nonfiction

Non Fiction Review: 60 Days of Faith for Women

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60 Days of Faith for Women by Cameron Trimble
60 Days of Faith for Women: A Devotional to Deepen Gratitude, Praise, and Prayer
by Cameron Trimble 

1 out of 5 stars


I’m very disappointed in this book. It’s extremely self-centered and full of the worst kind of heresy. Every devotional and journal prompt is completely focused on the self, instead of being focused on God. This book asks, “What do I think?” instead of “What God does say?”

There are Bible verses taken out of context, and lesson applications that don’t even match the topic of the Bible verse. The author doesn’t seem knowledgeable about theology or Scripture interpretation. (I graduated from a Bible college, so I know stupid when I see it.) Continue reading →

Non Fiction Book: First-Time Mom’s Baby Memory Book

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First-Time Mom's Baby Memory Book by Emily Ramirez
First-Time Mom’s Baby Memory Book: Record Precious Moments and Memories
by Emily Ramirez

5 out of 5 stars

This baby book has quotes about motherhood, journal prompts about what baby is doing, and places to attach photos of baby and mom. I love how creative the writing prompts can be! This goes way beyond baby’s first smile or first steps.

The writing prompts include things like:
“The first time I really listened to my mama gut was…”
“Something you’ve done to show me how strong you are is…”
“The biggest mess you’ve made so far has been…”
“Something I hope for your future is…”
“A family tradition I’m excited to share with you is…”
“Some words you hilariously mispronounce are…”

Every page is covered in beautiful pastel designs with polka dots and colorful borders. The quote pages are especially cute with a whole page of color and a simple little drawing of a baby bottle, bib, rattle, cupcake, balloons, or something sweet. Continue reading →

Journal Review: Holistic Self-Care Guided Journal

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Holistic Self-Care Guided Journal by Carley Schweet
Holistic Self-Care Guided Journal: Nurture Yourself, Expand Your Mind, Embrace Who You Are
by Carley Schweet

5 out of 5 stars

This book helps you to reconnect with your core self, grow in your courage and creativity, and engage in your relationships, all in baby steps that remind you to take care of yourself and reflect on what you truly need. This book has sections to “Nurture Yourself, Expand Your Mind, Get Creative, Move Your Body, Get Organized, and Embrace Your Community.” Each section has insightful journal prompts, affirmations, meditations, gentle activities, and inspirational quotes to get you motivated.

I’m truly impressed at how this book uses thoughtful prompts and deep themes to sweetly guide the reader into a better understanding of the many aspects of self-care. And yet it never feels too heavy! Each activity is a simple little thing, a cup of tea, a walk in the sunshine, listening to a favorite song. And yet the impact is immense because of the introspection that is happening. Continue reading →

Nonfiction Book Review: A Parent’s Guide to Manners for Kids

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A Parent's Guide to Manners for Kids by Katie McVeigh
A Parent’s Guide to Manners for Kids: Lessons, Games, and Activities for Home, School, and Beyond
by Katie McVeigh

4 out of 5 stars

This book gives fun games, activities, and lessons to teach children ages 6-13 about how to have good manners. There are chapters about “Everyday Etiquette, Good Impressions, Eating with Manners, Playing Nice, and Technology Etiquette.”

The lessons include basic things like opening the door for someone, receiving and giving gifts, getting into a car with a friend’s family, and observing elevator etiquette to not push all the buttons. The all-important thank you note is, of course, included! Continue reading →

Puzzle Book Review: 100 Large-Print Crossword Puzzles

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100 Large-Print Crossword Puzzles by Chris King
100 Large-Print Crossword Puzzles: Easy Puzzles to Entertain Your Brain
by Chris King

4 out of 5 stars

I really like that each puzzle has a theme as a sort of additional clue to the type of words that will be used in the puzzle. The themes are also diverse and unexpected things like “time, being surrounded, light reading, any day now, and ahoy mateys”.

The clues and answers are fairly simple and common things, but every once in a while there’s a little bit of a head-scratcher to keep your brain nimble. The answers to all the crosswords are at the back of the book, in case you get stuck.

When they say “Large-Print”, they really mean it! The text is huge and the spaces for the puzzles are large as well. This book would be very enjoyable for some light fun without getting too frustrated with complex puzzles. Continue reading →

Non Fiction Review: 5-Minute Happiness Journal

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The 5-Minute Happiness Journal by Leslie Marchand LCSW
The 5-Minute Happiness Journal: Practices to Help You Tap Into Joy Every Day
by Leslie Marchand LCSW

4 out of 5 stars


This guided journal explores the meaning of happiness and how it can be unique to each individual. The journal prompts you to write down the things that make you happy, to re-imagine difficult situations in a more pleasant light, and to go after your own style of joy.

The journal questions include things like:
“What is a hobby you’ve always wanted to try?”
“Write about a time when a closed door led to a new opportunity that brought more happiness into your life.”
“Write about a time when you used your imagination to solve a problem.”
“Write down one thing you do regularly that makes you happy.”

Some of the prompts are simple, and others are more complex, leading to deeper reflection. Each page builds on the previous lesson, guiding you further on a journey toward understanding and embracing happiness. Continue reading →

Non Fiction Review: Extreme Ocean

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Extreme Ocean by Sylvia A Earle
Extreme Ocean: Amazing Animals, High-Tech Gear, Record-Breaking Depths, and More
by Sylvia A Earle,  Glen Phelan 

5 out of 5 stars


With stunning photographs, this book chronicles the ocean explorations of the author, a marine biologist. Along with personal stories and anecdotes, this book includes the facts and science about everything in the ocean from currents to sharks.

The first section explores waves, tsunamis, and currents, ice shelves, and answers why the ocean is blue and why it contains salt water.

The second chapter focuses on the fish and animals that live in the ocean. There are articles and facts about seals, whales, and other mammals, as well as fish and creatures that live in the deepest parts of the ocean. The photographs of these fish are absolutely gorgeous, showcasing their bright colors and delicate fins. There are also facts about sea plants like kelp forests, and a whole page about coral reefs. Continue reading →

Non Fiction Review: The Empowered Highly Sensitive Person

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The Empowered Highly Sensitive Person by Amanda Cassil
The Empowered Highly Sensitive Person
by Amanda Cassil

5 out of 5 stars

As a Highly Sensitive Person, it is such a relief to have a book like this! It describes the HSP experience so clearly, and gives real and practical ideas for navigating the strong emotions and overwhelming sensations that come with having an HSP brain.

There is a quiz you can take to determine whether or not you are an HSP. The quiz says that if you score a 14 or higher, then you are an HSP. I scored a 24! I am extremely sensitive, and it’s always been a struggle. I’ve felt misunderstood my entire life, and have spent years telling myself, “Why can’t you be like other people? Why does this bother you so much? Why can’t you just let it go?” This book spoke so compassionately to my frustration and emotional pain, as well as my physical struggles. Continue reading →

Non Fiction Review: Essential Oils for Soothing Anxiety

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Essential Oils for Soothing Anxiety by Christina Anthis
Essential Oils for Soothing Anxiety: Remedies and Rituals to Feel Calm and Refreshed
by Christina Anthis (Goodreads Author)

5 out of 5 stars

The first section in this book focuses on general information about essential oils, their uses, history, and how they are made. There is also information on other self-care practices that can lower stress and soothe anxiety to be done in conjunction with aromatherapy and essential oils. These include meditation, massage, reflexology, and setting up a calm space with pillows, candles, and soft music.

Then there is a section with more details about the 10 most common essential oils used in this book. This gives more specific information about the benefits of each oil, the applications and uses, and precautions for allergies or skin sensitivities. The oils include Bergamot, Cedarwood, Chamomile, Coriander, Frankincense, Geranium, Grapefruit, Lavender, Sweet Marjoram, and Neroli.
Continue reading →

Non Fiction Review: 5-Minute Stress Relief

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5-Minute Stress Relief by Elena Welsh
5-Minute Stress Relief: 75 Exercises to Quiet Your Mind and Calm Your Body
by Elena Welsh

5 out of 5 stars

The first chapter in this book discusses what causes stress and how it affects our bodies and minds. It goes through common emotional and physical symptoms of stress, and how we can change our behavior and reactions to better handle stress.

The second chapter begins the exercises for stress relief with simple things like focusing on the breath, being mindful of your surroundings, and activities like reading for pleasure, talking to someone about how you feel, quieting your mind, listening to music, and laughing more. Each of these come with detailed instructions that list the benefits of the activity. With guided meditations, positive affirmations, and instructions for using essential oils, this chapter has a lot of wonderful ideas for relieving stress. Continue reading →