Jesus Calling 365 Devotions for Kids by Sarah Young Book Review

 

ISBN: 1400316340

Retail Price:  $14.99

From the publisher:

Devotions written as if Jesus is speaking directly to a child's heart.

Based on her original Jesus Calling, this version has been adapted in a language and fashion that kids and tweens can relate to their everyday lives.

After many years of writing in her prayer journal, missionary Sarah Young decided to listen to God with pen in hand, writing down what she believed He was saying to her through Scripture. Others were blessed as she shared her writings, until people all over the world were using her devotionals. They are written from Jesus’ point of view, thus the title Jesus Calling. It is Sarah’s fervent prayer that our Savior may bless readers, and now young readers, with His presence and His peace in ever deeper measure.

My Review:

When we got this in the mail, my daughter said “Wow, that book looks old!”  I agree! 

Like a lot of “old” stuff – this has tons of good golden nuggets in it!

Each day has a different letter or whispers from Jesus.  Although not scriptures exactly – it is more like an encouragement voice mail from Jesus.

I started using this in our homeschool curricula…they are short devotions but really speak to the heart.  It also lists scriptures at the end of the page that back up the devotion.

I really like this book!  It will never get old and can be used over and over again. 

Blessings to you!  You are loved! 

Note:  I was sent complimentary copy for review purposes only.  This review has not been monetarily compensated.  The review was my honest opinion and views and not influenced by the sponsor in any way.

Hurricanes in Paradise by Denise Hildreth Book Review

List Price:  $13.99 
ISBN:  978-1-4143-3557-5
Release:  June 2010

From the Publisher:

When Riley Sinclair stepped into her new job as director of guest relations at a posh resort on Paradise Island, she felt the final pieces of her once-broken life coming together. But the waters become choppy when Riley discovers that some who come to the Atlantis Hotel are accompanied by paralyzing secrets and overwhelming fears. Riley and three guests are in desperate but unknowing need of each other, eventually forging unlikely yet powerful friendships. With a hurricane headed straight for the island, together they embark on a journey of laughter, heartache, and healing.

My Review:

I finished the book thinking - “this really sounds like a REAL story.”  I was amazed at this book…it drew me in and made me a part of the story.

It had ups and downs and kept the imagination rolling.  It made want to cry NO at the last part of the book but still showed how God makes restoration through many storms.

The characters felt like my real friends – who all have real problems.

I would not recommend this book for the young because of  “grown-up” situations.

It was a very simple read and would be great on a road trip.

Blessings to you!  You are loved!

Note:  I was sent complimentary copy for review purposes only.  This review has not been monetarily compensated.  The review was my honest opinion and views and not influenced by the sponsor in any way.

A Hope Undaunted by Julie Lessman Book Review

A Hope Undaunted
by Julie Lessman
Winds of Change series
ISBN: 978-0-8007-3415-2
Available September 2010; $14.99

From the publisher:

A Hope Undaunted is the first book in the highly anticipated new series, Winds of Change, from award-winning author Julie Lessman.

This highly charged romance takes readers to Boston, while the 1920s are drawing to a close. Katie O'Connor is the epitome of the new woman—feisty, smart and sassy with goals for her future that include the perfect husband and a challenging career in law. Her boyfriend Jake fits all of her criteria for a husband—good-looking, well-connected, wealthy, and head-over-heels in love with her.

But when Katie is forced to spend the summer of 1929 with Luke McGee, the bane of her childhood existence, Katie comes face to face with a choice. Will she follow her well-laid plans to marry Jake? Or will she fall for the man she swore to despise forever?

My Review:

Wow – what a book!  The plot kept getting thicker and thicker, I thought I would burst at the seams.  I have to tell you – I cheated and read the back pages but still was surprised to learn what happened.

This is not a book for the light-hearted.  It has a complex theme and made me very aggravated at times.

With that said, I think it would make a great movie!  I’d love to sit back and watch it with my honey!  (Plus, he won’t read a book - so that would be the only way.)

It did have a lot of “adult” content and I would not recommend for the “young”.

I did appreciate the message of walking in the Lord, how He calls His people and the Faith message.  It very inspiring. 

Blessings to you!  You are loved!

Note:  I was sent complimentary copy for review purposes only.  This review has not been monetarily compensated.  The review was my honest opinion and views and not influenced by the sponsor in any way.

“Available September 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

Bringing Up Girls by Dr. James Dobson Book Review

List Price:  $25.99
ISBN:  978-1-4143-0127-3

From the Publisher:

Bringing Up Boys by parenting expert and best-selling author Dr. James Dobson was, and continues to be, a runaway hit, selling more than 2 million copies to date. Now, Dr. Dobson presents his highly anticipated companion book: Bringing Up Girls. Based on extensive research, and handled with Dr. Dobson’s trademark down-to-earth approach, Bringing Up Girls will equip parents like you to face the challenges of raising your daughters to become healthy, happy, and successful women who overcome challenges specific to girls and women today and who ultimately excel in life.

My Review:

I was quite surprised at this book.  Honestly, I thought when first looking at it…boring – BUT – it simply was very liberating for me, being a Mom of two very different girls.
Let me just say – this is not a book that should be left to be read by the children.  It deals with some very hard issues and very “grown-up” issues.
I appreciated the wisdom that Dr. Dobson has put into this book and even though I don’t always agree with everything he says – it was very informative. 
Let’s me just say, raising children is not an easy task and I need Godly counsel, this book is a very helpful tool.

Blessings to you!  You are loved!

Note:  I was sent complimentary copy for review purposes only.  This review has not been monetarily compensated.  The review was my honest opinion and views and not influenced by the sponsor in any way.

The Least Among You DVD Review

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Least Among You
ISBN: 1400316944
Retail Price:  $21.99

From the publisher:

Leaders are not chosen, they are called. Inspired by a true story.

Arrested in the 1965 Watts riots, Richard Kelly (Cedric Sanders) must serve probation at an all-white seminary. Although encouraged to break racial boundaries by its president Alan Beckett (William Devane), the school wants black followers not leaders. Even former missionary, Kate Allison (Lauren Holly), initially rejects Richard. A prison sentence looming, Richard meets Samuel Benton (Louis Gossett, Jr.) -- “the gardener in the basement.” As Samuel guides Richard through his many trials, Richard must choose between his dreams and his destiny.

My Review:

My hubs and I stayed up after the kids went to bed to watch this movie.  I’m glad the kids were NOT in the room.  I was not impressed with the bad language especially since it has a family approved sticker on the front of the case. 

My hubs said “the movie didn’t get into detail enough with the missionary’s hardship in Africa or the Dean’s wife’s sickness.”  He too felt - that they had missed some major details and kept you out of the loop.

So, all in all, I would not recommend this movie for Family Movie Night.

Blessings to you!  You are loved!

Note:  I was sent complimentary copy for review purposes only.  This review has not been monetarily compensated.  The review was my honest opinion and views and not influenced by the sponsor in any way.

Making Waves by Lorna Seilstad Book Review

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Making Waves by Lorna Seilstad
Book 1 in Lake Manawa Summers
ISBN: 978-0-8007-3445-9
Available September 2010; $14.99

From the publisher:

Set in 1895, Making Waves, by debut author Lorna Seilstad is the first book in the Lake Manawa Summers series.

When spunky Marguerite Westing discovers that her family will summer at Lake Manawa in 1895, she couldn't be more thrilled. It is the perfect way to escape her agonizingly boring suitor, Roger Gordon. It's also where she stumbles upon two new loves: sailing, and sailing instructor Trip Andrews.

But this summer of fun turns to turmoil as her father's gambling problems threaten to ruin the family forever. Will free-spirited Marguerite marry Roger to save her father's name and fortune? Or will she follow her heart--even if it means abandoning the family she loves?

 

My Review:

First of all, I was in complete amazement with this book!  I thought by the cover it was going to be a humorous book, thus why you should never judge a book by it’s cover.

I couldn’t put this book down and found myself finally putting it down at 3:33 a.m. 

The author kept my attention through out the entire book.  I learned about sailing and boats, which I was not expecting.  The author definitely did her research.

I also appreciated the morals of the story.  This is one book that would be good to keep on hand for my own daughters when they get older.  It taught on gambling, lying, being proper, enjoying life and waiting on God’s best.

I would definitely not hesitate in recommending this book!  I would love to read more of this series in the future.

Blessings to you!  You are loved!

“Available September 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

Note:  I was sent complimentary copy for review purposes only.  This review has not been monetarily compensated.  The review was my honest opinion and views and not influenced by the sponsor in any way.

Charlie and Trike in the Grand Canyon Adventure by Ken Ham with Karen Hansel Book Review

Charlie and Trike in the Grand Canyon Adventure
by Ken Ham with Karen Hansel

ISBN-13: 978-0890515693
Retail Price:  $15.99

From the publisher:

Hey, kids. Grab your explorer’s cap and get ready for this one-of-a-kind Grand Canyon adventure. Charlie, a spirited monkey, and his triceratops buddy, Trike, set off with a burly one-eyed tour guide to hike deep into the Grand Canyon. But there’s trouble on the trail when Charlie goes off on his own to dig for fossils. What’s more, Charlie’s convinced the tour guide is a thief, but any plans to catch him are quickly foiled. Once in the Canyon, Trike does his best to explain to his friend the worldwide Flood and why we can trust the Bible. Finally, with the tour guide’s help, Charlie understands the truth in a way that will change his life forever.

My Review:

When I first received this book – I thought “Oh, what a nice illustrated kid’s book.”  Then I heard my hub’s read it to my youngest child as a bedtime story and it got me to start thinking – this book is deep (excuse the grand canyon pun.)

It explains the formation of the grand canyon in a way that kids and adults alike can grasp scientific mumbo-jumbo.  (That is my word for technical stuff.)  The little inserts (from why the Grand Canyon was formed to colorful maps) throughout the book make it easy to have a science lesson while reading the actual story.

It does have a creationism view, which I love to hear about since most science books have another type of view.  This is a great tool for homeschooling - as it teaches about geology, plants and animals and of course the worldwide flood.

This book is going in my permanent library as a resource for my children for years to come!

Blessings to you!  You are loved!

Note:  I was sent complimentary copy for review purposes only.  This review has not been monetarily compensated.  The review was my honest opinion and views and not influenced by the sponsor in any way.

Sarah’s Garden by Kelly Long Book Review

Sarah’s Garden by Kelly Long

Retail Price: $14.99
ISBN: 159554870X

From the publisher:

When Sarah realizes that she has fallen in love with an Englisch doctor, she must choose between her family and her forbidden love.

Deep in the heart of Pennsylvania’s Allegheny Mountains, shy Sarah King is happiest when working in her vibrant Amish kitchen garden, but new family responsibilities lead her into the confusing world of the Englisch.

Sarah finds her life turned around when she encounters the community’s new Englisch veterinarian, Grant Williams. His blue-gold eyes and his obvious concern for her people attract her immediately. Sarah seeks solace and direction from the Lord as she creates a quilt pattern which details her struggle between two worlds.

The Lord is guiding Sarah to follow His will, but will she listen?

 

My Review:

Amish books just pull at my heart!  Something about the way they take you into a forbidden place for most outsiders.

I liked this book!  The story itself was a little different than most other Amish fiction books, I guess that is why I liked it.

This to me is an entertaining book and not something as a spiritual challenge.  It did not provoke questions or made me fall in love with the Lord anymore than I already do. 

It was a very easy read.

Blessings to you!  You are loved!

Note:  I was sent complimentary copy for review purposes only.  This review has not been monetarily compensated.  The review was my honest opinion and views and not influenced by the sponsor in any way.

The Thorn by Beverly Lewis Book Review

Price:
$14.99
ISBN:
978-0-7642-0574-3
From the Publisher:

Lancaster County, with its rolling meadows and secret byways, may seem idyllic, but it is not without its thorns. The Rose Trilogy is the stirring saga of two Amish sisters, and the events and decisions that change their lives.
Spirited Rose Ann Kauffman has long enjoyed a close friendship with the bishop's rebellious foster son. Rose's older sister, Hen--who knows more than she should about falling for the wrong man--cautions her against him, but Rose is being courted by another, and so dismisses the warnings.
Hen Kauffman Orringer's impulsive marriage to an outsider divided her from the People, a decision she regrets now that she has a daughter of her own. As Hen struggles to reclaim aspects of Amish culture, her very modern husband pushes back, and the two soon come to an impasse. Can she find a way to reconcile her longing for the Old Ways with the life she has chosen?

My Review:

I love reading a good fiction Amish way of life book.  It makes me slow down, ponder their ways and just take in the simplicity of living.
This book is about introductions.  Yes, it has a story just not a defined finish.  I enjoyed getting to know the characters like I was a fly on the wall and living in their way of life.
A sister Hen, who leaves the Amish five years earlier to go and marry someone in the “world” comes back to the Amish community searching for something.  An Amish family fosters a child from the “world” and raises him like an Amish but then he leaves under suspicion.  Another sister plans for marriage but is she really in love?
All these questions….hmm.  I can’t tell you what happens! 
I was not impressed with this book as much as I had been with Beverly Lewis’ other works.  It lacked something, yet I couldn’t put my finger on it.  Maybe it will get better in the other parts of the trilogy, I can only hope.
I would still recommend this book in a heartbeat.  It was clean and uncovers a culture that is easily misunderstood.

Blessings to you!  You are loved!

Note:  I was sent complimentary copy for review purposes only.  This review has not been monetarily compensated.  The review was my honest opinion and views and not influenced by the sponsor in any way.

Back to School giveaway!

We home-school in our dining room!  Where there is school there is CHALK!  When I saw these puppies – I got a little excited!  Who doesn’t like ANTI-DUST??? 
 
My kids LOVE chalk!  We use chalk for the sidewalks, the walls, and even actual chalkboards, sometimes.

I'll do just about anything to let my children have fun writing and practice their letters!  I really LOVE when they write on the sidewalks outside - but writing is writing and the more they do it, they more they will be better at it!  (This Works for Me!)

However, I don’t like dust and this is ANTI-DUST!!!  Have I mentioned I’m ANTI-DUST???
How fun is that for a Teacher or Mommy? 

Want to win a box?

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Choosing to SEE by Mary Beth Chapman Book Review

Choosing to SEE: A Journey of Struggle and Hope
by Mary Beth Chapman and Ellen Vaughn 
ISBN: 978-0-8007-1991-3

From the publisher:

In Choosing to SEE, Chapman bares her heart and soul as she shares honestly about her personal journey - from her childhood, to challenges of married life, to the sudden and tragic loss of a daughter. Choosing to SEE  follows her lifelong wrestling match with God, questioning why the life she had planned so carefully doesn't seem to match to the plan that God has mapped out for her. The book also explores Mary Beth Chapman's relationship with God in the face of the unexpected, and in the pain of such a brutal loss. Throughout the pages, Chapman tackles these questions with grace, grit, insight, and most of all, hope.
"I have cried so many tears mixed with the sadness of missing Maria and the joy of remembering her!" Chapman writes. "I think when those tears get all mixed up together and fall, it has to water the dry places of our hearts and begin to slowly heal us..."

My Review:

All I can say is WOW!  This book is not a typical book.  I cried as soon as I got it in the mail.  The pictures alone brought emotions.  I’m usually not a very emotional one until children are involved.

I love Steven Curtis Chapman, who is a Christian singer.  We even played one of his songs at our wedding.  He has been around in Christian music industry for a long time.

His family life was not something with which I was familiar.  His wife put it in perspective that I now feel like a fly on their walls. 

I have a new appreciation for him and especially his wife.  Her struggles dealing with depression, having children, married to a musician, adopting China children, raising children, and then having to bury one child is something I admire.

I think I clicked with her immediately when she says she loves to play practical jokes.  My heart just loves when I find a kindred spirit.

Her humor throughout the book had me laughing so hard that it woke up my husband as he slept next to me, more than once.  For a Christian, to be so blunt – just warmed my heart.

As for the actual writing – it was written in a way that kept my interest.  You just never knew what she was going to say.

Would I recommend this book?  IN A HEARTBEAT!!!   It is REAL and truly life-changing!

I can’t imagine ever losing one of my babies.  I would NEVER wish that on anyone!  However, if I did – I would want my faith to prove as strong and real as Mary Beth Chapman’s!

Blessings to you!  You are loved!!!

About the Author, Mary Beth Chapman

Mary Beth and Steven Curtis Chapman have been married for 25 years and have six children: Emily (24), Caleb (20), Will Franklin (19), and Shaohannah Hope (10), Stevey Joy (7), and Maria Sue, who is now with Jesus. In 2001, the couple began an adoption ministry, Show Hope, which began as an assistance to families in the process of adoption, particularly by helping tear down the financial barrier that prevents many from bringing an adopted child into their home. To date, Show Hope is now an internationally recognized voice for orphan advocacy and has given over 2,300 financial grants, affecting the lives of children from 45 different countries, including the U.S. In addition to giving financial grants, Show Hope empowers families, churches and communities with adoption and orphan care resources and advocacy efforts. Mary Beth currently serves as the president of Show Hope (ShowHope.org). Along with her husband, she has also co-authored three books for their Shaoey and Dot children's series, and she continues to write a compelling blog found on her website. The family resides in middle Tennessee.

Note:  I was sent complimentary copy for review purposes only.  This review has not been monetarily compensated.  The review was my honest opinion and views and not influenced by the sponsor in any way.