Isaiah's Daughter by Mesu Andrews

Wow. This is the third Mesu Andrews book that I’ve read, and as always, I couldn’t put it down. Of course I had to, reluctantly, but I did finish as soon as I could! Andrews’ research is admirable makes her stories believable. After reading Isaiah’s Daughter, I read the account of Hezekiah in 2 Kings and was blown away by Andrews’ gift of weaving a narrative and giving historical context to a few Bible verses. I have yet to read the verses she took from Isaiah, but I plan to do that soon.

This book follows the story of Isaiah’s daughter Hephzibah and her marriage to Hezekiah—king of Judah. It is a love story (so tastefully and tantalizingly written!), a story of family hardship, and a story of a king following God’s command.

Mesu, please write more! The amount of work, research, and care Andrews puts into her books is apparent and much appreciated. Even though much of what she writes is fiction, it is believable and makes the Bible stories come alive.

I highly recommend this page-turner!

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

The Beautiful Word for Christmas by Zondervan

What an absolutely beautiful book. Zondervan has produced an enchanting, spirit-filled devotion with their book The Beautiful Word for Christmas to bring the joy of advent to your heart.

The book has a cushy hard cover with embossed snowflakes, taunting the reader to turn the page. The first 50 pages consist of an elaborate but calm, sacred, peaceful illustration of the Christmas story as found in the gospels. An illustration of the verses. To me, this is the best part of the book. As I read these pages I find the power of the gospel story seeping through my veins.

Following this are 31 Christmas devotions. Each devotion is, of course, beautifully illustrated and begins with a Bible verse and ends with a prayer and an activity idea. The devotions are intentional and relevant. One aspect I wasn’t expecting is that this book is geared toward women. Many of the devotions specifically address women, so keep that in mind if you plan to gift this book.

I’m so excited to have this beautiful book, and I hope many other people get to enjoy it as well!

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

Leading Lady: Sherry Lansing and the Making of a Hollywood Groundbreaker by Stephen Galloway

Before seeing this book on BloggingforBooks’ list, I’d never heard of Sherry Lansing, and I’d never been fascinated with the Hollywood lifestyle. I chose to read this book because it’s a biography—which usually prove to be interesting—and a biography about a person who defeated odds and achieved extreme success in her field.

Leading Lady: Sherry Lansing and the Making of a Hollywood Groundbreaker by Stephen Galloway did not disappoint. Galloway’s writing style is crisp, propulsive, and engaging. From this book about a lady whom I’d heard nothing about, I was intrigued to read every detail: her childhood, her lovers, her dreams, her dreams crushed, her accomplishments, and her accolades.

Galloway conducted an impressive amount of research. Included are quotes and anecdotes from Hollywood’s top stars: Tom Cruise, Mel Gibson, Jane Fonda, and more.

This book is a thorough account of Sherry Lansing breaking ground and rising to the top of the totem pole in Hollywood—to be the lead behind movies from Forrest Gump to Mean Girls.

Anyone who wants a seemingly accurate portrayal of Hollywood life and cares to discourse with Hollywood’s finest would enjoy this book.

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

The Christmas Code by O.S. Hawkins

“In the midst of all the busyness of this season, the celebrations, the shopping, the lights, the decorations, the parties, and all the other tinsel, trappings, and trimmings, Advent offers a time of spiritual preparation” (4).

This pamphlet devotional, The Christmas Code: Daily Devotions Celebrating the Advent Season by O.S. Hawkins, takes readers day-by-day through December 1-25.

I picked up this book because I’ve thoroughly enjoyed two of Hawkins’ other books: The Daniel Code and The James Code. Hawkins writes with clarity and insight.

This book would make a great gift: stick it in a stocking, pass it out to a person you encounter while Christmas shopping, or slip it in an envelope and send it in the mail.

Each daily devotional includes a title, a verse, a devotion, a code word, and a prayer.

The code word is my favorite part. The code word for December 17 is Access. Throughout the day, as I remember the word Access, I’ll be reminded of the access we have to Jesus because he was born in a manger—not a palace.

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.

One Christmas Bear by Anne Vittur Kennedy

“One Christmas Bear” by Anne Vittur Kennedy: an adorably written and illustrated cardboard book for kids ages 1-3.

A friendly polar bear, on a background of Wintery glitter, greets kids on the cover, and they can follow him through each page as he joins his Winter friends.

The Christmas Bear “finds a friend on Christmas Day”: a husky puppy. Together they play and meet other friendly critters: mice, foxes, squirrels, rabbits, and more. All play in the snow (throwing snowballs, sledding, and skating) together and enjoy decorating a Christmas tree and eating candy canes. At the end of the day they recognize God’s gifts for the day and the new year as their parents call them home to bed.

As children follow the Wintery creatures, they can also learn to count—the book has ten pages, and on each page a number is introduced. A book for fun and learning!

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

I Am Devotional by Diane Stortz

I love everything about this devotional book! Diane Stortz, author, and Diane Le Feyer, illustrator, have put together a gem to be used by multigenerations for years to come. I AM Devotional: 100 Devotions About the Names of God is a book I look forward to reading with my children.

To begin with, the cover is vibrant—it glitters! The book discusses more than 100 names for God with multiple devotions written about each name. This 200+ page hardcover book is not only a devotional book—it doubles as a Bible study guide.

Each devotion spans two pages. Each begins with the name of God being addressed, a title for the devotion, and a Bible verse. What I found especially enriching is that many of the devotions begin with an inspiring anecdote about a real young person making a difference. Often a famous person the readers would be familiar with.

At the end of the devotions come, in my opinion, the best part. Each devotion ends with a prayer that parents can pray aloud with their children, and then a couple of discussion questions are offered. Following that is a GO DEEPER section with a question relating to the devotion. For example: “What does Jesus say about peace in John 14:27?” The GO DEEPER sections encourage further study. In addition, in the midst of many of the devotions, Stortz mentions that more information can be found in such and such a verse, again encouraging further study.

Each page is vibrantly and captivatingly illustrated. I highly recommend this book!

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

“Bless Our Gramps & Gran” by Mike Berenstain

“Bless Our Gramps & Gran” by Mike Berenstain teaches Brother, Sister, Honey, and readers about a little-known holiday that celebrates their beloved and important grandparents.

This book is among my favorites of the “Living Lights” series because it’s more thorough than some of the others. A complete story is given and lesson learned. Children ages 3-6 would in particular enjoy this book because preparation for a holiday creates excitement and something to prepare for while they’re not engrossed with school.

The story begins on a rainy day (with a complete picture of the Treehouse on page 1!) and the cubs are playing with their Noah’s ark set that Gramps and Gran made for them. They lament the absence of holidays until Halloween when Papa informs them of Grandparents Day. They think and think about what Gramps and Gran would appreciate . . . and finally settle on a unique and meaningful gift. While reading this story, kids will have many opportunities to reflect on their grandparents: their talents, memories, and the blessing they are.

The book begins with a Bible verse: Proverbs 17:6 which is a great one to be reminded of, and the inside back cover has some great ideas for how to celebrate Grandparents Day.

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. 

Vibrant India: Fresh Vegetarian Recipes from Bangalore to Brooklyn

I’ve never made Indian food, but I’ve eaten it many times, and YUM!

Chitra Agrawal’s book Vibrant India: Fresh Vegetarian Recipes from Bangalore to Brooklyn is a decorative invitation to her world of South Indian cooking. The book itself is a vibrant, fresh experience, and so are her recipes (more about those later).

Agrawal includes family photos in her books—showing that South Indian cooking is indeed a family affair. The index is bold and organized, and following that is a 14-page introduction to Agrawal, her family, and her food. Before the recipe pages, there are three detailed sections: “Indian Cooking Techniques and Tips,” “The South Indian Pantry,” and “Kitchen Tools.” Agrawal even includes a link for looking up Indian food stores in her readers’ regions. All of Agrawal’s stories, descriptions, and tips invite new-to-Indian-food-cooks to feel comfortable trying her recipes and style.

One feature I find especially neat about her book is that she labels her recipes by the season they’d be most appropriate in.

Today I made three recipes: Green Chile and Herbed Cheddar Shortbread (p. 119), Stir-Fried Corn with BasiI and Leeks (p. 87), and Lime Dill Rice with Pistachios (p. 104). I followed the instructions exactly, and each of the recipes was delicious! I was a bit leery—using many new ingredients and methods—but Agrawal’s instruction was thorough and clear. I can’t wait to try new recipes! I quickly realized that I’ve been eating bland food all my life.

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

Devotions for a Sacred Marriage: A Year of Weekly Devotions for Couples

Thank you, Gary Thomas, for putting my thoughts, doubts, fears, and feelings into words wrapped in truth, encouragement, and purpose.

Thomas’ Cherish transformed my thoughts toward my marriage. So, when I saw this devotional: Devotions for a Sacred Marriage: A Year of Weekly Devotions for Couples, I found myself immediately drawn to it. Earlier this week, I also picked up a copy of his most highly acclaimed book: Sacred Marriage.

Thomas gets it right. He doesn’t say marriage is easy and that we’ll always be adored by our spouses and adore them. He says it’s hard, but worth it. He encourages husbands and wives to love their spouses as God loves them. Thomas shares many truths, encouragements, and ideas: that obligations, not expectations, are key; that by honoring our spouses we honor God, and a gentle reminder that our spouses are God’s children—therefore, in a sense, God is our father and father-in-law.

I read the book in just a few days (not how it’s intended), and as I recalled my reading, I summarized Thomas’ message as this: we need to love our spouses. But because love is not as straightforward as it sounds, we need Thomas’ refreshing, culture-countering book.

This book has a devotion for each week of the year. If you can’t picture you and your spouse sitting down together to read this book, don’t let that stop you—read it yourself. I did, and undoubtedly will be again.

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

The Berenstain Bears Friendship Blessings Collection by Jan and Mike Berenstain

The Berenstain Bears Friendship Blessings Collection by Jan and Mike Berenstain contains five books: “Perfect Fishing Spot,” “Reap the Harvest,” “Faithful Friends,” “Kindness Counts,” and “God Made You Special.”

As always, the stories focus on important life lessons for kids—appropriate for ages 2-7.

As a kid, Berenstain books were my favorite stories. I liked the pictures and the words. The new “Living Lights” Berenstain Bears series has the same pictures of the Bear Family that I remember from my childhood. It’s as though they’ve transcended time and nothing has changed. I like that about the books. However, I don’t feel that the stories of the new Berenstain Bears series, the stories in this collection included, are as in-depth and detailed as the stories I read as a child. For example, “Perfect Fishing Spot,” the first story in this collection, is written as a rhyming poem. In my perspective, the rhyme simplifies the story and targets an audience of toddlers rather than children. Also, throughout the various stories the Bears don’t seem to have their own voices/personalities. Brother and Sister talk the same way, and sometimes their use of Bible verses seems forced.

Nonetheless, I will continue to read the Berenstain Bears books because of nostalgia, the illustrations, and the simple lessons they teach. My favorites in this collection are “Kindness Counts” and “God Made You Special” because they feature fresh plots: rocket launching and a cub with a disability.

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

"Thank you, God, for Grandpa"

Just like Amy Parker and Rosalinda Kightley’s “Thank you, God, for Grandma,” their book “Thank you, God, for Grandpa,” is a delightful picture book celebrating the bonds between grandpas and grandchildren.

Grandpa gorilla is shadowed by a girl and a boy who are enthralled with all of his grandpa abilities – throwing a curve ball, teaching them everything because he knows everything, how to fish, how to skip rocks, and more. The kids listen to Grandpa tell stories, and he spoils them when they eat ice cream sundaes.

This book accurately depicts the endearing relationship between grandpas and grandchildren. Most importantly, Grandpa gorilla, tells his grandchildren how to pray and trust God.

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

The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review.

Thank you, God, for Grandma by Amy Parker

Grandmas are a blessing (and so are grandchildren, so I’m told!), and this book, “Thank you, God, for Grandma” by Amy Parker and illustrated by Rosalinda Kightley is a colorful adventure to show kids how much fun their grandmas are.

The book reads as a sweet poem—each of the page spreads carries four lines of text on top of pictures of snuggly bears adventuring outside and inside. The cubs learn from Grandma, have fun with Grandma, and thank God for Grandma.

The pictures are appealing, and the message is simple. I can imagine toddlers wanting to read this over and over again!

This would also be a neat gift to give to a soon-to-be-grandma as a pregnancy announcement!

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

The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review.

32 Yolks by Eric Ripert

Eric Ripert's 32 Yolks: From my Mother's Table to Working the Line tells the story of Ripert from childhood to young adulthood. The first few chapters of the book tell of his parents' divorce, his step-father's abuse, and his father's death.

The latter part of the book focuses on Ripert's time as a chef in various restaurants under the tutelage of men whom he would later in life recognize as his mentors.

For me, the defining quality of an audio book is the engagement level of the reader. Peter Gamin read this book and was an engaging presenter.

If you’re going to listen to this book in a vehicle, beware that parts of the story are inappropriate for children (swearing and accounts of abuse).

The story kept my attention. I wasn’t nearly as interested in the first part of the book as I was in the second, but the story had good forward momentum.

The story is well written. In addition to learning the author’s story, readers become acquainted with the mountains of Andora, the working conditions of France, and the retail experience of affluent Parisians and Spaniards.

The best part of this book is the cooking lessons that pour from the pages. Ripert describes in detail how he cuts vegetables, sautes certain dishes, and prepares a variety of meat.

This book is a definite crowd pleaser for the food connoisseur and home chef.

Devotions for Easter by Stacy J. Edwards

Devotions for Easter by Stacy J. Edwards: a vibrantly illustrated collection of Bible verses and personal stories to indulge in at Eastertime. The book is organized into 40 reading Days: Day 2: At the Easter Parade, Day 12: Coloring Eggs, Day 32: The Empty Tomb, etc. Each Day includes a Bible verse followed by a story (often about the author’s Easter traditions) and a connection to Jesus’ death or resurrection.  

The delight of this small, hardcover gift book exists as much in the illustrations as in the words: the beginning of each Day humbly boasts a vivid pastoral or floral scene, and many days end with Bible verses lavishly designed around buds, blossoms, or butterflies. The abundant floral theme appeals primarily to women, but men could appreciate the stories. The daily devotionals are meaningful, and sitting down with this book each day of the Easter season would be a tranquil, meditative experience.