365 Classic Bedtime Bible Stories inspired by Jesse Lyman Hurlbut's Story of the Bible and Illustrated by Alessia Girasole

I'm always looking for fun new books to share with my kids. This new book from Barbour Publishing, 365 Classic Bedtime Bible Stories,  just released this month on November 1st.

From the Back Cover:

Fully-illustrated Bedtime Bible Stories make the Bible come alive for little hearts

Beginning with the creation story, "God Creates the Earth," and ending with "In Eternity with God," children will develop faith in an almighty God who is the same yesterday, today, and forever, while journeying alongside Bible characters including:
Moses, Jonah, Hannah, John the Baptist, Joseph, Samuel, Esther, David, Mary, and many more!
365 Classic Bedtime Bible Stories provides a year's supply of best-loved Bible stories and promises to make bedtime reading a delightful learning and faith-building experience for both you and your kids.

My Review:
I enjoyed looking through the stories and seeing all the bright, colorful pictures. The Illustrations are interesting and are fun to look at for kids. The book is recommended for ages 3 and up, but some of the stories may be a bit hard for little ones to understand. I liked the fact that this book goes through much of Scripture from Genesis through Nehemiah for the Old Testament and most of that is chapter by chapter. The New Testament begins with the Gospels, includes Acts and ends with Revelation. This book includes all of your typical children's Bible stories, but also includes some of the stories other books skip because they seem unpleasant. Of course, as with all books you must read critically examining the truth of what someone has written to make sure it is true to Scripture. You will find some discrepancies in some of the stories like David Spares Saul's Life on page 114. They have written that Saul was sleeping in the cave when in actuality he was using the restroom. So while some of the stories in this book are great, others will require the parent to explain things better. I do appreciate that each story in this book has the corresponding Scripture given so that the parent is able to read the Bible story.

My Rating:★★★

***I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Blind Spot (book 3, Chesapeake Valor series) by Dani Pettrey

It's been fun following this newest series by Dani Pettrey called, Chesapeake Valor.  In book 3, Blind Spot, Declan Grey and Tanner Shaw finally have their story in print.

From the Back Cover:
"The wrath is coming" were the final words that FBI agent Declan Grey heard the suicide bomber say. Now Declan is in the chase of his life--but isn't sure exactly what he's chasing after or when the threat will be unleashed on American soil. When his investigation's best clue leads him to a closed immigrant community, he turns to Tanner Shaw for assistance. She's sought justice for refugees and the displaced around the world, and if there's anyone who can help him, it's Tanner.
Tanner Shaw has joined the FBI as a crisis counselor...meaning she now has more opportunity to butt heads with Declan. As they work together to uncover the mounting threat, the tension between them also includes a spark she can't deny--and she's pretty sure Declan feels the same. But before anything more can develop, they find themselves in a race against time to stop the coming "wrath" that could cost thousands their lives.

My Review:
Blind Spot was another great read! I loved all the suspense throughout the story.  This book just pulled me in and didn't let go. This series should definitely be read in order! Each books introduces a little more knowledge that you must know in order to see the complete story.  I love that all of the characters I was introduced to in the first book, Cold Shot, still have important parts in each subsequent novel even though their personal story might not be the one that is focused on. I think it helps the reader to connect with the characters even more. I'm really looking forward to reading her next book as this one ends with quite the cliffhanger!  If you're looking for a book that will keep you up until the wee hours of the morning, pick up this series by Dani Pettrey!

***I received this complimentary copy of the book from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

12 Days at Bleakly Manor by Michelle Griep

Do you love to read mysteries? Well, here is a current mystery book that you should check out! Michelle Griep has started a new series called Once Upon a Dickens Christmas, and her first book, 12 Days at Bleakly Manor, just released. 

From the Back Cover:
A mysterious invitation to spend Christmas at an English manor home may bring danger...and love? 

England, 1851: When Clara Chapman receives an intriguing invitation to spend Christmas at an English manor home, she is hesitant yet feels compelled to attend—for if she remains the duration of the twelve-day celebration, she is promised a sum of five hundred pounds.

But is she walking into danger? it appears so, especially when she comes face to face with one of the other guests--her former fiance, Benjamin Lane.

Imprisoned unjustly, Ben wants revenge on whoever stole his honor. When he's given the chance to gain his freedom, he jumps at it--and is faced with the anger of the woman he stood up at the altar. Brought together under mysterious circumstances, Clara and Ben discover that what they've been striving for isn't what ultimately matters.

What matters most is what Christmas is all about...love.

My Thoughts:
 Since this was the first book I had read by Michelle Griep, I did not have any kind of expectations. After the first chapter of this book, I was hooked. I love a good mystery, and this one reminded me of when I read my first Agatha Christie book in high school. The story has that element of old, spooky house with a crazy cast of characters who are all vying for a prize of some sort. The beginning of the story only told parts and pieces of the real backstory of the main character, Clara Chapman. The lack of information really pushes the reader to read on trying to figure out what has happened. The plight of the main character draws on your emotions and causes you to inwardly hope for the character to have something turn in her favor.  The author has done a fabulous job drawing in the reader and providing some great enjoyable reading. So if you're looking for a fun new series to start especially one about Christmas, check out Michelle's newest series, Once Upon a Dickens Christmas!
Look for book 2 in the Once Upon a Dickens Christmas series, A Tale of Two Hearts, coming Fall of 2018.

My Rating: ★★★★★

*** I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.