[Review] Project Inspired: Tips and Tricks for Staying True to Who You Are

Project Inspired

Based on the Project Inspired website created by Nicole Weider—a model and actress who integrates her behind-the-scenes experiences with guides on modest fashion, beauty, and advice—teens ages 13 and up will discover positive ways they can uphold their values in today's world.

Nicole Weider is on a mission: to help young girls avoid the traps that culture sets, which baits teens into thinking they must sacrifice their self-worth in order to be beautiful and popular. After experiencing the dark side of fame firsthand as a model, Nicole launched Project Inspired in 2010 (www.projectinspired.com), a website for teen girls that analyzes pop culture and explores ways girls can live in their authentic beauty.

In Project Inspired, Nicole shares tips for teen girls to stay true to themselves and how they were created to be, as well as how to dress modestly yet fashionably, make a positive difference in the world, and enjoy their teen years while staying true to their faith. With photographs, real behind-the-scenes stories from inside the fashion world, and an honest look at living a life that looks great on the outside and feels great on the inside, Project Inspired is a book teens will turn to time and time again.

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I LOVE THIS BOOK. It is truly inspiring. Ever since I was a little young, I have had some struggles with confidence and my overall self so this is just proves that you have to teach young women from young age to be truly to themselves and not worry the world and what its standards are. The images that Nicole & Kristin provided are incredible, I am glad that they decided to come out with truth and actually show that fashion world is not all blitz & glam. Incredible read, should be a part of every girl's life!


I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 

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[Review] Let the Journey Begin

Let the Journey Begin

Powerful, life-changing messages for a vital time in life.

Graduation is a time of excitement and uncertainty. For graduates the question is, will they face the future with or without God? Let the Journey Begin repack is filled with godly wisdom, encouragement, and guidance from bestselling and trusted author Max Lucado for students about to embark on new steps in their life journey. Graduates will be reassured that they are not alone-God is with them every step of their way.

This bestselling book will include thirty-two additional pages of new content, all consisting of excerpts, quotes, and scripture as well as an updated interior design to appeal to a new generation of graduates. Included are pages for personal goals, favorite verses of scripture, and prayers.

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Graduating just in couple of months, this book has been an eye opener for me. Although I already have a job and pretty stable on where I am, I know that when I graduate, my life will change. Let the Journey Begin provided a great guide on what to expect from life and my spirituality. Max Lucado truly is a great author and made believe that my path will be exciting and although I will face challenges, it's a part of life and I should take it as it comes. 


I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 

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[Review] Believe Student Edition: Living the Story of the Bible to Become Like Jesus

Living the Story of the Bible to Become Like Jesus

Written for teens, Believe: Student Edition is part of the national church-wide campaign led by bestselling author Randy Frazee that takes teens on a journey to become more like Jesus in their beliefs, actions, and character.

It’s one thing to know the story of the Bible. It’s another thing to live it.

From bestselling author and pastor Randy Frazee comes an exciting new all-church discipleship program inspired by the success of The Story. Introducing students and teens to the big ideas of Christian life and theology in a way that is clear and accessible, Believe: Student Edition helps them understand how to live out God’s story in their own lives. As they walk through the three big categories of faith—beliefs, practices, and virtues—they’ll begin a journey that will take them closer to the heart of Jesus and deeper into the words of Scripture.

Relevant, practical, and deeply fundamental, Believe: Student Edition is a must-read for any student serious about their faith.

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Believe Student Edition is a great guide for anyone who is trying to get closer to God and revalue their morals to be more stronger. It is divided into 3 sections for easy formatting and really does a great job of making sure that the teen is good in studying scriptures and understanding more of their meaning. 

Highly recommended, I agree with the format and think it's a great addition to any household. 
I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 

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[Review] What Keeps You Up at Night?: How to Find Peace While Chasing Your Dreams

What Keeps You Up at Night?

“I just can’t ever seem to shut off my brain and rest.”

It's easy to feel paralyzed by uncertainty. We want our questions answered, our decisions affirmed, and our plans applauded. But life doesn't come with an instruction manual and rarely follows a straight path. How would your life change if you learned to lean into uncertainty instead of waiting on the sidelines for just the right moment or opportunity?

The paradox of faith is that you can't activate it until you act on it. Trust compels us to move forward. If you don't, then you'll be left with a laundry list of unrealized expectations. You were meant to experience a life of abundance and blessing, not frustration and failure.

Clarity only comes when we look back. So if you wait until you have clarity, you'll never find it. Instead, you must move forward even when you feel scared to death. That is when you'll be able to turn the fears that keep you up at night into fuel for your journey.

If you want to experience a breakthrough in your life, then you must find a new cadence that will provide the strength you need to move forward in spite of your doubts, questions, and fears. The rhythm of faith is not hinged upon our circumstances but our willingness to surrender.

In his most insightful work since the debut bestseller, Plan B, Pete Wilson provides a plan for living that will lead you to a place of peace that you've only dreamed about and a life filled with meaning, significance, and satisfaction. 

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What Keeps You At Night is a lot more than just a study on how to overcome your fear of the unknown and try to get to the bottom of the issue of those thoughts that keep you from getting good night's sleep. This has been one of my problems for a very long time since my brain is always working, figuring out possibilities on the future, the next day, and going over all the worries that I have on my plate. 

This book is highly recommended to those that are strong in their faith but also those that are in question with God and His existence. It gave me a lot to think about and try to understand the process that my brain goes through while trying to get to sleep and going through the day. It is extremely well written and very enjoyable.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 

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[Review] Fairness Is Overrated: And 51 Other Leadership Principles to Revolutionize Your Workplace

Fairness is Overrated

Executive pastor and leadership coach Tim Stevens shows readers how to create the organizational culture they'd love to work in themselves.

Profitable organizations require a healthy culture, and Pastor Tim Stevens knows the secret sauce for a vibrant and successful workplace. Drawn from his experience working at Granger Community Church in Indiana, where he leads a team of more than 130 people, and from growing a worldwide ministry--5,000 people in three locations in Granger and 1,800 churches in India--"Fairness Is Overrated" lays out a practical blueprint for success.

Short, digestible chapters--fueled by practical bullet-points, discussion questions, and real-life examples--give lessons and practical advice few leadership manuals teach, such as how resumes are worthless and Facebook and Twitter shouldn't be prohibited at work. Whether it's the power of switching off the iPhone in a meeting, balancing the visions of artists and leaders, or how to fire people with grace, "Fairness Is Overrated" is packed with practical tips for real leadership, every single day.

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Fairness is Overrated is definitely one of the books to have on your shelf. From leadership to getting to know yourself, this is the book to highlight, highlight, highlight. The book is pretty much self-explanatory since you do get 52 chapters that are filled with great principles on how to be a better leader and be the best you can be overall. 

“No one is going to put rumble strips in your life for you. That is up to you. Your rumble strips may not be the same as mine, and mine may not be the same as yours. But everyone needs rumble strips. It all begins with self-leadership; before we talk about leading a church or a business, we must talk about being a leader worth following.” 

What I loved about this book is that it's not your typical "This book will fix all your problems" feel to it but more of a "This is just guidance" style which I appreciated. Many people try to sell you their books to show that they are the best on the market and it will change your life and then you feel ripped off. This is all about the principles that came from author's experience. Great writing, great tone of voice, highly recommend! 
I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 

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[Review] How to Survive Middle School and Monster Bots

How to Survive Middle School and Monster Bots

Sometimes, being smart just isn't enough.

It s been a rough semester for Howard Boward, science genius. Not only is he having to dodge winter s most feared weapon (snowballs), his close friend, Winnie McKinney, is barely speaking to him. If that weren t enough, he s the favorite target of some bullies who seem determined to make life at Dolley Madison Middle School as miserable as possible. 

But then Howard learns about an upcoming robot-building contest finally a chance to show off his science skills and beat archrival Gerald G-Force Forster! Unfortunately, the only way to win is by using his secret monster goo, a formula that has terrifying side effects. 

Can Howard resist the temptation? Or will he unleash a robot rampage that could destroy the town and ruin the school dance?" 

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First of all - Howard Boward. How fun is it to say his name? If there is a person out there with a real name like that - I want it & you are my hero! How to Survive Middle School and Monster Bots is really a fun read and perfect for middle grade. Although he is very smart and can be considered as "geeky", the bullying from other kids doesn't stop him from still thinking he is the best. When he doesn't get invited to a science club that has a contest in building robots, he will do anything to win. 

I loved the life lesson that this novel represents. A lot of the times, middle grade characters are not portrayed the way they should be and it's good to see that this is not the case. Howard and other boys are a perfect example of that age group and definitely think that middle grade boys should check this out. Monster robots with a hidden life lesson? Definitely a winner!!!
I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 

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[Review] The Butterfly and the Violin by Kristy Cambron

The Butterfly and the Violin

"Fresh. Fascinating. Unforgettable. "The Butterfl y and the Violin "is a masterpiece of a debut." --Laura Frantz, author of "Love's Reckoning"

." . . impossible to put down." --"RT Book Reviews," 4 1/2 Stars, TOP PICK!

A Mysterious painting breathes hope and beauty into the darkest corners of Auschwitz--and the loneliest hearts of Manhattan.

Manhattan art dealer Sera James watched her world crumble at the altar two years ago, and her heart is still fragile. Her desire for distraction reignites a passion for a mysterious portrait she first saw as a young girl--a painting of a young violinist with piercing blue eyes.

In her search for the painting, Sera crosses paths with William Hanover--the grandson of a wealthy California real estate mogul--who may be the key to uncovering the hidden masterpiece. Together Sera and William slowly unravel the story behind the painting's subject: Austrian violinist Adele Von Bron.

A darling of the Austrian aristocracy of 1942, talented violinist, and daughter to a high-ranking member of the Third Reich, Adele risks everything when she begins smuggling Jews out of Vienna. In a heartbeat, her life of prosperity and privilege dissolves into a world of starvation and barbed wire.

As Sera untangles the secrets behind the painting, she finds beauty in the most unlikely of places: the grim camps of Auschwitz and the inner recesses of her own troubled heart.

"In her historical series debut, Cambron expertly weaves together multiple plotlines, time lines, and perspectives to produce a poignant tale of the power of love and faith in difficult circumstances. Those interested in stories of survival and the Holocaust, such as Eli Wiesel's "Night," will want to read." --"Library Journal," starred review

." . . debut novelist Cambron vividly recounts interwoven sagas of heartache and recovery through courage, love, art, and faith." --"Publishers Weekly"

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A story that follows the life of two women, whose lives are connected by a painting. One women is from the era of WWII, the other women is from the present day, but the way the two stories entwine is amazing.

Sobering and exhilarating all in the same breath, Cambron constructs two love stories, one in the past and one in the present. Both are so compelling I didn't want either of them to stop. Every chapter ends in a cliffhanger. Every paragraph breathes indomitable spirit and emotion as the author expertly weaves the past and present together until they become intertwined into an astonishing conclusion.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 

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[Bible Review] Teen Study Bible, NIV

Teen Study Bible, NIV

The bestselling NIV Teen Study Bible has an all-new updated design to appeal to the next generation of teens. Packed full of study features that help today's students learn more about God, the Bible, and how God's Word relates to their lives, this Bible includes the following features:

• "We Believe" unpacks the Apostles' Creed to reveal the biblical foundation of faith
• Topical indexes help with in-depth Bible study
• Book introductions provide an overview for each book of the Bible
• Bible promises highlight Bible verses worth remembering
• Q and As test Bible knowledge
• 4 color pages include a presentation page and information about the Apostles' Creed
• 8-page full-color map section
• Biblical advice about friends, family, school, and other issues
• Complete text of the bestselling New International Version (NIV) of the Bible

With over 3.5 million copies sold, the NIV Teen Study Bible continues to be a teen's top resource for discovering the foundational truths of the Bible.

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Made for Teens & Young Adults, this Study Guide is perfect to say everything in the way how it is supposed to be said. Alot of times, people are intimidated by the Bible and don't know where to start but this guide has everything that a teen needs in order to read the word daily. 

With modern design and font, it's perfect for everyone who is a visual learner. The guide includes many unique features that any teenager would love and think "that's pretty awesome". Panorama, To The Point, Dear Jordan, Instant Access are just some of the features that make reading easier and more interesting. As being a young adult, I loved the concept and thought that it was an amazing guide to have. However, do not purchase this blindly and have a chance to look it over before purchasing it for yourself or the teenager in your life. 

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

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