Nelson's Biblical Cyclopedic Index

Nelson's Biblical Cyclopedic Index. I recieved this book today in the mail. I already love it! Its a fantastic resourse for any Pastor, ministry leader, etc... It is extreamly easy to use and covers a wide range of subjects! For example if you want to look up woman in the bible you just turn to the "W" section and and find woman and it lists all the women mentioned in the bible and where to find them! Not only that, but there are also word study's that give you the original greek/hebrew, what the word used translates too and the verses that its used in. They've taken a concordance, a topical Bible and a Bible dictionary and turned it into one book! One awesome book! I will be keeping this book close to my Bible. It is a great resourse that should line every's bookshelf! I will definately be recommending this to all the people I know in the ministry!


I recieved this book free of charge by Thomas Nelson in exchange for an honest review of the book.

Christmas at Harrington's

Christmas at Harrington's, by Melody Carlson. A new start. That is what Lena is looking for and hopes to find in this city. But life just doesn't seem to be going her way, Christmas is coming soon and she doesn't really have anything. Not knowing what she's going to do she learns of the generousity of others when she's given a red coat. That coat finally lands her a job and hopefully the new life she's been dreaming of! But its really hard keeping your past in the past, especially when its a past like Lena's.
   I love Melody Carlson's Christmas books! they're fantastic! They're heart warming, she the true spirit of Christmas, and leave you feeling inspired! Its a short book, but a great story! I will definately be passing this book on to friends and family. Melody Carlson has done it again, She's written another great book!


Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

Within my Heart

Within my Heart, by Tamera Alexander. In this book we meet Rachel, who's been widowed and left with two young boys. She's struggling to make things work, to provide for her family without her husband around to do it any longer. But things go from bad to worse for Rachel when her cattle start getting sick and she has to turn to Dr. Brookston, who she's gone to lengths to avoid. She knows the life of a physicians family as her father was a physician and his lack of time spent with them was proof of that. She will try and avoid that at all costs. But after some interesting things happen her heart just might be turned towards the doctor.
    I did not read the first two books in this series as I received this as a part of an agreement to read and blog about this book. I wish I had been able to read the first two books, I imagine it would have opened up the characters even more in this book! Not that it wasn't good, it was excellent I loved reading it, and could keep up with the characters with out having read the first two books! I love historical fiction books (well this one's also a romance as well lol), and this one was no exception. Tamera Alexander does an excellent job of drawing her readers into her novel to where you feel you are in the book just watching life happen around you. I love a good book you can just get lost in and this is one of those books! I great read for the fiction reader in the family!!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

Flourish-discover the daily joy of abundant, vibrant living

Flourish-discover the daily joy of abundant, vibrant living, by Catherine Hart Weber, PhD. Flourishing, that's what Dr. Catherine Weber is teaching us through this book. So often we find ourselves stressed out, bordering on depression or neck deep in depression. What can we do before we get to that point? Is that the life that God intended for us? Dr. Weber shows us through her education and training and hands on expertise what the life we're intended to live from God is. She also grounds it biblically with applicable scripture! God didn't create us to live a mundane life, he created us to flourish!!
  I had a little trouble getting into the first couple of chapters of this book, to me it seemed kind of repetitive and nothing that I didn't already know prior to reading the book, but keep reading!! She does an excellent job of teaching woman how to lay down their life for God and in return gain their lives! She teaches us on having a positive outlook despite circumstances, and I can attest to that working!!! She gives great practical advice from a biblical perspective! a must have for the personal library for every woman!


Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

The Power of Persistent Prayer

 The Power of Persistent Prayer, praying with greater purpose and passion, by Cindy Jacobs. In this book we explore prayer and what it does. We also look at hinderances to our prayers as well as praying the bible, Praying the will of God, fasting, praying the word and persistence of prayer and more. Cindy Jacobs is well known by the evengelical community for her revelation on prayer and commitment to it! This book gives us insight into what she's learned over the years!!
     I was so excited when I saw this book come up for review! Its not often that I've seen writers such as Cindy Jacobs on the choices for blog reviews! I have listened to Cindy Jacobs preach and I really enjoy her teaching! Reading this book is almost like being in a room with her! Her writing style closely resembles her preaching style! I think this book is a must have for every congregation, at least get it in the hands of your intercessors, but go further than that and put it in the library and encourage people to read it! Her book is biblically sound and is a great teaching on prayer! I loved it! I will be pushing and recommending this book to everyone I can! Its not the tradition prayer book, which is basically a how to book on prayer. Rather she teaches Bible truths on prayer and personal revelation and how you can go deeper into your prayer life! I found myself in every chapter saying "yes" and "thats right". It is a very good book!!! You must read it!!


Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

Contest!!!!

I wanted to fill you in on an exciting contest that is currently being run and sponsored by the New Living Translation. We’re highlighting three ministries, Wycliffe Bible Translators, Oasis International, and The Dream Center, (click on the link to learn more details about these ministries) and by voting for one of these ministries you’ll be entered to win one of many prizes.








To enter, visit the NLT Facebook page by clicking http://www.facebook.com/NewLivingTranslation?v=app_28134323652&ref=ts







There are several levels of prizes you can win, here are the details:




With the Give the Word Bible Contest and Giveaway:


• Ministries win: Each time the NLT Facebook Page reaches a fan count milestone, votes will be tallied and the three ministries will receive cash donations from the New Living Translation and Tyndale House Publishers.

• Everyone wins: Everyone who enters on the Bible Contest website wins a free download of Matthew West reading the Christmas story.

• Daily NLT Study Bible winners: Vote on the NLT Facebook page and you will be entered to win two NLT Study Bibles—one to keep and one to give away. A new winner will be chosen every day.

• Weekly Give the Word Locally winners: Tell us about a deserving local ministry on the NLT Bible Contest website and they could win five NLT Study Bibles and $250 worth of NLT products.

• One Grand Prize winner will enjoy a unique trip customized just for them and their family (or three guests of their choice), to Wycliffe Bible Translators world headquarters and the WordSpring Discovery Center where they will experience firsthand the exciting world of Bible translation. The Grand Prize winner could also choose to donate the value of the trip--$2000--to Wycliffe instead.


http://www.facebook.com/NewLivingTranslation?v=app_28134323652&ref=ts

(copied from email I recieved)

The Narnia code

     The Narnia Code, by Michael Ward. In this book Michael Ward takes us through C.S. Lewis's life and how it all makes sense in how he wrote the chronicles of Narnia. His facination with the planets, his favorite poems and stories,  and the history of all those and how they relate to Christianity have all shaped his works. We learn a great deal of C. S. Lewis's life and his passions! All of this explains (according to Ward) his purposes and reasons for including all that he did in his narnia works. Lewis was very purposeful in every character he included in those stories.
      I really really enjoyed the first part of this book! I did learn a great deal of history about Lewis and how captivating of a person and author he was! I learned things I'd never known before, espeically about the planets and their relation to the days and beliefs that went with them. If only the book had just ended there or talked just about that stuff it would be so good! Unfortunately it comes off very conspiracy theoryish when he starts thinking he knows exactly why Lewis included the characters he did and that the books are based off of the 7 planets that they felt had influence. Why pick apart a great collection of stories like that? I really didn't enjoy the last half of the book. If you want to learn more about lewis then its a good read, but it goes down hill when it gets to the conspiracy part of it. Its still worth a read but the ending isn't as exciting and captivating as the begining. Ward is a talented writer, so its well written. I just am not a fan of last part of the book!


I recieved this book from tyndale in exchange for an honest review of it!

Bonhoeffer, Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy

     Bonhoeffer, Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy, by Eric Metaxas. In this biography we read about the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. From his childhood to his adult life and death. We learn of the great compassion for people and his courage! Leaving a safe life and putting himself in danger. Entering area's where Nazi's are killing the Jewish people and even participating in a plan to assassinate Hitler! Following his convictions even unto death!
      This book started off a little arrogant sounding, as the author went back into the life and the class system that Bonhoffer's family belonged to and the great people in his family.  But once you can get past that part the rest of the book is great! I have to admit I had never even heard of Bonhoeffer until I had read this book! The author does a great job in telling Bonhoeffer's life and giving us an idea of who this man was! I will be pouring myself over books about this man! I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to learn more of Bonhoeffer and what it is to truely live out the red letter gospel! Amazing!


Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

An Amish love

An Amish Love by Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller & Kelly Long, In this novel we hear three authors share Amish love stories.
      Healing Hearts, by Beth Wiseman. Levina's husband left for a time and Levina found herself alone struggling on her own. She never imagined her husband would be gone for so long. She learns to seek God and really rely on Him, her relationship with God blossoms. But then Her husband finally reappears! She must learn all over again to trust him and love him!
     A Marriage of the Heart, by Kelly Long. Abigail misses what life used to be like when her mother was still alive, she hates the lonely feeling of the house she shares with her father. But then a new guy comes around and Abigail thinks she's found a fool proof plan to get out of her misery! She marries this man, never expecting much other than an escape and then finds what true love really is!
     What the Heart Sees, by Kathleen fuller. A horrible accident occurs that leaves Ellie blind, her whole world seems to go out of Control, so much has been taken away from her! Ellie has resigned herself to believe she'll never love again and that no one will ever love her. That is until  love reappears!
      I can't even begin to explain how much I love Amish stories. I get my hands on every copy I can find. Beth Wiseman is one of my favorite authors in the genre! I was so excited to get the opportunity to read this book! Not only that but Both Kathleen Fuller and Kelly Long also are extreamly talented writers of this genre!! This is a book I'll love and read over and over again! It is gift worthy to your book lover out there, I guaruntee that you will love this book if you read it!!

 I recieved this book in exchange for an honest review from Thomas Nelson.

Cut your grocery bill in half-with America's cheapest family

Cut your grocery bill in half-with America's cheapest Family, by Steven and Annette Economides. In this book we find practical advice on cutting down on your grocery budget with out cutting out taste or healthiness. From planning ahead, buying in bulk, preparing meals etc..As well on tips on how to make this work for you by giving you more free time.
 A lot of the advice in this book is really good, its mostly stuff I've heard of before, but still a great reminder. They do teach a lot on how to make your time work for you. Definately a must read for those who are facing financial struggles and needing to cut down on costs, but not willing to cut down on quality. I really did enjoy this book!!! A definate addition to any library!!


Book was provided free of cost from Booksneeze in exchange for an honest review.

Emily's chance

Emily's chance, by Sharon Gillenwater. In this book we meet Emily, she has big plans of success in this world. She plans on going on to become a museum curator, and the work she's doing in Callahan crossing is just one way to forward her plans to make it there. She doesn't plan on meeting chance though, who's won over by Emily and finds it his mission to convince her to stay...with him.
 This is a great story of love, redemption and beauty. Its fantastic to find a story that you can just get lost in and forget the world around you. This is one of those books.  You know an authors written a great book when you can finish reading it and have such a feeling of peace and love after. Great job on this book Sharon Gillenwater, I very much loved it and look forward to seeking out the first book in this series!


Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

More glimpses of Heaven

More glimpses of Heaven, by Trudy Harris, RN. In this book we read true stories of people in the last stages of live and the peace and comfort that God gives them.  Story after story we see the joy of the Lord in their lives despite the circumstances happening. One story is that of a little boy who was dying, but he had so much life and joy in him. He often told people that Jesus visted him, and on one of his visits he was going to take him back with him to Heaven.
 The stories in this book are so sweet. This is a fantastic book that shares with us of those who have Jesus as their savior and the peace in which they leave this world with that knowledge.  As much as I loved this book it was probably the hardest book that I've read. Every story makes you cry lol. It took me a while to get through it, because as much comfort there is in Jesus, it still very touching and hard to accept death. Is this a book I'd recommend to people? I don't know, it would be very dependant on the circumstances in their lives. I can see this book being a great comfort to those who are facing dying or facing a loved one dying.


Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

The Waiting

The Waiting, by Suzanne Woods Fisher. Jorie king has promised to wait for her love Ben who chose to go to war despite the wishes of the Amish community. She fills her time waiting for him with the regular Amish lifestyle as well as taking on the task to teaching in the school house. She is devastated to find out that military man show up to the community to let them know that Ben has been killed. Will Jorie find love with another? event after event happens that turns Jorie's world upside down!
 I have been waiting really impatiently for this book in the Lancaster county series to come out! I read the first book in this series, The Choice, and fell in love with the characters and the community. This definitely did not disappoint! I loved every inch of this book! Amish fiction novels are becoming increasingly popular and Suzanne Woods Fisher is among the top writers in this area! I can not wait to get my hands on a copy of the third book in this series!! Very well done!



Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

Unlocked

Unlocked, by Karen Kingsbury. Holden Harris is locked in a world of autism. His mom, Tracy, doesn't get to communicate with her son, he is non verbal. She also hasn't hugged her son in years as touch is too much for him and upsets him. She feels like her son was kidnapped at three years old and replaced with this shell that looks like him, but he's not there anymore. Ellie is looking for more from life, than the life her parents have created. Her mom tries to hard to impress her husband and the rest of the world. Her dad only seems to concentrait on baseball and training. Which leaves Ellies home a very lonely place. When Ellie see's harris at school, she's drawn to his eyes, the familiar look he gives her. Through this meeting with Ellie we see harris do more than he's ever done before and now has restored hope to his parents that their son is indeed not lost, God knows exactly where he is and what is going on in his mind.
 I adored this book. It was seriously fantastic! Not at all a romance story, but a great story on the miracles of God and how He uses people to bring his miracles to others! I couldn't put this book down, it was done with in two days of starting it! I really loved this novel! A must read for Karen Kingsbury fans!


Recieved this book for free from Zondervan in exchange for an honest review

While we're far apart

While we're far apart, by Lynn Austin. Penny is a shy, homely woman. Living in a home with her parents who are afraid of life. Who refuse to let Penny live one of her own, they fear trouble and danger around ever corner. Penny has always loved Eddie, their next door neighbor's son. After Eddie's wife passes away, he's left with two young children and trouble dealing with the grief of loosing his wife. He decides to join the military as an escape to it all. Except that he has no one to care for his children after learning that his mother will not allow them to live with her. Penny comes to the rescure (much to anger of Eddie's daughter) and offers to live with the kids in their apartment while Eddie is away at war. All a part of Penny's plan to win Eddie's heart. Penny all the sudden is faced with caring for children (something she's never done), as well as caring for Eddie's home and dealing with all the problems that young ladies and ecspecially angry young ladies face! Also facing fears installed in her from her parents about the people around her and in her building. Penny finds freedom, truth, and see's secrets exposed!
 This is an excellent book. Not only do we get to see things through Penny's eyes as she's trying to raise two children who are strangers to her, but we also get to see through the eyes of their Jewish neighbor who has a son who is in the concentration camps during the holocaust. The author does a great job of giving us a sense of the time and the struggles faced by those of that time as well! A much loved novel.


Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

The Preacher's Bride

The Preacher's Bride, by Jody Hedlund. Elizabeth finds herself troubled by the crying of a few week old infant who is desperate to feed. Mary Costin (the child's mother) has just passed away and now this baby will be next if Elizabeth doesn't step in and find a solution. Through her calling to care for the Costin family after the passing of their mother, Elizabeth finds herself falling for the children and their father! John Costin is a preacher of the gosple, which is a dangerous calling in those times. He can't deny his calling but he also needs to care for his family. We follow Elizabeth and John through this story of love and danger, to see how it all plays out.
I really enjoyed this book! It held my attention from beginning to end! A really great story line! God works in mysterious ways and this book really shows us of examples of how God can and does work in us! I highly recommend this book!!


Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

The Grace of God

The Grace of God, by Andy Stanley. In this book Any Stanley looks at grace through out the Bible. Grace is such a foreign thing to us. As much as we learn about it at church and on our own. It is such a hard concept to really grasp! (the idea is easy, but the realization that you can't earn grace is so foreign).  Right from beginning to end in this book Mr. Stanley shows us Biblically God's grace. Right from the fall when Adam and eve were told they would die if they ate from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Yet when they did eat from it, God extended his grace to them and spared their lives! Their lives were not the same, there were consequences for their actions, but by God's grace they did not die! Its hard some times to see grace in the Old Testament. It seems like there was always anger and vengeance and its hard to see God's love in there. But Mr. Stanley goes through most of those questions about the OT and shows us God's grace in there. If you compare what the people were told would happen vs what did happen we see that God truly is a merciful God through out the Bible! Mr. Stanley points out so much stuff that we tend to miss in the Bible, the revelation that he's been given about grace is amazing! I love the line in there about how God went looking for them, he didn't wait for Adam and eve to confess their sins and come to him for forgiveness. He sought them out, went looking for them! How abundance is the love of our God!!! I have been studying grace for the past year and longed for a book that truly captured what grace is. There is no secret formula to God. You do this and then he'll do that. All that He has done for us is out of His grace, mercy and love. I can't even begin to put into words how much I loved this book. It is so accurate on what grace is and you hear God in those pages! I love that book and will treasure it for years to come! It is a book that all Christians need to read, it should be in every single church library out there! I will be recommending this book to every one I know!




Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

Head in the clouds

Head in the clouds, by Karen Witemeyer. In this novel we meet Adelaide Proctor. The towns school teacher. She loves her job and the kids. She's also wanting to get married and have her own family. She meets a guys she thinks she can marry, she's not sure if she loves him, but he'd be able to provide. He suddenly announces that his job has switched and he'd no longer be coming through town any longer. Adelaide follows him to where he lives in hopes of a marrage proposal and instead finds out that he's married! So now she's left with out a job, a husband or a place to live. She finds an add in the local paper for a school tutor and gets the job, thats when the adventure really begins!
 This book was great, I really enjoyed it. It was suspensful, entertaining and just a great read! I highly recommend it and can't wait to read more of Karen Witemeyer's books!




Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

Don't look back

Don't look back, woman of Justice book 2, by Lynette Eason. Jamie Cash, kidnapped years ago and escaped, recieved years of thearapy and finally finds herself in a place where she feels she can be "normal" again. She may even be able to trust her heart with a man. But daily finds herself still haunted by her past. That is until her past catches up with her and her kidnapper realizes she's still alive. Jamie again is fighting for her life a second time as he returns to her to finish off the job!!
 This book is fantastic, so super suspenseful. You know that point where you're so engrossed in what you're reading that you're feeling what the characters are feeling? Where the suspense keeps you in a constant state of wanting to throw up and scream at your book? This is that kind of book lol. definately not a chick book! I really enjoy Lynette's books and can't wait for the next book in the series to come out! Very well done!!! 5 out of 5!!! The only complaint I have is that I hate the cover lol, that is the only area that I think the books can improve on!




Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

Making Waves

Making Waves, by Lorna Seilstad.  Marguerite Westing and her family decide to spend one last summer at Lake Manawa, Marguerite is thrilled! Marguerite's mother has decided that the worlds most boring suitor, Roger Gordon, will marry her daughter. Marguerite is looking forward to the break from him and not only that, but sailing and taking in the stars. that is until Roger Gordon decides to follow them to the lake, much to Marguerite's demise. Marguerite starts telling lie after lie to try and find a way to escape the things she doesn't want to face and soon discovers herself too caught up in lies with not apparent way out. She's left facing the choice of marry the man she doesn't love, but saving her family through it. Or marrying the man she does love, but loosing her family.
 This book is awesome! I love love love it! It is very well written and so entertaining!!! Very Very well done for a first novel Ms. Seilstad!!!! I certainly hope she will continue writing more so I can continue reading them!! a definate 5 out of 5!




Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

A hope Undaunted

A hope Undaunted, by Julie Lessman. Katie O'Connor is a strong independent woman. She has set the path out for her life and intends to keep to that path, including who she's going to marry. She will not be "ruled" by a man, she is smart, sassy and strong willed! That is until her father has enough of her rebelliousness and decides to send her away to volunteer at an orphanage for the summer. Much to Katie's dismay she discovers her childhood tormentor is her boss! Luke McGee.  Quickly though Katie discovers he is not the same boy she once knew and might just be falling for him! Now she must make the choice to follow her plans or her heart.
 This is a great read! I really love Julie Lessman's writing style! It kept me glued to the book from the begining to the end! I love books where the woman isn't some dumb twit, who couldn't possibly rely on herself. This book is not that! I love it, its a must read! I can't wait to get the next book in this series!! I'm a huge fan!!!



Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available now at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

Embers of Love

embers of love, striking a match book 1,  by Tracie Peterson. In this book we meet Deborah Vandermark.  She went to school and recieved education in bookkeeping. She returns home, accompanied by her friend who she's helping run away from a  wedding she doesn't want. and decides to play match-maker with her and set her up with brother. Deborah's eye is drawn to the new doctor in town Christopher Clayton. She starts learning from him and realizes that she has a passion for medicine, but she also might have a passion for him?
 The book was a little predictable lol, but it was still a good read! I really enjoy Tracie Peterson's books and this one didn't disappoint! Definately a must read for the romance lovers in your life! I'm not an avid fan of Romance novels, but I thought this one was good! (good for a romance novel type of good lol). I'd say a 4 out of 5!




Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available now at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

Adventures in Booga Booga Land - Volume 1

I recieved this DVD from Thomas Nelson for reviewing. I'd never heard of this cartoon before, but I have young children and am always looking for Chrisitan based stuff for them to watch! We just recieved it on friday and I think we've watched it about 6 times! My children are ages 4 and 6 and they love it! Its definately geared towards that age group (as far as the format of the cartoon, being able to hold attention). The characters in this movie retell 3 parables from scripture in cartoon format! The building your house on a rock parable. The parable about the workers who all got paid the same although worked different hours. The parable of the lamp under the bowl.
 While we really enjoyed this movie and its a good clean show for kids (there is one insult at one point where the monkey calls his teacher a square, not a bad insult lol, but an insult none the less!), the only problem that I had is that it doesn't really mention scripture in the movie at all. You're not really going to understand that this is based on scripture unless your kids really know those stories to begin with! I would have like to have seen scripture told in the movie better! But I still liked the movie and its a great resource for your children, especially if accompanied by teaching the parables!

YHWH, the flood the fish and the giant

YHWH, The Flood The fish and the giant by G.P. Taylor.  Taylor takes the stories we read in our Bibles (david and goliath, adam and eve, etc...) and retells them in a story like manor that's easily read and a more modern style of writing. He embellishes the stories we all know to present them more fresh that would appeal to a younger generation!
 I did really like this book, I don't think that Taylor took anything too far that it would disagree with scripture, he seemed to follow scripture closely and was very careful not to add to or take away from the Bible. The only thing that I didn't enjoy in this book was the first chapter on Adam and Eve as I felt that he portrayed Eve as a ditz, and the significance of who she is and why she was created wasn't there. Other than that, the rest of the stories I think are fantastic! Definately something thats going to captivate younger readers who are into the twilight/harry potter style! Very well done!!




 Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available now at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

City on our knees

City on our Knees, by Toby Mac. In his book Toby Mac shares with us stories about people who have done the unimagineable. Regular people like us, who have changed the world. Some times motivated by disease, prejudice etc...We hear story after story of people who dispite only being one person, decided to stand up for something and in the process did more than they could ever imagine! We hear of a little girl with Cancer at 6 years old who raises more money that we could ever imagine possible to fight this disease, all because she wanted to help those who would be in the same position as her. We hear another story of people who refused to discriminated agaist any longer, but who also refused to succumb to bullying and efforts to make them start a violent march. Who ended up changing things for their people by simiply standing up and saying no we're not going to let this happen any longer.
 This book reminds me a lot of the book Jesus freaks that came out years ago, this one though not only includes stories of people who are chrisitians on mission fields, but also of those who are not. This book is a great inspirational book! it really shows us what one person can do to change the world! I really enjoyed this book!



 Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available now at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

choosing to see

Choosing to see, by Mary Beth Chapman. I think almost everyone who is a christian remembers what happened when Mary Beth and Steven Curtis Chapman lost their daughter. It was so tragic and heart breaking! In this book Mary Beth shares with us the real her. the struggles, how God is faithful even in times of tragity. I have been through the heart break of loosing a child and understood the pain and the grief that goes with that. It is so unique to see some one in a position to talk to lots of people about the death of a child, to tell us about that grief in a real way. Yet also to show us how normal we are for grieving. Its a subject rarely talked about, that is obviously needed to be opened. My hat's off to Mary Beth Chapman and my heart still goes out to that family! I would 100% recommend this book to anyone who has lost a child, or even to some one who knows some one who has. I can't say enough good things about this book! I fully expect it to be an unbelievably popular book that will be recommended to those who have suffered losses such as this by those in proffessional fields Very well done Mary Beth Chapman.



 Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available now at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

Have a new you by friday

Have a new you by friday, by Dr. Kevin Leman. In Dr. Leman's book he gives us steps to change things about ourselves that we don't like, break bad habits, etc... He does so with humor and some great advice! He is also the author of the book Have a new kid by Friday, which I loved and heard tons of great things about it. So I was thrilled for the chance to read this book by him! I was not disappointed! He gives great advice and areas that we can take action in! Its not quite a book you can write too much on for reviewing, as I'd have to tell you the whole book for you to see how good it is lol. I definately recommend this book! I was beyond happy with it and will definately be recommending it to others!!



 Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available now at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

In Every heartbeat

In Every Heartbeat, by Kim Vogel Sawyer. In this novel we meet three orphans who've reached adult age and are heading off to college! Libby Conley is a firey young woman who's discovered a gift for writing and is determined to become a journalist, while also creating a name for herself writing short stories to help with schooling costs. Pete Leidig has a certain calling from God to become a minister, something he takes very seriously. Bennet Martin's only plan for college is to have as much fun as possible, to join a fraternity, still suffering from feelings of rejection from being abandoned he's looking/longing to belong some where. We follow these three through the adventures they face. Fights, secrets revealed, hidden feelings of love and so much more!!
  I really enjoyed this book, its not really a romance novel, but not a suspence etc.. either lol, so I don't know how to classify it. But I know its well done and you'll want to read this one!! Once I started reading this book I couldn't put it down!


* Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available now at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

The Thorn

The Thorn, by Beverly Lewis. In this book we follow the story of two amish girls. Years ago "Hen" (her nickname) met and outsider and fell in love. She ran off and left the amish life to marry this man and excluded her family for years. That is until her own child was born and getting to a impressionable age. She realizes that she longs for her amish life back and for her daughter to grow up in an amish family. Yet Hen's husband is far from amish and not sure he even believes in God. With out him becoming amish, there's little chance the Bishop will allow Hen back into the community with out him.
    Rose after seeing her sister Hen run off and get married and hurting the rest of the family by discluding them get, decides to join the church and forgo the time in a young amish person's life where they can get in a little trouble. Its the least she can do help her parents realize she won't run off like her sister. But when Nick, Rose's best friend is in the picture. No one's sure if she can keep with that promise or is her heart falling for him?
   I can't even begin to tell you how much I loved this book! Beverly Lewis does an amazing job depicting the amish life in all her books. She is among my favorite authors in amish writing! This book does not disappoint and again is one that you'll pick up and not be able to put down! definately buy this book, borrow it, whatever, just get a copy I know you'll love it!


* Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available now at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

God's Promises for Women of Faith

God's promises for women of faith, by Jack Countryman.  This is a colourful little hardcover book, filled with scriptures from the KJV bible on different aspects of life. It also has a little section for notes and talks about women of the Bible.
 I found the book to be very cute, I loved the cover. I wasn't too thrilled to find it was in KJV, but thats just a personal preference. Its obviously not a devotional, at best its a gift book or a "pick me up" book for a friend! I had expected more out of it, but that was probably a mistake on my part. I was hoping that it would be in a more devotional format and its not. I would definately give this to a friend for a gift, but as for my personal library I probably wouldn't buy it for myself. If you have those women in your life that just love "girly" stuff, then this book would most definately be suited to them!! As I said it is adorable!
 I recieved this book for free from Booksneeze in exchange for an unbiased review! Thanks booksneeze!

Permission to speak freely

Permission to speak freely, by Anne Jackson. Anne Jackson asked a question on her blog, "What is one thing you feel you can't say in the church". She recieved a ton of responses to that questioned, which lead her to write this book. We get a glimps into her life and the amazing testimony she has. She calls us to a place where we can be real with each other and share our struggles, not try and hide them as has been done in the past. We learn of her struggles with addictions and how she's using that to now help others. We also hear of her struggles of sharing those problems and the people that told her not to talk about it. Rather than keep in silence about the things affecting us we need to be able to share with one another to overcome our problems.
    I adored this book! Its a fantastic read! God is not ashamed of us no matter what we do, so neither should we be ashamed to talk about our problems and recieve healing! This book is amazing, for anyone going through struggles this is an awesome book, even for those not its still an awesome read! Anne Jackson is on the right track of where our churches need to be!


* Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available now at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

Immanuel's Veins

Immanuel's Veins, by Ted Dekker. In this book we meet Toma and Alek sent by the queen to protect twin sisters Natasha and Lucine.  Both are immeadiately struck by the twins and fall for them. But it also seems a neighbor has also fallen for them, one who is mysterious and dark and quite alluring. We follow them against this fight over evil.
 In all honesty, I found it so hard to get into in the beginning and even after reading it, I still wasn't terribly impressed. Its not that I was offended by the gore or anything of it, I wasn't. I just found it hard to follow and couldn't really get into the story. I don't generally read Ted Dekker books so I don't know if this is just the style of  Dekker's writing, or if its something different then normal. Its well written, I just didn't enjoy the story very much. I'd say its worth a read, but maybe just try borrowing it rather than purchasing it (unless you get a sale). I hate not giving great reviews, but I just couldn't bring myself to enjoy this book.

Love Charleston

Love Charleston, by Beth Webb Hart. In this novel we meet Anne, who heard a word from God years ago telling her that she should stay in charleston and she would find her love there. But years passed and no one came along. Now she's doubting what she heard and with the encouragement of family is considering moving. A new rector moves to town, could this be the man that God had told Anne about? He seems so unsure of himself let alone being in love. We also follow the story of a couple of other ladies in anne's family. One who seems to have it all, yet no ones happy. Another who was happy until her artist husband couldn't financially support the family anymore. All looking for a happier life.
 This really wasn't the book I expected it to be, its a good read, I really enjoyed it! Its not quite romance, not quite fully suspense. It has so many unexpected twists to it! Read it, once you pick it up it'll be stuck in your hands! lol

The Boy who changed the world

The Boy who changed the world, by Andy andrew. In this book we follow the story of three people Norman Borlaug, Henry Wallace, and George Washington Carver. How they all were connected and how they all in some way changed the world. from Norman who decided as a boy that he wanted to help feed hungry people around the world, so becomes a scientist and discovers a way to use his knowledge on food to save 2 billion people. To Moses Carver who decided to rescue a small black child in a time where it was frowned on to do so. That little boy becomes an inventor who also changes the world.  We see the butterfly effect of what each decision we make can have!
  I thought this was a great book, it teaches the lesson that anyone can change the world in some way. Just by helping some one, it doesn't have to be a huge thing, but the butterfly effect from that can change the world. I would think it would be for older children (8 years plus) as its a little long and wordy for children younger. I read it to my children (4 and 6 years old) and they got the message right away and loved it!

Touching the Clouds

Touching the Clouds, by Bonnie Leon.  In this book we meet Kate Evans, She's an independant woman unwilling to settle down to the role of the average house wife and rather leaves her life behind to head to alaska to pursue her dream of flying. When arriving there finds that no one is hiring, (well not hiring a woman!) so takes a job as a clerk at a local store and meets a man named Paul. She see's something intriguing in Paul and is drawn to him, but he's isolated himself from everyone and she's not sure if she can break down this wall he's built around himself to keep everyone else out!
 The story is well written and the story line is very good as well. Not my kinds of book, but thats just because its not a style that I enjoy, it has no reflection on the author of this book. she's done a great job with it! If the independant woman in the wild finding romance is your kinds of book then read it, you'll love it!


* Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available now at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

Masquerade

Masquerade, by Nancy Moser. This book follows the story of two people. Charlotte comes from a wealthy family and is promised by her parents to marry the heir of one of America's wealthiest families. Charlotte isn't sure this is the life she wants anymore, to marry a stranger, the "rules" of society etc...Dora, Charlottes maid, suddenly gets thrust into the life of elite when Charlotte convinces her to change places with her. Both find themselves teetering in the brink of humiliation and a whole lot of trouble if anyone finds out what they have done. They have so much to loose!
 I love historical novels, and Nancy Moser does not disappoint in this book! The story is beautifully written, the story line is captivating and is the kind of book that you pick up and can't put down! Its a must have for those who are fans of historic novels! She shows us the less "pretty" side of those who were wealthy as well as what life looked like for the poor! Well done Nancy Moser!


* Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available now at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

The Constantine Conspiracy

The constantine Conspiracy, by Gary E. Parker. This story is about Rick Carson, who happens to stumble on a murder and finds that he is now the suspect in this case.  He soon discovers that there is more than what he expects. Corruption from all levels, which leaves his only choice to run, even though he is innocent. He finds some refuge in a police officer Shannon Bridge who comes to his aid after he is wounded, but he isn't sure which side she's playing for.
 This book is very well written and I enjoyed the story. But I did not enjoy the underlying message beneath it. That being that people of other religions being against christianity and conspiring to bring it down by performing "acts" in their name. For far too long the world has viewed other religions with an us vs. them mentality. Which is 100% unbiblical. We are not at war with muslims or their religion. In fact the commandment we recieve is to love our neighbors (and those we consider enemies) Eph. 6:12 says "For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places" So while being a well written book and highly entertaining I can't give this a good rating as I consider it unbiblical.


* Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available now at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

Out live your life

 Out live your life, by Max Lucado. In this book Max Lucado asks us the questions of how we can effect society. How one person can change history.  He walks us through the book of Acts and how many people through out that book changed history, by their actions. He challenges us to the same. We can do more, we can be more. The littlest things we do can have major effects for people around the world. This very much reminds me of a children's book called "the boy who changed the world", the story is about children who as they grew into adults changed the world and how they were all connected. From Scientists to the president of the USA to a farmer.
 I really loved this book, it gets to the truth of what we can do. I love Max Lucado's books and this one doesn't dissapoint. This is a must read for those who are tired of what they're doing and want to make a difference. In a time where the world encourages selfishness as Christians we need to stand up and act selflessly.

The Bishop

The Bishop by Steven James. OH my goodness. Thats really the only way to describe this book! We follow special agent Patrick Bower's as he try's to track down a couple of brutal serial killers. Who seem to be able to pull off the perfect crimes. targeting people with out a traceable pattern. As well as using their vicims to take out police officers. Time is of the essence to track these serial killers down before they're faced with even more bodies.  On top of this unbelievable case he's also faced with the breakdown of his relationship with his daughter, when her biological father comes into the picture and tries to seperate Bower and his daughter. So not only does Bower have to fight with the killers, he also has to fight to keep together whats left of his family.
     I can't even begin to explain how great this book is! Be forwarned its a little gory when you follow the killers, but such a good read! I love suspence novels, and this one does not disappoint! If you need a book to keep you on the edge of your seat from front to finish then this is it! Its also a great excuse to ignore all chores and responsibilities as you'll NEED to find out what happens! This is among the top of my favorite books that I've recieved from Graf Martin! I hadn't heard of Steven James before this book, but now that I've read one of his books I'll be looking up the rest of them! This is one of those books you need to read! Definately worth buying!!


*Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available now at your favortie bookseller from Revell a division of Baker Publishing group.

The reluctant entertainer, every woman's guide to simple and gracious hospitality.

The reluctant entertainer, every woman's guide to simple and gracious hospitality, by Sandy Coughlin. I recieved this in the mail today and read it through as quick as I can! Sandy Coughlin equips her readers to be able to pull off entertaining people in their home even if they don't have the "skills" to do it! She walks you through what you need and that you need to remember that a fun evening for people doesn't mean you have to give them perfection! Its more about the friendship and fellowship than it is about the food! As well as a guide on what to do she also give advice on being hospitable and a blessing to those around you! She also includes some recipes that I can't wait to try out!!
    After reading this book I'm excited to invite friends over and try some of the recipes out! She makes it very clear that you don't have to be rich, a gourmet chef or have a huge house, to throw a successful dinner party!


* Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available now at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Back on Murder

Back on Murder, by J. Mark Bertrand. Roland March is a homicide detective who's shortly going to be on his way out.  He's given a gang homicide case and finds a connection with a missing evangelists daughter that the rest of the force doesn't see. This could be the case that ressurrects his career! The more he gets involved in the case the more personal he makes it and won't rest until its solved.
     I loved this book, loved, loved, loved it! Seriously its about time we started having more chrisitan novels that weren't romance novels!! I am a huge fan of mystery novels and police novels and this one doesn't disappoint! I was captivated right from the start and just couldn't put this book down! You ever have so many words of praise for a book and you just can't get the words all unjumbled and write them out? This book is all that! Seriously get it! The christian readers have been waiting for books like this! Awesome writing, great story, you'll love it too!


* Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available now at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Courting Morrow Little

Courting Morrow Little, by Laura Frantz. Morrow Little faced tragedy early in life when Shawnee warriors killed members of her family. Now due to her fathers health she needs to find a husband and soon. There's a large variety of men to choose from as there's a shortage on woman. But Morrow finds herself drawn to love a man that by all means she should hate. We see the struggle with who she should pick and get our breath stolen when we think she's gonna pick the wrong one lol.  We also see the struggle with her choice and living with that decision.
     I loved this book, it was entertaining, educating and a great read! I haven't read Laura Frantz's first novel yet, but I think I'm going to have to now. This was such a captivating book! Would make an awesome gift for the book reader in your life!!!


* Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available now at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Hermie, who's in charge anyway

Hermie's who's in charge anyway is great. I love the Hermie and friends collection and this one did not disappoint!! In this movie the cast talks about God's purpose/plans for our lives and that God has a plan for everyone. My two children (aged 4 and 6) loved this movie and sat glued to the tv watching it! I love it because you can trust that they're not going to see anything inappropriate on it and it teaches great Biblical lessons to the kids as well! A definate add to the movie library! Loved it! Max lucado does great with these characters and the lessons they teach, I've never seen a hermie movie that I haven't really liked!

His Princess, Girl talk with God.

 His Princess, Girl talk with God, by Sherri Rose Shepherd. In this book we look at real life situations from Shepherd combined with scripture and a love letter from God. The promises of God fill this book as well as what God says about who you are and what he created you to be and who He wants you to be!
     This book is great, really really really great. Seriously every teen girl needs this book as part of her collection! Too many times young girls let media dictate who they are and whats wrong with them. Rather than going to the Father and finding out who they really are! I strongly suggest that anyone in a position of working with youth girls needs to have this book in their library or even to do a study with girls on this book! It is despritely needed in our society today! I'm also thoroughly excited to find out that this book is also written for adults too! I can't wait to get my hands on a copy of the one written for adults!! Buy it, read it, and give it as a gift!!!



* Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available now at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Perfectly Dateless

Perfectly Dateless, by Kristin Billerbeck. In this book we meet Daisy and her parents, who are every teens worst nightmare!!! Daisy attends a Christian school and is wanting to attend the prom. Problem is, she's never been allowed to have a boyfriend or even talk to boys!! Not only that, she's also made to wear home made clothes (not even well done home made clothes lol). She must also over come her shyness and lack of experience in social skills! We get to follow Daisy in this adventure of trying to get her way despite her parents obvious goal of ruining her life! lol.
   If you have a teen this is a must read for them!! Its funny, very witty and so well written. You'd be very hard pressed to find some one who doesn't love this book!! Despite its goal audience being teens, I totally enjoyed this book! I loved her descriptions of things, such as Daisy's reaction to getting her hair cut done by a real hair stylist, in a current style not done by her mom! lol. This book will not disapoint!!


* Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available now at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Heartless

Heartless, by Anne Elisabeth Stengl. In this novel we meet young Princess Una of Parumvir, who is soon coming to age to be married. we Also meet her suitors and follow her in her decisions on who she wants to be with and the different choices she makes (some of which are not the right choice lol). Her decisions which lead her into a direction she shouldn't have gone, result in danger and a struggle to defeat that danger!!
   Sorry for the short description of the book, I didn't want to give too much away as you need to read it yourself! lol. I found the book reall hard to stay interested in, in the first few chapters as it seemed very slow and confusing. But after I got a little further into the book I was hooked!!! Its a fantastic fantasy novel and you'll definately see the comparisions to Jesus in here as well! definately buy this book, or borrow it! Its one you will not want to miss!!



*Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin kCommunications, Inc. Available now at your favourite bookseller from Revell a a division of Baker Publishing Group.

The Seeker

The seeker, by Ann H Gabhart. This book is about a young lady named charlotte and her struggles in life. She had her plans all laid out for who she was going to marry, what she was going to do with her life, etc... But then the man she had planned on marrying threw a wrench into the whole deal when he decided he was called to live a shaker life (that ment you couldn't be married and that all belongings/land etc. was signed over to the shakers). If that wasn't enough her father comes home and announces that he's gotten married and Charlottes step mom is less than what one would hope for in a mother.  To get away from this new step mom and in an attempt to get the man back she lost to the shakers, she decided to join them under the disguise of wanting to be a part of the community. 
     I really enjoyed this book! Its a fairly long book, but very well written. As well it also gives a lot of the history of the shakers and their lifestyle, beliefs etc.. Much more than just an average romance novel! A definate must read!!

*Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin communications Inc. Available now at your favorite  bookseller from Bethany house, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Momology, A mom's guide to shaping great kids

Momology, A mom's guide to shaping great kids, by Shelly Radic. Well this book is basically what it says it is lol, a guide for shaping kids! She goes through lots of chapters on different areas of being a mom, with advice, suggestions and stories of other moms etc.. Shelly Radic is a part of the staff of MOPS international and an author!
     In all honesty I did find this book very frustraiting to follow, it wasn't a hard read, but I just couldn't get into reading the book. I'm not a fan of books on parenting. Not to say that she doesn't have good advice in here, she does really have good advice. But as a woman there's so much more to us than being moms and if we focus on being the woman that God created us to be and allow God to change our hearts and shape our lives. We will get to that place of being a good parent despite the books! I just finished reading a really great book about moms, but not on how to be a good mom (lol if that makes sense? lol). So to come from a book that talked about being real moms, with real struggles and real children, to a book on how to raise great kids wasn't a leap I took very well lol. For a person who is looking for a guide book on raising kids (well mostly an advice book lol, and again it did have good advice) this would be a good book for you. For me it wasn't one that I enjoy, not because it was badly done, but just because its not a type of book I enjoy reading! I do think its worth a read, but not in place of the ultimate guide book on parenting from the perfect parent (the Bible lol).


Available now at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group

A Tailor-made Bride

A Tailor-made Bride, by Karen Witemeyer. This book is about Hannah  Richards, who is new in town and the new and only dressmaker in town as well!! She has a great fondness for things that are beautiful and finds joy in those things! She see's this new opportunity in this new time as God's timing for her and His plan coming forth! But Jericho (or J.T.) has a very definate dislike for what he feels are shallow girls who like pretty things! He very quickly judges a book by its cover (or a woman by her dress? lol), until he realizes that she's nothing like he thought!
 This book is funny, fun, a great love story and all around a great read! I really had a lot of fun reading this book. So I'm positive for anyone that is into romance novels that you'll love this book!! I enjoyed it so much that I left all the things that needed to be done around the house for another day and read instead! Buy it, read it, you'll love it!!!



Available now at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group

The Homecoming

The Homecoming, by Dan Walsh. When I first started this book I didn't realize that it was the sequel to The Unfinished gift, also by Dan Walsh. it was a great surprise as I loved that first book! (I guess I probably should have read the back of the book before I started and I would have figured it out right away lol) In this book we see the continuation of the story of Shawn Conners and his son Patrick. Shawn is home from the war and back with his son, but is called on to speak around the country about the war. He has barely had time to adjust to being a single parent and to greive the death of his wife, when he's taken away again. Katherine Townsend (Patrick's social worker in the first book) finds a new place in Patricks life when she's called upon to be Patricks nanny while his father is on tour. Patrick had been heavy on her heart so this seems like a great option!
    If you've read Dan's first book, The unfinished book, you'll love this book just as much! I am such a huge fan of the first book, so I loved this book as much if not more! Its a very touching story of a family having to put the pieces of their lives back together after tragedy! I very much recommend reading this book, its going among my favorite books on the bookshelf along with The unfinished gift!!


Available now at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group

A hopeful heart

A hopeful heart, by Kim Vogel Sawyer. Tressa finds herself in a desperite situation. Her parents died when she was just a child, so she's moved in to live with her aunt. But because she is dowryless, she finds herself in a hard position of finding a husband who would marry her without one. Out of desperation she applies and is accepted to a new class where the woman are taught what they need to know to be a ranchers wife. Tressa soon discovers that there's more going on in this small town than just ranching and finds herself right in the middle of danger.  She also meets Abel who has his own past hurts and has no desire to ever get married. That is until Tressa comes into the picture!
    I really enjoyed reading this book! Its not the classic kind of romance novel, but has a ton of mystery and suspense tied into it as well! It'll keep you guessing to the end! I started this book in the morning and finished it by that evening! I just couldn't put it down! I'm sure any reader would enjoy this book!!!

Available now at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group

Maid to Match

Maid to Match, by Deeanne Gist. This book is set back in 1898, where the only hope that Tillie will ever have to see the world and to fullfil her mothers dreams, is to become Edith Vanderbilt's lady's maid. Little did she expect that she would also fall in love with one of the footman! But to keep her job at the Vanderbilt's house she must remain single! Tillie is faced with a lot of tough choices, while completely unsure what the right choice would be. Not only that, she also finds herself in the middle of a cover-up that is happening at the orphanage. This book was a great read, it was fun and capturing and all around great! I really do recommend this book if love/mysteries are your thing! I also love that Deeanne Gist set this in a time that she'd done the research in and used real people and jobs of that time. She stayed pretty close to how things actually were (The Vanderbilt's in the story being based on real people!). Again, I say read it, you won't be sorry!


Available now at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group

Out of the spin cycle

Out of the spin cycle, by Jen Hatmaker. I generally as a rule, do not read devotional books. Mostly because I'm not looking for "fluffy" devotions, that give you a line of scripture and spout off something that really won't benefit your walk with Jesus. Well I think Jen Hatmaker's book is the exception to that rule!! I loved this! She is hilarious, I would love to read more material or even hear her speak sometime! She keeps things very real in this book, and its not a feel good book. She's calling things as they are in this book! It is a very Bold book (by bold I mean there's no fear of offending people in her writing) and the insight she has is amazing! My absolute favorite part of this book is where she compares mommy wars to Pharisee's! (see told you she's an awesome writer lol). This book looks to take moms to a real relationship, with each other and with Jesus.  There's a lot of hard truths in here that need to be heard. I would highly recommend this book! Especially to anyone doing a moms group or a woman's bible study group, this book is sure to benefit its readers! BUY IT!!!!!


Available now at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group

Mystically Wired, exploring new realms in prayer, by Ken Wilson

I'm not finding this an easy review to write. Not because the book wasn't well done, it was very well written! I completely appreciate the different techniques that Wilson gives to help you better relax and concentrait while praying! My only problem is this, when Christ died on the cross, he freely gave us the gifts. While we have to accept them, there is no pattern or earning technique to achieve them. You have to be very careful while reading this book not to take a legalistic approach to putting into practice what he's saying. (not that I"m saying Ken wilson's book is legalistic, I don't think it is, he has the right heart behind it) Christ said "freely you have recieved, freely give" When God gives some one a revelation, there is no pattern for someone else to recieve that same revelation. For example when you can't follow steps 1 2 3 4 and you get the revelation. It doesn't work that way. That is my concern with this book. That people might use it in such a way.

NCV Dad's Bible, the Father's plan

I recieved this Bible from booksneeze to review and I was so excited to get it! I already have the Mom's Bible for myself and really enjoy it, so I was sure that this Bible would be just as good as that one! You have to go into it realizing that its not a study Bible, so you can't expect study bible stuff in it! It does have a lot of little extra's to it such as : Walking in authority. Godly Character, Passing it on, Dad's in the Bible, Building your children, Insights, question and answer resource and topical index. Over all if you're looking for a good study Bible, this is not it. But I really enjoy this translation and what it has in it. and I"m fairly certian that my husband will enjoy it just as much when I give it to him!! lol. So its worth a buy, but you'll want to read it along side something else as a study guide.

If I could Ask God Anything, awesome Bible answers for curious kids, by Kathryn Slattery

I just recieved this book from boozsneeze and finished it. I really enjoyed this book! A lot of the time when we get children's books they tend to have "fluffy" answers with the truth mixed in there, but no power behind it. This book rather looks at the question and then goes to the Bible and gives the answer from there, strait as it is without trying to "soften" the answers up for kids. I love how honestly the book answers the questions, hell is real, heaven is real. The Bible is the main support of every answer, which is great! the one thing I searched for and found at the end of the book was the author sharing a prayer of asking Jesus to forgive your sins and come and live in your heart. This book is great, its a must have for anyone with children or who works with children. I will be passing this book strait to those in ministry with the children at my church. Very well done and a must read!!

Sixteen Brides by Stephanie Grace Whitson

      Sixteen Brides is about 16 widow's who are tricked into getting on a train by promise of free land, when they learn of the truth of why they are on that train; that is that they were promised as brides to some men in the west. Five of them opt to stay  in Plum Grove and build a life for themselves together. We follow their journey and their struggles and their triumphs!!
     I thought this book was great, its a good story and well written! I really did enjoy reading this book! I love "romance" novels that show the woman as strong women who don't need to rely on having a man in their life to make it. (not that there's anything wrong with having a man in your life lol, just hate the books with the sappy woman who fall for who ever will take care of them) Great job!


*Available now at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group

In Harm's Way by Irene Hannon

     Rachel Sutton comes across a doll stuck in a snow bank, for what ever reason it catches her eye. So she digs it out and when she touches it feels undescribable terror and the sound of a baby crying.  It stops as soon as she lets go of the doll, so she touches the doll again to try and see if it is infact the doll causing this reaction in her and again the same result. Knowing that there's something wrong connected with this doll and an unability to just toss the doll and let it go. Rachel finds herself and this case given to special agent Nick Bradley. While he at first was doubtful of Rachel's reaction and intuition about the doll he soon discovers that it is possibly linked with a kidnapped child!
      I had never read the first two books in this series, but it didn't cause me to like this book any less! I really enjoyed the story line and the style of writing in this book! I'm a huge fan of mystery/suspense novels and this is definately one of those! Definately a must read for those who enjoy a good (christian) suspense novel! I look forward to hunting down a copy of the first two books in this series and reading them! Well done!!


*Available now at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group

Too close to home by Lynette Eason

 In this book special agent Samantha Cash is sent in to help with a serial killer who's preying on teen girls. The teens are going missing and later turning up dead. Sam is sent to try and find a link between the girls and the killer. She also seems to find romance in the midst of the horror.
     I really enjoyed this book! Mystery/suspense novels are my favorite genre of book to read, so I was super excited to read this book! Once I picked it up it was hard to put down, I just couldn't wait to get to the end of the book and figure out who was behind it all! I'm also excited to see that this is just book one! Which means we can expect even more novels like this one!!! Which I can't wait to get my hands on!
      The book was a little graphic, which some might not appreciate. But I don't know how one would write a novel about a serial killer without it being graphic. So its not for everyone, there are definately those who wouldn't be able to handle it, but for those who enjoy a good (Christian) suspence novel than this one is for you!


*Available now at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group

How do you tuck in a superhero? by Rachel Balducci

This book is an abosolute must have for any woman who has boys in her life!!! We follow Rachel's journey of raising boys and the adventures that come with that! From an always messy back yard, to the desprite effort to hide the junk food in hopes of getting them to choose better foods! I loved this book! It is hilarious! I am not a mother of boys, in fact I only have girls. But I enjoyed reading this so much! This would make an awesome gift to any mom you know who has boys! Letting them know that they're not alone in their effort to raise boys and that infact all those weird things that the kids do are normal things for boys!!! Fantastic book!

*Available now at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group

She walks in Beauty, Siri Mitchell

She walks in Beauty is about a young girl named Clara Carter, she's 17 years old and just about to make her debut and hopefully land a wealthy heir to restore her family's honor after their money was lost. we walk through Clara's life with her, learning her likes her thoughts, her family and finally her loves.
     I"m sitting here trying to think of what to write, because frankly I'm not sure I liked it? the writing style was good and the story line was good, but I just had such a hard time following the story and staying engrossed in it. I think a lot had to do with not understanding the time and the thinking during that time. Perhaps had the author explained that better in the begining of the book I would have more easily understood the story? Otherwise, I'm not regretting that I read it, I do recommend reading this as I"m sure others would enjoy it more than I did and like I said it is well written.

*Available now at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Plain Paradise, by Beth Wiseman

 Plain Paradise is about a young amish woman named Linda, who finds out when her biological mothers comes knocking at their door that she's adopted. Linda goes through all the emotions of just finding out this news and coming to terms with what kind of relationship she will have with this woman who's just entered her life.  As well as dealing with her own relationship with the man she hopes to marry.
     Josie, was forced to give up her child 17 years ago when she found herself 17 years old and pregnant. Through the years she often thought of her daughter "Helen", wondering what she looked like, what was she like, etc.. But now a sense of urgency has hit that she needs to finally meet her daughter before its too late. Not only does she meet her daughter, but Josie also rediscovers a relationship she'd abandoned years ago, the most important relationship of all.
     I can't even begin to explain how excited I was to see a book by Beth Wiseman offered for review, I fell in love with her writing when I first read Plain Pursuit. So dove into this book to discover that it was a part of a series that included Plain Pursuit, so got to read more about the characters I enjoyed so much from the last book. I love this book, I could read it over and over again. Beth Wiseman does such a great job at making amish life look so intriguing and explains it so well. This book is a must for for anyone who enjoys a good christian fiction novel. Not only this book but the whole series is a must! I can't wait to get my hands on a copy of the last book in this series!

A Distant Melody, by Sarah Sundin

 In this book we meet Allie a sweet young lady, who faces a world of problems. She comes from a wealthy family and is expected to do exactly as her parents tell her to, including to marry the person they choose for her. She must decide if she's going to obey her parents and marry a man she doesn't love or follow her heart and God's voice and choose the man she does love.
     Walt is a pilot fighting against the Germans. He meets allie at a wedding of his good friends and hits it off with her right away. He falls for Allie as soon as he meets her, but Walt also has a tendancy to lie if he thinks it'll benefit those around him and himself. Walt soon learns what God has to say about his behavior and change comes through hard circumstances.
     I loved this book, rarely will I sit and read all day, but I just couldn't put this book down. I started it yesterday afternoon and was done by this afternoon. I loved the story! I cried with them when loved ones passed away and rejoiced when love was found. This is so well written and  a must read for anyone!! I'm sure I"ll read this book time and time again!


*Available now at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing group

Scattered Petals, by Amanda Cabot

     Scattered Petals is about a young woman (priscilla) who faces unspeakable tragedy. She ends up alone in a strange town surrounded by people she doesn't know.  Through a series of events she ends up needing to get married, so Zach steps up and offers to marry her in order to keep her from being shamed in the community. Priscilla is unsure if she can ever love a man after what happened to her or let one even touch her.
     Zack has a past of his own that he's been ashamed of for so many years. When he discovers Priscilla's prediciment, he steps up to marry her to in a way to make amends for his past choices. He quickly discovers that he's falling in love with her. Something he thought could never happen as he doesn't think he deserves happiness.
     This book was  a little hard to get into in the begining as there was so much attention that was focused on what happend to priscilla rather than what was going on around her. But after geting through the first part of the book, the send half was wonderful! I really enjoyed reading this story. I look forward to seeing if I can hunt down the first book in this series and read it too!!

*Available now at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing group

Hearts Awakening, by Delia Parr

 Ellie finds herself with no place to really call her home and desperite for work she goes to work for Jackson in hopes of a referance to land a permanent job. While Jackson desperite for some one to care for and love his children since his wife's passing. Proposes an odd business "partnership" to Ellie. To marry him (in name only, with the understanding that there were no feeling of love etc.., but as some one to be a mother to his two boys) and help raise his children. Ellie accepts this odd request and quickly finds herself falling in love with this man and his two small boys and hoping that he'll eventually return that love. She finds out that his "true" love is standing in the way, Dorothea. Will he leave Ellie for the woman he's really loved for years? Or find love with Ellie?
  I absolutely love this book! It shows people struggling in their faith and steps taken to get back to their faith. Its not like other stories where there's a fairytale story thats perfect. We see the ups and downs continually in this book. I really appreciated this! It is well written and so captivating. I feel very fortunate to have been given the opportunity to read this book. It is a great book about faith and love!

*Available now at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing group

Gigi's Hugest Announcement

I just recieved the DVD based on the books by Sheila Walsh- gigi God's little princess . This dvd has two stories in it The first one "The Royal Tea Party" Gigi wants to share with her best frined Frances that she is also God's princess, but being Gigi, wants to do it the most royal way she can. Which leads to trying to plan an extravegant tea party. In the end she realizes that its not the tea party that's important, just the news that God also loves Frances. The second story on this dvd is "The Pink Ballerina", where Gigi learns a verse at sundayschool about dancing for the Lord. She decides that the most royal way to dance is ballet and so begins Gigi's troubles! She discovers that God isn't only please when we do things perfectly for him, but that we love others and try!
     I have two little girls who adore the Gigi, God's little princess books and movies! So I was excited to see this come up on Booksneeze to review! My kids love anything princess and I love that it teaches them about being God's princess and lessons that are consistant with our beliefs as Christians. I strongly encourage any parent of young girls to get these movies for thier chidre, they're are excellent and you don't have to worry about what you're child is watching. They don't teach inappropriate behavior or bad language etc... You're children get to watch movies about Godly character!

Some where to Belong, by Judith Miller

Somewhere to Belong is the story of two young ladies on the Amana colonies (for lack of a better word). Johannah has always been in Amana, but longs to see what the outside world looks like, while Berta has seen the outside world and longs to go back to it. But rather is forced to stay in a place she doesn't enjoy.  We see the simple life the people led and experience the battling with Berta for her to take hold of their ways and participate. Berta has a good heart, but is very mischievous lol which tends to get her in trouble quite a bit.
 It took a little while to get into the book, but when I did I loved the story, I love a book that takes you to that location as you're reading and makes you feel like you're right there, which this author has done! I wouldn't quite say that its a romance novel as its more about Berta and Johannah's journey to discover where they belong, although there is a bit of romance in it. It was a very good read and I look forward to reading more of Judith Millers work in the future. Definately worth a read!!

*Available now at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

The Promise of Morning, by Ann Shorey

     The Promise of Morning is about Ellie and Matthew Craig, A pastor and his wife. We follow Ellie through the grief of loosing her babies and the lonliness of being abandoned as a child by her father. While they struggle to piece their lives back together after loosing another baby, another gentleman comes to town who tries to take all that Matthew has built in his church and his family. We follow him through his feelings of not being enough, of questioning his call to ministry and also his cowardness towards the new man in town. We also get to follow him though when he regains his courage and goes after to take back what was taken from him!
     I found this book a little hard to follow in the begining as I wasn't sure what the story was actually about till about half way through. But once getting into it I couldn't put the book down. I really enjoyed the story, Shorey has a way of making you feel like you're right there with them through out this book, so you feel their happiness and their pain. This book was definately worth pushing through and reading! I also appreciated her showing how pastors have the same problems as the rest of the world! He struggled with faith and courage, etc... Yet in the end regained all that. I highly recommend reading this book!

*Available now at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Essentials for Life, Your Back-to-Basics Guide to What Matters Most

Essentials for Life, Your back-to-basics guide to what matters most, by Marcia Ford. I've been waiting for this book and excited to read it. So much so that I found a website on line that has a full copy you can read on line (they have copy right permission to do so) so I could start it before my book arrived lol. Marcia's book goes through a series of questions on different aspects of life and also attempts to answer them. By far my favorite is the very first chapter which addresses the question "what is the meaning of your life?" she answers it so simply and so beautifully as well as correctly teaching scripture that covers that subect as well. I honestly loved what she has done in this book. I'm not a fan of most devotional books as I find there's not much substance in them. But Marcia's book just seems like more than a devotional, you can almost feeling like you're sitting in the room with Marcia as she's talking to you teaching you about yourself. She asks you to look into your beliefs find out what you really believe, how do you really see God? etc.. This book will be well treasured for years to come. Thank you blogsneeze for giving me this book to read, I'm sure in no time its pages will be weathered as I refer back to it time and time again. Well Done Marcia Ford.

Abigail

I just finished reading the Book Abigail by Jill Eileen Smith. Abigail is about Davids wife, who first married Nabal and her struggles with him and his anger. Then tells a story of her life with David and how she felt with him taking so many wives. Questioning throughout the book if she made the right choices? She follows him through many of his struggles and also rejoices in his victories. The book tells of their love for each other as well as their love and devotion to God.
  I loved this book, I started it early in the morning and was finished it by that evening. I could not put this book down! We get a glimps into what life could have been like for Abigail and the struggles she would have faced being married to a king. Not only that, but Jill Eileen Smith does an awsome job of following scripture well! She doesn't twist scripture to fit her story line, rather draws from what the scripture says to creat this story. It is extreamly well written and so very captivating! I can't even put into words how impressed I am with how she created this story. I wouldn't quite say its a romance novel, because it was so much more than that. I look forward to reading more books from this author in the future!! I highly highly recommend this book!!!

*Available now at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Songbird under a German Moon - my honest opinion

 This book is about a young woman who's gone to entertain the troops. Its her dream to support the troops in this way and she's given the chance to do it so goes. Her friend goes missing and Betty (the main character) and her romantic interest investigate. Trying to find out what happened.

 Now comes the hard part, I did not enjoy this book at all. Let me start by saying I am not a fan of romantic novels at all. But I am able to read them and see how others would enjoy them. Not with this book though. It seemed very immaturely written. As if the target was for teenagers, but the storyline is an adult story line.  I felt the author tried too hard to play up the time when this would happen, by including all the usual "stereotypes" (for lack of a better word) of that time frame. The main character although an adult seemed very juvenile in this story. I had a very hard time getting through this book for that reason. It was very predictable and I found it pretty boring. I feel bad writing a negative book review, but my goal in this blog is to give an honest review of a book. I honestly wouldn't recommend reading this novel.

Love your heart, by Tim McGraw and Tom Douglas

I just recieved this book from the People from Booksneeze! and Its great! I have two little girls (almost 4 and 6 years old) and they loved it! I loved the message of the book.  Katie is looking to find a talent to do for her school talent show and in the end makes the decision to help a friend out with her talent rather than trying to win for herself. It is a great lesson for little girls all over about how some one is beautiful from the inside out! This is a must have book for parents with girls! I can't wait to read more of the books in this series! It was a fantastic read and a fantastic lesson!!!

A Moms Ultimate Book of Lists

A moms ultimate book of lists, by Michelle LaRowe.  This book is chalk full of lists, all kinds of lists, from babysitter lists, school lists, baby lists, to money saving tips! Not only are lists provided, but she also has practical solutions to put those lists into actions and basis it on Christianity as well. She looks for ways to save you money, to help with toddler tantrums and so much more!
  I did really enjoy this book. In fact, I started doing my grocery lists based on her suggestion in the book. so now not only do I have a bunch of groceries, I also have the meals planned out for the next 2 weeks! The baby section really didn't help me any as my children are past that stage, but the suggestions she does give for moms of babies are really great. The only thing I had a problem with in this book was the getting baby to sleep section. She recommends a method getting a baby to sleep that was developed by Dr. Richard Ferber. Which is more commonly known as Ferberizing your baby. It is not a belief that I share with Dr. Ferber on getting children to sleep. I was quite surprised to see that suggestion in this book as it is quite a controversial method of getting babies to sleep. Other than that, I do think this book is a must have for moms. It really is a sanity saver!!

*Available now at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

The Silent Governess

The Silent Governess, by Julie Klassen, is about a young woman in the 19th century. Who's run away from her home because of a secret and fear of harm. She also over hears something she should not have of Lord Bradley, which could ruin him. So to protect himself he hires her on to care for some children and also to learn of her secret. He finds himself falling for her and a romance ensues.
  Now I would just like to say, I am not even remotely a romance fan. Not even a little bit, I really don't enjoy romance novels. So this was not one of my favorite books. But it was very well written and did have a great story line as well as captivated the readers attention. Its just because of my personal preference that I didn't enjoy it. But if you are an avid romance novel reader, than I would suggest this one as I"m sure you would enjoy it!!



Available now at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

50 ways to feel great today

50 Ways to Feel Great Today, by David B Biebel, DMin, James E. Dill, MD, and Bobbie Dill, RN. This book is full of great suggetions on changes you can make in your life if you're feeling down and stressed.  Suggestions such as decorate a room, it can be as simple as just adding some brightly coloured decorations to an already finished room or to redecorate the whole thing. The authors also base a lot of what they teach on scripture as well. backing up their points with quotes from the Bible. You are given Biblical truths as well as practical solutions!!
  I really really enjoyed this book! Not only did I like it, my husband also picked it up right after I was done and read through it really quick! He thought just as highly of this book as I did. I loved how they tied it all in with scripture and realized that its not just enough to change things in your life, but that you have to also have the right change in your life (Jesus).  I think this book is great for all people! anyone who's suffering depression (not that they should just rely on a book, but also see their doctor), people who are just having a rough time, or new moms who are feeling a little house stuck! I think this is a must have for any library!!


Available now at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

Mom's Bible: God's Wisdom for Mothers

 I recieved this Bible last week and I really enjoy it! I don't usually stray away from NIV Bibles as thats what I"ve been reading for the last 15 years. But when I saw this one come up to review I decided to give it a try. I've been really enjoying this version!! (NCV version) The language is really easy to understand, but also keeps the power behind the words in translating it. I loved all the "extras" in this Bible!! The features include: Our God is, Questions Kids Ask, Walking In, Godly Character, Passing it On, Moms in the Bible, Wonderful Counselor, and Insights. I have been using this Bible for my devotional time lately and have been really enjoying these features! I love having a Bible thats been designed just for moms! I think this would make an awesome gift for any mom in your life. I do admit that in some parts of the NIV I have a hard time understanding what they wrote, so a Bible like this is very beneficial as I can go to this one and read it in a different version and it helps to easily understand what is trying to be said. I 100% loved this Bible and think every mom needs one!!!

The Hidden flame

I just finished reading the book The Hidden Flame by Davis Bunn & Janette Oke. When I first started this book I was disappointed. I'm not normally a fan of books set in Bible times as I get frustrated if it doesn't follow the Bible's account of things well. I find it a very hard style of writing to get into. But I decided to give it a go anyway and start keep reading it. Once I got a few chapters into this book, I was captivated! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. The authors do an excellent job of writing as well as following what the Bible says happened. It really does well complimenting the actual events recorded in the Bible! The story was awesome and so encouraging. I loved how it just made your imagination think about how the disciples acted and talked. I also loved the way they described the miracles that happened. (well yes I know the book is fiction lol, but I just love how they described the events, makes you feel like you were there with them). The story is about a young woman named Abigail, who's beauty has won over a couple of men who wish to marry her. Can't really say any more than that lol, don't want to give away the book! I can say though, this is so much more than a romance novel! I dislike romance novels (they seem so shallow and silly) but this one while yes it does involve some romance goes so much deeper than that! I highly recommend this book. Its a very enjoyable experience!

*Available now at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

The Voice New Testament

I just recieved this Bible and love it! I love the way they tell the stories in the Bible. It really is a great Bible! I hadn't expected too much out of this as when I looked it up I didn't see a lot of good reviews about it. So I was pretty sceptical when it arrived and didn't think it would be very good. Well I'm happy to report that I was wrong!! Its easy to understand and well written. I loved the screen-play type style! I say give this Bible a chance, I'm positive you won't be disappointed!!!

Hermie & Friends: Antonio Meets His Match DVD

I just recently recieved the dvd Antonio Meets his match, by Max Lucado. My children (ages 3 and 6) were so excited to see this arrive in the mail as they love the Hermie and Friends movies!! Just like all the other Hermie and friends movies this one is excellent! Its well done and gets a clear message across about loving your neighbor! They tell the stories in a way that kids can understand and learn while enjoying the movie! In this movie new neighbors move into the garden who annoy all the bugs. All the bugs would like for these new ants to leave, but God tells them to love them instead. So we watch as the garden bugs try and put this into effect! lol. Very cute and a great dvd for children! I highly recommend it!

The Choice, by Suzanne Woods Fisher

I started reading this book yesterday and I just couldn't put it down! It is so captivating! As I got to the middle of the book I put it down for a minute and thought that the second half would probably be really slow and not as good as the first half of the book. So much happened in the first half that I wasn't sure the author could continue the excitement on in the second half. BUT it was just as good as the first half! This book is so well written that I started and finished it all in the same day! The main character in this story is Carrie, she experiences heart ache after heart ache after the death of loved ones and finds herself needing to make a lot of choices. The choice to forgive, to love, to be loved, etc.  We see a glimps of the Amish world in this book, which while it sounds really boring, is not lol!! We hear the heart of God in this book, to love us, to show us grace and forgiveness! I found such a peace reading this book as it reminds you through out the book who God is and His love for us. This is a definate must read, I can promise that you'll love it just as much as I did!

  *Available now at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

The sweet By and By, by Sara Evans

 In Sara Evans first novel we read a story about a young woman about to get married and situations that she'd rather not have come back from the past come and face her head on. It is a captivating story of facing your past and learning forgiveness!! I Did really enjoy this book once I got past the first few chapters. I found myself incredibly confused within the first few chapters about who was who and what role they played in the story and how they were related to the main character of the story. I found that very discouraging, but I encourage people to not give up there as once it gets pulled together and you figure out who's who it really is a great story! I did really enjoy this book and find it to be a great read!