Tuesday, December 27, 2016

The Kindness Challenge by Shaunti Feldhahn



The Kindness Challenge by Shaunti Feldhahn is more than I thought it would be. Feldhahn admits that it’s basic: in the first chapter, she reveals the three aspects of the Kindness Challenge.

The simple challenge includes saying only positive words about the person the reader seeks to have an improved relationship with, intentionally praising the person, and performing acts of kindness for the person.

But, simple does not equate with easy. And for that reason, likely the same reason the book exists, I kept reading.

Feldhahn fills her book with anecdotes from people who’ve taken the Kindness Challenge, and she displays statistics showing rates of improvement in various relationships. Most of the examples that Feldhahn gives are from husbands and wives, but the Kindness Challenge can apply to any relationship.

The books ends with three step-by-step instructions for how to complete the Kindness Challenge: one set for a husband completing the challenge for a wife, one set for a wife completing the challenge for a husband, and one set for anyone.

While the book could have ended after chapter one, the anecdotes and tips that Feldhahn gives are genuinely helpful for someone intentionally seeking to improve a relationship—especially a notably starved or hostile one.

"I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review."

Monday, December 12, 2016

"The Lord’s Prayer: Words of Hope and Happiness” by Rick Warren and illustrated by Richard Jesse Watson


This book, “The Lord’s Prayer: Words of Hope and Happiness” by Rick Warren and illustrated by Richard Jesse Watson, exudes an aura of gentleness.  The cover features a girl, head bowed, feeding birds seeds from her hands.

The hardcover book opens to a dozen two-page spreads with large, detailed illustrations accompanied by a verse of The Lord’s Prayer. On the right-hand side of the page is Warren’s commentary of the Prayer. The commentary can be easily understood by children, and under the child-friendly commentaries is a short prayer of thanks to God.

The book offers options for readers. Parents and children can enjoy only the Prayer and pictures or they can indulge in the commentaries too. The commentaries could easily spark conversation and spiritual discussion with older children.

The illustrations are beautiful. What I especially appreciate about them is that they include children of varying nationalities.

The book concludes with The Lord’s Prayer written in its entirety.




The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through BookSneeze®. I was not required to write a positive review.

Tuesday, October 18, 2016

Devotions for Christmas published by Zondervan

Devotions for Christmas: a celebration to bring you joy and peace published by Zondervan is a beautiful book to hold, read, and ponder.

The book is a small, easily held hardcover decorated with majestic, festive gold and silver snowflakes.

Within this holiday delight is a devotion for each day in December - the idea of the book is to not focus on hallothankmus (the grotesque combining of Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas that is described early on in the book) . . . and delight in Him each day of the holiday season.

Each day is presented enticingly as a mini chapter. A one or two-page spread elegantly illustrated with Christmas themes opens each daily devotion. The devotions spread over two pages, and they are accessible, smooth, and thoughtful, allowing readers to be calmly contemplative during the holiday season.

Each devotion asks questions that prompt readers to be gracious and loving this holiday season.

Following each devotion is a prayer and a verse or poem, and the entire book is decorated in a peaceful, soft, snowy, theme that creates a calm and grand feeling - perfect for opening on a Winter day as readers reflect on the birth of the King.

I can't wait for December so that I can enjoy this book again each day!!

Saffire by Sigmund Brouwer

I think that lovers of fiction will get into this book. I normally stray away from fiction, but this book had such a strong promotion that I figured I'd give it a try. 

The protagonist, James Holt, is a likable, believeable guy. He is from th Dakotas but is sent on a mission to Panama during the time when the Panama Canal is being constructed. 

Like me any engaging work of fiction, this plot includes mystery and romance. Personally I found the story hard to stay engaged with, but I think that if readers are avid readers of fiction and have a propensity for learning about the history surrounding th Panama Canal that they will enjoy the story. 

The story is well written, and Brouwer cleverly ends his chapters with revelations that make readers wanting more. 

Saturday, September 17, 2016

“The Berenstain Bears’ Holiday Cookbook: Cub-Friendly Cooking with An Adult” by Mike Berenstain


I need to have a kid over so that we can use “The Berenstain Bears’ Holiday Cookbook: Cub-Friendly Cooking with An Adult” by Mike Berenstain!

This children’s book is just what the title suggests: a cookbook for adult bears and cubs to use together. Kids ages 3-12 will likely use this book the most. The book includes forty recipes, each centered around a specific holiday including Valentine’s Day, Easter, Fourth of July, Fall Festivities, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Each holiday section is prefaced with a Bible verse and a story about the Bear family preparing for the holiday season. Each recipe is a two-page spread that includes a list of ingredients, directions, and a picture of the finished product. Also on each spread is a picture of our beloved bears.

I remember using cookbooks such as this when I was a kid, and they were a fun way for me to learn to cook, bake, and have fun in the kitchen. This book is easy to navigate and use, and it’s full of color, vibrancy, and pictures (of food and the bears) that will lure kids in.

The spiritual aspect of this book is, of course, a nice touch, and I like how the author introduces each holiday with a story. Not only can bears and cubs cook together, but they can also read together! I definitely recommend this book to others.


The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through BookSneeze®. I was not required to write a positive review.

Tuesday, August 23, 2016

“One Big Turkey” written and illustrated by Anne Vittur Kennedy


 
If you’re looking for a vibrant, colorful, happy book about Fall, this is the book for you. The cardboard pages, cut out in the shape of a turkey, are sure to grab kids’ attention.

Not only is this a storybook, it’s also a counting book. On page one the reader is introduced to one turkey and one squirrel. One page two, two hungry deer come out to play. On page three, three little mice enjoy some berries, and on the adventure goes until page 10.

The turkey and squirrel appear throughout the book as an engaging seek-and-find for kids. The words on the pages rhyme, creating a musical story for children to easily grasp and enjoy. The end of the story closes with a bedtime prayer.

This book is most appropriate for kids ages 0-4. The message is clear, and the illustrations are engaging.

I recommend this book to others.


The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through BookSneeze®. I was not required to write a positive review.

Friday, July 29, 2016

Living with Intent by Mallika Chopra


https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://images.randomhouse.com/cover/9780804139878?width%3D125%26alt%3Dno_cover_b4b.gif&source=gmail&ust=1469882396798000&usg=AFQjCNHD0LwJtYcvgaP7OL5vRs86ZxT5nQ

 
Live with intent. Live life on purpose. Discover who you are, not who you think you are. Incubate. Notice. Trust. Express. Nurture. Take Action.

Mallika Chopra’s warm dialogue prompts her readers to live intentionally in the moment. The book is geared toward women, as Chopra repeatedly shares her experiences as a daughter and a mother, but the lessons she shares are universal.

Chopra shows her readers how to be quiet and listen. How to look around them and see. See a need and fill it. How to do the something we’ve been wanting to do. To show appreciation, and to be our best selves—however different that may look from our own often silly expectations.

Chopra’s honesty made this book enjoyable. Her many references to her father, whom she assumes her readers are familiar with, are cumbersome to readers who aren’t familiar with him—but despite that, readers can read between the lines and see Chopra’s good intentions.

"I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review."

Tuesday, July 19, 2016

Happy Harvest by Jean Fischer


This puffy Precious Moments board book  "Happy Harvest" written by Jean Fischer will endear children to the delights of fall.

Most appropriate for kids ages 0-5, this book highlights Autumn activities: going to school, apple picking, Thanksgiving, football, camping, hayrides, etc. Each page spread covers 1-3 fall treasures. For example, one page spread includes Campfire and Roasting Marshmallows. Under each of those headings is a short rhyme written by Fischer or attributed to another poet. Each page spread includes a Bible verse that fits well with the pages’ theme, and of course, each page is decorated with Sam Butcher’s soft, sweet, happy illustrations of children, animals, families, and more.  

I was surprised by and happy with the number of pages in this book. Halfway through, I thought to myself I’m only halfway through? This book is thorough and delightful. Read in summer, it will heighten kids’ anticipation for the season, and read in fall, it will show kids all of the fun activities that the season brings.

I recommend this book to others.


The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through BookSneeze®. I was not required to write a positive review.

 

Thursday, July 14, 2016

Beauty Begins by Chris Shook and Megan Shook Alpha


While a book written for women with the word beauty in the title could easily have been another mundane monologue about how being obese (unhealthy) is acceptable because everyone is beautiful, this book was much, much more than that.

Beauty Begins by mother-daughter team Chris Shook and Megan Shook Alpha is an easily held hardcover gem that reminds women that beauty begins with the Creator. A beautiful woman is one who clothes herself with the wardrobe God gives us as outlined in Colossians 3:12-14.

The 200-page book is a quick read divided into three sections (“The Beautiful Truth,” “The Beautiful Struggle,” and “The Beautiful Rebellion”) each containing three chapters. Each chapter begins with a Bible verse and a quote.

The book was written with striking intentionality. Often when reading a book splattered with Bible verses I tend to skip over the verses, but each verse these women chose to include spoke to me.

The essence of the authors’ message is found on page 43: “The answer to beauty is not outer appearance, because that’s not the source of beauty.” Beautiful. This is a book I wish I had read as a teenager and is sure to be an inspiring book for woman of all ages.

I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.

Wednesday, July 13, 2016

Life is Better at the Beach by Christina Vinson


The 300-page book Life is Better at the Beach: Inspiration for Living Each Day Like You’re at the Beach written by Christina Vinson exudes an aroma of peace and contentment.

The book is intended to be a gift book: the first page is devoted to writing TO: and FROM: for the receiver.

Each of the fifteen chapters is a Beach Rule. Beach Rule #1 is Wake up smiling. Beach Rule #4 is Look for seashells. Beach Rule #10 is Observe the tide.

Clear, calm pictures enhance every chapter. The chapters are approximately 15 pages long and contain roughly as many pages of pictures and pictures with quotes/Bible verses as words.

The writing is smooth, gentle, and the tips are believable. Just reading the passages made me feel calm and like I should start right away to live every day like I’m at the beach.

I recommend this book to others – for themselves or to give as a gift.


The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through BookSneeze®. I was not required to write a positive review.

Friday, July 8, 2016

“Night Night, Farm” by Amy Parker


“Night Night, Farm” by Amy Parker and illustrated by Virginia Allyn is a medium-sized, puffy-covered board book for ages infant to toddler.

The story is about farm animals getting ready for and going to bed – the piggies have to bathe,

the calf gets a lullaby, a little foal (especially cute in green jammies) falls asleep at his daddy’s

feet after a long day of play, and little lambs count sheep. At the end of the story the narrator

reminds the reader that God created all of the animals – and him too!

All of the pages are completely illustrated and are full of vibrant colors. The pictures are engaging – there is lots for parents to point out to their children. On each page (except one . . . you’ll see why when you read the book) there are two little mice who also seem to be watching the story. The surprise that the mice give at the end would be exciting for children.

I recommend this book to others.


The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through BookSneeze®. I was not required to write a positive review.

 

Monday, July 4, 2016

Find Your Extraordinary by Jessica DiLullo Herrin

Success is happiness. Women need to celebrate the choices of other women. Achieving extraordinary requires belief in yourself (beyond reason) and includes a focus on passion, positivity, people, perseverance, and productivity.
Jessica DiLullo Herrin, in Find Your Extraordinary: Dream Bigger, Live Happier, and Achieve Success on Your Own Terms shows people—mainly women—the qualities that are necessary to shed a life of ordinary and become extraordinary on their own terms.
DiLullo asks her readers to discover what matters most to them and then she show them, with inspiring examples from her own success story and others, how to achieve a life full of what matters most to us. The book is split into easily digested sections, and the stories and quotes that DiLullo includes in her writing offer relativity and motivation.
DiLullo’s advice is reasonable and encouraging, and is best summed up by this quote that is cited at the beginning of chapter 3: “You can only become truly accomplished at something you love. Don’t make money your goal. Instead, pursue the things you love doing, and then do them so well that people can’t take their eyes off you.” –Maya Angelou
More information can be found at DiLullo’s website helloextraordinary.com.
"I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review."

Sunday, June 26, 2016

"The Berenstain Bears' Caring and Sharing Treasury" by Jan and Mike Berenstain


I’m addicted to Berenstain Bear books. So of course when I saw Jan and Mike Berenstain’s “The Berenstain Bears’ Caring and Sharing Treasury,” I wanted to read it. The collection contains five books. All of the books are faith stories and part of the “Living Lights” series.

The first book, “Jobs Around Town,” because of its simple, almost lack of, a plot, is geared toward three year olds, whereas the other stories in the collection would please 4-8 year olds. The narrator in this story is ambiguous. Is it Brother? Is it the author? I couldn’t tell. All of the illustrations were full-page and vibrant. The story is simple—it’s reads as a series of observations rather than as a story.

The second story, “Get Involved,” was a more substantial story. Dialogue kept the story engaging and progressing. This story, as well as the rest, also had vibrant, full-page illustrations.

“Love Their Neighbors,” the third story, was a clever retelling of the Good Samaritan story. I appreciated that this book was a thorough story with an overt moral message.

The fourth story, “Gossip Gang,” is my favorite. The storyline is smooth and thorough, and the authors articulately tackle a big issue that kids have.

“The Biggest Brag,” the final story, also has vibrant, detailed illustrations and a clearly-presented message which could have been enhanced with more Bible references.

At the end of the Treasury are the “Talk about it” and “Get out and do it” sections that correspond with each story.

I recommend this collection to others.


The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through BookSneeze®. I was not required to write a positive review.

Monday, June 20, 2016

"School Time Blessings" by Mike Berenstain


“School Time Blessings” by Mike Berenstain teaches children about casting their anxieties on the Lord.

I recently cuddled up on the couch with my four-year-old niece, and we read stories. We started with “No Girls Allowed” by Stan and Jan Berenstain – a Berenstain Bear book from my childhood. After that book, we read “School Time Blessings.”

I find that the first generation of Berenstain Bear books focus on having a thorough storyline, and the new books focus on applying a spiritual insight. Both are good.

“School Time Blessings” seems to have more spiritual references than some of Mike Berenstain’s other books do. When we came to the first mention of God, my niece asked, “are these Sabbath books?” That made me smile. I’m glad that Mike Berenstain has made his books “Living Lights” stories. I quietly told my niece that we can read about God any day, and we finished the story.

“School Time Blessings” offers everything Mike Berenstain’s other books do – vibrant illustrations, a Bear Country lesson, and a kid-friendly story. I recommend this book to others.


The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through BookSneeze®. I was not required to write a positive review.

Sunday, June 12, 2016

Great Stories of the Bible illustrated by David Miles


“Great Stories of the Bible” from the Zonderkidz I Can Read! Adventure Bible Series, with pictures by David Miles, is accessible, Biblically accurate, and vibrantly illustrated.

This book is in the Level 2 category of the I Can Read series. Level 2 is defined as “High-interest stories for developing readers.” This hardcover book contains six stories: “God’s Great Creation,” “Facing the Blazing Furnace,” “Ruth and Naomi,” “Miracles of Jesus,” “A Father’s Love,” and “The Good Samaritan.” The purpose of all of the stories is to emphasize God’s greatness and the reward that come from serving Him.

I enjoy all of the books in this series that I’ve read. The illustrations are always engaging, and while the Bible stories are simplified, they are still provocative. The spiritual messages are clear, and the stories are written in a style that is attractive and accessible for children. At the end of each story, there is an information page that can be used for further instruction between parent and child. Sometimes Bible verses are given, characters are discussed further, or lessons from the story are amplified. This treasury of six stories is a gem, and I definitely recommend it to others.


The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through BookSneeze®. I was not required to write a positive review.

Friday, May 6, 2016

Unstuffed: Decluttering Your Home, Mind, & Soul


Unstuffed: Decluttering Your Home, Mind, & Soul by Ruth Soukup is a well-organized, relatable, friendly book about just what the title claims it is.

Soukup divides her tips into three categories: Home, Mind, and Soul. Within each she covers topics such as battling the storage advertisements, how to declutter despite kids, how to graciously refuse or discard gifts, and decluttering schedules, relationships, and leisure.

Recently I’ve read a few books on the topic of minimalizing, and what I enjoyed about Soukups is how she organized it and how she gave good, practical ideas. Some books about minimalizing/decluttering dive too deeply into the depths of common sense. Of course they all must scratch the surface—but Soukup did a good job of teaching her readers some practical strategies for living more intentionally. I don’t have kids, but if I ever do, I’ll probably find myself rereading the chapter about kids. Soupkup gracefully addresses issues that most women face, and she encourages us to be the best versions of ourselves we can be.

I recommend this book to other readers.


The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through BookSneeze®. I was not required to write a positive review.

The More of Less by Joshua Becker


https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://images.randomhouse.com/cover/9781601427960?width%3D125%26alt%3Dno_cover_b4b.gif&source=gmail&ust=1462664173785000&usg=AFQjCNGuOKkPR1aQqRM3J25RMvdGOBjyEg

If someone is looking to clean up a life—to work hard to feel fresh and revived—then this book is for him or her.

Joshua Becker tells about he began his minimalism journey and how decluttering his possessions, his relationships, and his leisure time led to a more fulfilling life.

This book is a thorough manual telling the benefits of minimalism and the methods necessary to achieve a true change.

I found Becker’s advice to be too thorough. However, someone who is looking for a complete overhaul and is foreign to the concept of living intentionally will find this book to be helpful. Becker not only discusses minimalizing possessions, but all aspects of life.

To find out more about The More of Less, visit here.

I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.

Sunday, April 17, 2016

Breaking Busy by Alli Worthington


 

Breaking Busy: How to find peace and purpose in a world of crazy by Alli Worthington is a quick-reading, 10-chapter book that teaches readers how to shun the world’s call of busyness by identifying their true calling, turning to God for contentment and purpose, and evaluating what matters in their lives.

I enjoyed every page of this book. Alli’s prose is witty, honest, tender, and propulsive, and Alli’s willingness to share her own stories legitimized her suggestions. I gained many ideas from this well-organized book and was reminded of many others. I appreciate how Alli earnestly speaks of Biblical principles—essentially, living the lives God called us to live is what allows us to break busy. Alli’s writing style encourages readers to take her suggestions—to listen to the calling her have—and to become their best selves.

I definitely recommend this book to others. I will probably return to it to read chapters here and there if not the whole thing again.


The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through BookSneeze®. I was not required to write a positive review.

Tuesday, April 5, 2016

Enlarge my Territory? Bring it on! by Suzi Johnson


Suzi Johnson’s book is a collection of tidbits about how to live the best lives we can. She presents a collection of life stories, mantras, scripture lessons, and self-help/motivational excerpts. The book is divided into three parts—each part containing the type of material as listed above. Suzi’s goal seems to be to inspire her readers to be their best selves.

Suzi is definitely an energetic and positive person with a passion for leading people to Christ. This tone is evident in her book. Nonetheless, her book didn’t pull me in. Her ideas seemed to lack coherent organization. She has definitely been inspired by The Prayer of Jabez. Consequently, I thought the book would be a more focused piece of advice on how to enlarge one’s territory. This book seems like something that would be shared with family around a fire or in a living room. If I were a member of Johnson’s family I think the book would be more appealing to me—Johnson’s personal stories and regrets would have personal meaning and not seem detached from her overall purpose.

I don’t recommend this book to people who aren’t Johnson’s family or close friends, but I applaud Johnson’s energy and desire to lead others to Christ.


The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through BookSneeze®. I was not required to write a positive review.

Saturday, April 2, 2016

Paul Meets Jesus - a Zonderkidz story


The Zonderkidz I Can Read! books are consistently well written and illustrated. “Paul Meets Jesus” is not an exception. This story is in Level 2 of the I Can Read! series, which is for kids “reading with help.” Probably kids ages 4-6.

 
The story is about Paul meeting Jesus and changing from a bad man trying to punish Jesus followers to a sold-out follower of Jesus himself. Paul meets God as a flash of light from above, he becomes blinded for three days, he receives his sight back, he gets baptized, and he spends the rest of his life praising God and being persecuted for doing so.

 
The spiritual message in this book is subtle. I think parents would need to help kids put the pieces together—especially since Jesus and God are not visible in the story. Paul’s conversion seems a bit quick, but with help parents will be able to guide their kids through the story. What I appreciate about this story is that it tells the complete conversion story of Paul and is true to the Biblical account. I do wish, however, that somewhere the publishers would have included the Bible verses from which the story came. The illustrations are bold and attractive, the story is complete, and I recommend this book to others.

 
http://booksneeze.com/blogger/resources/9781400203048

 
The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through BookSneeze®. I was not required to write a positive review. 

Saturday, March 19, 2016

"Elijah, God's Mighty Prophet" illustrations by David Miles


 

“Elijah, God’s Mighty Prophet” from the Zonderkidz I Can Read! Adventure Bible Series, with pictures by David Miles, is an animatedly illustrated, clear, complete story for kids.  

This story is in the Level 2 category of the I Can Read series. Level 2 is defined as “High-interest stories for developing readers.” The story teaches about Elijah’s faith in the one, true God. The story shows how God took care of Elijah and in the end showed all of the people in the town that He is the real, living God.

The message is clearly presented. God’s goodness is strongly evident throughout the story. The book provided a complete view of the story of Elijah and God working in his life. The publishers do a good job of making the story accessible but not simple. The illustrations are bold and vivid—what I noticed over and over again was the intensity and accuracy of the characters’ facial expressions. This book has a strong spiritual and educational message: In the back of the book there is a page with a section entitled “People in Bible Times” and a section entitled “Life in Bible Times” in which the idea of a prophet is defined and explored.  

I recommend this book to others.


The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through BookSneeze®. I was not required to write a positive review.

Thursday, March 17, 2016

God's Beloved Daughters by Merrilynn Grodecki



This is a daily devotional written for women. The devotions for each month follow a specific theme (January: New Beginnings, May: God’s Provision, October: Developing Character, etc.). Grodecki wants her female audience to see their worth in Christ and to dwell in the possibilities and the best life that He offers to us. Each devotion begins with some Bible verses to read and then proceeds into a reflection (which reads like a conversation between the author and reader).


This book was interesting, and it inspired me. I almost lost interest after the Introduction—the book seemed to be heading in a direction that focused solely on the author’s personal experience. I’m glad I kept reading though. Grodecki’s care for her readers is evident. The devotions are thoughtful and concise, and the idea of having a theme for each month keeps the devotions fresh. I plan to incorporate this encouraging book into my devotional time. I like that Grodecki includes a short Bible reading with each devotion and that her devotions vary in form—some are anecdotal, some reflective, all encouraging.


I recommend this book to others.


The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through BookSneeze®. I was not required to write a positive review.

Friday, March 11, 2016

"Mother's Day Blessings" by Mike Berenstain


“Mother’s Day Blessings” by Mike Berenstain is a sweet tribute to mama bears.

The cubs are excited to present Mama with a surprise for Mother’s Day—they plan to take her out to eat after church. On their way to church, the cubs learn that all children think their mothers are the most special. The cubs also realize that women in their community such as officers and doctors are moms too. As the family drives through Bear Country, the cubs witness the variety of moms being celebrated on this special day.


Mike Berenstain delivers a touching tribute to moms. Watching the cubs discover all of the other moms in the community was endearing. I like the fact that the Bear Family went to church on Mother’s Day. The simple act of a family attending church together is something children need to read and enjoy. The preacher gave a speech of thanks for the moms, and then a Bible verse was mentioned. I thought the Bible verse was a bit of a stretch and I think that kids may find it to be confusing, but perhaps it opens the door for conversation. As always, the inside back cover includes stimulating activities and questions for parents and children.


The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through BookSneeze®. I was not required to write a positive review.

Wednesday, March 2, 2016

"Angels in the Bible Storybook" written by Allia Zobel Nolan and illustrated by Alida Massari

“Angels in the Bible Storybook” is a beautifully written and illustrated gem.  
The small, hard cover book has sturdy, full-color pages that are plastered with vibrant, detailed, colorful pictures and designs. The book is separated into two sections: the Old and New Testaments. Each section has a number of stories about angels. Each story is accompanied by a Bible verse or verses.

The concept of angels is something that I haven’t understood really well and have wanted to learn more about. This book is a delightful storybook for children, but I plan to use it is a study guide to learn more about angels in the Bible. I was unfamiliar with some of the stories presented, and I want to read them in the Bible, while also reading them in the Storybook, and compare and learn. A comprehensive range of stories are presented, and this book will serve as an informative Bible study companion. The writing in this book is engaging and informative.

I highly recommend this book to others.



The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through BookSneeze®. I was not required to write a positive review.

Saturday, February 20, 2016

The James Code by O.S. Hawkins


 

The James Code by O.S. Hawkins has 52 chapters—each chapter focusing on verses and insight from the Book of James.

Hawkins begins by telling his readers that James doesn’t write about faith and works but about a faith that works. Each chapter is titled and is followed by a passage from James. Hawkins then explains the passage and offers illustrations and applications. Each chapter ends with a short passage titled Just Do It! which prompts readers to immediately apply the lesson in the verses.

The book itself is pretty. It would make a nice gift. It’s small and has an embossed, padded cover. The idea of the book is also intriguing—the idea that the Book of James has a code to be cracked. And Hawkins cracks it. His illustrations and applications are simple and short, but profound and inspiring. He left me with a few one-liners to tuck into my pocket and use when I need a boost upward. I also liked how Hawkins began some chapters with the same verses or portions of the same verses. This allowed for continuity in the reading and application of James’ messages.

I recommend this book to others.


The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through BookSneeze®. I was not required to write a positive review.

An encouraging invitation to love


Nick and his beautiful wife (he constantly tells his readers how beautiful she is) have written a humble, real, inspiring book that tells the story of how they met, overcame their feelings of inferiority and insecurity, married, had a baby, and live happily with God at the center of their home.

While most of the story is written by Nick, Kanae also gives her perspective on their relationship. They openly share their love for each other and their desire for others to find a love as satisfying as theirs.

This book contains lessons and insight for many groups of people: people considering marrying, people contemplating abstinence or sex before marriage, newlyweds, new parents, and more.

The Vujicic's writing style is sincere and inviting, and I recommend this book to others. This book was provided to me by Blogging for Books in return for this review.

Monday, January 18, 2016

Parables: The Mysteries of God’s Kingdom Revealed through the Stories Jesus Told by John MacArthur


Parables: The Mysteries of God’s Kingdom Revealed through the Stories Jesus Told by John MacArthur intellectually enlightens readers of the history and meanings of Jesus’ parables.

MacArthur examines twelve of Jesus’ parables. He gives complete context of the characters and time period. He includes the parables and many other explanatory Bible references in each chapter. MacArthur shows his readers what parables are, why Jesus used them, and what they mean for us.

After reading the first few pages, I thought I’d made a mistake in choosing to review this book. MacArthur is obviously a seasoned preacher and intellectual, and the scope of this book was far beyond the simple enlightening I wanted of the parables.

However, the book soon surprised me. MacArthur’s expertise easily opened my eyes to many facts, ideas, and perspectives about the parables that I didn’t know, and I soon found myself voraciously scrolling through the pages. MacArthur’s insight definitely made me think and want to share my new findings with my friends! On top of that, his writer’s craft is brilliant.

I recommend this book to others.


The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through BookSneeze®. I was not required to write a positive review.

Sunday, January 10, 2016

Jesus: Experiencing His Touch: A Study of Mark 1-6

Never having picked up a Bible study guide, I thought I'd give this one a try. It seemed simple, and the cover advertises it as "a 6-week, no-homework Bible study."

The book is only a study of Mark 1-6, so I figured if I didn't like it not much time would be lost. The fact that it only covers Mark 1-6 also made me think that it'd be a bit in-depth and provocative.

At first I was bored. Juggling the book and the Bible was cumbersome, and the author was asking me to underline and draw pictures around certain words. I wasn't into that.

The book has a neat feature--in the margins of each page are full-text copies of the verses being covered. Once I put my Bible away and just used the book, reading the verses right from the pages, I began to enjoy the study a lot more. I still didn't get into marking the verses (drawing squiggly lines under all references to John the Baptist, marking each occurrence of the word sins with an S, etc.), but I think some people would find it meaningful.

The book contains 6 studies. Each study instructs the leader (this book is deigned for small-group study) to read the verses aloud while the group marks words, then there are a few study questions.

Despite my reservations at the beginning, the book is effective because I'm planning to get the next ones in the series.

I was drawn to Jesus' character and his desire for us to have faith in him.

I received this book from Blogging for Books fin turn for an honest review.