When Do I Love you? by Maria Cabrol

Different animal mamas and papas tell their child how much he/she is loved.  From a lizard who is loved in a blizzard to a moose in a caboose the meaningful text combined with adorable and fun illustrations make this a great gift item.  It's a board book so will appeal to the younger child yet the texts are four lines long with rhymes to delight the preschooler.  The first two lines are the catchy, fun and fanciful phrases.  The last two lines have the deeper emotional impact of showing a child how much they are valued and adored.  This is a very sweet, very loved filled little book.

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

We Hope for Better Things by Erin Bartels

This book absolutely will not disappoint!  The story travels from present day to 1960s to 1860s as it reveals family secrets.  Present day journalist Elizabeth Balsam is given an unusual assignment that intrigues her.  Little does she suspect that it will lead to unearthing deeply kept family secrets and to solving a mystery that's fifty years old.  Written in a first person narrative this book is verbally scrumptious and you will not want to put it down.  Vivid, heart rending stories from the civil rights movement will stun and shock you.  Then as the reader travels down the road back to the Civil War days the unrest, terror and uncertainty of the times will feel very real.  Elizabeth is an endearing and multi-faceted character that deserves exploring through the pages of the book.  Through these characters the hard choices those trying to make an end to slavery and racial injustice faced come to life.  And one must ask the question what would I do for love?

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

The Voice by Sandi Patty

If you've ever heard Sandi Patty sing you'll never forget it.  Once you read Sandi Patty's words in this book you will never forget it either!  I anticipated that this book would be interesting but wondered if it would be a bit depressing as she expressed "hidden" parts of her life story.  It was anything but a downer.  I was so uplifted by this book I was in tears half the time.  As Sandi shares vulnerable, authentically and without excuses God's powerful love is the overwhelming theme over and over in this book.  The story is extremely well written - beautiful heart soul reaching language - and the depth of openness is amazing.  Each chapter tells a bit of her story from preschool Sandi to grandmother Sandi.  The detailed way God has led and loved her at each stage of her life can't help but inspire and bring the reader to her knees.  It gave me a sense of wanting to know God deeper and trust Him more fully for everything, absolutely everything in my life.  This book is a fascinating story but so much more.  It is a devotional book with journal type questions and a scripture at the end of each chapter.  It is can be a tool to helping someone find the professional help they need for emotional support or to overcome addictions.  It is a spiritual balm that reinforces the Biblical promise that God is for us and not against us, that God not only forgives but redeems and gives new life.  What a blessing that Sandi Patty was willing to share her story without reserve to help others see the God of love she discovered.

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

Indivisible by Travis Thrasher

This true military romance and spiritual restoration story is about Darren and Heather Turner.  Their story was embraced by film makers and made into a novel by author Travis Thrasher.  I liked how the story was presented.  The beginnings of the their love story and family and military career with strength and positive energy.  Then the harsh realities of deployment with a combat unit not just for Darren but for his family at home.  This is followed by the section on re-establishing their connection as husband and wife and with God when Darren returns stateside.  Finally the book ends with their testimony of what a mighty God they serve.  The narrative of the book is interspersed with emails between Darren and Heather and journal entries from Darren.  This makes the reading intriguing and gives a lot of emotional details that might otherwise be left out.  This is a brave story told in very real terms.

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

Love Does for kids by Bob Goff and Lindsey Goff Viducich

WOW!  This devotional book is really different!  Better!  So interesting it grabbed my attention immediately and I'm an adult.  In fact the very first story brought tears to me eyes.  Listen to this line:  "So the next time you make a mistake, just think to yourself:  I am loved, and I am God's..."  That is a powerful message!  And all the stories are like that in this book. Filled to the brim with goodness - God's goodness and His love.  The stories are told in an appealing manner with catchy phrases such as "it's like God leaves you room rent and can't wait to see how we'll use what He's given us".  These stories just make you stop and think and stop and think some more.  This book will help children think about God in a positive light and help them understand that He is for them 100% and not against them at all.  I really enjoy and appreciate how the authors consistently point to a God who is looking out for our best all the time and who never stops loving us.

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

The Year of Living Happy by Alli Worthington

From the beautiful cover with a handful of bright yellow blossoms to the back cover asking "How would your life be different if you were just a bit happier every day?" - this book seems to have revitalizing power.  Author Alli Worthington has touched on something that every woman probably wonders about while thinking everyone else has it all together.  The book is divided into 12 sections:  Made to be happy, Holiness is happiness, Happiness in the here and now, Good friends and happy hearts, Finding your happy thought, Happy in a world of crazy, When happiness is hard, Healthy-Happy-Whole, Choosing Happiness, The power of happy words, A happy heart is good medicine and Building a Happy Life.  Inside each section are seven to ten spiritual pep talks.  Each contains a short story with Biblical application and a short exercise for the reader to participate in.  Fun things like thinking about your idea of happiness, listing unique qualities about yourself, describing one thing in your life that is imperfectly wonderful, ask God what seeds He's given you to plant and think of a situation where you could chose compassion for yourself instead of self-criticism.  The short readings help it not feel overwhelming or daunting.  But don't be misled by this into thinking this book is just fluff.  It is not!  There are deep truths and thoughts you'll ponder long after shutting the pages of the book.  I really enjoyed that there was an action the reader was invited to do after reading the story, thoughts and scripture encouragement that was given.  This made the book more personal and more impactful for me.

I was given this book by the publisher but was not required to write a positive review.

The Sound of Thunder by Jan Drexler

I know some people think all Amish books are alike but I can assure you this book is a very different sort of Amish themed story.  The young hero, Jonas has a lot of thoughts on what is truly the way to serve God with all your heart.  To complicate matters he is engaged and the Civil War is is full swing.  Amish traditionally do not engage in any type of warfare.  Yet Jonas feels compelled to help in the cause of abolition.  Is becoming a soldier so wrong if it is for the right cause?  Would God expect him to let others take a risk he himself isn't willing to encounter?  His convictions are
mish-mashed with doubts as he thinks on his love Katie.  Where does duty begin and end for one's country?  And how does God fit into all of this?  Jonas and Katie are authentic characters that Drexler makes the reader feel compassion and angst with.  Her descriptions of home and frontline of war are realistic and heart rending.

I received this book from Revell but was not required to write a positive review.

Second -Chance Dogs (True Stories of Dogs We Rescue and the Dogs Who Rescue Us) Edited by Callie Smith Grant

The dog stories contained in this book are written by more than thirty different authors describing their unique and intriguing experiences.  Each beloved canine has a special bond and God given mission for the human lives he touched.  What a wonderful collection of true stories told by the people whose lives were touched and changed often by a dog that others felt was worthless.  From unwanted to beloved these dogs demonstrate the detailed way God is involved in our lives.  You will be touched by the plight of these creatures, but even more so by the way that God uses them to intervene in the lives of His children.

I received this book from Revell publishers but was not required to write a positive review.

Thirsty for More: Discovering God's Unexpected Blessings in a Desert Season by Allison Allen

If you're looking for a "quick fix" devotional then keep on looking.  But if your soul is "thirsty for more" keep reading.  Allison Allen doesn't mince words.  She tells it like it is.  Sometimes making you feel uncomfortable as she gets down to the nitty gritty.  But as you read about her sojourn in the "desert" I bet you'll be nodding your head and even wiping away a few tears as you see yourself in her questions and wanderings.  This author digs deep because she lived through a deep, dark time or two - not just one!  Because she lays herself open so vulnerable to be examined by the reader it is easier to trust her words, advice and caring tone in this book.  Depth, sincerity, spiritual truths and comfort are found in these pages.

I received this book from Revell but was not required to write a positive review.

A Christmas by the Sea by Melody Carlson

Wendy Harper and her son travel back to her grandparents seaside town to inherit the old cottage by the sea.  Wendy is dealing with stresses at work, financial stresses of piled up bills and the stress of raising a teenage boy without a father.  The loss of her husband has sent them both reeling into depression.  But while Wendy sees the cottage as a way out of her financial woes her son Jackson grasps on to hope.  Hope of a new start in a nostalgic seaside town that feels instantly like home to him.  As they settle into life in the simple and laid back town peace begins to seep into both of their souls.  Maybe this really could be something more.  Maybe this could be home.  This is a cute holiday story filled with hope and good cheer and dash of romance thrown in.

I received this book from Revell publishers but was not required to write a positive review.

Little Book of Thanks by Jean Fischer

Who can resist the Precious Moments characters?  They grace the pages of this sweet little book on giving thanks.  Each page is filled with children of different cultural backgrounds doing "kid stuff".  Young children will recognize their own daily activities in these colorful and smile winning drawings.  The book is filled with scripture from the Bible and poetry.  Simple verses that bring out thankfulness in every day living from a child's perspective.  Perfect book for short nighttime readings each evening.  It would also be a lovely way to help a child memory scripture and short poems. 

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

Auschwitz Lullaby by Mario Escobar

If you're looking for a "feel good" story this is not the book for you.  However, if you're brave enough to let your heart break pick up this book.  Within these pages you will find the intense love of a mother for her children.  You will see that love really does win over evil even if not in this world it will in God's heavenly kingdom.  Reading this book was hard because of the brutality and deprivation the inmates of Auschwitz endured.  But there is a tender and redeeming quality to this story as you read about actual people who lived through these events and what they chose to do.  In the midst of extreme suffering there were those who chose to sacrifice what little they had for others.  In the face of torture some chose as many acts of kindness as they could bestow.  Bravery and courage does not always come with loud acclamations but rather with tenderness when all around is indifference and evil.  The author entreats and challenges the reader to take this story and tell others so that Helen Hannemann's life was not lived in vain.

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

God's Blessing Day by Day My Daily Devotional for Kids by Johnny Hunt

This is a truly endearing devotional book for young children.  It is so appropriately titled "God's Blessings Day by Day".  I fell in love with the adorable illustrations.  They are so sweet and evoke tender feelings of warmth and love.  The devotional readings are just right for younger children. Simple enough for the young child to understand and yet with deep meaning.  Content gives plenty of subject matter for the adult sharing the book with the child to discuss.  The topics discussed range from God's love and care for the child and the child's response to God's love.  Themes like kindness, thinking of others, honesty and more are presented. The devotionals are arranged by weeks.  A different author writes devotionals for each week of the year.  Each devotional contains a memory verse, devotional thought, prayer and nugget of truth about God.  This is a very attraction and meaningful book. 

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

The Hope of Azure Springs by Rachel Fordham

Mix a handsome cowboy sheriff and a an orphaned young woman you're bound for some interesting times.  Caleb as the youngest of four sons has always wanted to win his parents' approval and recognition.  Em who traveled the orphan train only to be rejected over and over until an unsavory sort "adopted" her has heart wounds of her own.  When a mystery crime throws them together they discover much more than clues to solve the crime.  Set in Iowa 1881 this story vividly depicts the rugged life of early settlers.  With lots of mystery and sparks flying between Caleb and Em this tale invites the reader to  visit times past.

I received this book from Revell publishers but was not required to write a positive review.

Big Trucks Getting the Job Done Together Illustrated by Sergio De Giorgi

This Tommy Nelson board book is touch and feel experiential story about trucks for little ones.  The book uses real names for various construction vehicles such as crane, dump truck and bulldozer.  These three truck friends have adventures throughout the pages of the book.  On each page is something for the child to touch and feel.  Gritty sand, smooth tires, gravelly road and more.  The vehicles have cheerful, inviting smiles and are depicted as happy doing their various jobs.  Themes of uniqueness, sharing, teamwork, responsibility, positive attitude and doing one's best are emphasized.  The book is colorful with cute illustrations.  The text has simple text that a young child can grasp but at the same time enough content to make it interesting.

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

River to Redemption by Ann H. Gabhart

This historical Christian novel is based on an amazing true life character Louis, a slave who cared for and buried victims of the cholera epidemic in Springfield, Kentucky in 1833 when his owner left him behind.  In this book you will find a variety of sensitive topics.  Slavery and the abolition movement.  Orphans, widows and the church's responsibility towards them.  Grief and unanswered prayers versus faith despite not understanding why things happen.  Loyalty, daring and finding one's own way in life.  There are lots of scenes of conflict fraught with underlying love and people torn between doing what is socially seen at right and what their hearts tell them is right. 

I received this book from Revell publishers but was not required to write a positive review.

Minding the Light by Suzanne Woods Fisher

This book was fun, exciting and entertaining as several mysteries were going on at the same time.  The last line of the book is astonishing but don't cheat!  Read the whole book and wait for the punch line!  The story line moves back and forth between Nantucket Island in 1821 and diary entries from 1663.  A dilemma solved in the diary leads to a mystery and resolution in 1821. A shocking sudden death, hidden runaway slaves, disclosed past romances and disappearances of family members are all part of the plot.  Hearts are broken, mended and made new in God's light and that is the true beauty of this tale.

I received this book from Revell but was not required to write a positive review.

I AM The Names of God for Little Ones by Diane Stortz Illustrated by Diane Le Feyer

What a wonderful message this book gives!  The names of God given in words and pictures that will warm child and parent hearts alike!  The book starts off with God as Creator - Elohim.  It moves through several Hebrew names for God as given in the Old Testament:  El Shaddai, Jehovah, El Moshaah, Jehovah Bireh,  and Jehovah Rophe.  The meaning of the Hebrew words is given with description illustrations that portray each name definition.  The book then moves into more modern names for God such as Son of God, Rabbi-teacher, Good Shepherd, Savior, Friend and King of Kings.  Each page has the name for God, a Bible verse that relates to the name, a short story, a prayer and an illustration.  This book is a precious way to help children understand how involved God is with every detail of our life.  The different names of God help children understand He is there for us in all ways.

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

Sons of Blackbird Mountain by Joanne Bischof

Three brothers of Norwegian ancestry build a life in the state of Virginia newly freed from slavery after the Civil war.  Jorgan, Thor, Haakon work to bring their apple orchards to profit.  But what if the profitable hard cider they make and sell is the ruin of them in other ways?  Through their struggles with conflicts with their neighbors and with each other we see an amazing bond of brotherhood.  When two brothers fall in love with the same women Aven the sibling rivalry takes on a more sinister tint.  Aven, a young widow has come to her husband's cousins for shelter.  Instead she finds an underlying and unresolved bitterness that only God can heal with the men she come to view as her family.  Thor born deaf uses a form of sign language with his brothers.  Aven learns to read his emotions as well as his hands signing words.  This is a tender love story with deep psychological twists.

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

The Orphan's Wish by Melanie Dickerson

I would classify this book as a YA historical novel.  It takes place in the 1400s with a Saracen orphan, Aladdin, as the main character.  Through times of trial, testing and triumph he weaves his way into the Germanic society and hearts of many.  He has a good soul and honorable goals but along the way his courage fails him and he makes mistakes even as he tries for perfection. Aladdin has grown up with Lady Kirstyn.  They are best friends but he always feels beneath her.  He leaves the household that has taken him in to go make his way in the world.  He wants to prove that he can care for her and be a success.   As he gains a better understanding of God's love for him he begins to understand that perfection is not required of him for acceptance and belonging.  Perils arise as the lady he loves is kidnapped and held hostage by a jealous and deranged son of Aladdin's benefactor.  Through times of despair and terror Aladdin learns to lean more heavily on his own instincts and the voice of God directing him.  He must also learn to not judge himself by other's standards but base his worth on the blood of Christ shed for him.  As Aladdin and Kirstyn are reunited they must learn to be honest with themselves and each other about their feelings.  They learn to be courageous in ways they had not expressed or experienced before and grow strong individually and together as a couple.

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

Send Down the Rain by Charles Martin

I have mixed feelings about this book.  It appears the main goal of this book is to show the power of forgiveness.  However, there are several instances of violent retaliation that occur in this story with no remorse.  One example is a wronged spouse driving a knife through her husband's hand.  And in each of the cases there is an intervention of a politician so that no censure, responsibility or disciple is meted out.  This seems in congruent with the theme of making amends and forgiveness running through the book.  It also adds a flavor of vigilante style justice to the tale.  For me it made the story less believable because of how many times they avoided any legal repercussions for their actions.  It also bothered me that the main character's love was described as "watching over" someone when in actuality it would be described in legal terms as stalking.  Since this is a Christian book it was unbelievable to me that "love" would be described in such an emotionally unhealthy manner.  And although the main character protects those he loves in one sense - on the other hand he holds a lot of resentment towards them.  The entire book was a mixture of really unhealthy behaviors combined with "noble" reasons for said actions.  I couldn't really blend the two together.  It just seemed too disconnected and unreal to me. 

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

Create - A Girl's Guide to DIY, Doodles and Design by Zonderkidz

What a cleverly, attractive craft book!  But I found it to be so much more than what I thought it would be.  There are over 50 craft ideas with very specific instructions, lists of materials needed and photos of not only the finished product but the process of creating it.  Each project has a list of materials, numbered instructions for creation and then a box called "jazz it up".  The "jazz it up" box containers options or ulternatives to the original design.  I was excited to see so many every day items transformed into beautiful and useful gifts.  Gifts such a personalized pillow cases, plastic soap holders as prayer boxes, and even mint tins crafted to be mini emergency kits.  There are three sections to this book.  The DIY section with the crafty type creations.  The DOODLES section with drawings and how to create your own coloring pages.  The DESIGN section for jewelry, clothes handbags and other accessories.  The items to create are not "cheesy" at all.  They are well made and attractive to the eye.  This craft book is marketed as a faithgirlz/zonderkidz book.  But I wanted to say in this review that adults will find it just as fun and fabulous as the children will.  In fact I think this would be a great tool to use for family evening togetherness as the whole family could create gifts to give to others.  It also would be a wonderful tool for summer Bible camp or a girls club evening or sleep over party.

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

The Road Home by Beverly Lewis

The Road Home by Beverly Lewis

I don’t know how she does it but Beverly Lewis just gets better and better.  For an author who writes about one topic, Amish living, Lewis has such a variety of story lines and characters.  This book starts out with a tragedy but the story is anything but tragic.  It is full of love and romance and fun filled memories in the making.  Family ties are strong throughout this book.  The value of faith filled confidants is highlighted through the friendships that Lena Rose makes in her new setting in Lancaster County.  Throughout Lena’s journey through grief and adjusting to community far from her hometown the reader experiences the spiritual growth of one young woman.  Her courage, resolute trust in a Heavenly Father’s goodwill towards her and her determination to return to her siblings scattered amongst the brethren make for a fulfilling tale.

I received this book from Bethany Publishers but was not required to write a positive review.

Begin Again by Leeana Tankersley

Leeana Tankersley truly has a fresh and sometimes startling way of expressing herself.  You will either totally relate to her or not have a clue to what she’s talking about.  Stark revelations about her own thought processes and struggles with finding balance, peace and joy in her life may shock you.  On the other hand it may just be what you were longing for to find comfort.  Leeana invites the reader to visit her life, her every day ordinary life full of hair pulling moments and angst over doing things wrong.  As she shares her mishaps she also sheds light on how we can connect to God to find relief from the things  that weigh us down and overwhelm us.  Practical tips yes, but so much more!  Creative, doable, real life, enchanting ideas on how to learn to begin again as God calls us to a truer sense of self.  From that authentic sense of who we are we are then able to give to others without destroying ourselves.  This book was a real eye opener for me and I plan to get several copies to give to women I hold dear.

I received this book from Revell publishers but was not required to write a positive review.

Embraced by Lysa Terkeurst

Five stars and two thumbs up along with a hearty AMEN!  Lysa Terkeurst writes with such down right honesty you'll feel like you're sitting on the porch swing with her.  She invites you into her feelings and then shares how God met her there.  The comforting thing about this book is that over and over you will find yourself saying "me too"!  The encouraging thing about this book is that she presents a God who loves us enough to not leave us in our despair or discouragement.  This book is packed full of stories of women facing all manner of circumstances and scriptural references to back up Lysa's plan of action to know for yourself that God is holding you close.  The book is divided into four sections with a total of 100 devotionals.  The sections are:  Embracing the Pursuit of Him and His Directions, Embracing the Fullness Found Only in Him, Embracing Him in the Midst of Hurt and Heartbreak and Embracing His call to be transformed.  As Lysa shares from her own experiences she invites the reader to think of times we may have felt the same.  Then she shares ways God wants to heal us and help us move forward.  The readings all point to our worth being in Jesus Christ our Savior and why knowing that makes all the difference in how we respond and react to what happens to us.

I received this book from BOOKLOOK but was not required to write a positive review.

The Heart's Appeal by Jenifer Delamere

Julia Bernay is a young nurse who dreams of obtaining her medical degree from the prestigous London School of Medicine for Women.  Unfortunately this same institution is under legal investigation and in danger of closing it's doors forever.  By a strange coincidence Julia is on a train during a horrific accident and saves the life of barrister Michael Stephenson.  Stephenson just happens to be one of the lawyers working on the case against the London School of Medicine for Women.  As the two are thrown together, learn about each other and develop a relationship things get mighty confused.  Not to mention Micahel's sister Corrina's plans to get him engaged to the lovely socialite Laura.  This story shows the class distinctions of the day in the 1880s in London, England and the role women were stuffed into.  Julia is one of the brave few who stepped out of the mold as she dared to dream of greater things for herself and other women.  As Michael delves deeper into his case he can't help but see the remarkable woman Julia is and second guesses himself in his involvement in the suit.  But will he find the courage to stand against his law firm, his family and friends to forge ahead on a new path?

I received this book from Bethany House and was not required to write a positive review.

Courageous Women of the Bible by Latan Roland Murphy

Perhaps it was because I imagined this book being of a very different sort then it ended up to be, but I had hard time getting into it.  A ten page introduction for a 206 page book?  That was my first hurdle.  It then read too much like a textbook or manual to me.  I was looking for fresh insights into courageous women of the Bible.  I was hoping to "hear" their voices in the narrative but it was not written in the first person style.  The "Courage Quest"s at the end of each chapter were good.  The scripture passage is given for each courageous woman and then there are several questions to help the reader glean more from the story in a person way.  This added a redeeming quality to the book.

I received this book from Bethany but was not required to write a positive review.

The Way of Abundance by Ann Voskamp

Books can impress or inspire you.  This book will revolutionize your heart and open your mind to possiblities you didn't know existed.  Voskamp is genuine.  That is what makes her books so appealing.  She is down in the mire with you but not wallowing!  She has felt devastating pain but she not only suvived she is willing to share so others can truly live.  Her relationship with God comes out in the pages of this book raw, unfiltered and deeply moving.  This book encouraged me so much in my trials and gave me hope to carry on.  Her words are sensitive and yet strong, bold and pack a punch.  The book is divided into six units all about how the brokenhearted can find a way of abundant life.  How the brokenhearted keep going, live like Christ, receive God's grace, find communion, release control, and get to love.  Each unit is divided into chapters.  Each chapter begins with a scripture and ends with questions for your reflection journal.  This book is designed to be a 60 day experience towards abundant life.  It can be a personal study.  I can imagine it also being a great women's prayer group or book club endeavor.  This book will not disappoint you. 

I received this book from BOOKLOOK but was not required to write a positive review.

Where the Fire Falls by Karen Barnett

This book was just such a delightful treat!  What fun to go back in time to the 1920s and become a “visitor” to Yosemite National Park.  Barnett writes with such descriptive detail that it was easy to get lost in the wonder and grandeur of Yosemite’s beauty.  Imagining the trails with stubborn donkeys, campfires with Western singalongs and luxurious lodges with ballroom dancing made for a page turning book.  It was fun to read tidbits about famous people such as Ansel Adams.  The plot thickened through the book as mysteries were uncovered from the heroines past and present.  But what really drew me into the book was the relationship that budded slowly between Olivia and Clark.  Two very different people with wounds that only God could heal.  Their path towards God and eventually each other made a very sweet love story.

Sibleys Birds of Land, Sea and Sky

This is as unique of a gift as you could find for bird lovers.  In a decorative yet sturdy box are 50 postcards of birds.  They are divided by tab cards into five categories.  The categories are:  waterfowl, woodpeckers, wading birds, songbirds and owls/raptors.  Each postcard is exquisitely drawn by master artist David Allen Sibley.  On each postcard is the realistic rendering of the bird with its common name and scientific name printed underneath.  The postcards are heavy stock and could just as easily be used as flashcards.  This makes a charming gift for bird lovers as a collector’s item or simply for use to write notes on. 

I received this item from Blogging for Books but was not required to write a positive review.

A Light on the Hill by Connilyn Cossette

Looking for a Biblical historical novel?  This book is a real treat!  You will feel as if you've traveled with Moriyah from Jericho back to her home in Shiloh and then on in her desperate flight to the City of Refuge.  Word pictures of exotic spices, cloths and festivals will fill your mind.  Emotional images of terror, remorse, confusion, conflict, hatred and devotion fill the pages.  As Moriyah battles with a God she thinks has forsaken her the reader will be drawn into Moriyah's questioning of her own faith.  What will Moriyah do when faced with escape with guilt or death with honor?  In this story of conflicting dreams and a path that seems to lead only to more despair God is shown to be a God above all other gods to work His will.  His power will be displayed in ways Moriyah cannot imagine or yet fathom.

I received this book from Bethany House Publishers but was not required to write a positive review.

When God Made Light by Matthew Paul Turner

Bright, bold colors infuse illustrations that evoke childhood wonder.  The book starts with proclamations of light from God.  The story told in poetry form describes all the marvelous ways God gives us light.  These range from the summer sun to fireflies to the moon and twinkling stars at night.  The ways the light helps us is explained through word and picture of plants growing and children playing.  Then the book takes a turn to spiritual light.  In terms that are child friendly the author explains how God’s light keeps us safe and free of fear.  The book ends with a promise of the gift of God’s light being in us to shine out to other.

I received this book from Blogging for Books but was not required to write a positive review.

Phoebe's Light by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Phoebe is given her great grandmother’s diary.  Her father explains that as each generation passes the precious diary on it is given to the family member who needs it most.  As Phoebe is pondering why her father chose her as the recipient of this family heirloom circumstances that eerily parallel some of her Great-Grandmother Mary’s past confound Phoebe in her own life.  As Phoebe struggles to understand what faith really means and who she can trust she discovers a mystery that could change many lives.  Unbeknown to her there are those who would not hesitate to take a life to uncover or keep covered secrets of past and present.  This is a fascinating and quick paced tale of the early Quaker faith and life on a Nantucket Island.  Gripping and emotional scenes play out on land and sea and in the hearts of the characters.

I received this book from Revell but was not required to write a positive review.

Sweet Potato Soul by Jenne Claiborne

From the scrumptious looking photos to the delectible descriptions of the recipes this vegan recipe book is a hit.  Inside the pages of this recipe book you'll find 100 easy to make and easy to fall in love with recipes.  The author experienced the change from a meat based diet to one entirely based on plants.  She's experimented over the years to come up with tasty dishes for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack time.  In the introductory pages Ms Claiborne discusses how she made the transition to plant based meals and basic steps to healthy eating choices.  She gives a list of essential tools for the kitchen as well as instruction on what types of vegetables, fruits, grains go best in certain types of recipes to produce the flavor and textures you desire.  Whether you're vegan or not this is fun recipe book with yummy results!

I received this book free from blogging for books but was not required to write a positive review.

Easter Love Letters from God (Bible Stories) by Glenys Nellist

This is simply a goregous book!  A precious and beautifully told Easter story that will have meaning all year round.  It is a children's book that has depth to it so that adults will gain meaning from it as well as the child.  The stories that lead up to the death and ressurection of Jesus are told in gentle, loving language.  The author, Glenys Nellist, captures the emotions of each segment of the last days of Jesus' life in way that will reach young children's hearts.  The story of the crucifixion dwells on Jesus love not on the suffering.  It is told in a way that is not frightening to young children.  Vivid word pictures combined with the absolutely magnificent illustrations in this book make a perfect presentation.  I especially enjoyed the section on Jesus in Gethsemane and on the cross. Jesus felt alone but the author uses scripture references and the "letter from God" to help the children understand that we are never alone.  We may feel alone but God has promised to never leave us.  The flap "letters from God" add a special touch.  Children will anticipate lifting the flap and discovering what message God has for them.  Each letter matches the story on the previous page to personalize the Bible story to present day child appropriate themes. 

I received this book from BookLook for review but was not required to write a positive review.

The Lost Castle by Kristy Cambron

Meet three intriguing heroines as the story hurtles you back in time to the French Revolution, World War II and back to present day time.  Aveline is from French Nobility.  Violet is hiding in France during Hitler's reign.  Ellie wants to make her grandmother's wish come true and travels to modern day France to find answers to a mystery romance hidden in her grandmother's memories as she suffers from Alzheimers.  As I read about Aveline I became so engrossed I forgot there were other seasons to this story.  But then Violet's encounters as she strives to remain hidden and alive in war torn France captured my attention.  Ellie's story was seeped in mystery upon mystery keeping me anxious to know the outcome of her discoveries.  It is impossible to be bored while reading this book because each young lady has so many facets to her tale and then as you get further into the pages of the book and see how all three are actually very entwined with each other it just becomes that much more engrossing and fascinating.  Kristy Cambron knows how to tell a story and tell it beautifully with deep emotion and purposeful meaning.

Daring to Hope by Katie Davis Majors

To say this is an inspirational book is an understatement.  Katie’s honest and open heart felt words really impressed me with their simplicity and depth.  Simple in that she isn’t putting on airs or using high- brow theological terms.  She shares her testimony through stories of pain, sorrow, doubt, fear, turmoil, anger, etc.  The one thing that really stood out for me is when she shared that sometimes God does not answer our “whys” but that His presence is still made evident to comfort and carry us through those experiences.  I was encouraged reading how she felt even closer to God after experiencing horrendous times of grief and upheaval.  Katie writes in vivid emotional detail so that you are drawn to her and her children and friends.  You feel your heart strings tugging and breaking over their stories as if you were there with them.  There is so much spiritual comfort and insight in this book.  Katie covers many different types of “trials” but through each one she demonstrates how a very real God gives love each and every time.  This book came to me just when I needed it!  A real blessing and answer to prayer!

No One Ever Asked by Katie Ganshert

Entralling and enticing!  You won't be able to put this book down.  It will rip off scabs of things you may have wanted to deny exist.  It takes the reader in a stronghold that doesn't let up till the last page is turned.  When you shut the pages of this book you may feel like:  What just happened?  It is at once shocking, revealing, condemning, forgiving and always pointing back to a God of mercy who intervenes in our personal, every day details in ways that are astounding.  You'll be introduced to three families.  Each with incredible stories of their own but as they entertwine throughout the book in unpredicable ways the Hand of God is unmistakable.  Katie Ganshert has incredible dialogue between characters and in their ponderings I found such profound wisdom it blew me away.  Ganshert is truly a master at literary art!  I've read all her books and this one is the best one yet!  Don't miss it!  Words in a review cannot possible do this book justice!  It is THAT good!