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.

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."

"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.

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.

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.