The Painted Table Giveaway and Book Tour

Suzanne Field is celebrating her novel The Painted Table with a beautiful hand-painted table giveaway!

One winner will receive:

• A beautiful hand-painted table (see it here: http://etsy.me/15L90cD)
• The Painted Table by Suzanne Field

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on January 18th. Winner will be announced January 20th on Thomas Nelson's Facebook Page.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to stop by the TNZ Facebook Page on the 20th to see if you won.

Book Review: The Painted Table by Suzanne Field

Disclosure: I have been given a free review copy of the book for the sole purpose of writing a review. This has in now way affected my opinion of the book. The review of the book is solely mine and in my own words.

A Little Summary of the book:
The Painted Table depicts a story of a young child, Joann, who grows up with a painful past. In the midst of nine children, she misses the lack of the caresses and attention of a mother. Joann in the midst of trauma finds refuge under their table, passed down from generation to generation. Hidden and protected beneath it, she views the world around her. Finding solace, comfort and peace it is her refuge. As a child she overhears and sees things, that were not meant for her beneath this table. Traumatic events and happenings intertwine themselves as dark memories stored down deep in her mind. As an adult she inherits that same table she took refuge under, but now it has become nothing more than a reminder of all of the dark and forboding past. In an effort to bury the past behind her she begins to paint the table.

Watching Joann are her two daughters Saffe and April. As Joann tries to cover up her past with paint, she unknowingly traumatizes them with her disturbing behavior and childhood fears. It seems that her mother's past though gone, has come to haunt Saffe in a different way.
My Review:
At the beginning of this book, I was unsure whether or not I would enjoy this book. The more I read I felt the misery of Joann and Saffe her daughter. I felt the pains and stings of heart break and yearning. Not to mention the brunt fears they faced and ache of absence of father and mother.  Author Suzanne Fields captures the emotions the main characters feel so well that I wondered if I wanted to read on!  But I kept reading, and began seeing glimpses of hope and redemption for the characters (and me!).  The manner in which each character feels things deeply draws a reader in...I love this element.  By the middle and end of the book, I was glad to have not been discouraged by the really sad happenings that set the book into play.

The characters are quite memorable. The parts they play in this book remarkable and relatable. I have to say relatable for at some instances the characters seemed to have conversations and situations that hit close to home. I love seeing them grow into becoming who they are at the end of the book. I am so thankful to have read the Painted Table, for I believe that everyone may find ways in which to grow, become whole, and deal with their own painted table.
 
 This book is quite interesting and I have to admit in some places the tone was scary and dark. The mind can be a dark place, and author Suzanne Field captures the downward spiral of Joann's life quite well. Yet at the same time, I find the contrast of dark to light quite riveting and emotional. Somewhere in the plot, a switch is turned on in Joann's oldest daughter, Sapphire (Sapphe). The whispered promise of a different life, sparks a small ember of light in her heart. I as a reader welcomed the drastic difference from beginning to the ending of the book. And Author Field has a wonderful ending to it, that I was not prepared for. I simply loved it.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Personally, this was a book that I would not have picked out for myself; as I am not fond of dealing with psychological characters. But I am glad to have read this book. You cannot judge a book by its cover or in my case its back cover writing. I simply recommend this book in spite of my inclination to avoid matters of psychosis. By the end of this book I am left with a new found interest in the challenge of having a more positive mindset and not minding the "trivial" things in life.

Book Info

About the book: A beautiful heirloom ingrained with family memory has become a totem of a life Saffee would rather forget---a childhood disrupted by her mother's mental illness. Saffee does not want the table. By the time she inherits the object of her mother's obsession, the surface is thick with haphazard layers of paint, and heavy with unsettling memories. After a childhood spent watching her mother slide steadily into insanity, painting and re-painting the ancient table, Saffee has come to fear that seeds of psychosis may lie dormant within her. But as an adult with a family of her own, Saffee must confront her mother's torment if she wants to defend herself against it. Traversing four generations over the course of a century, The Painted Table is an epic portrait of inherited memory, proclivity, and guilt. It is a sprawling narrative affirmation that a family artifact---like a family member---can bear the marks of one's entire past . . . as well as intimations of one's redemption. Purchase your copy: http://ow.ly/rIosh About the author: Suzanne Field, a graduate of the University of Minnesota, has taught English as a Second Language in China, Ukraine, and Hawaii. She has also been a magazine editor and home-school teacher. She and her husband have five children and divide their time between Kansas and Hawaii where she is a tutor and mentor. Learn more about Suzanne at: https://www.facebook.com/SuzanneFieldThePaintedTable

Excellent Natural Soap: Dr. Woods

Disclosure:  I was sent a free sample of the product for the sole purpose of writing a review.  All opinions are my own and are my honest opinion.  I was not compensated in any other way.

We all need a break from daily chores, worry and lifes ever present pressures. Our Coconut Milk Soap blends coconut milk, papaya and vanilla beans to relax your senses, all the while enriching your skin with organic shea butter and Vitamin E.Use Dr. Woods Coconut Milk Shea Butter Soap for a much deserved getaway that better prepares you for tomorrow. (Description)

For a month now, I have been using Dr. Woods Coconut Milk Soap.  I have grown quite fond of taking showers and baths.  As a mom, "getaways" and spa treatment are wonderful, but I do not always get the opportunity to get away.  But having something as indulgent as Coconut Milk Shea Butter Soap on hand with its silky smooth lather and light scents made me feel like I was getting away to a spa.  Dr. Woods Soap was definitely a treat for me.

Long Lasting.  With Natural Soap I usually run into the problem of the soap "melting" way too fast.  I happily found to my satisfaction that this soap can be labled as "Long Lasting".  One bar of soap lasted me about a month--I shower maybe three to four times a week.  (Plus usage with my toddler).

Gentle on sensitive skin.  I have itchy sensitive skin, and in my personal experience I felt that Dr. Woods Coconut Milk soap did a great job in calming my irritated skin.  With a rich creamy lather, I felt that this soap both cleaned and kept my skin moisturized.  The scent was light and not overpowering.  Personally I am not too fond of overpowering scents just because I am cautious about my sensitive skin.  So I had thought that Coconut Milk Soap was perfect for my tastes.

I used this product not only on myself but my daughter.  I have been searching for a product that would be perfect for the both of us.  Dr. Woods Soap seems to cut it perfectly.  For example of how much I trust this product to be great for sensitive skin:  Recently, my daughter broke out in hives.  She was miserable.  To help relieve the inflamed skin, I gave her a quick shower using the Coconut Milk Soap.  I did not dare try using any of the kids' soap we had on hand for I knew those kids' soaps contained SLS.  However with the natural ingredients in Dr. Woods Soap, I was confident in using it to help moisturize and soothe her skin.

Overall Dr. Woods Soap is a great product.
I would recommend it for those looking for a natural soap free from parabens and SLS.  I do plan on getting more of Dr. Woods Soap for our household.  It may be a splurge, but one that I say is worth it.

Places to Visit:

• Dr. Woods Blog and Website for information and other products they offer!
• Dr. Woods Facebook 
• Dr. Woods on Twitter
• I have found you can purchase this soap on Amazon: 

If you love Jane Austen, I have a Novel you do not want to miss reading!

 Disclosure: I was given a free copy of this book for the sole purpose of writing a review.  I was not compensated in any other way.  All that is written  here is my own words and my honest opinion.  

I am a fan of Jane Austen's novels, and this book does a great job in honoring her story through Sam and Mr. Knightley.


A little bit about the book:
Author Reay has the main character,Samantha Moore, who has gone through a rough childhood up till her current age at 23.  Living in and out of foster homes is hard enough, but the reason why she is out of the foster homes is simply for the fact of not being able to relate at all to the foster parents.  Now her age of adoption or foster homes have gone, and she finds herself under the care of Father John at Grace House.
 But she is still  struggling to get her feet on the ground--trying to find her spot in life...without the help of anyone.  She finds life's answers through the  pages of Jane Austen's novels.  Her escape, her mask are none other than the beloved characters within Austen's novels.  Hoping to be a Jane Bennet or Emma she quite often fears she is more of a Harriet Smith.

Yet through a scholarship to Medill School of Journalism she finds hope to be something more than a failure.  Through a series of letters to a "Mr. Knighley" she finds herself taking steps she never dreamt to have taken!


What I loved about this book:
Not to mention a little bit of romance!  What kind of Jane Austen type of novel would this be without it?

I have to admit my little college goofy self came back for a while as I read this.  My husband rolled his eyes at me for squealing at different times in this book when I uncovered the mystery behind the letter.  In short, the quotes were perfectly placed, and felt natural coming out of the different charactersn

I quite enjoyed the fact that Samantha was a bit of an outsider.  Her awkwardness appealed to me.  I can relate to awkward!  Author Reay wove so many elements in which a person can be closed off to life and to people.  And yet in the end, it was amazing how those same closed doors opened up to a life full.  I absolutely love the ending in which Samantha becomes apart of so many lives.

Katherine Reay created so many characters that just really rends your heart!  We have Kyle who is one of the orphans that like Sam is in and out of foster homes.  But he still has a chance to get adopted.  He will not let anyone in.  Then we have Cara another orphan who seemed to fall through the cracks.  Cara's relationship with Sam is rough and a stormy one, but also helps transform Sam's person.  There are other memorable characters...that you will fall in love with such as the Muirs.  I can tell you,  you will love this book.  It is a book that one has to pick up and read twice and a few times over!

Enjoyed this Review and Want MORE?
Reay’s debut novel follows one young woman’s journey as she sheds her protective persona and embraces the person she was meant to become.

• Purchase a copy here.

• Learn more at Katherine’s website.

• Read more Reviews on the Litfuse Blog Tour page.

The Man with the Violin {Children's Book Review}

I did receive a free copy of this book for the sole purpose to write a review. This did not affect my thoughts on the book or influence a more positive review.

My Review:

Such a fun book for little readers as well as adults. As a parent myself, I enjoyed this book specifically because it reminded me to stop and enjoy the world. The world we live in is vast and awe inspiring for children...and as an adult we can quickly by pass the wonders and splendors right in front of us. I find it quite a keeper of a book, and one that I would want to keep in our personal library. The illustration is entertaining for both child and adult. And what is more, I feel like the illustrations tell the story in and of themselves!  The artwork by Dušan Petričić was perfect, meaningful in various ways, and fun. Petričić captures what Author Stinson writes in words. I love it!

In short, Another must have and one I personally do not mind reading over and over again.

A little bit about the book:

We find a child whipped about and speedily following after his mother.  What catches his eye are ordinary things, but he observes more than his mother.  Along the way to the train, he is mesmerized by the beautiful sound coming from a man playing the violin.  Surrounded by passersby the only person who seems to appreciate the sound and the music, is the boy.


Publisher's Description

Who is playing that beautiful music in the subway? And why is nobody listening?

On January 12, 2007, the world-famous violinist Joshua Bell took part in an experiment conducted by the Washington Post. What would happen if Bell played his violin in a subway station? Would anyone stop to listen? Dressed as an ordinary street musician and with his priceless Stradivarius in hand, Bell played for 43 minutes in the L’Enfant Plaza Station in Washington, D.C. Over 1,000 busy commuters rushed past. Only seven stopped to listen for more than a minute. Many children had wanted to stop, but an adult inevitably rushed them along. Inspired by this event, author Kathy Stinson imagines what a child who had wanted to stop might have experienced. From this emerged the lovely story ofThe Man with the Violin.

When young Dylan hears the beautiful music, he tries to get his mother to stop and listen, but like everyone else rushing past, she is focused on catching the train. The strains of the music linger in his head all day long until that evening, when he hears the same music being played on the radio. The announcer reveals who the violinist was and why he was playing in the subway station. As Dylan is swept up again by the gorgeous sound, his mother finally stops and listens too. 

Award-winning illustrator Dušan Petričić eagerly embraced the challenge of rendering Stinson’s lyrical text in a way that would capture Dylan’s emotions while interpreting the sounds he heard. With his skillful use of color and imaginative depiction of all the sounds in the subway station, Petričić succeeds in providing the perfect match for the poignant words. Together, Stinson and Petričić have created a picture book classic that reminds us all to open our eyes and ears to discover the beauty around us.

A short biography of Joshua Bell, a recap of the story that inspired this book, and a postscript by Joshua Bell enhance this wonderful tribute to the power of music.

Enjoy this Video about the Book:

Jesus is Greater than Religion {Book Review}

I did receive a free copy of this book for the sole purpose to write a review. This did not affect my thoughts on the book or influence a more positive review.

My Review: 

Author Jefferson does a great job in addressing common problems and issues in matters of religion. He is down to earth, real, and shamefully honest. I say shamefully because, I am convicted myself of some of the thought patterns and actions that are wrong that he confronts in this book. I love that he is fearless and unafraid in his writing. Jesus > Religions puts the focus back upon Jesus, and dismisses the religiosity and "good enough" ideal held by many. As Jesus had done so long ago, Bethke, overturns religion and rules and points back to the basics, back to God. What I enjoy about this book is that he writes through his own experiences. He writes in a manner that is understandable and relatable to a wide audience.

What caught me in this book, was how he was in college writing this. He shares with us the struggles of those he comes across in the dorms. As a floor leader/dorm counselor kids come to him for advice, help, and more. Fueled by words like "tried religion but it didn't work for me" he is moved to write this book and change the mindset of so many--that Jesus is Greater than Religion.

I would recommend this book specifically for those who are struggling with a work first kind of faith, hurt by "religion, christianity, church groups", and as a thermometer for checking if their faith is alive or dead. It woke me up and reminded me and be wary of what I see alot in the church and in myself.

Hands up, a must read.

Description from Publisher:

Abandon dead, dry, rule-keeping and embrace the promise of being truly known and deeply loved.

Jefferson Bethke burst into the cultural conversation in 2012 with a passionate, provocative poem titled “Why I Hate Religion, But Love Jesus.” The 4-minute video literally became an overnight sensation, with 7 million YouTube views in its first 48 hours (and 23+ million in a year). The message blew up on social-media, triggering an avalanche of responses running the gamut from encouraged to enraged.
In Jesus > Religion, Bethke unpacks similar contrasts that he drew in the poem—highlighting the difference between teeth gritting and grace, law and love, performance and peace, despair and hope. With refreshing candor he delves into the motivation behind his message, beginning with the unvarnished tale of his own plunge from the pinnacle of a works-based, fake-smile existence that sapped his strength and led him down a path of destructive behavior.
Bethke is quick to acknowledge that he’s not a pastor or theologian, but simply a regular, twenty-something who cried out for a life greater than the one for which he had settled. Along his journey, Bethke discovered the real Jesus, who beckoned him beyond the props of false religion.

Also Here's a Video by Bethke I thought you might enjoy! Watch the whole thing :)