Sue Ellen's Girl Ain't Fat, She Just Weighs Heavy by Shellie Rushing Tomlinson

Sue Ellen's Girl Ain't Fat, She Just Weighs Heavy by Shellie Rushing Tomlinson


About Shellie:
 Shellie Rushing Tomlinson and her husband Phil live and farm in the Louisiana Delta. Shellie is the author of Lessons Learned on Bull Run Road, Twas the Night Before the Very First Christmas, Southern Comfort with Shellie Rushing Tomlinson, and the Penguin Group USA release, Suck Your Stomach In and Put Some Color On, voted Nonfiction Finalist of 2009 by SIBA Independent Booksellers Alliance.

Tomlinson is owner and publisher of All Things Southern and the host of the weekly radio show All Things Southern as well as a weekly video segment by the same name. Listeners also hear Shellie in her All Things Southern radio segments aired across the South. Shellie writes a weekly inspirational feature in Newsstar and a monthly print and online column for Lousiana Road Trips.

When Shellie isn't writing, speaking, taping her show, answering email or writing content for the next deadline, you can find her playing tennis with Dixie Belle, (the chocolate lab who thinks she is in charge of running Shellie's life). 

About Sue Ellen’s Girl Ain’t Fat, She Just Weighs Heavy: The bestselling author of Suck Your Stomach In & Put Some Color On! returns with more helpful how-to's and keen observations from Dixie .

Guided by principles from the ancient Belle Doctrine, the host of radio and television's All Things Southern offers down-home advice on everything from health and fitness-managing thy caloric calculations without going Straight Running Crazy and surviving the Raging Inferno Syndrome (aka hot flashes)-to the Southern art of handling your man (Bubba Whispering). Whether giving business tips or debunking the Big Boned Theory, making political observations or celebrating the inevitable resurgence of big hair, Shellie is an adviser women can relate to and laugh with regardless of their age or which side of the Mason-Dixon they call home.

About the Facebook Party:

To celebrate the Sue Ellen’s release, Shellie is having a Facebook Party!  

Join Shellie and the gang on June 2nd at 5:00 PM PST (6 MST, 7 CST, 8 EST) for a Southern style shin-dig! She'll be dishing on Bubba Whispering, debunking the Big Boned Theory, and how to manage going Straight Running Crazy. If you don't know what any of that is, then be sure to pick up a copy of the book (Not necessary to join the fun! Who knows - you might win a copy!) and join us at 5:00 pm on June 2nd at Shellie's Facebook page. And tell your friends - she's giving away copies of her books and some great gift certificates.

My Thoughts:

If the title of this one doesn’t grab you then just flip open the front cover and start reading! The prologue begins with a story about toe popping. How can a book that begins with toe popping not be worth the read? Actually I’m sure that there are a number of you out there that won’t get the great pleasure that comes from having ones toes popped so you may need to move on into the book a bit.

Chapter three has a whole discussion on the difference between normal crazy and straight running crazy. Trust me when I say it is very important to know the difference between the two. If you can keep it normal crazy you’re go to go. But if you cross over into straight running crazy, seek help immediately!

What kind of self-help book would leave out a section on potty training? Not a good one I say, and this one covers it all. Even the new trend of professional potty training consultants is addressed. For those of you in the midst of this it will be invaluable. For those already past this stage it will bring back fond memories. (Said with tongue planted firmly in cheek.)

Another very important topic that is addressed is the whole gift giving dilemma. Ms. Tomlinson gives a great explanation on avoiding the whole bizarre gift syndrome. She even takes it a step further and advises you as to the whole resifting process if you become a victim of a bizarre gift giver.

When you throw in the absolutely delicious recipes that follow each chapter, you come out with a sure fire winner. The beauty of this book is that it really can be used as therapy. Just mark those sections that bring you great enjoyment. Then when you are in an absolute funk, crack the book back open, and voila instant therapy. Think of the money you’ll save! I give this book 5 out of 5.

See other reviews for this book: Here
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided for my review from litfuse. All thoughts are my own and I was not required to post a positive review!

 

Unsinkable by Abby Sunderland and Lynn Vincent

Unsinkable by Abby Sunderland and Lynn Vincent


Unsinkable
Abby Sunderland and Lynn Vincent
Biography
3 out of 5
 
This is the story of Abby Sunderland’s journey to circumnavigate the globe. She was sixteen years old at the time and her journey follows her slightly older brother’s successful trip just two years earlier. While Abby didn’t complete the whole journey she did make it past Cape Horn, making her the youngest person to ever do so.
 
The story itself is riveting. It is written in a first person format and that first person is sixteen so it doesn’t quite have the polish of a more experienced writer. It is filled with nautical terms that can be a bit overwhelming if you are not a sailor. However, in the back of the book a definition of terms, a map of the journey, and a diagram of the vessel are included that help clear things up a bit.
 
While I was amazed that not only one child but two from the same family had attempted this, I just couldn’t get past how irresponsible it seemed of the parents. I can’t imagine ever allowing my teenagers to do something so risky. I must admit that in itself prejudiced me towards the story. If I set that aside, I still say there were too many side stories for my liking. I would have enjoyed a more polished and tightly written tale. The story did leave me wondering if a third child of theirs would attempt this as well.
 
*I received this book from Thomas Nelson and Book sneeze for my review.

Max on Life by Max Lucado

Max on Life by Max Lucado


Max on Life
Max Lucado
Nonfiction
4 out of 5
 
With the author being Max Lucado you are pretty much assured that this will be a good book. However this book even stands out from other books by this same author. Max on Life is a great read, but it goes beyond that to become a great reference. This is a book that can be kept in your personal library and referred to over and over.
 
The book is broken into segments that include; Hope, Hurt, Help, Him/Her, Home, Haves/Have-Nots, and Hereafter. Each section is made up of questions that are followed by Mr. Lucado’s response. The questions are quite varied, from number fifty-nine which asks, “Does God allow war? If so, how do we reconcile his commands to love our enemies?”  to number one hundred twelve which asks, “What should I tell my kids about sex?”
 
My favorite part about the book, the part that turns it from a general read to a reference, is topical index and the scripture index in the back of the book. You can quickly find a section that you want to refer back to. That in itself makes the book very valuable. Another interesting part is the addendum. It is called “The Write Stuff”. Anyone that is interested in writing themselves should read this. Mr. Lucado has some wonderful words of wisdom for budding new (and maybe not so new) authors.
 
* I received this book from Thomas Nelson and book sneeze for my honest opinion.

The Final Summit by Andy Andrews

The Final Summit by Andy Andrews


The Final Summit
Andy Andrews
Fiction
2 out of 5
 
The Final Summit is the sequel to The Traveler’s Gift. This is a fact that I was unaware of when I began reading The Final Summit. While I somewhat agree that you can read the sequel without reading the first book, I think you would have a much better grasp of what is going on by reading them in order.  I went back and found a synopsis of The Traveler’s Gift and then I proceeded to read The Final Summit.
 
The book picks up several years after the first one leaves off. David’s wife, Ellen, has died and he can’t seem to pull himself out of the depression he feels at her loss. Once again Gabriel appears to him and takes him on a journey. They arrive at an unknown place that holds a conference table with stadium seating surrounding it. The first historical figure to appear is Winston Churchill.
 
Gabriel poses a question to the two of them, “What does humanity need to do, individually and collectively, to restore itself to the pathway toward successful civilization?” They are given five parameters that they must abide by in order to solve the question. The first is that they will be allowed to call on five other advisers besides themselves. The second is the time limit that has been set. The third is that they can talk amongst themselves, but not directly to the group surrounding them in the stadium seating. The fourth is that they have five chances at answering. And the fifth and final item is that Gabriel will be the arbiter. The other Traveler’s to make up the core group are Joan of Arc, Abraham Lincoln, Eric Erickson, and King David.
 
The story grabbed me from the beginning. I really thought that I was going to enjoy this book, but I quickly became frustrated with the whole storyline. It seemed to be the same thing over and over with different new historical characters added in. It went way beyond any theology that I am comfortable with. The answer to the question seemed to obviously involve Christ himself…but that wasn’t the author’s answer.
 
* I received a copy of this book from Thomas Nelson and book sneeze for my honest review. No other compensation was received.

Winner for What's in the Bible? DVD 5

 Random.org picked #4 and an email has been sent! The winner will have 48 hours to respond before another winner will be picked. Thank you to What's in the Bible for this giveaway! #4  Wondermom said.... I haven't seen it yet, but I'm looking forward to it!

The Caregiver (Families of Honor #1) by Shelley Shepard Gray

The Caregiver (Families of Honor #1) by Shelley Shepard Gray


The Caregiver
Shelley Shepard Gray
Families of Honor, Book 1
Fiction
4 out of 5
 
The Caregiver begins with a Prologue that introduces us to Lucy Troyer and her husband Paul. We learn that Lucy married Paul not only because she loved him, but because it would be a benefit to her family. Not long into the marriage Paul becomes very abusive towards Lucy. One evening while doing farm chores, Paul falls and breaks his neck, killing him.
 
The story begins one year later with Lucy boarding a train to go and take care of her cousin, Mattie, who is about to begin chemotherapy treatments for her breast cancer.  At one point Mattie had come to help take care of Lucy when she was badly injured at the hands of her husband Paul. Lucy is very grateful to be able to return the favor by spending a month helping her cousin get through this process.
 
Once she boards the train Lucy meets a fellow amishman, Calvin Weaver, and his little sister Katie. Calvin and Katie are returning home from a trip to their Uncle John’s home. Calvin himself is recovering from an unexpected jilting at the hands of his fiancée and his best friend. It just so happens that both Lucy and Calvin are headed for Jacob’s Crossing, where they will discover they will be neighbors.
 
This is a beautiful story about the redemption of a second chance. I cannot wait to read the rest of this series!


* I received a copy of this book for my review. No other compensation was received.

How Huge the Night by Heather Munn, Lydia Munn

How Huge the Night by Heather Munn, Lydia Munn

How Huge The Night
Heather Munn and Lydia Munn
Historical Fiction

Fifteen-year-old Julien Losier just wants to fit in. But after his family moves to a small village in central France in hopes of outrunning the Nazis, he is suddenly faced with bigger challenges than the taunting of local teens. Nina Krenkel left her country to obey her father's dying command: Take your brother and leave Austria . Burn your papers. Tell no one you are Jews. Alone and on the run, she arrives in Tanieux, France , dangerously ill and in despair.

Thrown together by the chaos of war, Julien begins to feel the terrible weight of the looming conflict and Nina fights to survive. As France falls to the Nazis, Julien struggles with doing what is right, even if it is not enough-and wonders whether or not he really can save Nina from almost certain death.

Based on the true story of the town of Le Chambon-the only French town honored by Israel for rescuing Jews from the Holocaust-How Huge the Night is a compelling, coming-of-age drama that will keep teens turning the pages as it teaches them about a fascinating period of history and inspires them to think more deeply about their everyday choices.


About the Munn's:

Heather Munn was born in Northern Ireland and grew up in southern France where her parents were missionaries like their parents before them. She has a BA in literature from Wheaton College and now lives in a Christian intentional community in rural Illinois , where she and her husband, Paul, host free spiritual retreats for the poor, especially those transitioning out of homelessness or addiction. When not writing or hosting, she works on the communal farm.

Lydia Munn, daughter of missionary parents, grew up in Brazil . She received a BA in literature from Wheaton College , and an MA in Bible from Columbia Graduate School of Bible and Missions. With her husband, Jim, she has worked in church planting and Bible teaching since 1983, notably in St. Etienne, near the small town in the central mountains of France which forms the background of How Huge the Night. The Munns now live in Grenoble , France .

My Take:

What an honor it was to review this book! It is written with such detail that the reader is instantly hooked. Although How Huge the Night is fiction the story is based on actual events. If you are a homeschooling family then you will want to consider incorporating this book into your studies of World War 2. History is only boring if you fail to realize that it happened to real people just like you and I. That is why this book would be great for your teens to read while studying WWII. It will enhance the textbooks and have those asking question, all the while making history come alive. What I found amazing about this story was the authors’ ability to make the reader able to see oneself in the main character Julien Losier. This is what made it such a great story for me, it is that I felt as though I were there. Beautiful, beautiful story a must read! I wouldn't be surprised for this book to win many awards. I am looking forward to anything else written by Heather Munn, or Lydia Munn. I would recommend this book to men and women as well as teens. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars!

Giveaway: Kregel Publications is sponsoring an $50 Amazon.com giveaway!


About the Giveaway!
To enter all you have to do is send a tweet (using #litfuse) about How Huge the Night or share about it on Facebook!


If you tweet we'll capture your entry when you use the hashtag (#litfuse). If you share it on Facebook or your blog, just email us and let us know (info@litfusegroup.com). Easy. Not sure what to tweet/post? Here's an idea.


TWEET THIS: How Huge the Night - compelling, coming-of-age drama that will keep teens and adults alike turning the pages! #litfuse http://ow.ly/4RBXc


FACEBOOK THIS: How Huge the Night by Heather & Lydia Munn is a compelling, coming-of-age drama that will keep teens and adults alike turning the pages late into the night! http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/text/13181161

Buy your own copy here!



* I received a copy of this book from Kregel Publications and litfuse group for my honest review. No other compensation was received!

Holy Guacamole by Dan Harmer, Denise Harmer

Holy Guacamole by Dan Harmer, Denise Harmer


Holy Guacamole
Dan & Denise Harmer
Fiction
2 out of 5
 
Trace Domingo is a washed up sports reporter that has turned his sights onto a new career. He wants to become a chef. He applies and finally makes it into his idol, Bonnie Miller’s, culinary boot camp. Once there he quickly learns that he will learn very little about culinary arts. He and his fellow “booties” wind up being slave labor to the culinary diva.
 
Midway through the book we get a peek into Bonnie’s life and what has made her into the impossible person she has become. I think the authors wanted us to have some empathy for this character, but to me she is just rude.
 
I so wanted to like this book, but I just never could click with it. The storyline had such potential but the characters were shallow and the dialogue was downright awful. It is loaded with cliques that get old very quick. One of the most annoying ongoing elements in the book was the way Bonnie would use the names of peppers, i.e. jalapeno, instead of saying a curse word.  
 
My note to the authors would be, please try again. You had a good idea in a story, but your characters and dialogue just needed to be developed.
 
I received this book for my honest review. No other compensation was received.

Boogie Wipes winner!

 Random.org picked # 18 for the Boogie Wipes winner!!!!

Mandy you have 48 hours to respond back by email!

Too Rich for a Bride (The Sinclair Sisters of Cripple Creek #2) by Mona Hodgson

Too Rich for a Bride (The Sinclair Sisters of Cripple Creek #2) by Mona Hodgson

Too Rich for a Bride
The Sinclair Sisters of Cripple Creek #2
Mona Hodgson
Historical Fiction
4 out of 5
 
The Sinclair Sisters are back! In this second installment of the Sinclair Sisters of Cripple Creek, oldest sister Ida joins her two younger sisters, Kat and Nell, in the mining town of Cripple Creek, Colorado.
 
Ida has just graduated from the Merton School of Business and seeks to join infamous businesswoman Mollie O’Bryan in her stenography firm. Ida applies for the job and gets it, but quickly realizes that the position comes with much controversy.
 
Two new men are introduced into the storyline and they both show an interest in a relationship with Ida. Tucker Raines is a traveling preacher that has come to Cripple Creek to help out his ailing father by running the family ice business. Colin Wagner is a lawyer and also a business associate of Mollie O’Bryan. It turns out that neither man is all that he appears to be on the surface. Ida struggles to sort out who is sincere and who is not.
 
All of the beloved characters from the first book are back. Hattie and her boarding house again play a central role. Boney and his mysteriously amazing ways of being in the right place at the right time again play a part. The story of Kat, Nell and their new husbands continues.
 
I happen to follow this author on facebook so I know that book three is in the publishing process and book four has just begun the writing process. All I can say is write and produce faster, because we need to know how the fourth sister Vivian makes her way to Cripple Creek and reunites with her beloved sisters!
I recieved this book from WaterBrook Press for my review all thoughts are my own.

The DMZ by Jeanette Windle

The DMZ by Jeanette Windle


The DMZ
Jeanette Windle
Suspense
4 out of 5
 
This is not a novel for the faint of heart! The book is long at 512 pages. The cover isn’t very attractive. And the blurbs on the back make it sound like an interesting, but tedious read. I must say that it is anything but.
 
The author does an amazing job of making you feel as if you have been to, seen and experienced this very trying environment.  It is very apparent that the author knows firsthand about the story and setting that she is writing about.
 
The story begins with Julie Baker going to Columbia with a group of reporters and political leaders to investigate the killing of three Americans.  Julie is a missionary kid that grew up in Columbia. While she is there as part of the investigation she decides to go see where she used to live. While she is on this side trip she and a group of others are abducted by guerillas. She does eventually get free, but there are other unseen forces that are involved.
 
I thought this book was pretty faced paced over all, but I will say that it did have a few spots that entailed the day to day mundaneness that tended to bog the story down. Press on through those parts because you don’t want to miss this story of how God Himself holds us in the palm of His hand. You will be reminded throughout the story that God’s plans are so much bigger than ours. Especially those plans that make no sense at all to us in our finite minds.
 
I recieved a copy of this book from Kregel Publications all thoughts are my own!

What's In The Bible DVD 5 Review & Giveaway!

Israel Gets A King (What's In The Bible)
Israel Gets A King!
What's In The Bible #5
DVD

Buck Denver and cast take us through 1 and 2 Samuel. The two episodes focus on three of the most influential kings of Israel (Saul, David, and Solomon). And the Tricky Bits section explains the Trinity (after we learn that the Spirit of the Lord fell upon David). The DVD highlights God’s promise to David and how the promise impacts the salvation story. We also see what happens when David (and the other kings) sin against God. Kids learn that there are consequences for sin!
 
From the man who made vegetables talk (and sing, dance, and tell Bible stories) comes an engaging new series that walks kids through the entire Bible! Each DVD is filled with an entertaining cast of characters that bring the most powerful Bible stories to life using humor, animation, creative storytelling, and fun songs. Join VeggieTales creator Phil Vischer on a wild and zany journey and see the world’s most amazing book come to life for a new generation.
 
Phil Vischer

In 1990, 24-year-old computer animator Phil Vischer sat down to create a group of characters that could teach Christian values to kids in a delightfully weird way. Hence, a tomato named Bob and a cucumber named Larry were born. VeggieTales would go on to revolutionize Christian filmmaking, selling more than 50 million videos and placing Phil's faith-filled stories in one in every three American households with young children. Phil is highly respected by key leaders across the Christian landscape, from Joel Osteen to James Dobson. His company, Jellyfish Labs, provides faith-based daily programming via the Internet at jellytelly.com. The characters from the What's in the Bible? series are featured, but the content is not specifically from the DVDs. Phil continues to pursue innovative ways to integrate faith and storytelling through Jellyfish Labs. He chose the name Jellyfish as a reminder to remain pliable to God's plans and not his own. Phil lives with his wife, Lisa, and their three kids in Illinois.

Little M watching the video.
Little M watching the movie.
My thoughts:
I love What's in the Bible! We have all the DVD's and were thrilled to review DVD 5, Israel Gets a King!  For anyone who has yet to watch any of the What's in the Bible! DVD's you will love it. I love that my son can watch something fun and it also be something good to learn. What I love about what’s in the Bible is that it is like a variety show with puppets and the puppet teach and ask questions about things in the Bible. It teaches kids Biblical principles while making it fun and entertaining!
Little M's thoughts:
" Watch again, again please Mommy!" "Dat's funny!"

Enter to Win DVD 5, Israel Gets a King! 
  • Leave a comment telling me if you have seen What's in the Bible? (1 entry)
  • Extra entry Like What's in the Bible? on face book and tell them Rambles of a SAHM sent you (2 entires)
  • Like Rambles of a SAHM on face book (1 entry)
  • Don't forget to leave a seperate comment for each one you did and with your email!
  • This giveaway will end on May 21 at 11:59 CST!
*
I was provided with this DVD for my review and honest opinion!

Boogie Wipes Review & Giveaway





When I was pregnant with my son I got my first package of boogie wipes, fast forward to two years later and I am still using them! Boogie Wipes are a must have at any baby shower I host or attend. The best part is that my little Mel will use them without whining and pulling away! They have just enough moister to keep little noses booger free. I love the scents too! They come in Fresh Scent, Great Grape, Magic Menthol, and Gentle Saline. Bottom line I love Boogie Wipes!
One reader will Win:
2 30-count packs of Boogie Wipes and coupons!
How to enter:
  • You must leave a comment telling me why you want to win!
  • Extra entry like Boogie Wipes on Face Book
  • Extra entry like Rambles of a SAHM on Face Book
  • Don't forget to leave a comment for each one you did with your name and email!
  • This giveaway will end on May 16 at 11:59 CST. It is open to anyone in the USA.
*I was given one pack of Boogies Wipes for this review! These thoughts are my own and I was not influenced in any way.

Winner for How to Be God's Little Princess: Royal Tips of Manners and Etiquette for Girls by Sheila Walsh

 The winner for How to Be God's Little Princess: Royal Tips of Manners and Etiquette for Girls

by Sheila Walsh picked by Random.org is #7 

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