Tag: book

Prayers that Changed History: A BookLook Blogger Review

Grace-Filled Writer
I have been learning much about prayer over the last year or so. God has been teaching me so much about how to pray and what to expect when I pray. I’ve been sharing some of this with my daughters along the way and I was excited to have a chance to review a book about prayers from history. 
This book covers a wide range of well-known historical figures and will fit well with our history sequence as we study. Some of my favorite chapters were the ones with women because I have three daughters. I love showing them how God used women in history and how He wants to use them to further His Kingdom as well! I anticipate many wonderful conversations as we progress through this unique biographical collection together. 
I love that each chapter highlights the life of the individual, including their spiritual life, as well as how they specifically prayed. The wonderful part is it doesn’t end there! After the historical information is presented we are brought back to Scripture to see God’s perspective. A variety of translation are used throughout which is not a problem for us, but I know some families prefer a single translation. It would be easy enough to use your own Bible to read the passages referenced. 
After all of this, the reader is challenged to apply what they have learned from Scripture and history to their own life. The challenge includes teaching children how to pray. Most kids raised in Christian homes understand thanking and asking for things, but it is our job to train our children to pray God’s way. This is an excellent resource for that training. 
Some may take issue with some of the individuals highlighted because the whole of their lives may not be what we want to set up as heroic, but I see it as a wonderful reminder that God uses us, no matter what our past or future mistakes may be, to further His plans. God is sovereign and must acknowledge this and realize His hand upon history.
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.

Curiosity Keeper: A Booklook Blogger Review

Grace-Filled Writer
Sarah E. Ladd is a new author for me and I’m always on the lookout for new authors. I’m also pretty picky about what I like when it comes to a novel. Characters should be well developed, realistic, and likable. The plot should grip me within the first few chapters. The setting is preferably historical, but not so overrun with history that factual information overwhelms the heart of the story. Ladd did an excellent job of combining all of these into a beautifully written novel. I was captivated from the start!
I have to admit that while I abide by the age-old adage to not judge a book by its cover, the cover of this particular novel drew me. I’ve read several books lately where the covers did not do justice to their written words, but this captivating painting perfectly captures the heroine, the setting, and the mood of the book. 
The Curiosity Keeper is set in Regency England, a perfect spot for both mystery and romance alike to unfold! Two worlds collide when the son of a wealthy collector is compelled to rescue the daughter of a shopkeeper. Their fathers were essentially enemies and the search for a stolen gem cements the intertwining of their lives. As the story unfolds it becomes very clear that all is not as it seems.
Something else I appreciated as that I was genuinely surprised at many of the plot twists. All the while the storytelling was believable and enjoyable. Ladd is one of my favorite new authors I will continue 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.

The Berenstain Bears Harvest Festival: A BookLook Blogger Review

Grace-Filled Writer

My favorite season is autumn! I cannot wait for the cooler temperatures and changing color each year. September 1 brings out the fall decor in our home and I always feel the coziness or this time keenly. Anticipation of the winter and brisk fall days delight my senses. We have lots of books about winter and Christmas, but I believe my latest review is our very first book about fall!

This sweet little story about the Berenstain Bears enjoying the Harvest Festival delighted my little Grace to pieces. She is a big fan of this Bear family and especially loves Honey Bear.

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All the things I love about fall are included in this sweet book…leaves changing, enjoying the harvest of fall vegetables, observing the animals, and feasting with friends. Grace really liked the pumpkin Honey Bear picks out!

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Grace said her favorite picture was the one of Honey Bear and the pumpkin pies. The illustrations in the Berenstain Bear books are always beautifully illustrated and this one is no exception. I love the nostalgia of simpler days represented in these stories! 

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Grace has begun to really appreciate the humor in various stories. She loves to talk about what she is reading while she reads it as well! Discussing books with her is such a joy! One discussion we had was about Mother Nature. We are used to this phrase and my girls know that we see Mother Nature as a pretend person that is okay to read about, but we need to acknowledge that God is the Creator and giver of all the beauty on the earth. It was a pleasant surprise to find this book affirm this belief. The Berenstain Bears are a great way to help point your little ones back to God.

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.

Among the Fair Magnolias: A BookLook Blogger Review

Grace-Filled Writer

I’m always excited when I have the opportunity to review fiction titles! I read a lot throughout the day with the girls so I don’t always take the time to read just for pleasure.

Among the Fair Magnolias is a set of novels from four different authors set in the south. One of the four is set in the pre-Civil war years and the remaining three take place after the war. Each centers on very different characters in different life situations. It was fun to have the various viewpoints of so many individuals.

I’m typically not a fan of these types of books because the stories feel too short. I still wouldn’t say this is my favorite style, but I did enjoy it more than I expected at first. Each story had its own unique style which showed each author’s personality.

The characters in each story were quite believable, but I felt the romances were often too quick or forced in some ways. I love believable relationships and those that seem unrealistic leave me feeling a little blah at the end. I think this is all too often the nature of shorter novels. I am sure it must be a struggle for the authors to condense their stories in order for it to fit. This is why I typically prefer very long novels or series of books.

My favorite of the novels was An Outlaw’s Heart by Shelley Gray. I’m already a big fan of Shelley Gray’s other novels so I wasn’t surprised this one stole my heart. I really liked that the central character was a man and that the relationship had a past prior to their introduction to the reader. It definitely left a more believable feel to the story. I also really liked the journey the characters made spiritually and emotionally. This is very hard to convey in a shorter novel, but Ms. Gray did an excellent job.

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.

Princess Charity Sticker Book: A BookLook Blogger Review

Grace-Filled Writer

My girls are just like most, they love princess stories! I am not at all opposed to princess stories, but I was extra excited when we were in our local Christian bookstore and noticed the new product line from Zondervan called Princess Parables. The focus of this series is on promoting biblical character qualities from a different perspective.

Beth really enjoyed reviewing the Princess Charity Sticker and Activity book. She told me how much fun it was to put the stickers on. I like how soft and gently the illustrations appear. They have a sweet appearance that my girls really enjoy.

There are so many beautiful stickers! Some are for specific pages and others can just be added wherever on the page. Lots of creativity is encouraged this way.

Some of the pictures on the page are left white so the girls could color! We found out that markers work the best for this book because of the slick pages.



Beth declared this is a great book and she loved reading it as well as playing with it!

Disclaimer: I received this product as a part of the BookLook Blogger review program. I was not required to write a positive review. I did not receive any other compensation for my review. 

Princess Grace Sticker Book: A BookLook Blogger Review

Grace-Filled Writer

My girls are just like most, they love princess stories! I am not at all opposed to princess stories, but I was extra excited when we were in our local Christian bookstore and noticed the new product line from Zondervan called Princess Parables. The focus of this series is on promoting biblical character qualities from a different perspective.

Grace thoroughly enjoyed reviewing the Princess Grace Sticker and Activity book. With a name like Princess Grace, how could she not? She told me she liked the story a lot. Since she is reading now it is fun for her to read this on her own.  .

There are so many beautiful stickers! Some are for specific pages and others can just be added wherever on the page. Lots of creativity is encouraged this way.

In addition to the spots for coloring there are other simple activity pages like the word search you see here. Grace is old enough to enjoy these now and loves it!

Grace said this was one of her best days ever! She loved playing and reading through all the pages.

Disclaimer: I received this product as a part of the BookLook Blogger review program. I was not required to write a positive review. I did not receive any other compensation for my review.

Maggie Bright: A Tyndale Blog Network Review

Grace-Filled Writer
The shatterer has come up against you. Man the ramparts; watch the road; gird your loins; collect all your strength. 
Nahum 2:1
There are times when a novel is entertaining and pleasurable. It allows an escape from reality into a world of happy endings. Other times a novel moves you deeply, speaks into your soul, and drives you. Maggie Bright is the latter. This novel of the evacuation of troops at Dunkirk is more than just historical fiction. It is a deeply moving encounter with characters endearing. I can’t remember the last time a story moved me to tears the way this one did. 
Tracy Groot is a new author to me and I am very excited to read more from her. The setting is 1940, England. Hitler’s campaign to control all of Europe is in full swing and the English troops are in trouble, attempting to evacuate back to England. Back on the homefront rumors of retreat and disaster circulate although no formal announcement has been made. As these larger picture events unfold, a young woman is suddenly caught in the middle of a spy mission aimed at revealing the true horrors Hitler and his Nazi regime are spreading with the growth of their evil empire. America has yet to enter the war and hope is beginning to fade. If only the horrible truth can reach the shores of the United States there is hope that England will not be left alone as one-by-one the countries of Europe fall. 
This beautifully written story of Dunkirk pulled me in with the first chapter. The dual story-line showing the embattled front-line action and the home-front of England gives a very unique picture of the all encompassing nature of World War II. This war was more than just the soldiers going away to a foreign land to keep them at bay from their own country. All of England was affected as Hitler’s troops edged closer and closer to the United Kingdom. 
It did take some time for me to sort out who all the characters were within the first few chapters, but it was worth it. Each one progressed the story along in a different way. I love the 3rd Person point of view which allows us insights into a variety of characters’ thoughts. While spiritual themes run throughout this book, it never feels preachy and explores the way those who do not have a personal relationship with Christ react to God at times of crisis. Many of the characters began to seek God for the first time and I appreciated that this was not a fast journey, but genuine and realistic seeking. 
Although I was left wanting to know more at the end, I was also left with an urgency towards prayer. Running throughout the book is the theme of searching to understand what prayer is, how prayer works, and why we do it. I loved the way this was handled as several characters sought to express their perspective on prayer. God’s answer to a nation who stopped to pray corporately is seen in the success of the Dunkirk evacuation. Though many lives were lost, thousands upon thousands more than were expected were saved. Many civilians showed unprecedented courage as they sought to bring their soldiers home. The verse quoted above expresses how those in England viewed this time during the war. They sought God and realized they needed divine intervention in order to overcome the evil one who sought to destroy. 
I’m fascinated by this era in history as my own grandfather served in the army during World War II. I knew very little of what was happening prior to the entrance of the United States into the war and I am intrigued to study more about this now. 
I highly recommend this book and I will personally am anxious to read more novels by Tracy Groot.

Disclaimer: I received a paperback copy of Maggie Bright 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 Huntress of Thornbeck Forest: A BookLook Blogger Review

Grace-Filled Writer

Fairy tales are my new favorite genre since discovering Melanie Dickerson’s books. I never really thought about fairy tales for adults even though some of my favorite movies are these classic stories. I was eagerly anticipating her newest installment and was not a bit disappointed!

This story centers around Odette, the orphaned daughter of a wealthy merchant being raised by her uncle and burdened in her heart for the other poor children and orphans of her village. During the day Odette teaches and trains the littlest ones ignored by most of society. At night she illegally poaches from the King’s forest to help feed the destitute. She remembers very well the pain of losing her parents as well as what it was like to beg, steal, and live without while she waited for her uncle to come claim her.

Odette is passionate and beautiful, desired by many men in her village, but her uncle has allowed her the freedom to choose whom she will marry rather than force an unwanted man upon her. Enter Jorgan: The forester to the Margrave who is out to seek revenge for his adopted father’s death by a poacher. Circumstance brings them together and attraction keeps them seeking one another’s company, but the complicated matter of Odette’s nighttime occupations presents a very real problem, not to mention danger.

As usual with Dickerson’s novels I was drawn into the story within just the first few paragraphs. I loved that Odette was more than just a pretty face and in fact is irritated by those who only see her outward appearance and nothing more. She is more super hero than fair maiden as her one desire is to provide for the poor orphans in her community. This retelling of Swan Lake with overtones of Robin Hood will capture your interest and heart and pull you into its medieval backdrop.

Read this and you will fall in love with the fairy tale all over again.

Disclaimer: I received The Huntress of Thornbeck Forest as part of the Booklook Blogger review program. I was not required to write a positive review. These opinions are my own. 

Dinosaurs for Kids: A Moms of Master Books Review

Grace-Filled Writer

Have you had a chance to check out the updated Master Books website? It has had an beautiful upgrade which is both aesthetically pleasing and streamlined for easy searching. I’m more excited than ever to share with you books from this publisher through the Moms of Master Books review group!

Up for review today is Dinosaurs for Kids by Ken Ham. This is such a fun look at the life of the dinosaurs from a biblical perspective. My first impression of this book was it would be attractive to every little boy I know! Oh my how menacing this giant reptile seems! Even though I felt this was a really fun cover for boys, I wasn’t at all surprised it was quickly snatched away with gusto by my daughters.

I like how facts ranging from how dinosaurs were given their names, to what did dinosaurs eat, to how to we reconcile dinosaurs with our understanding of Scripture are covered in a kid-friendly, but very honest way. The visually stunning paintings give beautiful renderings of the many varieties of dinosaurs which are similar to others I have seen in museums and books.

My girls enjoyed reading this together and by themselves. We looked at some of the sections together, but whenever I wanted to pick this up to look at again together, we had to go on a search around the house because it had inevitably been taken somewhere else to read during their afternoon quiet time.

During this particular reading the girls were studying about the different names of the dinosaurs and how to pronounce them. They would practice pronouncing each name and try to remember what it meant. Their pronunciations are fairly good since they are fans of the kids PBS show about dinosaurs. Even though this show has an evolutionary perspective, I do not have a problem with my girls watching it because they are very much aware of evolutionary theory and thinking. We talk about it a lot. I’m not afraid for my girls to learn about this alongside of Creation because I have the Word of God as my foundation. This is why I am so grateful for the resources from Master Books. They help me show why we believe in a 7-day Creation and how to balance it with what secular sources teach.
We love visiting science centers and museums. I am always excited to share these experiences with my daughters. We openly discuss the information provided deciding which parts can be known as fact from observation and which are assumptions based on evolution. My girls are quite knowledgeable of these things because of our Master Books. They ask very good questions and I love it when they ask things like, “How do we know that?” Sometimes the answer is because the Bible tells us, sometimes the answer is because we can observe it, and sometimes it is simply a guess based on what we know from the Bible and observations. Being honest with them about what we can know and what we can’t know for certain helps them in making their own conclusions.

Once again Master Books has provided us with a fun resource to learn about science from the perspective they were created by God at the same time as all the other land animals. This one will be a treasure for many years to come!

Disclaimer: I was provided this book to review as part of the Moms of Master Books review program. I was not required to write a positive review. My opinions are my own. 

Deception on Sable Hill: A Booklook Blogger Review

Grace-Filled Writer
Last year I read one of the best fiction books I’ve come across in a very long time. Secrets of Sloane House by Shelley Gray was one of those novels you lose sleep over as you convince yourself that just one more chapter won’t hurt your sleep any. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and my delight was doubled when I discovered the second book in the Chicago World’s Fair Mystery series!


As much as I loved the first book in this series, I think this second one may be even better! I love a good historical novel, especially when the history is intertwined seamlessly as it is in Shelley Gray’s novels. I never feel like I’m reading a textbook as I do with some author’s and I’m always drawn to learn more about the time period presented. 

The story opens where Secrets of Sloane House left off. The main characters were introduced towards the end of the previous novel and I was excited to see them more fully developed. Eloisa is a socialite, the woman every man desires to have on his arm, and the victim of rape. This secret which she guards very closely threatens to tear her apart as news begins to increase of the Society Slasher who is attacking women of her social standing all over the city. 

In the midst of the turmoil Eloisa is drawn to an unlikely man for comfort and refuge. Sean Ryan, an Irish policeman from a very poor background, becomes the one person with whom she feels safe. Their social differences are enough, however, to give pause to even a friendship. As their relationship grows, so does the fear and danger gripping Chicago’s elite. 

Intrigue, romance, and faith are woven together into a beautiful novel. I had to force myself to set this aside and not simply read it in one setting. Although I love to read, there have been few books in recent memory which have captivated me as Shelly Gray’s have. I hope there are more novels to come in this excellent series!

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.