CSN Stores Review: KidKraft Sling Book Shelf

A few weeks ago I mentioned that I would be doing a review for CSN Stores. With 200+ stores to choose from, I began the task of picking a product to review.

Since we are renovating our basement to include a play area for my children, as well as the home daycare I operate, I decided to review an item that would fit in the play area. Here is what I picked: KidKraft Sling Book Shelf.

About the KidKraft Sling Bookshelf:

Getting children excited about reading isn’t always a simple task, but with the new Sling Book Shelf in Natural, story time a lot more fun. Perfect for the young reader in your life, this shelf allows books to be displayed by front or back cover instead of the spine, making it easier for kids to choose books themselves.

Features:

• Natural wood finish
• Soft canvas shelves keep books from being damaged
• Holds books of almost any size
• Perfect for young children
• Sturdy MDF construction
• Quick and easy assembly
• weighs 16lb
• Dimensions: 28" H x 24" W x 12" D

For all the worlds in which kids live, learn, and play... For the perfect accessory to brighten up a room, KidKraft has it all. With imagination, innovation and inspiration, KidKraft creates timeless, heirloom-quality furniture that children – and their parents - love. Fun and functionality merge to enthrall and entertain, inspiring children with endless opportunities for imaginative play.

My Review:

I love this bookshelf! First of all, it is very easy to assemble, only taking me about 15 minutes. All the tools necessary to assemble it were the included screws and Allen Wrench. Very good for a mom that is not building inclined.

 After putting it together my girls loved helping me set up the books. Both my girls are book lovers, so it does not take much to convince them to read/view books. However, since receiving and assembling the KidKraft Sling Book Shelf, I find that they are much more inclined to pick out books on their own and read.

 I also really loved the fast shipping. I received my KidKraft Sling Book Shelf in about a week, from the time of order. Awesome for coming into Canada!  The price of this book shelf was a huge plus too, as only $38.95!

This bookshelf would be a great addition to any child's room, or play area and you can see it in use here:

I highly recommend this product and give it a huge thumbs up!

BUY IT: You can purchase the KidKraft Sling Book Shelf, in Natural, at CSN Stores.

***I received the above product courtesy of CSN Stores for the purpose of review on this blog. All opinions expressed are my own, and I have not been compensated in any other manner***

Deadly Fear Blog Tour and Giveaway

About The Book:

TWO BRILLIANT AGENTS

FBI Special Agent Monica Davenport has made a career out of profiling serial killers. But getting inside the twisted minds of the cruel and the sadistic has taken its toll: She's walled herself off from the world. Yet Monica can't ignore fellow agent Luke Dante, the only man who ever broke through her defenses.

ONE DREAM TEAM

Luke has the unique ability to put victims at ease . . . professionally, he and Monica made a perfect team. Now they're reunited to catch a murderer who uses his victims' deepest, darkest fears for sport - but their investigative skills aren't enough. Luke and Monica will have to face the secrets from their past, the ones that terrify them the most, if they are to have a future together.

But can they catch a killer whose weapon is . . . 

DEADLY FEAR 

About The Author:

Cynthia Eden also writes tales of paranormal suspense and erotic romance for Kensington Brava, Avon Red, and Red Sage. In college, she majored in Communication and Sociology, graduating summa cum laude and spending many hours working on the campus paper. She soon decided writing fiction was much more fun than just sticking to the facts. Later, as she traveled the long and bumpy road to romance publication, Cynthia was employed as a teacher and a college counselor. She is a member of the Gulf Coast Chapter of the RWA and Mensa.

More information about Cynthia may be found at her website:www.cynthiaeden.com

My Review:

If you are looking for a good summer read that will keep you on the edge of your seat, yet have an element of romance, than Deadly Fear is the book for you! This is a well written book with incredible characters and the storyline is great too! The action is never ending and there are a great many twists and turns. You will be kept guessing "whodunit" right up to the end. My only warning is that a lot of bad language throughout the book. Other than that I really enjoyed Deadly Fear and look forward to the next two books in the series, which come out in 2011.

I recommend this book and give it a thumbs up.

BUY IT: You can purchase Deadly Fear by Cynthia Eden online through Amazon.com and Amazon.ca - it is also available through your favorite local bookseller.

WIN IT: Five (5) Readers will win a copy of Deadly Fear by Cynthia Eden

MANDATORY ENTRY: Head over to Hachette Book Group and tell me one other book you would love to read

EXTRA ENTRIES:

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GIVEAWAY OPEN TO U.S. AND CANAD ONLY (NO P.O. BOXES PLEASE)

GIVEAWAY ENDS AUGUST 15, 2010

GOOD LUCK TO ALL!

***I received a complimentary copy of this book from Hachette Book Group, for the purpose of review on this blog. All opinions expressed are my own and I have not been compensated in any other manner***

Then Sings My Soul Saturday

Growing up in a Mennonite Brethren Church I was immersed in the classic hymns. Today, my family and I attend an Evangelical Free Church and hymns are almost non-existent, replaced with modern praise and worship music like Chris Tomlin, Matt Redman, Starfield and many others. Of course, there is nothing wrong with the new, modern music, but there is just something about the classic hymns that brings me back to a simpler time and to a different level of worship. This week for Then Sings My Soul Saturday, I have chosen to share a few of my favorite hymns.









For more inspirational music, head over to see Amy at Signs, Miracles, and Wonders for Then Sings My Soul Saturday! Be Blessed!

Chasing Superwoman: Book Review and Giveaway

About The Book:

The Christian community tends to operate under the assumption that the only women attending church are traditional stay-at-home moms. But in truth, more than 75% of mothers with school-age children work outside the home.

Chasing Superwoman gives these working mothers what they've been craving-a funny, intelligent, relevant exploration of what it means to live out a vibrant faith amidst the many demands placed on their time and energy. Chasing Superwoman provides a much needed dialogue (not a formula) about the complex spiritual struggle of the working mother, plus a lot of laughter and encouragement for working women to embrace their busy life and trust God's grace for getting it all done.

From The Back Cover:

If you've ever forgotton the preschool snacks, juggled Blackberry and diaper bag, and handled a client call over a chorus of "Mommy", this book is for you.

Can a mother of young children be at the top of her profession without sacrificing her family or her faith? Will society and the Christian community even allow her to try?

In Chasing Superwoman, Susan DiMickele confronts these questions with honesty, heart, and humor and offers surprisingly simple yet potentially life-altering answers. This is a book about day care and multitasking, about sacrificed sleep, juggled chores, dueling calendars...but also about faith and joy and love.

As a partner in a law firm and mother of three young children, Susan DiMickele lives in two different worlds and often feels she must leap between them in a single bound, but she's well aware that she's not Superwoman - she doesn't have to be. In this book she offers her fellow working women the gift of laughter, insight, and grace - reminders that God accepts us just as we are.

About The Author:

Susan DiMickele has been a trial lawyer for fourteen years and a mother for eight of those years. While she strives to be at the top of her profession, her greatest accomplishment and challenge is partnering with husband Doug to raise Nicolas, Anna, and Abigail-to know and love God. She lives in Columbus, Ohio with her family.

My Review:

Chasing Supermom combines practical advice, humor, and real life experiences to help working moms get the encouragement they need to do all they do and still live their life for Christ. It is well written and a very quick read. I highly recommend that all working moms read this book! You will be inspired as you read Chasing Supermom! I know I was.


BUY IT: You can purchase Chasing Supermom online, directly through David C. Cook - it is also available through your favorite Christian bookseller.


***I received a complimentary copy of this book from The B & B Media Group for the purpose of review on this blog. All opinions are my own, and I have not been compensated in any other manner***

True Religion: Book Review

About The Book:

Give your life away to change this world and God will change you for the best.

A rising voice in the missional movement, Palmer Chinchen challenges Christians to a new kind of spiritual formation-one focused on pouring out our life for others and radical dependence upon God.

When we get out of our comfort zone, our souls are awakened-everything seems more alive and vibrant. So why don't we live our faith that way? Why is it that our faith can easily become an old, tired routine instead of an exhilarating, God-honoring lifestyle? Discover why true religion involves engaging the problems in our world as we go with the good news of the gospel. And in the process of pouring ourselves out for others, we'll see God radically transform our own hearts as well.

You can read a sample of True Religion here (PDF format)

About The Author:

Palmer Chinchen is a popular speaker, an author, and the pastor of The Grove in Chandler, Arizona. He grew up in Liberia, West Africa, witnessing firsthand the ravaging pain of the AIDS and malaria pandemics and the daily burden of poverty. A former college ministry leader, Palmer has a passion for firing up Christians to respond to affliction and injustice in the world and respond with Christ's love to a hurting world. Palmer holds a PhD from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Illinois and a BA and MA from Biola University in California.

Website:  www.truereligionbook.com 

My Review:

True Religion is a well written book that will encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and do something for the world around you. You will be convicted to help those who are "living a hell on earth". As Christians we are leave our mark on the world to bring Jesus to it. True Religion gives the reader the encouragement to do so!

I highly recommend this book and give it a huge thumbs up!

BUY IT: You can purchase True Religion by Palmer Chinchen, PhD online here, through David C. Cook

***I received a complimentary copy of this book courtesy of The B & B Media Group for the purpose of review on this blog. All opinions expressed are my own and I have not been compensated in any other manner***

The Plan A Woman In A Plan B World: Book Review

About The Book:

Settling for less in life is not an option when things don't turn out as planned.

Debbie Williams helps women realize through biblical teaching and true life stories that, rather than simply accepting failure or settling for less in what the world calls Plan B, women can approach life with their own Plan A spirit and let God reignite their hopes and dreams.

Women grow up dreaming of the life they hope to have. Many have prince charming in their plans. Perhaps a good career, long life, happy and obedient children, and good health. But plans often do not materialize in the reality of their lives. Marriages fail in alarming numbers, health problems arise, parenting turns out to be a much tougher job than expected, and all of a sudden Plan B sets in. In this bold and uplifting book by Debbie Williams, you will discover that, no matter where Plan B has you headed, you don't have to simply discard the Plan A woman you always wanted to be. In fact, even in the harshest headwinds of struggle, Williams encourages and inspires you to move from the discouragement of the Plan B world into the fulfillment and overpowering joy of God's Plan A for your life.

• READ ENCOURAGING TRUE STORIES of women who have faced Plan B disappointments and tragedies and trusted God to fulfill their hopes and dreams.
• DISCOVER AND DISARM LANDMINES that can hurt relationships and emotions when Plan B circumstances arise.
• GET PRACTICAL ADVICE from women on how to have a Plan A spirit.
• REMEMBER YOUR SENSE OF HUMOR about Plan B circumstances.

About The Author:

Debbie Williams, the founder of Hill Country Ministries with a mission is to spread God's Word and love, is a sought-after national Christian speaker and author. Best known as a passionate Bible expositor, Debbie uses humor and practical illustrations to communicate spiritual truths to women throughout the nation. She has written and produced numerous books and video-driven Bible studies, including If God Is in Control, Why Am I a Basket Case? (New Hope, 2009); Pray with Purpose, Live with Passion(Howard, 2005); and Prayers of My Heart (Howard, 2005). In addition, she has been published in P31 Woman magazine and is a religion columnist for the Kerrville Daily Times. Debbie is currently taking her conference, P.R.A.Y. with Passion, across the nation. She makes her home in Houston, Texas.

My Review:

This book was a refreshing reminder that regardless of what we want for our lives, its what God wants that matters. We could have the best laid plans, but if they are not in God's will, these plans will not turn out the way we wanted. However, they will always be what God wants for us. Life does not always turn out the way we plan, but always the way He wants. God's ways are not ours, nor His timing ours. Once we realize that and give up control on our life, we will be astonished to see all the things God wants for us.

This book is very well written and a very easy read. You will be challenged and strengthed as you are reminded to "Let go and Let God".  If you are a woman and saying to yourself, "my life has not turned out the way I planned" you need to read this book! 

BUY IT: You can purchase The Plan A Woman In A Plan B world online, through Leafwood Publishers

***I received a complimentary copy of this book courtesy of The B and B Media Group. All opinions are my own and I have not been compensated in any other manner***

Doctrine: What Christians Should Believe: Book Review

About The Book:

Doctrine is the word Christians use to define the truth-claims revealed in Holy Scripture. Of course there is a multitude of churches, church networks, and denominations, each with their own doctrinal statement with many points of disagreement. But while Christians disagree on a number of doctrines, there are key elements that cannot be denied by anyone claiming to be a follower of Jesus.

In Doctrine: What Christians Should Believe, Driscoll and Breshears teach thirteen of these key elements. This meaty yet readable overview of basic doctrine will help Christians clarify and articulate their beliefs in accordance with the Bible.

You can check out the official Doctrine website, here.

You can browse the book here.

Here is a clip from Youtube, displaying Mark Driscoll preaching on one chapter from this book:

About The Authors:

Mark Driscoll is the founding pastor of Mars Hill Church in Seattle, one of the fastest-growing churches in America. He is president of the Acts 29 Church Planting Network and is the author of several books, including Vintage Jesus.

Gerry Breshears is professor of theology and chairman of the division of biblical and theological studies at Western Seminary.

My Review:

I have been following Mark Driscoll and his church, Mars Hill, for about the last year, and I love it. He speaks in such a way that makes Christianity and a relationship with God new and exciting to those who are searching, or have a disillusioned view of their faith. 

Doctrine is strong theologically and is written in such a way that introduces the everyday person to the doctrine of Christianity. Doctrine, by Driscoll and Breshears, covers all areas of Christian doctrine, including Trinity, Creation, the Cross and Resurrection, and Stewardship. They write in an easy to understand manner.  

Though the topics are very "meaty" this book is perfect for those of us who do not have a Bible College or Seminary education, yet want to know the basics of doctrine. The biggest plus to Doctrine is that all points made are backed up by scripture and there is plenty of practical application. 

I highly recommend this book to all Christians and give it a thumbs up!

BUY IT: You can purchase Doctrine by Mark Driscoll and Gerry Breshears online through Crossway Publishers. It is also available through your favorite local bookseller.

***I received a complimentary copy of this book for the purpose of review on this blog. All opinions expressed are my own, and I have not been compensated in any other manner***

Heartless; Book Review and Giveaway

About The Book:

 The Dragon King Seeks His Princess--Who Dares to Stop Him?

Princess Una of Parumvir has come of age and will soon marry. She dreams of a charming prince, but when her first suitor arrives, he's not what she'd hoped. Prince Aethelbald of mysterious Farthestshore has travelled a great distance to prove his love--and also to bring hushed warnings of danger. A dragon is rumored to be on the hunt and blazing a path of terror.

Una, smitten instead with a more dashing prince, refuses Aethelbald's offer--and ignores his cautions with dire consequences. Soon the Dragon King himself is in Parumvir and Una, in giving her heart away unwisely, finds herself in his sights. Only those courageous enough to risk everything have a hope of fighting off this advancing evil.

A Tale of Goldstone Wood

Timeless Fantasy That Will Keep You Spellbound

About The Author:

Anne Elisabeth Stengl makes her home in Raleigh, North Carolina, where she enjoys her profession as an art teacher, giving private lessons from her personal studio, and teaching group classes at the Apex Learning Center. She studied illustration at Grace College and English literature at Campbell University.Heartless is her debut novel.

You can read an excerpt of Heartless here.

My Review:

A well-written book with great plot lines and very intriguing characters, this is a phenomoneal debut fantasy novel. You be drawn into a world like no other. With a theme of unselfish love seen throughout the book, you will be keep at attention throughout this action/romance novel and I look forward to the rest of the series.

I highly recommend this book and give it a thumbs up!

BUY IT: You can puchase Heartless by Anne Elisabeth Stengl online through Bethany House. It is also 

available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

WIN IT: One reader will win my copy of Heartless by Anne Elisabeth Stengl

MANDATORY ENTRY: Head over to Bethany House Publishers and tell me one book that you would love to read.

EXTRA ENTRIES:  

1. Follow this blog

2. Grab my button

3. Subscribe to this blog via email

4. Follow me on Twitter

5. Like A Mom After God's Own Heart on Facebook

GIVEAWAY OPEN TO U.S. AND CANADIAN RESIDENTS ONLY

GIVEAWAY ENDS AUGUST 12, 2010

GOOD LUCK TO ALL!

***A complimentary copy of this book has been

 provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. All opinions written are my own, and I have not been compensated in any other manner***