Sample tracks can be listened to on Amazon and more information can be found on Martensen’s website.

The book has enough information to get someone started who has never blogged before. From how to set up the blog and how to choose a name to more advanced skills like customizing blog templates. Rowse and Garrett make use of pictures to help readers visualize what they are learning and give clear, concise definitions of terms that those new to blogging may not be familiar with.

Problogger is also perfect for those already familiar with blogging, covering things like how to monetize your blog (with real ideas - not just fluff), how often to post, and even how to sell your blog.

I’m honestly still digging through this book. There is so much great information packed inside that I may need to read it again just to make sure I didn’t miss anything. If you’re interested in blogging or simply want to fine tune the blog you already have then this is a book that you won’t want to miss.

Here’s a bit more info about the book (from Amazon):

Blogging has become a popular and fascinating pastime for many, but more and more bloggers are finding it can also be an excellent source of direct or indirect income. Although the barriers to starting a blog are low, without expert guidance it is easy to get frustrated when success doesn’t match expectations. Written by the creator of the world’s #1 resource for making money with blogs, ProBlogger takes the reader from absolute beginner to earning money from or as a result of blogging. Through step by step practical lessons the reader will choose a blog topic, analyze the market, set up a blog, promote it and earn revenue.

Unlike other books that are big on potential and theory, ProBlogger provides results based on the authors own experience of what really works through practical, tried and tested advice. Inside readers will learn:

• How Bloggers Make Money
• Direct Income Earning vs. Indirect Income Earning methods
• Why Niches are Important
• Using 20 critical blogging tools
• 20 Ingredients for a successful blog post
• Optimizing advertising
• Which advertising platforms work best
• Expert analysis of Technocrat’s Top Blogs – why they work

and so much more.

The CD is gorgeous. I don’t know if music can be ‘gorgeous,’ but that’s the word I’d use to describe it. Morgan’s voice is strong and rich and the songs are full of deep, meaningful lyrics.

The CD has 11 brand-new songs (which you can hear snippets of on Morgan’s website) and each is delightful. My personal favorite is number five, The Sun Shines Through. The title track, Beautiful Bird, is another of my favorites. Each track has a little different feel and it makes for a wonderful listening experience.

A little more information about the album from Morgan’s website:

Cindy Morgan’s latest project ‘Beautiful Bird’ is her first official venture into producing her own record. “I have produced my own demos for years and spent the better part of my adult life in a studio, but until now haven’t felt completely ready for such a task. I have been very fortunate to work with so many great producers over the years. The last couple of years, there has been a little voice in my head telling me to step out and stand on my own two creative feet. So that is what I decided to do. I am heading up the production of this record, but certainly not without a lot of help on the technical side of things with my engineer and co-producer Stephen Leiweke.” (Jars Of Clay, Margaret Becker, Kids In The Way) “My weaknesses are Stephen’s strengths. Among other things he is so good about allowing me take all the time I need to explore an idea and figure out how to get it onto tape.”

The CD can be purchased from iTunes or CindyMorganMusic.com.

DragonLight continues the story of Kale Allerion, the Dragon Keeper, and her husband Sir Bardon. They have been living happily with their dragons while Amara (the land they live in) recovers from years of evil and war. However, when they agree to accompany their Meech dragon friends on a quest to find the Meech Colony, they encounter dark forces that they aren’t expecting.

Kale and her friends must uncover the mysterious force behind the darkness. The question that remains is….how will they discover what they can’t see?

This is the final installment in the DragonKeeper Chronicles (must to my chagrin). Happily, there is a note at the end of the book sharing with readers that they can expect a new series summer 2009 - “a different continent and a different time - featuring a cast of characters whose adventures will touch your life.”

You can hear the interview with Donita K. Paul when she joined us on MomCast Live - listen here.

The new CD releases September 16th and features 10 new tracks. My favorite track is Holy One, a beautiful song with a beautiful message.

On their website, the band talks about their new CD:

“It doesn’t matter what aspect of life you’re working on, you always have to learn how to recreate something,” says Wes Willis, lead vocalist/songwriter. “You always have to learn how to grow and change and from a musical aspect, that’s definitely what we’ve done with this album. There was a lot of growth, I think, but not too far away from worship, because that’s who we are.”

The book is filled with information about yoga. It begins with a “What is Yoga” section and then follows a series of chapters which help the reader learn the yoga positions and how to do them correctly - it even includes illustrations. The best part, though, is the DVD that accompanies the book. It’s a 50-minute instructional DVD that includes various yoga routines. Each segment begins with a reading from Scripture and ends in prayer.

I truly enjoyed learning about yoga in a God-centered environment. Boon also has at least one other DVD (Level 2) and readers can learn more about Holy Yoga or becoming a Holy Yoga Instructor at her website, http://www.holyyoga.net.

The book starts out very dark - the world that Tarran lives in is bleak. He is young - just on the verge of becoming a man and yet even at this age he knows in his heart that there should be more - must be more to living that simply fighting, killing and becoming a warrior.

When Tarran is expected to kill a bear to prove himself as a “Bear-Slayer,” the highest level of respect in his community, he finds himself at a crossroads. Will he do what is expected of him or will he risk becoming an outcast…or worse.

Clarke’s imagery and detail make you feel as if you are in the story yourself. The characters are deep and thought-provoking. Once I picked this up, I didn’t want to put it down.

Review By:
Jill Hart

I don’t read a lot of YA (young adult) Lit, but this book so much fun. The characters are charming and right from the beginning I was pulling for Lissa to make the right choices. The best part about this book is that while moms like me (thirty-somethings) will enjoy it, it’s also appropriate to be shared with teens and tweens. It would make a great conversations starter for moms and daughters!

Lapin’s book centers around “Ten Commandments for Making Money,” some of which include: Believe in the Dignity and Morality of Business (The First Commandment); Extend the Network of Your Connectedness to Many People (The Second Commandment); Get To Know Yourself (The Third Commandment).

Rabbi Daniel Lapin is a well-known scholar, radio host and author. His advice is highly sought on all matters of life stem from his intimate knowledge of the Jewish faith and culture. This book is no exception. It’s very informative, making readers stop and think about how and why they do the things they do. Thou Shall Prosper is worth reading - and you’ll want to grab a highlighter to keep track of the great thoughts and ideas presented.

Review By:
Jill Hart

I love to listen to this music as I drive around town running errands with my kids. It always puts me in a good mood and reminds me how truly blessed we each are to be loved by such an amazing God.

If you want to learn more about Ginger check out her book, Grace Thus Far, which tells her story:

Grace Thus Far is a story of hope and healing, tragedy and triumph, and Ginger Millermon’s journey of extreme faith. This book chronicles the premature birth of her twins, and the ensuing medical struggles of her son Jarrott. “Grace Thus Far” will make you laugh, cry, and feel the pain of the Millermon’s daily struggle as Ginger shares excerpts from the personal journal she kept during this journey. You will be encouraged, moved, and strengthened in your faith.  (From GingerMillermon.com)

Review by:
Jill Hart

From Amazon.com: A Guardian Angel Double Doozie– Two Books in one. Snappy rhymes along with the colorful and fun illustrations help children see the need to protect their skin in the sun. Sun Safety Tips in the back of the book reinforce the book’s theme– OUCH! Sunburn.

In NO MORE GUNK! short playful rhymes and humorous illustrations help children learn in a fun way the importance of proper dental hygiene. Tooth Tips in the back of the book encourage children to take care of their teeth.

Praise for Gunk/Ouch:

Humorous, rhyming prose with funny artwork gets a high five, especially when coupled with a second free book!

- Gayle Jacobson-Huset, Assistant Editor, Stories for Children Magazine

The founders, Nancy Traversy and Tessa Strickland, were moms just like you and I who set out to publish books that would make a difference. They describe how it felt starting out:

“When you start out, no one has heard of you, and you wonder if anyone is going to listen to what you have to say. No one was publishing books quite like ours—would anyone buy them? We believed they would; we just had to find our way to parents and educators who shared our values. This is what we care about: first, we’re convinced that it’s never too early to introduce children to other cultures. We believe too that children can appreciate high-quality art, and enjoy the music as well as the meaning of language from a very early age. ”

The books are beautiful and very high-quality. My kids were thrilled when we opened the package and found kids books! The bright colors immediately caught their attention and they’ve been asking me to read these books to them ever since. I think that alone says it all. :)

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Her newest release is Beauty Secrets of the Bible, (September 11, Thomas Nelson) based on the historical research that began in her work on Chosen. The book explores the connections between beauty and spirituality, offering women both historical insights and scientific proofs that reveal powerful, natural beauty secrets.

Liz and Kellie have quite a journey. They are spectators at a village pancake race, taken on a whirlwind tour of British authors sites, and even end up in a hot air balloon. If that isn’t enough, one of them manages to get herself pulled aside for questioning on The Underground.

I’ve read many of Gunn’s other books, but I actually jumped into this series with this book. Even though I didn’t have a lot of background on the characters, the book was enjoyable and held it’s own. Although these mamas are middle-aged I still related to them and laughed with them along the way. I liked the book enough that I’ve already gone out and found myself a copy of the first book so that I can start from the beginning and experience life through the eyes of the two hilarious chicks. I almost forgot to mention, Gunn includes a bonus for her fans in the back of the book. She shares pictures and thoughts of her own trip to the UK as well as an excerpt from the Sisterchicks devotional, Take Flight.

Review By:
Jill Hart

But Joan knows she can’t make a change because no one would be there to care for her aging grandmother - a job that she has taken upon herself, but truly enjoys. Not to mention, the doctor may be adorable, but he’s also a Christian. And Joan’s not so sure that’s what she needs right now. Her life is comfortable - why complicate it with thoughts of love and religion. Joan’s not sure her life can handle either.

Stuck in the Middle is a picture of what life is like as middle child. It seems most three daughter families have the smart, ‘motherly’ older sister; the sweet, carefree younger sister; and the insecure, people-pleasing middle child. Joan is the epitome of a middle child and yet she’s easy to love. I was rooting for her from the very beginning. The two other sisters frustrated me at first, but as the book progresses you learn how much they care about their sister and they endear themselves as well.

The novel is the first book in the Sister-to-Sister Series and Virginia Smith’s sixth book. Smith’s contemporary fiction is filled with humor as well as meaningful lessons for life. There is one specific section in Stuck in the Middle that really made me pause and re-evaluate how I think about my life (I don’t want to give it away, but look for the chocolate ice cream story). I love a book that sticks with me. Weeks after I put it down, it still comes to mind and continues to make me think.

Review By:
Jill Hart

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