"The Clutter Fix," by Shannon Acheson

 "The Clutter Fix," by Shannon Acheson

Create the Organized Home and Life You've Always Longed For

Living in a disorganized, cluttered home can leave you feeling chaotic, anxious, and even depressed. You want a change, but you don't know where to begin.

Home coach Shannon Acheson is here to help. She has written the only book you'll ever need to get your entire home sorted and organized for good--in a way that makes sense for you and your family's unique, God-given personalities.

In The Clutter Fix, Shannon helps you

· win the battle with all of your stuff by following her step-by-step instructions and checklists

· discover your Clutter Personality and your Organizing Personality

· create rhythms and routines to keep your home decluttered

Clutter isn't just about the stuff. It's about how you feel in your home--and in your mind. This book will give you the peaceful dwelling you've always hoped for.

I am not a fan of "reading" non-fiction books, but thought I would give this a go.  I do like how every area of your home is dealt with.  There are sections/ideas for those of you who are strapped for time; for example the 10 minute declutter.  Everyone can find ten minutes in their day.

I liked the suggestions for donating things; I even looked up and contacted a couple in our area, about things I had to donate.  I have not read every page of this book, but picked and chose bits and bobs which I thought I needed help with.

There are places in the book (worksheets) which asks you questions and where you can write down answers and figure out what/where you need help with.

Stars out of 5 : 4 it's a good book to have on hand.  Not one I would turn to on a daily basis, but one when I am in a cleaning/decluttering phase would be handy to read.  The only thing I didn't get was the religious side of things?  I don't see how that works in with this book?  I do agree though that having a cluttered, untidy house does affect your mood.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. 

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

"Honor Bound," by Hallee Bridgeman

 "Honor Bound," by Hallee Bridgeman

It may seem odd to seek peace by moving to a war-torn African country, but for medical missionary Dr. Cynthia Myers, it provided a way to escape a shallow life of unearned wealth, a philandering fiancé, and a father now square in the public eye as vice president of the United States. At least here she knows her work and life have meaning. But all that is thrown into chaos when she fails to save the life of a local warlord's mortally wounded son.

As part of the Army Special Forces A-Team on a mission to capture and subdue the warlord, Captain Rick Norton is compelled to use deadly force to save Cynthia's life. Enraged at the violence she witnessed and riddled with guilt that men died because of her, Cynthia doesn't want to like anything about Rick and his team--but an unexpected attraction is taking hold.

With two members of his team badly injured and rebels in hot pursuit, Rick will have to draw upon all his strength and cunning to get her out alive . . . because he's beginning to think that, despite their differences, they just may be able to make a life together.

This book starts at such a fast pace you are left breathless.  You HAVE TO keep reading to see what happens next.  I couldn't put it down.  BUT, despite a great start I found my mind wandering a bit after they all got out of Africa.  The pace dropped and although interesting it didn't have the same intensity as the first part of the book.

I could not fault the author at all about that first part of the book, I too was holding my breath when they were..LOL  The lead characters, were well suited for one another and their strength of belief was spot on.  I enjoyed the little insight into Rick and his team and how they worked together, it totally made sense to me.  

Stars out of 5 : 4.5  This is the first book in the Love and Honor series by this author.  The good news is the next two are coming out in October and November, so won't have to wait long to read them and I will be!!  I read the first chapter of the next book (it's previewed in the back of this book,) and again I was sitting on the edge of my seat.  Well worth reading this book, and again a new to me author.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell , a division of Baker Publishing Group".

Dangerous Beauty, by Melissa Koslin

"Dangerous Beauty," by Melissa Koslin

Liliana Vela hates the term victim. She's not a victim, she's a fighter. Stubborn and strong with a quiet elegance, she's determined to take back her life after escaping the clutches of human traffickers. But she can't stay safely in America--unless the man who aided in her rescue is serious about his unconventional proposal to marry her.

Meric Toledan was just stopping at a service station for a bottle of water. Instead, he becomes the key to Liliana's rescue. If he can keep his secrets hidden, his wealth and position afford him many resources to help her. But the mysterious buyer who funded her capture will not sit idly by while his prize is stolen from him.

This is the first book I have read by Melissa Koslin.  It's about a subject matter I wouldn't normally pick up and read about and totally outside of my comfort zone.  However, I did really enjoy how fast paced it was.  The two leading characters had a lot of depth to them.  Not sure if the whole marriage of convenience was a good way to keep these two together; but I guess it works.

There were enough twists and turns to keep this book interesting; you know what is going to happen at the end though!!  No real surprises there.  Liliana's faith was so strong and it got her through the worst of situations. Not sure I could have stayed as strong as she did.

Stars out of 5 : 4.5 I am glad I read this book.  It was a good way to introduce folk to human trafficking for those of us who know nothing about it.  I look forward to reading more by this author.

 "Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell , a division of Baker Publishing Group".

"Beneath The Bending Skies," by Jane Kirkpatrick

 "Beneath The Bending Skies," by Jane Kirkpatrick

Mollie Sheehan has spent much of her life striving to be a dutiful daughter and honor her father's wishes, even when doing so has led to one heartbreak after another. After all, what options does she truly have in 1860s Montana? But providing for her stepfamily during her father's long absences doesn't keep her from wishing for more.

When romance blooms between her and Peter Ronan, Mollie finally allows herself to hope for a brighter future--until her father voices his disapproval of the match and moves her to California to ensure the breakup. Still, time and providence are at work, even when circumstances are at their bleakest. Mollie may soon find that someone far greater than her father is in control of the course of her life--and that even the command to "honor thy father" has its limits.

Jane never fails to write a really interesting book.  What makes it even more special is it's based on a real person.  The way everything is described you can visualize it all in detail.  The hardships though they went through was unbelievable, but they never wavered in their faith.  

Choosing between honoring your parents and wanting love and happiness must have been a hard choice for Mollie.  It made me wonder if people nowadays would do that?  You went through a roller coaster of emotions when reading this book and it was a well worth read.

Stars out of 5: 4.5 I enjoyed the book.  Loved it was based on a real person.  Didn't really get how the title of the book applied to the actual book though?

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell , a division of Baker Publishing Group".