Tuesday, February 22, 2011

The Me Project Blog Tour

Welcome to a blog tour stop for Kathi Lipp's newest book, The Me Project!
About the Book
:

Has that rush to make (and break) New Year’s resolutions already waned? According to Daniel Pink, author of Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us, taking small steps every day will not only help you stay committed to your goal, but will also help you ultimately achieve that goal when obstacles come up. Author Kathi Lipp wants you and your friends to live out those dreams—and have some fun along the way.

As women, we forget the goals and dreams of our younger years. The busyness of everyday life gets in the way. To-do lists replace goals. The Me Project provides women with fun and creative ways to bring back the sense of purpose and vitality that comes with living out the plans and dreams God has planted in our hearts. Kathi Lipp’s warm tone and laugh-out-loud humor motivates women to take daily steps toward intentional goals. The end result? We get back our lives and enjoy living in the confidence of a purposeful life in spite of our chaotic schedules.

This handy guide coaches women to do one simple thing toward achieving our goals each day for three weeks. A woman experiencing the exhilaration of a rediscovered life offers more as a wife, mother, friend, volunteer, career woman.

Finding the balance between living day-to-day with purpose while pursuing the passions God has placed in our hearts is a delicate pursuit. In this refreshing, insightful book, Kathi lays out a doable plan that makes sense and helps make our God-given dreams a reality. Never stop dreaming, because women who dare to dream do make the world a better place.
—Jean Blackmer
author of MomSense: A Common Sense Guide to Confident Mothering
Publishing Manager, MOPS International www.MOPS.org

About the Author:

Kathi Lipp is a busy conference and retreat speaker, currently speaking each year to thousands of women throughout the United States. She is the author of The Husband Project and The Marriage Project, serves as food writer for Nickelodeon, and has had articles published in several magazines, including Today’s Christian Woman and Discipleship Journal. Kathi and her husband, Roger, live in California and are the parents of four teenagers and young adults. For more information visit her website: www.kathilipp.com

A Word From the Author, Kathi Lipp:
Kick Start Living Your Dream -

Pattie's Review:

Right in the beginning, Kathi Lipp lets me know this book is different from all the other Christian self-help-style books I've read. On page 18 she writes, "We never have one role in life" (can I get a "hallelujah"?). "There are the dozens (if not hundreds) of other things we do that make up who we are. Each of those little roles, if part of God's plan, is valuable and important, deserving of time and energy and attention. The mosaic of roles makes us who we were created to be."

FINALLY a book that I can absolutely relate to! So many books of this genre in the Christian market instruct and exhort us to find our "one thing" or our "purpose" in the Kingdom of God, usually one thing that God would have us to do that is in His will. Guess what? It's hard to find that one thing, when you have so many roles and experiences in life. I immediately felt like Kathi Lipp GOT ME.

I have to say, I did not expect to connect with this book as deeply as I did. I joke about wondering what I want to be when I grow up (since I've already done the teaching thing I worked so hard toward in high school and college), and I have wondered the past five years of my husband's active duty military career what that would look like.

The book offers a solid 21 short but packed chapters on how to achieve your goals--both for those of us who are still figuring out what we want to be when we grow up, and for those who are well into the process and might just need a little nudge.

The author is honest about her personal shortcomings, with humor and just the lightest tough of self-deprecation, she lets us know she's on this journey too. She includes space in each chapter for writing goals and their results.

Another point that I loved (and there were too many to list here), on page 183 she writes, "For most of us, it's easy to see how much further we have to go to reach our goal, but hard to remember how far God has already brought us." I really loved that! She also reminds us that we are never alone--God is always there.

This book is a keeper, for sure.

Author Site

Leader Resources

Thank you to Kathy Carlton Willis Communications for a review copy of this book.

One note to the author, should she stop by: on page 130 you say that you can't imagine someone saying "I don't know where to find a class." You live in California, Land of Everything. Having recently lived in a large metro area for the past few months, I can see why you can't imagine not finding some sort of class or learning situation nearby. However, my husband and I spent many years in small rural-church ministry, in towns under 1500 people. There were not classes, colleges, or chambers of commerce. So if you revise this for a future printing, you might let some of our sisters in rural areas know that they may have to drive for training opportunities. Or look online more. Or something. But there truly are areas in this country where there are not classes.

The Me Project Blog Tour

Welcome to the Fresh-Brewed Writer blog tour stop for Kathi Lipp's newest book, The Me Project!
About the Book
:

Has that rush to make (and break) New Year’s resolutions already waned? According to Daniel Pink, author of Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us, taking small steps every day will not only help you stay committed to your goal, but will also help you ultimately achieve that goal when obstacles come up. Author Kathi Lipp wants you and your friends to live out those dreams—and have some fun along the way.

As women, we forget the goals and dreams of our younger years. The busyness of everyday life gets in the way. To-do lists replace goals. The Me Project provides women with fun and creative ways to bring back the sense of purpose and vitality that comes with living out the plans and dreams God has planted in our hearts. Kathi Lipp’s warm tone and laugh-out-loud humor motivates women to take daily steps toward intentional goals. The end result? We get back our lives and enjoy living in the confidence of a purposeful life in spite of our chaotic schedules.

This handy guide coaches women to do one simple thing toward achieving our goals each day for three weeks. A woman experiencing the exhilaration of a rediscovered life offers more as a wife, mother, friend, volunteer, career woman.

Finding the balance between living day-to-day with purpose while pursuing the passions God has placed in our hearts is a delicate pursuit. In this refreshing, insightful book, Kathi lays out a doable plan that makes sense and helps make our God-given dreams a reality. Never stop dreaming, because women who dare to dream do make the world a better place.
—Jean Blackmer
author of MomSense: A Common Sense Guide to Confident Mothering
Publishing Manager, MOPS International www.MOPS.org

About the Author:

Kathi Lipp is a busy conference and retreat speaker, currently speaking each year to thousands of women throughout the United States. She is the author of The Husband Project and The Marriage Project, serves as food writer for Nickelodeon, and has had articles published in several magazines, including Today’s Christian Woman and Discipleship Journal. Kathi and her husband, Roger, live in California and are the parents of four teenagers and young adults. For more information visit her website: www.kathilipp.com

A Word From the Author, Kathi Lipp:
Kick Start Living Your Dream -

Pattie's Review:

Right in the beginning, Kathi Lipp lets me know this book is different from all the other Christian self-help-style books I've read. On page 18 she writes, "We never have one role in life" (can I get a "hallelujah"?). "There are the dozens (if not hundreds) of other things we do that make up who we are. Each of those little roles, if part of God's plan, is valuable and important, deserving of time and energy and attention. The mosaic of roles makes us who we were created to be."

FINALLY a book that I can absolutely relate to! So many books of this genre in the Christian market instruct and exhort us to find our "one thing" or our "purpose" in the Kingdom of God, usually one thing that God would have us to do that is in His will. Guess what? It's hard to find that one thing, when you have so many roles and experiences in life. I immediately felt like Kathi Lipp GOT ME.

I have to say, I did not expect to connect with this book as deeply as I did. I joke about wondering what I want to be when I grow up (since I've already done the teaching thing I worked so hard toward in high school and college), and I have wondered the past five years of my husband's active duty military career what that would look like.

The book offers a solid 21 short but packed chapters on how to achieve your goals--both for those of us who are still figuring out what we want to be when we grow up, and for those who are well into the process and might just need a little nudge.

The author is honest about her personal shortcomings, with humor and just the lightest tough of self-deprecation, she lets us know she's on this journey too. She includes space in each chapter for writing goals and their results.

Another point that I loved (and there were too many to list here), on page 183 she writes, "For most of us, it's easy to see how much further we have to go to reach our goal, but hard to remember how far God has already brought us." I really loved that! She also reminds us that we are never alone--God is always there.

This book is a keeper, for sure.

Author Site

Leader Resources

Thank you to Kathy Carlton Willis Communications for a review copy of this book.

One note to the author, should she stop by: on page 130 you say that you can't imagine someone saying "I don't know where to find a class." I noticed that you live in California, A.K.A. the Land of Everything. Having recently lived in a large metro area for the past few months, I can see why you can't imagine not finding some sort of class or learning situation nearby. However, my husband and I spent many years in small rural-church ministry, in towns under 1500 people. There were not classes, colleges, or chambers of commerce. So if you revise this for a future printing, you might let some of our sisters in rural areas know that they may have to drive for training opportunities. Or look online more. Or something. But there truly are areas in this country where there are not classes.

Monday, February 21, 2011

Yada Yada

I've been a big fan of Neta Jackson's books for a few years now. I read the Yada Yada Prayer Group series about three years ago or so, and I enjoyed them. They're the kind of Christian fiction with real characters with real flaws, and in the rare instances of its appearance the kind of romance that is not all syrupy-sweet and gaggy. I strongly identified with the main character, Jodi, in many ways.

Enter Gabby and the House of Hope about a year or so after the last Yada Yada Prayer Group book was published. I reviewed the first book here, and then I borrowed books 2 and 3, finally getting around to reading them in January.

The fourth book in the Yada Yada House of Hope series is entitled Who is My Shelter? and you can find out more about it on the author's site here. It was a very satisfying conclusion to the series, but I'd recommend reading the first three for full enjoyment.

My friend Stephanie gave me her copy of the book, and since I'd recently read the first three, it was the perfect time for me to read the series finale. Now it's on to my other friend to read. I love my bookish friends! :)

Save the Date

My review is at the end. Enjoy!


This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Save The Date
Thomas Nelson (February 1, 2011)
by
Jenny B. Jones




ABOUT THE AUTHOR:



I write Christian fiction with a few giggles, quite a bit of sass, and lots of crazy. My novels include the Katie Parker Production series and So Not Happening. I would also like to take credit for Twilight , but somewhere I think I read you’re not supposed to lie.
When I’m not typing my heart out (or checking email), I teach at a super-sized high school in Arkansas.

My students are constantly telling me how my teaching changes their lives and turned them away from drugs, gangs, and C-SPAN.


Okay, that’s not exactly true.

Some facts that are true include:

I've always been refined!

A. I got my camera confiscated by big boys with guns at the American Embassy in Europe this past summer. O la la!

B. I once worked in a seed mill office and cleaned out mice on a regular basis. Ew.

C. I’m a former drama teacher.

D. I didn’t pass my drivers test the first time. Or the second…

E. I attract stray animals like a magnet.

F. I used to assemble and test paint ball guns for a local factory...

Since my current job leaves me with very little free time, I believe in spending my spare hours in meaningful, intellectual pursuits such as:

-watching E!

-updating my status on Facebook

-catching Will Ferrell on YouTube and

-writing my name in the dust on my furniture

I’d love to hear about you, so drop me a note. Or check me out on Facebook.

ABOUT THE BOOK

You’re invited to the engagement of the most unlikely couple of the year.

When the funding for Lucy’s non-profit job is pulled, she is determined to find out why. Enter Alex Sinclair, former professional football star and heir of Sinclair Enterprises—the primary donor to Lucy’s Saving Grace organization. Alex Sinclair has it all . . . except for the votes he needs to win his bid for Congress. Both Lucy and Alex have something the other wants. Despite their mutual dislike, Alex makes Lucy a proposition: pose as his fiancĂ©e in return for the money she desperately needs. Bound to a man who isn’t quite what he seems, Lucy finds her heart – and her future – on the line.

Save the Date is a spunky romance that will have readers laughing out loud as this dubious pair try to save their careers, their dreams . . . and maybe even a date.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Save The Date, go HERE

Pattie's Review:

I really enjoyed this book! The tone of the novel reminded me of a romantic comedy film, complete with a charmingly awkward heroine, a dashing gorgeous and rich hero who is grossly misunderstood by everyone except the charmingly awkward heroine, supportive best friends, a family tragedy, and a few embarrassing moments. Oh, and a satisfying ending.

I think the novel reminded me of Kaye Dacus's Bonneterre books, minus the Louisiana references.

Overall, a fun read! Recommended!

Saturday, February 19, 2011

Slow Motion

Ann Marie at Household 6 Diva captures the feeling perfectly, of those days before deployment.

Monday, February 14, 2011

Gifts 9

holy experience

Gratitude Journal: One Thousand Gifts

(this is my gratitude journal--a sketchbook reborn, its generic cover renewed with sunflower contact paper)

36. The song "Blessed Be the Name" by Matt Redman.

37. Sunny mornings.

38. Sunny afternoons.

39. Books in all their glory.

40. Free books!

41. Giving good books as gifts.

42. Fresh flowers in a vase.

43. Sunlight streaming through a break in the clouds.

44. Hugs.

Monday, February 07, 2011

Gifts 8

holy experience

29. the privilege of prayer
30. the book One Thousand Gifts
31. Bible study books that are relevant
32. new ringtones
33. sugar
34. my shredder
35. cerulean blue skies

Can We Talk?

No I am not channeling Joan Rivers! I'd like to invite you to visit the Lifeway Women blog for a giveaway of Priscilla Shirer's Bible study, "Can We Talk?"

I had the privilege of seeing Priscilla at the PWOC International conference in November, and am thrilled to see her again at one of her events coming up soon. She has such charisma and really focuses on God's word as it pertains to women.

Here's hoping I win the giveaway! :)

Sunday, February 06, 2011

Pattie's World

I haven't posted anything but book reviews and book lists in awhile, so here's just a random list blog for this Sunday afternoon...

  • I've been reading Ann Voskamp's One Thousand Gifts and it's amazing. So amazing, I had to take a bit of a mental break the past couple of days. It's one of those freezer books, in that it requires change of me. I'm overwhelmed with changes right now.
  • We have watched The Big Bang Theory (seasons 1-3) on DVD the past few months, loaned from Teri and Mark. Sometimes wildly inappropriate, but almost always hilarious.
  • I've been researching Bible studies for PWOC for next year. Weird that I have to choose them, then leave. Probably.
  • I got to talk to a high school friend this week, a fellow military wife. It was an amazing talk.
  • I also found my senior musical cast photo, and began to wonder about all the people in it.
  • Ended up Googling my boyfriend from my senior year and finding him online. He's in ministry too. This makes me happy. God is awesome.
  • I have a LOT of unfinished stuff around me.
  • My husband is working on tax stuff. I hate tax stuff. The form for the accountant is taunting me from the other side of the desk.
  • I also have some books to read for review.
  • I have some books that need reviewed.
  • I want a Kindle 3G or a Nook Color. Not sure which.
  • Depends on where we go.
  • We may or may not find out this week where we're headed next. Or if we're staying here.
  • To quote Inigo Montoya, "I hate waiting."
  • Our 20th wedding anniversary is coming up.
  • We cannot afford a cruise, or a trip to Hawaii, nor would my husband want to spend the money on that.
  • We'll probably just go out for dinner.

Friday, February 04, 2011

Milspouse Friday Fill-In

One kind word can warm three winter months.
~Japanese Proverb


MilSpouse Friday Fill-In

at Wife of a Sailor

This week’s questions are:

1. Since most of the country has had nasty weather, what has your weather been like this week?
Tricky. This is our first Texas winter. ;) To us, it seems chilly but not cold.

2. What is/are your best money saving tip(s)?
Don't eat out often. Cook at home. Shop the Commissary and use coupons.

3. What was your favorite vehicle you’ve ever owned??
In the past: our 1996 Jeep Cherokee. In the present: my 2003 Toyota RAV-4.

4. What is a question you’d like to see asked in a future fill-in? (Your question & blog just may appear one week!)
I haven't participated enough to know what's been asked already!

5. Fill in the blank: You might be a MilSpouse if….

You might be a MilSpouse if… you never know where you'll be next year.

Wednesday, February 02, 2011

Larkspur Cove

My review at the end. Enjoy!

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Larkspur Cove
Bethany House (February 1, 2011)
by
Lisa Wingate






ABOUT THE AUTHOR:



Lisa Wingate is an award-winning journalist, magazine columnist, popular inspirational speaker and a national bestselling author of sixteen books. Her first mainstream novel, Tending Roses, is in its eighteenth printing from Penguin Putnam. Tending Roses is a staple on the shelves of national bookstore chains as well as in many independent bookstores.



Recently, Lisa’s Blue Sky Hill Series, set in Dallas, received national attention with back-to-back nominations for American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year Award for A Month of Summer (2009) and The Summer Kitchen (2010). Pithy, emotional, and inspirational, her stories bring to life characters so real that readers often write to ask what is happening to them after the book ends.



Lisa is one of a select group of authors to find success in both the Christian and mainstream markets, writing for both Bethany House, a Christian publisher, and NAL Penguin Putnam, a general market publisher. Her bestselling books have become a hallmark of inspirational fiction. Her works have been featured by the National Reader's Club of America, AOL Book Picks, Doubleday Book Club, the Literary Guild, Crossings Book Club, American Profiles and have been chosen for numerous awards.



When not busy dreaming up stories, Lisa spends time on the road as a motivational speaker. Via internet, she shares with readers as far away as India, where her book, Tending Roses, has been used to promote women's literacy, and as close to home as Tulsa, Oklahoma, where the county library system has used Tending Roses to help volunteer mentors teach adults to read. Recently, the group Americans for More Civility, a kindness watchdog organization, selected Lisa along with Bill Ford, Camille Cosby, and six others as recipients of the National Civies Award, which celebrates public figures who work to promote greater kindness and civility in American life.

ABOUT THE BOOK



Adventure is the last thing on Andrea Henderson's mind when she moves to Moses Lake. After surviving the worst year of her life, she's struggling to build a new life for herself and her son as a social worker. Perhaps in doing a job that makes a difference, she can find some sense of purpose and solace in her shattered faith. For new Moses Lake game warden Mart McClendon, finding a sense of purpose in life isn't an issue. He took the job to get out of southwest Texas and the constant reminders of a tragedy for which he can't forgive himself. But when a little girl is seen with the town recluse, Mart and Andrea are drawn together in the search for her identity. The little girl offers them both a new chance at redemption and hope--and may bring them closer than either ever planned.



If you would like to read the first chapter of Larkspur Cove, go HERE.

Pattie's Review:

I enjoyed this latest novel by Lisa Wingate. I've enjoyed Lisa's writing for several years, beginning with one of her mainstream novels I happened to find by chance one time. Larkspur Cove looks to be the beginning of another series by Wingate, focused on the area surrounding Moses Lake.

Once I was drawn into this interesting community and Andrea's troubles in particular, I found myself engrossed in the novel. In fact, I stayed up very late on Sunday night to finish it! Happily, I can report a very satisfying ending, with the promise of more from Moses Lake left with some unfinished story lines.

I think I enjoyed this much more than Lisa's earlier Christian market stories from the Daily, Texas series. I recommend this novel if you like a little romance, a little suspense, a strong faith thread, and a few quirky townspeople!

My previous reviews of Lisa's work here and here.