Kachumber Kooler (a favorite at Tabla made with muddled cucumber, cilantro and chili pepper); Elegant Sips, where Champagne and sherry make their presence known; and Casual Libations for the beach, the backyard or the mojito-fueled dance party. And because no one should have too many blood orange margaritas on an empty stomach, Meyer concludes with a chapter of Bar Fare. The kick from his five-spice cashews, Thai trail mix and hot garlic potato chips all require that a tall glass of ice water be added to the evening’s drink list.

My husband I are not real big on the mixed drinks and due to our busy lifestyle as business owners, we really dont entertain at home often either. Last night we did however have friends over to grill out on the deck and I thought this may be an opportune time to try out a recipe in this beautiful book.

I decided on the Strawberry Ginger Mojito on page 165. It looked easy enough and I did not have to pick up too much.One of the ingredients it called for was bottled ginger. The book said I could find it in a well stocked grocery store or in a natural foods store. Our groceries stores did not carry it and neither did our two local natural foods stores…. so my recipe quickly became Strawberry Mojito. This made a beautifully red in color beverage, with a nice crisp strawberry taste – not strong tasting which is always a plus for me. Garnished with a strawberry the drink was a hit and I would make it again.

This book is loaded with beautiful pictures and I did not notice until after the get together that the final chapter is all on snacky foods to go with the drinks. I wish I would have seen that earlier! Now I know I have to dive back in to try the five spice cashews, thai trail mix and the tequila lime shrimp. Yum!

This book would make a wonderful gift.

This book was sent to me by Hachette Book Group

Join Now – On Line Book Club: Word Shakers

Published on September 19, 2009February 6, 2011 by Sheila (Book Journey)98 Comments

Link Here To Current Book Information and Sign Up Form

1. Each five/six weeks a book is chosen that as many of us that can will read (its even cool if you have already read it prior to selection!)

2. When we get to the review deadline, I will put up a post that everyone can link their reviews of the book

3. I will create a group spreadsheet with questions about the book that you may answer. I will use different contributors comments in a Wordshaker post.

That’s the basics of it now. Obviously if you did not have time to participate in a certain month certainly stay tuned for future months. Or if a book doesn’t interest you – you are welcome to pass and watch for the next.

Our current read is:

To Be Announced

Feel free to grab the Word Shakers widget and use on your blog posts as well as to connect others to join.