When something tragic happens in our life, that alters it forever, there is the tendency to ask “Why?” Sadly there is never an answer to this question, and if there were, none could bring relief and comfort.
Mr. Feinberg openly, transparently, and honestly walks the reader through grappling with the “whys” of personal tragedy. He shares his step by step is journey of pain from the diagnosis of his wife’s Huntington disease to acceptance, as one who has been there. I could relate to much of what he shared in relation to the death of my husband. He helps the reader understand that God is loving and caring even though He does not prevent bad things from happening to His children. The author shares his rawest emotions and thoughts as he wrestled with the unchangeable circumstances his family faced. He delves deep into scriptures to not to answer that age old question, but to find the help and strength that is needed to go on.
The book also does a wonderful job of instruction friends and family in how to be a support to one facing such challenges. This includes things NOT to do and some of these might surprise you as they are fairly common offerings when people try to minister to those that are hurting. Though it might sound like a depressing subject, this book is one of hope and healing.
I received this book free from Kregel Publications in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have stated are my own.

I know I need to exercise more and I want to. I can’t afford the gym and going takes valuable minutes out of an already busy day. Exercise videos are great too, but again, I have to set aside time. Where extra time is concerned I have trouble being motivated on top of my regular lack of motivation! What’s a girl to do? This book was the answer to my problem! It incorporates exercise into tasks I am already doing!! A win win solution!
The exercise illustrations are great and even a bit humorous. The book is divided into areas of daily routine we all do: the bathroom, (yes you can sit on the toilet and exercise! Genius!) shopping, cleaning, driving, at the office, in the kitchen, on the couch, and in the bedroom. The small size of the book makes it easy to carry it with you from room to room.
This won’t prepare me to enter a fitness pageant, but I be getting into better shape. I see once these workouts and everyday activities become a habit, my fitness level will increase. I believe success and feeling better will motivate me to do more, maybe some exercise videos. You never know, I might even save up and go some classes at the gym!
I received this book free from Ulysses Press in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have stated are my own.

Most people want to be healthier, but knowing what changes to make and implementing the new habits can be overwhelming. A busy schedule, and a boat load of responsibilities, can make it seem impossible. Look no further! Ms. Petrosino’s book is a mini- health coach!!! I was impressed with this little book!
I have made list after list of things I want to change concerning my health but always I lost them. When I had them in front of me I had trouble making a workable plan. The author has done the work for me and it is all in one book, small enough to carry with me everywhere. She has even included goals I would like to accomplish but never thought of.
The book has 52 changes to make concerning your health, diet, time, exercise, and attitudes. That is one a week for the entire year. Each one has thoughts and ideas, no more than 1 to 2 pages long. They are very concise, clear, and easy to follow. I especially liked this because it gives me a target to aim for and does not intimidate me. If you need more than a week or don’t accomplish what you want, no pressure! Just start again the following week. You are in control. You don’t’ have to do them in the order they are written. This is a guide to help you not tie you down. Ms. Petrosino suggests keeping a journal to track your successes. She also offers a website. Every three months has a “Check In” to help you see what you have accomplished and give an extra dose of encouragement. This book is just the help you need!
I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I expressed are my own.

The quirky title is the first thing that caught my eye! A criminal novel involving cantaloupes!? I had to read it and I am glad I did. Brannigan Powers grew up in Gambling, Georgia. She knows everyone, and everyone knows her. This makes her a perfect fit as a reporter for the town newspaper. She is assigned the job to report on the unsolved murder ten years ago of a wealthy octogenarian. This opens a whole can of worms not only for Brannigan but the entire town. Since a homeless person is suspected of the crime. She finds herself reconnecting with Liam, an old family friend, and pastor who runs the homeless shelter. What seems to be a simple assignment turns very complicated and dangerous, for her and others. Brannigan finds herself confronted with different people and the world they live in on a very personal level. This is especially true of the homeless.
This was a top notch mystery! Hard as I would try, I couldn’t guess what was coming next or who the murderer was! I liked the way the story switched from the present to ten years previous. This gave the reader special clues into the murder. This was not at all confusing and added to the intrigue of the story. I loved the closeness of her family and the small town spirit. The detail in which the author shares the problems and suffering of the homeless was an eye-opener. She brought to life their everyday struggles, hopelessness, and how overlooked and rejected they are by society.
I cannot wait to read more of Ms. Richardson-Moore’s books!
I received this book free from Kregel Publications in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have stated are my own.

The first thing that comes to my mind is “WOW WHAT A BOOK”! The writing of this novel was a labor of love and it shows! When we read about events in history, we the read the facts and highlights of that time. We don’t take into consideration the people that lived through the occurrence and even if we do it is only skimming the surface. The author did an incredible job of taking us deep into the experiences of those living during WW2 in the Ukraine. Their suffering from the war was great without being added to the fact they were suspended between fighting regimes of Hitler and Stalin. What makes it even more intriguing is that the book is inspired by the combined true accounts people that survived this dreadful time. Ms. Stuart took 15 years of research and interviews with survivors!
I liked how her four characters showed the diversity of experiences from the varied viewpoints of people in different walks of life. This is so beautifully written that all their stories weave together. It is not disjointed or confusing.
The author opens your eyes that war is very complicated. Every person involved is an individual with their own emotions and struggles. The problems they were dealing with before the war are still there and made even more complicated by the fighting.
Ivan has a family he desperately wants to protect. While trying to help a neighbor, he becomes a part of the Jewish prisoners march to death. He barely escapes but the horror he witnesses thousands being killed emotionally devastates him. He returns to his family a shell of a man.
Masha, his daughter, is only 14 years old when the war begins. The devastation of her city and starvation were overwhelming for her close knit family. Then one day the thing her parents had feared, happened. She was captured and taken to a concentration camp.
Luda’s life was a nightmare before the war with her abusive, alcoholic father. She is only 16 and manages to escape to the home of dear friends who welcome her. When it looks like her life is taking a turn for the better, she is brutally raped my Nazi soldiers and ends up pregnant.
Frederick is the enemy, a young boy that has been raised to be part of Hitler’s killing machine, a Nazi soldier. He is totally committed not only to the cause, but also to try and win the acceptance of harsh and unloving father.
I liked that I was able to see the character’s not only through the war but how they lived afterward. I have never read a book like this! If I could I would give it 6 stars!!
I received this book free from Kregel Publications in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have stated are my own.