Zip It by Karen Ehman

Here is the book summary:

Zip It empowers readers to put into action the advice and commands of Scripture concerning the tongue. The New York Times bestselling book Keep It Shut covered many topics, including anger, truth-telling, people-pleasing, our digital tongues online, and gossip. Because there are more than 3,500 verses in the Bible that relate to our words and our silence, Keep It Shut only scratched the surface of these issues. Karen Ehman now takes a deeper look and offers practical how-to’s that will inspire you use your words to build, to bless, to encourage, and to praise.

Each of the forty interactive entries includes a Scripture verse focus for the day, a story or teaching point, and reflection questions with space for readers to write their answers and thoughts. Each entry ends with both a challenge that will help you carry out the directive in the verse and a prayer prompt. Rather than a traditional devotional, the entries in Zip It build upon each other, equipping you with new habits in how to, or not to, use words.

And now, my review:

Zip It!  Love the creative title and also the contents of this one.  WOW, are there times that I need to reflect on that.  This book is set up in a 40-day structure and each read is maybe 10 minutes in length with some time in addition to think of the authors thoughts that are shared.  Very Scripture based, which I LOVED!  And this author, one I know personally, is the same on the page as she is off it.  As I’m reading it, I can see her saying it like we are setting down to have a cup of coffee together in her kitchen.  She lives what she writes and so the genuineness is so precious and deep and challenging.  My favorite, most likely because currently I am studying the book of Colossians with Precepts Ministry International, is day 17.  It’s my heart cry, that God would season my conversations with salt and that my words would “preserve, soften, purify, add value, melt tension and stop the spread of pain and hurt”.  This is a great book to reference way more than one time!  I highly recommend this one!

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Zip-Keep-Shut-40-Day-Challenge-ebook/dp/B01HAKH27G/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1493833010&sr=1-1&keywords=zip+it

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/zip-it-karen-ehman/1123949198?ean=9780310345879

https://www.christianbook.com/zip-the-keep-shut-day-challenge/karen-ehman/9780310345879/pd/345879?event=ESRCG

Time for Kids: Presidents of the United States

Here is the book summary:
TIME For Kids presents a complete overview of our nation's chief executives from George Washington to the newly elected 45th president!

Did you know that James Monroe was the first president to appear without a wig in public? Or that George W. Bush appointed the first African-American secretary of state? Presidents of the United States invites the reader inside the White House to discover fascinating facts about the U.S. commanders-in-chief-their origins, accomplishments, and place in history-as told through famous quotes, important historical dates, and a timeline of events. Special sections cover the election process, the branches of government, and the role of presidents in the expansion of our nation from before the 13 colonies through westward expansion. With more than 200 photographs, illustrations, portrait reproductions, and maps.

And now, my review:

This is a nice, full-color, engaging book of the Presidents of the United States of America.  The things I like about it are that it’s current.  It includes a nice sidebar that gives pertinent information and then has some paragraphs, about 2-3 pages, about each one and often times it will include information about their families or “big” events that happened while they were in office.  I find for my family, that it’s a great addition to our American history class and it’s great for my youngest all the way to my oldest student. 
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/TIME-Kids-Presidents-United-States-ebook/dp/B01J6J1XQA/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1493831842&sr=1-1&keywords=time+for+kids+american+presidents

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/time-for-kids-presidents-of-the-united-states-the-editors-of-time-for-kids/1124655748?ean=9781618934277

Seven Brides for Seven Texans Romance Collection by Various Authors

Here is the book review:

Meet the seven Hart brothers of the 7-Heart ranch in central Texas. Each man is content in his independent life, without the responsibilities of a wife and children—until their father decides 1874 will be the year his grown sons finally marry, or they will be cut from his will. How will each man who values his freedom respond to the ultimatum? Can love develop on a timeline, or will it be sacrificed for the sake of an inheritance?

And now, my review:

As I love the old movie, I was drawn in by the title of this one and premise that it set. This is set in the historical time period of just after the war at Gettysburg. The war is finished and life must go on. Each story builds from the main idea and the flow worked really well with well-developed characters in each story. At times my heart strings were happy and at times I felt like I was grieving right along with them. I loved the use of my husband's favorite saying "two shakes of a lamb's trail"!. That had me laughing out loud and I’m so very thankful to Jesus for giving me him.  Why don't you grab a copy for yourself?  I'm definitely thinking you'll be glad you did!

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Seven-Brides-Texans-Romance-Collection-ebook/dp/B01M6DJM0B/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1493830667&sr=1-1&keywords=seven+brides+for+seven+texans

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/seven-brides-for-seven-texans-romance-collection-erica-vetsch/1125479629?ean=9781634099653

https://www.christianbook.com/romance-collection-brothers-inheritance-historical-novellas/9781634099653/pd/099653?product_redirect=1&Ntt=099653&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

The Prince Warriors and the Unseen Invasion by Priscilla Shirer

Here is the book summary:

In this second book in The Prince Warriors trilogy, the Prince Warriors face new challenges on earth and in the unseen realm of Ahoratos. The enemy, angry about his last defeat, is targeting them with weapons and tactics they had never imagined, including the flaming Olethron. The kids must turn to Ruwach and the Source, who can give them more pieces of armor to help them stand strong against this deadly threat.

And now, my review:

Wow, the second book in the series and what a great adventure. Full of the characters from the first with more experiences with them. And some added additions to the mix. Seeing played out the importance of the armor and their job. There were great drawings that kept us reading and intrigued.  And long after the book, I'm still pretty creeped by "Stella"...  It makes me want to stay away from butterflies. (~Smiles) The Word says that the enemy can disguise himself as light...  Creepy but we, as believers, have everything we need!!. Praise the Lord. You'll want to check out this series. A great read aloud that creates great discussion and imagination that keeps going beyond the book.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Prince-Warriors-Unseen-Invasion-ebook/dp/B01LXC0RCD/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1493826710&sr=1-1&keywords=prince+warrior+and+the+unseen+invasion

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-prince-warriors-and-the-unseen-invasion-priscilla-shirer/1123456428?ean=9781433690204

https://www.christianbook.com/prince-warriors-and-the-unseen-invasion/priscilla-shirer/9781433690204/pd/690202?product_redirect=1&Ntt=690202&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

Tatting with Anne Orr by Anne Orr

Here’s the books summary:

"A wonderful book that shows beautiful pictures with detailed lists on how to use and make these ornate crafts." —Book Worm
Originally developed as an easy way to reproduce knotted laces, tatting dates back at least to the seventeenth century. Despite its seeming intricacy, tatting is actually a very simple form of needlework — as this book by legendary needlework designer Anne Orr proves. With only a few stitches to master, even beginners can produce dozens of delicate-looking but extremely durable tatted articles.
Comprised of rare patterns created during the first half of the twentieth century, this collection features more than 100 designs: over 50 edgings (shamrock, forget-me-not, and other motifs), 40 medallions (triangular, circular, square, and snowflake-like shapes), beautiful collars and yokes, lovely doilies, luncheon sets, and baby items, including three exquisitely worked caps for infants. Each step and stitch is fully described, enabling even beginning tatters to quickly create beautiful accessories for today and prized heirlooms for tomorrow.

And now, my review:

Here's a craft book for those of you into the oldies but the goodies. My Great Grandmother was the tatting queen in my life and so there's a warm place in my heart when it comes to this craft. I thought this book was well laid out. It gives a brief description of steps to get you started and has a handy abbreviations guide at the front as well. Then you go through the book looking at options. Pick one and away you go on a journey to create something meaningful with your hands. Maybe you should give it a try today.

I received this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Tatting-Anne-Orr-Dover-Needlework-ebook/dp/B01N4IAF1V/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1493825965&sr=1-1&keywords=Tatting+with+Anne+Orr

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/tatting-with-anne-orr-anne-champe-orr/1000093290?ean=9780486259826

My Heart Belongs in Ruby City, Idaho by Susanne Dietze

Here’s the Book Summary:

Journey now to Ruby City, Idaho of 1866 where...
A Marriage Mishap Creates an Awkward Love Triangle in this Silver Mining Town
 
Looking forward to a quiet life and a full stomach, mail-order bride Rebecca Rice is pleased to marry her shopkeeper intended, Mr. Fordham, until the justice of the peace calls him Thaddeus, not Theodore—proceeded by the title Deputy.

Is it possible to marry the wrong man?

When the newlyweds realize they’ve married the wrong partners with similar names, an annulment seems in order—and fast, since Rebecca’s true intended is impatient to claim her as his own, not to mention Rebecca would never marry a lawman like her father. But when the legalities take longer than expected, Rebecca wonders if Tad wasn’t the right husband for her all along. . . .

I thought that this was a wonderful, romantic historical fiction. At one point in the book the author mentions the stone, Jasper. The outside of the stone was dingy and not so pretty, but the inside was glorious. She relates this to people. This reminds me of Scripture, man looks at the outward appearance but God looks at the heart. Another part I loved in the book was when she talked about grace. The lead lady extends medical help to a "bad" guy in need. "Because I don't think the Lord is upset that I tended a man who didn't deserve it. That's what grace is. Who would I be if I don't extend some myself?". And the last quote I'll leave you with, "What had his mother said about her squabbles with Pa?. Better to let some steam out of the kettle than get burned when things boil over.". With these quotes and many more, this author paints a great story with words. You'll want to check this one out!!

I received this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Heart-Belongs-Ruby-City-Idaho-ebook/dp/B01MYEQM0D/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1493824534&sr=1-1&keywords=my+heart+belongs+in+ruby+city+idaho

https://www.christianbook.com/heart-belongs-city-idaho-rebeccas-plight/susanne-dietze/9781683220114/pd/220115?product_redirect=1&Ntt=220115&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/my-heart-belongs-in-ruby-city-idaho-susanne-dietze/1124707835?ean=9781683220114

The World's Greatest Collection of Dad Jokes by Barbour Publishing

Here is the book summary:

Here is a brand-new collection of more than 500 of the very best dad jokes. Jokes are organized in topics—Silly Kids, Action/Reaction, All Puns All the Time, Love & Marriage, One-Liners, Faith—so dads (and fans of dad jokes) can find the perfect rib-tickler (groaner) for every occasion.

And now, my review:

They say laughter is good medicine and my family and I love to laugh!  This was a great read that kept us laughing all the way through.  Some are funny because they are just funny and some are funny because you can relate totally to what they are saying.  “My memory is so bad I can’t remember the last time I forgot something.”  Relatable, don’t ya think?!?! And this one, “I’ve reached an age where my hindsight also needs glasses.”  I recommend this book to all who love to laugh and to all who need to laugh.  You know who you are. 

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Worlds-Greatest-Collection-Dad-Jokes/dp/1683221001/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1492632735&sr=8-1&keywords=the+worlds+greatest+collection+of+dad+jokes

https://www.christianbook.com/worlds-greatest-collection-jokes-punniest-tell/9781683221005/pd/221001?product_redirect=1&Ntt=221001&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-worlds-greatest-collection-of-dad-jokes-barbour-publishing/1124440718?ean=9781683221005