Developing Stronger Relationships ~ Book Review & GIVEAWAY :)

Have you read any new good books lately?? :)

One of the many blessings of *She Sparkles* is the opportunity for me to read and review new books! My favorite part is sharing the blessing with you, my dear bloggy friend, with a book giveway!!

I was thrilled when I was recently asked to participate in a Blog Tour featuring Mother Daughter Duet by Cheri Fuller and Dancing with My Father by Sally Clarkson. Both of these wonderful authors are women I respect and admire, and I couldn't wait to see what God had been teaching them lately! :)

Dancing with My Father: How God Leads Us into a Life of Grace and Joy is incredible!! I wasn't surprised ~ Sally Clarkson is one of my favorite authors (her book The Mission of Motherhood was absolutely life~changing for me!). Once again, Sally has written a book filled with Truth, wisdom, real life illustrations, a beautiful mother's heart, and tons of applicable "take-aways".

Here's a brief summary of her latest book..."When Sally noticed a lack of joy in her own life, she realized how easy it can be, especially for women with overloaded to-do lists, to feel weighed down by drudgery and disappointment. But rather than slogging through her days, Sally wanted to know the delight of God's presence. She began prayerfully exploring how to cultivate deep-rooted joy even in the midst of difficult seasons...."

Can anyone else (besides me) relate?! I want some deep-rooted *JOY* too! :)

So how was the book?? I'll be honest...the first night I had a hard time putting the book down! (Finally John made me turn off the light!)

Just listen to some of the chapter titles...

* A Heart that Dances to Celebrate God's Presence
* Dancing Through the Twists and Turns of Life
* Reveling in God's Melody of Joy
* Listening for the Music of God's Dance

I want that life...you too?! :) Dancing with My Father is a definite thumbs up! :)

Mother Daughter Duet: Getting to the Relationship You Want with Your Adult Daughter by Cheri Fuller & Ali Plum

Here's a brief summary.."In Mother-Daughter Duet they (Cheri and her daughter Ali) share their story—each from her own perspective—in which they have experienced distance and tension, growth and challenge, and, ultimately, acceptance and harmony. Filled with personal anecdotes and based on several basic principles, Mother-Daughter Duet helps moms repair the breach so that daughters want to draw close."

Another true confession... I don't think I would have purchased this book at the bookstore. I love my mom dearly, and I feel really good about where our relationship is today. I wouldn't have necessarily known this book would be so applicable for me. (And boy would I have missed out!)

I am so grateful I had the chance to read this story. My goodness, Cheri and her daughter are extremely transparent and authentic. I appreciate their vulnerability and willingness to share. They share wonderful tips on listening, respecting, setting boundaries, and more. I especially enjoyed the chapter on "Taking Care of Yourself: Nourishing My Emotional Well~Being". Great stuff!!

And not only did I take-away tips for strengthening my relationship with my mom, I learned a lot about being the MOM I desire to be for my two little girls. Another definite thumbs up! :)

The dear folks at WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group were so gracious to not only give a set of books for me to read and review, but a set of books to GIVEAWAY!! Woo Hoo!

I'll be giving the books away separately, so there will be two winners! :)

To Win my Giveaway: Leave a comment in the comment section answering this question:

Which of the two books would you like to win and Why?

Dancing with My Father by Sally Clarkson or

Mother Daughter Duet by Cheri Fuller & Ali Plum

RULES: Starts today, Friday, March 5th and ends Tuesday, March 9nd at 9 PM. Winner will be posted on my blog on Wednesday, March 10th.

If your email address is not connected to your ID, please leave your email address with your comment or email it to me at cindy.bultema@comcast.net with the subject "Giveaway".

I can't wait to hear from you!! Have a GREAT weekend!!

Thanks for stopping by * She Sparkles*! God's richest blessings to you! :)

These books were provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.