Cursed by Cupid by Wendy Sparrow

First off, before reading the summary I TOTALLY related to just the name of the book! I've thought I myself have been cursed with love numerous of times! This was a short book (took me about 45 mins to read) but it was definitely not short of any exciting action!

This book is about Tilly who truly believes she has been cursed by Cupid since she failed to forward a chain letter to 3 people she received a few years back. Coincidentally just when she decided to ignore this message, she became much more clumsy and couldn't get a 2nd date with guys.

Fast forward to present day: while leaving her karate class one day, she goes to the local embroidery shop to get her karate gi patch fixed. However, she didn't make it to the store door in the most ladylike fashion: she was carrying a chocolate milkshake and after tripping, she sent it soaring over herself and the door. Luckily the store owner, Bryant Murphy, was there to save the day and allowed her get changed and cleaned up. Surprisingly he was very fascinated by her and asked her out on a date. She tried to warn him of the curse that she under but he still persisted on that date.

There were a couple more trips and falls that ensued: a blind date that with another man, Cody, that went horribly wrong, flying shrimp, bumping into the door numerous times, a hospital visit, and a flying sword. I couldn't stop laughing at the stuff I was reading! I know I'm a very clumsy girl, but poor Tilly! It seemed like nothing ever went her way. I thought Bryant was such a gentleman and very cute...he even brought her a good luck package consisting of several items. My favorite being a mistletoe - his excuse: since he wasn't sure if she kissed on a first date, he brought it hoping he would be lucky!

Cursed with Cupid was such a cute read! Although I wished it was a tad longer, I really enjoyed the laughs and the storyline! Just makes me hope none of my friends decides to send me one of those chain letters!

Stop Asking Jesus Into Your Heart: How To Know For Sure You Are Saved

I realize religion may be a taboo subject for some blogs. However, this is an issue I've experienced along with many other of my readers. This is a subject that has come up within my circles of contact with others. For this reason I am sharing this book with you. I've been around numerous people who have voiced their feelings, questions, and concerns about the very subject this book tackles. If you are among those who can find peace of mind within the pages of this book, I invite you to read it. 

Stop Asking Jesus Into Your Heart: 

How To Know For Sure You Are Saved

By: J.D. Greear

121 Pages

Subject:

This book explains to you, in very simple terms, how to know whether you have been saved or not. Sometimes doubt creeps in, and messes with your certainty. Sometimes you think you have it figured out, only to learn you don't. This book was written to replace the doubt and questions. It lets you know what the Bible means by asking Christ into your heart. While different Pastors and churches may present it in different ways, the Bible has never wavered from it's definition. 

As a Christian, I have spent plenty of time within the confines of uncertainty over whether or not I truly am saved. This is an important subject, but I would go back and forth between sure and unsure of where I will spend eternity. I knew where I wanted to go, but wasn't always sure that was where I would go. I found the Bible to be a little confusing on the subject. So, years upon years would pass with me still unsure. However, Stop Asking Jesus Into Your Heart: How To Know For Sure You Are Saved has been a Godsend.

J.D. Greear is no stranger to the confusion and uncertainty about the very subject he writes. The book informs you of his own path to getting the final answer- a road that travels into baptism waters 4 times. He tackles all the areas that have brought confusion for himself, and many others.So many times I felt like the author was talking about me! 

Mr. Greear doesn't write with judgement, but with understanding. Having been there in the readers shoes, he can relate to what you are feeling. He takes you by the hand and gives you the Bible's facts- no one else's. 

From navigating the doubtful times, to finding out if you have been Falsely Assured. I couldn't put this book down. So many questions of my own found answers. I not only used my eReader highlighter feature for the first time, but I got really good at it. J.D. Greear doesn't shy away from breaking down the very verses that can bring confusion. 

I hope you find peace of mind in this book, if Salvation is a subject you are wrestling with. 

Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy by Karen Foxlee

I first heard about this book through an email in which I was invited to review it. After reading the synopsis, I thought it would be a cute fun book to read. Although at times I was slightly bored, in the end I'm very glad I read it.

The main character's mother, Ophelia, died three months prior to the beginning of the story so the family is still trying to pick up the pieces. Ophelia does not believe in magic and wizards. She has an older sister Alice, and her father is a sword expert and was hired to prepare an exhibition in the museum where the Marvelous Boy was locked. Ophelia finds him and he pleads for her help to free him and defeat the Snow Queen before the quickly upcoming deadline.

This was a very cute book. Although I would never buy it, a nice read for the library would be perfect!

Live by Mary Ann Rivers (The Burnside Series #1)

While looking for new books to review, I thought romance seemed like a perfect read! This is a first in its series and I honestly can't wait to see how the series unravels! While reading this book, I found myself smiling, laughing, tearing up, and having my emotions run in circles!

 There are 2 main characters:

Destiny (or most call her Des) – has lived in Ohio all her life, a ginger haired girl with loads of freckles. She has 3 siblings, her mom passed away a while ago, and her father recently passed away. She’s unemployed, and to top it off: her sister is very sick and hasn’t recovered since an accident she was in. 

Enter Hefin Thomas from Wales. He is oh so dreamy and such a gentleman! I would love to talk to him just so I can hear his accent. Hefin is a woodcarver and has been in the US for about 6 years now, and though he has been divorced for some time, he still has emotions about his ex wife and the relationship they had together. After his current job at the library is completed, he plans on returning to Wales to see his parents who he misses, and eventually move to Beijing to resume the work field he was in. I completely fell for Hefin: from the way he spoke to Destiny, the way he thought of her, and the way he had such a sweet tooth: sugary tea, chocolate biscuits, and donuts!

Prior to actually meeting and talking with one another, they mostly stole glances at one another while neither one of them was looking. While having an emotional breakdown at the library, Hefin finally approaches Destiny. From that moment on, they continue on this whirlwind romance. The healing process for each of them was beautiful. It definitely was a journey about love for both of them. Love in its many forms: where you come from, where you’re going, and who you meet along the way to help you.

I loved all the characters of this book, and I anticipate reading the rest of the books and how it unfolds!

The Story Guy by Mary Ann Rivers

This is the 2nd book I read by Mary Ann Rivers and it didn't disappoint! I literally read this book in 1 day, a nice short quick and easy read!

Simple definition of a Story Guy: Somebody that makes a big bookmark in your life. That definitely was the case for Carrie West, a local librarian. One Tuesday morning at 4 AM, Carrie was looking through the personal ads for her enjoyment and there was one that struck her fancy: a guy (Brian) whose intentions were very straightforward and honest. His ad sought someone who would be interested in meeting up on Wednesday's at lunchtime for an hour of kissing. Only Kissing. Carrie was intrigued and immediately responded, knowing there was a chance that some other lucky lady filled that position already. Surprisingly he responded promptly and was interested in meeting up with her, even though he didn't bother asking for a picture or a name.

On the first Wednesday of meeting up, their chemistry was off the charts! The way Mary Ann Rivers described their kisses was perfectly detailed which draws you into the story even more. However, Carrie is a little saddened when Brian decides to meet up the following Wednesday instead of sooner. She can't stop thinking about him! As time goes on, Brian's walls he's built up to protect himself slowly comes down and he lets Carrie into his life. She finds out information about his family, and his past relationships (so-to-speak) and how sweet and good hearted he really is. He really knows the definition of being selfless and she loves that about him.

This story definitely left me feeling very happy for the characters! It also makes me want to check out the personal ads myself to see if I can find myself a Brian haha I look forward to reading more stories written by Marry Ann!

Now That We're Speaking The Same Language

Now That You're Speaking My Language
By: Gary Chapman
216 pages

Summary:
Learning how to have good, positive communication and intimacy on all levels for a successful marriage.

The man who brought you The 5 Love Languages is back with another book. This time around, he's taking aim at the way married couples communicate and helping them have an intimate marriage.

I liked that Gary Chapman was open and honest about his own marriage. The early years were nothing like what he and his wife thought they would be. After several years of unhappiness, they were able to get on the right track. It was nice to see an author of a self-help book be this vulnerable. Mr. Chapman is very open about the mistakes he made and the misconceptions he entered his marriage with. He never once gave me the impression of him being better than anyone else, just someone who's navigated the bumpy road already.

He compares 4 different patterns of communication with birds that reflect that personality. He lists the 5 levels of communication for you, and which ones you should strive for.

The second half of the book focused more on intimacy- and he's not talking about just the bedroom. He tells you the different types of intimacy there are, and how to achieve them. He tells you what a contract marriage is and how it's different from a covenant marriage. Again, the author is open about how he participated in both. 

Now You're Speaking My Language is a positive read on how to have the kind of marriage God intended you to have. God doesn't want you to have a contract marriage, where it's all business. He wants you to have a covenant marriage, where your marriage is a sacred bond. This book is great for couples who haven't gotten married yet, just got married, or been married for decades. The approach isn't negative or hopeless, but a positive one. If you're struggling with the communication, or just feel like the bond isn't as close as you'd like it to be, you can make it better. As long as you have the will, Gary Chapman has a way.

The Longest Ride by Nicholas Sparks

I have been a Nicholas Sparks lover ever since I first saw the movie "A Walk to Remember." I still remember my sister making fun of me during the movie as I was bawling away. I couldn't stop crying as I was thinking how romantic and perfect that story was! The love that is portrayed in his books is something I could only hope for! At that point I was determined to read his book, and from there I have enjoyed each and every one. I have my own Nicholas Sparks collection on my bookshelf, about 15 or 16 now! He doesn't disappoint to those romantic inspired readers :)

Although this book was slightly different than his usually books, it didn't disappoint! This book has 2 story lines...Ira and Ruth, and Luke and Sophia. I really enjoyed both love stories and the way in which each was told. One story showed a lifetime of love while the other was the beginning. I admit, I enjoyed reading Luke and Sophia's storyline a little more, them being so young and new in love was something I found cute and romantic. However, Ira and Sophia's love was endearing and something I could only dream of having when I am old. I knew the story lines had to connect somehow, and the way Mr. Sparks ended the book was something I was suspecting; however, I loved how they came together! The ending was so perfect!

Another book now sits beautifully on my shelf. I have already told my sister that she will be loving this one as well and she has insisted on borrowing it next time I see her (I think she has borrowed all of my books by Mr. Sparks so far so I'm not surprised). I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did!