Friday, April 24, 2020

Jumbo Coloring Book by B&H Kids




Here is the book summary:
Little words matter, and so do little artists! Your toddler will love these simple coloring pages filled with animal friends, alphabet blessings, and reminders that Jesus loves them! With almost 400 pages of fun, the Little Words Matter Jumbo Coloring Book is sure to be a big favorite for your littlest loves.

And now, my review:
This is a great coloring book for little ones.  An elementary format with letters, numbers, words, shapes, and drawings of animals and things that are fun to look at along with being big to color.  It does include some instructions that your toddler can follow if you desire.  I also think it’s a great book that you could use as a springboard for doing some simple animal drawings. 
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.


https://www.amazon.com/Little-Words-Matter-Jumbo-Coloring/dp/1535991976/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=jumbo+coloring+book+by+b%26h&qid=1587742430&sr=8-1

https://www.christianbook.com/little-words-matter-jumbo-coloring-book/9781535991971/pd/991971?product_redirect=1&search_term=jumbo%20coloring%20book&Ntt=991971&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP


Thursday, April 23, 2020

Journey to the Cross by Mary Carver and (in)courage




Here is the book summary:
In Journey to the Cross, you will be guided through forty days of encouragement that will help prepare your heart for Easter during the season of Lent. Through Scripture, short essays, encouraging stories, quotes, reflective questions, and prayers, you will be pushed to set aside the chaos and concerns of everyday life to focus on Christ. You will also enjoy being led through the meaningful themes of sacrifice, reflection, gratitude, prayer, and fasting. Prayers and quotes offer reminders of what Jesus has done for you through the resurrection, helping you kindle thankfulness and strip away anything that is standing between you and God so you can experience the full life He promises.
 
Whether you’re a lifelong believer or a new one, any woman looking to find more meaning in the weeks leading to Easter will find it in Journey to the Cross. Featuring (in)courage’s warm, authentic, and encouraging voice, this book focuses not on your phase of life or circumstances, but on your heart, making it a fulfilling read for women of all ages and stages. It also makes a great gift, which God could use in the lives of your friends, daughters, or ministry partners to help them better experience the power and wonder of Easter with more intentionality and depth.

And now, my review:
I really appreciated reading Journey to the Cross by Mary Carver and (in)courage.  This book is a journey to the cross and a great Easter devotional that leads the reader to read a bit of Scripture, followed by some thoughts, and ending with a few challenging questions.  I thought this was put together well.  Something you can do on your own or do it along with your family as you pass the 40 days leading up to Easter.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.






When God says Go by Elizabeth Laing Thompson




Here is the book summary:
Go.
One small word. . .so much power.
When God says, “Go,” faith says yes, but fear says no.

But Lord, I’m too weak. . .too sinful. . .too afraid. . .

But the truth? . . .
 
When God says, “Go,” it’s not about you—it’s about Him.
When God says, “Go,” you face a choice: Sit back and stay safe, or swallow hard and step up?
When God says, “Go,” your time has come. 

Maybe it’s time to go somewhere new, someplace you've never been. Maybe it’s time to go deeper—in Bible study or relationships. Time to go higher—in prayer or dreams. Time to go and give in new ways, to use God-gifted talents and opportunities. Or time to go and grow, right where you are. 

Author Elizabeth Laing Thompson invites you to journal your personal thoughts and feelings alongside scriptural truths and encouragement as you respond to God's call. . .equipping you to face your very own doubts, regrets, and worries—with faith, courage, perspective, and a healthy dose of humor. 

 When God says, “Go,” it’s time to decide: Will you sit back and stammer, “But Lord. . . ,” or will you stand tall and say, “Here I am. Send me”? God is calling you—are you ready to go?
 
Features:
·       A beautiful, textured hardcover binding
·       Delightfully designed one-color interior with quality paper
·       Dozens of encouraging, inspiring thoughts from Elizabeth Laing Thompson's popular Christian living title When God Says, "Go"
·       Generous space to record personal thoughts and feelings
·       Thought-provoking reflection questions and journal prompts
·       Scripture selections on every spread

And now, my review:
The hard copy of When God Says Go by Elizabeth Laing Thompson is wonderfully done with a linen texture that makes for a beautiful journal to cherish.  The author has put together Scripture along with some challenge thoughts that drive you one to the next in a series of moving forward in humility.  It challenges the reader to go and be part of the works which He prepared beforehand that we are to walk in.  Being blessed to journal the journey to surrender.  All for His glory.  I found this journal to be beautifully done both outside and inside. 
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

https://www.amazon.com/When-God-Says-Go-Devotional/dp/1643523600/ref=sr_1_14?dchild=1&keywords=Elizabeth+laing+thompson&qid=1587678444&sr=8-14


https://www.christianbook.com/when-god-says-devotional-thought-journal/elizabeth-thompson/9781643523606/pd/523606?product_redirect=1&search_term=when%20God%20says%20go&Ntt=523606&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/when-god-says-go-elizabeth-laing-thompson/1132506921?ean=9781643523606


The House at the End of the Moor by Michelle Griep

The House at the End of the Moor by [Michelle Griep]

Here is the book summary:
What Can a London Opera Star and an Escaped Dartmoor Prisoner Have in Common?
 
Opera star Maggie Lee escapes her opulent lifestyle when threatened by a powerful politician who aims to ruin her life. She runs off to the wilds of the moors to live in anonymity. All that changes the day she discovers a half-dead man near her house. Escaped convict Oliver Ward is on the run to prove his innocence, until he gets hurt and is taken in by Maggie. He discovers some jewels in her possession—the very same jewels that got him convicted. Together they hatch a plan to return the jewels, clearing Oliver’s name and hopefully maintaining Maggie’s anonymity.

And now, my review:
I think The House at the End of the Moor by Michelle Griep is my favorite by this author so far and I have read most of her books.  This one had some great suspense that drew me in and kept me reading.  I just couldn’t put the book down.  Her need to stay unseen was a wonderful theme in this one.  I enjoyed seeing the story ties come to light and it is full of romance.  I recommend this one.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

https://www.amazon.com/House-at-End-Moor-ebook/dp/B081GGP5GV/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=the+house+at+the+end+of+the+moor&qid=1587677561&sr=8-1


https://www.christianbook.com/house-at-the-end-of-moor/michelle-griep/9781643523422/pd/523422?product_redirect=1&search_term=the%20house%20at%20the%20end%20of%20the%20moor&Ntt=523422&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-house-at-the-end-of-the-moor-michelle-griep/1132506926?ean=9781643523422


Mercy for Today: A Daily Prayer from Psalm 51 by Jonathan Parnell

Mercy for Today: A Daily Prayer from Psalm 51 by [Jonathan Parnell]

Here is the book summary:
You cannot make it without God’s mercy.
 
Do we just need God’s grace in dark and shameful moments? Are prayers for mercy only for those times when we really mess up? Jonathan Parnell says we need God’s mercy all the time. In fact, contrary to many church cultures, Parnell shows that asking God for mercy should be as regular as asking God for our daily bread.
 
There’s no doubt that David was in a terrible predicament when he first prayed the words of Psalm 51. It was a dark and shameful moment in the Bible, and one so dark and shameful it seldom feels relevant to us today. But David’s most desperate prayer is really a prayer for all of us—and not just for our worst moments, but for our every moment. In these pages, you'll discover:
·       how to pray a daily, memorable prayer derived from Psalm 51
·       how to practice daily repentance and soul care
·       how to pursue God and experience his joy in the Christian life
This is God’s mercy, and it’s Mercy for Today.

And now, my review:
I received a hardcover linen textured copy of Mercy for Today by Jonathan Parnell.  What a delight to have this in my hands.  I just love linen hard copy books.  This book is great on the outside, but so yummy on the inside.  The truths that this author shares and pairs with Scripture is very insightful, challenging, and inspiring.  It’s a smaller book of just over 100 pages but don’t let that fool you.  It’s well worth the purchase and reading.  My biggest take-away is that Psalm 51 is not just good sometimes, but for every day life.  Praise God.  I hope to see more from this author in the future.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.


https://www.amazon.com/Mercy-Today-Daily-Prayer-Psalm-ebook/dp/B083JHXFGH/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2YZ7PDMLS2T0U&dchild=1&keywords=mercy+for+today+jonathan+parnell&qid=1587675652&sprefix=mercy+for+today%2Caps%2C201&sr=8-1

https://www.christianbook.com/mercy-today-daily-prayer-from-psalm/jonathan-parnell/9781535959278/pd/959278?event=ESRCG

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/mercy-for-today-jonathan-parnell/1130666134?ean=9781535959278


The Englisch Daughter by Cindy and Erin Woodsmall



Here is the book summary:
A marriage is tested in this Old Order Amish novel of longing for renewed love and a path for forgiveness from the best-selling author of Gathering the Threads.

Old Order Amish wife and mother Jemima has put her marriage and family ahead of herself for years. She's set herself aside. Raising four children, she's followed all the rules and has been patient in looking forward to her time to chase a dream of her own.

But when she finds out that her life savings for pursuing that dream is gone--and her husband, Roy, has been hiding a child with another woman--her entire world is shattered. Will she be able to listen to God and love Roy's child? With so much at stake, how can she and Roy fix their relationship before their lives come crashing down?

The Englisch Daughter by Cindy and Erin Woodsmall is the first book that I have read from these authors although I have seen their names around and have read other Amish author’s works.  With that being said, I believe that after reading this one, I am very interested in reading another one by them.  They kept me engaged in wanting to know what was coming next.  There were multiple stories going on at the same time, but not too many where I couldn’t keep track of them and they all seemed to fit together by some thread in the tapestry of the story.  The thing that hit me most was the importance of moving through forgiveness and not allowing a heart of bitterness to ruin one’s soul.

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Englisch-Daughter-Novel-Cindy-Woodsmall/dp/0735291020/ref=sr_1_1?crid=15OOA0UYM3HWA&dchild=1&keywords=the+englisch+daughter+cindy+woodsmall+and+erin+woodsmall&qid=1587671463&sprefix=The+englisch%2Caps%2C198&sr=8-1

https://www.christianbook.com/the-englisch-daughter-a-novel/cindy-woodsmall/9780735291027/pd/291027?product_redirect=1&search_term=The%20englisch%20dau&Ntt=291027&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-englisch-daughter-cindy-woodsmall/1132607940?ean=9780735291027


90 Days with the God Who Speaks by B&H Editorial Staff



Here is the book summary:
90 Days with the God Who Speaks is a devotional for men and women of all ages. It is your chance to take a chronological, Christ-centered journey through the story line of Scripture. You will encounter God’s plan of redemption in Scripture through the study of Bible narrative, the essential doctrines of the faith, and the call to join in God’s mission locally and around the world. Learn about the importance of God’s communication, and the different ways in which He has chosen to communicate with us. God reveals Himself both through His creation and through His Word. However, we view God's Word with suspicion and doubt, even though it is perfectly true, trustworthy, and authoritative--just like its Author. Because of our response, Jesus became like us to take our place so we could share in His.   How will the gospel of Jesus Christ transform you over the next 90 days?

And now, my review:
As a Silent Retreat Leader, I was drawn to the title on this one.  Leaning into the enjoyable Presence of God and listening to Him speak through His Scripture.   I enjoyed how the authors pulled together Spiritual truths from God’s Word starting from Creation, continuing on with God’s redemption for His people, and concluding with commissioning us to go and tell.  I found that I could read and reflect and read another one.  It was quite enjoyable and I think this is a great book to have as well as to share with others.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.


https://www.amazon.com/90-Days-God-Who-Speaks/dp/1462744664/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=90+days+with+the+God+who+speaks&qid=1587666971&sr=8-2#customerReviews

https://www.christianbook.com/days-with-the-god-who-speaks/9781462744664/pd/744660?event=ESRCG

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/90-days-with-the-god-who-speaks-b-h-editorial-staff/1132424529?ean=9781462744664'