EmpowerMoms

“Through a Man’s Eyes: Helping Women Understand the Visual Nature of Men” by Shaunti Feldhahn & Craig Gross

I was drawn to reading this book because I’m familiar with author Shaunti Feldhahn; and because I live with my husband and 2 sons so trying to understand men’s visual nature is very important to me.

First, I really like that this book was co-authored by a man and a wowman. Second, they are both qualified professionals so I knew I was going to get solid advice and opinions.

This book explains the visual nature of men and the struggle of visual temptation on a daily basis at the workplace, out running errands-everywhere!

The first part of the book focuses on a mans brain and how visual stimulation works which was really interesting to read. The second part addresses how women can be aware of helping the men in their lives with visual temptations.

This book addresses things like respect, pornography, modesty, and even has FAQ in the back of the book.

I enjoyed reading this book to gain a better insight about men and what I could personally do to help my family.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Blogging For Books in exchange for an honest review on my blog and social media-all opinions are my own.

Book Description:
What Happens When Women See What Men See?

You already know that your husband, boyfriend, or son is wired differently from you, but do you know what that really means? It means, among other things, that he’s been given the gift of a unique visual wiring—and the challenges that come with it.
In Through a Man’s Eyes, Shaunti Feldhahn and Craig Gross team up to help open our eyes to something we are often blind to. They address questions like:
· “Why are guys so visual—and what does that mean, anyway?”
· “How do I help my son navigate this sex-crazed culture?”
· “How dare someone tell a woman to watch what she wears! Isn’t it a man’s responsibility not to look?”
· “If he’s tempted by visual images, is there something wrong with him? With me?”
· “My husband is an honorable guy, so why would he be tempted by porn?”
· “How can I talk to my husband or son about this? What can I do to support him?”
Through the compassion and candor in this book, we can learn what men have long wished we knew (but didn’t know how to explain)—and see the difference it makes when we do!

About the Authors
Shaunti Feldhahn is a social researcher, popular speaker, and the best-selling author of such books as For Women Only, which have sold more than two million copies in twenty-three languages. Her groundbreaking relationship findings are featured in media around the world. Shaunti and her husband and two kids are based out of Atlanta.

Craig Gross is a pastor and the founder of XXXchurch.com, which is the most recognized voice on the planet on the issues of pornography and sex. Craig is the author of eleven books and has been featured in GQ, Newsweek, Wired, the New York Times, and on Good Morning America, Nightline, CNN, Fox News, and The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. He lives in Pasadena, California, with his wife, Jeanette, and their two children.

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Whispers in the Reading Room (The Chicago World’s Fair Mystery Series) by Shelley Gray

This story takes place in Chicago during the 1890s. Although this is book 3 of the author’s “Chicago World’s Fair Mystery Series”, I haven’t read the other two books and thoroughly enjoyed this book!

Intrigue, suspense and romance were all a part of this great mystery with librarian Lydia Bancroft. Lydia isn’t like most women in society during that time period. She loves to read and learn and doesn’t care about her place in society or getting married just because its what is expected. She has alot of responsibilities with having to work, take care of the household and her mother; but she pushes through each day with a positive attitude and determination. I really enjoyed her personality and how she treated others around her. One day she meets a library patron, Sebastian, who catches her eye and later learns he is a very important and feared man by those around him. As she gets to know Sebastian and some of his employees, people around her start getting injured and falling in love happens unexpectedly.

I really enjoyed this clean, christian fiction mystery by this author. Typically Shelley Gray writes Amish fiction, so this was a nice change to read something different by her.

This story had a good steady pace that kept my interest and enjoyment thru the very end of the book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from LitFuse Publicity in exchange for an honest review on my blog and social media-all opinions are my own.

Book Description:
Lydia’s job at the library is her world—until a mysterious patron catches her eye . . . and perhaps her heart.

Just months after the closure of the Chicago World’s Fair, librarian Lydia Bancroft finds herself fascinated by a mysterious dark-haired and dark-eyed patron. He has never given her his name; he actually never speaks to a single person. All she knows about him is that he loves books as much as she does.

Only when he rescues her in the lobby of the Hartman Hotel does she discover that his name is Sebastian Marks. She also discovers that he lives at the top of the prestigious hotel and that most everyone in Chicago is intrigued by him.

Lydia and Sebastian form a fragile friendship, but when she discovers that Mr. Marks isn’t merely a very wealthy gentleman, but also the proprietor of an infamous saloon and gambling club, she is shocked.

Lydia insists on visiting the club one fateful night and suddenly is a suspect to a murder. She must determine who she can trust, who is innocent, and if Sebastian Marks—the man so many people fear—is actually everything her heart believes him to be.

About the author:
Shelley Gray is the author of The Heart of a Hero series. Her Amish novel (written as Shelley Shepard Gray), The Protector, recently made the New York Times best seller list. A native of Texas, she earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Colorado and taught school for ten years. She and her husband have two children and live in Southern Ohio.
Visit her website at www.shelleyshepardgray.com Facebook: ShelleyShepardGray Twitter: @ShelleySGray

Here’s a really cool 25 day fitness challenge that my local area gym posted earlier this month on Facebook. I’ve been following it since day 2 when I found it online.

You start off with day 1. And then on day 2; you do days 2 and then 1 assignments. And then on day 3; you do days 3, 2 and 1 assignments. Make sense? So by day 25 you will be doing ALOT which you’re adding on every day! (Obviously since I’m not a member of the gym I do not get any compensation or reward for completing this challenge. I’m just doing it for fun)

This morning I did day 10, so I did all 10 days worth of assignments which was: 30 second plank, two minutes of jogging, three pull-ups, (4) 15 second wall sit, five reverse crunches, six lunge jumps per leg, seven slams, eight burpees, nine star jumps and ten push-ups.

I hate burpees and those along with the star jumps are really hard with my asthma, but when you look at it as just doing a couple-literally eight or nine it’s possible to do and I’ve done it! You can too!!!

It took me about 10 mins and I usually add it to the beginning or end of my regular workout that day.

I don’t have a slam ball so I just mimic the movements and it still seems to be effective with keeping my heart rate up!

So why am I doing another mini challenge when I’m already doing other workouts??

First because it sounded like fun!

Second because I want to work on different types of strength training to get me ready for my #ninjachallenge in the spring.

This morning I decided to do something crazy and instead of doing a 30 Second plank, I decided to hold it as long as possible. I lasted 1:46 which I was really pleased with! My core is getting stronger!

What do you think of this 25 day challenge? Is it something you would enjoy doing in addition to your regular workouts?

A Thousand Shall Fall: A Civil War Novel (Shenandoah Valley Saga)by Andrea Boeshaar

This historical fiction romance story is set in the Civil War time period. It’s rich in history and portrays the horrors and tragedy of war.

Carrie Ann has taken over the local paper while her father is off at war. But when Carrie Ann’s youngest sister runs away with a peddler, she puts on a Union uniform as a disguise and goes off in search of her to bring her home.

Carrie Ann also finds herself trying to protect her child hood friend Joshua but at what cost?

Along the way she meets up with a man who she helped earlier, named Colonel Peyton. During the story she falls in love with him but she doesn’t know if he will forgive her for her mistake.

The book definitely left it open for the sequel which will be released next year.

I found this book a little slow reading because of all the historical facts, but a history lover who craves drama and romance will definitely enjoy reading this!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from LitFuse Publicity in exchange for an honest review on my blog and social media-all opinions are my own.

Book Description:
Nineteen-year-old Carrie Ann Bell is independent and spirited. The only thing she really fears are the Union soldiers fighting against her Confederate friends. When her youngest sister runs away from home, brave Carrie Ann is determined to find her and bring her back. Disguised as a soldier, she sets off–only to find she’s fallen into the hands of the enemy.
Her childhood friend Confederate Major Joshua Blevins has warned her against these Yankees: they’re all devils, ready to inflict evil on unsuspecting young women. When Colonel Peyton Collier arrests her for her impersonation of an officer, it seems to confirm all her fears.

Soon, though, she finds herself drawn to the handsome, gallant colonel. He rescued her, protected her, and has been every inch the gentleman. Carrie Ann discovers that her foe has become her ally–and more than that, someone she could love. But the arrival of Joshua in the Union camp as a spy will test her loyalties. Will she protect someone who has been like family or be loyal to this stranger to whom she wants to offer her heart? When her world is being torn apart around her, whom should she trust?

Biography
Andrea Boeshaar has been married for nearly 40 years. She and her husband have 3 wonderful sons, 1 beautiful daughter-in-law, and 5 precious grandchildren.

Andrea’s publishing career began in 1994 when her first novel was released by Heartsong Presents (Barbour Publishing). She went on to write numerous romances for the book club and was voted one of the line’s “Favorite Authors” several times over.

Over the years, Andrea has written books for such publishers as Summerside Press, Guideposts, Charisma House/Realms, and Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. Andrea’s latest novel–her 30th book–is titled A Thousand Shall Fall. Set in 1864 during the American Civil War. Through the efforts of the Seymour Agency, it is contracted with Kregel Publications and will be released in late 2015. Most recently Andrea was contracted with the Prism Book Group for a collection of 3 romantic novellas called Seasons of Love.

In 2000, Andrea co-founded ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) with author Lynn Coleman and served on the organization’s advisory board for a number of years. Although no longer in leadership, Andrea maintains her membership in the organization and her local ACFW-WISE chapter.

Andrea worked as a literary agent under the tutelage of Joyce Hart and the Hartline Agency. Andrea saw much success. But in 2007, Andrea realized she was more of a coach than literary agent. She earned her certification in Christian life coaching. Now she is the purveyor of Steeple View Coaching for Writers. Recognizing one of her client’s gifts and potential, Andrea wrote a novella with debut author Christina Miller called “One Way to the Altar” (Convenient Brides Collection). The anthology made its way to #15 on the ECPA’s Bestseller List for August.

For a complete listing of Andrea’s books, and information about her business, log onto: www.andreaboeshaar.com

The search for her runaway sister goes awry when Carrie finds herself arrested during the Civil War for impersonating an officer in Andrea Boeshaar’s A Thousand Shall Fall. Soon, though, she finds herself drawn to the handsome, gallant colonel who arrested her. Carrie Ann discovers that her foe has become her ally—and more than that, someone she could love. Will she protect someone who has been like family or be loyal to this stranger to whom she wants to offer her heart? When her world is being torn apart around her, whom should she trust?

Andrea is celebrating the release of A Thousand Shall Fall with a Kindle Fire giveaway!

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of A Thousand Shall Fall
• A Kindle Fire HD 6

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on December 10th. The winner will be announced December 11th on Andrea’s blog.

I wasn’t sure if I would like this story or find it boring because of the Victorian time period, but the book description was very intriguing so I decided to give it a try. I really, really enjoyed it! In fact, I was disappointed it ended and felt like the author could have added some additional chapters to tie up some things. (No spoilers so I can’t say anything more than that!)

“The Mannequin” was like a victorian Cinderella meets Beauty and the Beast story.

I like that the author didn’t just do a typical girl meets boy story, falls in love, the end. There was drama and (clean) romance; and a great plot that kept my interest the entire time.

I especially loved the main character Rosamund! She was spunky, loveable, real and caring to everyone around her. Several of the things she did or said made me laugh.

I would definitely recommend this Victorian Romance and I would read it again!

I received a complimentary copy of this ebook for blog and social media review from ebooksforreview.com. All opinions are my own.

About the Book:
Aubrey Whittingham lost everything when his family drowned in a ferryboat accident, including the will to live. His neighbor Rosamund tries desperately to bring him back from the brink of despair, but the beastly young duke fights her every step of the way. His feelings for her deepen, and when she departs for London, he vows to regain his health and woo her properly. Unfortunately, she disappears before he has the chance.

Rosamund is admired and praised as a mannequin for an exclusive London modiste, but her life is empty without the man to whom she gave her heart. Now, just when happiness seems within her grasp, jealous rivals conspire to ruin her dreams.

Can a beastly duke and a beautiful mannequin ever achieve a fairytale ending?

About the Author:
Suzanne G. Rogers lives with her husband and son in romantic Savannah, Georgia, on an island populated by deer, exotic birds, and the occasional gator. She’s owned by two Sphynx cats, Houdini and Nikita. Movies, books, and writing sweet young adult fiction are her passions. Follow her blog at http://suzannegrogers.com/