Jesus Always: Embracing Joy in His Presence by Sarah Young

In the Introduction and in the About the Author section, it is written that Sarah Young prays daily for the readers of all her books. Maybe that’s why when I opened Jesus Always: Embracing Joy in His Presence I felt peace. I felt Jesus.

The book is a thick, deep copper-covered, hand-held size 365-day devotional. The tone of the book is solemn, inviting readers to retreat to a secluded spot, Bible and book in hand. The theme is joy—experiencing Jesus and joy. Young shares ideas such as joy is a choice. Jesus is the antidote to loneliness. We are created to glorify God. His ways are higher than ours. And on November 30: “Live victoriously, beloved, by seeking to find Me in more and more of your moments.”

The devotions aren’t titled, which I like. The date is given, and then Jesus starts talking. At the end of each one-page devotional are a few verses for readers to look up. I like that the texts aren’t printed so that readers have to use their Bibles.

This book has a presentation page and is dedicated to Jesus. People may think—how can a book written from the perspective of Jesus be authentic? Isn’t it a bit superimposing of a human to take that stance? It isn’t, and I think you’ll feel that as you start reading. Jesus is in these pages.

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.

On This Christmas: A Five-Year Journal of Your Favorite Traditions, Memories & Gifts by Zondervan

Christmas, inevitably, sparks feelings of nostalgia. On Christmases to come, thanks to Zondervan’s On This Christmas: A Five-Year Journal of Your Favorite Traditions, Memories & Gifts, you can sip warm cocoa, gaze at falling flakes, and smile at twinkling tree lights as you read memories from Christmases past.

The gift book begins with a presentation page and the story of Christmas titled “The Birth of Our Savior,” then proceeds to the journal. At the beginning of each year is a page for the journaler to write the year. Then from December 1-25 are pages with questions such as “If you could invite anyone to spend Christmas with you this year, who would it be? Why?” “What will your Christmas dinner menu include this year?” “What gift are you most excited to share? Why?” There is a journaling page for each day, for five years. The same questions are asked on each day each year.

Amongst the journaling pages are quotes and Bible verses as well as holiday scenes—all creating a warm place to hold fading memories.

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.

"Jesus Calling: The Story of Christmas" by Sarah Young

“Jesus Calling: The Story of Christmas” written by Sarah Young and illustrated by Katya Longhi is a glitter-covered, quality hardcover book that shows families how Jesus has always been the Plan, Rescuer, and Gift—from creation until now and beyond.

The book begins with a presentation page, lovely for gift giving, and a letter from Sarah Young to parents and grandparents. This book is meant to be read by families. Young mentions her own family tradition of baking a birthday cake for Jesus on Christmas Eve. I think this book is best used for families to cuddle up with together and remind each other, and explore, Jesus as the best Christmas present.

Each page spread includes full illustration (the characters’ eyes are sure to capture the little ones!), a Bible verse from the Old or New Testament, a narrative of Jesus’ story—whether it be at Creation; with Abraham, Mary, or Elizabeth; at Bethlehem; or with the shepherds and wise men, and a section titled “Jesus Calling” which is Young’s recognizable style of Jesus speaking to the children. The book ends with the message that Jesus is the greatest gift and our Best Friend.

I thought the entire book would be written in the “Jesus Calling” format, but the way this book is set up makes it a perfect tool for families who may not talk about Jesus on a daily basis and want to intentionally make Christmas a time to better get to know their Lord.

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.

“The Cow Said Neigh!: A Farm Story” by Rory Feek

This book is hilarious! Three and four-year-olds will surely be laughing out loud as they neigh with the cow, quack with the horse, and oink with the sheep.  

“The Cow Said Neigh!: A Farm Story” by Rory Feek and illustrated by Bruno Robert is a nonsensical story about seven farm animals who wish they were a different animal. I read a review commenting on the lack of a moral resolution to the story—such as the animals learning to be okay with their own strengths/identity. I concur with that to an extent, which is why I’m giving the book four instead of five stars. The resolution to the animals’ identity crises is the farmer joining in with a loud moooo! Which is funny. I laughed aloud myself. So, if you’re looking for a laugh-aloud, laugh-along book with no moral besides “join in on the chaos,” then you can find delight in this story, as I did. After all, doesn’t every child just need an adult to be silly with them every now and then—as the farmer is with the animals?

All stories start with words and are completed by the illustrations, and this book has brilliant pictures. On the back of the dust jacket, Robert writes: “While I am picturing a story, I please myself thinking up a funny and colored world with a hint of tenderness.” He’s done exactly that with this book! My favorite is the duck belting out a baa—I can hear it in the illustration. This story is funny and tender.

There is no mention of God in this story and no spiritual undertones, which surprised me since this is published by Tommy Nelson, but I’d rather there be no mention of God than a seemingly haphazard reference slapped onto the last page.

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.

Jesus Calling for Christmas by Sarah Young

Sarah Young + Thomas Nelson = masterpiece.

This serene white hardcover book with red glistening, festive berries adorning its cover is a gift for whomever opens it. In typical Sarah Young fashion, Jesus Calling for Christmas is a collection of devotions written from the perspective of Jesus to His children. In each devotion, Jesus calls His readers. Calls them to seek Him and find Him.

These devotions are meant to be read slowly. Meditatively. Linger on each page. Each sentence. Each breath from God. And bask in the peace that He offers. Through these one-page devotions, Jesus draws readers to His Word. He iterates that He is enough. That Immanuel has come.

The truths and lessons are that Jesus understands us. In Jesus we find rest. We need to seek His face throughout the day. He is our rock. He illuminates our path. Furthermore, while these devotions are decorated with wintry mountain scenes, frosty meadows, and Christmas foliage, they can be enjoyed all year long—particularly through the winter season. Bible verses accompany the devotions, and they come from all parts of the Bible, not just the Gospel stories. Reminders such as our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit, we must give thanks in all circumstances, we need to live in collaboration with Jesus, and waiting on God is an act of faith are among those gleaned from these pages of majestic winter wonderland exuding solitude and God’s glory.

The book’s message is repetitive but not redundant. The message of hope. Of Jesus coming again. Marveling at the incarnation.

I highly recommend this book.

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.

My Christmas ABCs illustrated by Jordan Wray

A delightful board book to snuggle up with and read next to a Christmas tree or to wrap up and give to a little friend.

Three aspects that will make me return to this book and recommend it to others:

1.      Glitter! There is glitter on every page. Often only the cover pages have glitter, but this book decides to make readers smile on each page—and the sparkly pieces turn the book into a touch-and-feel.

2.      Santa is absent. The first page: “A is for the angel who brought joyful news to everyone.” What a brilliant way to begin the book. Parents have the opportunity, on page 1, to answer the question what news? The alphabet includes bells, cookies, ice, mittens, lights, the nativity, stockings, and more—with absolutely no mention of Santa or his cronies.

3.      Colors. Of people! There are people of all shades. Love it!

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. 

Cozy, Snowy Cuddles by Tommy Nelson

What a treat! Tommy Nelson’s “Cozy, Snuggly Cuddles” is a cuddle itself. This touch-and-feel book with a glittery cover shows children winter by describing the ice, the snowflakes, the frost, and the stars, and by showing winter animals to touch and feel: seals, huskies, whales, moose, and polar bears.

The rhyme on each page is sure to delight children as they cuddl up with Mommy or Daddy and hunker down for a winter experience. The last page of the five-page-spread book mentions God: “Thank God for cozy kisses!”

Some words on each page are in a different color font—prompting children to read those words themselves.

A simple, happy, rhyming wintry delight. I recommend this book.

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.