Tag: book review

44 Animals of the Bible: A Moms of Master Books Review

Grace-Filled Writer

Do you have any animal fanatics in your house? We have three and they can’t get enough of animal stories, toys, pretend play, and visits to zoos or aquariums. The opportunity to review a book about animals in the Bible came at just the right time.

44 Animals of the Bible from Master Books (a division of New Leaf Publishing) is a fabulous resource to add to both your Bible and science collection. Every time I turned the page I was delighted with the beautiful illustrations created by Lloyd R. Hight. Nancy Johnson writes in a way which is interesting for kids to read and just delightful to study. I like how much I’m learning but also that my daughters are able to read it on their own.

There are many, many ways in which this could be used in your home. My girls love to pull books like this off the shelves and read for fun. We have quite a collection of Master Books on a low shelf (just for this reason) which is where you will find this one!

During the summer I started doing a “circle” time of sorts and each week looked at a different animal. This book is exactly what I have been looking for to incorporate into this time! It is concise enough to read in one sitting, and biblically accountable so I don’t have to re-explain why we disagree with certain facts in typical animal books. With 44 animals and our less than regular schedule this could last us for two years and then start all over again!

We recently had a chance to visit the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta. Without a doubt the beluga whales were our favorites. Grace especially loved these majestic creatures. While the beluga whale in particular is not mentioned, whales are. Don’t freak out, but you know how we were taught about “Jonah and the Whale” as kids, and then we were told this was wrong and the Bible says fish in the original language? Well guess what! The author assured me it very well indeed could have been a whale! Doesn’t this make you feel better? It certainly did me!

I love how the information goes way beyond just the facts, but includes the biblical references and further historical information many times as to why these animals were important in biblical times or what they represented. Because of the Scripture references on each page this could also be used as a really unique family devotional, especially if you want to change things up a little bit.

This is just one more book you can add to your collection which you can trust to be biblically accurate, engaging for your children, and continue to point them back to Scripture as a source. I am never ever disappointed with the publications of Master Books!

Disclaimer: I received 44 Animals of the Bible as part of the Moms of Master Books Team. I was not required to give a positive review. I was not compensated in any other way. 

Bugs: A Moms of Master Books Review

Grace-Filled Writer

My girls like bugs. Honestly, I’m not a bug person at all, but I have  done my best not to project my anti-bug nature onto my girls. When they aren’t around, I run from any creatures I encounter. When the girls are in my presence, I put on my courageous pants, pull out the magnifying glasses, and we have a little moment of science…then I go get my husband to take care of it!

When I received Bugs by William Zinke in the mail, I had barely opened the package when it was snatched out of my hands. My bug-loving ladies couldn’t get enough of this! They were all there huddled around it for several days and that tells me I have a winning resource!

Just like every resource from Master Books this is a book I knew would continually point them back to the Creator all while providing accurate scientific information. I appreciate these resources so very much and am grateful to have the opportunity to learn for myself about creation in a way which honors God.

My favorite part of this book is the photography. The pictures are enormous so that even the tiniest bug is presented in all its glory. Stunning images enhance the intriguing facts. I really like that lesser known creepy crawlies are featured.

My daughters have been so excited to find out these new and interesting facts. Here is what they had to say as they read…

“Oh coooooool! You have to see this!”

“EWWWW! People eat grubs!”


“Guys!!!! You HAVE to come see this bug thing!!!!”


Want to see more of what this is all bout? Check out the video trailer…

Disclaimer: I received Bugs as part of the Moms of Master Books Team. I was not required to give a positive review. I was not compensated in any other way. 

Secrets of Sloane House: A BookLook Blogger Review

Grace-Filled Writer

Shelley Gray takes her readers into the world of Chicago, 1893, through a mystery filled with suspense in Secrets of Sloane House: A Chicago World’s Fair Mystery. Both the social elite and those who served them play a role in the dramatic mystery. The opulence of the wealthy during this era is highlighted as Rosalind Perry searches for the truth about her missing sister. Her hunt takes her on an unexpected journey as she looks for answers to a fearful question.

Gray is a new author to me and I appreciated her attention to historical detail of this time period. I didn’t have trouble placing where we were historically and thoroughly enjoyed all that the novel provided by way of information about the Chicago World’s Fair. I knew a little about it, but not very much and this backdrop was a fun and interesting setting I’d never read about in this way.

I was taken by surprise with this novel and honestly didn’t know how it would end until the last chapter. I don’t typically gravitate towards mystery novels, but this one was a lot of fun for me. I shy away from anything too suspenseful because they typically affect my sleep. While there was suspense, it was not so much that I disliked the book.

I also liked that the main characters grew throughout the pages. My favorite novels are the ones in which a character or two grows and learns more about life, themselves, and God. This is an excellent example of spiritual and personal growth. I also liked that while God is evident throughout and the characters seek His guidance, it didn’t feel preachy at all.

Reading this novel has set me on a path to learn more about the World’s fair and I have been fascinated to see many pictures from it. I do hope another in this series is published soon because I will definitely pick it up to read!

Disclosure:  I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook.com® <http://BookLook.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Buttermilk Sky: A Tyndale Blog Network Review

Grace-Filled Writer

One of my favorite past times which I unfortunately neglected after my kids were born was reading for me. I read a lot…a lot. It was typically about child-rearing or motherhood or something else which was incredibly beneficial, but not for my personal enjoyment. Blogging and reviewing has pushed me back to something I loved and the only downside is I have a hard time putting my most recent novels down!

The basic plot centers around Mazy Pelfry, a young, life-loving lady who is seeking to branch out on her own. Mazy decides to make a drastic change, leaving her Kentucky hill-life and swapping it for bustling Lexington as she attends secretarial school. While this is a huge change, Mazy does her best to fit in and play the part of a city girl. Along the way her integrity and loyalty are tested by several housemates as she navigates the balance of relationships and school. 
Waiting back home is the young sheriff, Chanis Clay, who must himself grow into his own. He has big shoes to fill after his father’s death and wants nothing more than to be taken seriously and take care of his town. Chanis is also working hard to win the heart of Mazy whom he has always assumed would return to him. 
Buttermilk Sky was a light read and enjoyable to pick up for a few minutes when I had time throughout the day. Sometimes I felt like there were missing pieces to background information which made sense once I found out this is part of a larger series, Troublesome Creek. I am intrigued to read the other books by Jan Watson as they are placed in Kentucky, which is where my mother’s family is from.  
While there were moments when I felt a little distant from the characters, I did thoroughly enjoy my journey through this book. There were many people who popped into the story whom I would have loved to learn more about. Perhaps there will be follow-ups to this coming soon!

Disclaimer: I received a paperback copy of Buttermilk Sky from Tyndale Publishers as part of  the Tyndale Blog Network in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review and did not receive any other compensation. 

Inseparable: A BookLook Blogger Review

Grace-Filled Writer
Photo Credit: Inscribedstudies.com
I have been so blessed to have the opportunity to review all of the titles in the Inscribed Bible Studies Series. While these studies are fresh and new, their message is the ageless truth of God’s holy Scriptures. Each is unique with it’s own author and presentation. They are a perfect way to engage my generation, both believers and seekers. 

When we are made new in Christ at our rebirth, we are a new creation, but what does that look like? I was raised in the church and we have a heritage of faith stretching back generations. I’m overwhelmingly blessed by this, but because of this I didn’t have an overwhelming and dramatic conversion testimony and recognized my need for a savior at a very young age. I also didn’t feel a struggle with my identity in Christ growing up. It wasn’t until I was married and had my girls that I really started to struggle with my identity. I’m sure this is a common emotion wives and mothers go through as we serve and meet needs throughout the weeks and years. Being on call as Mommy can really be tough sometimes!

As I struggled with my own identity I came to realize I had never really placed my identity in Christ and that was all I really needed. Inseperable takes us through Romans to discover what our  new identity really is. No matter where you are in you walk with Christ this is a great place to begin. Romans is full of such great stuff and Ashely Linne’s easy writing style makes it simple and down-to earth.

I really like how the sections are broken down into three main areas:  Our initial transformation, how our lives should be changing, and what to expect for the future. This clearly written study is like a road-map for what happens after we follow the Savior. I need to be reminded of these things to make sure I am following Christ as fully as I can. I also think it would make a great study for new believers as a discipleship class.

No matter where you are in your journey with the Lord this study will challenge and exhort you to draw close to the Savior and find contentment in your identity as His child.


Disclosure:  I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook.com® <http://BookLook.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Just Rise Up!: A BookLook Blogger Review

Grace-Filled Writer
Photo Credit: Inscribedstudies.com
I have been so blessed to have the opportunity to review all of the titles in the Inscribed Bible Studies Series. While these studies are fresh and new, their message is the ageless truth of God’s holy Scriptures. Each is unique with it’s own author and presentation. They are a perfect way to engage my generation, both believers and seekers. 

The cover of this study makes me feel energized! Full of energy and life Just Rise Up! calls us to live a life that proclaims Christ with every moment we live. Telling others about our relationship with the Savior can be a daunting proposition, but this wonderful Bible study will help you realize that there is so much more to sharing our faith than what we typically think of as evangelism.

 Sarah Francis Martin breaks down each chapter into five shorter readings and includes a spot for journaling. I love how I was encouraged to really think about what I was reading, not just read to complete. Each section calls us to rise up, become the believer Christ intended us to be from the moment of our salvation.

I felt the main purpose of this study was to give the reader a mindset of eternity, to help us remember every action we take, every word we speak, can point others to Jesus. It is hard, really, really hard, to take a stand which sets us apart from the world. I get the feeling that as a pastor’s wife some people think it is easier for me but honestly, it isn’t. My role as pastor’s wife does not give me any magical super-power…oh wouldn’t that be awesome!?!?! No, I have to rely on the Holy Spirit and pray for courage just like everyone else I’ve ever met.

Most evangelism studies I have worked through give a lot of practical advice. While this study does include helpful insights, the whole point is to bring us so close to Christ that we can’t help but ooze out love and evangelism just sort of spills out as a result. If you are looking for the exhortation you need to push you onto courageously share your faith, this is the study for you!

Disclosure:  I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook.com® <http://BookLook.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Barren Among the Fruitful: A BookLook Blogger Review

Grace-Filled Writer
Photo Credit: Inscribedstudies.com
I have been so blessed to have the opportunity to review all of the titles in the Inscribed Bible Studies Series. While these studies are fresh and new, their message is the ageless truth of God’s holy Scriptures. Each is unique with it’s own author and presentation. They are a perfect way to engage my generation, both believers and seekers. 

Barren Among the Fruitful is an honest look at the heartache of infertility and miscarriage surrounded with the truth of Scripture. Amanda Hope Haley gently guides the reader through the pain, heartache, questioning, grief, and loss through the Word of God. It is full of truth and and encouragement. The words don’t sugarcoat the pain, but provide hopefulness in the midst of the pain.

Something I didn’t expect from this study was the amount of medical information included. It may not seem important to include in a study like this, but this is sometimes a helpful way to process it all. It might seem a little strange to have mingled within this study to see what Scripture says about hurt and loss medical causes for what is going on, but I felt they were all handled delicately and with enough information to be helpful.

I also really liked the in-depth look at the many matriarchs of our faith who were also barren. Realizing you are not alone in this is so important. In addition to the biographical biblical studies are also personal stories and testimonies from real women. They are real and honest in a way that

This is a book I wish I had 10 years ago. While I have never walked the path of infertility, we did experience miscarriage with our first pregnancy. I had a miscarriage at 10 weeks, but didn’t discover the loss until 15 weeks. I actually learned through this study that it is called an incomplete miscarriage. It was an incredibly hard time for me. God in His graciousness blessed me with three precious daughters within 5 years following our heartache, but the pain is still there at times.

I love that the last chapter. It is so full of hope and encouragement, reminding us that God’s plan for us is not limited to whether or not we have children. Yes, they are an immeasurable blessing, but His plan for us is to fully and wholeheartedly embrace wholeness in Christ. Happy endings aren’t wrapped up in any one definitive moment. It feels that way in the midst of sorrow, but there are such greater things than we can ever imagine once we open ourselves to the healing God wants to bring us. This study is a huge step in that direction.

Disclosure:  I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook.com® <http://BookLook.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.


Yuletide Ice Cube Fair: A Book Look Review

Grace-Filled Writer

“Is that for me!?! Is that for me!?!” Grace could hardly contain her excitement when I opened the package. We’re a family of die-hard veggie fans. I’ve been watching since high school thanks to an awesome babysitting gig and my husband since college at Liberty University. It was great when we finally had kids and had a legitimate reason to fule our veggie fanaticism!

This sweet little Christmas book from Veggie Tales delighted all three of my girls. My oldest two snuck off with it on separate days and enjoyed the story before I got a chance to read it to their little sister. It is written in poetic verse and feels Seussian in style. Kids always love a good story in rhyme. The characters are true to their personalities and once again Junior teaches us a lesson to remind us to focus on the Savior throughout the holiday.

This book is really, really short and is best suited for preschool and early elementary. Grace could read some of it on her own which really excited her so early readers will thoroughly enjoy it. I appreciated that there was a good message to focus on Christ and the simplistic message is one we can all benefit from remembering.

Grace read it on her own, then asked me to read it to her…then asked if she could read it again! That’s what a good book is like for a kid. They want to read it over and over. If they are bored, it’s difficult to get through the first reading. Rhymes are great because it helps kids learn new words while reading a little faster. They recognize the endings and can often figure out words based on the rhyme pattern.

This is a great book for the Christmas season coming up, the perfect gift for the Veggie Tale fan in your life!


Disclosure:  I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook.com® <http://BookLook.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Just Sayin’: A Book Look Blogger Review

Grace-Filled Writer
A friend of mine was lamenting the woes of parenting a preteen and I said how I couldn’t really relate because I had not yet reached this stage. With raised eyebrows she informed me preteen refers to kids ages 8-12 and I suddenly realized she was right! I have an official preteen under my roof!
I have recently been studying and reading articles concerning teenagers/adolescents and was surprised to find this is a relatively recent term fairly unique to the western culture. While the ages are universal, the phenomenon of the difficult teenage years is something our culture has created and subsequently embraced. My husband and I are doing our best to raise kids in a counter-cultural way, but it is increasingly difficult as my daughter sees friends say and do things she is not allowed. I’ve been looking for ways to help her grow and be discipled in addition to the times she has at church.
Rose and I were both excited to have a chance to review Just Sayin’ new devotional for just for preteen girls. It is designed to go beyond just reading, but engage them emotionally and creatively. The layout is simple and short so it has so far enticed my daughter to want to complete a devotional each day. Carol McAdams Moore is highly experienced at writing for kids and my daughter was excited to hear she had written for Clubhouse and Clubhouse Jr. magazines. She definitely knows how to speak into the hearts of this age and my daughter says this is the coolest book she’s had about God!
The super fun feature about this devotional is it is interactive. Each devotional encourages drawing or something else artistic right in the book. My girl loves anything artistic so this excited her right off the bat. When I told her it was fine to decorate, add glitter, draw, or whatever right on the pages her eyes got huge and she was shocked! Then she ran off to get some glue and glitter. 
I appreciate that the text is appropriate for this age group, no matter where they are reading-level wise. Rose has never struggled with reading, but I feel comfortable recommending this devotional to anyone with kids this age no matter their abilities. 
The only part Rose said she would like changed was more Scripture to read and to use her Bible, not just have it written there. My daughter has been raised in Awana and strong Sunday School classes as well as discipleship as part of our homeschoooling curriculum. Her desire to see more Scripture is something I know is unique for one her age. In some ways I think the simplicity of meditating on one verse has been good for her. I also feel the simplicity makes it something I can recommend for anyone’s child no matter what their background is with the Bible.

Rose has loved this book and will continue to use it. After just one day she asked me, “Is there another book after this one is done I can get?” I hope the author is planning a volume two! 

Disclosure:  I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook.com® <http://BookLook.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

The New Astronomy Book: A Moms of Master Books Review

Grace-Filled Writer


My monthly review for Master Books (A division of New Leaf Publishing) is really awesome this month! I mean, they’re always awesome, but we’re really excited about this one because my girls are all about astronomy. I feel so very blessed to have these resources. I know I say this a lot, but seriously I love re-learning science with my daughters.

The New Astronomy Book by Danny R. Faulkner is just stunning. We had the original Astronomy book, which we loved, but this new, updated version has really upped its game! The pictures are even more vivid and detailed than the original. Even if you have the original, getting this updated version is not merely a replacement. It is just adding more to your science and astronomy library.

Like with all the other Wonders of Creation titles (which I highly recommend!) you can trust this book will point you both to scientifically accurate information as well as biblical accuracy. Every time I open up one of these books I am once again grateful for the opportunity to study science with the foundation of biblical truth.

One of the new features I really like of this book is the inclusion of technology. Kids these days are so consumed with technology that they may be hesitant to open a book before searching the internet. In this culture books need to be dynamic and engaging. Each chapter contains not only stunning photographs but also fun technology graphics that don’t feel cheesy. My oldest daughter especially really likes this feature and has enjoyed perusing the book, cover-to-cover. She hasn’t read the entire thing, but it has once again ignited her interest in the heavens above.

We enjoyed viewing the stars last winter when it started to get dark earlier and my girls have been asking about when we get to do this again. My middle girl has become quite fascinated with the moon as well and takes great pleasure in telling us if we’re viewing a waning or waxing crescent. What fun to have high-quality resources at their finger tips to fuel their curiosities!

I personally enjoy reading the books in this series so I know how to answer their numerous questions. The detail and clearly written information make this user-friendly for science lovers of any age. You won’t be disappointed in adding this title to your library.

Disclaimer: I received The New Astronomy Book as part of the Moms of Master Books Team. I was not required to give a positive review. I was not compensated in any other way.