I Believe in Jesus by John MacArthur

For parents who are serious about letting their children know able salvation this book is excellent.  This is a book for young children that details the steps in the process of salvation.  It begins with God creating the world and continues into the fall of man and God’s plan to save us and bring us back to Him.  The role of God the Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit are explained in terms a young child can grasp.  The examples of God’s love for us throughout this book is strong and tangible.  Jesus earthly life and the gift of Him as our friend and Savior is clearly brought out in this storybook.  Several scripture verses are provided on each page to emphasize the point being taught.  Bright, colorful illustrations compliment the word pictures.

I received this book free from the publishers and was not required to write a positive review.

Sea Rose Lane By Irene Hannon

Irene Hannon tells a solid love story.  Her characters don’t just fall madly in love and poof that’s the end of the story.  Hannon slowly simmers the emotions and brings them to a boil.  Her characters get to know each other.  They weigh pros and cons about the relationship.  They struggle with real life issues such as self-doubt, guilt, pride, greed, and whether they can trust each other with their secrets.  Hope Harbor is a place where I would like to live.  It has beautiful scenery, quaint small-town allure and authentic characters that would make wonderful friends.  Her Hope Harbor series is fantastic and I can’t wait for the next book!

I received this book free from the publishers and was not required to write a positive review.

All Summer Long By Melody Carlson

This is just what a summer romance book should be:  light and fun.  What could be more perfect than a restaurant on a ship in San Francisco Bay?  What I appreciated about Melody Carlson’s book is that she wrote about a love triangle that wasn’t.   You have to read the whole book to know what I’m talking about.  But that’s just an appetizer for you.  I seriously appreciate how Carlson has the characters dealing with some emotionally charged scenes with strong moral convictions.  While Carlson is a writer of Christian fiction, the dialogue flows naturally and is not “preachy”.  Her characters are believable, lovable and it’s an enjoyable experience getting to know each one. 

I received this book free from the publishers and was not required to write a positive review.

More Than Rivals by Ken Abraham

This is an amazing story of friendship and the power of that one friendship to change a town torn apart by fear and hate.  It begins when a young boy just wants to play basketball.  He makes a friend not “seeing” the color of his skin simply because that’s not what matters.  Throughout this book the reader is taken on one side of town and then on the other to see how each boy lives.  The reader is drawn into their family, school, social circles and into the very hearts and minds of these boys as they become young men.   When the final chapters unfold they are fueled with the tension of the 1960s in the South.  Your heart will be pulled in one direction and then another and at times feeling the frustration and pathos of the times as if you were sitting there with the spectators in that gymnasium for the championship ball game. 

I received this book free from the publishers and was not required to write a positive review.  

The Gift for all People by Max Lucado

This little book packs a powerful spiritual punch!  Whether you’re a lifelong Christian or investigating the story of Jesus for the first time – this book will give you some wonderful thoughts to ponder and cherish.  Max Lucado has a beautiful God-given talent for explaining things in terms that at once resonant with the reader because of their simplicity and yet draw you into a profound sense of God’s love.  Whenever I’ve read Lucado’s books I find myself realizing that even if I think I understand a spiritual concept that Lucado brings me to a deeper, more personal level of understanding.  This book is appealing physically because it is small, easy to carry in briefcase, purse, backpack or totebag.  It doesn’t overwhelm the new believer with its innumerable pages or technical, theological jargon.  Lucado uses words a real life, ordinary person can understand.  This book can be read at Christmas or Easter as it tells the story of Christ.  It is a look into the story of salvation.  If you have never read a book by Max Lucado I can tell that each time I’ve read one of his books it makes me love Jesus more and feel Jesus love for me even more deeply.

I received this book free from the publishers and was not required to write a positive review.

Little One God Made You by Amy Warren Hilliker

In simple prose the important concept of the priceless worth of a child is told.  Author Amy Warrne Hilliker sets each page with words to comfort, soothe and affirm a young child in their unique place in God’s heart and this world.  The theme of no one is like you is told over and over through words of love.  The young child will enjoy words such as:  wiggly, squiggly toes and silly laugh in the bubble bath.  This Book is perfectly illustrated by Polona Lovsin to show loving interactions between an animal parent and animal child.  Scenes of tossing a baby squirrel, bear hugs, duckling tickles, fawn nose touches, smiles, grins and other expressions of joy and love are created through Lovsin’s adorable illustrations.

I received this book free from the publishers and was not required to write a positive review.

The Quieting – Book 2 of THE BISHOP’s FAMILY series by Suzanne Woods Fisher

The plot thickens as David Stoltzfus seeks counsel on what to do about his wayward Bishop.  His niece Abigail uncovers family secrets that generations have determined to hide and forget.  There are budding romances afoot, but will they ever bloom into fulfilling relationships?  And what to do about meddlesome Mammi who means well but can’t leave well enough alone?  These are just some of the situations the reader will encounter in the pages of this fun yet very meaningful book.  I appreciate how Suzanne Woods Fisher knows how to have some light hearted dialogue along with deep, insightful conversations between her characters.  This book especially deals with redemption discipline which I found inspirational.

I received this book free from the publishers and was not required to write a positive review.