Book Review: Cherished by Kim Cash Tate

About the Book: How can she believe God cherishes her when she can't forgive herself?
Kelli London once dreamed of being a songwriter. As crazy as it seemed, she hoped that God would use the lyrics that came to her while she slept. She dreamed about Brian too, that the love they shared would be a forever kind of love. But choices she'll forever regret upended her hope . . . and turned her dreams to dust. When those dreams come knocking once more, she's forced to deal with the pain of the past.

Heather Anderson's life has spun out of control—first, an affair with a married man, then a one-night stand with the drummer of a popular Christian band that left her devastated. Broken and alone, she cried out to the only One who can save her. And He did. But that's just the beginning, because now she must leave behind the only life she's ever known.

Two women with shame-filled pasts form an unlikely friendship. What does God's forgiveness look like for them? Will they ever believe that He loves them . . . and can still offer them a life where they are cherished?

My Thoughts: Cherished is the second in a series by Kim Cash Tate, following the book Faithful. Picking up where the last book left off, Cherished focuses on Kelli, and another woman Heather. The two main characters, Kelli and Heather, are both trapped by sin in their life, believing that they have messed up so bad that God won't forgive them or use them for His purposes.

This book is a light read even though it deals with some serious issues. I loved how it explores the practical side of living in the light of God's forgiveness, while never minimizing the seriousness of sin or it's consequences. If you like Christian based fiction you will love this book.

Book Review: The Promise Of An Angel by Ruth Reid

About the book: In Mescota County, Michigan, an angelic visitor’s words inspire Judith to a future she never imagined. After a barn raising accident, Judith Fischer’s convinced she’s met an angel. However, her attempts to convince others end up frustrating her Old-Order Amish community. Only Andrew Lapp believes her, but the rest, including Levi Plank, the man’s she’s waited to marry, demand she forget the nonsense. Meanwhile, her younger sister Martha has taken a fancy to Levi and sees her sister’s controversy as a perfect distraction for turning Levi’s head.

In a dream, the angel tells Judith she must choose her path. As her faith continues to grow, so do her feelings for Andrew. Will she continue to place her hope in the angel’s message, even if it means losing all she knows and loves?
My Thoughts: I’m always drawn back to books about the Amish community. Their utter devotion to god and godly living is both fascinating and inspiring. I only wish I could live my life like that. Minus the lack of technology, because lets face it I cant rough it for a week let along forever. Anyway back to the book -
This book was a little different than other Amish Christian fiction books I have read but It was a nice change of pace from the usual way one is written. I loved how more Amish words were used and the fact that something unfamiliar to the Amish community was happening.
In the pages you find love, hope, faith, perseverance, and trust. It reminded me once again why I love reading Amish fiction books!

Light the Night Walk

My husband has decided to participate in the Light the Night Walk, a walk to raise funds for cancer research. My MIL had cancer. Thankfully, she caught it early and beat it. Unfortunately, several of my family, including my grandmother and, more recently, my uncle, have died from cancer. I fully support my husband in this, and want to help him raise as much money as possible. All you have to do is go to the below website and follow the instructions to donate. Your donation will be much appreciated. Tell your friends, too.

Robert's Light the Night page

"Light The Night Walk events are evenings filled with inspiration. Carrying illuminated balloons - white for survivors, red for supporters and gold in memory of loved ones lost to cancer - thousands of walkers - men, women and children - form a community of caring, bringing light to the dark world of cancer."- LLS

Aurora Softy Soakers Review/Giveaway

Aurora World Inc.  (www.auroragift.com), Aurora World, Inc., celebrating its 30^thanniversary in 2011, is a leading manufacturer and supplier of high quality, competitively priced plush toys and gifts. To celebrate it is releasing a plush collection that loves diving into water in the summer as much as kids do. Simply place Softy Soakers in water and the plush expands from practically nothing into a full size, eight-inch plush animal. The initial collection includes the “Fanta-Sea” plush assortment, and based on the response from buyers at this year’s winter shows, Aurora sees a huge hit in the making.

Our thoughts: The Kids loved the alligator we were sent and want the whole line. See the pictures below are they not the cutest things ever?! I thought they were pretty neat too. It really is as easy as the package says. The longer you keep your plush in the water the firmer it gets so be aware of that I think we left ours in a few seconds too long but the package assures us as the water starts to evaporate in a day or so it will be fine.  It will start to shrink over time and you can reactivate it buy soaking in water again.

More about them: “Everyone who came to our booths or showrooms earlier this year inquired about these H₂0-friendly toys,” says Michael Kessler, SVP of sales and marketing. “With Softy Soakers, kids have a new way to experience their plush animals and don’t have to wait long for the toy to ‘grow up’,” Kessler says. “Softy Soakers are good to go in about 40 seconds. They don’t take 72 hours to become full size, like some other products on the market.”

The “Fanta Sea” collection (MSRP: $10 each) includes a sea horse, octopus, hammerhead shark, dolphin, sea turtle and alligator. “All you have to do is fill a bowl with water and drop in the Softy Soaker. We suggest massaging it for speedy water absorption. Then after 40 seconds, grab a towel, “rub-a-dub-dub” it dry and you’re ready for some fun.” Kessler adds it is a relatively simple process for any child, mom or dad and a great toy for the summer months.

Visit them at    http://www.auroragift.com and on Facebook: www.facebook.com/auroraworld.

About Aurora World Inc.  Aurora’s name reflects its extensive product lines and growing influence in the worldwide marketplace, as well as its international manufacturing, R&D and distribution resources. Founded in 1981, the Korean company with headquarters in the United States, United Kingdom, Hong Kong and Germany, has ascended quickly to become a respected leader in the world’s toy and gift character and contents industry. Aurora created the international plush toy phenomenon – YooHoo & Friends™ – and its corresponding free, interactive web site (www.yoohoofriends.com), appealing to young children and tweens alike. The company sells its products via a wide variety of retailers including major zoos, high-end toy stores such as Learning Express, top gift chains such as Hallmark and Claire’s as well as hospital gift shops, fine florists, candy stores and gift/stationery stores worldwide.

Giveaway

• How would you like to win Softy Soakers for yourself? All you need to do is be a GFC follower of Family Treasures. You must do this or all other entries will be deleted.

Bonus Entries

• Follow Aurora world on Facebook tell them you were sent by Family Treasures. 
• Tweet this giveaway and post a link here
• Blog this giveaway and link back to this post. post a link here

 

The contest will run for one week and will end on August 28, 2011. The winner will be chosen via a random number generator. Thanks again to Aurora for offering this great prize!

***Please note that I received no form of monetary compensation for this post. I did receive a sample of the product to try in order to write a fair and honest review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own and were not influenced in any way. ***