Tag: book

Four Weddings & a Kiss: A Book Look Blogger Review

Grace-Filled Writer

This was such a fun book to read! I usually don’t enjoy books very much with stories be four different authors, but I’m so glad I had the opportunity to review this one. What made this compilation of books unique from others I have read was the frame story surrounding it. I really liked that there was a back-story to the stories leaving me wanting to see how the back story ended up!

Each of the four stories was written by different authors, but the book did not have a disjointed feel at all. Each had unique characters who developed and grew from beginning to end. For me, that’s what makes a good book. I love reading a novel where the characters travel on an emotional or spiritual journey. Each story had unexpected moments which is something else I like. I love historical fiction and many times they can be quite predictable, so I like when I’m taken by surprise.

The story frame was what interested me the most. I loved how it opened with 5 traveling preachers finishing up evangelistic meetings. Four of the ministers are seasoned while the fifth is new to ministry and has preconceived notions about what his life and his wife should be like. It is clear he is distraught and after discovering the issue has to do with a young woman he has felt the need to distance himself from because he is a minister the other four proceed to share some stories with him. The stories are all about other couples who they have had the privilege to know and marry. I really loved that the frame story was revisited at the end and we were given a resolution to that as well.

I can’t pick a favorite of the four stories. Most of the authors were new to me, but Robin Lee Hatcher is an author I’m very familiar with and I was not a bit disappointed with this novel! Her characters as always were well developed and interesting. What pleased me most was that the other stories were equally well developed and captivating. I’m pleased to say I’ve found 3 new authors to follow!

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.

Rocky Hill Fireman: Review

Grace-Filled Writer
I was so excited for the opportunity to review the Rocky Hill: Fireman series. These delightfully written stories by James Burd Brewster are a great way to teach kids about fire safety and the life of a fireman. I love the beautiful illustrations and my girls have thoroughly enjoyed each book in this series. Rocky’s motto, “Glad to do it!” is a running theme throughout the series and portrays the heart behind those who do this dangerous job. 
The series follows Rocky Hill as he begins his career as a fireman. He is courageous and strong, but nervous as he starts out with his new life as a rescuer. I like how each book follows the same character. My girls love reading series and can’t wait to find out what will happen with characters next!
Rose asked if she could read aloud the stories to her sisters and I happily agreed.  They are written on about a 3rd grade level and the text is easy to follow. When Rose was younger she always said she wanted to either be a fire-girl or police-woman. She’s moved on to other career goals, but still loves learning about these jobs! 
Grace told me she really liked the pictures. She had lots of questions about what different things were called as they read. Beth loved the stories too and said she wished she could meet Rocky! 
Ever since we took our field trip to the fire station last year the girls have been very interested in the fire department. When we were reading these books they would stop and say, “Remember when Mr. Mark showed us this at his station?” It was fun to think back and for them to have another connection to this high profession. 
I appreciate the author humanizes his main character. It is easy to think those who do such great and important work to save people are larger than life. These books are a great opportunity to show children anyone can be used to do great things. We related Rocky to our real-life fireman friend Mark and talked about what it must be like for Mark as he works. 
A wonderful addition to these books are the online resources! You can download coloring pages and even join the Glad to do it Club! It is clear the author has a heart for teaching kids about fire safety and has done a great job through is books which I highly recommend. 

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of each book in this series directly from the author for review. I was not required to write a positive review. I was not compensated in any other way. 

The Queen’s Handmaid: Book Review

Grace-Filled Writer
I’ve found a new genre of fiction which I now love! This is the second novel from Tracy L. Higley I’ve reviewed…and loved! I love history and historical fiction, but I’ve stayed away from anything that wasn’t American History. I pretty much stayed with novels set in the 1800’s. I’m so glad I gave something different a try. 

It may be because my oldest daughter and I are studying this period of history extensively, but I found it much more interesting than I would have a few years ago. Set in the time of Cleopatra (About 40 years before Christ’s birth) and follows the journey of her oldest son’s nurse, Lydia, as she travels from Egypt to Israel in search of her own heritage. 

This beautiful tale weaves history throughout the pages in a way that doesn’t feel as if you are reading a history book. I’ve become a huge fan of living books, books which tell history in a story-like way. This is an excellent example of how one can enjoy learning history. I knew Cleopatra existed, but had no idea what time frame or what she was really like as a ruler. This was not an area I remember studying in grade-school. I actually did a little historical research of my own as I began reading because I wanted to make sure I knew when it was taking place. 

I really enjoyed Lydia’s spiritual journey as well. She struggles with knowing what or who to follow religiously because of the Egyptian, Greek, and Jewish cultures she has learned. She knows she must choose, but it is a long process, not a quick decision. 

I also was surprised at many turns this novel took. It helped to be rather unfamiliar with the history surrounding the story, but I love a novel that keeps me guessing. So much already published is predictable and I’m more excited to read author’s who don’t take the predictable route. 

Even if you don’t normally read historical fiction or this particular time of historical fiction I urge you to give this book a try. I think you’ll find yourself as drawn to it as I was!


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 Heart’s Pursuit: Book Review

Grace-Filled Writer

One of my current favorite author’s is Robin Lee Hatcher. I really enjoy her style of writing and that her stories tend to hold some suspense beyond the typical boy-meets-girl romance. I always look forward to getting my hands on her next endeavor!

The Heart’s Pursuit was an interesting read which took twists and turns I wasn’t expecting. That’s always a fun change. As an avid reader I can often predict the plot development of a story and anytime I’m surprised or caught off guard by a certain turn of events I’m thrilled.

The plot is also unique. A young woman, Silver Matlock, is jilted at the alter. She hires a bounty hunter, Jared Newman, to find him merely to recover the family money and jewels which he pilfered away. Their journey is difficult and takes unexpected turns and Jared discovers information about a different criminal he is hunting for a very personal reason. You’ll be quickly drawn into the lives of each character as they travel across the west both seeking justice for different crimes.

I thoroughly enjoyed the character development of Jared and Silver, the hero and heroine of this western story. Several books I’ve read recently have been lacking in the area of character development, but I can always count on Robin Lee Hatcher to provide interesting, imperfect individuals who grow in their personalities as well as their relationship to God.

I also love that her stories draw the reader to think more about God and His role in our lives, but she isn’t preachy. Some author’s write entire sermons. This isn’t wrong, but I don’t particularly enjoy reading a story I feel is preaching at me.

If you’re looking for a good read this summer pick this one up. You won’t be disappointed!

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.

Bluebonnett Bride: Review

Grace-Filled Writer
I’m always game for reading a new author! I had never read any of Colleen Coble’s books, but had heard good things about this author. I was interested in the premise set in the early 1900’s, around the time of Anne of Green Gable’s setting. I’ve also always been a fan of stories about mail order brides, so I dove into this with a lot of anticipation.  
Elli, the main character has traveled from Finland and a very wealthy upbringing to escape a man she believes to have been involved with the death of her father to start a new life as the wife of Nathan White and mother to Nathan’s four-year-old niece, Hannah. The first day of their marriage begins in turmoil as Elli is attacked for no apparent reason in her own new home. Soon more attacks and trouble begin to test the fragile threads of Elli and Nathan’s barely begun marriage.
Although the story-line had promise, I was actually a little disappointed in this novel. It is a very light read and only took about and hour and a half to read. That is nice in some ways for me because I do not have enormous amounts of time for leisurely reading. I completed most of this as I waited at a doctor’s office and it was simple enough to follow that I wasn’t distracted by all going on around me. 
My disappointment came in the actual content. The conversation between the characters seemed forced at times and rather unnatural and the background information vital to the story was inserted in what felt like awkward moments at times. I also felt there was a lack of character development which I like in my fiction. Part of this may be due to the length of the novel since it is not very long. 
I was also a little disappointed in the references to faith. While I’m not a fan of fiction that preaches at its reader, I do appreciate seeing the faith of the characters more than merely quick prayers for help or a passing reference to their spirituality which is what it felt like with this novel. 
I don’t know that I will be reading more in this series, but I would definitely recommend this author to a younger audience just getting ready to step into more grown up Christian fiction. I’m planning on having my daughter (she is eight now) read it in a few years when she is more mature. 

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.

101 Color & Sing Bible Stories: Review

Grace-Filled Writer

Grace is my youngest and as the youngest she often gets hand-me-downs for just about everything, especially toys and books. She has a few things that are her own, but just by the course of life almost all her books were once her sisters. She was over-the-moon excited to have a new Bible story book all her own! Grace has grown up knowing all about God and the Bible and enjoys reading the same stories over and over.

101 Color & Sing Bible Stories by Stephen Elkins is a great addition to our library! We have well over 10 Bible story books and that doesn’t even include individual storybooks with Biblical themes. I wondered if this would capture Grace’s interest, but I should have known she would love it!This is much, much more than your average Bible for kids!

 

For each story there is a child-friendly reading which has the Scripture reference clearly shown, a song to help retain what they learned, and a coloring page which matches the illustration provided. This is one of the most interactive Bible books I’ve seen for kids, and I’ve seen a lot. While the content may be predictable as it is laid out in chronological order this makes it all the more loved by kids. My daughter already knew what the next story would be because she knows the basic order of creation.

Her favorite part so far has been the CDs. She loves listening to the music during her rest time and alternates between the two CDs. Some songs were new, but most were the traditional Sunday School songs my husband and I grew up with. She loved this as well because she immediately was singing along with them all!




This is a great Bible Story book for toddlers and preschoolers whether you have many on hand or this is your first one. The teaching is solidly biblical, yet not too deep for them to understand and the music and coloring pages are the icing on the cake! 

Disclaimer: I received 101 Color & Sing Bible Stories 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. 

Illustrated Family Bible Stories: Review

Grace-Filled Writer
I get to review the best of the best resources as part of the Moms of Master Books review team! The resources from this company are eye-pleasing and engaging for my daughters as well as myself, but most importantly they are solidly grounded in biblical truth. We got so excited when our newest Master Book publication arrives in the mail!
This month we got to review a new family Bible from Master Books, a division of New Leaf Publishing Group, Illustrated Family Bible Stories! Being in a pastor’s family we have an abundant supply of Bibles from traditional translations to picture Bibles we have it all! One thing we have been lacking is a family Bible which is a bit more grown up for my girls as they are moving beyond the more simplistic Bibles. This is a really cool Bible, according to my oldest daughter who is eight. She cannot get enough learning to satisfy her so this particular book is very interesting. The magnificent illustrations captured her interest and the fact that each retelling has additional historical, cultural, geographical, and scientific information.
From the time my oldest daughter an infant we have had a regular evening Bible time. We started reading toddler Bibles and singing songs and have gradually moved forward to more complex and deep readings. I really like this for transitioning to an older model for my girls. My youngest is 4 and a half so while she very much enjoys the younger versions, she is old enough not to be bored with more complex versions of the stories she’s learned since infancy. 
My husband and I take turns reading our various Bibles in the evenings and this one has become a quick favorite! Do you want to know what one of their favorite parts is? The built in purple bookmark. I didn’t think much of it, but all three insist we make sure to put it in the right place. I evidently forgot this the other night and didn’t put it on the right story and boy were they indignant! I’ve been very impressed with how detailed these retellings of familiar things are. The beautiful illustrations captivate my daughters, but the story keeps them in tune with God’s truth. Last night the girls sat at our feet while my husband read from the book and they didn’t even ask to see the picture when he forgot to show them!
This has long been one of my favorite times of the day and not just because bedtime is around the corner. My girls tend to ask pretty deep questions at this time of the day. Lots of those, “Why did God…” moments come up and this particular story Bible encourages that sort of thing. We have always encouraged our girls to ask questions and they never hesitate. It is pretty cool that this Bible has answered some of their questions before they even asked, like how they made bricks for the Tower of Babel. 
We absolutely love this new addition to our library. I’d like to purchase three more copies of this so I can save it for my daughters when they are grown and have their own children. 
Take a look at this video to see more of what this Bible has to offer!
Now take a minute to see what my Moms of Master Books mommy friends are saying about it by clicking the link below!
Disclaimer: I received Illustrated Family Bible Stories from New Leaf Publishing in exchange for an honest review.  I was not required to give a positive review. I was not compensated in any other way. 

Strange Fire: Book Sneeze Review

Grace-Filled Writer

John MacArthur’s book, Strange Fire, explores a scriptural understanding of the Holy Spirit. From the beginning of the church in Acts there has been confusion, misconceptions, and outright lies taught concerning who the Holy Spirit is and how He operates in our lives. John MacArthur uses Scripture to correct common false teachings and misunderstandings within the church about the Holy Spirit. He also helps those with no real understanding of this part of the Trinity learn the basics.

This book was difficult for me to enjoy. One of the stated main purposes is to directly confront specific denominations whom teach false doctrine about the Holy Spirit. Because of this the tone of the book is rather intense. My personality shies away from confrontation and while the teaching in this book was solid, I can not count this as a book I will return to often because of this.

As always John MacArthur provides solid, biblical teaching and this is a book my husband, a pastor, will very much appreciate. We have personally encountered individuals within the church with strong misunderstanding of the Holy Spirit either because they had not been taught or they had been taught falsely. This is invaluable for the pastor who wants to lead his people to a deeper understanding of the Holy Spirit.

I also would encourage anyone who has not learned much about the Holy Spirit throughout their study of Scripture to pick up this book. The clear teaching is a great place to start for a complete and solid teaching regarding what many see as a mysterious part of our faith.

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.

Questions God Asks: Book Review

Grace-Filled Writer
I have come to really love reading the gospels. My favorite parts are when Jesus is asked a question. More often than not He responds with a question rather than directly answering. Why did He do that? Further exploration of Scripture reveals God has been asking men and women questions from the beginning of creation. Israel Wayne delves into these questions in his book Questions God Asks from New Leaf Press. 
As with all books from New Leaf Publishing Group I eagerly jumped right into reading. I genuinely enjoy learning and growing in my faith through solid biblical teaching. While there is no substitute for the Word of God I feel so blessed to live in a time when there is no shortage of clear evangelical instruction from those who believe Scripture is the literal and inerrant Word of God. I am, however, cautious to research both the author and publishing company before I read because I know there are those who do not take God’s Word as it should be. 
Israel Wayne fervently and consistently defends the Christian faith and a biblical worldview. His straight-forward writing style invites everyone, no matter where they are in their walk, to consider the questions God poses to specific individuals, then walking the reader through Scripture to see why the answers are so important. He also explores why God would ask questions in the first place. 
One aspect of this book which I feel lends itself to being a tool for evangelism is the brevity of each chapter. Words are not wasted and the simple clarity of each section makes this an ideal read for those seeking to understand who God is according to the Scriptures. As I continued reading individuals came to mind in nearly every chapter with whom I wanted to share the book. 
Although every chapter is excellent, my favorite was the first, a question posed to Job. Where Were You? was a chapter with which I related closely. Several years ago we felt the pain and loss of our first child to miscarriage. It was an incredibly difficult time and as my husband and I found comfort in the Book of Job. Job 38:4 in particular was a verse which God brought to me during this time. “Where were you when I lid the foundation of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding.” At first read this may seem a rather harsh statement for our loving God to make to a man who has lost nearly everything of value in his life, yet this question led Job, and me thousands of years later, to feel deeper peace and comfort. 
I loved Wayne’s chapter on this verse as he related a conversation he had with an unbelieving seatmate on a flight. He showed how this same question God posed to Job could also be used to defend the Christian faith. What a blessing to see God teaching us apologetics through His own questions to humanity! 
I also really liked chapter seventeen, Do You Have a Right to be Angry?, a question God posed to Jonah as he whined and complained at the grace and deliverance given to Nineveh. This chapter deals with the sovereignty of God, something we all struggle with from time to time. Whether we are angry at what we perceive to be God’s response to a situation or about life circumstances it is a questions we should allow God to ask us the same and listen to His promptings. I often need reminded of the sovereignty of God as I view the world around me. 
I highly recommend this book and feel better equipped to share my faith after reading it. For more on what is included in the book take a look at the preview below!
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For more reviews click the link below!
Disclaimer: I received Questions God Asks from New Leaf Publishing in exchange for an honest review.  I was not required to give a positive review. I was not compensated in any other way. 

Inscribed Bible Study Collection: Review from Book Look

Grace-Filled Writer
I really have enjoyed reviewing books through Booksneeze over the last few months. They’ve recently changed their name and look of the blog. BookLook is the newly updated review group and I’m really excited to still be part of it. 
I was recently given the wonderful opportunity to review the first four titles in a new series of Bible studies called inScribed. The series is written by different women of all different backgrounds and walks of life. This particular fact intrigued me initially because so many Bible study series are by the same author. While this is nice because you know what to expect I liked the idea of hearing from different ladies. It has the feel of going to a ladies retreat and listening to different speakers all from the comfort of your own home. Knowing the publisher is Thomas Nelson gave me the assurance these books, although by different authors, would align with my theological convictions. I like knowing publishing companies before I start reading because it gives me a good idea of the perspective from which the author is coming.
Each title focuses on a different portion of Scripture. The variety represented is wonderful! 
In Amazed and Confused we dig deeper into the Minor Prophets. Studying the Minor Prophets is no easy task, but Hether Zempel does so with grace and humor right from the start. I appreciate her conversational writing style and obvious love for God’s Word. Each chapter actually makes me want to open up to the Minor Prophets, which is something most other studies on this subject lack. While these books of Scripture are important, they are often difficult to understand and therefore apply. Zempel takes the difficulty out of the picture leaving no excuse for neglecting these short books of the Old Testament.

Dive Deeper focuses on the rich letter of Ephesians by Paul. Ephesians is one of my most favorite books and Jennifer Jernigan has done an excellent job on this study. I very much like the study charts included for the reader to complete. It gives wonderful visual insight into the truths written so long ago. She clearly shows how the ancient words of Paul, inspired by God are as relevant to us today as they were when they were first penned. 
Living So That looks at the Scriptures which teach why; the “so that” verses. I honestly never thought of the words “so that” as being very important as I read them. Wendy Blight has changed my perspective completely through this study of God’s Word by focusing on Scriptures which contain these very important little words which give instruction and purpose to our Christian walk. I love the idea of studying the “so that” verses and can’t wait to dig more deeply into this study. 
Leaving the Ordinary invites us to encounter God through prayer and a better understanding of the tabernacle. While the tabernacle can also be a more difficult study Donna Gaines does an excellent job of taking the mysterious and helping readers understand how it can apply to us in our culture and lives so far removed from those ancient tents. 
Although each authoress has her own unique style of writing, it’s as if you are in conversation with each over a cup of coffee. The easy writing style invites the reader to dig more deeply into Scripture without feeling like you are attending a formal class. I really like how each study is arranged according to the style of the author. The questions and even the pages for response are each formatted differently. This personal touch just adds to the feeling of individual teachers with the same passion for the Word of God. 
In addition to the solid biblical content contained within these pages, the simple beauty of the covers beg you to open the cover. Even my young girls have repeatedly asked what these “pretty books” on my shelf are. Even the feel of the cover and pages is comforting and inviting. 
This series has just recently been published and I am excited about new titles which will soon be printed. This is a wonderful collection to my personal study collection and I look forward to studying this with friends soon. This series lends itself well to one-on-one discipleship as well as group study. Such deep content will be sure to leave you hungry for more of the Word. 

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.