BookLook – Page 5

Yuletide Ice Cube Fair: A Book Look Review

October 5, 2014 Grace-Filled Writer

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

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

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

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

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

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

Just Sayin’: A Book Look Blogger Review

September 30, 2014 Grace-Filled Writer

A friend of mine was lamenting the woes of parenting a preteen and I said how I couldn’t really relate because I had not yet reached this stage. With raised eyebrows she informed me preteen refers to kids ages 8-12 and I suddenly realized she was right! I have an official preteen under my roof!

I have recently been studying and reading articles concerning teenagers/adolescents and was surprised to find this is a relatively recent term fairly unique to the western culture. While the ages are universal, the phenomenon of the difficult teenage years is something our culture has created and subsequently embraced. My husband and I are doing our best to raise kids in a counter-cultural way, but it is increasingly difficult as my daughter sees friends say and do things she is not allowed. I’ve been looking for ways to help her grow and be discipled in addition to the times she has at church.

Rose and I were both excited to have a chance to review Just Sayin’ new devotional for just for preteen girls. It is designed to go beyond just reading, but engage them emotionally and creatively. The layout is simple and short so it has so far enticed my daughter to want to complete a devotional each day. Carol McAdams Moore is highly experienced at writing for kids and my daughter was excited to hear she had written for Clubhouse and Clubhouse Jr. magazines. She definitely knows how to speak into the hearts of this age and my daughter says this is the coolest book she’s had about God!

The super fun feature about this devotional is it is interactive. Each devotional encourages drawing or something else artistic right in the book. My girl loves anything artistic so this excited her right off the bat. When I told her it was fine to decorate, add glitter, draw, or whatever right on the pages her eyes got huge and she was shocked! Then she ran off to get some glue and glitter.

I appreciate that the text is appropriate for this age group, no matter where they are reading-level wise. Rose has never struggled with reading, but I feel comfortable recommending this devotional to anyone with kids this age no matter their abilities.

The only part Rose said she would like changed was more Scripture to read and to use her Bible, not just have it written there. My daughter has been raised in Awana and strong Sunday School classes as well as discipleship as part of our homeschoooling curriculum. Her desire to see more Scripture is something I know is unique for one her age. In some ways I think the simplicity of meditating on one verse has been good for her. I also feel the simplicity makes it something I can recommend for anyone’s child no matter what their background is with the Bible.

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

Palace of Darkness: A Book Look Blogger Review

September 19, 2014 Grace-Filled Writer

I love history, but one of my least studied eras was ancient and biblical history. I’m finding a very fun way to explore the past through historical novels. Since my daughter is studying this era of history more extensively this year I have been drawn to these novels lately.

The re-release of Tracy Higley’s novels has been exciting for me as she was previously unknown to me. This follow-up to City on Fire: A Novel of Pompeii is an excellent way to delve into the early church and understand how difficult it was to be a Christian at the beginning of the church age. We take this for granted and I often don’t think about.

While the historical elements were fascinating and have inspired me to learn more about this ancient city, My favorite part about this novel was Cassia’s journey to salvation. I love novels where the main characters are changed by the end in one way or another. I love how the presentation of the gospel to her was laid out by the believers simply by living their lives with her. There is much to be said for living our lives in this way, the way Christ did.

I also like that although there is romance involved in this story, it is not the central motivating factor for the character’s actions. I enjoy romance, but when the motivations of the main characters are always based on their emotions toward their love interest, I quickly lose interest. Higley’s novels are never like this. The romance is secondary and the plot is primary. Too bad more author’s don’t think this way!

Even if you haven’t ever tried a historical novel or one in the biblical genre, I encourage you to pick up this one. It’s a great one to delve into and includes suspense and unexpected twists and turns along the way!

Get to Know Mary: A Book Look Blogger Review

September 19, 2014 Grace-Filled Writer

My girls have been raised knowing a lot about the Bible. When Rose, my oldest daughter, was about 15 months old we started having nightly devotions and Bible time with her. This nightly routine has remained in place ever since and the girls make sure to remind us if we forget for a night!

Growing up as pastor’s kids ourselves, my husband and I know how easy it is for the truth of Scripture to become so common place that it loses its wonder. This doesn’t mean we stop training and teaching our kids, but it does mean we always need to be mindful that we should be making an effort to engage our daughters with Scripture in new ways.

This new biography series for kids is a great way to engage your children in a new way. This beautifully illustrated book provides insights they may not have thought to ask about before. Alongside biographical information about the individual there are also many cultural and contextual explanations to help the individual feel more real.

Beth has really enjoyed this biography in particular. She likes reading about just about anything and was really excited when I showed this to her. The passages about Mary have always been some of her favorites. Whether winter is in the air or not she’ll frequently flip to the Christmas story when choosing on her own something to read. I asked her what her favorite part was and she said all the information on the sides. That is also my favorite part. I am thrilled for her to be digging deeper using historical and cultural information to understand some of the deeper meanings behind what is in the text.

If you are looking for accurate and engaging books, these are the way to go. There are several titles to choose from in the series and I hope to get a few more for my girls!

Prelude for a Lord: A Book Look Blogger’s Review

August 23, 2014 Grace-Filled Writer

There is nothing more relaxing than a cup of hot tea, a cozy spot on a the couch, and a good book…especially if the book is long! I love long novels that aren’t over too soon. I feel so satisfied when a novel touches me emotionally and when I get to stay in that place for a while. Extensive plots and character development are what I look for in a good story and these can only be accomplished well with lengthy prose.

Camille Elliot is a new author to me, but this first novel of hers which I read has created a new fan! I had the chance to read this on our family camping trip this summer. I’ll be honest, camping is not my favorite thing so a good book which transported me to the elegance and wealth of the Regency Period was a wonderful reprieve. I have been a long-time lover of Jane Austen’s writings and therefore already felt the romance of this period. I’m also a musician and understand the passionate way one can feel as they are playing a piece. These two pairings made the story all the more engaging.

I don’t want to give too much of the story away, but the basic premise revolves around Alethea Sutherton, an amazing violinist in a time when for a woman to play such an instrument was scandalous. She encounters Lord Dommick, a fellow violinist and a man haunted by war. This novel is filled with suspense and intrigue as it is discovered that Alethea’s violin, given to her by her beloved friend, is being sought by nefarious individuals.

The development of the characters as the story progresses was just delightful. Plenty of time was given to see each of the main characters grow. I also appreciated the attention to side characters and their development as well. For instance, the aunt with whom Alethea lives is much more complex than at first glance, but rather than just stating this we see through her actions that what she shows on the exterior does not reveal her true heart.

I highly recommend this novel. You will be transported to a different era and I doubt you will be able to put it down!

Adventure Bible for Early Readers: A BookLook Bloggers Review

August 23, 2014 Grace-Filled Writer

When I was younger I remember having a hot pink Adventure Bible. I loved that Bible and all the fun little extra’s it included. I was really excited to see a new, update version for early readers. My sweet little Grace was excited too! She’s turning 5 soon and we have finished up her initial reading curriculum. She’s reading on an early 1st grade level and this has been the perfect Bible for her.

The bright cover immediately started her jumping up and down. She was so excited to get her hands on it when I pulled it out of the box. I could hardly keep her from jumping up and down when I took this sweet little picture on the first Sunday she took her Bible to church.

She was so very surprised she could read it when she opened the Bible. Her first verse of choice was Genesis 1:1, a verse she had memorized in Cubbies at Awana. The NIrV version is nice for kids who are beginning readers. They need words and phrases which are more manageable. I’m honestly not a big fan of the NIV translation, but I love how my daughter is excited about reading her Bible and other versions are just not accessible to her right now.

Every Sunday morning and Wednesday night Grace calls out, “Daddy? What are you going to preach about today?” Then she and I find the Scripture passage in her Bible. She marks it with a bookmark and makes sure she opens her Bible while listening to her Daddy preach. She doesn’t understand what he is saying most of the time, and I don’t expect her to, but I’m excited she wants to learn and grow as she studies the Bible.

I also liked the extras included on every page. Some parts are informational and historical, but I particularly like the boxes which lead her into a deeper understanding of who God is. She is still very young and hasn’t yet grasped a full understanding of what it means to ask Jesus to be her Savior and follow Him, but she will, and God’s Word in her hands is a huge step towards this.

Four Weddings & a Kiss: A Book Look Blogger Review

June 16, 2014 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!

The Queen’s Handmaid: Book Review

May 23, 2014 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!

The Heart’s Pursuit: Book Review

May 23, 2014 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!

Bluebonnett Bride: Review

May 2, 2014 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.