Thursday, April 2, 2015

Q&A a Day - 5 Year Journal

                               365 Questions*5 Years*1,825 Answers
 
   Let me tell you that I absolutely LOVE this little book! It's on my list of favorite things--journaling. I have kept a journal since around 1978 and still have every one. A book like this could have helped me out a lot over the years. I'm so happy I have it now. 
   Each day has 4 lines on which to write stuff down. Each day also has one question. That question will be there for next year, and for the following 3 years. Let me give you an example: For February 17th, at the top of the page is the question. You are asked, "If you could change something about today, what would it be?"  Below that you would write the year, 20--, and then use the 4 lines for your answer. Next year, on February 17th, you will answer that question again. But you will no doubt have a different answer as our lives can change so fast.
   Another example is May 3rd. The question is, "If you could have a superpower just for today, what would it be?"  Next year on May 3rd you will probably want a different superpower and you'll write about that. A couple of other questions are, "What is your favorite thing to do on a Saturday morning?" and "How do you feel about your body?"
   With 365 questions you will be exercising your brain every day. And, the questions are far from being silly. They are meaningful and personal. If you find some questions that require a bit more space for your answers, you can do what I do.  I have a small notebook that I keep with this book so if I really want to expound on my answer for the day, I just write the date in the notebook and write all my additional comments there.
   I don't want to forget to mention that Q&A a Day is a great gift idea too.
 
Published by Potter Style, an imprint of the Crown Publishing Group, a division of Random House, Inc.
                                                       www.clarksonpotter.com
 
   **I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.

Wednesday, April 1, 2015

A Matter of Heart

 By Tracie Peterson
 www.traciepeterson.com                                                               
                                                                           

   I've been a fan of Tracie Peterson books ever since I read her debut novel many years ago. A Matter of Heart, set in late 1800's Texas, is a good read, full of intrigue, romance, and drama. The faith message is woven in seamlessly but is not intrusive. I'm sure readers will like the main characters too.
   Jessica Atherton, a lovely young woman, is at a point where she wants to make changes in her life so she can be a better person. She is also feeling left out of the circle of her now married friends, some already with children. Jessica doesn't even have any prospects for marriage. Then, all of a sudden there are two! First is Austin Todd. Austin is a Texas Ranger cattle inspector and retired Secret Service Agent. He is a good-looking man with a kind heart. He is a private person and something from his past is haunting him. Right away Jessica is drawn to him and he is drawn to her. Then a handsome young lawyer comes to town and sweeps Jessica off her feet. His name is Harrison Gable.
   A Matter of Heart had somewhat of a slow start for me. Also, it was difficult to keep track of all the minor characters. In addition, I wish Jessica and the man she chose could've gotten together much sooner. Nevertheless, readers should enjoy this book. I give it 3 Stars

**I received this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for a public review.
    www.bethanyhousepublishers.com