Melissa's Idea Garden

This summer, I am taking part of our local library's adult reading challenge. We are to read 16 books by the middle of August and there are certain categories we have to read from. This is an attempt to get us to look at books we might otherwise ignore. I am enjoying it and I chose the book "102 Minutes: The Untold Story of the Fight to Survive Inside the Twin Towers" by Jim Dwyer and Kevin Flynn.

As most of us, I remember exactly where I was when the towers were attacked and how I felt in the days afterwards. I couldn't believe what I was seeing on the television. The enormity of what had happened only barely began to sink in during those days and I cried many tears for those who had lost their lives and for our country that I knew would never be the same. This book is an account of people who were inside the Towers during the attack and the minutes leading up to the collapse of the north tower. As the title reminds us, the whole catastrophe took 102 minutes from beginning to end.

If you read the book, you will be amazed at the heroism of many, of the lack of communication between rescue workers and how these attacks made everything that couldn't go wrong, go wrong (broken sprinkler system, broken PA system and more). You will read the thoughts of people fighting to survive. Some were successful, some were not. And you will realize that hind sight is always twenty-twenty, but foresight had some good ideas too, it was just that people weren't listening.

The authors do an excellent job of putting this story together and it was not an easy job to tackle. I highly recommend this if you want to know more about what went on September 11, 2001.

Posted by Melissa Markham at 6:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I have rediscovered my love of reading. When I was growing up, I always had a book with me. I read as I brushed my teeth, dried my hair, ate my breakfast, walked to the bus stop, on the way to school and whenever I had a break during the day. My senior year of highschool, I read over 100 books. My favorites at the time were gothic romance, Stephen King, Dean Koontz and John Saul. My 12th grade English teacher, Mrs. Boswell, told me it was fine to read the fun stuff, but to be sure to spend time in the classics as well. I took her advice to heart and developed a love for Hardy, Steinbeck, Dickens and Vonnegut (to name a few). Well, now my challenge to myself is to read nonfiction books as well as fiction.

You can check on my Shelfari account in the sidebar of my blog to see what all I have been reading this year. I read from my Kindle while I exercise and then from the stack of books that I have collected over the last 10 years, but hadn't gotten around to reading. The book I finished today was Reversing Heart Disease. It is a book that my hubby bought a few years ago, but then never read. When my dear friend, Carole, called me to tell me her hubby had had a heart attack, Daniel remembered the book and told her about it. I thought to myself...this is a book I should read, so onto my shelf it went. And I got a copy of Reversing Diabetes by Dr. Whitaker to read on my Kindle. I have a history of Diabetes in my family. I am overweight, sedentary and love to eat sweets. Last August, after my yearly physical, my doctor sent me my blood test results and a prescription for a cholesterol medication.

Continue reading "Reversing Heart Disease by Julian Whitaker, M.D." »

Posted by Melissa Markham at 7:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I read this book because it is the book that my husband's grandfather read more that 75 years ago and later he gave the name 'Tess' to my mother-in-law. I had heard the story before that she had been named for the main character in this book, but had never read it.

This story will transport you to another time. A time when there were squatters and they were treated horribly. A time when people's preconceived ideas and expectations led them to make poor and unfounded judgments (oh wait...we still do that). You will follow a young girl and see a mustard seed of faith grow in her. And you will see that even though she has none of the 'modern advantages,' she is the one who is the richest.

Tess passed away two months ago and we located the book to read. The story captured me early on and is one of love and faith and adventure and drama and unfairness. I am sure that Mr. Brown wanted his daughter to have the fine qualities of Tess when he chose this name for her. She lived up to the name and her dad's expectations.

We miss you Tess.

Posted by Melissa Markham at 5:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I purchased this book a few months ago and have been reading it a little at a time. There are so many great tips in here! With money tight these days, I highly recommend that you add it to your shelf!

The book is written by Rebecca DiLiberto and is divided into the following sections: In the Kitchen, Around the House, Lifestyle, Fun and Leisure. There are so many great tips in here, that the only way I can figure out to make the most of this book is to pick a few at a time, get them to be a habit, then move on.

Here is a small sample of some of the ways to save money:

"If you burn milk when heating it on the stove, add a pinch of salt to take away the scorched smell and taste. (this also works with coffee)"

"When you brew a pot of coffee that nobody drinks, don't pour it down the drain. Freeze leftovers in ice cube trays to add to iced coffee instead of ice cubes."

"There's nothing more frustrating than over-salting a soup or stew that you've spent countless hours and dollars on. Don't throw it out! Try adding some wedges of raw potato or apple to absorb the salt. Let the soup simmer for 10 minutes or so, then removed the wedges. IF your soup is still too salty, try sprinkling in a spoonful of sugar. And if that doesn't work, a dash of apple cider vinegar may do the trick. Finally, try diluting with water or low-sodium broth."

Continue reading "Penny Saving Household Helper: 500 Little Ways to Save Big!" »

Posted by Melissa Markham at 3:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

A friend of mine loaned me this book back in the fall to read because we had been talking about Clinton, Kennedy and rumors of Abraham Lincoln. If you are interested in how prevalent extramarital affairs are among the United States Presidential population, it's a good book to read. Published during the Clinton administration, I am sure the idea came about because of the scandals that President Clinton was involved in.

The truth of the matter is that Presidents all the way back to George Washington have dallied. Some more than others. I have to say, I am amazed at the way the media kept their lips shut during the Kennedy administration about his behavior. And I honestly don't know how his wife put up with it or how he ever managed to do anything Presidential. President Clinton seemed determined to follow in Kennedy's footsteps. I didn't realize half of what was going on with either President.

I also found that Woodrow Wilson is a President I want to learn more about. I didn't realize he was such a learned man and since his library isn't too far away, I hope to get out and visit it this year.

At any rate, the book is interesting and discusses a side of Presidents that we don't generally know much about.

Posted by Melissa Markham at 11:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

After reading Randy Singer's book, Directed Verdict, I was eager to have the opportunity to read more of his work.

By Reason of Insanity is excellent! Mr. Singer catches court room drama at its most intense. When a person was accused of horrific crimes, I just knew it had to be a set up, but when I found out the rest of the story, I was blown away! I didn't even see it coming! This is a story of justice, sacrifice and a gift from God. It is fast paced, extremely well written and will keep you turning pages until you reach the satisfying ending!

So if you would like to read this awesome book and you live in the U.S., go ahead and leave a comment below and I will have a drawing bright and early Monday, March 2, 2009.

You can just say something like...hey, I'd love to win, or you can leave a more in depth comment to make me laugh or ponder (those are always appreciated)! I will choose the name using a random number generator!

Posted by Melissa Markham at 2:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (16)

I acquired this book during our visit to Chicago last summer. I had read years ago about the horrible Dr. H.H. Holmes and I wanted to read more about it and about the World's Fair that took place in Chicago. Erik Larson's book did not disappoint and in fact I have become a fan of Mr. Larson and plan to read more of his books in the future. This book is chock full of historical information. I was amazed at all of the things that came into being because of the World's Fair. What a feat that its very existence was. And then mixed in with the thrill and frustrations of one of the most famous events to ever take place in America, was the madness and cunning of a very evil man. The juxtaposition of evil and goodness, ugliness and beauty makes this book a fascinating read. I highly recommend it if you are interested in history or the criminal mind. But if you are squeamish, you might want to steer clear of this book about this famous serial killer (or just read the chapters about the fair and Larson goes back and forth throughout the book).

Posted by Melissa Markham at 7:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Last night I was up until about 1:00 A.M. finishing reading Directed Verdict by Randy Singer. My Paralegal Teacher awarded me with this book last semester for having the highest score in our class. I was in the middle of reading another book and wanted to finish that before I began this. I have to say Directed Verdict is excellent!

I enjoyed this book for several reasons. As a graduate of William and Mary and a resident of the Williamsburg, VA area for 5 years, I delighted in reading about some of my old haunts in this book. I remembered the romantic atmosphere at The Trellis and the fun walking down DOG (Duke of Gloucester) street and the dread of driving through the Hampton Roads Tunnel. It brought back memories of Confusion Corner and the unusual mixture of tourists and college students. It was very cool to read a story with a legal student from a place that is so near and dear to my heart.

I enjoyed this book because it really gave some inside view of how paralegals work (and since I want to be one, this information was absolutely fascinating!) I don't know if I will be as daring and able to think on my feet as Nikki Moreno, but boy, she was on top of things! And Leslie Connors...well, let's just say that you can't underestimate the quiet types.

Then there was the spiritual aspect thrown in which I didn't expect, but for me, added to the story. Christians are persecuted in spots around the world (and including here at home in the U.S.) I was drawn in by the main case that this story revolved around.

And if all that wasn't enough, this book is written by a lawyer. It is fast paced, well-written, and exciting.

I am looking forward to reading more of Mr. Singer's books! If you are looking for a new author to try out, I highly recommend this one!

Posted by Melissa Markham at 10:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

I have known Dotti Enderle for ten years and I have had the privilege of reading the majority of what she has written during that time. Dotti's talents are wide and varied. She has written wonderful picture books such as Grandpa for Sale, The Cotton Candy Catastrophe at the Texas State Fair, and Granny Gert and The Bunion Brothers. Also, to her credit, she wrote The Fortune Teller Club Series, Hidden, a variety of educational books, and dozens of magazine articles. She is a storyteller, a child at heart, and writes some of the best dialogue I have ever written anywhere. Her insight into her characters and the way they would speak is supreme! The dialogue is never stilted, but always true to the character.

The kids and I just finished another of Dotti's books called Man in the Moon. Dotti's stories often have a magical quality to them. And this one is no different. Janine, growing up in rural Texas, in 1961, discovers the magic and wonder of the world when an unusual visitor stops by for a visit. Janine is struggling with her parents economic situation, her younger brother's illness and her feelings about her life. As I read through this story, I remembered my own youth spent on a farm and the long summer days and the prospect of something exciting lying around every corner.

The children enjoyed listening to the book and I enjoyed reading it. We were all hoping that things would turn out well in the end, but if you want to know the answer to that question, you will have to read the book yourself! Be sure to check out Dotti's other books, either using the links above or by visiting her website!

Posted by Melissa Markham at 8:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

I challenge you to read this book! If you have not already read it, put it on your Christmas list or check it out from your library. But it is a book you will enjoy reading and that will have a profound impact on your life (in my humble opinion).

I read about this book a couple of months ago on a blog somewhere. I don't remember where, but I put it on my Shelfari as a book I wanted to read. I have a stack I have been working through and not much time to read, so I hadn't gotten to The Shack yet, but a couple of weeks ago, my mother-in-law asked me if I had heard of The Shack. I told her I had and I wanted to read it. She said she was just about finished with it and would like to see what I thought of it, so she mailed it to me. I finished it today.

It is an amazing story! It is the story of a dad's anguish over the brutal kidnapping and death of his daughter and how that anguish grows inside of him...cutting him off from others and more importantly from God. But he has an amazing experience where he gets to meet God and he learns more about the true nature of God, Jesus and the Holy Ghost than he had ever experienced before. By the end of the book, he is a changed being and I believe any who read it and really think of what it says will be changed as well.

Continue reading "Book Review: The Shack by William P. Young" »

Posted by Melissa Markham at 10:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

We have followed author Paeony Lewis for several years and were excited to see her latest book. We weren't disappointed. This is a sweet book about what it takes to be a friend. And the tale is wrapped up in delightful illustrations as we watch two polar bears work out the challenge of 'who gets to pick the games to play?'

If you have a child who always wants to be the one to pick what he and his friends are doing or if you have a child who has a friend that never wants to play the games she wants, this book may help them to have more fun with their friends and less strife.

With Christmas around the corner, this book will make a lovely surprise under your Christmas tree for your child!

Posted by Melissa Markham at 9:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I picked this book up at a book sale thinking to sell it on eBay, but when I looked it up, the value wasn't worth listing and I kept it for myself to read. I am glad I did. An interesting tale set in Alaska, this story is very interesting. A bunch of stories in the lives of people living in the frozen north. It is like getting a peek into people's homes and lives.

If you would like to read a book by the man who made Motel 6 famous, a book that has a 'down home' quality, and a book that will make you alternately laugh and shake your head in disbelief, you may very well enjoy this book.

If you would like to read my copy of the book, just leave me a comment. First come, first serve (sorry, U.S. addresses only). I'll pop it in the mail to you!

Posted by Melissa Markham at 7:58 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

A couple of months ago, I watched the movie, The Secret. I was so intrigued by the ideas presented by the movie, that I looked for the book. I purchased the book and the gratitude book as well. The gratitude book is basically a journal that encourages you to start thinking positively and sending out positive vibes to the universe.

From the dust jacket cover:

Fragments of a Great Secret have been found in the oral traditions, in literature, in religions and philosophies throughout the centuries. For the first time, all th epieces of The Secret come together in an incredible revelation that will be life-transforming for all who experience it.

Continue reading "Book Review: The Secret by Rhonda Bryne" »

Posted by Melissa Markham at 7:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Last week, I reviewed Barbara Frank's book, The Imperfect Homeschooler's Guide to Homeschooling. This week, I have the honor of reviewing another of her books, Life Prep for Homeschooled Teenagers.

The first thing I have to say about this book is that I think it needs a new title. I think it should be called Life Prep for Teenagers as I believe it is a book that would be valuable for all teenagers, those in public school, private school or home school. I wish I had had access to this book when I was in high school and I am looking forward to reading the books from the book list that Barbara provides and working through the projects with my children when they are older. Not only that, but I am going to go through the college bound section with my 16 year old next door neighbor and babysitter. We are great friends with her mom and Ashley has become like family to us.

Continue reading "Book Review: Life Prep for Homeschooled Teenagers by Barbara Frank" »

Posted by Melissa Markham at 9:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I have been visiting Barbara Frank's Blog for about 2 1/2 years now. Barbara is sharp, has excellent and informative posts and is more than happy to share her homeschooling journey with others. I was tickled when I had the opportunity to read her book The Imperfect Homeschooler's Guide to Homeschooling.

I should start out by saying that I have relied mostly on experienced homeschoolers and unschoolers for my information over the years. I have never had a great track record for reading 'how to' books. My reading time is scarce and I prefer to spend it reading interesting biographies and all sorts of fiction. Most nonfiction books that relate how to do something or how something worked for someone else, tend to leave me snoozing in my chair...but not this book.

Continue reading "Book Review: The Imperfect Homeschooler's Guide to Homeschooling by Barbara Frank" »

Posted by Melissa Markham at 5:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

I have been a fan of Dean Koontz for around 25 years. I have read most every book he has ever written, though I think I may have missed a recent one or two. At any rate, my hubby purchased this book back in the fall for one of his airplane reading books. I am finally getting a chance to read it.

As usual, Dean Koontz does not disappoint. He takes his well-known love of golden retrievers and combines it with his ability to write page turning novels and creates a great read! If you like golden retrievers or are a dog lover in general, you will love this book. If you like a fast paced, page turner that keeps you guessing up to the last chapters, you will like this book.

This is a story of love, sacrifice, revenge, mystery and spiritual growth.

I give this book 5 stars.

Posted by Melissa Markham at 3:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Guess what, it is time again for bloggers to unite and participate in a week of Bloggy Giveaway! This is a great time for all (except maybe our clicking fingers and our families that we ignore while surfing through great contests) and I am happy to be part of it.

This month, I have read and reviewed Kathy Herman's Seaport Suspense Series.

I have reviewed each book and if you are so inclined, you can find those reviews by following the links below:

These four books are amazing stories. All of them tackle tough issues that we face everyday and wrap those up in suspenseful stories with a large dose of inspiration. Through these books, you get to watch a family deal with tough issues and how their relationship with God helps them do it. I can't say enough about how much I have enjoyed reading these four books and how I have been inspired by them.

To win, all you have to do is comment below. Sorry, but this contest is only open to U.S. residents. I will pick a winner at random using the random generator on Friday evening, August 1st at 6 pm EST. Good luck! And remember, if you don't win or can't wait, click on my Shelfari book shelf and order your copies today.

Now, that you have signed up here, head over to Bloggy Giveaways for tons and tons more contests to enter! Get your mouse finger ready!

Posted by Melissa Markham at 9:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (94)

Man, this ability to read for hours on end has been so nice. I am going to miss the time when I return to Virginia.

Today, I read Dear John by Nicholas Sparks. I believe I picked this book up at a book sale. I have seen the movies The Notebook and Message in a Bottle and I have read the book, Message in a Bottle. I love the depth of the characters in Sparks' writing. He writes about real people in real situations in such a way that the reader becomes part of the story, becomes entranced by the story.

Dear John is an excellent book. It is a love story. It is a growing up story. It is a story of sacrifice. From a rebellious teenager who doesn't understand his father to a gentleman who learns how to show love, this story will capture you and hold you until the very end.

I give this book five stars. I highly recommend it!

Posted by Melissa Markham at 8:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

I won this book back in the fall and am finally getting a chance to read it. I have so enjoyed catching up on my reading, but I probably still have 100 books at home that I have acquired over the last few years that I haven't read yet....going to book sales is something I should not do until I have read the books I already have.... Anyway....

This book combines unusual characters (preachers, deacons, mobsters, and detectives) in a quirky story. There are several threads in this story.

1. Mark Hogan has always longed to own a boat, and when his pastor predicts the day for the Rapture, he sees this as his chance...after all, once he's gone, he won't have to worry about the bill, right? (or the mobsters that he borrowed the money from).

2. Reverend Daniel Glory - a crackpot minister who is trying to convince everyone that he has figured out the day of The Rapture. His conviction leads to problems for Hogan and for the mob. Too bad, he didn't pay more attention to his bible reading.

3. Detective Charlie Paschall is an intuitive and smart detective with great skills on the job, but who becomes a bit flustered when he tries to figure out just where he should volunteer at church. Not only does he figure out who kills the minister, but he does finally find the perfect place for him to volunteer.

Continue reading "Book Review: Tribulation House by Chris Well" »

Posted by Melissa Markham at 9:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Yesterday, I finished reading the last book in Kathy Herman's Seaport Suspense series. One of the biggest suprises for me was to realize that some of the characters show up again in the Phantom Hollow Series. I didn't make the connection until the author pointed it out at the end. That was pretty cool!

Kathy is not afraid to tackle tough issues and this book tackles one of the toughest...racism. It really struck a chord with me because a friend and I had been recently discussing racism. For some of us who don't have racist feelings, it is a huge surprise to find out that there are those out there who still do and who have strong ones. I grew up with a grandmother whose best friend was a black lady. One of my best friends was a black girl, one of my mom's favorite co-workers was a black man and one of the best carpenters my dad worked with was a black man. There was a biracial kid I went to school with who I remember people saying ugly things to him. I actually attended school with two biracial kids that I knew. And one of them, no one ever said anything to her that I am aware of. The boy had a personality that left him the butt of much ugliness. Would he have been picked on because he was biracial if he hadn't had that personality? I don't know.

Continue reading "Book Review: Not By Chance by Kathy Herman" »

Posted by Melissa Markham at 8:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Yesterday I finished the third of Kathy Herman's Seaport Series. The title of this book is All Things Hidden and it is another winner! Each of Kathy's books always address events that can affect our spiritual life and growth. This book centers on how the past can come back to haunt you, even if you are now saved and a Christian. In this book, the main family that the series follows, the Jones family, is dealing with problems on two fronts.

Owen, the son was a real rabble rouser, but now has settled down, married, gotten a great job and has an adorable son. But even though God forgives us of our sins, we reap what we sow and Owen's past comes back to play a major role in his present.

Owen's mom, Ellen, learns that her aging and estranged father is suffering from Alzheimer's, one of the worst diseases people experience in my opinion. This disease is bad enough in the best of circumstances, but in this case, Ellen and her father are estranged and Ellen struggles with this and her father's nasty attitude throughout the book.

And if that wasn't enough...Ellen's father is witness to a murder...and until the murder is solved, no one in the Jones family is safe...

Kathy continues to exhibit her amazing ability to craft a well written story with characters you will care about and to provide spiritual encouragement at the same time.

Now I am off to read the conclusion of the Seaport Series...I can't wait to see what's going to happen next!

Posted by Melissa Markham at 11:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Well, I just finished reading the second book in Kathy Herman's Seaport Series. Not only did I enjoy finding out what was going on with the characters I became aquainted with in A Shred of Evidence, but Kathy introduced me to new and interesting characters.

Kathy tackled the tough issue of prejudice in this book and of how people make assumptions about others based on appearance and perceived social status instead of taking the time to get to know the person. To explore this issue, she used the very current and real concern of terrorist attacks.

When I first started reading this book, I found myself wanting to say that people don't really think like this...people are smarter than this....people don't pigeonhole all people based on their religion....but Kathy has a knack for forcing us to be honest with ourselves. One of the things I like most about Kathy's writing is the way she portrays the good and bad in people. She delves into the fact that we all do things or think things that our Creator would not be proud of. She creates characters that are real people who don't have it all figured out, but who are trying, day by day to be better neighbors, better people.

It requires more work to get to know someone and to reach out to people who we may be nervous about. However, Kathy does a great job of showing in the reader that the effort is often repaid a hundredfold.

If you enjoy suspense, real characters in real situations, and an inspirational message, you will love this book! I look forward to reading number three in the series. And remember, keep an eye out....a surprise is coming the last week of July in relation to these books...you are going to be glad you hung around!

I give this book 5 stars.

Posted by Melissa Markham at 8:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

I am delighted to be reading another series by Kathy Herman. This is the first out of four in her Seaport Suspense Series.

This book is 333 pages long. I began reading it last night and finished it this afternoon (and we were out today for a few hours). That alone speaks volumes as to how good this book was. From the moment I picked it up and started reading, I was hooked.

This book is chock full of intriguing story lines, likeable and interesting characters, and more suspects than you can shake a stick at. I kept turning pages because I really cared about the characters and wanted to know how everything was going to turn out. A prime theme in this book is how we often jump to conclusions with just the littlest bit of evidence. For instance, you see a neighbor out at a restaurant with someone other than her hubby and suddenly you become convinced she is having an affair. Or you overhear part of a conversation and you not only believe the worst of a person, but you run off and share your new found information with others.

Continue reading "Book Review: A Shred of Evidence by Kathy Herman" »

Posted by Melissa Markham at 5:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Sinus infections are glorious things. They make me fell like moving and I tend to get lots of reading done while I am laying on the sofa trying to breathe! So even though I just finished The Welkening and reviewed it two days ago, now I have finished the second in the Three Dimensional Tales series and want to share my thoughts on Guardian of the Veil.

I enjoyed this second book. The first book ended in such a way that that could have ended it. But endings are often merely beginnings and as we find in Guardian of the Veil, the teen misfits really only began to find themselves in The Welkening. The Guardian of the Veil introduces new surprises, new characters and new relationships. The teens begin to grow in their new found strength, much as a Christian grows after taking the first step in committment to Christ. We like to think that by making that acceptance, everything becomes right immediately, but it does not. It takes time, we have to grow. We have to learn and in reality will spend the rest of our lives growing to be better people. The Guardian of the Veil is all about that growth. About how we often take a step forward and a step backward. But, I don't want you to think it is a preachy tale. I didn't find it to be so. I found it to be an intruiguing fantasy story that pulled me in and made me think. It had me rooting for the characters and empathisizing with them.

I have greatly enjoyed these two books. I am not sure if there will be a third in the series, but I hope so. In the meantime, I would like to share these two books with one lucky reader:) Yep, I did mention giveaway and I know it has been awhile.

So, here's what you do...I don't care where you live...you are eligible for this giveaway. That's right, if you live on a remote island in the South Pacific, as long as you can get mail delivery, I will mail these two books to you if you win. So, just leave a comment below, and I would love to know why you would like to win (are you a fantasy buff? Have my reviews intrigues you? Do you want to give these books as a gift to someone?) I will hold a random drawing next Wednesday evening (July 16), sometime after 6 pm EST.

BTW, these books are in good condition. The first in the series is an advance uncorrected proof that I received in a giveaway and was not available for sale. The cover got bent a little on it...just today. Sorry abou that. The other book is in great condition. Both are paperback.

So, what are you waiting for? COMMENT!!!! And tell your friends too! If you do blog about it, come by and leave me another comment so I will know you blogged about it and I will give you a second chance in the random drawing!

Posted by Melissa Markham at 4:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (13)

Back in the late summer, early fall, I won a copy of a book called Guardian of the Veil by Gregory Spencer. I put it on a shelf to be read and as I won books, bought books at sales and was given books to read, it got lost in the pile. Have I ever mentioned to you how much I love books?

Anyway.... I brought it with me to read in Bloomington. Alas, I discovered it was the second in a series. I started reading it anyway, but decided I really wanted to read the first book, so I ordered it from Amazon.

The Welkening: A Three Dimensional Tale - is an amazing book! And has the complexities that endear us to other similar tales such as Tolkien's Lord of the Rings books, Donaldson's Thomas Covenant series, Brooks, Magic Kingdom Series, and The Chronicle of Narnia series. All of these books create other worlds that are on the other side of our own. They are full of flawed characters who rise to the occasion and end up doing amazing things.

The Welkening is a tale of four teen misfits. It is a tale of overlapping worlds that are all related. I was drawn into this tale. I related to aspects of the characters (especially Lizbeth), and I was suprised to learn who the villian of the story was. If you enjoy epic fantasy tales, I believe you will enjoy this book. I give this book four out of five stars. Why not five? Well, if I give everything five stars, you will begin to doubt me! BTW, on the back cover, this book has an enjoyment guarantee. If you are not totally satisfied with the book, you can return it (with original receipt, note as to why you didn't like it, name, address, and you must do it within 60 days of purchase). You don't see those kinds of offers very often!

I am getting ready now to start on the second book in the series. Keep an eye out...book giveaways are on the horizon...

Posted by Melissa Markham at 8:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

I recently read and reviewed Never Look Back by Kathy Herman.

Because I wanted to see what happened to this family and these characters, I ordered the follow-up book, The Grand Scheme. Kathy has an amazing way of writing an inspirational book that isn't preachy yet gives the reader wonderful examples about how to live the life of a Christ follower. She addresses tough issues in this book - envy and anger being the two top ones. And as if it wasn't enough for her to write a story that will inspire you in your Christian walk, she writes a story that includes mystery, suspense and real world issues. And she creates characters that you really care about and will have emotional responses to.

I recommend you checking out Kathy Herman's Phantom Hollow Series. I believe you will really enjoy it. And, if you find yourself liking her style of writing, don't stop there, Kathy has written several other books...in fact, I am eyeing the Seaport series to enjoy next!

Happy reading!

Posted by Melissa Markham at 7:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

I won this book a couple of months ago and now that summer is here, I am getting caught up on some of my reading. I have two shelves of books that I need to read... but I digress.

I have a hard time giving book reviews. I don't want to give away all of the story. I prefer to just tell you what I thought of the book. Here's what the dust jacket cover says:

"Lizzy Mitchell was raised fromt he age of two by her uncle, a Catholic priest. She has never understood why she was taken from him and sent away to boarding school at age nine, and she believes the reasons were later buried along with her uncle. Now thirty years old and trying to save a failing marriage, Lizzy nearly dies in a traffic accident. In the haze of recovery in the hospital she hears the voice of her beloved uncle, Father Mike, and sets out to find the truth about him and about her past.

Her search and what she discovers completely shatters her understanding of herself, her closest friends and the ties that bind.

This thoroughly engrossing novel about belief and deception, love and acceptance will defy your expectations and reward you with its revelations."

Continue reading "Book Review: Any Bitter Thing by Monica Wood" »

Posted by Melissa Markham at 9:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I won this book in a contest over at Laura Williams' Musings a couple of months ago. Now that it is summer and I am catching up on my reading, I got a chance to read it.

This book is the second in a series. I wish I had read the first, though the book certainly can stand on its own. For the most part I liked this book. Though I wasn't very far into the book when I had figured out who was the bad guy. And during another prominent scene, when someone suddenly 'turns cold', I figured out what was going on there too, immediately. I don't like that. I prefer to have a story a little more challenging to read in that way.

However, having said that, I over all liked the book. The characters were believable and interesting. The book was engrossing, I read most of it in a few hours. And the book portrayed some very real problems that Christians face.

Such as we say we accept God's forgiveness, but we don't forgive ourselves.

We don't feel like we are good enough to be loved by God.

We feel like God is punishing us for past mistakes.

We forget to forgive others as we have been forgiven.

We take appearances and past records at face value and judge accordingly.

For all of those reasons, I recommend this book as a good read. I will be looking for more books by Kathy Herman.

Posted by Melissa Markham at 8:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I was recently granted the opportunity to do a review of Jane Kirkpatrick's Change and Cherish Historical Series ahead of the impending release of A Mending at the Edge which is the third and final book in the series.

I love historical fiction. I love reading a fine story that is woven from the threads of history. It helps me to get a better feel for the period of history being written about. Much better than just dry history texts. I was tickled to get the opportunity not just to read the third book, but I was also sent the first and second books in the series.

Jane Kirkpatrick first learned of fiesty Emma Giesy from a quilting book. She became intrigued and her research of this woman pioneer led to three stories that spanned the life of a woman who wanted to be different and wanted to leave her mark on the world.

In A Clearing in the Wild, we meet the players of this historical saga. We learn about the communal society they live in, its principles, and a bit about its inner workers. Emma is 16 and eager to be married and begin her life. The object of her devotion is much older than she is and he is instrumental to the colony in bringing in new recruits to join their communal living. He is also being groomed to be the next leader of the colony. But all things change and life so seldom goes in the direction we are expecting. Emma becomes the first and only woman of the Bethel colony to head with a group of scounts out West. The railroad is coming and Keil (the leader of the community) wants them to move to a more isolated area where their communal ways won't be questioned or intruded upon. Following these scouts across the country, being with them as they went through their hardships, watching as Emma grew and learned and began their family...Jane Kirpatrick had me right there with them every step of the way. I could sense the tension, smell the evergreens and hear the stillness that only comes when one is deep inside of a forest.

Continue reading "Book Review and Giveaway: A Mending at the Edge by Jane Kirkpatrick" »

Posted by Melissa Markham at 2:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)

Book: Do Hard Things

Author: Alex and Brett Harris

Dates: April 15 - 18

Summary:

With over 10 million hits to their website TheRebelution.com, Alex and Brett Harris are leading the charge in a growing movement of Christian young people who are rebelling against the low expectations of their culture by choosing to “do hard things” for the glory of God.
Written when they were 18 years old, Do Hard Things is the Harris twins’ revolutionary message in its purest and most compelling form, giving readers a tangible glimpse of what is possible for teens who actively resist cultural lies that limit their potential. Combating the idea of adolescence as a vacation from responsibility, the authors weave together biblical insights, history, and modern examples to redefine the teen years as the launching pad of life and map a clear trajectory for long-term fulfillment and eternal impact.
Written by teens for teens, Do Hard Things is packed with humorous personal anecdotes, practical examples, and stories of real-life rebelutionaries in action. This rallying cry from the heart of revolution already in progress challenges the next generation to lay claim to a brighter future, starting today.

Author Bio:

Alex and Brett Harris founded TheRebelution.com in August 2005 and today at age 19 are the most popular Christian teen writers on the Web. The twins are frequent contributors to Focus on the Family’s Boundless webzine, serve as the main speakers for the Rebelution Tour conferences, and have been featured in WORLD magazine, Breakaway, The Old Schoolhouse, and the New York Daily News. Sons of homeschool pioneer Gregg Harris and younger brothers of best-selling author Joshua Harris (I Kissed Dating Goodbye), Alex and Brett live near Portland, Oregon.

My Comments:

This book will change everything and it gives me great hope! I was so tired of hearing from my teens and from others around me how it was okay for teens to be disrespectful, lazy, off just doing kid things. I didn't grow up that way and I was a teenager once. My parents didn't beat me. If anything my mother, who had been overworked as a youngster, wanted me to not have a lot of responsibilities at home. But on my own, I chose to do things for her because I loved her. She worked hard all week, I didn't want her coming home and spending her Saturday working cleaning the house. I think that because we give children excuses that we are robbing them of their future productivity.

Does this book sound good to you? Well, then, why don't you leave a comment below? I have one copy to give away! Sorry, this giveaway is for U.S. addresses only. Just leave a comment and I will have a random drawing on Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 6 p.m. Good luck!

If you can't wait to see if you will win Do Hard Things, go ahead and purchase it from Amazon.com now. Heck, why not purchase extra copies for the parents and teens in your life!

Posted by Melissa Markham at 7:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (8)

No More Yawning! written by Paeony Lewis and illustrated by Brita Granstrom was the other book that Katrina received for her birthday. Paeony is another favorite author of Katrina's and she enjoyed the previous Florence and Arnold story she had read, No More Cookies! so she was excited to find there was another Florence and Arnold tale to read.

Florence and Arnold are on their way to bed, but they keep getting sidetracked during their attempts. We enjoyed reading the various ideas to try to help a youngster go to sleep and we all sat around seeing how big we could yawn while we read through the book. (Mommy can yawn pretty big!) Paeony ends the book with more ways to help youngsters go to sleep and with suggestions on how to keep a journal of dreams.

Katrina says: The book is lots of fun! And I count sheep sometimes too!

Posted by Melissa Markham at 9:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

One of the books that Katrina got for her 8th birthday was The Fat Stock Stampede at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. This book is written by Dotti Enderle and illustrated by Chuck Galey. Dotti lives in Texas and she loves writing about the state she calls home. This is the second book where Dotti has dealt with a chaotic event arising from a seemingly innocent activity by a young man named Jake. You can read my review about the previous book, The Cotton Candy Catastrophe at the Texas State Fair.

Jake is walking through the stockyard sweeping his hand across the corrals that the livestock are hanging out in. He doesn't realize that while he is trailing his hand along the fence, he is unlocking the pens. The livestock escapes and chaos ensues. It is only through Jake's ingenious disguise that all is made right again. One thing my kids really liked about it was the fact that 4-H was mentioned. We joined a 4-H Homeschool Club this year. We are a service club, not a livestock club, but it still gave them a sense of familiarity.

Katrina says: I wanted to read this one because I had read The Cotton Candy Catastrophe at the Texas State Fair. I enjoyed the book, the terrific illustrations and Jake's ingenuity. I think it's funny that Jake keeps doing things that aren't mean to cause problems, but the problems that result are huge. I also like that he is able to solve the problems in the end!

Posted by Melissa Markham at 9:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Last month I won a book called Katie and Kimble: A Ghost Story by Linda Thieman This was a book I had hoped to win for Katrina to read. And I was tickled to win it and give it to her.

Linda had included her business card in with the book, so I emailed her and thanked her for the giveaway and told her that Katrina was enjoying the book. She wrote back and asked if Katrina would write a review for her. Katrina agreed and it is on the Katie and Kimble blog today. So go by and check out Katrina's reviewand be sure to leave a comment for Katrina here. She would love that!

My daughter....the book reviewer....I am so proud!

I didn't read the whole book, I read the end of it to Katrina this past weekend when she was fighting a small bout of the flu and I enjoyed the end of it. Linda has the second book in the series which will be available for purchase soon and get this, you can purchase the paperback from her website or you can purchase an instant download version. She also has free downloadable classroom materials for teachers and homeschoolers as well as other kinds of fun items on the Katie and Kimble blog for children to enjoy.

I appreciate an author who goes the extra mile and turns a book experience into a complete experience for children.

Posted by Melissa Markham at 1:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

This week we are taking some time to enjoy some poetry. One of the books we are reading from is A Child's Calendar with poems by John Updike and illustrations by Trina Schart Hyman.

The illustrations are lovely and their is a poem for each month. The children got a kick out of reading the poems for their month. I enjoyed the way in a few words, Mr. Updike captured the essence of each month and I enjoyed the pictures that had so much in them to see. Here is one for you to enjoy.

Posted by Melissa Markham at 1:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Back in November, I won a book from Katrina. I didn't know I had actually won the book until the beginning of January because I wasn't signed in (thought I was) when I left the comment. But she and an industrious friend tracked me down. Wasn't that sweet! And then due to a mistake, I actually ended up with two books instead of one. I am finally getting around to reading the first of the two books. It is called "Snow Flower and the Secret Fan" and is written by Lisa See. This book is a New York Times Bestseller and I can see why.

The writing is compelling. The lives of the two main characters are filled with tragedies and a smattering of triumphs. We follow these two young girls from about the age of 6 until the age of 80 for one of them. I cried out when I read of the foot binding process. I had no idea how that actually occured and as I read the description and thought of putting my own 7 year old daughter through that ordeal, I literally gasped.

I enjoyed the history as well. I love nothing better than learning when it is wrapped up in a well written tale. I was struck by the vast differences between the Chinese culture and our own, but I was also struck by the similarities. A life long friend is something every woman longs for. Friends that you can be yourself with, who will comfort you without trying to change you, and who will not hold your confidences against you are a true treasure.

All is not as it seems in this story and there are layers upon layers of secrets. I heartily recommend that you check this book out either by borrowing it from your local library our purchasing it. Either way, I guarantee you will be glad you read it.

Posted by Melissa Markham at 8:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Book: Experiencing the Resurrection

Author: Henry and Melvin Blackaby

Summary:
What does the resurrection of Christ really mean for us? What does it reveal about the heart and mind of God? And what real differences can the miracle of the resurrection make in your life today?
Discover answers to those and other questions as you examine God’s Word with this companion study guide to the book Experiencing the Resurrection by Henry Blackaby and Melvin Blackaby.
Packed with practical notes, advice, and questions for reflection, this highly interactive guide—ideal for small group or individual use—shows you how to witness Christ’s resurrection in and through your life. Each chapter of the book is explored in a flexible one-week format with “life change objectives” that arise from applying the truth for each day to your life.

Author Bio:
Dr. Henry Blackaby, president emeritus of Blackaby Ministries, is the author of more than a dozen books, including the best-selling classic Experiencing God. He has spent his life in ministry, serving as a music director and as a senior pastor for churches in California and Canada. Today he provides consultative leadership on prayer for revival and spiritual awakening on a global level. He and his wife make their home in Atlanta, Georgia.

Dr. Melvin Blackaby coauthored with his father, Henry Blackaby, the Gold Medallion winner Experiencing God Together. He travels extensively as a conference speaker. He and his wife and their three children live in Cochrane, Alberta, Canada, where he serves as senior pastor of Bow Valley Baptist Church.

You may copy this book from Amazon.com or you can try to win a copy from me!

I did not get a chance to read this book yet, but it does look interesting and I would like to pass on a copy to one lucky commenter! So point your mouse, click, and leave a comment. This giveaway is open to U.S. readers only. I will have my drawing Wednesday, March 19th at 6 pm. Maybe I can even get it to you before Easter on Sunday. Anything is possible!

Posted by Melissa Markham at 7:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)

I have been reading the work of Stephen King since the late 1970s/early 1980s. I can't tell you the first book I read, probably Carrie. But once I read the first book, I was hooked. And I have read every book Stephen King has written. When I heard of his accident, I was terrified. Terrified that there would be no more stories. Terrified that the man who was a master at scaring me, a master at storytelling wouldn't survive a senseless accident, wouldn't continue to share his talents with the rest of the world.

But he overcame his injuries and continues to share his imagination with his Constant Readers, the millions and millions of us that are out there. Out of all of Stephen King's novels, I have two favorites. It and The Stand. I like the epicness of them. The scariness of them. Their vastness and the details. I find the characters gripping and The Stand was the first end of the world novel I have ever read. I still find it to be a gripping tale.

Now, these two have to share their favorite status with Duma Key - Stephen King's latest work. This book flows. The story starts off quickly, whereas often, King's novels can take 100 pages for the 'excitement' to begin. Duma Key is a fresh new idea. It takes place in a fresh location. And I couldn't put it down today. I had to know how it was all going to turn out.

Edgar Freemantle and Stephen King have a lot in common. Both have survived horrible accidents against the odds. And both have a magic that affects others. In some ways, this work seems a bit autobiographical.

Check it out and see what you think!

Mr. King, should you happen by my humble review, I just want to thank you. One of the most fabulous treasures in this life is a good story. Thank you for providing us with so many of them!

Posted by Melissa Markham at 3:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

We read two wonderful books this morning that we borrowed from the library that I thought I would share with you.

First we read Glass Slipper, Gold Sandal: A Worldwide Cinderella by Paul Fleischman and illustrated by Julie Paschkis. I saw this on one of the endcaps and read the book jacket cover:

"Once upon a time, in Mexico...in Iran...in Ireland...in Zimbabwee...

There lived a girl who worked all day in the rice fields...cooked in the royal kitchen...tended the cattle...then spent the night by the hearth, sleeping among the cinders.

The girl's name is Ashpet...Vasalisa...Sootface...Catskin...Cendrillon...Cinderella.

Her story has spanned centuries and continents, changing to match its suroundings. Now Newbery-winning author Paul Fleischman and illustrator Julie Paschkis braid its many versions into one globe-spanning tale, a hymn to the rich variety and the enduring constants of our cultures."

This story is enchanting and the illustrations are wonderful! The Cinderella lover in your house will love it! I did!

Next up for today, we read The Empty Pot. As we continue through the Story of the World we are currently studying China. We have read several books on China which you can check out in our Kids 2008 Book List.

The Empty Pot by Demi is wonderfully illustrated and tells a fantastic story about the virtue of being truthful. Every parent will enjoy this tale right along with their children.

Posted by Melissa Markham at 11:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Are you wondering what I have been doing since I finished all of that wonderful baking this morning? Of course you are! You have nothing better to do than to sit around and wonder what I am up to...

Well, wonder no more! I have been busy putting together my Amazon store. This store has items listed that I like and recommend. So far I have gone through the movies. I can tell you that not every movie I like is listed, but there are plenty to look at. So if you are looking for a new movie to walk, you can go check out my store and see which movies I recommend. So far, I only have movies listed. I plan to add books and other items as I have time. And I will add movies as I watch them and books as I read them. It should be fine.

At any rate, if you go to my store and buy something there I will get a percentage of what you spend. So I would love for you to shop via my store. But even if you don't shop there, go by and visit. You can always find neat titles and borrow them from the Netflix or from the library.

So, without further ado, I now open Melissa's Amazon Garden. Let the browsing begin! I would love to hear what you think about it!

Posted by Melissa Markham at 11:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Update: By random number generator (Jack), the number 2 was chosen and Lesha was the lucky winner! I have contacted her to let her know.

A month or so ago, I won the book "The Ultimate Life" by Jim Stovall. This is a wonderful book and it is the sequel to "The Ultimate Gift." I had not read "The Ultimate Gift" but this book stands on its own and after I read it, I borrowed the movie based on the first book and both are wonderful.

In "The Ultimate Gift" a young man is bequeathed an unusual set of gifts that change his life and the lives of those around him. In "The Ultimate Life", the other members of the family are protesting the will and Jason has to prove that he has understood the gifts he has been given and can pass them on to others. It is a story that we can all benefit from. A story that points out how we can make a difference in the world around us and we don't have to have a lot of money behind us to do it. We just have to pay attention to it.

So, I want to pass this book on so that it may bless another reader. What I would like for you to do is comment and tell me what you think would make The Ultimate Life. This is open to all readers around the world. God bless. And good luck! I will have the random drawing on Wednesday 20th at 6 p.m.

Posted by Melissa Markham at 9:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

UPDATE: Gloria at Saddeyezz Scraps & Snaps won this week's drawing! Way to go Gloria!

This is another book I received to review from a publicist, but since I didn't choose it and my book shelf is overflowing, I am passing it on unread to one lucky winner! All you have to do is comment below and I will have a random drawing on February 13th at 6 pm. The drawing is only open to U.S. addresses. If you live outside the U.S. and you want to pay the difference in postage (it is usually around 2.13 to ship to the U.S. via media mail), sign up and we can work that out.

From the press release:

Being a mom is a great joy and a great responsibility. But what if you have a painful past, a background that didn't include a good role model for parenting? What if your experiences have given you an unhealthy view of motherhood? How can you be the parent you want to be without dragging along your history?

Good luck!

Posted by Melissa Markham at 11:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (9)

Update. Kathy B. was the winner of the random drawing! Thanks for all who entered! I have contacted her via email!

I received a brand new copy of this book from a publicist, but I don't have time to read it and my books are overflowing, so I am passing it on to one lucky winner (and just in time for Valentine's Day too! Well, almost, you probably won't get it before Valentine's Day, but anything is possible.

This giveaway is open to U.S. citizens. If you are outside of the U.S. and want to pay the difference in postage (I will pay what I would normally pay to ship in the U.S. via Media which runs around 2.13), I will be glad to have you join in the fun! Just contact me and let me know where you live and I can let you know what the cost would be to ship it to you.

All you have to do is comment below. I will choose the winner with a random number drawing! I will hold my drawing on February 9th at 6 pm...that way, maybe you will get it in time for Valentine's Day!

From the press release:

Pastor's wife Joyce S. Oglesby inspired to write relationship book out of a heavy heart for couples doomed for divorce without some sort of intervention. Her small town of Corydon, IN is buzzing about the controversial cover and title. Written similarly to the 1970s classic, Total Woman, Keeping His Pants On...Until He Gets Home equips woment to affair-proof their marriages. Maintaining a passionate love in marriage has become more urgent than ever before. The demands on today's woman can distract her from fulfilling her husband's sexual needs. Losing focus of this vital responsibility has many women facing the maladies of matrimony. Joyce says, "You're either too tired, too stressed, too fat, too flat-chested, too mad, too sad, too depressed, too dirty, too clean, too selfish, or it's just too much trouble. All this can add up to too little too late!" Her warning is that husbands can soon become distracted, leading to some form of an outside physical or emotional affair, pornography, or other avenues of release. The book talks about the dangers of boredom and staleness, and how passionless relationships leave couples unfulfilled, and makes husbands prime targets to temptation.

Posted by Melissa Markham at 10:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (10)

Welcome to Bloggy Giveways! This week, hundreds of people will be posting giveaways over at Shannon's Giveaway blog and hundreds upon hundreds, dare I say thousands will visit! Have fun!

Reluctant Smuggler by Jill Elizabeth Nelson is the third book in a series To Catch a Thief. This book is a story of adventure, archaeology, love, constant action, exotic locations and intrigue. I have not read the previous two books in this series, but this fast-paced novel stands very well on its own.

Desiree Jacobs runs a company that provides security to high profile locations (like antiquity museums). Her fiance, Tony Lucano is a FBI agent who loves his job. The two have plans to be married, but their jobs and the intrigue they constantly find themselves in makes it hard to plan a wedding. Desiree is a strong heroine. No wimpy girl here. She is smart, persistent and courageous. Tony loves this woman completely, though he does worry about her safety. This story winds its way through Mexico City, the Yucatan, Cancun, Boston, and New York. There are multiple stories on and this fast paced tale will grab you early on and keep you reading to the very end. Everytime I put it down, I found myself picking it up again to see what was going to happen next.

And one of these three copies can be yours for the small investment of a comment below. Yep, all you have to do is leave me a comment and live in the United States. If you live outside of the states, you are welcome to pay the postage if you would like to try winning this item. I will have my drawing on February 6th at 6 pm. If you want a second chance, be sure to blog about the contest and let me know that you have shared the information with others. Good luck!

Posted by Melissa Markham at 10:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (61)

I love historical romantic fiction. I enjoy a book that transports me to a different time, where the characters bring to life a time that I don't know much about and make me feel as though I am there. DiAnn Mills has written such a book: "Awaken My Heart". This book takes place at the turn of the 1800s in the colony of Texas. There are handsome vacqueros and beautiful senoritas. The story was captivating. One of the things i liked about it the most was how DiAnn used her heroine, Marianne Phillips, to share with the reader how simple faith can be. And she used Marianne to show the reader what it means to trust in God, how to witness to others, and how to live a prayerful life.

Continue reading "Book Review and Giveaway: Awaken My Heart by DiAnn Mills" »

Posted by Melissa Markham at 9:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (8)

The Natural Superwoman by Uzzi Reiss, M.D., OB/GYN and Yfat Reiss Gendell contains a scientifically backed program for feeling great, looking younger, and enjoy amazing energy at any age! Does this sound like something that you could use? Well then read on.

We live in a world where more and more is required of both men and women. As women, we are often expected or have to have a career and we are to balance that with parenthood, relationship needs, taking care of ourselves, and the running of a household. And as we know those five categories may look simple when spoken of in general terms, but they break down into hundreds and thousands of actions that keep us hopping from the time we get up in the morning until the time we go to sleep at night. We have more and more conveniences at our fingertips, but we are more and more busy. For most of us, long gone are the hours spent visiting friends and family and just 'sitting around on the porch swing.' Life is just too busy for that kind of relaxation. And this leads us to how this book can help.

With all of these expectations on us, we can use help for having the energy to help us meet the challenges of the 21st century using natural hormones.

Continue reading "MotherTalk Blog Tour: The Natural Superwoman by Uzzi Reiss" »

Posted by Melissa Markham at 10:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Update: I spun the random generator and the number 2 popped up, so Mommy Cracked is the winner of this drawing! Congrats and enjoy!

Somewhere, someday when I was at a book sale, I picked up the book "Small Inventions That Make a Big Difference" This book was published by the National Geographic Society in 1984. So in on sense it is dated. There are no mentions of any of the inventions made in the last twenty four years. And the photos are from the 70s and 80s and you will absolutely love the photo of the 'modern' word processor. But all of that aside, the information is still interesting and valuable.

The first part of the book talks about how inventions come about (some through years of work and effort, some by accident). It explains the patent process. Then the end of the book is inventions A-Z. We really enjoyed learning about everthing from the invention of Aspirin to the Zipper. There are great pictures, each description is just a couple of paragraphs long and the kids stayed very interested in it. I am sure that you could find other such interesting books by heading to the bookstore or library, and you may prefer to find one more updated, but I wanted to offer you the chance to receive this book for free from me! This book is in very good condition, is hardback and is 104 pp long. If you would like to learn more about how many common items were invented, I think you and your child would enjoy this book!

Just comment below. I will hold the drawing on January 23rd at 6 pm. It is open to United States addresses only unless you want to pay the postage to ship overseas if you win.

Good luck!

Posted by Melissa Markham at 12:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Every January 15th, The Christian Writer's Market Guide is republished with new and updated information. If you are interested in writing for Christian publications, this guide is indispensible. This 628 pp book (which includes a CD-ROM) is chock full of information!

From the table of contents:

1. About this book (introduction and how to use)
2. Resources for writers
3. Book Publishers (this section tells you all the Christian book publishers and what they are looking for. You will find contact information, amounts they pay and more.)
4. Periodicals (a listing a magazines and what they are looking for and what they will pay. Writing for magazines is a great way to break into the publishing world)
5. Greeting Card/Gift/Speciality (more paying markets for you to check out)
6. Helps for Writers (this section includes information on conferences, workships. agents, and CONTESTS)
7. Index and glossary

Whether you are new at writing or writing is 'old hat', this book should be a part of your writer's book shelf.

Continue reading "CFBA Blog Tour: The Christian Writer's Market Guide" »

Posted by Melissa Markham at 10:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

This is where I will keep track of the books the kids and I read. Reading aloud is part of our history, our science, and usually our evening ritual.

1. Jack Sparrow: Dance of the Hours by Rob Kidd. If you haven't discovered the books that follow Jack Sparrow as a teenager and you have POTC lovers in your household, you should check these books out! They are great fun. This was number 8 in the series, I believe.

2. The Flying Horse: The Story of Pegasus by Jane B. Mason

3. The Parthenon by Elizabeth Mann: this is a great book that tells the history of the Parthenon and I learned some things I didn't know about this amazing structure. The illustrations are wonderful too. And the writing kept the children interested.

Continue reading "2008 Kids' Book List" »

Posted by Melissa Markham at 7:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I read a lot of books! I mean a lot. Both to myself and to my children. So I am going to keep a running list of the books I have read this year. In this post I will share the books I have read for myself. In another post, I will keep track of the books the kids and I have read. Who knows, you may find a book you would like to read! Plus it will be neat for me to see how many books I read in 2008!

1. Deliver Us From Evelyn by Chris Well

2. The Reluctant Smuggler by Jill Elizabeth Nelson - a novel of adventure, constant action, arcaheology, mystery, a strong heroine and romance. What more could you want in a book?

Continue reading "Melissa's 2008 Book List" »

Posted by Melissa Markham at 7:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I love to read and this past week I received several books in the mail. Some I received due to winning contests and some I received to do reviews on them. Most of them you will see in the future as giveaways because as much as I love reading books, I love sharing good books!

So here is what showed up for me this past week:

Awaken My Heart by DiAnn Mills. This is an inspirational romance and I will be reviewing it the last week of January or the first week of February, so keep an eye out!

From the back cover: Marianne Phillips, the daughter of a wealthy rancher, has never agred with her father's harsh treatment of the poor mestizos who first inhaited the colony of Texas, when rebels kidnap Mairanne, in hopes her father will trade back their land for her freedom, she realizes her loyalty lies with her abductors, not her father, who plans to marry her off to the don of a nearby estated.

Armando Garcia is the locals' reluctant leader, but his people revere and depend on him. Knowing that without his leadership they'd be forced from their land, Armando accepts his role, but does not approve of the latesst attempt to manipulate the enemy. When he learns that Marianne actually speaks his language, of her loyalty to his people, and of the faith that keeps her strong, Armando is faced with a difficult decision. Will his newfound love keep him from leeting her go? Or will he set her free and risk losing their land forever?

Continue reading "Books In The Mail" »

Posted by Melissa Markham at 6:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I wrote everyone's names on slips of paper and Katrina closed her eyes and picked a name. And the winner is Laura from Laura Williiams' Musings! Congrats Laura! I have emailed her for her snail mail addy and will be getting this book out soon. Keep watching for contests. I have five lined up for the last week of January and so I don't have anything to give away this week. But I'll be back next week with another great giveaway!

A couple of months ago I won a couple of books by Chris Well. I had not read this author before and I am always on the lookout for new books. Deliver Us From Evelyn is a good story and if you like a thriller/mystery type story, this is a book for you to check out. Personally, I didn't like the style, but once I got past that, I enjoyed the story. There are several stories going on at once and they all converge in the end. So one chapter is about characters ABC, then another is about character D, then there is another chapter about XYZ, then a chapter about charcter E and then we come back to ABC again. I have always found that type of writing to be a bit confusing to follow. But once I got all of the characters straight in my mind, I enjoyed the tale that included scams, detectives, gangsters, a loud mouth woman, and a secret...okay a bunch of secrets

Go ahead, give it a try This may be a new favorite author for you and remember the book is free, so just comment below and I will include you in the drawing!

I will hold the random drawing for this giveaway on January 16th at 6 pm. This drawing is open to all U.S. citizens. If you are in a different country and would like to enter the drawing you are welcome to do so - you will just have to pay shipping and handling. I can accept paypal.

Good luck!

Posted by Melissa Markham at 10:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (7)

Last month I won a copy of The Ultimate Life by Jim Stovall. This is actually the sequel to a book called The Ultimate Gift. Now I hadn't heard of either of these books, but I beg your pardon as there are so many books out there, it is hard to keep up with them and I am not a best seller list watcher. Anyway, this book is a keeper and I am looking forward to getting the first book (and I have already put the movie made from the first book onto my Netflix list. This book is a book we could all use to help guide our lives. If everyone in the world learned to really appreciate the 12 gifts the world would be an awesome place to live.

Here are the 12 gifts:

The Gift of Work
The Gift of Money
The Gift of Friends
The Gift of Learning
The Gift of Problems
The Gift of Family
The Gift of Laughter
The Gift of Dreams
The Gift of Giving
The Gift of Gratitude
The Gift of a Day
The Gift of Love

In the first book, The Ultimate Gift, the reader gets to follow Jason Stevens through a year where he learns about these 12 gifts and how this learning changes him.

In the second book, The Ultimate Life, his learning is put to the test and the reader follows him through a year of putting what he has learned into practice. The book is inspiring and uplifting.

If you are looking for a life-changing book to read this year, I highly recommend these two books by Jim Stovall. Some of these gifts you may be aware of, some you may have overlooked for one reason or another. All of these gifts are available for everyone.

Posted by Melissa Markham at 7:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

UPDATE: Six days have passed and I haven't heard from Kitty, so I used the number generator and Julie Lessman's debut novel. A Passion Most Pure is 477 pages of romance, passion, war, mismatched love, God, family, laughter, tears and rivalries.

This is one of the longer romance novels I have read. And I honestly found it a bit slow in the beginning when the author was setting up the characters and the scene. But once I got hooked, I had a hard time putting it down. I soon felt part of this Irish family and I wanted to know how things were going to turn out. Being an only child, I have always been intrigued by the love and relationships of large families. I also enjoy reading historical novels and this novel that takes place before the 1920s and during WWI not only contains a tale of love, passion, and devotion to God, but I enjoyed reading the historical references.

Faith is devoted to God and does her best to follow His Word. Her sister, Charity, is young, full of herself and on a path to destruction, not just for herself but for all of those around her. Charity and Faith's parents do their best to model a godly and loving relationship, to help their children make the right decisions and to intervene when necessary. And as if life wasn't full of enough curve balls, America enters WWI and the O'Connor family's life is turned upside down.

This story is full of rich and believeable characters struggling with things that you and I struggle with in our lives. This is a well-written inspirational story of love and passion that will leave you anxious to read the next ook in the series.

And today is your lucky day! I believe I mentioned a giveaway... Well, I have one very gently read copy of A Passion Most Pure to give to one lucky reader! (Sorry, but this is open to United States Readers only unless you would like to pay the postage to have this book shipped overseas.)

All you have to do is comment below and tell me where Julie Lessman lives with her family and beloved golden retriever. I will draw names on January 2nd at 6 pm!

Book Review and Giveaway! A Passion Most Pure by Julie Lessman

http://www.melissaomarkham.com/2007/12/book_review_and_giveaway_a_pas.html

Posted by Melissa Markham at 1:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (15)