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.