Book Review: Plan B by Pete Wilson

Everyone has those moments where they're ultimately left wondering "Why did that happen to me?" and "Why isn't God fixing this mess?" Plan B: What do you do when God doesn't show up the way you thought He would? by Pete Wilson offers insight on how to cope when your original plan just doesn't work out. Wilson uses examples from his own life, friends' lives, and the Bible to illustrate how life can take unexpected (and often unwanted) turns and how God ultimately has a plan for us in difficult times.

A couple of years ago, I experienced my own “Plan B” moment when I was struggling to find even a part-time job straight out of grad school and my now ex-fiance cheated on me. I would've loved to have had Wilson's book when I was going through these "Plan B" moments. I'm pretty confident that it would've helped me, as I'm sure it will help others who read it.

Plan B is engaging, and it has a great conversational tone that makes it easy to relate to. Wilson does a good job of sharing his message without coming across as condescending or "preachy." I definitely recommend Plan B.

(Thank you to Thomas Nelson for providing me a copy of this book to read and review. I'm a member of Thomas Nelson's BookSneeze program.)

Book Review - Captivating: Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman's Soul

Captivating: Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman's Soul by John and Stasi Eldredge is essentially about uncovering the deepest desires of a woman's heart. I can remember many of my friends and classmates going crazy over this book when it first came out a few years ago, so I was excited to finally check it out for myself. Maybe my expectations were too high going into it, but I had a hard time making myself finish reading Captivating. It really didn't grab my attention like I thought it would

In my reading of Captivating, I was actually surprised to find more popular culture references than Biblical ones (I'm not saying this is a bad thing - I just wasn't expecting it). It also seemed like there were a lot of generalizations. Overall, I thought it was ok - nothing more, nothing less.

(Thank you to Thomas Nelson for providing me a copy of this book to read and review. I'm a member of Thomas Nelson's BookSneeze program.)

Book Review: Webb Garrison's Why You Say It

Why You Say It: The Fascinating Stories Behind over 600 Everyday Words and Phrases by Webb Garrison is a compilation of words and phrases that we often hear and use. This book is categorized as a reference book and is set up in various sections, such as feathers and fur, names and games, and the great outdoors. There's also an index that lists every word and phrase covered in this book.

Why You Say It offers a glimpse into the deeper meaning and origin of words and phrases like "three sheets to the wind," "whippersnapper," and "hook, line, and sinker." As someone who likes words and enjoys learning random bits of informations, I thought this was a pretty neat book. Why You Say It is great for when you've got an extra 10 minutes or so to kill. Overall, I enjoyed this book and would recommend it as a casual read.

(Thank you to Thomas Nelson for providing me a copy of this book to read and review. I'm a member of Thomas Nelson's BookSneeze program.)

Earth Fare - BOGO Chicken Wings

Just in time for the Super Bowl: Through February 9, you can use this Earth Fare coupon to snag a FREE pound of chicken wings when you buy a pound. While you're over at Earth Fare's site, be sure to sign up for their email list to receive great offers like this one in your email.

FREE L'Oreal Paris - First 500!

Starting at noon EST today, Allure will be giving away L'Oreal Paris Studio Secrets Professional Magic Perfecting Base to the first 500 people who sign up here.

Upcoming giveaways from Allure:
February 5 - Caress Whipped Souffle Ultra Silkening Whipped Body Wash
February 8 - Lierac Paris Micro-Abrasion Stimulating Smoothing Cream

Borders: 33% off one item!

Through Thursday, February 4, you can use this coupon to receive 33% off the list price of one item. Valid in-store or online (use code BCA7192T for online). Must be a Borders Rewards member to use. (You can sign up for Borders Rewards in your store - it's free!)

If you're already a Borders Rewards member, be sure to register your card and set your account preferences to receive offers like this one directly in your inbox. (You can do that here.)

To locate a Borders near you, go here.

FREE Tarte - First 500!

Starting at noon EST today, Allure will be giving away FREE Tarte EmphasEyes Waterproof Clay Shadow/Liner Pot in Bronze to the first 500 who sign up here.

Upcoming giveaways from Allure:

February 3 - Talika Lipocils Expert

Febraury 4 - L'Oreal Paris Studio Secrets Professional Magic Perfecting Base

February 5 - Caress Whipped Souffle Ultra Silkening Body Wash

February 8 - Lierac Paris Micro-Abrasion Stimulating Smoothing Cream

Snag FREE Sunsilk - first 500!

Starting at noon EST today, Allure will be giving away Sunsilk Hydra TLC 24/7 Creme to the first 500 people who sign up here.

Upcoming giveaways from Allure:

February 2 - Tarte EmphasEyes Waterproof Clay Shadow/Liner Pot in Bronze

February 3 - Talika Lipocils Expert

February 4 - L'Oreal Paris Studio Secrets Professional Magic Perfecting Base

February 5 - Caress Whipped Souffle Ultra Silkening Body Wash

February 8 - Lierac Paris Micro-Abrasion Stimulating Smoothing Cream

Book Review: I Wish You Enough by Bob Perks

I Wish You Enough: Embracing Life's Most Valuable Moments...One Wish at a Time by Bob Perks is a compilation of stories and anecdotes based on Perk's poem "I Wish You Enough." (Side note: You should Google this poem if you've never read or heard of it - simply beautiful.) Each chapter contains scripture and stories from Perk's own life that illustrate a line from the poem.

I'm not familiar with any of Perk's other works, but I really enjoyed I Wish You Enough. This particular book was designed to be a gift book, and it really hits the mark. It was sweet, uplifting, and easy to relate to. I think it would be a great gift for yourself or a friend.

(Thank you to Thomas Nelson for providing this book for me to read and review. I'm a member of Thomas Nelson's BookSneeze Program.)

(Thank you to Thomas Nelson for providing this book for me to read and review. I'm a member of Thomas Nelson's BookSneeze Program.)

Mail Call - 2/1

This is my first Mailbox Monday post in a long time, and I'm really excited to be back! The mail post has always been one of my favorites. Overall, it was a pretty good week:

• Cosmopolitan
• Travel + Leisure
• Shape
• U.S. News and World Report
• Conde Nast Traveler
• Scotch pet hair lifter
• Slimfast snack bar (actually pretty tasty!)
• Glowelle clutch and samples
• EcoTools by Alicia Silverstone cosmetic bag (won in an Allure Free Stuff giveaway)

Want to see what other people are getting in their mailboxes? Click the button below to check out Mailbox Monday, hosted by A Frugal Friend! (I love seeing what cool things other people get every week!)