WELCOME TO MY BLOG!

I am so pleased that you have stopped by for a visit. I hope you will enjoy reading my book reviews. If you would be interested in reviewing books on your own blog, check out the links for litfuse and Booksneeze.



Friday, October 15, 2010

Welcome Home! Our Family's Journey to Extreme Joy by Kimberley Woodhouse - Book Review




Imagine for a moment that your child has been diagnosed with a rare medical disorder. She doesn't sweat, feels no pain, and needs to wear protective clothing just to go outside. With her restrictive lifestyle, countless medical bills and hospitalizations, including brain surgery, how is a family to cope? (adapted from back cover.) What would you think?  How would you feel? Such was the situation with Kayla Woodhouse and her family.

"How the Woodhouse family has faced seemingly impossible challenges is a story that has captured the hearts of America. Millions...have experienced glimpses of their lives on Discovery's Mystery ER, the Montel Williams Show, and Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.

In her book, Kayla's mother,Kimberley tells Kayla's story, which is indeed the story of the entire family, including Kayla's Dad, Jeremy, and older brother, Josh. It is the story of one family's triumph over seemingly tragic circumstances, and how they experience extreme joy in the midst of one trial after another.  Kim writes candidly about the struggles, fears, emotions of everyday life. She takes us behind the scenes, as it were, to give us a picture of life as her family experiences it. You will laugh, and you will be moved to tears as you read this heart-wrenching and heart-warming story.

Kim has included many photos of the family as well as of their now-famous "extreme" home.  Yes, overwhelming trials are met with overcoming JOY. The story of the Woodhouse family will both challenge and bless you.  Thanks, Kim, for sharing your heart, as well as your joy!

Kim is a popular author and speaker.  She has spoken to more than 600 churches, conferences, seminars, and retreats.  As a third generation Liszt student, she has passed down her love for the arts to hundreds of students and has recorded three music albums.  She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. In addition to her non-fiction writing, she writes romantic suspense and children's books.  Currently, she and Kayla are co-authoring No Safe Haven, a romantic suspence based in Alaska. It is due to be released in March, 2011, and is the first in a three-book series.

Follow Kim on Facebook and Twitter, and check out her website at http://www.kimberleywoodhouse.com/.

I would like to thank Kim for providing a copy of her book for review purposes.  The book is published by Tyndale Publishers, Inc. and is a Focus on the Family resource.  Available through your favorite bookseller.

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Healing With Words: A Writer's Cancer Journey - Blanket Blog Tour





October is the month when our attention is drawn to breast cancer. Pink is everywhere. But breast cancer needs to be in the forefront every month of the year. Diana Raab has had her own battle with this disease, and as a writer, she has written her personal story to help enlighten and encourage others. The author says, "There are a number of messages I have taken from the cancer journey, but for me, the most important one is that the diagnosis of cancer should be considered a turning point that sets you free to fulfill or examine dreams that can no longer wait...In spite of everything, I try to wake up every morning happy to be alive and with joy in my heart." Diana has given us a book that not only enlightens, but encourages us to write our thoughts and express our feelings through journaling. This book is a "must read" for every woman.

I wrote today's post as part of the WOW-Women on Writing Blanket Tour for

Healing with Words: A Writer's Cancer Journey by Diana M. Raab, MFA, RN
(http://www.dianaraab.com/). The book includes Diana's experiences, reflections,
poetry and journal entries, in addition to writing prompts for readers to
express their own personal stories. A survivor of both breast cancer and
multiple myeloma, Raab views journaling to be like a daily vitamin--in that
it heals, detoxifies and is essential for optimal health.

Diana, the author of eight books, spent 25 years as a medical and self-help
writer before turning to poetry and memoir. She teaches creative journaling
and memoir in UCLA Extension Writers' Program.

If you comment on today's post you'll be entered to win a copy of Healing
with Words: A Writer's Cancer Journey. To read Diana's post about breast
cancer and a list of other blogs participating in Diana's Blanket Tour visit
The Muffin. http://www.wow-womenonwriting.com/