DEFIANCE: A Post-Apocalyptic YA Tale of Survival by L.R. Burkard

Gripping. Heart-stopping. I read a couple of chapters of Defiance one night before bedtime and couldn't sleep. I even dreamed of an EMP. Burkard's characters jump off the page and she writes with such realism that I couldn't help but wonder what would happen if I were put in the same situations as the people in the book. Excellent story-telling and highly recommended.

Love Letters from God by Glenys Nellist, Illustrated by Rachel Clowes

Love Letters from God is a lovely book, beautifully illustrated, and full of love from beginning to end. A different ‘girl’ examined in each chapter feels God’s love in a very real way through her experiences.

A word of caution: The stories stick to the Biblical accounts rather loosely. That may not be a bad thing if the reader has a Bible close by and decides to do more reading. Having each character described as a girl also threw me in places. For instance, the woman at the well is described as “The Thirsty Girl” – a woman who had five husbands and was living with a man at the time of her encounter with Jesus. In this book, she is simply ‘searching for love.’

I realize that in a children’s book, certain details may be glossed over, and if an adult reads to a child, this book presents opportunities to delve further into Scripture together. The Love Letters from God are under flaps in the print books and are sweet reminders of the love that each character feels, although I felt in some letters, the author took liberties in speaking as God.

Overall, I can recommend this book as a springboard for more discussion about the girls and women in the Bible.

HandleBar Marketing sent a complimentary copy of Love Letters from God, Bible Stories for a Girl’s Heart to me. The opinions expressed are my own.

The Sweetest Story Bible for Toddlers - Diane Storz; illustrations by Sheila Bailey

“The Sweetest Story Bible for Toddlers” is a 32-page board book in which Diane Storz has written a very quick and light overview of the entire Bible with eight stories – four from the Old Testament and four from the New Testament. Each story is short – only a few pages, and geared to children who may not understand the deeper concepts of each story, although reading the book to children a bit older might present an opportunity to expand each one.

This book is most definitely geared to toddlers and more specifically, girls. The pages are sturdy and the artwork is as sweet as the stories. Sheila Bailey’s brightly colored and expressive illustrations cover most of each page. Although the book is feminine in design with its pink cover depicting girls, the stories could be read to both sexes.

I especially loved the final page which says, “After Jesus spent time with his disciples, he went up to heaven through the clouds. But someday he will come back. We are waiting for you, Lord Jesus!”

"The Sweetest Story Bible for Toddlers" would make a lovely gift for toddlers to introduce the idea of carrying their own ‘Bible’ to church and that Bible reading is an important and enjoyable experience.

Thanks to Book Look Bloggers for a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Product Details

• Age Range: 4 - 8 years
• Board book: 32 pages
• Publisher: Zonderkidz; Brdbk edition (December 9, 2014)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310746302
• ISBN-13: 978-0310746300

About the Author 

Diane Stortz has been involved with publishing for many years as an editor, editorial director, and author. Her children’s books include Jesus Loves You: A Read the Pictures Book, Let’s Shine Jesus’ Light on Halloween, Four Faithful Friends, and God’s Boredom Buster Plan. She is cofounder of the National Network of Parents of Missionaries and coauthor of Parents of Missionaries: How to Thrive and Stay Connected When Your Children and Grandchildren Serve Cross-Culturally. Diane is the mother of two grown daughters, and lives in Cincinnati with her husband and a Dutch house rabbit, Pepe.

 About the Illustrator

 Sheila Bailey works in watercolor and digital media. In fact, it is this combination of tools that allows her to achieve her characteristic style. Sheila began her career as a designer and painter for Hallmark, Inc. Later, she became a featured designer at Will Vinton Studios. Formerly published under the name Sheila Lucas, Sheila Bailey has been writing and illustrating children's literature for more than a decade. Away from her brush, Sheila enjoys gardening and tending to her koi pond. She currently lives in Redwood City, CA.

NIV New Spirit-Filled Life Bible

This is fast becoming my go-to Bible. I reviewed the Kindle version because this is now my favorite way to read my Bible. I can mark my progress, highlight passages, and make notes. Each Bible has a different format and way to navigate. After a few sessions, I found the “New Spirit-Filled Life Bible” easy to navigate.

One of my favorite features of many is the “Word Wealth.” For instance, in Ephesians 6:13, I learned that ‘stand your ground’ is antihistemi from anti – against, and histemi, to cause to stand. This suggests vigorously opposing. Like an antihistamine puts a block on histamine. In this scripture, antihistemi tells us that with the authority and spiritual weapons granted to us, we can withstand evil forces.

More than 20 denominations and independent fellowships produced this study Bible integrating Pentecostal-Charismatic viewpoints. As an Assemblies of God teacher and pastor, I heartily endorse this Bible.

Book Description

Find the Holy Spirit throughout the Bible. Jack Hayford, founding pastor of The Church on the Way, has led a team of anointed scholars to produce the New Spirit-Filled Life Bible. This outstanding resource offers a fresh look at the Scriptures and the work of the Holy Spirit. This Bible addresses important issues of Spirit-filled living in the context of solid biblical scholarship.

Features include:

·                     Kingdom Dynamics—41 themes throughout the Bible that give us values as we advance the gospel throughout the world

·                     Word Wealth—More than 550 key terms defined and brought to life, pulling the language from the original Greek and Hebrew into everyday English

·                     Truth-In-Action—Charts with practical application from every book of the Bible

·                     Detailed book introductions

·                     Verse-by-verse study notes

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 

Twirl by Patsy Clairmont

In the blurb for “Twirl,” the author, Patsy Clairmont, says she hopes to help her readers make choices that lead to renewal and peace. I figured the twirling had to do with the breakneck pace of our current culture. When I first received “Twirl” for review, I was puzzled by the image of a pinwheel on the front. I wanted a book on how to stop the dizziness of a too-busy life. Then I saw the smaller subtitle, “A Fresh Spin at Life.” Clever!

Instead of trying to stop the chaos, Patsy leads her readers to look at life in a different way, focusing on what’s important. She has a gentle and encouraging tone, and a fun sense of humor. Each chapter ends with questions for further reflection. You don’t have to read the book straight through. Pick out a title that resonates with you. I suggest using the book as a motivational tool first thing each morning and meditating on the questions throughout the day, and perhaps you and I will both find it easier to find joy and purpose – and a new spin at life.

 Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through BookLookBloggers.com book review program. The opinions I express are my own.

NIV Ragamuffin Bible: Meditations for the Bedraggled, Beat-Up, and Brokenhearted (Brennan Manning)

The NIV Ragamuffin Bible is a New International Version Bible containing 104 devotions, 250 reflections, and 150 quotes from Brennan Manning (1934-2013), a public speaker, priest, and author of The Ragamuffin Gospel. While the extra material scattered throughout the text is at times thought provoking and inspiring, in some cases, I felt that it did not relate to the scriptures into which it was inserted. For instance, this quote is on the same page as Ecclesiastes 4:

“In place of end-time agitation and thoughts of doom, Jesus tells us to be alert and watchful. We are to avoid the doomsayer and the talkshow crank when they conduct their solemn televised meetings in the green room of apocalypse.” 

See what I mean? The quotes require careful deliberation to ascertain the message being conveyed, and in some cases, without the greater context of the original writings, the quotes are quite cryptic. Brennan Manning’s style of writing demands more than a casual reading. I do not consider this Bible to be a study Bible, but one that would enhance your devotional time, especially if you are already a Brennan Manning fan.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through BookSneeze®.com book review program. The opinions I expressed are my own.

The Christmas Candle by Max Lucado

When I received “The Christmas Candle” by Max Lucado for review, I was surprised to find that it was a novella. I’ve read many nonfiction books by Rev. Lucado. I didn’t know he had ever written fiction. I consider the novella to be a gift book – something short and sweet, the perfect read when you don’t have a lot of time to devote to a full length novel. But don’t assume that because it’s a short read that you won’t have a lovely time reading about the miracles that occur in a small village in Victorian England. Even as I read the book, I thought the story would make a heartwarming holiday movie, and it turns out that it has. Reading this book (and watching the movie) that is less about candles and more about faith and hope would be a wonderful holiday tradition.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com® book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Welcome to Last Chance by Cathleen Armstrong

Just finished reading "Welcome to Last Chance" by Cathleen Armstrong. I loved the small town feel and the diverse characters, and the way that Christian values were presented in a gentle, non-confrontational way. The story of the two main characters, Lainie and Ray, kept me guessing as there had to more to the story than was presented in the beginning, but I have to say that the warm, sweet, rock-steady character, Elizabeth, was my favorite. At times, the book read like a mystery with a bit of suspense thrown in, and at other times, like a romantic novel. I can imagine followup books in the series featuring these same characters. The suspense aspect won't keep you up at night, but the romantic side will warm your heart.

Runaway Emotions by Jeff Schreve

The smoke alarm on the cover of “Runaway Emotions” by Jeff Schreve is symbolic of negative emotions like anger and frustration. They alert us to danger. Just as we wouldn’t hide a fire, the alarms set off by these runaway, negative emotions alert us to the need to manage them, and find out what God is trying to say to us. Schreve uses scriptures liberally in his explanation of how the Bible can help make sense when life seems out of control because we have become overly emotional.

The material in the book has been researched well, explained in depth, and backed up with Biblical insights. I would call reading this book an excellent first step in acknowledging and managing runaway emotions. With the addition of pertinent questions after each chapter to encourage discussion, I could see this being a good study for a teen’s or women’s class.

The author has a wonderful sense of humor while sharing deep spiritual truths using practical examples. The chapter on loneliness was very well explained and helped me better understand the emotion and want to reach out to those who are lonely. Pastor Schreve’s vulnerability while sharing personal accounts was engaging, encouraging me to take this journey past negative emotions to healing and freedom.

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

Beyond Talent by John C. Maxwell

I LOVE this book. I received this book several months ago, and am normally very quick to read and write reviews when my schedule allows. I have gotten so caught up with the stories, the advice, and the practical tips in this book that I actually forgot I had received it for review. My copy is bookmarked, starred, highlighted, and dog-eared. At the end of each chapter are Application Exercises which have helped me to go beyond the talent I have to excel and achieve. Maxwell is motivating, humorous, and informative. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to take  God-given talent to its full potential. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Coach and Four: Allisandra's Tale - Linore Rose Burkard

A bit of intrigue, a lot of romance, and a whole lot of enjoyment - that's what you'll get reading Linore Rose Burkard's Coach and Four: Allisandra's Tale. Ms. Burkard researches and sets the scenes with such authenticity that you find yourself transported through time to the era in which her characters live. This is a delightful story, and gives you a taste of the talent that made Burkard's longer book, "The House in Grosvenor Square" a winner of the Inspirational Reader's Choice Award (IRCC). Available in Kindle format only, but you can get your Kindle App free here: Kindle App. Visit Ms. Burkard's website to see trailers, sign up for her newsletter, and more free downloads: http://www.linoreburkard.com/

Eat Your Peas...for Mom by Cheryl Karpen, Illustrated by Sandy Fougner

"Eat Your Peas…for Mom" is labeled a '3-minute forever book' and that is a good estimate of how long it takes to read it. It's short on words, but long on message. In so few pages, the author has managed to convey in 'simple truths and happy insights' how much a mother means. The illustrations are simple but lively and complement the text. I am looking forward to giving this sweet book as a perfect keepsake to my own mom for Mother's Day. The book might be short and sweet, but I believe any mom would cherish this book forever.



Product Details:
Hardcover: 80 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson; Gift edition (April 5, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 140418984X
ISBN-13: 978-1404189843
Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 7.2 x 0.5 inches

The Lucado Life Lessons Study Bible - NKJV

Between its covers, The Lucado Life Lessons Study Bible, NKJV: Inspirational Applications for Living Your Faith holds not only the New King James Version of the scriptures, but numerous study guides, helps, devotions, and more.

Life Lessons explain the scriptures and about the time in which they were written along with information about the culture and customs setting the stage for a better understanding of the context. Observations give a short summary of the situation. Inspiration asks, "What is this Word saying to you? How is the Holy Spirit speaking? The Application helps the reader to apply the Word to life and explore changes made in the reader's life after study of the verses. Exploration lists relevant scripture references for further study.

Topical devotions from Max Lucado are throughout. The story of God's plan starts in Genesis and continues through the entire Bible to Revelation. Look for "Christ Through the Bible" sections in both the Old and New Testaments to illuminate God's plan of salvation through Jesus Christ.

With plentiful subheadings and a Bible study and Reading Plan, this study Bible makes a wonderful addition to a new believer's or a mature Christian's library.

Product Details:
Hardcover: 1680 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson; 3rd edition (September 7, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1418543969
ISBN-13: 978-1418543969

What In The World Is Going On? by Dr. David Jeremiah

Trying to figure out what is going on this world is difficult. Trying to understand biblical prophecy is difficult. In What in the World Is Going On?, Dr. David Jeremiah has brought the two topics together in a more easily understandable fashion. Dr. Jeremiah gives the reader a well-researched perspective of bible prophecy as it is being fulfilled and maps out what will happen in the future with relevant scriptures.

With well-organized chapters, this book explains the end-times so that the reader can see a clearer picture of how current events are related to prophecy. The author also quotes many other authors, biblical scholars and scientists. As a Bible teacher, I so enjoyed the book that I tackled teaching its contents. I have been blessed as I read and then taught from this book, bringing hope in Jesus Christ and the reminder that God is on control. I recommend this book to anyone seeking a better understanding of current events in light of biblical eschatology.

Product Details:
Paperback: 288 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (August 10, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 078523117X
ISBN-13: 978-0785231172

His Name Is Jesus - The Promise of God's Love Fulfilled by Max Lucado

His Name Is Jesus – The Promise of Love Fulfilled by Max Lucado is a beautifully packaged gift book with a cardboard sleeve to protect it. Wonderful photos and backgrounds complement the text. If you've read any of Mr. Lucado's writings before, you know he writes in language easily understood, yet lyrical in its delivery. There are many excerpts from Mr. Lucado's best-selling books.

The book starts with the question, "Who is He?" and then begins to explore all the reasons Jesus came, the circumstances of His birth, and the environment of His life. We find out what the city where Jesus grew up is like and can more easily picture Him growing up.

I'm a visual person, so the lovely artwork and photos kept me turning pages to savor the writing and the layout. I'd highly recommend this book to give as a gift to someone or to keep for your own enjoyment. Why not give this along with the basket of candy and eggs on Resurrection Sunday? Or next Christmas, give this wonderful book to your family. I can picture a dad reading this to his family, or using this book to read to children before bedtime. Or really, anyone anytime.

Product Details:
Hardcover: 192 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (March 17, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1404186735
ISBN-13: 978-1404186736

So You Want to Be a Work-at-Home Mom - Jill Hart and Diana Ennen

I first met Jill Hart, co-author of So You Want to be a Work-at-Home Mom a couple of years ago. We were both attending a writers' conference and without ever having met me in person, Jill offered to pick me up at the airport. It is with that kind of generous spirit that Jill and Diana Ennen wrote their excellent guide to starting a home-based business.

Jill and Diana pull no punches. They tell you that you need to set your priorities in your home and your business. When they overlap, you will need to be prepared for the difficulties that arise. The authors encourage you to analyze your heart first. Have you prayed about becoming a CWAHM – Christian Work-at-Home Mom?

Then the practical questions. Are you self-reliant? Self-motivated? Self-disciplined? If so, this is the book for you.

Systematically, the authors guide you through the steps to being a successful CWAHM all the while keeping faith and family at the forefront. Charts, logs, and lists will help you stay on task, organized, and motivated. If you're a Christian mom thinking of setting up a home-based business, pick up this book and learn from two women who have successfully worked from their homes and generously help you learn to do it, too!

Product Details:
Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Beacon Hill Press of Kansas City (August 15, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0834124661
ISBN-13: 978-0834124660

Blog for CWAHM: http://cwahm.com/wordpress/

What Happened to My Life? by Danna Demetre

Have you ever asked yourself these questions: How did I get here? Where has the time gone? Has my life made an impact? If so, you should pick up a copy of Danna Demetre's book with another question in the title – What Happened to My Life?

In her fantastic book, Demetre's goal is to help the reader discover joy and passion for life and break the cycle of discontentment. In her own words, "Whether you are single or married, young or old, living a life of contentment is essential to fulfilling God's perfect plan for your life."

Danna starts by asking the hard questions worded in such a way that it makes you reflect deeply on where you are in your life in relation to your goals, ministry, and relationship to God and family and friends. Writing with almost painful transparency, Danna tells how she matured to a life of contentment in Christ and knows the steps you need to take in order to stop living in emotional or spiritual poverty.

After she takes her readers through the examination, Danna helps you embark on a 40-day journey to rediscover contentment and joy.

I highly recommend this book. It inspired me to examine my life and make some changes. As Danna says, "It's time to move from simply surviving to truly thriving once again!"

Danna Demetre is an author and popular conference and retreat speaker. She is the president and founder of Women of Purpose, an evangelistic outreach ministry. Danna lives in San Diego, California, with her husband, Lew, and adopted 13 year-old grandson, Jesse. They also have three grown children and are expecting a new grandchild.

Available May 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, offers practical books that bring the Christian faith to everyday life. They publish resources from a variety of well-known brands and authors, including their partnership with MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) and Hungry Planet.

Thin Places, a Memoir by Mary E. Demuth

It used to be when I thought of a memoir, I associated the genre with someone in his later years with a lifetime of hard living under his belt. Not any more. In Thin Places, Mary E. DeMuth movingly shares how she has lived through hurts, disappointments, and violations, and yet still manages to see how God worked in and through all these events to bring her into a deeper, closer relationship with Him. Mary's ultimate realization that she lives in the midst of holy moments seen more clearly in retrospect helps us as readers see that God is always working in our lives, too.

Product Details:
Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Zondervan (February 1, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 031028418X
ISBN-13: 978-0310284185



Mary E. Demuth's Blog

Katydidn't by Colleen L. Reece, Illustrations by K.C.Snider

Katy wants all her siblings to do what she wants to do, not the other way around. In this sweet story, author Colleen L. Reece helps Katy see that selfishness brings unhappiness, but treating people the way Jesus would results in a fulfilling day playing with her brothers and sisters all the while learning to appreciate that God makes every person unique. Lovely illustrations by K.C. Snider and the engaging story in Katydidn't (Guardian Angel Publishing) will help young readers learn in a subtle way to consider the desires and feelings of others.

Katydidn't
Wings of Faith
Author: Colleen L. Reece
Artist: K.C. Snider http://www.kcsniderart.com/
PRINT: 978-1-61633-021-7; 161633021X
EBOOK: 978-1-61633-022-4; 1616330228
 
To order, click HERE.

A Different Kind of Wild by Debbie Alsdorf

In the first chapter of A Different Kind of Wild, Debbie Alsdorf says,

"Some assume if they wildly abandon themselve to God, they weill be expected to
have a holy and serious posture - bland, reserved, well, boring - when their real
personality is happy, bubbly, and a bit silly."

I knew when I read that snippet, I'd like Alsdorf's book. As a Woman in Lifelong Development (WILD) myself, I liked her upbeat tone and practical encouragement with a healthy dose of good counseling thrown in. Debbie is a biblical lay counselor and member of the American Association of Christian Counselors.

Questions at the end of each chapter reinforce the message and an expanded study guide in the back of the book makes it suitable for group study. Recommended.

Product Details:
Paperback: 207 pages
Publisher: Revell (July 1, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0800733665
ISBN-13: 978-0800733667

Visit Debbie Alsdorf's Website: Design4Living Ministries.