Book Review: Adventure Bible, Moses Leads the People

I snagged a review copy of an I Can Read book from Zonderkidz. It's the Adventure Bible Series called Moses Leads the People.

My oldest, who is in first grade this year, but a very advanced reader, said she loved this story. I'm excited to have another good reader for teacher my younger children when the time comes and I love having more bible stories around!  The pictures are great and the story is Biblically accurate and interesting. I liked the way they dealt with the scarier parts of the story, like the death of the oldest sons; it states it accurately but doesn't dwell on it (for younger children who aren't quite ready for that aspect of the story) and the picture that goes along is not graphic. This is a great addition to our library!

I recieved a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review: Conrad and the Cowgirl Next Door

It's always fun to review kids books!  And my kids and I loved this book from Zonderkidz.  Its a fun cowboy story about Conrad, a well prepared boy (with a gigantic first aid kit he knows how to use!) who goes to learn how to be a cowboy on his Uncle Clint's ranch.  When he arrives, he meets the know-it-all cowgirl next door, Imogene.  Conrad sets a wonderful example throughout the book as he responds to her annoying comments and especially at the end as he shows her kindness despite the fact that she has just bought the horse he was bidding on! The book feels like a very well made hard back, and has adorable illustrations throughout.  At the back of the book there is a spread of cute cowboy poems, as well as a letter from the author to parents explaining the theme, the reason behind the story, and includes discussion starters to help kids understand being kind to one's enemies. This is a great storybook with a great message that I know my kids will read over and over!


I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Book ReviewL NIV Essentials Study Bible

I was able to snag an ebook review copy of this study bible, the NIV Essentials Study Bible. As an ebook, this has a really nice layout.  There are many menus in the front, including lists of links to the different kinds of helps and devotionals. The books of the Bible are linked as well as each chapter for easy access, which makes using this as your only Bible during sermons much more possible. This would be a good Bible for beginners to ebook Bibles as well, as the introduction includes a brief tutorial on how to navigate to specific passages and supplementary materials. One thing I really like about this version is that the supplementary materials are not interspersed throughout the chapter as they are in a typical printed Bible.  Rather, they are in a section at the end of each book of the Bible and hyperlinks are included in the readings.  So one can easily read their chosen passage without distractions, and then go back and use the hyperlinks to see applicable supplemental materials.  Or if you prefer, you can jump to them during your reading.

There is an excellent introduction to each book of the Bible as well, and I appreciate the simple layout.  Rather than one long introduction of several pages of info, which can sometimes be hard to follow and read, this Bible's introductions are short and simple, with various sections such as Key Concepts, About the book, Key Verses, Key Teachings, Key Terms, and People to Know. These sections are often simple bulleted points or short descriptions of key terms or people. The supplemental helps seem to be explanations and devotionals to really help one understand the text and explain common questions and cultural differences the text might bring up.

I'd definitely recommend this Bible for those seeking to deepen their faith and study of the Bible. The helpful commentaries and easy to navigate layout make it an excellent choice for an e-Bible.

I recieved an e-copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

book review: the Loving Kitchen

This book by LeAnn Rice was a nice cookbook. I recieved it as an ebook, and it is easy to navigate as the index contains links to the pages, and you can navigate by chapter as well.  The recipes are good basic recipes with normal every day ingredients.  The recipes aren't new and inventive so much, but I like having nice basic cookbooks as well.  I wish there were a few more pictures, but the instructions are good. There are lots of great breakfast recipes, some that can be made ahead to simplify the morning's rush. Breads, Starters and Salads, Soups and Sandwiches, Entrees, Vegetables and Sides, and Desserts are the remaining chapters. I love that the final chapters are called Reaching out and Gathering In, where the author relates her experience briefly of dealing with her husband's death from cancer, and realizing the importance of reaching out to others and helping as we can, in her case, through sharing gifts of food. In Gathering In, she talks about the importance of meals as a family and includes conversational games to get everyone interacting.

I recommend this book to all cooks who enjoy good, solid recipes with everyday ingredients.  It would be especially good I think, for beginning cooks as things are basic and clear and not overwhelming with odd, difficult ingredients and techniques.

I recieved a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review: Samantha Sanderson on the Scene

Samantha Sanderson On The Scene by Robin Carroll


This is the second book in the Samantha Sanderson series that follow middle schooler Samantha in her investigations as a reporter for her school's paper. This installment deals with the subject of bullying, as Samantha finds out that an acquaintance, the best friends of Samantha's least favorite person at school, is receiving nasty notes, texts, emails and unwelcome surprises in her locker. She determines to find out who is doing the bullying and to bring awareness to the issue by doing a series in the paper. Samantha again show her good character by the way she treats Nikki, and her unwillingness to identify her because of her promise to Nikki to keep her name out of it. The character of Sam is a great role model for young girls as she is responsible, honest and cares for others.  I definitely recommend this for young girls and will be sharing it with my daughter when she is old enough.

I recieved a copy of this ebook from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.


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Book Review: Samantha Sanderson at the Movies

Samantha Sanderson at the Movies by Robin Caroll

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is book aimed at younger readers, I'd say middle school age (the main character is in 7th grade).  I think it's a great new series for girls to read about a strong, smart girl who loves God and has good goals for her future.  "Sam"  wants to be a reporter like her mom when she is older;  For now, she writes for the middle school paper and when she and her best friend are at the movies and help discover a bomb, she gets herself assigned to the story. She investigates on her own, writes her conclusions and has to deal with the consequences of her stories, both good and bad.  Her dad is the detective in charge of the case, and the story tells of the dynamics between them as well, as she tries to get the scoop for the paper.  I love how the mystery is interesting and engaging but there are also other great side stories as well. When one of Sam's friends reveals that she knows about God but doesn't believe in Him, Sam is confused and goes to her sunday school teacher for help on how to reach her friend.  Through the story, the readers get great advice on planting seeds and being patient.  Sam also has to figure out how to fix her relationship with her dad when he feels she has betrayed his trust by pursuing a story he told her in confidence.  I'd wholeheartedly recommend this book for young girls and will definitely be saving this one for my daughter when she's a little older! It was definitely a great well-written book with great teaching about faith.

I recieved a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

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Book Review: Life Behind the Wall

Life Behind the Wall: Candy Bombers, Beetle Bunker, and Smuggler's Treasure by Robert Elmer

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a collection of three short youth books about the Berlin wall. Aimed at youth, they follow a family as the city is first divided, then in the middle of the years of conflict, and again when the wall comes down. They don't give a lot of historical/political information. The books briefly talk about how the Russians have control of one side of Berlin and Germany, and the Americans are helping to protect the opposite side.  The books focus more on what it was like for the characters as they deal with life behind the wall.  I enjoyed these books, there was enough action to keep you going, and I enjoyed the characters and the way the same family and storylines were continued through out the books.  As an adult, I'm glad I had the opportunity to read all three at once, it really gives the young reader the full feel of each of the three time periods.  The third book brought tears to my eyes as there was more of the family history revealed. I would recommend this to young readers, probably as early as upper elementary for advanced readers, but definitely for middle grades and high school.  I enjoyed them as an adult and they have whet my appetite for more historical fiction about the Berlin wall and the Cold War.  I enjoy historical fiction but have tended to read mostly about World War II and for some reason, really have not had a lot of exposure to the Cold War through Literature, so I'll be looking for more!

I recieved a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. 

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Book Review: Let's Sew Together

I was excited to have the chance to review a crafty/sewing book! Let's Sew Together, by Rubyellen Bratcher is a fun book full of little projects to work on as a family.

To be completely honest, I probably would not have gone out and bought this book, but I think it will be really fun to sit down with my daughter, who is showing interest in sewing at 6 years old, and pick out some projects to do together.  I like that the book is a combo of machine sewing, hand sewing, and no sewing crafts.  They are some great toys, like puppets, a girl doll and a robot doll, play place settings, fruit and veggie softies, etc.  There are clothes, little slippers, pencil pouches, and a beautiful map quilt.  I love that she really encourages kids to personalize and decorate, using fabric markers on the projects and then embroidering or free hand quilting. There are templates included for projects where they are needed.  They all fit on the page and inlcude percentages for sizing up appropriately. This is really my only criticism of the book, I'm not sure that my home printer/copier can do enlargements, so I'd probably have to take it to a copy shop or somewhere with a copier.  I wish there were some way to give a unique code inside each book to download the files online or something. There is a simple, thorough introduction that makes this book accessible to beginning sewists. I'd recommend it for beginners as well as for sewists of any level with kids who want ideas for projects to work on together.  You can read more info from the publisher here.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review: Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus

Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus: A Devout Muslim Encounters Christianity by Nabeel Qureshi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was an excellent book. It is a autobiographical account of the author's movement from the Muslim faith to faith in Christ. I thought this book was very well done. It was so easy to read, and very engaging. At times it felt very much like a memoir (which it kind of is), but it is also full of information. I appreciated how the author took the time to educate the reader on beliefs of Islam, and though he obviously comes to discard the Muslim faith as true, he is respectful throughout and discusses his childhood and the faith he was taught with affection. The book details so much that would be helpful to those interacting with Muslims: beliefs, arguments they are taught against Christianity, major stumbling blocks to belief in Christ. It also, through dialogue between the author and his Christian friends, presents the arguments made to him proving the case for Christianity as being truth. I really appreciated that this was not an easy, off the cuff decision for him. The aithor is obviously an intelligent man. Throughout the book, he is a pre-med student in the Honors program at his university who later goes on to finish medical school. He is a devout Muslim who believes what he has been taught and knows it well. He discusses, researches, and ponders the things he learns from his friends for over 3 years before making a decision. He does not just believe what is told to him, but studies and investigates everything on his own, reading the Quran and other Muslim writings as well as books by Christian authors and eventually, the Bible. Most of the book focuses on the case for Christianity, but eventually he does look at his Muslim faith to see if it holds up to similar scrutiny. It was very interesting how he discussed why it is so difficult for a Muslim to turn to Christ, saying that, among other things, they are usually completely ostracized from their entire community and friends, even from their immediate family. Something that stuck with me was that he said he knows people that understand the truth of Christ and will not turn to Christ because they have no friend or support in the  Christian faith to support them when they are essentially excommunicated.

I would recommend this book whole heartedly, and feel it is great for a wide audience. It is excellent for Christians who are frequently in contact with Muslims  (or even if not) and want to understand them better, but also for any Christian wanting to know how better to defend and present their faith. I also think it would be a great read for those interested in following Christ who are skeptical. Some may want to delve deeper into the topics and proofs presented but at the very least it would be a great introduction.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.


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Book Review: Bluebonnet Bride

Bluebonnet Bride by Colleen Coble
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I'm always disappointed to read a book and realize that it is a novella. i wish publishers would be more specific in their description that is not only a novella but part of series. the series dorsnt bither me so much, especially in books and series like this, where I assume they just follow different sets of characters. The novella, however, I found very unsatisfying. the storyline and writing style have the makings of a good book, but everything felt very forced and incomplete. The mystery was told more than experienced, and everything moved too quickly in both the mystery and the romance. It really wasn't all that enjoyable as I felt like the reader was just rushed through what could have been a good story too quickly to enjoy it. I really wish the autbor had taken the time to make this a full fledgedmember of the series. I'm really not sure what is the point of the novella. However, if you are looking for a very short, clean, mystery romance, then you will probably enjoy it.

I received a copy if this novella from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.


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Book Review: Murder Simply Brewed

Murder Simply Brewed by Vannetta Chapman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I don't usually choose to read Amish fiction but this one is different from the traditional Amish novel. It is a mystery novel set in an Amish tourists village run by Amber, a middle aged, never married woman. one of Amber's employees is found dead of what appears to be natural causes, thought there are some suspicious circumstances, and several acts of vandalism quickly follow. Hannah, a young Amish girl who works in the quilt shop next door to the victim's coffee shop, finds the body and finds herself becoming involved in investigating the mystery with Amber.  There is some romance as well as they both develop love interests. I enjoyed this clean mystery/romance and thought there was a nice balance between the two. I liked the variety of hearing the story through several different viewpoints, and while it gives a nice peek into Amish life it wasn't an overwhelming part of the book. I think mystery readers who aren't generally into Amish fiction might want to give this one a try!

I recieved a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

I also read the first in her Shipshewana Amish Mystery series, Falling to Pieces and found it similarly enjoyable.  Again, there was a nice mix of the "English" and Amish viewpoint and life and a good mystery. I'd like to continue to read the others in the series. 


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Book Review: Storming the Black Ice

Storming the Black Ice by Don     Brown

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Once again, I feel like I'm in the minority because I didn't love this book.  To sum up, the book is based around the idea that the British have found a huge oil deposit in Antarctica and have a base set up researching and protecting it.  They are attacked by Venezuela who is working with Argentina and want to take control of the deposit as they are worried about another country getting a piece of the fuel money pie in South America.  The book follows various characters, my favorite being Austin Rivers, a Leftenent in the British army I believe, who is stationed at the base in Antarctica. His story was the most interesting to me as he has a son (from a one-night-stand he has begun a relationship with as well as keeping in touch with the mother.  The author does a great job of painting the picture of the big burly army dude baby talking at his son. Various other characters are introduced, though often fairly quickly dismissed as their subs are sunk! I thought there would be more suspense and espionage, though this really is a very much a military novel, following the attacks and defense of subs as well as Rivers, his fellow army man, and the civilian engineers' capture and subsequent treatment.  This book is published through a Christian publishing house, though  honestly, I found very little Christian content in it, other than a character or two who are or have become Christians (not in the novel's timeframe), and people occasionally talking about praying. Overall, I did enjoy the book even though it wasn't what I was expecting.  However, it was one of the other main characters, Pete Miranda, who really kind of ruined the book for me.  I was ok with Pete, although he really is a ladies' man but at the beginning of the book meets a girl who then follows through out the book as his love interest.  However, I really felt their relationship was more of a lustful one that anything with substance.  Its frequently mentioned about how amazing she looks, how he feels when he looks at her, but really nothing to substantiate any kind of solid relationship is presented at all.  The whole thing felt unnecessary and silly, especially when he invites her to visit his family in Texas at the end.  The whole relationship is very sexual, and yet he (though never showing any spiritual inclination) wants to avoid a sexual encounter with her when she tries to seduce him over peach pie at her apartment.  One of the last sentences of the book has Pete saying that they are going to "finish that peach pie".

Honestly if you are just looking for a fairly clean military novel, you'll probably enjoy this. But if you pick it up thinking its going to be a Christian military suspense novel, i think you'll be sorely disappointed. I won't read it again, and won't be rushing to pick up any more of this author's books either. Not to say I wouldn't read one at some point, but its definitely not my favorite.


I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my  honest review.

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Book Review: Distortion

Distortion by Terri Blackstock
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

This review has a couple spoilers so if you really want to read this book, don't read the part in light grey towards the end! 


This book was a fast read for me, it's a mystery novel mainly concentrating on four siblings, 3 of whom dabble in working for a private detective (who is dating one of them) and who are drawn into another mystery when Juliet's successful doctor husband is executed before her eyes.  They conduct their own investigation, partly working with the police and FBI. This book is a tough one. I liked the story idea, I was drawn in and wanted to know what happened.  The idea of the hidden life of the husband was intriguing.  Now, if you typically enjoy Christian mystery novels and Blackstock's work in particular, and are not super detail oriented when reading,  stop reading this review right here and go get the book.  You'll probably enjoy it immensely. I'll give you a second to click the little x at the top of your screen...



For me however,there were just too many things that seemed illogical or tweaked to fit what the author wanted to happen. The first was that Juliet as sent home the night of the murder with a bag of her husband's effects, cell phone, wallet etc. She is the first to hear a message threatening her husband and their family. Now, I'm not in law enforcement, but I have never read a book or seen a movie where the victims personal items were not kept as evidence. It seemed like the author just wanted to advance the story and give Juliet a reason to start digging. There were many similar things. The police did not gain access to his computer files, home office, work office, etc until Juliet and Co. had a chance to search it and offered it to the police because of what they found. When Juliet is wired by the FBI to talk to her husband's mistress in hopes of gaining information, she is allowed to decide where they go afterward and who she tells what she found to (she includes the PI and her sister) and the FBI just follows her around like puppies. There were so many things like this that took the enjoyment out of the book for me. And the end of the book was terrible. Spoiler: Everything wrapped up so quickly and when the FBI come in and start executing everyone, there is never any explanation of why or how they were involved in the drug ring. I did appreciate Juliet's "sacrifice" at the end, but again it felt just thrown out there, and that the author could have done a better job of fleshing it out. 

I have read other books by this author and enjoyed them but I don't think I would recommend this unless you are a reader who can whiz through and not focus on the details!


I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. 

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Book Review: Notes from a Blue Bike

Notes from a Blue Bike: The Art of Living Intentionally in a Chaotic World by Tsh Oxenreider

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book.  It's kind of a memoir, including snippets from the author's expat life and travels, but is mostly an encouragement to live a simple intentional life, contrary to the go-go-go crazy lifestyle most in the US live.  The book is separated into sections like travel (a favorite for me!), food, education, entertainment and work and the author focuses on how their family has chosen to live a slower,  more intentional life as a family in those areas. I think she does an excellent job of presenting what her family does without making it seem like the only option.  She presents both ideas and concrete ways. I love that she doesn't say there's a right or wrong; in the education for example, they started out with traditional preschool, homeschooled, and are currently doing traditional school again.  So no matter what your own life looks like there are ways to apply the goal of living intentionally to it. I thought this book was so readable and enjoyable.  It gave lots of food for thought but was a very enjoyable process. I'd recommend it to anyone who would like to live more simply and intentionally, or to anyone who feels overwhelmed with the typical US pace of life.  An excellent inspiring book I will definitely enjoy reading again!

I recieved a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

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Book Review: The Jesus Bible

We recieved a copy of the Jesus Bible to review this week.  This is an excellent Bible aimed at younger readers. There are so many great tools in it. First of all, its a sturdy hardbacked book and it uses the New International Version (NIV). This is not a simplified children's Bible, this is the whole entire Word of God, with added tools for kids.  Such as the book introductions: at the beginning of every book in the Bible is a one page intro which answers several typical questions such as who wrote the book, why and to whom.  But I love that it also asks "Where is Jesus in this book?"  I love that kids can start to see the connection to why we read Old Testament books or other dryer books from hundreds of years before He comes onto the scene.  They begin to see how the entire Bible is connected.  Another neat question is "What do we learn about God in this book?" Similarly, I think it's hard to understand some of the more obscure historical books, and I love that they help kids understand them.  There are also are devotions scattered throughout the book, focused on a verse of scripture and (in the one we read) referring to others in the passage.  My six year old loved this reading and was excited to read more. 

Also helpful are the smaller applications notes titled "Live Like Jesus" that help kids apply Jesus teachings to their own lives.  Finally, hints of the Savior and Jesus Revealed are small clues which tell of prophesies of Jesus coming and how they are being fulfilled.  They also include a scripture reference. 

This Bible has a neutral color scheme, great for a boy or girl;  It has a simple typface and simple passage headings to aid understanding.  I would definitely recommend this Bible for kids and young teens as a first Bible, and even for adults who are new Christians and want a simple introduction to the Bible.  If I had to give a criticism, it would be that my daughter was disappointed it wasn't a "girly" bible!  Maybe ZonderKidz will consider doing a "girly" one soon!  Overall, though, I'm thrilled with this Bible and happy to have it as my daughter's first Bible!

I recieved a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.  

Book Review: Say Goodbye to Survival Mode

Say Goodbye to Survival Mode: 9 Simple Strategies to Stress Less, Sleep More, and Restore Your Passion for Life by Crystal Paine

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is authored by the author of the popular blog Moneysaving Mom. I've loosely followed her blog for a while, and I will say that a lot of the info I felt I had already read on the blog. However, I LOVE having a hard copy all in one place to work through.  i'm sure there is new information and it's expanded from what I remember reading on the blog. Its exactly what the title says, simple strategies.  It is doable and it will get your crazy house and life pulled back into a more doable, normal lifestyle. I love that she talks about doing what is right and enough for you, for example with housecleaning. I don't feel like i'm being pushed to turn into a crazy, OCD cleaning freak, but that she urges you to think about what is enough for you and your family. Throughout the chapter, she offers exercises and ideas to get your mind going, and at the end, always summarizes with a few thoughtful prompts or exercises to do.  While I don't feel like my life is out of control, I do struggle with motivation to get things done, and I think this book will be really helpful to read through a second time, and really think about and do the exercises.  As I said, I love that it's a hard copy all in one place and I don't have to go hunting for individual blog posts from series. I think this is a very helpful book for any homemaker at any stage of life, whether they are just starting out (how amazing to get on top of things from the beginning, before you get overwhelmed!), to working moms and stay at home moms of any number of kids (or  no kids!). I would definitely recommend it and plan to work through it again and apply principals to my own homemaking experience!
The author is a Christian and while she doesn't hide it, it is not overwhelming for those who are not of the same faith.  For me those parts add so much to the experience of the book, but one could easily skip over those sections if not interested.

I recieved a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

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Book Review: Love and Respect In the Family

Love & Respect in the Family: The Transforming Power of Love and Respect Between Parent and Child by Emerson Eggerichs
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is a spin off of the Love and Respect in marriage book. The premise as applied to the family is that kids need love and parents need respect.  The main points of the book make sense, though i don't really see myself sitting down and explaining the cycle to my kids as the book suggests.  For me, this book is better used as a reminder that i need to love my kids unconditionally and not react to their misbehavior in inappropriate ways.  It is an attitude check for me.  I think most kids know that parents expect respect and it seems unncecessary to have "the discussion" about it.  My favorite parts of the book were the chapters towards the end.  The author uses the acronym GUIDES to present the six ways of Godly parenting which i agree with.  If you want a book to tell you what to do in certain situations, this is not the book for you.  The book more presents general guidelines, even in the D section which is about discipline.  Chapter ten, about teamwork is a powerful chapter.  The author talks about the most important relationship in the family- the marriage!  He says that the relationship that most impacts the family is the parents relationship with each other.  He encourages parents to work as a team when parenting, and to put the marriage relationship first.  i agree that this is a vital point that so many parenting books don't even touch on.  The book also includes a chapter on "Parenting pink and blue" where the author discusses the differences when parenting boys and girls.  He suggests that boys need respect and girls need love reinforced in their interactions (just as men need respect and women need love with respect to the marriage relationship).  My husband and I found this book to be so true in our marriage, and it is interesting to see how it begins to play out at a young age as well. The part that was most convicting for me however, was in the section 3 about the family rewarded cycle.  The book discusses how parenting is more about our relationship with Christ, and having the right attitudes and responses because of our faithfulness to Christ and not necessarily because of how our children behave and respond to us.  It talks about how sometimes we get our self worth from how our kids behave (or misbehave!) when it should come from our worth as a child of God.  One particularly good quote was where the author states that our kids don't cause us to sin in our responses, rather they reveal the sin in us.  My takeaway from this book is most from those last few chapters- if I am having such a difficult time with remaining calm and loving, then my faith is not where it needs to be and I need to lean more on Christ and firm up my faith.  I would recommend this book to all Christian parents, and strongly encourage that you read through to the end, even if the first few chapters don't speak to you.  THe best in this book is at the end!

I recieved a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.


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Book Review: A Sound Like Fire

A Sound Like Fire by K. D. Veron
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

I wanted to like this book, a novel about the great tribulation when God takes His church from this earth. the book follows Dax, a U.S. senator, who is living a worldly, luxurious life, devoted to his work and mistress and leaving his wife and 2 children to their own devices. At the beginning, we realize that Dax is imprisoned for religious dissidence and experiencing horrible conditions. the story is told in flashbacks as Dac shares his story with the other prisoners and other times that the story just jumps to a third person narrative about Dax's life. the writing is stilted and awkward and even being halfway through the book, I really don't care about any of the characters. Events such as the world uniting under one government are discussed as if sharing that the someone went out for groceries. Suddenly the government is openly against the Christian church and ignores any mention of any other religions.  The disappearance of the Christian church is barely reacted to except for Dax and his wife immediately believing in Christ though they had ignored his preacher brother for their entire lives. and they seem not to care enough to share the gospel with Dax's good friend and bodyguard, nor do they attend church or read the Bible until months later. The author's description of the believers being taken is interesting, and the premise is obviously excellent, however it seems very underdeveloped. charcters emotion and thoughts are ignored; no mention of his children is made after one dies during a drug deal and the other chooses the occult. Dax doesn't think at all of his wife when they are separated after being arrested. when they are executed with twenty pages left in the book, it is just matter of factly ststed that his wife's bloody head is placed for him to see while the executioner swings the axe for his own. this book has potential, but the author chose to treat it like a news story rather than getting the reader invested in the story and characters and living the amazing experience with them. Unfortunately, I would not recommend this book.

I recieved a copy of this ebook from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.


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Book reviews: The Passionate Mom, The Quilted Heart series, and Bathsheba Bathed in Grace

The Passionate Mom: Dare to Parent in Today's World by Susan Merrill
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Passionate Mom is a great book that challenges you to be passionate about your kids. The author studied the story of Nehemiah and relates that to a mother's work of raising her children. I enjoyed the details of the story of Nehemiah, and really appreciated the stories from the author's life as well. It makes the book even more readable and enjoyable and brings the ideas alive. I loved that the book was not just ideas, but also included practical application ideas.  When she discusses the importance of Prayer, she shares the 4 step pattern (I learned it as ACTS in high school) that Nehemiah follows (Adoration, confession, thanksgiving, supplication). She discusses the story of Nehemiah, makes parallels to a mom's mission, gives concrete steps and suggestions and then makes it even more understandable with examples from her own family.  I recommend this book to christian moms who are passionate and intentional about raising their children and/or have a desire to become even more so!

I recieved a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. 


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Dandelions on the Wind by Mona Hodgson

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was a very quick read for me.  It was fairly simple and there was no huge drama, it was just a sweet simple love story. I enjoyed it as a nice quick getaway read.  Maren comes to Denmark planning to marry a man who is quick to run off when he realizes her sight is failing. She has settled in with Mrs. Brantenberg and her granddaughter, helping to raise the young granddaughter and do the farmwork.  A man shows up on the farm and turns out to be Gabi's father, and Mrs. Brantenberg's son-in-law, who left them in grief for the war when his wife dies in childbirth.  The story has a bit of romance, and grace and redemption. If you are looking for a book to keep you on the edge of your seat, this is not it.  But if you enjoy clean, sweet and simple romance to get away from the stress of life, then I recommend this book to you. This is the first book in a series, however, this book can be read as a stand-alone novel.  

I recieved this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.  

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Bending Toward the Sun by Mona Hodgson

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was another short and sweet novella in The Quilted Heart series by Mona Hodgson.  Similar to my review of the first in the series, this is a simple love story telling the story of Emilie, the shopkeeper's daughter, and Quaid, the son of Irish "teamsters".  Emilie finds that her father, who she always thought to be accepting of all people, is less than thrilled to see his daughter showing interest in Quaid (and vice versa!).  He asks Quaid not to "encourage her" and the story follows their response as a couple to this.  Similar to the first, it is a simple story, without edge of your seat action, but an excellent, quick, uplifting read.  I recommend it to those who enjoy a nice, clean romance.  As with the first novel, I felt it could stand alone as it's own story. It follows characters introduced in the first book, but one does not have to read the first book to enjoy the second.

I recieved a copy of this book from the publisher for review.  

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Ripples Along the Shore by Mona Hodgson
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
This book was the one I thought looked the most interesting of the series, but disappointed me most at the end. The story was similar to the others, simple and sweet. This one did not have much romance in it though, but focused on the female character, Caroline, and also shared more of Anna's story as well. There was some romantic interest but it did not lead anywhere in this story; instead it focused on Caroline's feelings of being unwanted in her living situation (as well as not wanting to be immersed in the negativity there) and her dilemma as a single widow as to her plans for the future.  She decides to leave on the wagon train with other families looking for new opportunities, but is denied by the leader. While the other two books in the series offered complete stories for their characters, this one really felt like a "throwaway" book.  It felt like the author was just enticing you into the story to get you to buy the next series. It did not feel complete at all, and was really disappointing. I'm not a fan of the whole "novella" phenomenon. To me, its a money making ploy selling chapters of a book. It seems that the author is continuing with these characters, however, looking at the description of the first novel, it does not even continue with Caroline's unfinished story, but tells Anna's, which was a side story in the first book.  This makes this novella even more of a throwaway for me; what is the point of starting a story that she doesn't plan to finish... WHile i was interested in the story, i'm not really interested in reading more "novellas" so i'm not so sure that I will be reading this next series, which is disappointing as I did enjoy the first two novellas, and the beginning of Caroline's story.

I recieved a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. 


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Bathsheba Bathed in Grace: How 8 Scandalous Women Changed the World by Carol Cook

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Bathsheba Bathed in Grace is a fictionalized account of 8 women in the Bible.  I was excited to read this but ended up a bit disappointed.  Granted, the author tells each story in one chapter so there isn't a lot of room to expand the stories, and I actually appreciated that she didn't go out of the way to invent details and what "might" have happened. However, I did feel that the stories were rather superficial and basic.  For example, in the first story of Bathsheba, I thought the author's covering o f the murder of her husband Uriah was very lacking.  She really didn't seem distraught at all, even though she was so in love with him at the beginning of the story.  She very quickly was grateful to David for taking her and her unborn son to the palace rather than leaving them to fend for themselves, instead of being angry that he'd killed her husband.  Perhaps she didn't know this, but still her grief for Uriah was very superficial.  I did learn more about the women and what their perspectives might have been.  She does give the reader new insight into some of the lesser known women like Tamar and their stories. Tamar was probably my favorite and I learned the most from that story.  I would read more from this author though I do hope her writing deepens a bit. 

I recieved a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

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Book reviews: So Shines the Night & Intentional Parenting

So Shines the Night by Tracy Higley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this book a lot. It is historical fiction set in Biblical times, though the main characters are completely fictional.  I appreciate that the author lets us experience what things may have been like in these times without taking so many liberties with a well known person from the Bible. It definitely gave me a new appreciation for what early Christians dealt with!  The author shows the Ephesians devotion to their gods and the culture of the times as people are dabbling in sorcery and animal sacrifices.  One of the Christian characters who was not able to have a baby is thrilled when she takes in a child that the parents have left to die at the river due to a physical deformity. It gives the reader a view of the risks new believers took in following Christ in those times.  The story follows Daria, a widow, as she struggles to make her way with no one to help her as her father and husband have both died.  She meets Lucas who offers her a position teaching him Persian if she goes with him to Ephesus.  Lucas himself is struggling with his desire for vengeance for his wife's death and getting close to some dangerous people in the process.  Both characters meet Paul, the great evangelist from the Bible, and we also meet other famous characters such as Timothy and Priscilla and Aquilla.  The story was interesting and was full of romance and mystery with a great twist at the end.  This was an excellent read and I would recommend it.

I recieved a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.


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Intentional Parenting: Autopilot Is for Planes by Sissy Goff
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I loved this book. It was a great reminder that you can just float through your children's lives and parenting experience or you can be intentional and be a parent with a purpose. The authors gave lots of examples from their lives and counseling practice to go along with the book's themes. While the book encorages you to be intentional about your impact on your kids lives it also gives pages of parenting and discipline tips. They are not in depth, just a paragraph or so for each tip, but I prefer it his way as it is a great way to remind yourself. The authors reference other books that they have written and after reading this one, I would love to read others! I would recommend this book for any parent. For new parents its a great way to dip your toes into the themes before moving on to more in depth readng. Afor experienced parents, an excellent reminder to make sure you are on the path you want to be.

I recieved a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. 

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