God Gave Us You by Lisa Tawn Bergren

Do you have a little one who is wondering where they came from and how they got here?  That question eventually comes up!  This cute little board book by Lisa Tawn Bergren is a sweet little book reminding little ones that they are a gift from God.  Every page reminds the little reader that "God gave us you."

I think this book is a cute gift for new moms or moms with toddlers that have many questions usually beginning with "Why?"  This book has a gentle way of talking about the issue of how children are born and points them to the giver of life, God.  I appreciate how the book makes the child feel special since they are a special gift.

Here is a sweet, little excerpt from the book: "Little Cub closed her eyes, said her prayers, and heard Mama whisper, 'Good night.'  She felt happy and safe because God had given her-little her to Mama and Papa, and they wouldn't trade her for the world.  'Because God gave us you,' Mama had said. 'Because God gave us you.'"

I know how special my little girl is and we are so thankful that God gave her to us!
Below is a cute coloring page that goes along with the book.  Enjoy!
God Gave us You - Coloring Page

**I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Spiritual Warfare for Women by Leighann McCoy

Spiritual Warfare has been around since the fall of man in the Garden of Eden.  A battle we fight daily.  How much do you know about winning the war against the enemy, Satan?  Are you equipped for the battle that is raging around you?  Leighann McCoy's book is separated into four different parts to help you in your daily battle:

1. The Most Powerful Weapon of All--the Love of God  (chapters 1-3)
2. The Enemy Exposed (chapters 4-6)
3. The Targets in Our Lives (chapters 7-11)
4. Victory Is Mine (chapters 12-14)

Each chapter ends with questions and overview ideas,  a prayer, key Scriptures and an idea of how to commit Scripture to memory.

Reading through this book was a great reminder of how Satan is a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour as stated in I Peter 5:8.  I found myself contemplating a lot of what was said in this book.  I think that Leighann McCoy did a great job in being true to Scripture and informative as to how believers can be victorious through Christ.  In chapter 4--Spiritual Warfare is Real, the author writes,

"Satan's purpose and passion is to profane the name of the Lord.  He has at the core of his being the desire to destroy God's reputation and shed doubt on His motives.  Just as he did in the beginning, Satan works his way into the hearts and minds of God's children.  For when he can steal the testimony of a disciple, when he can kill the joy in her heart, and when he destroys her spirit, Satan profanes the name of the Lord.
Because you are a child of the King, you are a target for attack.  Every day you make decisions that will either proclaim the name of the Lord or profane the name of the Lord.  There's no middle ground on this battlefield.  You are either with God or you're against Him." (page 80)

I enjoyed this book and would recommend it especially for Christians who are young in their faith and are just learning what it means to stand firm against the Enemy in their daily lives.

You can read the introduction and first chapter of the book below.
Spiritual Warfare for Women

**I received this free book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review.

A Historical Fiction Novel: The Daughter's Walk by Jane Kirkpatrick

What is the farthest distance you have ever walked?  On my recent trip to Mackinaw Island, I road my bike for 13 miles and that seemed long and tiring.  This story The Daughter's Walk is about two women who walked from Spokane, Washington to New York City.  That's 3500 miles!  Google says that it would take 2 days and 4 hours by car today.  Unbelievable!!!  Much of what is written in the book is true to their story.  Of course, parts are speculated to fill in the part of the story that history hasn't told us.  This whole escapade began when Helga and Ole's farm was in trouble and facing financial ruin in foreclosure.  To save the farm, Helga accepted a proposal by some sponsors to walk from Spokane Washington to New York City within seven months wearing the new reformed dresses.  If she completed her task, they would pay her $10,000.00.  That was quite a bit of money back then and seemed like the answers to her problems.  Helga informed her oldest daughter, Clara, that she would also be making the trek. The story is told from Clara's perspective.  She wasn't thrilled to be brought in to this crazy adventure her mother had gotten herself into.  Their epic journey cost them time away from their family which caused a rift in the family that would not be healed for a very long time.
In the end, this walk was a defining moment of their lives and changed them both forever.  Take a few minutes and watch the trailer for the book!


I really enjoyed reading this book about these women's lives.  I had never heard of these women and their amazing feat.  I can't even imagine what strength and courage it must of taken to complete such a huge task.  The author did a great job re-telling the story and making it come alive.  The book also includes a Reader's Guide at the end.  These questions would be great for book clubs going through this book. I would highly recommend reading this book and learning more about an untold story in American history.

You can read more about the author, Jane Kirkpatrick, here at her website.



**I received this free book from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions are my own.

Growing Up Amish by Ira Wagler

Growing Up Amish  is a true story written by Ira Wagler, a man from within the Amish community.  It recounts his life while growing up in the strict Amish way of life.  Ira struggled with fitting in wondering what life was like outside his little community.  But he feared leaving the community because once he left, he would never be able to have eternal life....or so he was taught.  Peace with God could only come from living within the Amish community.

Vacationing up in northern Michigan, I had seen the horse-drawn, black buggies on the side of the road.  The Amish way of life was always mysterious and different.  I really didn't know too much about them.  This book was enjoyable to read and learn more about their culture and way of life.  It made me grateful for the way I was brought up (Christian--Baptist) and the freedom I have in Christ.  The Amish seem to have a good deal of tradition that guides their thinking and actions, and I found that much of their faith seems to be based on good works.  If you are looking to get a glimpse into the life of the Amish, this is a great book to read.  It really shows you what every day life is like for them.
You can learn more about the Amish here at this website: Amish America

**I checked this book out from my local library to read for the Tyndale Summer Reading Program.

Francine Rivers' Her Daughter's Dream

 

This book is the sequel to Francine River's book Her Mother's Hope.  You can read the review I wrote on the first book here.  The author continues to develop the relationship between grandmother, mother and child.  The story has it's twists and turns, yet each character seems to be dealing with very similar issues of insecurity and guilt over past failures.  The women choose to build walls that close them off from those they love, and they hide instead of confronting the issues.

I was excited to finally get this sequel from my local library, but as I began reading it, I was a little disappointed with the story.  I would rather not read about the rape of a child especially since I myself have a little girl.  I don't like that kind of imagery floating around in my head.  While I continued to read because I really wanted to find out the end to the story, I thought that most of this book was rather depressing.  The story is definitely real to life, but I guess I read so that I can escape from some of that reality.  So unfortunately, I didn't not like this book and would not recommend it to others.

** I checked this book out from my local library to read for the Tyndale Summer Reading Program.