The Miracle of Mercy Land by River Jordan Book Review

Price: $13.99

ISBN: 978-0-307-45705-9 (0-307-45705-2)

From the publisher:

Mercy Land has made some unexpected choices for a young woman in the 1930s. The sheltered daughter of a traveling preacher, she chooses to leave her rural community to move to nearby Bay City on the warm, gulf-waters of southern Alabama. There she finds a job at the local paper and spends seven years making herself indispensible to old Doc Philips, the publisher and editor. Then she gets a frantic call at dawn—it’s the biggest news story of her life, and she can’t print a word of it.
Doc has come into possession of a curious book that maps the lives of everyone in Bay City—decisions they’ve made in the past, and how those choices affect the future. Mercy and Doc are consumed by the mystery locked between the pages—Doc because he hopes to right a very old wrong, and Mercy because she wants to fulfill the book’s strange purpose. But when a mysterious stranger shows up, Mercy begins to understand she may have to choose between love and loneliness . . . or good and evil . . . for the rest of her life.

 

My Review:

This book is written more like a movie with a narrator.  It made it a bit long for me.  I really need a book that doesn’t seem to repeat itself over and over.

I felt like it was a little crazy and had a really hard time to stay focused. 

The “mysterious” book  that just appeared in Doc’s office really didn’t fit the rest of the book – it made it Sci-Fi for no reason.  I just veer from anything Sci-Fi.

Although the book was an easy read – I could not recommend it due to lack of substance.

However, the cover art was beautiful!

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.

In Every Heartbeat by Kim Vogel Sawyer Book Review

 

 

In Every Heartbeat

by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Price:
$14.99

ISBN:
978-0-7642-0510-1

From the Publisher:

As three friends who grew up in the same orphanage head off to college together, they each harbor a special plan for the future. Libby Conley hopes to become a famous journalist. Pete Leidig believes God has called him to study to become a minister. And Bennett Martin plans to pledge a fraternity, find a place to belong, and have as much fun as possible. But as tensions rise around the world on the brink of World War I, the friends' differing aspirations and opinions begin to divide them, as well.
When Libby makes a shocking discovery about Pete's family, will it drive a final wedge between the friends or bond them in ways they never anticipated?

My Review:

This book has it all, love, despair, friendships, anger, murder, prayer, and hope.

I really appreciated this book.  The battles presented are met with realisms and honesty.  I love how the characters show true examples of the human spirit and the Lord’s character prevails, no matter what the circumstances. 

This book is encouraging.  It presents a light in the darkness.  The author writes in a way that is easy to follow and yet still provokes a desire to learn more.

I would recommend this book in a heartbeat – it would be a great book for 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.

My Creation Bible by Ken Ham Book Review

   

My Creation Bible by Ken Ham
ISBN:  9780890514627
6 x 8 • Board-book • 11 spreads • music CD

From the Publisher:

A truly special “first Bible” for children, from the president of Answers in Genesis, the world’s largest creationism ministry, My Creation Bible is a must-have.
Ken Ham, the country’s most in-demand creationist speaker, has crafted a book near to his heart: a lavishly illustrated, biblically faithful text for children. Ham, known for his dynamic presentations, writes in delightful verse, and explains difficult passages in a thoughtful way.
Teaching young minds that early Genesis is not only real history, but a look forward to God’s beautiful restoration, Ham and Taylor bring the Bible to life, My Creation Bible is a one-of-a-kind Bible that parents and grandparents will be overjoyed to present to the special little ones in their lives.

My Review:

I love when books have a CD that someone can read the book as my children follow along with them.  It makes my life a little simpler.

I appreciate the message of this book.  Although, I would not call it a Bible.  It is based on few scriptures turned into rhymes. The CD itself just tells the story and does not have other songs on it.

My 8 year old actually enjoyed it more than my 4 year old.  She enjoyed the poems.  My 4 year old enjoyed looking for the goat.

For younger kids, it might have kept their interest more to have had an “I SPY” approach.  Have something they could look for on each page as the parent reads the story- just a suggestion.

Overall, it is a cute book and would be great for 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.

Don’t Look Back by Lynette Eason Book Review

Don’t Look Back by Lynette Eason
ISBN: 978-0-8007-3370-4
Available Oct. 2010; $14.99

From the Publisher:

Twelve years ago, forensic anthropologist Jamie Cash survived a brutal kidnapping, torture, and rape. After years of therapy, she has made a life for herself—though one that is haunted by memories of her terrifying past.
She finally lets herself get close to a man, FBI agent Dakota Richards, when signs start appearing that point to one frightening fact—her attacker is back and ready to finish the job he started all those year ago. Can she escape his grasp a second time? And will she ever be able to let down her guard enough to find true love?
Filled with heart-stopping suspense, gritty realism, and a touch of romance, Don't Look Back is the second book in the Women of Justice series.
Readers will be hooked from the beginning, finding that once you are in Lynette Eason's world, you're trapped until you turn the very last page.

My Review:

This is the 2nd book in the Women of Justice Series.  What I like about it – is it can be read alone without reading the first one.   In fact, I read the first one and couldn’t remember much about it so the author filled in the blanks for me.

I will say – I couldn’t read this book at night.  It made my heart rate skyrocket. 

This is not a book I would recommend for the young at all.  It did have content that was dark and vile.  In fact, I have a hard time recommending this book.  It left images in my mind – that are just heart wrenching.

As a Christian, I want to think on things that are pure, undefiled, good and pure.  I know things happen like this in “real” life but reading it for enjoyment is not my cup of tea.

I will say, I probably would like it as a movie.  Maybe because I know it will be over in an hour and half.  Reading the book in my time frame – took longer and thus I was able to ponder and think more about it.

The relationships within the book were believable.  I was kind of sad to not see more of the Lord speaking to Dakota and seeing him pray by himself. 

I will say the author baits you – even with the 3rd book – it’s on it’s way!  I really like the author and the way she writes – just wish there had not been so much evil.

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.

Really Woolly Bible Stories Book Review

Retail Price: $9.99
ISBN: 1400316332
Illustrations by Julie Sawyer Phillips.  Stories retold by Bonnie Rickner Jensen.

From the Publisher:

Favorite Bible stories presented with the beloved Really Woolly art style help little children discover that God is faithful and true and that Jesus, The Good Shepherd, loves them.
This case-bound padded board book from the Really Woolly® brand by DaySpring® makes it easy to share important stories from God’s Word with little children, while teaching them about God’s shepherd-like love for them. Bible stories include Creation, Noah, Abraham, Moses, the Ten Commandments, Joseph, Samson, Daniel, David and Goliath, Jonah, Jesus’ Birth, Jesus Loves the Little Children, Jesus Feeds 5,000, Jesus the Good Smaraitan, Jesus Walks on Water, Jesus’ Death & Resurrection, The Great Commission. Little ones will love the charming Really Woolly® illustrations.

My Review:

When I saw this book, I wanted it!  Really Woolly cards have been around for a long time and they always make me laugh! 

This is not a “true” Bible!  It is more like a board book of rhymes.

My 4 year old enjoyed sitting down, looking at the pictures and reading the sweet poems.
I was hoping for a little more depth.  The pictures did hold my child’s interest and provoked conversation.

This would make a neat baby’s gift but I probably would not count on this book to provide much spiritual insight.

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 Waiting by Suzanne Woods Fisher Book Review

The Waiting by Suzanne Woods Fisher
ISBN: 978-0-8007-3386-5
Available Oct. 2010; $14.99
From the publisher:

From author Suzanne Woods Fisher, who has written extensively about the Amish in books like Amish Peace and Amish Proverbs, comes The Waiting, an endearing fictional story about an Amish girl, looking for love.

Jorie King has been waiting for Benjamin Zook to return home to Lancaster County so they can marry. When news arrives that Ben has been killed, Jorie finds comfort in the friendship of his brother Caleb. That friendship ripens into love, and it seems that they are meant to be together.

But when the unexpected happens, their worlds are turned upside down once more. Will Jorie trust God to lead her into the arms of a new man?

A multifaceted story about complex people living the simple life, The Waiting is the second book in the Lancaster County Secrets series. Readers will find themselves transported into the world of the Amish and deeply invested in these wonderful characters.

My Review:

I love Amish themed books.  It never fails that I learn something new about the Amish culture when reading a fiction story.
This book was a little different than most Amish books I have read.  It’s plot was deep and thick with twists and turns.   The characters although not all well liked, were simply easy to identify with myself and others.
I actually cried in the middle of this book – the author made me feel like I was right there in the midst of the Zook family home and crisis.
I appreciated the genuine troubles that came along and still the Lord was glorified. 
This book would make a great companion on a road trip or on a rainy day!

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 Waiting is in stores now and to celebrate Suzanne is hosting The Waiting KINDLE Giveaway.

One Grand Prize winner will receive a Kindle preloaded with Suzanne Woods Fisher titles and a Amazon.com gift certificate! The Prize Pack (valued at over $185.00) includes:

* A brand new KINDLE, Free 3G, 6", Latest Generation

* The Choice by Suzanne Woods Fisher

* The Waiting by Suzanne Woods Fisher

* A $15 dollar Amazon.com Gift Certificate

To enter, simply click on the icons below to fill out the entry form, then tell 5 or more friends about the contest. Oh, and enter soon! Winner will be announced on October 28th at Suzanne's Lancaster Secrets Book Club Party.

Join Suzanne for the Lancaster Secrets Book Club Party on October 28th! She’ll be announcing the winner of the The Waiting KINDLE Giveaway, hosting a book club discussion of The Waiting and The Choice, and giving away copies of both books and HEAPs of readerly prizes! Be sure to join us on Thursday, October 28th at 5:00 PM PST (6:00 MST, 7:00 CST & 8 EST) at Suzanne’s Author Page. 

The Boy Who Changed The World by Andy Andrews Book Review and Giveaway

Keep reading for the surprise…
it is at the bottom of this page!
 
The Boy Who Changed the World
by Andy Andrews
Retail Price: $16.99 US (Hardcover)
ISBN-13: 978-1-4003-1605-2 

From the Publisher:

The Boy Who Changed the World teaches children how
their actions can set off a spark that, in turn, influences
the lives of others. As Andrews explains, “Every choice
you make, good or bad, can make a difference.”  Who would dream that a boy playing in Iowa cornfields would save the lives of more than two billion people?
This is the incredible story of Nobel laureate Norman Borlaug, a simple boy with a desire to feed the hungry—but Borlaug couldn’t have accomplished this without the help of Vice President Henry Wallace, who was influenced by inventor George Washington Carver,
who in turn was rescued by farmer Moses Carver.
This delightfully illustrated children’s book tells the
stories of how each life is interwoven by decisions—both
big and small—of others. These stories show that the
decisions you make today truly can change the world.

My Review:

I love how this book uses history to tell a story!  My kids not only learned that every one of their action could have effect on others but it could “change the world’.
It really was a simple book was a major message!
The pictures were beautiful as well!  Even my 4 year old – got this book!  (He did tell me he thought it was kind of long after the 2nd time he begged me to read it.)
This would be a great book to add to any library!  I could just see some kid who doesn’t have much - getting this book and his and the world’s life change forever!

Are you ready for the surprise???

There are 3 books to giveaway!  Yep, 3!  Do you want one? 

Entering is easy! 

Tell me in the comments of this post: 

1st and Mandatory Entry

“I would give this book to ___________ because ______________.”

  For a second optional entry:

Tweet the following:

I want to win @tommynelson The Boy Who Changed the World on @loving5kids blog http://bit.ly/luv5kboywsw

Then come back here and comment in the comments on this post.

For a third optional entry:

Follow this blog and comment that you did!

For a 4th optional entry:

Like my Facebook Wall and comment in the comments on this post!

Little Details:

Anyone can enter – you do not have to have a blog!  Don’t forget to leave a way to contact you.  I won’t look long…so leaving your email is the best bet!  I will give the person 48 hours to get back with me once I email the selected name or I’ll find someone else.

The book giveaway ends October 29th! 

Only 4 possible entries per person please!

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.

This works for me!

Dinosaurs for Kids by Ken Ham Book Review

Dinosaurs for kids by Ken Ham

ISBN-10: 0890515557

ISBN-13: 978-0890515556

Retail:  $14.99

 

From the Publisher:

Dinosaurs for Kids shares the unique world of dinosaurs and their true history like never before as you:

• meet the most unusual creatures to ever walk the earth, stalk the seas, or soar across the sky!
• discover how dinosaur bonebeds are made, and other kinds of fossils beyond just bones!
• learn the truth behind museum exhibits and flawed evolutionary timelines!

Within these pages kids will uncover the facts about dinosaur history from the Creation to recent discoveries. Let Ken Ham take you on a journey through time to explore these awesome wonders of God's design. From where dinosaurs lived to what scientists assume they know about these great creatures, dinosaurs have never been this exciting, revealing and simply amazing!

The 7 Fs of dinosaur history: formed, fearless, fallen, flood, faded, found, fiction.

My Review:

This book is one great book for any type of dinosaur study.  As a Home Educator, I plan to use this book in many research projects. 

This is not a typical dinosaur book, it is based on creationism and not evolution.  However, it explains why in detail.

I thought this was going to be a great read aloud book for my toddlers.  I was wrong.  This book is more for older children who are looking to learn more about dinosaurs.  The pictures however, were great for toddlers and adults alike.

To make the book more kid friendly, I would suggest prepared questions so they may look for the answers as they read the book.  My children (that are not interested in dinosaurs) got lost in the wealth of information.

I got to say as a Christian parent – I have been a little frightened in teaching anything having to do with the dinosaur age – I just was not informed.  This book explains from the “evolutionary belief to the Biblical truth”.  I was highly informed without being bogged down with too much “science terminology”.    Although, this book says it is for “kids” it is great for the non-science teachers as well.

I would love to have some of the graphics in the book as posters for the classroom.  They are just that good!

I would highly recommend this book! 

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 Memory Between Us by Sarah Sundin Book Review

A Memory Between Us
By Sarah Sundin
Wings of Glory series
ISBN: 978-0-8007-3422-0
$14.99

From the Publisher:

A Memory Between Us is the second book in the Wings of Glory series, which follows the three Novak brothers, B-17 bomber pilots with the US Eighth Air Force stationed in England during World War II.

Major Jack Novak has never failed to meet a challenge--until he meets army nurse Lieutenant Ruth Doherty. When Jack lands in the army hospital after a plane crash, he makes winning Ruth's heart a top priority mission. But he has his work cut out for him. Not only is Ruth focused on her work in order to support her orphaned siblings back home, she carries a shameful secret that keeps her from giving her heart to any man. Can Jack break down her defenses? Or are they destined to go their separate ways?

My Review:

I just love a good love story!  I love when an ending turns out not quite how I expect and yet still teaches a valuable lesson.

This book does that!  It is not just any war-romance it is one that has true grit and a not so sweet life lessons.

I like the way the author takes her characters and makes them trust the Lord other than in themselves.

It is part of a series but you could read this one without even knowing about the others.  I just love that as well!

This book would be an excellent read for a long drive or a rainy day.  Due to some of the mature material – I’d not recommend this book for young eyes.

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.

Marvels of Creation: Magnificent Mammals by Buddy and Kay Davis Book Review

Marvels of Creation: Magnificent Mammals
Buddy & Kay Davis
ISBN 9780890514566

Retail Price: $12.99

From the Publisher:

Did You Know?

A camel can go without water 10 times longer than a human.

A cheetah can run up to 70 miles an hour.

25,000 sharp-pointed quills cover the porcupine.

It’s two feet long and weighs 132 pounds—the heart of a giraffe.

What an incredible design these animals have! The Master Creator made such wonderful and beautiful animals for our enjoyment!
Children and adults both will delight in this illustrated guide to birds of the world. Filled with spectacular photographs and “bird brevities”- it is great for any home or school library.
And God created…every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw that it was good (Genesis 1:21)

My Review:

I’ve been reading this book aloud to my children for about a week.  The little children can do about 4 animals at a time and then need a break.  The older kids want me to keep reading!

The photos are absolutely beautiful!

This book is perfect for studying South America and Africa.  The pictures are simply gorgeous and the facts are very interesting. 

I love the very first paragraph of the book:

“It seems that no matter what book about wildlife we read, God isn’t even mentioned.  Wildlife programs are full of indoctrination in evolution.  This book erases all evolutionary concepts and gives God the glory for His creation.”

It won me over right there!

This book is written more like an encyclopedia form.  It would be excellent for writing reports and essays.

I would highly recommend this book for ANY age!

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.