Tag: book

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.                                                                                             

52 Little Lessons From A Christmas Carol: A BookLook Blogger Review

Grace-Filled Writer
We all have things we love about Christmas and Charles Dickens gave us one more item to add to the list those many years ago. In many ways the culture of his day was much like our own even if apparel and technology have drastically changed. Dickens wrote A Christmas Carol intending to bring to light many of the social ills of the day such as over indulgence of the rich, ignorance of poverty, and poor education. His tale is timeless and as much as it is tradition, it is, I also see it as a learning opportunity.
I was excited to read Bob Welch’s analysis of the this tale of Christmas in 52 Little Lessons from A Christmas Carol. This is a new author for me and I always anticipate what will come when I read someone new. The layout of the book is simple. Each chapter has a very short quote along with an attribute to the character it refers to or who spoke it. Then proceeds several pages of discourse about the quote. 
Each quote is enhanced with literary analysis, historical significance, and Scriptural reference. The reader is led on a thought-provoking journey through these 52 quotes, often left to think of how this relates to our present day lives. 
I was a little disappointed that the quotes were so short. I prefer having the entire context. While I do have many copies of A Christmas Carol handy, I would have liked to have more context included in the quote. I believe the author presumes a familiarity with the story, whether by theater, a retelling, or the original text. If not, this book would feel a little empty. I have extensive experience with the novel as I have taught it repeatedly in my English classes for middle schoolers. I also have multiple versions on DVD and a few audio dramas. Still I felt there was a bit lacking as far as providing the text. 
I also think I would like to have the chapters separated into Staves just as the original novel is. While the quotes do go in order, having further clarification of the stave in which it occurs would have been nice. 
I did like this very much as it has given me more to think about for the next time I read the story.  

The Carols of Christmas: A Booklook Blogger Review

Grace-Filled Writer

Christmastime is here…

Okay, so not really, but who is with me in looking forward to the Christmas season? One of my favorite things about the holiday is the music. I have several books which talk about the stories behind the hymns, but I had yet to come across one which focused on the Christmas Carols…until now!

What first struck me was the simplicity of the layout. I love that each of the 21 songs are categorized into themes. Topics range from specific dates, to Scripture, to aspects of the season. I do think I would have preferred the topics be more consistent, like all Scripture references or all aspects of the season. There are one or more songs included, both religious and secular. I was a little surprised to find the secular songs included, but found their stories just as interesting. 
I was pleasantly surprised by the details in this book. Each of the songs is studied in depth to a degree I did not expect. The author delves into the backgrounds and lives of the lyricists and composers in much more detail than I thought. While it is interesting, in some ways it distracts from what I am most interested in, which is a concise understanding of the song’s story. There are also moments of explanation about the musical aspects, which as a musician I did find interesting, but I think it could be a little too much information for those who may not be musically inclined. 

Perhaps it is because of my experience with other stories-behind-the-songs books, but this one did not keep my attention the way I had hoped. I would most likely use this as a reference book rather than just sit and read it through for pleasure. Still, the writing is high quality and well done and I think it would be very helpful tool for musicians and church leadership alike during the Christmas season.

More for Girls Only! Devotions: A Tyndale Blog Network Review

Grace-Filled Writer

One of my favorite things as a pre-teen and teenager was my Brio magazine. Did any of you read that? This sweet devotional reminds me a lot of that magazine and all the reasons I loved it. Within the pages of this 60-day devotional is encouragement which feels relevant for girls of this generation.

Each devotional in More for Girls Only! Devotions by Carolyn Larsen from Tyndale Publishers has a story and Scripture to engage young girls. I am having both my 8-year-old (Beth) and 10-year-old (Rose) use this book. While Beth does like it, I think she may be a little on the young end. There is nothing inappropriate at all but my girls are still very much little girls and not growing up as quickly as some of their peers are. I love that about my girls. Either way the content would be appropriate for all little girls considered preteens.

Carolyn Larsen is a new author for me and I appreciate her easy style of writing. As I read through some of the stories and devotionals I felt as if this was the kind of woman I would love to have in the girl’s life as a mentor. My daughters are so very blessed to have many women in their life who care about their spiritual growth. While I’ll probably never meet the author in person I have a feeling she is the kind who looks for opportunities to mentor young girls with whom she is in contact. Her stories and Scriptural application are both relevant and engaging.

Both of my daughters really like the layout of this devotional. In addition to the opening story and Scripture there is a quiz, extra verses, biblical application, and challenges. All of the topics are age appropriate. Even the topic on purity does not delve into the sexual aspects of purity but rather what it means to have a pure heart.

This is an excellent devotional that a young girl desiring to grow in her faith will enjoy!

Disclaimer: I received a paperback copy of More for Girls Only! Devotions 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. 

The Big Pig Stampede: A Tyndale Blog Network Review

Grace-Filled Writer

My kids love when packages show up in the mail, especially when I open it and it is a new book to read! Rose snatched this one up before I even had a chance to crack the cover. I was actually intending Beth to read it first, but since Rose was three chapters in before I realized she had it, I changed my plans!

The Big Pig Stampede by Bob Hartman from Tyndale Publishers is a retelling of the life an miracles of Jesus from the perspective of a young boy, Gideon, known as Goat Boy. This new perspective is a great way for kids to relive the biblical accounts of Christ’s life.

Rose loved the humor. Since she read this as part of her school assignment I gave her one or two chapters to read  a day. While I intended for her to take two weeks to finish it, she was done in only one because she kept reading ahead. I certainly don’t mind when my girls get captivated with a book! I often heard her laughing as she read. She would also read me passages that she really enjoyed.

What I appreciated was even though it was from a different perspective, the author remained true to Scriptural and historical facts. I love when they get a new perspective, but not at the expense of Scriptural accuracy. This author is new to me, but I was very pleased with his storytelling because it was accurate as well as captivating.

Rose has already asked me to get the next book which isn’t even published yet! I’m sure this is a series which will remain a household favorite for years to come.

Disclaimer: I received a paperback copy of The Big Pig Sampede 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.