The Choice (book)

I just finished reading The Choice by Nicholas Sparks. I loved the Notebook, so when my sister offered to let me borrow her copy of The Choice, I gladly jumped at the chance!

Product Description from the Author's website: "Travis Parker has everything a man could want: a good job, loyal friends, even a waterfront home in small-town North Carolina. In full pursuit of the good life -- boating, swimming, and regular barbecues with his good-natured buddies -- he holds the vague conviction that a serious relationship with a woman would only cramp his style. That is, until Gabby Holland moves in next door. Despite his attempts to be neighborly, the appealing redhead seems to have a chip on her shoulder about him...and the presence of her longtime boyfriend doesn't help. Despite himself, Travis can't stop trying to ingratiate himself with his new neighbor, and his persistent efforts lead them both to the doorstep of a journey that neither could have foreseen. Spanning the eventful years of young love, marriage and family, The Choice ultimately confronts us with the most heart wrenching question of all: how far would you go to keep the hope of love alive?"

My Personal Review: From the beginning of the book, I wondered what "the choice" would be. Every time I thought I had it figured out, something new would come to light. I like it when a book keeps me guessing! This was a very quick read for me and if you liked The Notebook, I think you'll like The Choice too.

Genre: Modern Fiction Romance

Fiber One 90 Calorie Chewy Bars Review & Giveaway

As someone who enjoys granola bars, I was more than happy for the opportunity to review the new Fiber One 90 Calorie Chewy Bars. The new bars are available in craveable flavors such as chocolate and chocolate peanut butter and have only 90 calories, 2 or 2.5 grams of fat and 5 grams of fiber per bar. This new bar recipe has 35% few calories featuring a unique, lighter blend of whole grains and either a chocolate or peanut butter coating on the bottom.

From Fiber One: Research shows that individuals with higher fiber intake tend to have healthier body weights:
· According to the International Food Information Council, there is strong evidence from multiple studies that suggests an association between a fiber-rich diet and lower body mass index.
· Fiber-rich foods help to curb hunger and support long- and short-term weight loss.
· While current guidelines recommend 25 grams of fiber per day (based on a 2,000 calorie diet), most Americans (nine out of 10) are not getting enough.
· Just one Fiber One 90 Calorie Chewy Bar has 20% of the daily recommended fiber intake, according to the Institute of Medicine’s daily fiber recommendations.
[View Full Nutritional Information Here and Here]

Taste Test: The chocolate bar was chewy, lightly crispy and flavorful! This was a yummy treat and I had to remind myself that it was only 90 calories! Even better was how much both of my children enjoyed them as well. My son went so far as to say that he preferred them over his usual granola bars. The chocolate peanut butter chewy bar was also very good and although I personally prefer the chocolate, my husband preferred the chocolate peanut butter.

Can't wait to try it? Then be sure to print this coupon and save yourself some money!

To help spread the word about this new product, I am giving away one (1) Fiber One 90 Calorie Chewy Bars gift pack. (as seen in the above photo)

* For your chance to win a Fiber One 90 Calorie Chewy Bars gift pack, answer this question [this one rule must be followed for entry]:
How do you try to make weight management a little bit easier on yourself?

* If you do not have an active blog or an email address on your blog profile, leave a valid email address, in long form, with your comment.

* Giveaway entries must be received by 9:00 AM EST on Friday, February 12th, 2010.

* 1 winner will be selected via Random.org and will be notified both here at My Personal Reviews and via email.

* The winner will have 3 days to claim their prize. If unclaimed, the giveaway will go to the next person on the list.

* Open to US and Canada only.

{Disclosure: Free product, information, and gift packs from Fiber One through My Blog Spark.}

When the Soul Mends (book)

When the Soul Mends is book 3 from the Sisters of the Quilt series by Cindy Woodsmall.

Product Description from the Author's website: "Rumors and lies left Hannah’s life in tatters; can the truth possibly stitch it back together? Having fled in disgrace more than two years earlier, Hannah finally has found happiness in the Englischer world, as well as love with Martin Palmer, a man with whom she can safely entrust her heart. But almost immediately after her arrival in Owl’s Perch, the disapproval of those who ostracized her reopens old wounds. As Hannah encounters former fiancë Paul Waddell, truths unknown to her surface about the events during her absence and she faces an agonizing decision. Will she choose the Englischer world and the man who restored her hope, or will she return to the Plain Life-and perhaps her first love?"

My Personal Review: While nearing the last chapters of this book, I wondered if it would resolve itself in a timely, yet believable manner - and it did. This series tugged at every emotion, but the overall riding theme I came away with was the power of forgiveness. I thoroughly enjoyed this series and will be reading more of this author's works in the future.

Want to know more? Read an excerpt from the book here!

Genre: Christian Fiction Romance