Sunday Salon: The Best Friend by Melody Carlson

It’s time for Sunday Salon where we gather to relax and discuss the various books we’ve read during the past week.

Sunday Salon is the perfect time for the inspirational book I have to share with you today. It’s a YA that is the second book in a series, but is a stand alone read.

THE BEST FRIEND by Melody Carlson

Lisha Vance can’t figure out what has happened seemingly overnight. One day she has friends and the next they ignore her.

Even her best friend Janelle doesn’t have time for her. Janelle has become friends with her new neighbor, Chelsea Martin. She tells Lisha that she’s just trying to be a good Christian.

When Riley Atkins, a popular cheerleader, pays attention to Lisha things start to change. Before long Lisha makes the cheerleading squad and has a new group of friends. However, she soon realizes the price for popularity maybe far more than she’s willing to pay.

Author Melody Carlson has captured the highs and lows teenagers face when trying to be popular. She weaves in a message without being overpowering.

Protagonist Lisha Vance is a typical teenage girl facing her high school junior year. Her problems are realistic when she loses her perspective and has doubts about her faith. She learns what friendship really means.

THE BEST FRIEND is an installment in the Life at Kingston High series. It’s aimed at young teens but is a thought-provoking read that adults will find refreshing too. The story is a quick read that may remind adults the trials they faced in high school.

Author Melody Carlson’s website is www.melodycarlson.com

Available June 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. 

The Best Friend by Melody Carlson, Life at Kingston High, Revell, @2012, ISBN: 978-0800719630, Paperback, 224 Pages   

FTC Full Disclosure - I request this book as part of a blog tour and it was sent to me in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

 

Do you remember the highs and lows of wanting to be popular in high school? Thanks so much for stopping by today. Have a wonderful Sunday and enjoy a book today.

Space Organizing and Mona Lisa

Can you name all the publishing companies?

You can probably name the major forces in the publishing world and many up-and-coming new ones. But all, …. that would be amazing.

Almost every day or so I see a book published by a company I hadn’t heard of before. That was the case when I ran across Revell, a division of Baker Publishign Group. They publish a vast array of books and 2 from completely different genres catch my eye.

SMALL SPACE ORGANIZING by Kathryn Bechen

When it comes to being organized, I need all the help I can get. SMALL SPACE ORGANIZING is a handy guide to help with all your clutter.

The book contains practical tips and resources no matter the challenging space or budget. The useful decorating tips show no matter the size, every inch can be utilized.

Throughout the book, author Kathryn Bechen shares her own experiences living in small spaces. She contends small spaces don’t have to be viewed as cramped and tiny, but as cozy and welcoming.

The book features 17 chapters and each chapter ends with a place for your own small space notes. A few of my favorite chapters include: Bathroom Bliss: Organizing Your Small Bathroom for a Spa-Like Experience; Home Office Heaven: How to Organize Your Office for Success; and Oh Storage, Where Art Thou?

There are helpful tips on how to rearrange areas and useful small additions to give added storage. You can use items with dual purposes such as an ottoman with a hinged lid for additional storage space. The overall message, however, is to discard unused clutter from your living space.

If you need a little help getting your house organized, SMALL SPACE ORGANIZING will fit the bill.

Available January 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

  
Small Space Organizing: A Room-by-Room Guide to Maximizing Your Space by Kathryn Bechen, Revell, @2012, ISBN: 978-0800720285, Paperback, 240 Pages 

FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

 

CHASING MONA LISA by Tricia Goyer and Mike Yorkey

Works of priceless art have been the target of thieves throughout the ages. But what if the art was the Mona Lisa? How far would thieves and protectors go for this gem?

In the latest thriller by Tricia Goyer and Mike Yorkey, the famous Mona Lisa is sought by Reichsmarschal Hermann Goring. It’s August 1944 in Paris and Goring wants the painting as a postwar bargaining chip.

However, Swiss OSS agents Gabi Mueller and Eric Hofstadler are two very determined protectors of the masterpiece. They will go to great lengths to keep the painting safe.

CHASING MONA LISA is a fast-pace, adrenaline-driven, keep you on the edge of your seat read. The story flows smoothly with bits of dialect native to the region described on the journey.

The story is rich with details of the era and the locations the pair travel in their quest to protect France’s greatest treasure. The authors blend history with a suspenseful mystery, adding twists for more intrigue.

CHASING MONA LISA is more than a story of a painting or a war-torn France. It’s intrigue, adventure, heroism, dedication, and a touch of romance (it is set in Paris, after all).

The enigmatic smile of the famous lady will bring a smile to your face as you discover the last twist at the story’s end. This is the second installment in the adventures of Gabi and Eric, but is a stand alone read. 

Available January 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Chasing Mona Lisa by Tricia Goyer and Mike Yorkey, Revell, @2012, ISBN: 978-0800720469, Paperback, 336 Pages 

FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

 

Are you looking to organize a favorite room in your house? Do you enjoy books that combine suspense and history? Thanks so much for stopping by today.