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Tuesday, January 31, 2017

Review: A Girl Named Mister by:Nikki Grimes

 A Girl Named Mister
About the Book:
My boyfriend used to think
it was cute,
a girl named Mister.
Used to think I was cute.
Used to be my boyfriend
what feels like
a million years ago.
Then again, I used to be a good Christian girl,
the kind who would never, well...
Just goes to show
how little people know.
Even I was surprised by me.
Now, I close my eyes
hoping to see
exactly where I went wrong.


Mary Rudine, called Mister by almost everyone, has attended church and sung in the choir for as long as she can remember. But then she meets Trey. His long lashes and smooth words make her question what she knows is right, and one mistake leaves her hiding a growing secret.

Another Mary is preparing for her upcoming wedding and has done everything according to Jewish law. So when an angel appears one night and tells her that she—a virgin—will give birth, Mary can't help but feel confused, and soon finds herself struggling with the greatest blessing the world will ever know.

Feeling abandoned, Mister is drawn to Mary's story, and together both young women discover the depth of God's love and the mysteries of his divine plan.


My Review:
 A story written entirely in verse. Many are not a fan and I being one. But, I want to review the story and what it contains and my feelings about the writing, itself. The writing is in typical Nikki Grimes fashion. She may hit some sore spots but she tends to get her point across really well.

 Mister is actually a nickname based on the young lady's initials. She is referred to as this but I wasn't sure what it really had to do with the overall story. She is a 15 year old that got pregnant and is having to live with the decision she as made.

 The author has taken the life of Mister and did a comparison read along or shadowing to show comparisons or contrasts between the two. Her experience in doing this is very good and she showed the stigma that comes from getting pregnant at a young age. A very good read!

**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the author. All opinions are my own.

Review: Dark Sons by:Nikki Grimes

 Dark Sons
About the Book:
A guy whose father ripped his heart out too.


You and me, Ishmael, we’re brothers, two dark sons.


 Destroyed, lost, and isolated, the perspectives of two teenage boys—modern-day Sam, and biblical Ishmael—unite over millennia to illustrate the power of forgiveness.


My Review:
 First, I would like to say I love how the author split the book between modern day Sam and Bible times-Ishmael. I'm not a fan of the lay out but overall the writing was good. She did a fantastic job!

This is a story between two world that are remarkable different but have big similarities. Ishmael felt rejected by everyone, I am sure---even God. Sam and Ishmael both had a lot of adversities to overcome and a lot of racial and ethnic divides that forced them into a corner that many minorities have to battle every day.

 The author was able to correlate between the two and provide a path to forgiveness. Forgiveness that was very much needed on both ends of the spectrum.

**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the author. All opinions are my own.

Review: Black, White, Other by:Joan Steinau Lester

 Black, White, Other: In Search of Nina Armstrong
About the Book:
Identity Crisis.


As a biracial teen, Nina is accustomed to a life of varied hues—mocha-colored skin, ringed brown hair streaked with red, a black father, a white mother. When her parents decide to divorce, the rainbow of Nina’s existence is reduced to a much starker reality. Shifting definitions and relationships are playing out all around her, and new boxes and lines seem to be drawn every day.


Between the fractures within her family and the racial tensions splintering her hometown, Nina feels caught in perpetual battle. Stranded in a nowhere land of ethnic boundaries, and struggling for personal independence and identity, Nina turns to the story of her great-great-grandmother’s escape from slavery in hopes of finding her own compass to help navigate the challenges before her.


My Review:
 I am a grown white kid, so I can in no way comment or try to understand another black woman and will never claim too. My mom would tell me when I was young after going to her about my friend, "Tina", she was of a mixed race--that I didn't understand why the black girls at my school bullied her. My mom would say that sometimes girls that are mixed have it even harder because they are stuck somewhere in the middle.

 Being a young girl, I never understood. That is until I got older that she was right. Mixed kids have it especially hard because they are out into a category and no one gives any thought to how they may be hurting. Such is Nina's plight. She wants so hard to fit in but with all the racial tension coupled with the divorce of her parents--she feels overwelmingly slighted in the fair shake category--these days.

 Black, White, Other pushes the racial boundaries and causes you to think about someone else other than yourself, if only for a moment.

**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the author. All opinions are my own.

Review: Noah, Noah, What do You See? by:B. Martin/M. Sampson

 Noah, Noah, What Do You See?
About the Book:
From the bestselling authors of Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? and Chicka Chicka, 1, 2, 3


Noah, Noah, what do you see? I see animals in the ark with me.


Moses sees the Red Sea part. Daniel sees lions in the den. Mary sees baby Jesus smiling at her. Noah, Noah, What Do You See? introduces little ones to favorite Bible heroes from the Old and New Testaments.


With colorful art from Melissa Iwai and the signature rhyming style of Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?, parents and children alike will love the classic storytelling of Bill Martin Jr. and Michael Sampson.


My Review:
 This sweet little board especially created for ages 3-12. It is similar to the Chicka Chicka Boom books and has the same great flavor. But it is Biblically based so it is taken from the Bible to create the sweetest book. Perfect for a baby shower gift!

 The authors basically fit all of the Bible stories we grew up with in this small, little book with the dramatic prose and rhythm that answer the question, what do you see? My sweet boys loved tested at the book for me. They thought it was a lot of fun.

**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the author. All opinions are my own.

Sunday, January 29, 2017

Review: Covering Love by:Caryl Mc Adoo

 coveringlove-13
About the Book:
Love may cover a multitude of sins, but not knowing all the facts can also get a man killed.
A family calamity gathers the clan, then a dying request tests loyalties and changes lives. New York City’s posh society, living on a rugged Texas hill country ranch, and the isolation of Alaska’s frozen tundra share little commonality and make going from one to another difficult at best. Still, destiny drives Crockett and his sister Charlotte where neither wants to go or thinks they belong. Second and third generations of the Buckmeyer progeny encounter danger, challenges, heartaches, and joys. But then reunions are all the sweeter for it. 


This tale continues the breathtaking—and sometimes heartbreaking—family saga of the Buckmeyers, Baylors, and Nightingales that readers around the world have come to love.


My Review:
 Book 8 in the A Texas Romance series, by author Caryl Mc Adoo finds us with the very prominent Buckmeyer family. It follows the lives of several of the family members to give us a little back ground on each and what brings them together. Someone's death is gathering the family around the table one last time. Some of the family members will be asked to go find a wandering part of the family to complete a request.

 It had to be a bit uncomfortable for the family to come together under such conditions. That is something a lot of us know, full well. This fictional family is no different. The author does a fantastic job of conveying their feelings throughout the story. She did a great job so much so in fact that I could relate, right away.

 Book 9, rumor has it, it is under way. So don't count on this saga to end any time soon.

Wanna learn more about this one, go to this link. Here's a giveaway, as well.

**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the author. All opinions are my own.
 

Friday, January 27, 2017

Review: Grace and the Preacher by:Kim Vogel Sawyer

 Grace and the Preacher
About the Book:
The Kansas community of Fairland anticipates the arrival of their new minister and in recent months, late in 1882, postmistress Grace Cristler has communicated with Reverend Dille via letters, answering his questions about the little town, and developing affection for the man who pens thoughtful missives.

Theophil Garrison grew up under the loving influence of his saintly grandmother, but was roped into his cousins’ train-robbing plan. When they fail and are apprehended, Theo fled the scene, evading jail time. Now an angry cousin is out to avenge Theo's duplicity, and he’s on the run. He encounters a fatally ill traveler--a minister. Seeing a way to keep hidden, Theo trades identities with the man, dons his fine black suit, carries a Bible, and prays that he'll be accepted as Rufus Dille.

Once in Fairland, if Theo's true identity is uncovered, what will be left of the world he has built for himself, Grace, and those in the town who have come to love and accept him?


My Review:
 It's hard to not look desperate after a woman reaches a certain age. Grace Cristler knows this feeling all too well. She is 24 years old and still has not found a man suitable enough. She has just about given up on the whole idea of love and marriage. I felt sorry for Grace from the beginning. She has growing affections for the new Reverend then as if her life wasn't difficult enough already she runs into a con man that wants to take her along for the ride.

 Kim Vogel Sawyer writes poignant novels that are rich and thoroughly researched. She is able to create a character out of thin air or further develop a character that is already established. She can create a great fascinating read that involves many things going on at once. Grace and the Preacher was full of action and romance.

**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the author. all opinions are my own.

Review: Finding Forgiveness:Discovering the Healing Power of the Gospel by:Stanley D. Gale

Finding Forgiveness by Stanley D. Gale
About the Book:
If you are a Christian, you have personally experienced the joy of sins forgiven and reconciliation with God. Forgiveness, writes Stanley Gale, "is a divine accomplishment to be savored and offered to others." Forgiveness is the most basic of Christian graces, yet the topic raises many questions, including these:
Is it biblical to "forgive and forget"?
Why do we need to confess our sins if they are already forgiven?
How do we actually go about forgiving someone?
Does the Bible give a place to forgiving ourselves?
What does life look like after forgiveness?
In Finding Forgiveness, you will discover practical answers to these questions and many others. With pastoral warmth, the author will help you see how the awe of the gospel dawns anew for those who apply forgiveness and experience the healing of a burdened spirit or broken relationship.


My Review:
 Forgiveness always sounds good, in theory but when you actually go about it, it gets complicated real quick. I have found myself to particularly bad at forgiving. I am a person that tends to cut a person off after they have hurt me repeatedly instead of just turning the other cheek.

 We are told in Scripture that we have to forgive as God forgives us. We also learn that our salvation can be lost due to unforgiveness. so apparently forgiving is what God requires of us and that makes it very important.

 In Stanley Gale's book, Finding Forgiveness the author takes us on a journey of awakening not only waking us up to the fact that it is imperative to forgive but shows us how to get on the right path to forgiveness. At the end of every chapter there are questions for you to think or ponder on if using this for a short Bible story or a group study.

 God's forgiveness is imperative for our walk daily and for our end goal to remain Heaven with Him forever. Though it is a difficult task to forgive someone it is of utmost importance to do so and the author has given us a study to help in the endeavor.

**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the author. All opinions are my own.

Thursday, January 26, 2017

Review&Giveaway: The Little Prince:The Planet of the Snake Sponsored by:NCircle Entertainment


The Little Prince: The Planet Of The Snake
**Disclosure** This product was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from N Circle Entertainment. All opinions are my own. 

About the DVD:
The universe is in danger. The evil Snake extinguishes the stars as he passes through the galaxy, causing chaos and plunging the planets into darkness. The Little Prince must leave his Asteroid home and beloved friend, Rose, in his quest to outsmart the Snake and save the universe from doom. Accompanied by his trusted companion, the Fox, the Little Prince travels from planet to planet, braving danger and discovering vast and enchanted worlds.

Will the extraordinary gifts of the Little Prince bring each of the planets back to life? And will he ever find his way home? The Snake is tired of constantly losing against the Little Prince so he decides to risk it all! He goes back to B612, kidnaps Rose and brings her back to his planet. By doing so, he might lose everything because if the Little Prince comes to the Snake's home planet and frees Rose, the Little Prince will also rescue all the gloomy prisoners! Will the Snake regret kidnapping Rose and possibly losing all of his prisoners?

 
My Review:
 The Little Prince has to keep Rose safe and he will go to whatever costs he has to, to make sure she is safe. There is an evil snake that causes problems for everyone he encounters. The evil snake takes a great risk in trying to insure someone else's safety. If anyone can help them, it will be the Little Prince and his trusted companion, the Fox.

 Along the way the Little Prince must follow the bread crumbs to get down to the bottom of this mystery. In turn what will become of his friends that stand so faithfully by his side, even now.

 My sons, all three of them watched the movie. They are ages 6-14. They loved the movie especially the contrast between good and evil. The Little Prince is someone to look up to and admire. The movie is geared for ages 4-12. It was adventuresome and of good quality.

 N Circle Entertainment is my go-to for good quality programming for my children. I don't usually have to watch the movie beforehand to ascertain whether it is a good fit for our family. N Circle is a trustworthy company. To learn more about this dvd, follow this link. Look below to win one of your very own.

Wednesday, January 25, 2017

Affordable Valentine's And Birthday Gifts For Little Girls And Tweens


About the Product:
Quality, affordable gifts for girls ages 2 to 12. SmitCo has several different diaries with lock and keys and diary sets for girls in Emoji and Diva themes, as well as several different nail art sets to provide hours of fun.

A huge hit is the brand new Mermaid themed scrapbook kit as well as 3 unique princess dress up sets.

SmitCo products also include rose gold, gold or rhodium plated jewelry and sets, as well as very popular stretch sets for little girls - all packed in cute gift boxes.

Find all the great products HERE. My readers get to save! Get 15% Off Entire Cart Of Gifts! Use coupon code 15OFFNEW.

Review: Summer on Sunset Ridge by:Sharlene MacLaren

 Summer on Sunset Ridge (Forever Freedom #1)
About the Book:
Brought up on a Quaker farm near Philadelphia at the brink of the Civil War, plainspoken Rebecca Albright is expected to be charitable, peace-loving, and submissive. However, those traits don't always come naturally to the feisty abolitionist. Spirited and spunky, Rebecca's chief ambition is to aid the Underground Railroad no matter the cost - until her path collides with slave-catcher Sheriff Clay Dalton who's grimly fighting battles of his own. When tensions between the North and South escalate, the two find themselves propelled on a journey to discover just who God has called them to be ~ and to determine whether their newfound friendship can stand up to a myriad of conflicts.

My Review:
 The Quakers had much to be admired for. Their humble, quiet spirit is something that in this day and time would be considered weak. But as I age, I start to go the more quiet way a lot more often. But in the story, Summer on Sunset Ridge, we meet Rebecca Albright and she is anything but quiet. She is very much against slavery and all it stands for and she isn't afraid to admit it. With the help of her family they go about trying to do all they can to help the slaves to freedom.

 But one fateful night they are met with some opposition but not how you might think. The known slave catcher Sheriff Clay Dalton gets injured trying to hunt down two slaves and the strong abolitionist Rebecca has to nurse him back to health. This book makes for a very interesting read. It ends totally different than what I expected and its a quick read, as well.

A link to a giveaway for the book is here.

**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the author. All opinions are my own.

Friday, January 20, 2017

Review: Distant God by:Chris Nye

 Distant God: Why He Feels Far Away...And What We Can Do About It
About the Book:
Does God feel far away?

There comes a time in every Christian’s life when God feels distant. This feeling can be confusing, discouraging, or even dangerous.

Distant God meets us in the middle of this struggle. It helps us think rightly about what we’re experiencing and gives practical ways for drawing near to God. It answers questions like:


What does it mean that God is always with me?
What role do works (like devotion, confession, and repentance) have in all this?
How should I handle spiritual lows and seasons of doubt?
When we feel distant from God, we need voices of truth speaking into our lives. Drawing from the story of the prodigal son, Chris Nye takes us through various reasons why we may feel this way and offers encouragement along the way.

This is not a book of trite answers or easy solutions, but it offers specific ways of drawing near when God feels distant. It also includes stories of Christians throughout history who have faced this issue in similar ways.

Distant God is a biblical and pastoral answer to why God might feel far away and what we can (and cannot) do about it.


My Review:
 A distant God doesn't seem like such a faraway concept when you are struggling down in the ditch with little or no hope. A distant God is exactly how you feel He is. As far away as ever with no hope of Him returning.  The author explores the possibility that maybe it is us who has made a gap or has distanced ourselves from the Father. Not only does he speak to you through scripture but also through his own experiences and lessons and those of others.

 The author takes you on a journey through the how's and why's of this most complicated yet so simple relationship with God. He gives very easy and simple solutions to help fill that gap and get you on with your relationship with the Lord to take it to a much deeper and fulfilling level.

**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the author. All opinions are my own.

Wednesday, January 18, 2017

Review: The Angels' Share by:James Markert

 The Angels' Share
About the Book:
Some believed he was the second coming of Christ. William wasn’t so sure. But when that drifter was buried next to the family distillery, everything changed.


Now that Prohibition has ended, what the townspeople of Twisted Tree, Kentucky, need most is the revival of the Old Sam Bourbon distillery. But William McFee knows it’ll take a miracle to convince his father, Barley, to once more fill his family’s aging house with barrels full of bourbon.


When a drifter recently buried near the distillery begins to draw crowds of pilgrims, the McFees are dubious, but miracles seem to come to those who once interacted with the deceased and to those now praying at his grave. As people descend on the town to visit the “Potter’s Field Christ,” William seeks to find the connection between the tragic death of his younger brother and the mysterious drifter.


But as news spreads about the miracles at the Potter’s Field, the publicity threatens to bring the depth of Barley’s secret past to light and put the entire McFee family in jeopardy.


The Angels’ Share is a story of fathers and sons, of young romance, of revenge and redemption, and the mystery of miracles.


My Review:
 The Depression was hitting America hard. The people found it hard to survive this economic collapse. Surviving was definitely difficult and no one could see a light at the end of the tunnel. so people took to doing whatever they could to survive and for many that meant making and selling alcohol. Twisted Tree, Kentucky was no different and its been said that the people of Appalachia was where the act of making alcohol originated.

 But there were also people that made it legally and for Twisted Tree, the Old Sam Bourbon distillery was what many of them needed to survive. But since it's closing due to the Prohibition it has left many wondering if it will ever be opened again.

 But that's not all that has been going on in this small town. There has been some strange happenings lately and William McFee the main character in the story intends on finding out just what all this means and why his father would have anything to do with any of it.

Loved this story and the setting as well as time period was awesome. Love reading things about this point in time in history. Fascinating story!

**Disclosure**This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the author. All opinions are my own.

Tuesday, January 17, 2017

Review: Glimmer Girls: Light Up New York by:Natalie Grant

 Light Up New York (Glimmer Girls #4)
About the Book:
Join twins Mia and Maddie and their sidekick little sister, Lulu, as they travel the country finding adventure, mystery, and sometimes mischief along the way. Together with their famous mother, singer Gloria Glimmer, and their slightly wacky nanny Miss Julia, the sisters learn lessons about being good friends, telling the truth, and a whole lot more.


In this fourth book in the Faithgirlz Glimmer Girls series, the Glimmer family is headed to the Big Apple—New York City! Gloria has been asked to perform a concert in Times Square and the whole family joins her. Miss Julia immediately starts planning a sightseeing trip for the sisters that will be better than all the rest, but plans never turn out exactly as they imagine when the Glimmer girls are involved. So what happens when sibling rivalry, random acts of kindness, and a little mystery all meet up at some of the most famous sights in New York City?


My Review:
 The sisters are on the move to the Big Apple on their next adventure. They are mesmerized but all the lights, sounds and fast movement that is New York. Miss Julia is getting around to making this a trip the girls will never forget.There is never a dull moment when these girls get involved.

 The mother of these girls, Gloria Glimmer has been asked to preform in New York city so the whole family gets to enjoy this trip. But as we always find out something goes wrong to always upset their plans for a good family trip.

 What I love about these books is that Gloria Glimmer always takes time out to teach her girls whats really important in life and how each of the sisters really need to count on each other and cherish their sisterly bond.

 Together with mischief, fun, and family these girls can show our young girls a good time!

**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the author. All opinions are my own.

Litfuse Review: The Mark of the King by:Jocelyn Green

 The Mark of the King
About the Book:
Sweeping Historical Fiction Set at the Edge of the Continent
After being imprisoned and branded for the death of her client, twenty-five-year-old midwife Julianne Chevalier trades her life sentence for exile to the fledgling 1720s French colony of Louisiana, where she hopes to be reunited with her brother, serving there as a soldier. To make the journey, though, women must be married, and Julianne is forced to wed a fellow convict. 


When they arrive in New Orleans, there is no news of Benjamin, Julianne's brother, and searching for answers proves dangerous. What is behind the mystery, and does military officer Marc-Paul Girard know more than he is letting on? 


With her dreams of a new life shattered, Julianne must find her way in this dangerous, rugged land, despite never being able to escape the king's mark on her shoulder that brands her a criminal beyond redemption.

 
My Review:
 This story--WOW! A great story and full of adventure!

 Julianne gets wrongly accused for the death of her client she gets the blessing to either do her time or be exiled to Louisiana, which at the time is a colony. Luckily, for her, she thinks her brother may be there so that is definitely motivation enough for her. She decides that she wants to do this, only one hitch in the plan--she has to be married--first.So whats a girl to do? Marry a fellow inmate of course. So this is what she sets out to do.

 After they arrive at the colony, Julianna doesn't see any sign of her brother anywhere. Its hard being in a new land with so much at stake and absolutely no answers to go on. But as upset as the main character seems to be that does not detour her from looking for her brother or at least getting some answers.

 The book is absolutely riveting! You will not regret reading about these fascinating characters and their plight. Their resolve is inspiring!

**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the author. All opinions are my own.

Monday, January 16, 2017

Review: In the Shadow of Denali by:Peterson/Woodhouse

 In the Shadow of Denali (Heart of Alaska #1)
About the Book:
Cassidy Ivanoff and her father John, a wilderness guide, work at a prestigious new hotel outside Mt. McKinley. John's new apprentice, Allan Brennan, finds a friend in Cassidy, but the real reason he's here--to learn the truth about his father's death--is far more dangerous than he knows.

My Review:
 This is the introduction to The Heart of Alaska series. This story takes us all the way back to the early 1900's, when at that time some parts of the United States were still being called their original Native American names. So the area was called Denali but it was at the foot of Mt. McKinley. This is where Cassidy and her father John are employed at a fancy hotel not far from the mountain.

 Allan Brennan, is John's newest apprentice but he isn't here to learn John's craft--he is here to learn more about his father's death. his father also a mountain climber lost his life during a climb on the same mountain that Allan hopes to scale. As time goes along Allan is finding out more and more about the people of this town, and it goes against what he thought he knew.

 Soon, Allan starts to put the pieces together and what he finds out isn't at all what he expected. But no Tracie Peterson novel would be complete without the romance part of the store. There is a definite attraction between Cassidy and Allan, but will Allan set his trust issues aside to escape into this newfound romance?

**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the author. All opinions are my own.

Review: The Sisters of Sugarcreek by:Cathy Liggett

 The Sisters of Sugarcreek
About the Book:
Many lives were changed the day a fire burned down Faith Community Church, devastating the small town of Sugarcreek, Ohio. Now a young Amish widow, Lydia Gruber faces an uncertain future. Her husband, a craftsman and volunteer firefighter, always took care of everything, keeping her isolated from others in their community. Without anyone or any skills, how will she survive? With the death of her beloved aunt Rose in the fire, single mom Jessica Holtz inherits Rose's Knit One Quilt Too cottage. 

Though determined to keep the shop open in her aunt's memory, she doesn't know the first thing about knitting and quilting and begins to see her aunt's dream slip through her fingers.When Liz Cannon lost her dear friend Rose, she also lost her partner in the Secret Stitches Society--the name they gave themselves while delivering gifts of hope to troubled folks in the dark of night. Liz convinces Jessica to keep the anonymous society going, despite the younger women's inadequacy with knitting and sewing needles.

 But soon Liz has problems of her own as the life she has rebuilt for herself begins to crumble again.When Liz and Jessica choose Lydia for their first mission, the three women cross paths and form an unlikely friendship in the aftermath of tragedy. As they walk together through triumph and heartbreak--through grief and new chances at love--they begin to discover that with friends by your side, a stitch of hope can be found anywhere.

My Review:
 Many things physically get lost in a fire tragedy. Yes, material items but our friends and loved ones do, as well. But so goes everything that that person shared with you. And many times such a tragedy can bring people together that never dreamed of conversing with a new friend in such a way.

 This is exactly what happened to Lydia, Liz, and Jessica. They came together to continue something that others had a hand in before the fire and they are take up the loose reigns to come together to do something terrific for the community.

 The story of these three women and how we get a chance to follow them through this tragedy was sad but also amazing when you see them overcome the struggles they are having in their individual lives. Within the pages of this story is the key to strong, long lasting friendship. These ladies were so helpful and loving to other individuals and it showed through every thread throughout the story.

**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for honest review from the author. All opinions are my own.

Thursday, January 12, 2017

Review: Baa!Oink!Moo! God Made the Animals by:Rhonda Gowler Greene

 Baa! Oink! Moo! God Made the Animals
About the Book:
Baa! Oink! Moo! God Made the Animals, written by award-winning author Rhonda Gowler Greene and illustrated by David Walker, is set on a farm and follows a conversation between a mother and child as the child repeatedly asks "Mama, who made . . . ?"


In the end, children learn that God is responsible for creating sheep, cows, pigs, horses, goats––all the animals on the farm… including puppies! Together, parents and children will discover the wonder of God’s creation when they open Baa! Oink! Moo! God Made the Animals.


My Review:
 I love reviewing children's books. Seeing all the new books out there by all these talented authors is fantastic. But, I really enjoy the stories and it gives me a way of holding on to my children's childhood just a tiny bit longer. This sweet little board book discusses the animals that God made just for our use and enjoyment.

 Throughout the book, the little boy or lead character speaks to his Mama about all the fun and sweet baby animals he has discovered. He reminds us that God has made each and every one of them. It is a precious book full of wonder and excitement that any child would adore. This would make a great story to read at bedtime. Geared for ages 4-8.

**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the author. All opinions are my own.

Review: Devotions for Easter by:Stacy J. Edwards

 Devotions for Easter
About the Book:

Prepare your heart and mind to celebrate the risen Savior.

It’s time for fresh spring blossoms, colored eggs, special recipes, and family gatherings. This year, with each tradition, small celebration, and new story, take the time to stop and discover the ways Jesus is showing His love for you. In remembering His Easter story—the greatest story ever told—your own will become that much sweeter.

The perfect companion for Lent, Devotions for Easter invites you to find the messages of hope and mercy God places in even the smallest moments of the season. Forty days of warm, inviting readings, prayers, scriptures, and beautiful images will take you through Christ’s journey toward the cross and the miracle of His resurrection. As new life emerges all around you, let your heart be filled with joyful worship of Christ and the renewal He brings.


My Review:
 Easter is always a time for renewal and new life. A refreshed spirit, if you will. Its always good to sit down with a great devotional around this time of you and what better what to do that then with a devotional that is all about Easter. This pretty devotional is just perfect for Easter. It lasts 40 days and the author takes the sights and sounds and in most cases smells of the holiday and turns them into a devotional to help you spend time with the Savior.

 It has very pretty pictures throughout that are not drawn but look like actual photographs. Along with a basis in Scripture this devo will surely hit the spot this holiday season.

**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from author. All opinions are my own.

Monday, January 9, 2017

Review: Whatever is Lovely: A 90 Day Devotional Journal by:Allia Zobel Nolan

 Whatever is Lovely: A 90-Day Devotional Journal
About the Book:
Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.


—Philippians 4:8


Did you know you can totally change your life by changing your thoughts? Well, you can, and Whatever Is Lovely: A 90-Day Devotional Journal can get you started. With examples based on girls just like you, each of these 90 devotionals will show you how to fill your head and your heart with virtues taken straight from Philippians 4:8, helping you grow closer to God and the amazing life he intended for you.


Featuring a trendy color interior, a ribbon marker, and journaling lines for you to write your thoughts, Whatever Is Lovely will inspire you to read and reflect on the devotionals every single day.


My Review: 
 This devotional is so sweet and precious and created for girls between the ages of 8-12 years. Young girls are so vulnerable even as they become adults. It is imperative that we try our best to strengthen their resolve as well as their confidence. We as women do the same as the young girl even though our age advances nothing really changes with our mentality.

 So as an older "girl", I know that my daughter needs constant encouragement. God knows this too, after all He made us and He knows how we work. His word is filled with daily encouragement that our girls can draw from and feel inspired and ultimately better, overall. each days devotion starts with scripture. Then the author starts to intermingle a Bible story as well as how it relates to life today. Two thoughts to ponder on ending with a prayer and some writing space. 

 A great way to spend 90 days in the word and with our Father!

**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the author. All opinions are my own.

Tuesday, January 3, 2017

Review: Buried Memories by:Carol J. Post

 Buried Memories
About the Book:
After her broken engagement, Nicki Jackson hoped her move to Cedar Key would give her a fresh start instead she quickly learns someone's out to destroy her. Are the attacks tied to her mother's recently reopened murder case or to the nightmares Nicki's beginning to suspect are actually hidden memories? With the threats against her escalating, former soldier Tyler Brant vows to keep Nicki safe. He refuses to lose the woman who's swiftly becoming more than a childhood crush. But when danger circles closer, is Nicki's traumatic past better left forgotten or are her memories the key to something far more sinister?

My Review:
 Poor Nicki, she can be identified with almost immediately. All of us have skeletons in our closet especially when it comes to family. You never know what the person next you has endured or will and the same can be said for Nicki Jackson. Nicki has had to go through some things that many people her age have never been witness to but yet fate keeps throwing things at her and expecting her to bounce back almost immediately.

 Nicki's mother was murdered and the case has recently been reopened and as a result things start happening to Nicki. Why her? Then if that wasn't enough she starts experiencing nightmares which she is starting to believe may be connected in some way to her mother's murder. Thankfully. Tyler an old childhood friend has come to her rescue to help keep her safe.

 But soon the two of them may getting closer than they anticipated as their feelings grow this mystery seems to be getting closer to a resolution. The writing was brilliant. The plot line was fresh and exciting and it was a quick read. Would love to read more from this author!

**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the author. All opinions are my own.