Undistracted ~ Review

Undistracted
By Bob Goff
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (March 1, 2022)
Hardcover: 256 pages
Audiobook: 6 hours and 2 minutes

Undistracted is an interesting book. The author, Bob Goff, who is also the narrator takes the reader on a journey in which distraction sidelines us from what we are meant to do. Disappointment, various choices, and life, in general, can keep us from fulfilling the course our life is on. Distractions slow us down or even take us off course. 

Bob shows us just how easy it is to be distracted by using examples from his own life. Can we stop distractions from shifting our focus? Yes, we can and this book shows us how.  Distractions don't have to derail us and we can even use them to our own advantage. The important thing is being able to tell what is a true distraction and what is a necessary break from the every day that allows us to come back better. 

This is a perfect book to get for the person in your life (or yourself) who is always busy and on the move. We need to be aware that life is a balance and that yes, one's job, is important but not at the expense of family and friends. So determine what is the distraction or distractions of your life and get Undistracted with Bob Goff's help. I will admit for the audiobook I did listen to it at 1.2 times as it was a little slow at 1.0 times, I know details but I like my reading (or narration) a touch faster. But overall this was an interesting and insightful book.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion, all thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Through his pithy and inspiring storytelling that has endeared him to millions, New York Times bestselling author Bob Goff reassures readers that they can harness today’s distractions, follow Jesus’ example, and find focus, purpose, and joy.

You probably know what it’s like to be driving down the road when you suddenly feel the vibration and hear the guh-guh-guh–guh-guh of the rumble strips–those groves in the pavement–warning you that you’ve drifted out of your lane. You didn’t mean to get distracted. You only took your eyes off the road for a moment, but you drifted off course. And that’s a lot like life, isn’t it?

In Undistracted, Bob Goff lovingly yanks us back in our lane and helps us get back on track so we can live our lives with real purpose and joy. In his trademark storytelling style, Bob helps us

• learn the destruction of distraction and the benefits of living a life of undistracted love and authentic connection;

• identify the distractions in our lives and either eliminate them or route around them; and

• catch a vision of our future, undistracted selves where we can experience true happiness and joy.

Bob’s inspiring and entertaining stories in Undistracted show us what it looks like to live a beautiful and purposeful life rather than drifting aimlessly from one season to the next. He encourages us to fix our eyes on Jesus and harness life’s distractions so we can find joy despite our circumstances.Purchase Links:
Thomas Nelson |Amazon | Barnes & Noble
About the Author:
Bob Goff is the author of the New York Times bestselling Love Does; Everybody, Always; and Dream Big as well as the bestselling Love Does for Kids. He’s a lover of balloons, cake pops, and helping people pursue their big dreams. Bob’s greatest ambitions in life are to love others, do stuff, and most importantly, to hold hands with his wife, Sweet Maria, and spend time with their amazing family. For more, check out BobGoff.com and LoveDoes.org.
Instagram features:
Monday, February 28th: @mommaleighellensbooknook
Tuesday, March 1st: @girlsinbooks
Thursday, March 3rd: @nurse_bookie
Friday, March 4th: @itsbibliotherapy
Sunday, March 6th: @thebookend.diner
Sunday, March 6th: @wherethereadergrows
Monday, March 7th: @createexploreread
Monday, March 7th: @readresa
Tuesday, March 8th: @shobizreads
Wednesday, March 9th: @the.caffeinated.reader
Thursday, March 10th: @lovemybooks2020
Reviews:
Monday, March 14th: @travelerswife4life
Tuesday, March 15th: From the TBR Pile – spotlight
Wednesday, March 16th: Tabi Thoughts
Monday, March 21st: @theocbookgirl
Tuesday, March 22nd: Blooming with Books
Wednesday, March 23rd: @bookish801
Friday, March 25th: @everything.is.words
Saturday, March 26th: @kristens.reading.nook
Monday, March 28th: The Calico Books and @thecalicobooks
Tuesday, March 29th: @iowaamberreads
Thursday, March 31st: Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama and @musingsofasassybookishmama
Friday, April 1st: @wellreadtraveler
Monday, April 4th: @booksnbikram
Tuesday, April 5th: What is That Book About – spotlight
Wednesday, April 6th: @parksidereads
Thursday, April 7th: @webreakforbooks
Friday, March 18th: @what.ems.reading

Fierce Love ~ Book Spotlight with Giveaway

Fierce Love 

Creating a Love that Lasts–One Conversation at a Time
By Susan Scott

About Fierce Love: Creating a Love that Lasts–One Conversation at a Time

Publisher: Thomas Nelson (January 11, 2022)

Hardcover: 240 pages

New York Times bestselling author Susan Scott guides couples through eight must-have conversations to create a fierce love that stands the test of time and grows stronger over the years.

Often in our romantic relationships, we long for deep connection, but we don’t know how to communicate well and sometimes withhold what we’re really thinking and feeling. This can lead to fighting, resentment, or, worse, complacency–where you are just going through the motions, more like roommates than two people in love. As Susan writes, “It’s as if we’ve pulled off our own wings.” As couples, we don’t stop to think how important our conversations are. And we certainly don’t understand that what we talk about and how we talk about it determine whether our relationships will thrive, flatline, or fail.

In Fierce Love, New York Times bestselling author Susan Scott guides couples through eight must-have conversations that lead to deep connection and lasting commitment. Through the use of true stories and hands-on exercises, Susan helps us

• understand that the conversation is the relationship;
• identify and dispel five relationship myths that mislead and derail us;
• learn eight conversations that are critical to enriching relationships; and
• stop fighting or ignoring issues and start connecting in a deep and meaningful way.

After a season where many relationships were tested and tried, where some relationships thrived and others have exposed cracks couples didn’t even realize were there, or realized but didn’t acknowledge, now is the best time to learn to communicate well. By having honest, compelling conversations with our partners, we can foster true connection and a fierce love that will withstand the test of time and grow stronger over the years.

Enter the Giveaway: 

1 winner will receive a copy of Fierce Love by Susan Scott.

Book will be sent by the publisher so the winner's 

US shipping address will be collected and shared accordingly.

Open to US residents 18 years of age or older.

The giveaway goes from January 11, 2022, 12:00 am to

January 17, 2022, 11:59 pm.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review tour schedule:

Monday, January 10th: @finding_joyathome

Tuesday, January 11th: Blooming With Books – spotlight

Wednesday, January 12th: @myinfinitetbr

Thursday, January 13th: @what.ems.reading

Thursday, January 13th: Sassy Bookish Mama – spotlight

Friday, January 14th: @books_with_bethany

Monday, January 17th: @bookscoffeephotography

Wednesday, January 19th: @nurse_bookie

Thursday, January 20th: @kristens.reading.nook

Friday, January 21st: What is That Book About – spotlight

Monday, January 24th: @arrow_reads

Wednesday, January 26th: Stranded in Chaos and @sarastrand9438

Thursday, January 27th: @jenniaahava

Friday, January 28th: @parksidereads

Monday, January 31st: @bookish801

Wednesday, February 2nd: Tabi Thoughts

Thursday, February 3rd: @peachy.paperbacks

Friday, February 4th: The Oc Book Girl and @theocbookgirl

Monday, February 7th: @readingthroughnaptime

Wednesday, February 9th: @lovemybooks2020

Friday, February 11th: @msanniecathryn

Sunday, February 13th: @webreakforbooks

The Wonder of Creation ~ Review

The Wonder of Creation

100 More Devotions About God and Science 

                   (Indescribable Kids) 

By Louie Giglio

With Tama Fortner

Illustrated by Nicola Anderson

Sharing devotions with one's children is an important part of life - it gives foundations to one's beliefs and The Wonder of Creation is just such a book. There are 100 devotions in this book so if you do it daily you have just over 3 months of dwelling on God and the science of His Creation. All too often the wonder of the world around us is lost to what we cram into our schedules. Making time for devotions is also an excellent time to view creation and God's world with all the awe it and He deserve. 

The Wonder of Creation presents the Creation from four different views - space, earth, animals, and people - each an opportunity to discover the special connections God wove throughout His Creation. Sometimes that which seems to be the least important of the whole is what is most needed to flourish just as time in, and with, God's Word is needed to sustain our soul. 

This would be an excellent choice for a family devotional time together or as a quiet time alone for older kids who are able to read on their own. This would be an excellent resource for homeschoolers and the perfect gift for a young family.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion all thoughts expressed are my own.

In this captivating follow-up to the bestselling kids’ devotionals Indescribable and How Great Is Our God, founder of the Passion movement Louie Giglio offers more mind-blowing, faith-building scientific facts and biblical truths about the wonder of God’s creation.

Well-known for his powerful messages about science and the Bible, Louie Giglio has a passion for inspiring kids to notice, enjoy, and be in awe of God’s creation. In The Wonder of Creation, children will find new delight in God’s creativity with 100 devotions that explore:

• Animals–from honeyguide birds to flying snakes to white rhinos
• Space–from black holes to volcanic moons to gamma-ray bursts
• People–from optical illusions to brain freezes to our immune systems
• Earth–from rainbow rivers to blue lava to flowing glaciers
• And much, much more!

With engaging illustrations and striking photography, this fun and informative book is ideal for children ages 6–10. Each of the 100 devotions features a scientific fact or an easy activity for exploring faith, a short Bible verse, and a closing prayer. With a brightly embossed cover and a ribbon bookmark, The Wonder of Creation:

• Is ideal for science-loving kids, Bible-loving kids, and any child ready to go deeper in faith.
• Continues a well-loved devotional series that has sold more than half a million copies.
• Makes a great addition to a homeschool STEM curriculum or a bedtime reading routine.

As kids dive into this awe-inspiring devotional, they’ll be amazed at the many wonders God has made!

Check out these other books in the bestselling Indescribable Kids series:

• Indescribable
• Indescribable for Little Ones
• How Great Is Our God

Instagram features:

Monday, November 15th: @nissa_the.bookworm

Tuesday, November 16th: @lovemybooks2020

Wednesday, November 17th: @shobizreads

Wednesday, November 17th: @sunsoakedpages

Thursday, November 18th: @asimplechai

Thursday, November 18th: @pickagoodbook

Friday, November 19th: @barr_bookworm

Friday, November 19th: @bookshelfmomma

Saturday, November 20th: @iowaamberreads

Sunday, November 21st: @sarastrand9438

Reviews:

Monday, November 22nd: Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama and @musingsofasassybookishmama

Tuesday, November 23rd: @thelibrariandad

Wednesday, November 24th: The Bookish Dilettante

Sunday, November 28th: @theocbookgirl

Monday, November 29th: @oomilyreads

Wednesday, December 1st: @kristens.reading.nook

Thursday, December 2nd: Blooming with Books and @bloomingwbooks

Friday, December 3rd: @baytownbookie

Monday, December 6th: @nurse_bookie

Wednesday, December 8th: @irishgirliereads

Friday, December 10th: Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

Monday, December 13th: @travelerswife4life

Wednesday, December 15: @delightfully.brittany

Saturday, December 18th: Bookworm for Kids

A Saint A Day ~ Review

A Saint A Day:

365 True Stories of Faith and Heroism

By Meredith Hinds

Illustrated by Isabel Munoz

A Saint A Day is a year-long devotional that each day presents a different recognized Saint. From the introduction, we learn that the Saints have been vetted by the Catholic Church and have either achieved sainthood or are on their way to becoming a named Saint. Now I will admit, not having been raised within the Catholic Church to having only a passing familiarity with a few of these individuals. 

January 1st opens the book with Mary, the mother of Jesus and references Luke 1:38 where Mary declares her willingness to be used by God. The devotional text puts the Scripture reference in the context of just what God was asking of her - to carry His Son as her own. May 30th references Joan of Arc and the courage it took for her to listen and follow God's calling. June 4th shares Julia Greeley's serving heart and care of the poor. There is a wide range of people throughout history from the early days of the church through the 20th century who are presented.

This book though geared for children 8-12 could be used by older readers easily. Would be a good gift for special occasions.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion - All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Teach your child to walk in faith, act justly, and lead with kindness and humility with this 365-day devotional for kids. A Saint a Day includes fascinating historical stories as it introduces young readers to over 300 saints who did extraordinary things for God.
Mother Teresa left her family at age 18 to become a missionary. St. Patrick helped spread Christianity to Ireland. St. Jerome translated the Bible into Latin--and also had a pet lion!
Written for ages 8 to 12, A Saint a Day inspires young readers with remarkable stories of people who made extraordinary choices to love and serve God. Featuring popular saints such as Teresa of Avila, Francis of Assisi, Juan Diego, and Thomas Aquinas, each of the 365 devotions includes:

• A Scripture verse and prayer

• A short summary or an inspiring story of a saint

• A notable fact

• Artwork with a fresh, kid-friendly design

 
This daily devotional for kids is:

• An ideal gift for First Communion, Confirmation, or Advent

• A unique book for strengthening a child's faith

• A great way to share Catholic Church history with kids

 
A Saint a Day will help your child realize the long history of people of faith. As you journey through this yearlong devotional, your children will grow in their understanding of Church history and better understand how they can love and serve God.
Meredith Hinds is a freelance writer and editor who develops books for all audiences and ages, particularly in the Christian market. She’s worked with bestselling authors Philip Yancey and Mark Batterson, and she’s served as a collaborator, abridger, consultant, and teammate for many others. She’s always up for a good story. She lives in Colorado with her husband and three young children.
Isabel Muñoz studied fine arts at the Complutense University of Madrid, Spain. To paint for a living was her dream, and now she’s proud to be the illustrator of several children’s books. She works from a tiny and colorful studio in the north of Spain. You can follow her work at isabelmg.com.

Author Bio

Reviews:

Monday, November 1st: @lovemybooks2020

Wednesday, November 3rd: @jenniaahava

Friday, November 5th: The Bookish Dilettante

Monday, November 8th: @irishgirliereads

Wednesday, November 10th: @arrow_reads

Friday, November 12th: Blooming with Books and @bloomingwbooks

Tuesday, November 16th: Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

Thursday, November 18th: She Just Loves Books and @shejustlovesbooks

Friday, November 19th: View from the Birdhouse

Wednesday, November 24th: @rozierreadsandwine

Monday, November 29th: @parksidereads

Instagram features:

Wednesday, December 1st: @shobizreads

Thursday, December 2nd: @nerdy_book_lover_1987

Friday, December 3rd: @books_with_bethany

Monday, December 6th: @travelerswife4life

Tuesday, December 7th: @barr_bookworm

Wednesday, December 8th: @kristens.reading.nook

Friday, December 10th: @djreadsbooks

Slothy Claus ~ Review

Slothy Claus

By Jodie Shepherd

Illustrated by MacKenzie Haley

Slothy Claus is based on Clement Clarke Moore's Night Before Christmas but Slothy Claus is nothing like Santa Claus. Slothy Claus has to take numerous breaks while loading gifts on his sleigh. Meanwhile cute little creatures all over the world are preparing for Slothy's Christmas Eve visit. But when Christmas morning comes disappointment covers the world - Slothy never made it. No presents were under the tree and the stockings were limp. 

But when faced with what they hadn't received, they instead focused on what they have - love, hope, kindness, and many other things, including one another. They discovered Christmas was something that could be celebrated all year long not just in December and with gifts.

The illustrations are colorful and cute - a sure attention holder for young listeners and a perfect match to the story. So gather your little ones close and snuggle into your favorite reading corner and enjoy.      

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I give my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.                                                                                                                                                            

What will children do when a sluggish Slothy Claus doesn’t make it to their home in time for Christmas morning? This charming story helps kids learn that Christmas is about more than just presents under the tree.

Slothy Claus has lots of presents for good boys and girls this year, but how is this notoriously lethargic animal supposed to travel all around the world in just one night? You guessed it! Slothy takes his sweet time, and when kids wake up to empty stockings and bare trees, it feels like Christmas is ruined! How will they ever find happiness without their chocolates and toys?

Slothy Claus is equal parts humorous and heartwarming. Children ages 4 to 8 will

• learn that the joy of Christmas doesn’t come from material things but from the love between family and friends
• enjoy the delightfully funny one-of-a-kind artwork
• love the classic rhyme that will fill your own family’s Christmas with love, laughter, and a spirit of giving

Slothy Claus concludes with a summer scene complete with flip flops and a barbecue when Slothy Claus finally flies down in his sleigh to deliver gift after gift–for a special celebration of Christmas in July. With a bright, glittery cover, this fun picture book is the perfect gift for advent or Christmas.

Review tour for SLOTHY CLAUS and NIGHT NIGHT, ANGEL:

Monday, October 25th: @bookshelfmomma

Tuesday, October 26th: @literannie

Wednesday, October 27th: Stranded in Chaos and @sarastrand9438

Thursday, October 28th: @shobizreads

Friday, October 29th: Write Read Life

Monday, November 1st: @irishgirliereads

Wednesday, November 3rd: She Just Loves Books and @shejustlovesbooks

Friday, November 5th: View from the Birdhouse

Friday, November 5th: Books, Tea, Healthy Me

Monday, November 8th: Blooming with Books

Wednesday, November 10th: A Holland Reads

Friday, November 12th: @celiamcmahonreads

Monday, November 15th: Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

Tuesday, November 16th: @bookscallmyheart

Wednesday, November 17th: Run Wright and @karen_runwrightreads

Thursday, November 18th: @parksidereads

Monday, November 22nd: Christian Chick’s Thoughts and @cctblog

Wednesday, November 24th: From the TBR Pile

Monday, November 29th: Bookworm for Kids

Night Night, Angel ~ Review

Night Night, Angel

By Amy Parker

Illustrated by Virginia Allyn

It's time to gather your little one's near and enjoy this delightful board book that celebrates the simple joys of the Christmas season. As the fox family comes together and prepares for Christmas delightful illustrations bring the story to life. Gifts and treats are made to give and share in preparation for the greatest gift of all - the gift of God's Son come that first Christmas night.

This book is for the youngest readers and listeners but older kids who enjoy animals and illustrated books should enjoy this as well. This is a lovely way to share the true joy of the season with the children in your life. Makes a perfect gift!

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

‘Tis the season for joy! Celebrate the family fun and season’s blessings of Christmas with a young arctic fox as your family remembers that Jesus is the best gift of all. Amy Parker’s delightful rhymes and Virginia Allyn’s sweet illustrations make Night Night, Angel the perfect read-aloud for toddlers and preschoolers enjoying the Christmas season.

Little fox loves all the excitement that Christmas brings to the forest: making creative presents, placing the star on the tree, and making sure she is spotlight-ready for the big Christmas play. But soon she realizes that the perfect gift has already been given through the baby who arrived on the first Christmas night!

As the fourth seasonal title in the hugely successful Night Night bedtime storybook brand, this Christmas board book

• gives families a fun way to say goodnight during the Advent season
• celebrates the special moments of family holiday activities
• gently reminds children that Baby Jesus is the reason for the season

The Christmas theme and sparkling cover make Night Night, Angel perfect for an Advent gift, stocking stuffer, or Christmas morning surprise from parents, grandparents, Sunday school teachers, and friends. Your little angel will be ready to snuggle in for the night as together you celebrate the many blessings of Christmas!

Review tour for SLOTHY CLAUS and NIGHT NIGHT, ANGEL:

Monday, October 25th: @bookshelfmomma

Tuesday, October 26th: @literannie

Wednesday, October 27th: Stranded in Chaos and @sarastrand9438

Thursday, October 28th: @shobizreads

Friday, October 29th: Write Read Life

Monday, November 1st: @irishgirliereads

Wednesday, November 3rd: She Just Loves Books and @shejustlovesbooks

Friday, November 5th: View from the Birdhouse

Friday, November 5th: Books, Tea, Healthy Me

Monday, November 8th: Blooming with Books

Wednesday, November 10th: A Holland Reads

Friday, November 12th: @celiamcmahonreads

Monday, November 15th: Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

Tuesday, November 16th: @bookscallmyheart

Wednesday, November 17th: Run Wright and @karen_runwrightreads

Thursday, November 18th: @parksidereads

Monday, November 22nd: Christian Chick’s Thoughts and @cctblog

Wednesday, November 24th: From the TBR Pile

Monday, November 29th: Bookworm for Kids