Reviews by JaniceL

JaniceL says "Grand Opera meets Grand Ole Opry" about Fools Rush In

JaniceL — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 06:06:19 GMT

Grand Opera meets Grand Ole Opry when Bella Rossi takes over her Italian family's wedding-planning business located in Galveston, Texas and hires a boot-scooting country music loving deejay.

Reminiscent of My Big Fat Greek Wedding, this book will keep you chuckling from beginning to end. Fun, fresh, and full of surprises, Thompson highlights life's "oops" moments to create an entertaining read, and in the process teach us that though as family in Christ we are all different, we are all still family.

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JaniceL says "A page turner." about A Promise To Believe In

JaniceL — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 03:33:02 GMT

A Promise to Believe In

Brides of Gallatin County - One

Tracie Peterson

Bethany House

A visit to a fortune teller as a child, changed Gwen Gallatin's perspective. Unable to forgot the fortune teller's words that death will follow she believes herself cursed and is the cause of the death of her loves. Most recently her husband and father. When a handsome stranger arrives claiming to be the brother of her deceased husband questions arise. But is everything she thought she knew a lie? And if not who is telling the truth.

Peterson writes an entertaining story about lively characters while sharing an important Biblical truth. When life isn't what we believe it should it's easy to blame what we don't understand, instead of finding our strength in God. But God, as Gwen discovers, is always there. This was a good read, with unanswered questions that kept me turning the pages.

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JaniceL says "Disappointing" about Moon in the Mango Tree

JaniceL — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 03:23:11 GMT

Moon in the Mango Tree

Pamela Binnings Ewen

B&H Books

When an independent suffragette marries a young doctor, society dictates that she follows his dreams. Putting aside her aspirations for a singing career, she follows her husband into the jungles of Siam, where he finds fulfillment as a missionary doctor. But nothing can prepare her for the different world she lives in. The rainy season comes, and separated from her husband by disease, distance, and flood, their love is tested and tried.

Ewen's beautiful prose sets scene after scene, and you can almost smell the scents of the jungle. Her vivid descriptions make you feel like you're watching a travelog. However, when the story is boiled down it is the first person narrative of a self-centered woman and the gradual unraveling of a marriage and family. Through most of the book Christianity and Buddhism are presented as meaningless religions. Though of the two, Buddhism appeared to be a kinder gentler religion than Christianity, though...

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JaniceL says "Wii Fit works" about Nintendo Wii Fit

JaniceL — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 07:32:13 GMT

Wii Fit, has been great for my aunt who had polio as a child, and has helped her with balance, and weight.

With a little creativity the whole family can play. Though it is rather funning to watch a whole family pose like so many park statues, with their heads sticking forward and legs stretched out behind them.

The negatives:
Like with any exercise: You can injure yourself and your possessions if you're not careful. Strap on the Wii remote. Make sure no one is walking behind you when you're swinging your arms. Recognize that this is only a simulation sport--you are not in a bowling alley, you're not wearing bowling shoes.

Wii also has some traditional style gaming--If that's not what you want, stay away from it.

Wii Fit possibly has some objectionable programs (yoga), Dancing with the stars (or something like that.)...

JaniceL says "Family Oriented Gaming" about Nintendo - Wii Console

JaniceL — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 07:27:45 GMT

The positives: It really does bring the family together both to play and watch the interactive game playing. It's almost as exciting to watch the Wii Sports games, as it is to play them. It gives exercise and is really quite different than any other gaming. I'm an avid fan of tennis and bowling, with an occasional boxing training session thrown in.

Wii Fit, has been great for my aunt who had polio as a child, and has helped her with balance, and weight.

It is rather funning to stand outside and watch a whole family pose like so many park statues, with their heads sticking out and leg stretched out behind them.

The negatives:
Like with any exercise: You can injure yourself and your possessions if you're not careful. Strap on the Wii remote. Make sure no one is walking behind you when you're swinging your arms. Recognize that this is only a simulation sport--you are not in a bowling alley, you're not wearing bowling shoes.

Wii also has some traditional style gaming--If that's not what you want,......

JaniceL says "Tastes great. Healthy too." about Lifeway Kefir Strawberry Smoothie

JaniceL — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 04:47:31 GMT

When I first heard of kefir, I was skeptical at best. How many "miracle cures" are there? And a relative had tried it in Russia and warned me away from the product, by telling me that it "tastes terrible." But my curiosity got the better of me when Costco offered samples of Lifeway Strawberry kefir. Wow! That stuff tasted great. Like strawberry yogurt, only better. Since then I've been sold on the health benefits. I had seborrhea dermatitis and the itchy skin disappeared within six weeks.

It also helps for many digestive problems, probably because it balances the internal eco-system, and provides enzymes. I find that it works great for general overall health.

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JaniceL says "Detroit version. It has its uses." about Entertainment Coupon Book

JaniceL — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 05:01:45 GMT

I'm not one who likes spending money, unless I know I'll at least be able to recover my cost. So each year I weigh the pros and cons.

I don't spend a lot on entertainment, and I don't go out to eat, which greatly reduces the uses of the Entertainment Coupon Book. However, I still can manage to find enough money saving coupons to recover the cost--A free coffee from McD's, a free Frosty from Wendy's, and a couple buy one get one free fast food coupons puts me in the black. Everything else is money saved. I do let my friends flip through it and take the restaurant coupons they need. But I usually use the fast food coupons, and retail coupons, this year includes ones from Meijers, Radio Shack, Bed, Bath, and Beyond.

For other tips, I usually review the book's coupons online to determine if I'll use it. I'll also buy the book a month after it comes out when I can save another $5-$10.00. I also keep it in the car with me, so that the coupons are actually there when I need. them.

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JaniceL says "Great articles. Wonderful Pictures." about Fine Homebuilding Magazine Subscription

JaniceL — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 04:25:00 GMT

If we're not charter members to Fine Homebuilding, we certainly come close.

For years, I've used this magazine as a coffee table book. Even though my family is in construction, we do primarly commercial construction. Yet, their interesting articles and vivid pictures never failed to grab my attention, and Great Moments in [building] History, always brings a chuckle.

So when an opportunity came available for me to sit for the state Builder's test, and I passed it, I credit the years I spent thumbing through the Taunton Press magazines.

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JaniceL says "A tender story of love and faith!" about The Oak Leaves

JaniceL — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 04:15:00 GMT

The Oak Leaves

Lang, Maureen

Tyndale House Publishers

The old journal of great ancestor Cosimo Escott leads Talie Ingram to clues surrounding her family history. But all is not as it seems. As the journal unlocks fear in Talie Ingram's heart for her own family's future, she struggles to accept her developmentally delayed child. Talie digs deeper into the past, she will either be broken by the ancient family secret, or between the faded lines of script lies a surprising legacy, but will it be strong enough to carry Talie past the pain of her present day life.

I felt like a kid exploring my great-aunt's attic, as the story shifted back in time from a current day women's fiction novel to a 19th century historical romance Written from the experiences of her own heart, author Maureen Lang penned a tender story that not only describes Fragile X syndrome but also shows that raising a different child isn't the curse secular society would lead us to believe, but is a blessing sent from the heart of...

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JaniceL says "A rich story in the vein of Pride and Prejudice" about Before The Season Ends

JaniceL — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 04:09:39 GMT

Before The Season Ends

Burkard, Linore Rose

Convinced the Lord wills for her to marry an elderly rector, Ariana is none-the-less excited when her family spirits her away to London. There her heathen aunt promises to introduce Ariana to society as a young debutante. But Ariana's Christian beliefs prevent her from hoping to actually find a suitable match. She certainly has no interest in the rich but churlish Mr. Mornay. His rudeness can hardly be overlooked even when he comes to her rescue not once, but twice.

In the vein of Jane Austen, Burkard weaves a delightful world, rich with detail. Her characters spring to life as they deal with their own struggles and prejudices. I look forward to reading upcoming sequel, The House in Grosvenor Square.

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JaniceL says "A different time, a different place" about Jessie

JaniceL — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 19:06:39 GMT

Jessie

Big Sky Dreams, Bk 3

Wick, Lori

Harvest House Publishers

When a stranger enters Wheeler Mercantile, Jessie Wheeler opens her heart to a Seth Redding's love. But their romance turns sour when arguments disrupt their peaces. Without the stability of God in their lives, each is left to fend for himself, until Seth disappears leaving Jessie to live her life as she sees fit...Until eight years later. But is God's love strong enough to heal two broken hearts?

As an avid Lori Wick fan I looked forward to a new book. But in all honesty the writing style, in Jessie (seemingly geared toward younger readers,) didn't match the plot (a woman abandoned by her husband), and because of this I found it too slow and choppy for my tastes.

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JaniceL says "Appeals to my inner princess" about The Princess

JaniceL — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 18:52:30 GMT

Lori Wick is prolific author who I'm most familiar with through her historical novels. At times her writing could be improved, but she presents the Christian faith in a strong light.

The Princess though, is a contemporary setting, in a fictional country. When, after being widowed, the crown prince is obligated to marry, the palace selects the new princess. But can he over get over the loss of his fairy tale romance in order to capture the heart of his future queen? Their common ground is love of God and country, and through both they work to understand each other.

This is arguably my favorite Lori Wick novel.

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JaniceL says "Silpat Pastry mat - the way making pastry was meant to be!" about Silpat

JaniceL — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 18:03:37 GMT

I know, like me, you've looked at these silcone mats and wondered if they were really worth the price.

This review is only going to discuss the Silpat Roll Pat. This is a 24.5 x 16.5 pastry mat. And of my many kitchen gadgets, this is one I'm truely excited about. It's lightweight makes it easy to handle, it sticks to the counter instead of sliding around like a pastry board, it's flexability allows me to manuever difficult pie dough to its final resting place, and when I'm done I just wipe it off with a dishcloth or stick it in the sink for quick and easy clean-up. Unlike my pastry board of equal size, I can roll up my roll-pat and stick it in a drawer or cupboard.

Like the traditional Silpat, this isn't made for cutting, and I am careful when I'm using cookie cutters (though I suspect it would do just fine.) Unlike the traditional Silpat, the roll-pat isn't designed for oven use, if in fact your oven was large enough to handle it.

If you make cut-out cookies, pastries, or pies, this tool...

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JaniceL says "True to Advertising" about Crest Whitestrips Premium 7 Day

JaniceL — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 17:22:21 GMT

Over the years, Crest Whitestrips Premium is the 5th or 6th teeth whitening product I've tried. I must admit the ease of use is noticably better. I don't have to paint anything on my teeth, and then pucker up lips like a dying fish, or stick a tray in my mouth that tastes like I'm chewing on foam popcorn.

Each envelope contains an invisible strip for both upper and lower teeth, and they're easy to apply. I can wear them and continue talking, or visiting with people. Apply them twice a day, I usually do it when I'm getting up, and then later when I'm going to bed.

And the taste doesn't curl my tongue or make my eyes water.

So do they do what they're supposed to. Yes. My teeth have a natural white look to them. I ended up purchasing mine in a package from Costco, but I'm sure these are available at many retailers.

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JaniceL says "Great title. Not so great book." about A Passion Most Pure

JaniceL — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 16:19:53 GMT

A Passion Most Pure
Daughters of Boston - Book 1
Lessman, Julie
Revell Publishing

In all honesty, with a name like this, from a Christian publishing company, I expected a better book.

Set in pre-WWI Boston, Faith, the oldest daughter in a Irish Catholic family, must come to terms with her sister falling in love with the man Faith always admired from afar. The unique setting, and nitty-gritty characters added a charm to the book. Unfortunately, it was not carried through in the plot. "Passion" was equated to "love," which always results in problems, and in this case, was often shown by racing hearts and frequent deep kissing.

I wouldn't recommend this book to the girls in my life.

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JaniceL says "A lady drifter, Hope travels looking for God's place for her." about Forevermore - A Novel

JaniceL — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 16:16:15 GMT

Forevermore

Drifter Hope Ladley is like a dandelion seed on the wind, roaming the countryside with her mule Hattie, helping those in need, and sharing God's peace. So when she pulls up to the run-down farm of Jakob Stauffer, she expects to find the usual over-whelmed housewife. Instead, she finds a brother and sister with a secret of their own. Her quiet and gentle spirit is accented with her unconvientional ways and witty, mixed-up sayings, that more often than not, confuses Jakob. Yet the air about her brings confidence.

This is a quiet prairie romance. Where the romance is illustrated by a changing of the hearts, and not physical passion.

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JaniceL says "Witty, and an enjoyable read." about Calico Canyon

JaniceL — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 16:10:45 GMT

Set in Mosqueros, Texas, 1867, Grace Calhoun is at her wits (and financial) end when she is fired from her teaching posistion. And it's all because of Daniel Reeves and his five rowdy sons (under the age of 10). No love is lost, because the schoolboard also expelles the Reeves boys. Things couldn't get any worse, when Grace is forced to flee from an abusive step-father, and Daniel is the only one in posistion to be her shelter. He just doesn't realize it, until his son looks in the the back of the wagon and asks, "Did ‘ja get us a ma?"
"Not Miss Calhoun. Take her back and get us someone else, Pa. She's a grouch."

This is an hillariously funny book, which I've shared not only with the girls in my life, but the guys as well....

JaniceL says "Great for large batches" about bosch universal mixer

JaniceL — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 07:45:49 GMT

After having a Kitchen Aid mixer for several years, I switched to the Bosch Universal mixer about three years ago.

1st, let me explain that I could for between 15-25 people on a regular basis, depending on the number of family and friends who unexpectedly join me for dinner. As you can imagine, this entails large quantities of food.

The Bosch is perfect for large batches. The plastic bowl and paddles are easy to clean, even when flour dries. You can't beat the speed it whips up whipping cream. (I have to be careful that I don't make butter.

The drawbacks. I personally don't like the mixing cylinder in the middle of the bowl. Great for beating, not that great when you want to hand-stir in nuts, or fold in other ingredients. And for smaller batches, this really becomes too much of a good thing. It's just not designed for single batches of anything except maybe bread dough. Other wise it doesn't mix the ingredients well, and I have to do a lot of bowl scrapping.

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