Book Reviews from Friends

Today, I'm sharing book reviews from two friends of mine.  They both write wonderful reviews!   I have added their direct blog links to their reviews below.  
Please visit their blogs for more information and to follow their Social sites!  =)

All's Fair in LOVE and Cupcakes by Betsy St. Amant

Review from "A Book Lover's Retreat"

"Somewhere along the way, one batch of cupcakes along the way, he'd tripped right over the label of Best Friends they'd worn the majority of their teen years and landed upside down on the field of Love."

I loved so much about this book. I could really relate to Kat Varland. She loved baking outside of the box, making new cupcake creations of the gourmet variety. Her Aunt's bakery, "Sweet Pies", is Kat's only public outlet for her creativity. Unfortunately, her Aunt Maggie only believes in strawberry, chocolate and vanilla. Kat has a talent that's far-reaching but she has a problem believing she has what it takes. She is her own worst critic and, in that, I can relate. I loved Kat. Her sweet personality and the constant war she waged within herself made her a very lovable character. 

I have to say that Lucas Brannen is one of those perfect heroes in a story that you fall in love with just a little. You don't mean to but you just can't help it. He was a good guy. He had loved Kat for years, unknowingly to her, and he was her biggest cheerleader. He pushed her to do things she would never have done otherwise and helped her celebrate her successes. Lucas is my kind of leading man.

I really love this book all the way around. The storyline is engaging and the characters are the kind you want to revisit. It has enough character to stretch for miles--the small town feel of Bayou Bend, Aunt Maggie's little bakery and the string of loyal, regular customers that are dedicated to her "plain" cupcakes, Kat's father being a pastor and her sister competing in beauty pageants, Lucas the football coach at the local high school. Every body knows everybody in Bayou Bend. I fell in love with the town and it's amazing characters because that's my kind of place. 

I love the easy romance between Kat and Lucas. They have been best friends since their school days so they are relaxed around each other even though both are feelings things the other knows nothing about. You could feel the chemistry and it made for an explosive combination. It's also the perfect blend of light-hearted and serious. It has a fun and flirty edge but Kat deals with some deep rooted personal issues as well. The icing on the cake (no pun intended) is the Christianity lightly woven into the mix. It's in no way over done but a very light sprinkling all throughout the pages (like the sprinkles on a cupcake!) so that you know it's there but you don't feel overwhelmed by it. And, I think, that makes a perfect story!

I have never read a book by Betsy St. Amant and, after reading All is a Fair in LOVE and Cupcakes, I feel I have been missing out. Her talent for writing pours out each time you turn a page because she weaves the perfect story like only a handful of other authors I am crazy about. She is definitely on my list of "Must Read" authors and I am looking forward to her next book! If you love contemporary romance with a little "zing", you'll love All is Fair in LOVE and Cupcakes! It's a five star PLUS read for me and I recommend it very highly!

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365 Pocket Prayers for Mothers by Amie Carlson, Erin Keeley Marshall, Karen Hodge

Review from Mary-andering Creatively

Note:  Tyndale House Publishers provided me with a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Let’s face it a mother’s day is wrecked with anxiety, whirlwind activity, and time pressures.  Finding time to spend in God’s word or to pray is just hard to do.  That is why I am excited about this little gem of a book. It is something that you slip into your purse and keep on hand. When you get a few minutes throughout the day, you can pull it out and pray. 

Written by Christian authors and mothers, Amie Carlson, Karen Hodge, and Erin Kelley Marshall, this small book is packed with quick prayers tied into the Word of God that you can meditate on and let sink into your soul.  You can just start with day one and read straight through, or you can use the handy topical index at the end to find prayers on specific issues facing you for the day.

The topics range from acceptance to overcoming bitterness and worry.  There is a little grace thrown in along with praise and reminders of how much potential you have in God.  You can also find prayers for friendship, confidence and living in joy.

Here is one of my favorite excerpts about pain.

When I need God’s Comfort

“Lord, you are my shelter and refuge from life’s storms. Knowing that you see each tear that falls and promise to never leave me bring me such comfort. Thank you for being the Great Physician in the midst of my pain.”

The scripture for this day is Revelation 21:4

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.”

Oh Lord, how I long for this to come true. Don’t you. This prayer above is just one example of the sweet prayers and related scriptures you will find in this book.

Sharing at these fun parties!
 Candy Corn Craze Party Time @ Live Laugh Rowe
Freedom Fridays @ My Turn for us, With a Blast and Love Bakes Good Cakes
Anything Goes Party @ Kathe with an E and The Kim Six Fix 
Friendship Friday @ Create with Joy