Sunday, December 15, 2013

Not For Me At This Time

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I truly have had a difficult time getting into this book.  It’s not that the book isn't good because when I read it I believe that what I am reading is interesting and has a slightly different take on Biblical events.  It just doesn’t keep me wanting more; I could put it down and not think of it again.  A book should keep you coming back for more.  Maybe I’m getting old or maybe it’s just a tad too irreverent for my tastes.

That being said, I think Finding God In The Bible would be best suited for someone who has had a similar struggle with knowing Jesus as that of Mr. Wilson’s.  We all come to faith in ways that are unique to each of us and a book like this could get someone thinking and asking real questions about God.  I think that is a very good thing.  So this might not be the book for me, I will find someone who needs it and hopefully it will lead to a better understanding of who God is.

For more information and to read and excerpt of this book--click here--or on the title above!

I received this book from Chosen Books in exchange for an honest review.

Fun, Light Read

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I grabbed this book because the genre is a bit different than most of the stories in Christian Fiction, there are not a lot of books written about the 1920’s and 1930’s.  So I looked forward to reading this story about the rich, bored gentleman-Drew Farthering-finds mystery and excitement on the grounds of his home during a house party.   Joined by a friend and an American girl, they set out to unravel the mystery that had fallen into their laps.

Rules ofMurder is an enjoyable and easy story to read.  The characters are engaging and likable.  The only problem I had was the lack of mourning for those who died.  It just seemed that Drew and his friend are a bit too flippant about death.  That could just be to help reflect Drew’s present spiritual condition.  Overall, the story is worth reading and would make a great vacation or travel companion.

For more information and to read an excerpt from this book--click here--or on the title above!


I received this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review.

Awesome Story

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I have yet to read anything of Lynn Austin’s that I have disliked.  ReturnTo Me is a great story of the Jewish exiles in Babylon returning to the destroyed Holy City of Jerusalem.  The story delves into the reasoning behind why some of the exiles wanting to go back to Jerusalem so badly and why others felt just as strongly about staying in a foreign land.

I know that when I read the Bible I forget that the people who inhabit its pages had all the same feelings and sensibilities as anybody else I know.  I think a narrative such as this can help us to think more deeply about the emotions and reasoning behind the decisions the people of the Bible made, whether good or bad.  Why was Iddo so eager to face adversity to travel to a devastated city?  Why was his wife reluctant to leave Babylon.  What would lead someone to leave behind a faith in the Living God to follow idols?  What could turn their hearts back to the LORD.  Looking deeper into the lives of these fictionalized people can help us better understand ourselves and those around us.  Hopefully it will help us think and pray for others before we pass judgment on them.

This was a great story and a worthwhile read.

For more information and to read an excerpt from this book--click here--or on the title above!


I received this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review.

Very Informative

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This little book is packed full of information.  Dr. William H. Marty has undertaken the task of bridging the gap in Biblical history; the so called “Silent Years” between the end of the Old Testament and the beginning of the New Testament.

While not exhaustive, that would take a few volumes to explore several hundred years’ worth of history, The World of Jesus does a good job of hitting the highlights of this period.  There are a lot of people to sort through and I have to confess that I got confused trying to keep the historical figures straight.  The chapters of the book are broken up by time period such as the Persian Period, the Greek Period, etc.  But many of the people can cover more than one period.  To me, the set up was a little hard to keep track of but I don’t know if it really could have been simplified more than it has.

Before receiving this book I had read a review claiming the book was a sensationalized view of history; the people treated like stars in the tabloids.  I did not find this to be the case.  Unfortunately people’s sensibilities really haven’t changed in twenty-five hundred years or so.  I do not think the tabloid comparison a fair one. 

This is a good book for anyone interested in learning more about the time between Testaments and will whet the appetite for those wanting to dig deeper into history.

For more information and to read an excerpt from this book--click here--or on the title above!

I received this book free of charge from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. 

Saturday, December 14, 2013

Why Did You Do This To Me?


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King is the last book in the Books of the Infinite series.  I am not pleased about this.  The tears were flowing as I realized I was reading the final pages and there was not likely to be any new pages in the future.  I truly did not want to leave this group of people behind.  Ela, Kien, and Akabe seemed to be real people dealing with extraordinary circumstances.

This third book continues the struggles of Ela, the Prophet of Parne, and Kien Lantec.  However, this novel focuses on Akabe the reluctant king.  He is out of his element in his new role as king.  He is impulsive and emotional and does not think things through before acting.   His brashness could cost lives and the Temple for the Infinite.
Akabe is very similar to the kings of the Old Testament.  Anyone who has read the Bible will recognize the parallels.  Some readers may not see the value of this, but I it helps us to see the people of the Bible is a different way.  It helps humanize them.  When we read through the Scriptures again we won’t know for sure what was going through people’s minds but books like King can give us an idea.  And when we see them as real then we can relate and learn from them.

These novels do not stand alone and you will only do yourself a disservice if you do not start at the beginning and read until the end of the last one.  You will be happy you did and, like me, wish for them to continue on.

By the way, I’m still waiting for my own war charger.

For more information and to read an excerpt--click here--or the title above!


I received this book free of charge from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.

Friday, August 16, 2013

Sweet Novella

Dandelions on the Wind
 


Far from her Danish home and family, Maren makes the best of her life in war ravaged Missouri.  After coming to America for a prearranged marriage, the bridegroom backs out, Maren finds refuge in the home of the Widow Bratenburg helping to raise the woman’s granddaughter.  When Civil War Veteran Rutherford shows up to reclaim his little girl and his place on the farm, Maren begins to look for a way back to Denmark and her family.  But her heart might not let her leave.

This was a nice short story.  The main characters each struggle with issues-some they have no control over, others are results of actions they took-that leave them feeling that love will not come their way.  But, of course, a sweet summer story should have a happy ending and this one does.  It’s definitely a great way to wind down the last days of summer vacation.
For more information about this book and to read an excerpt--click here-or on the title above.

I received this book from Waterbrook Press free of charge in exchange for an honest review.

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Nice Devotion


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Born of her own journaling experience, Darlene Zschech provides us with a year full of devotions that bring “light to your heart and mind.” 

I was expecting something that takes from the numerous songs of worship the author has produced over the years.  There are several songs utilized, but they are mostly hymns such as Great Is Thy Faithfulness,  It Is Well With My Soul, and several other classic songs.  But truly, there are few of these-considering it’s a year-long devotional-and feels much like looking into the author’s Bible study journals and reading her personal thoughts.

The daily devotions are set up in the traditional daily format with a Scripture, devotion, and thought or prayer.  It might take you five minutes to read through but as with most devotions you will get out what you put in.  This will make a great addition, or encouragement to start, your daily prayer time.  The devotions will lift you up and put you in positive mood, but most importantly, they will help you to focus on Jesus.  The cover and insides are beautiful helping to make this a nice devotion for giving.
For more information about this book and to read an excerpt--click here--or on the title above.

Don't miss checking out the accompanying CD!!!

I received this book from Bethany House Publishers free of charge in exchange for an honest review.

Monday, August 12, 2013

Went Into This One Unaware

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I have yet to begin the O’Malley Series.  No particular reason why, I guess we just haven’t crossed paths, until this one.  Jennifer is a prequel to the entire O’Malley series.  It is my understanding that Jennifer’s story is knit throughout the entire rest of the series.  This novella goes back to tell the beginning of her story.

Even though I haven’t read the O’Malley’s I have read other books by Dee Henderson and they are all great.  She writes with depth and passion.  She doesn’t shy away from hard subjects but faces them honestly:  If God wants you to trust Him why does he let tragedy befall you?  Should you give your heart to someone who does not understand your faith in Christ?  She deals will questions like these in a real and authentic way.

Those who have read the previous books in this series should be delighted to finish out the series with the youngest O’Malley sibling.  For those of us just starting, we will definitely want to begin here with Jennifer and follow her story as she introduces us to the rest of her family.
For more information about this book and to read an excerpt--click here--or the title above!

Visit Dee Henderson's website to find out about the O'Malley series and her other great novels.

I received this book from Bethany House Publishers through NetGalley in exchange for and honest review.

Friday, August 9, 2013

You Will Never Lead Well If You Don’t Follow Well

 
 
 It’s a simple concept really; to lead well you need to be good at following.  Growing up being a “follower” was on par with being called a bad name.  It showed that you did not have a mind of your own and couldn’t, or wouldn’t, think for yourself.  But the point we missed as kids was that everyone is in some sort of followership.  If we don’t follow well then we will not be effective or good leaders when the time comes for us to step into that position.
The idea that following well leads to good leadership is presented in story form; I’ve Got Your Back uses several characters in their own, unique, situations to show us the difference in followership and leadership-both good and bad.   These young adults fall under the mentorship of a man who uses the lessons in his life to show them how to best lead and follow.  Their stories are nice and tidy, but this isn’t meant to be an in depth saga, the purpose of the stories are to support the premise of the author.  The characters guide us in what it looks like to follow well at the appropriate times and how to lead well, even if we are not in an official leadership role.
The last third of the book is the “official” teaching part.  It explains more about leadership starting with Adam & Eve, through the fall, and how it will be in heaven.  It goes on to give Bible passages to support the idea of Three Types of Followership and the Five Levels of Followership.  A discussion guide is at the end.
I think this is a great book, especially for laypeople in the church.  There are many leadership books out there with great information but they don’t really speak to the place where most of us are in our lives.  This book is good for every person.  We might not all be CEO’s of Fortune 500 companies, but we are all human beings under some sort of authority and most likely with a measure of power over another-whether familial, work, civic, or church related.
For more information about this book--click here--or on the title above!
I received this book from Handlebar Publishing free of charge in exchange for an honest review.
 
 
 

Monday, August 5, 2013

Help Your Leadership Potential




The premise of Dr. Cloud’s latest book is to be “Ridiculously in Charge” wherein you own what you are the leader of and you set the boundaries for what is allowed and not allowed.  He offer great advice on how to lead so that you are doing your best to let your team perform at the highest level.  This will encourage them to be more productive and in return will make you, as the leader, happy.

Boundaries For Leaders will be helpful no matter what type of leadership position you find yourself in.  The anecdotal stories are interesting and are used well to prove their points.  I did find the reading a bit dry at times but that is the hazard of informational books.  Overall, the value of the information outweighs any part that might not be as interesting to me.
For more information about this book--click here--or the title above!
 
I received this book from BookSneeze free of charge in exchange for an honest review.

AAAAHHHH!!!! You Cannot Do This To Me!!!!!

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You cannot stop the book where you did and expect me to be happy about it.  You cannot possibly expect me to wait until next year for the next installment.  That scene at the end on the boat, well I had about the same physical reaction when I realized I was at the end of the book!  Side-note:  this is the only downfall of e-readers, if you are really engrossed in the story you have no idea that you are close to the end. 

If you hadn’t guessed by now, I really enjoyed reading the second book in TheSword and Staff series.  From the start we are one with Errol as he is still trying to deal with the situations that he is thrust into.  You really understand his turmoil as he feels that his life as the town drunk was worlds easier than being the hero of a kingdom.  Maybe he was even happier in that sad state.  The story is almost nonstop action from start to finish leaving you breathless, exhausted, and craving more.  Just about the only time the story slows down you fall into a very romantic-yet chaste-wedding scene that will take your breath away once again.

If I had the next book when I finished this one I would have immediately picked it up to begin it.  That is how good this one is!
For more information and to read an excerpt--click here--or the title above!

Visit Patrick W. Carr's website or follow him on Facebook.

I received this book from Bethany House Publishers free of charge in exchange for an honest review.

Thursday, June 27, 2013

Enjoyable Thriller


 
 


Landon Reed went straight from being a star college quarterback to being a convicted criminal.  While in jail his life is transformed by the grace of God and by deciding to earn his law degree.  The only problem is that potential employers are reluctant to trust a guy who threw his entire football team under the bus for a few thousand dollars.  But things look up when he finally lands a firm and comes under the mentorship of the firm’s loner attorney, Henry McNaughten.  Unfortunately, Henry gets offed and Landon has to decide whether to carry on with the case they are working, one in which he doubts his client’s innocence, or to leave the firm altogether.

I enjoyed the story very much.  I thought I knew who the bad guy was early on but there was enough doubt to keep me second-guessing myself throughout the story.  This was very much a relationship story between Landon and his wife.  I was a bit surprised at how much attention was given to the struggle between Kerri and Landon; those looking for a fast-paced action thriller might not find this to their liking, but I thought it added quite a bit to Landon’s dilemma of whether to keep working at the law firm or leave it.

It is a very good story that kept reading so I could find out for sure what was going on.  This is a great book to spend a few summer hours with.  Find out if this book is for you.  Read the first chapter here.  
 
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Find out a bit about author Randy Singer here.

Visit randysinger.net or click on the picture on the left to find past stories and what is coming next!






For more information about this book--click here--or on the title above!

I received this book from Tyndale Fiction free of charge in exchange for an honest review.

Friday, June 21, 2013

Together At Last

 

This final novel in the Forgotten Castles series concludes the adventures of the Duke and Lady Weston.  Likes the previous book, this novel takes up right where the last one left off.  Alexandria finally confides her awful secret to her new groom.  It is not the best way to start off a marriage.  But as with all the conflicts in this series, it is quickly dealt with and we move on to the next thing.

Gabriel and Alexandria’s greatest adventure seems to be before them in this segment of the series.  They are close to finding Alex’s parent and nothing will stop them in their quest; not a king’s army, nor a grandiose and unbelievable trip of the Alps in a hot air balloon.

I was a bit disappointed with the Featherstone parents.  They seemed to be thrown into the story because Alex needed to find somebody after all her exciting travels.   However, as with the other two books in this series everything seems far-fetched and implausible, yet I could not help but finish the journey with Alexandria and Gabriel. 

 For more information about this book--click here--or on the title above!

I received this book free of charge from B&H Books through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Monday, June 17, 2013

40 Days to Yummy Living!


 

 The 40 Days Cookbook is part of the larger 40 Days to Better Living series that promotes spiritual and physical wellness.  The cookbook explains what your body need and why it needs it.  Recipes are included for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks.  Quite a few of the snack recipes seem like side dishes to me, though.  The book is about eating better, but it is not a vegan, paleo, or vegetarian cookbook.  Meat and fish are a part of most recipes.  Super yummy dishes like the Chicken and Rice bowl with Teriyaki Glaze, Fish and Chips (how can that ever be bad), and Chocolate Chocolate Chip Muffins!

I have the ebook on my Kindle Fire and the formatting Is good.  I would have preferred to have the table of contents list individual dishes for an easier way to find the dish.  I imagine the in the hard copy it is a bit easier to locate individual recipes.  Like most cookbook junkies, I like pictures with each recipe—to inspire me to create a dish or to mock me when my creation looks nothing like the one in the book.  This book has quite a few of those pictures but some recipes just show a picture of the ingredients.  I would have preferred a picture with each recipe. 

I wasn’t too enthused with the use of soy products and sugar substitutes in some of the recipes but otherwise it is a great cookbook.  I am especially looking forward to making the Chicken, Mushroom, and Spinach Crepes, broccoli cheese cornbread, and the bean Bolognese—not at the same meal though!
For more information about this book and ministry--click here--or the title above!

I received this book free of charge from Barbour Publishing, Inc., through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

The Past Will Haunt



Dr. Ellis Poe is shy, timid, and keeps to himself-not a hermit, but not much more than one.  He thinks the life of a monk would be pretty good.  A huge sin of omission that he cannot forgive himself for is about to revisit him in a very dangerous way.
Detective Carmen Rainmondi, hard-nosed and unforgiving, is about to come face-to-face with the crime that changed the course of her life.  In the midst of trying to stop a serial killer the detective encounters the reticent Dr. Poe, whom she didn’t know was a part of her past, and finds that he is the key to solving the worst case of her life.

Wounds is a great story, but not the feel good kind.  Alton Gansky has put together a great murder mystery that has protagonists that are full of angst, remorse, hatred, and self-loathing.  And while in the end the mystery is solved, the main characters, even though they have taken tiny steps to move past that which haunts them, they  are not tidied up to be more perfect people.  Some readers might not like the depth of crime scene detail given.  I do not think it is terribly graphic, particularly if you compare it to television crime dramas.  However, there are some you may wish to take this aspect into consideration when choosing to purchase this book.
For more information about this book visit B&H Publishing Group and Alton Gansky's websites!

I received this book free of charge from B&H Publishing Group through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Satisfying, Fast-Paced Action

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A Cast of Stones, the first in The Staff and the Sword series, is exciting as well as engaging.  Revolving around the orphaned village drunk, the young Errol Stone finds himself in the middle of a life and death situation after he takes on the mundane task of delivering a message to a local priest.  Little does Errol realize that his life is dramatically about to change and the future of the kingdom somehow involves him.
This story is quick moving with tons of action propelling the story forward.  It is fun, frustrating, and satisfying to go along with Errol as he grows from only being concerned about his next drink, through the intrigue of who he should trust, to growing into a man who will potentially become a hero.

The story is billed as a “medieval fantasy” and I think some readers have taken the medieval portion a bit too literally.  While the religious and political systems, and even the lives of ordinary people, are similar to that period of time, this novel relies on a fantasy version of life.  And it works!  I am looking forward to see how the religious aspect of the story will play out as the series progresses.  I will be getting Hero’s Lot as soon as I can!
For more information on this book and to download an excerpt--click here--or on the title above!

Want to be a character in the third book of this series?  Visit Patrick Carr's site to find out how!

I received this book free of charge from Bethany House Publishers through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thursday, May 2, 2013

The In-depth Research Shows



This is not an easy reading type of book.  The research that went into the writing of this book must have taken many years.  All that information is good to know but hard to digest.  I tried reading the book straight through but found that it is better taken in small bits at a time. 
The book is separated into four parts:  God’s Covenants with Humanity, The Parabolic Ministry of Christ, The Miraculous Healing Ministry of the Great I AM THAT I AM through Jesus, and Names and Titles of the Great I AM THAT I AM.  There are numerous maps and pictures throughout to highlight the subjects discussed.  The Scripture verses are written out in the text of the book, which is nice so that you don’t have look them up separately.  The book is extremely informative, but like I said, it isn’t easy reading.  I think it will appeal to laypeople who are looking to dig deeper into the Bible.

For moreinformation about this book--click here--or on the title above!

I received this book free of charge from BookCrash in exchange for an honest review.

Feed on God’s Word as you Feed your Family

Whit's End Mealtime Devotions: 90 Faith-Building Ideas Your Kids Will Eat Up!  -     
        By: Crystal Bowman, Tricia Goyer



Are you looking for a way for your family to connect at mealtimes?  This little devotional will help you do just that.  Each devotion is divided into the Mealtime Prayer, Appetizer, Main Course, Table Talk, and Vitamins and Minerals.  These have you discussing something related to the passage of Scripture you will be reading.  After reading from the Bible there are questions to discuss with your children.  Depending on the age and understanding of your children, these could be very in depth conversations.

While you do not have to really prepare for the devotions, you will want to read them over before your meal.  One “Appetizer” has you discussing some products we get from cows.  If your child hasn’t figured out that an animal has to die for it to be eaten or if you don’t use milk or eat steak then you may wish to modify the devotion to better fit your family’s eating habits.  The book is divided into three portions with special Holiday and Theme devotions.

This is a great way to discuss your family’s faith and while bringing them together for dinner.
For more information--click here--or on the title above.

I received this book free of charge from Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. in exchange for an honest review.

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

A Noble Story

A Noble Groom by Jody Hedlund



What a great story!  If you like to feel immersed in a story so much that you deeply feel what the characters are going through, then this is one you want to get.

The story is based around a German immigrant community in Michigan in the late 1800’s.  We become Annalisa Werner right from the start as she deals with the death of her husband and her future is laid out by her father and other men in the community-giving her no say in what happens to her and her children.  With no hope of anything better and no faith that God cares for a struggling young woman, Annalisa resigns herself to the fact that she will be marrying a cousin she doesn’t know just as soon as he can get to America.

Carl, the son of a baron, comes into the picture.  He’s not really spoiled or apathetic to the plight of these immigrants from his homeland.  He just really doesn’t have a clue about who they are and what they go through just to survive.  Running from a crime he did not commit, Carl finds himself in the middle of this community helping Annalisa until her groom shows up.  Carl grows-up and learns how to take on responsibility instead of running away, while Annalisa learns to trust in a man and have faith in God.

Again, this is a great story.  It is the first I have read by Jody Hedlund, but it will not be the last.
To read an excerpt of this book--click here--or on the title above!

Find Jody Hedlund on Facebook or Pinterest.  She has tons of great boards to follow--books, coffee, chocolate, even teaching children to write!

I received this book free of charge from Bethany House Publishers in exchange of an honest review.
 
 
 

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Sherlock Holmes and the Needle's Eye : The World's Greatest Detective Tackles the Bible's Ultimate Mysteries, Len Bailey


 
If you are a Sherlock Holmes fan I’ll need you to forgive me right off the bat.  Most of my Holmes and Watson knowledge is limited to pop culture references.  When reading this book my vision of Holmes and Watson bore a strong resemblance to Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law.  I hope not being a die-hard Sherlock Holmes fan will not negate this review because this book is great.  It is fast paced, informational, and witty.
The premise is that Holmes, who is not a believer in the things of God, and Watson, who has a true faith, are left clues to figure out the mystery that surrounds several passages in Scripture.  They are able to use a handy-dandy time machine to travel to the different periods and places to solve the mystery-sometimes unseen by the people of the time and sometimes very much a part of what is going on.
A couple of the mysteries are things that I have heard preachers speculate about before; why did Jesus delay in going to raise Lazarus, what did Jesus write on the ground when the adulterous women was brought before him?  But most of the mysteries, I confess, I never even gave a thought to while reading the Bible; why did David choose five stones, why did the Israelites have to march around Jericho a certain number of times?  The author takes the evidence at hand and comes up with very satisfying conclusions through Holmes and Watson.  Of course the witty banter between Holmes, Watson, and Mrs. Hudson is ever present. 
I look forward to reading this one again!
I received this book free of charge from Thomas Nelson Publishers through NetGalley in exchange of an honest review.

Monday, February 11, 2013

New And Different


I really like the concept of this book.  Everybody is just a little bit different so it makes sense that every body needs something a bit different than the next person’s to keep it working properly.  The S Factor diet works to fix “the top cause of overeating and cravings (hormonal imbalances), not just the effect (the dreaded muffin top).”  Most people who diet can lose the weight but fall back into old habits after a while—this diet helps you avoid that by teaching you which foods work with your body to keep your hormones balanced and which to avoid so your brain and body don’t get out of whack.

Once you take the quiz to see which hormone group you fall into you can begin to use the menu plans created specifically for your hormone.  This is very helpful, but the recipes call for ingredients that might not fit into on most people’s budgets.  That being said, if a person wants to change their life for the better without having to take medication they will find a way to get the foods mentioned. 
For more information about this book and S Factor Products--click here--or the title above!

I received this book free of charge from Watkins Publishing through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
 
 
 

Evweefing!!




That was the answer of my four-year old when I asked him what he liked about this book.  He might be a little partial—his favorite book as a baby was Little Blessings GodMakes Nighttime Too.  We read it every night for a long time.  Plus, he looks just like one of the children in the book.

The Little Blessing series of books should really be a standard set in any home with small children.  Are Angels Real follows the same pattern as the other Little Blessing books.  The beginning has several questions asking about angels in a cute rhyming tone.  The second half answers those questions from a Biblical perspective in the same enchanting way.  The end of the book has each question followed by the written out Scriptures that support the answers given.  And of course, the illustrations by Elena Kucharik are the icing on the cake!  These are all around wonderful books for children, and they might teach their parents something too.
For a preview of this book--click here--or the title above!

I received this book free of charge from the Tyndale Blogging Network in exchange for an honest review.
 
 

Sunday, February 10, 2013

I’m a Saver/Security-Seeker, He’s a Spender/Flyer. AHHH!!!




So what does that even mean?  That means the two people who live in my house and deal with money have polar opposite views on how to deal with money.  Now, I want you to know that it hasn’t caused too much friction or much in the way of fighting in my home, thankfully.  But I do know that it can be frustrating to deal with and is down-right miserable for some folks.

I received this book at the perfect time.  I ordered it before I knew that I would be taking a budgeting class at church.  I thought this would all be redundant.  But the Palmers state clearly in the beginning of the book that this is not about finance, budgeting, saving for retirement, or anything else.  This is strictly to understand your own and your spouse’s money personalities: the how and why of what you do with money.

I did the personality test and was not surprised by the results.  I was pretty sure of what my husband’s results would be also,  but I was a good girl and had him take the test himself.  I think when you go over the quick explanation of each personality you will have a good feel for what fits you best.  If that is all you do then you have missed the point of the book.  The best part is when you understand why you are the way you are and why your spouse is the way he is.  When mutual understanding happens then there is peace and harmony—and that’s a beautiful thing.

I am glad I got this book before beginning the budgeting class.  It has helped me to see financial issues from my husband’s perspective and not just my own.  I would recommend The 5 Money Personalities to anyone trying to get their finances in order.  It’s going to make your chances of success so much better than without it!
For more information on this book --click here--or the title above!

Visit The Money Couple website or follow them on Facebook.

I received this book free of charge from BookSneeze in exchange for an honest review.


 

Thursday, January 17, 2013

Melodrama At It’s Finest

 
 
For the life of me, I am enjoying this series.  And when I say it’s melodrama at its finest, well part of me feels like I’m sneaking in some daytime soap watching while I read these books.  There is just something about the storyline that is impossibly over-the-top and yet so fascinating that you can’t wait to see what happens next!
Book two of the Forgotten Castles series starts moments from where the first ended.  Alex is on her next stop in her quest to find her missing parents.  The Duke has just missed her and is devastated to find that she boarded a ship as the wife of Lord Lemon.  Alex keeps going as if she is doing God’s will, much as she did in the first installment, however there comes a point when she starts to grow up and realizes that she is doing exactly as she wants and hoping God will bless her in her disobedience.
The Forgotten Castles series must be read from the beginning as it is one continuous story.  You cannot pick it up in the middle and have it make much sense.  I am looking forward to finishing the story with The Duke’s Promise.
For more information and to read an excerpt from this book--click here--!  To visit Jamie Carie's website--click here--or follow her on Facebook or Twitter.
 
I received this book free of charge from B&H Books through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Whom Can She Trust?

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There are no new students waiting to attend the Smallwood Academy.  Finances are low and Mr. Smallwood does not have much interest in anything since the death of his wife. Hoping to raise her depressed father’s spirits, Emma Smallwood encourages her father to take a temporary tutoring position in the home of two former students.  Unfortunately, the tutor and his daughter are not as welcome in the home as they were led to believe.   And although Emma looks forward to the possibility of renewing the acquaintance of her school girl crush, she loathes the idea spending time in the same house as his pestering older brother. 

This is an entirely enjoyable story that runs along the gothic story telling lines; complete with plenty of mystery, romance, and danger.  The visual descriptions are stunning. It is totally worth the time to read it!
To read the first two chapters of this novel--click here--or on the title above!  To visit Julie Klassen's website--click here--or visit her Facebook page!

I received this book free of charge from Bethany House Publishers through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

All She Wants Is A Better Life

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Having been chased out of their Mediterranean seaside home, Lydia Pallas’ family wanders the oceans until they reach Boston Harbor.  There they hope to settle a bit and get Lydia into school.  Tragedy strikes the family’s fishing boat and leaves Lydia an orphan in a strange land.

Lydia grows up and leaves behind the orphanage she loathes.  Determined not to live in poverty any longer she uses her skills with languages to translate documents for the Navy.  She knows she is lucky to have such a great job working with men who are fatherly and brotherly towards her.  She is comfortable and happy making her own way in the world and does not want anything to change.  Enter Alexander Bainbridge—a one man crusade against the opium trade.

Lydia as spent her young life relying on herself to get what she wants.  She does not like change and everything needs to be perfectly in order.  Bane is trying to honor God and make up for a young life lived in crime as an opium trader.  He inadvertently gets Lydia into an extremely dangerous situation with his nemesis.

This is the first of Elizabeth Camden’s novels I have read.  The story is a unique and absorbing to read.  It’s not always a happy read but it is well worth the effort.  I am looking forward to more of the author’s work.
For more information about this book--click here--or on the title above!  Visit Elizabeth Camden's website here!

I received this book free of charge from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review.