paperbacks_n_frybread's reviews
398 reviews

Having a Martha Home the Mary Way: 31 Days to a Clean House and a Satisfied Soul by Sarah Mae

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5.0

It says something when you're in tears after the first few pages.

I adore Sarah Mae's writing. I read the ebook of this years ago and jumped at the chance to be on the launch team for the updated version. It didn't disappoint. As a mama of 4 who struggles with homemaking, this book didn't make me feel condemned-but energized and inspired. I love that each day has a "Mary & Martha" task to do. It's incredibly simple to follow, easy to stick with, and worth every word.

I know without a doubt this will bless every woman that reads this. It's just that good. I'd recommend reading the entire thing through, THEN going through each day one by one.

This would make a beautiful gift, especially for a bridal shower! So much encouragement fills these pages. Pass it on.

*I received this in exchange for a honest review*
In Real Life by Cory Doctorow, Jen Wang

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5.0

Very first graphic novel and I loved it! Very sweet and relatable characters with a strong story line.

It's a mashup of gaming and social economics. Sounds weird-but it works.

This is a pretty clean graphic novel, so perfect for older teens.

I'm definitely sad I haven't experienced graphic novels before, but I'm pleased that o started with this one.
The Library at Mount Char by Scott Hawkins

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1.0

No. No. No.

I received this to review but I'm having to DNF it. I just can't. I don't enjoy the writing style AT ALL, and the content is just way too confusing and just impossible for me to connect to on any level. Don't like the characters, as they fell flat for me. I just couldn't commit to this one.
Parent Hacks: 134 Genius Shortcuts for Life with Kids by Asha Dornfest

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5.0

This book is cute and hilarious! There are some absolute gems in here and MANY things I wish I would have known BEFORE having baby #4! I love the idea of putting the laundry basket in the bath to coral the little as well as putting a maxi-pad in undies for potty training! That is just GENIUS! (Especially for a little dude who still has accidents on long trips).

If you've got kids: check this out! The illustrations will make you smile and the info here is just great.

*I received this in exchange for my review*
8 Simple Tools for Raising Great Kids by Dr Todd Cartmell

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5.0

*You can check out my full review at www.mamaandthebears.com*

Loved this book. Wonderful encourage with REAL practical applications. It's a really quick read, but there isn't a whole lot of fluff going on. You get to the meat of teachings on page one. I was convicted by page two-so it's definitely worth sharing.

Highly recommend to any parent.

*I received this in exchange for my honest review*
Pocket Prayers for Moms: 40 Simple Prayers That Bring Peace and Rest by Max Lucado

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5.0

These "Pocket Prayer" books from Max Lucado are small, but pack a big punch. They are filled with encouragement that every.single.mama. NEEDS. We get tired. We get weary. But prayer is so essential in those times. Maybe you just don't know what to say, or you just don't know how to put that feeling in your heart into words-this is one of those books that can help push that out of you.

These are also PERFECT for gifts! I've given 5 away to friends because they're just that awesome. With Mother's Day around the corner-why not grab a few more to pass around? We could all use a little more prayer in our lives!

*I received this in exchange for my honest review*
The Bachelor Girl's Guide to Murder, Volume 1 by Rachel McMillan

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4.0

This isn't my typical read by any means, but I can see how if you're big in to Mr. Doyle or Agatha Christie's works you would be all over this! There's murder, intrigue, a dynamic duo, and even disguises!

It's incredibly clean, which is a breath of fresh air when it comes to murder mysteries, and although it wasn't my favorite read-it was still light and fun.

"The Bachelor Girl's Guide to Murder" has also integrated faith into the story which also bumped up the star rating from me. It's not preachy by any means, but doesn't shy away from it either. I think McMillan has a winning series on her hands.

*I received this in exchange for my honest review*
Simple Pleasures: Stories from My Life as an Amish Mother by Marianne Jantzi

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5.0

Full review at Mama Bear Reads

Anyone else have a healthy curiosity when it comes to the Amish? Am I the only one?

Seriously, I have tons of cookbooks and memoirs written by the simple folk. I am completely intrigued by the life that they live, and wholly respect it. I'm fascinated by such simplicity that I can only wish to accomplish in my own home. The sewing. The cooking. The homesteading. The child rearing. I love learning about it all. The Amish know so much about things that most of us don't-and that peeks my interest each time I read about them.

In Marianne Jantzi's book, "Simple Pleasures" , she gives us an in-depth look at Amish living through the eyes of a mama. From the first chapter, I had to press on.
And honestly, telling you why this book is so interesting doesn't even make sense to me. There's nothing absolutely extraordinary- it's just snippets of normal, everyday life. It's like being a fly on the wall through all the seasons.

But, there is one thing that kept me going-she's a mama, just like me. No really. When you think of Amish mothers, what do you think of? Don't you think of someone poised who does it all from sun-up to sun-down with grace and meekness?

Well, most of that is still what's in my head, but Marianne definitely showed me that a mama's heart is just that-no matter what kind of life you're coming from. She bridged the gap by showing how we share the same.exact.feelings. when being in the house for days on end:

"I'm one of those homemakers who sends her man off to work each morning, then spends one day after the next cooped up inside with the little ones. Before you know it, you feel dull and listless and oversugared from eating and eating the cookies you made for the lunch box."

Wait? SHE gets tired of being cooped up? SHE gets that"dull" feeling? What??

"I'm a procrastinator. That is, I used to be a procrastinator. I've been trying to change my habit every since I stumbled across an article in an old 'Reader's Digest'."

This totally made me giggle. This sounds like something I've said after reading a Pinterest article.

Marianne shares her heart and her days. She shares bad days, poems that inspire her, the quirks of her children, and how each season brings its own joys and chores.

"Without winter, wouldn't we miss crunchy snow in the moonlight, the world covered in hoarfrost, glorious sunrises, and red-nosed children? Besides, when would I enjoy my lazy hobbies if it never got cold?"

This doesn't read like a book-it reads almost like a journal. There is just something precious in such transparent and, well, normal. Just because they're different-doesn't mean they don't have the same struggles we deal with. They're life is simple-but it isn't without its hardships.

If you have ANY interest in Amish life-pick "Simple Pleasures" up. I've read a lot on their culture and this has been my favorite. I enjoyed this way more than I thought I would.

5 out of 5 stars for me!

*I received this in exchange for my honest review*