Tag: book review

Faith: A Tyndale Blog Network Review

Grace-Filled Writer
Packaging 
The Quaker Brides series is new to me as is the author, Lyn Cote. I’m now a devoted fan!
I was already somewhat familiar with some of the history surrounding the Quakers and the Civil War, but after reading Faith, the third book in the Quaker Brides series,  I better understand it all a little more. Not only did I enjoy the historical aspects, I was thoroughly enthralled with each page!
I love historical Christian fiction and have pretty high standards for what I read. As with all my favorite stories Faith has thoughtful characters who grow deeply throughout the novel. I love how seamlessly the historical references to places and people were woven. I have studied the Civil War a great deal and Lyn Cote did an incredible amount of research for this novel. Most of all, the best stories leave me wanting more. Now that I have read the third book I’m anxious to go back and read the first two in the series which tell us more about Faith’s heritage.
The characters were very believable. I could envision both Faith, the heroine, and her hero, Devlin, experience realistic trials and internal strife. Their engaging conversations and struggles to reconcile their deep beliefs alongside their unlikely friendship create tension and conflict that kept me reading. I very much appreciated the portrayed struggle Devlin faced concerning slavery, even though he fought for the Union. The issues which brought about the Civil War were much more complicated than merely the Slavery vs. Anti-Slavery platforms we attribute to it today. This story showed a compelling side which many in the Union felt. They weren’t against slavery completely, but they would fight to preserve the United States. 
If you enjoy the historical fiction genre you will absolutely not be able to put this book down!
Disclaimer: I received this title from Tyndale Blog Network in exchange for my honest review. I was not compensated in any other way. I was not required to write a positive review.

The Lifegiving Home: A Tyndale Blog Network Review

Grace-Filled Writer
 
 
What does it mean to create a welcoming home? I asked myself that question as I was first starting out as a wife and then again a few years later as a mother. I wish I’d had this book when I was just beginning this journey 14 years ago! 
Sally Clarkson is one of my go-to author’s for encouragement in my walk as a Christian wife and mommy. I was already excited to review her newest book, co-written with her daughter, but when I saw the cover I sighed a little with joy. Just seeing the cover of The Lifegiving Home from Tyndale House Publishers brought me a sense of welcoming. Just like the cover, each page brought refreshment and joy. Much of what I have tried to put into practice in our home over the years was included which was very affirming. 
I enjoyed reading from the perspective of both mother and daughter throughout the book. While there are many practical ideas and takeaways in each chapter there is always the sense of pointing the reader back to Scripture, back to the Savior. I love this! It is such a good reminder that the one way to have a life-giving home is to be centered on Christ in all that is done and said. 
The first few chapters consist of helping the reader focus in on thinking about their home, the rhythms and functions of every day life and how to make them more than mundane. I really enjoyed the second part which focuses on each month and ways to breathe new life into the walls of your house throughout the year. Answering the question What makes a home? is central in this book. I found the Clarksons ideas unique and fun, and also inspiring. They didn’t inspire me to copy them as much as create my own ways of bringing life into our home. 
This is a book which I will recommend to anyone looking for ways to create a welcoming home that exudes the love of Christ. I also plan to have my own girls read this when they are older and beginning to think about their own ways of creating a home for their futures. 
Disclaimer: I received this title from Tyndale Blog Network in exchange for my honest review. I was not compensated in any other way. I was not required to write a positive review.

Channing O’ Banning and the Turquoise Trail: A Net Galley Review!

Grace-Filled Writer
When I was a kid I read constantly. I’m so excited that my own girls are becoming avid readers! They are incredibly excited every time I have a new book to review that is just for them.
The Channing O’Banning series is a new book series by Angela Spady which has captured my oldest daughter’s heart! Channing is a 4th grade artist extraordinaire whose adventures are recorded in these engaging books. The Turquoise Trail is the first in the series. I asked my daughter to read and write her own review. Here is what she had to say! 
“Channing O’Banning and the Turquoise Trail is a really fun story. I really ike it because there are a lot of cool history facts. Chan, as her friends call her, is sort of like me. I really like to draw and I have two younger sisters. I really liked this story and I hope to read more Channing O’Banning stories soon!” – Rose, age 10
As she was reading, Rose would stop and say, “Mommy! Guess what?” And tell me all sorts of things she had learned from the book. She loves that Channing is an artist as that is her main passion. Her big dream is to become an art teacher overseas. She almost always has a drawing pad and pencil along with her. This story opened up her imagination and for several days after reading I found her outside even more with her sketch pad and drawing supplies.
It is so wonderful when I can find books that are engaging and age appropriate for my girls. So much of what is published today for young girls is too mature in content and we try to guard them from experiencing too much too soon. This is a delightfully sweet series that really grabbed my own pre-teen’s imagination. 
Disclaimer: I received this title from Net Galley in exchange for my honest review. I was not compensated in any other way. I was not required to write a positive review.

Pitchin’ a Fit: A Book Review!

Grace-Filled Writer

EVERY parenting book I’ve ever read has a child-centered perspective. I have a large library of parenting books from all sorts of Christian author’s, all of which I have gleaned from. I’m always interested in books which will help me parent my kids in a godly way. All of these books focused on how to get a better outcome from your child through Scripture and both traditional and creative discipline methods.

And then came along this book…

Pitchin' A Fit! 
When I picked up Pitchin’ a Fit by Israel and Brooke Wayne I wasn’t expecting what faced me when I opened the pages. I’m already familiar with the Waynes and their ministry to families through Family Renewal so I was just excited to read a book from them. I have read other books by Israel Wayne, but never any of their parenting books. 
This is the best of all the books I’ve ever read about parenting. 
Rather than being child-focused as so many parenting books are, this one is parenting focused, not to mention convicting! Rather than causing my to focus on my child’s heart, I was forced to look at my heart. Wow…that isn’t always easy. It is so much easier to look to my child and pile the blame for reactions and behavior on them.
Don’t get me wrong, this book in no way diminishes the need for obedience from children or downplay their own little sinful hearts. Instead it has helped me see how my my reactions and actions taken when in the throws of battles with my kids deeply impacts them. Do they deserve consequences and discipline? Of course! Do they deserve an emotional reaction that is over the top and unreasonable? Certainly not! 
The Waynes are very honest throughout the pages. I really like their alternating perspectives which tell so much about where they came from and not only why they desire to parent differently than our culture says, but why they want to help other families find a healthier and happier journey together. Their raw honesty is refreshing and it was much easier to search my own heart because they do not set themselves upon a pedestal of perfection as many parenting authors do unintentionally. 

I cannot recommend this book enough and it is going to be the first I tell people about now when they ask for books on parenting. After reading this I’m really interested in getting their other parenting book, Full-Time Parenting.

Disclaimer: I received Pitchin’ a Fit from Cross focused Reviews in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. These opinions are my own. 

Forty Names of Jesus: A Lenten Devotional for Families: A Review and Giveaway!

Grace-Filled Writer
As a family we are always looking for ways to point our girls back to Christ. Our faith is so much more than just a Sunday morning thing and we want to convey that to our daughters. Sometimes that means we fly by the seat of our pants as the moments just happen. Those unplanned moments are amazing gifts from God that allow us to impart His truth to them. 
The problem is that if we leave all opportunities just come up and never really plan anything ahead of time, I don’t personally feel that we are completely fulfilling our mandate as Christian parents to train and teach our kids to know and remember the faithfulness of God. This year we will be participating in Lent. I am thinking of it as Advent for the Resurrection, a countdown to lead into the most important moment of remembrance all year long as a wonderful opportunity to focus us all on the Savior as we approach Resurrection Sunday. 
This delightful devotional was written by a homeschooling friend of mine. While we’ve never met in person we used to live in the same state for a while and chatted extensively about homeschooling as we both use Heart of Dakota for our curriculum. I’ve enjoyed getting to know her over the last several years. After a series of brief careers in electrical engineering, nuclear power, and teaching mathematics Jennifer was led to move into a new full-time calling…raising her three precious children in the fear and knowledge of the Lord. She has been formally homeschooling now for 5 years and she loves what she does!
I was super excited when she asked if I would like to review her new devotional. I jumped at the opportunity and can’t wait to begin this for Lent with my daughters. Each of the devotions are brief, but theologically deep. She communicates in a kid-friendly way that also penetrated my own heart as I was reminded of the wonderful names of Jesus.
What I love most is that each devotion begins with a Scripture to look up together. Then there are several additional passages to look up if you desire. This is perfect for families to decide exactly how long their devotional time should be. Those with younger kids can keep it nice and short while those with more mature children can have further time to reflect together. 
The devotional content is biblically grounded and theologically sound, yet at the same time written in a gentle and engaging way that will bring forth great conversations with your kids. We already have devotional times with our daughters. I am anticipating a lot of really good conversations after our studies. 
Although this was originally written as a devotional for Lent, it can be used anytime of the year as it is not necessarily specific to this season. That is really great because anytime is a great time to study the names of Christ! 
And now for a giveaway! 
I’m so excited to have the opportunity to giveaway a copy of this wonderful devotional to one of my readers! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Devos for the Rest of Us: A Tyndale Blogger Review

Grace-Filled Writer

Devo for the Rest of Us is a new Devotional written by a pastor from Las Vegas. It is very down to earth and light to read. I appreciated the personal stories as they often brought biblical ideas into the perspective of present day.

I’m always interested in reading new devotionals. I also admit that I’m very cautious when reading them. I think authors have a great responsibility when it comes to guiding others in what God is saying to us through Scripture. I was unfortunately very disappointed with this particular book. for several reasons.

The first is the seemingly light treatment of sin. While I appreciate those who are willing to admit they are not perfect, I do not think very highly of individuals who relish or even seem to take pride in actions which are dishonoring to God. There were a handful of incidents of this used as examples in this devotional. The seriousness of sin should never be diminished and anyone who does so makes me very nervous about the rest of their perspective on Scripture.

I see the trend in many of the popular speakers and books becoming a flaunting of sin and a lack of reverence. I see many of the most sought after teachers parading their trespasses as badges of honor and it breaks my heart. While we should never resort to an attitude that becomes holier-than-thou, holiness is our aim. Scripture teaches us this, and any action which draws us away from the holiness of God should be mourned, not applauded.

Another reason I was disappointed in this devotional was the abrupt writing style. Now this is just a personal preference, but I like to read devotionals which encourage me to think and with thoughtful writing. The simplistic style of this devotional did not really appeal to me.

The latter complaint is really just my preference in devotionals. My first issue, however, is serious enough I cannot recommend this book to anyone.

Disclaimer: I received a e-book copy of Devos for he Rest of Us 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.

Biff and Becka’s Stupendous Vacation: A BookLook Blogger Review

Grace-Filled Writer

My girls really like reading books on their tablets when they have the chance. This time it was a sweet little chapter book and they found it very nice.

This is a sweetly written story which can help kids and parents learn about dealing with disappointment. I did like the premise and personally thought it was nicely written. However, my daughters were not all that interested. They are avid readers, but this particular story did not really grab their attention. 
I really like that it centered around a Christian family and echoed our own faith. I appreciated the values which were woven throughout and really did feel like it was a sweet story. 
I can’t say why my kids didn’t particularly care for the book. It may just be the genre of fiction written as a fable. They tend to gravitate more towards stories with actual children as the main characters rather than animals. 
I do recommend this chapter book, especially if you have a reader who really loves animal stories!

Disclaimer: I received Biff and Becka’s Stupendous Vacation as part of the BookLook Bloggers review team. I was not required to write a positive review. I was not compensated in any other way.   

Money Making Mom: A Book Look Blogger Review

Grace-Filled Writer

I’ve been a fan of Crystal Paine ever since I found her blog, Money Saving Mom, right after we moved to North Carolina in 2008. We’ve always lived frugally and I was very excited to have a new resource. I frequently browse her blog for deals, tips, and stories. Of all the frugal living blogs out there this one has remained my favorite because of her willingness to share her faith and desire to give generously. Needless to say I was super excited to have a chance to review her new book, Money Making Mom: How Every Woman Can Earn More and Make a Difference.

Most stay-at-home moms are striving for frugality while also bringing in extra income. Choosing to be home rather than bring a second income is not always an easy road. I am so blessed to have opportunities to work part-time from home and on a schedule that allows my husband to be there for my girls. This book was a great way for me to assess how I’m doing with my side jobs to bring in money and give me some potentially new ideas. 
I like how the book is organized. It is clear and flows in a natural way. The chapters are concise and easy to read. I also love that the practical advice is given through real, personal testimonies from both Crystal Paine and many other women around the country. 
The other thing I love about this book is that her purpose in writing this book is to encourage us to be generous with the blessings God gives us. This is something we try to practice as a family. While it is definitely counter cultural, we live with the perspective that all we have is a gift from God, not ours to hold tightly, but ours to express His love to others tangibly. It was quite refreshing to read something that reflected our own ideals. 
If you are a mom looking to both stretch your dollars and find ways to give generously to the ministries and groups that matter to you, this is a great read and will inspire you in many ways!
Disclaimer: I received Money Making Mom as part of the BookLook Bloggers review team. I was not required to write a positive review. I was not compensated in any other way.   

The Golden Braid: A Booklook Blogger Review

Grace-Filled Writer

I discovered Melanie Dickerson’s novels about a year ago. Her creative take on the classic fairy tale has captured my imagination. This series of books are definitely one of my all-time favorite series. I’m always excited to see what is coming next and The Golden Braid did not disappoint!

 

This retelling of Rapunzel was very interesting as it is taking place at the same time as another of Dickerson’s novels in the series, The Princess Spy. I really liked the take on this classic story. I love how the author takes the magical out of these fairy tales and places them in reality of the time period. It feels as if the story could really have taken place.

After reading this novel I would like to go back an read The Princess Spy again with new and fresh insight. I thought the intertwining plot line was a really creative way to create the setting. I have never read another story which paralleled a second novel and I think the creativity of this was so beautiful. Even though many of the events overlapped I was never bored or left feeling like I had already read this before.

Dickerson does an excellent job of developing her characters emotionally and spiritually from start to finish. I also love that these novels follow the world of one main family throughout several generations and various relatives. The connections really bring forth the truth of God’s ultimate plan and design in all of our lives, no matter our station in life.

I very much look forward to her next novel in this series!

Disclaimer: I received The Golden Braid as part of the BookLook Bloggers review team. I was not required to write a positive review. I was not compensated in any other way.                                                                                             

Whipsers in the Reading Room: A BookLook Blogger Review

Grace-Filled Writer
I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Shelley Gray as an author. She is not new to the Christian fiction scene, but she is new to me. I am not typically a mystery fan unless it involves a historical Christian novel. I was very excited to have the opportunity to read and review the entire Chicago World’s Fair Mystery series through BookLook Bloggers. 
 
This entire series has been engaging from start to finish. I have very little time to read for pleasure even though it is something I love to do, so when I do read I like quality stories that leave me feeling as if I know the characters personally. Overall this series has provided that satisfaction. 
This particular novel involves an unlikely pairing between a wealthy nare-do-well and a young woman who had fallen from society’s graces due to her father’s lack of provision after his death. Lydia is the female protagonist who appears rather naive despite her high intelligence. Her mother’s indifference to her in general and her own seclusion in the library where she works creates a hopelessly romantic personality that is equally separated from reality. Her station in society has spared her from some of the harshest realities of life, but through her own misguided curiosity she finds herself embroiled in a murder investigation as a potential suspect. 
The male protagonist, Sebastian, was not a very likeable character for me at the beginning, but he did grow on me as the story progressed.  His arrogant nature and demanding ways do not present him as a hero. However, his growing desire to become an honorable man does redeem him in the end. 
The fast pace nature of the story kept me on the edge of my seat, more so than the other novels in the series. While a sign of a good book is always wanting to read more, this was probably my least favorite for a few reasons. I do like a good redemption story, but in some ways that portion fell flat. The only reason Sebastian seems to want to change is because of Lydia and not a convincingly true change of heart. I also felt Lydia’s naivety made her less likable and her growth during the story felt less than sincere or realistic. 
The other area I felt was slightly lacking was spiritual growth of the characters. Now, I am not one who likes a preachy novel. Some very successful Christian authors sometimes fill their pages with full sermons and I have never been a fan of this. At the same time I like a story with true redemption reflective of a heart changed for Christ and this never entered the picture, which is why I think I did not feel the character’s changes were completely sincere. 
I would still recommend this novel and the entire series but I personally think the first two books are more enjoyable than the third. 
Disclaimer: I received Whispers in the Reading Room as part of the BookLook Bloggers review team. I was not required to write a positive review. I was not compensated in any other way.