Sacred Holidays by Becky Kiser

Having just come through one of the biggest holidays of the year, Christmas, maybe you are wanting your celebration to look a little different in 2019.  I know as we added children to our family, I began looking at our holiday celebrations—particularly Thanksgiving and Christmas—and wanting these times to be more Christ-centered. Becky Kiser has released a new book this year called Sacred Holidays. In her book, she challenges the reader on how holidays and celebrations are approached in their life. Are they influenced by a life lived for God or by what the world sees as important. There are three parts to this book.

1. Less Chaos, More Jesus (Read Now)—This section is meant to be read right now and helps to think through why you do what you do for the holidays.

2. Holidays—This section covers the following holidays: New Years, Valentines, Lent and Easter, Summer, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Advent and Christmas, and lastly, Birthdays. There are ideas for how to make the day more about Jesus, but also fun ideas too. Then each chapter has room to write down ideas, what worked, what didn’t work.

3. Comin Struggles—These chapters include: Realist Expectations, Budget, Schedule, Conflict, Grief and othe struggles we face during the holidays.

I thought that the book was useful in helping to think through how I approach these special times in our year. As with all books, there are things you’ll take away and use and other things you’ll just discard. I thought the author did a good job emphasizing that you need to find what works for your family, and I really appreciated her honesty in how her own family has dealt with changing their holidays. The added work pages are very helpful as this will be a book that you’ll want to reference throughout the year. If you’re looking to change things up, pick up this book and get some ideas of how to make your holidays a little better for your family.

My Rating: ★★★★

About the Author:

Becky Kiser is intent that women would fall in love with God’s Word, then feel equipped and empowered to live it out. She believes that women can live out their own wild story, just like the ones we see of God’s chosen in His Word, as they love Jesus and love people. She is the founder and CEO of Sacred Holidays—a ministry dedicated to helping women find less chaos and more Jesus during holidays through Bible study, community, resources, and lots of fun! She is determined to help women keep all the whimsy of the holidays, but help make them sacred—holy and set apart.

Becky has a background in marketing and ministry, and is a certified Myers-Briggs life coach, bringing each of those experiences into her writing. Becky and her husband, Chris, live in Houston, TX with their three girls.

***I received this free book from B&H/Lifeway. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own. 

The Minimalist Home by Joshua Becker

It seems to me that the world of organization is a growing fascination as we try to organize our lives. So many times we are at our wits end trying to control the clutter that comes into our houses. And unfortunately, it seems to be a loosing battle for most of us. I put myself there too. After my husband and I had 3 children, it seemed that there was a lot more stuff coming into our small house and taking up every corner!

Joshua Becker is the founder of the Becoming Minimalist website and has written several books. His newest book is called The Minimalist Home. This book will take you through your entire house helping you to see it in a new perspective in order to restore a calm and productive environment for your family.

First the book explains The Becker Method. Next, it will take you through 8 different spaces to practice what you've learned:

1. Living Room and Family Room

2. Bedrooms

3. Clothes Closets

4. Bathrooms and Laundry Room

5. Kitchen and Dining Room

6. Home Office

7. Storage Areas (including toy room and craft work spaces)

8. Garage and Yard

Each section has suggestions for how to minimize the area and then ends with a checklist to help you accomplish your tasks.

My Thoughts:

I thought that the book was helpful in getting me to think about each space in my house, and what the purpose was of each room. The author's definition of minimalism is "the intentional promotion of things we most value and the removal of anything that distracts us from them." (p. 10)

I liked having the checklists at the end of each chapter to help with minimizing each room.  It will help as I go through and empty each room of the things we don't need. 

So if you're looking for a little help with getting your house under control and transformed into a more calm and relaxing place, pick up Joshua Becker's new book, The Minimalist Home, and get started make your house into a place you can't wait to come home to.

Link to the book: The Minimalist Home

***I received this complimentary book from Waterbook Press. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

One Big Bible Story Seek-and-Circle Bible Battles by Alyssa Jones

 Are you looking for a book with some fun activities for your child? B&H Kids just released this new board book in September that is a search and find book filled with pages that depicts 6 different battles from scripture. This book is for kids ages 4-8 years old. At the beginning of the book is a page for parents that shares how you can use this book to engage with your children in talking about the armor of God.

Each page has 20 different items to look for in the colorful picture on the page. Once they are found there is a circle to fill in with a write-on, wipe-off marker.  In addition there is also a different piece of the armor of God to be found on each page. At the bottom of the page, there is a section called Christ Connection that will connect the Bible story on the page to Christ.

My kids liked looking through the pictures and searching for the items. They are big fans of search and find books. The only thing that was a little disappointing was that the dry erase marker we used didn't totally come off as you can see in the picture to the right. But this is my only complaint. The book is a lot of fun and would make a great gift for any child.

***I received this complimentary board book from B&H publishing. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

The Liberty Bride by MaryLu Tyndall (Book 6)

If you have been following the Daughters of the Mayflower series, you will be excited to find out that the newest book has just released. The Liberty Bride by MaryLu Tyndall takes readers back to the year 1814 near the end of the War of 1812.

From the Back Cover:
Emeline Baratt has been caring for others ever since she could walk. First her younger brothers and then, after she learned doctoring from her physician uncle in Maryland, everyone else in need, including her great aunt in England. But America and England are at war, and with her aunt's death, Emeline finds herself trapped behind enemy lines with no means of support--a terrifying prospect. Traveling home from England on one of her father's privateers seems no less frightening.

When the HMS Marauder overtakes the American ship, First Lieutant Owen Masters is shocked to find a beautiful woman aboard and even more shocked when she announces her loyalty to England and begins tending the wounded--both British and American--with equal care. If she is a traitor to her country, Own wants nothing to do with her.

Hiding her true allegiances on a ship where her nursing skills are desperately needed is fairly easy--until Emeline starts to have feelings for the first lieutenant who becomes her protector. However, when the captain sends her and Owen on land to spy for the British, they both are forced to choose between love for each other or love for country.

My Thoughts:
MaryLu Tyndall provides a high adventure on the open seas with this exciting story about Emeline and First Lieutenant Owen Masters. I enjoyed reading this story as it plunged me into the chaos of wartime in the Atlantic Ocean. History is always fun reading for me, and I love to learn more about my American roots. The story was engaging and kept me interested from start to finish, and MaryLu's book is a fun addition to the Daughters of the Mayflower series. If you are looking for a fun historical series to read, then make sure to pick up The Daughters of the Mayflower. You can read about all the books in the series by visiting this website: Daughters of the Mayflower.

My Rating: ★★★★

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

Another New Growth Press Giveaway--Family Devotionals!

New Growth Press’ Spirit of Giving Family Devotionals Giveaway

For active families, reading the Bible together can feel overwhelming. However, family Bible study doesn’t have to be complicated! With just ten minutes a day, parents have enough time to pass on the most valuable treasure the world has ever known. 

Start off the new year resolved to study the Bible together. New Growth Press has you covered and is giving away a family devotional package every family will want to win!

In this third and final Spirit of Giving giveaway of the Christmas season, New Growth Press is giving away THREE gift boxes of family devotionals (retail value of $148 each). From December 3-8, you can enter to win one of family devotional boxes. 

Each gift box includes one copy of the following family devotionals written by Marty Machowski:

·       Listen Up: 10-Minute Family Devotions on the Parables

Children love stories, and the parables provide a wonderful opportunity to engage their imagination and help them understand and live out the good news of the kingdom of God. After teaching a parable, Jesus often said, “Whoever has ears, let him hear.” In other words, “This is important, so you better listen up,” and what could be more important than the good news of the kingdom of God? This family devotional provides a unique opportunity for parents to help their children “listen up” and hear the gospel as Jesus himself shared it.

·       Wise Up: 10-Minute Family Devotions in Proverbs

Wise Up is designed to connect the teaching of Proverbs to God’s larger story of salvation. Children will learn that Solomon’s wisdom, life, and failures all point to “something greater than Solomon”—they point to Jesus. The goal of this devotional is to present the wisdom of Proverbs against the backdrop of the gospel to show children that real wisdom comes only as we depend on Jesus for daily help and forgiveness.

·       Long Story Short: Ten-Minute Devotions to Draw Your Family to God

Long Story Short guides families through the Old Testament stories and is designed to cultivate honest and powerful discussion about the Bible, which is the catalyst for change in children’s lives. Through 78 Old Testament stories, Long Story Short explains God’s plan of salvation through the Old Testament, focusing on the hero of Scripture and important biblical truths without being corny, confusing, or condescending. 

·       Old Story New: Ten-Minute Devotions to Draw Your Family to God

Suited for children from preschool through high school, this gospel-focused book is full of ten-minute devotions to continue the gospel story that began in Long Story Short. The consistent and short structure helps children walk through the life-changing truths of the Christian faith in the New Testament—without overwhelming them. Through 78 New Testament stories, Old Story New does the hard work for moms and dads. Simple discussion questions (and answers!) for each day’s devotion help children understand and connect with Jesus’s life, death, resurrection, and the birth of the Christian church.

·       The Gospel Story Bible: Discovering Jesus in the Old and New Testaments

This beautifully illustrated storybook captivates young readers with the heart of the gospel. The Gospel Story Bible points to Jesus, helping families and kids identify Christ as the hero of every story. While it’s easy to forget Jesus in the midst of frantic schedules, family squabbles, and conflicting priorities, Machowski reminds families of God’s plan of salvation in Christ, which is continually on display throughout the Bible. Ideal as a storybook for your preschooler, a devotional for your grade school student, a refresher for the adult believer, or an introduction for the new one, The Gospel Story Bible is also a companion to Long Story Short and Old Story New.

In addition to these books for the entire family, the winners will also receive a new book of devotionals just for parents, and New Growth Press’ latest parenting book.

·       Parenting First Aid: Hope for the Discouraged by Marty Machowski

In this uplifting and faith-strengthening devotional book for parents, Marty Machowski encourages parents in the midst of trials. Full of Scripture, testimonies of faithful parents, and insightful meditations, Parenting First Aid equips moms and dads to run to God and trust his ability to do what they can’t. The easy-to-use format provides encouragement to turn to God in the midst of family difficulty. While God does not promise happiness and ease in parenting, all can find comfort in God and peace beyond understanding through the Scriptures and meditations found in Parenting First Aid.

·       Child Proof: Parenting by Faith, Not Formula by Julie Lowe

Every family is unique, which is why Child Proof explores the need for parents to cultivate personal and intimate care for their children as modeled in God’s individual, personal, and fatherly care to his children. This child-rearing book lays a foundation of parenting by faith and progresses by teaching readers how they can know their own kids well and raise them accordingly. By discussing particular issues moms and dads might have in family life, Lowe demonstrates how formulas aren’t the answer, and parenting with biblical wisdom is best for a proactive rather than reactive approach to parenting.

In case you don’t win the prize pack, sign-up for New Growth Press’ e-news at https://newgrowthpress.com/ to receive information about their Countdown to Christmas discounts so that you can order copies. Be sure to follow them on social media as well where they will be sharing daily deals throughout the Christmas season (facebook.com/ngpbooks | twitter.com/newgrowthpress | instagram.com/newgrowthpress).

New Growth Press' Spirit of Giving Children's Book Giveaway!!

New Growth Press’ Spirit of Giving Children’s Book Giveaway

Who doesn’t love giving and getting books for Christmas? (If you don’t, we may need to have a talk!)

Books are a great gift, especially for children. Not only do we want to encourage the love of reading and give them stories they will enjoy, we want to provide teaching moments. Plus giving little ones new books is really a gift to the parents as well. They need a break from the same old bedtime stories.

You don’t have to be a parent to buy for kids, you know! Maybe you have grandkids, nieces, nephews, neighbors, or want to bless some children from church.

New Growth Press is jumping into the gift giving season by giving away THREE children’s book gift boxes (retail value of $125 each). All of their children’s books are beautifully illustrated, entertaining, teach a lesson, and most importantly, are biblically based!

From November 19-25, you can enter to win one of three children’s gift boxes. Click on the graphic below to enter the giveaway!

Each gift box includes five of New Growth Press’ new children’s releases and two of their best sellers:

·       God Counts: Numbers in His Word and His World by Irene Sun

This playful children’s book serves as a beginner’s theology book for young readers who love numbers and patterns. By discovering numbers in God’s world and in his Word, parents help their children foster a deeper love and knowledge of who God is and how he counts them as his. With countable illustrations and an easy-to-learn structure, children who are always seeking, finding, tracing, and counting numbers will be captivated by God Counts.

·       Buster’s Ears Trip Him Up: When You Fail edited by Edward T. Welch

·       Jax’s Tail Twitches: When You are Angry edited by David Powlison

·       Zoe’s Hiding Place: When You are Anxious edited by David Powlison

These three books are a part of the Good News for Little Hearts series. This is a new series of hardback, illustrated children’s books for three-to eight-year-olds—each centered on an animal family. The animal characters, colorful illustrations, and the real-life issues each animal family face will captivate children. The first three books address anxiety, anger, and failure, bringing biblical counsel and hope to issues every child faces. Together children and parents will be guided by the stories into meaningful conversations about living by faith in everyday life.

·       God Made Me and You by Shai Linne

God Made Me and You invites kids to explore God’s design for ethnic diversity. Because Scripture teaches that ethnic diversity is not something that should be tolerated but rather enthusiastically embraced, Christian hip hop artist Shai Linne helps children, parents, and caregivers to celebrate this biblical truth through a lyrical, rhyming style and colorful illustrations.

·       God Made All of Me by Justin and Lindsey Holcomb

God Made All of Me is an invaluable resource and beautifully illustrated story to help families talk about sensitive issues with two- to eight-year-old children. This helpful guide starts from the fundamental truth that God created everything and applies that truth to kids and their bodies. With the help of God Made All of Me, parents and caregivers can begin conversations with boys and girls about their bodies, navigating a discussion that can so easily be warped into confusion, embarrassment, and secrecy.

·       The Radical Book for Kids: Exploring the Roots and Shoots of Faith by Champ Thornton

The Radical Book for Kids is a fun-filled explorer’s guide to the Bible, church history, and life for boys and girls ages eight and up. Vibrantly illustrated and chock-full of fun facts and ideas, this interactive book competes with screen time by stimulating children’s natural curiosity and sense of adventure! Along with the many fun and exciting stories of historical figures, young and old readers alike will learn about the roots of our faith and the importance of the gospel in our lives.

In case you don’t win the prize pack, sign-up for New Growth Press’ e-news at https://newgrowthpress.com/ to receive information about their Countdown to Christmas discounts so that you can order copies. Be sure to follow them on social media as well where they will be sharing daily deals throughout the Christmas season (facebook.com/ngpbooks | twitter.com/newgrowthpress | instagram.com/newgrowthpress).

Prepare Him Room: Celebrating the Birth of Jesus Family Devotional by Marty Machowski

With Christmas right around the corner, maybe you are looking for a new advent devotional to use with your family this Christmas season to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

One devotional to take a look at is a book by Marty Machowski called Prepare Him Room: Celebrating the Birth of Jesus Family Devotional. This devotional is four weeks long and each week has three different devotionals to read during the week as well as a short story called, Bartimaeus: A Christmas Story.

I liked how each devotional is set up to include Scripture, a devotional thought about the Scripture, some questions to ask, a family activity and praying and singing together. There are also instructions for making your own advent wreath which you then light each time you read your advent devotionals. The devotionals are engaging and point the focus to the One Christmas is really about--Jesus. I really enjoyed reading the additional fictional story throughout the book too. It is well written and will hold the kids attention while teaching them the great truth that God desires to adopt us into His family through faith in Jesus.
If you're looking for a new advent reading to do with your family this season, pick up Marty Machowski's book and enjoy celebrating Jesus as a family.

***I received this complimentary book from New Growth Press. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Beloved: 365 Devotions for Young Women by Lindsay A. Franklin

Zondervan has a new devotional out for young women called, Beloved: 365 Devotions for Young Women written by Lindsay A. Franklin. This devotional has one page to read each day of the year that includes a Bible verse, some devotional thoughts from the author and some space at the bottom of each page for notes. The book begins with verses in Genesis and moves through the whole Bible taking verses that speak specifically about women and applies it to the life of young women today. This book would be appropriate for teens.

I thought the author tried to approach the reader on their level when talking about the daily verse. I wish there was a little more depth to the devotional, but it’s more about a thought for the day than deep study. The book itself is beautifully designed and would make a great gift for a teen girl in your life.


***I received this complimentary book from Handlebar. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own. 

Becoming Mrs. Lewis: The Improbable Love Story of Joy Davidman and C. S. Lewis by Patti Callahan

Most people around the world are familiar with C.S. Lewis in some way. Some have read his books (Mere Christianity, Screwtape Letters, Surprised by Joy, Till We Have Faces, etc.), but many now know of him through the movies produced about his popular children's series, The Chronicles of Narnia. But there is little written about the woman, Joy Davidman, C. S. Lewis married toward the end of his life. This book, Becoming Mrs. Lewis, is a fictional telling of their love story that seemed quite improbable.

From the Back Cover:

In a most improbable friendship, she found love. In a world where women were silenced, she found her voice.

 From New York Times bestselling author Patti Callahan comes an exquisite novel of Joy Davidman, the woman C. S. Lewis called “my whole world.” When poet and writer Joy Davidman began writing letters to C. S. Lewis—known as Jack—she was looking for spiritual answers, not love. Love, after all, wasn’t holding together her crumbling marriage. Everything about New Yorker Joy seemed ill-matched for an Oxford don and the beloved writer of Narnia, yet their minds bonded over their letters. Embarking on the adventure of her life, Joy traveled from America to England and back again, facing heartbreak and poverty, discovering friendship and faith, and against all odds, finding a love that even the threat of death couldn’t destroy.

In this masterful exploration of one of the greatest love stories of modern times, we meet a brilliant writer, a fiercely independent mother, and a passionate woman who changed the life of this respected author and inspired books that still enchant us and change us. Joy lived at a time when women weren’t meant to have a voice—and yet her love for Jack gave them both voices they didn’t know they had.

​

At once a fascinating historical novel and a glimpse into a writer’s life, Becoming Mrs. Lewis is above all a love story—a love of literature and ideas and a love between a husband and wife that, in the end, was not impossible at all.

**This is a video about the book told by the author, Patti Callahan.

My Review:

I was looking forward to reading this book to learn more about the one woman that C. S. Lewis loved. I knew that he had written a book called Grief Observed about how he had felt after his wife died, but I didn't know anything about her. Becoming Mrs. Lewis is told from Joy's perspective on her life, and how she met C. S. Lewis even though they were an ocean apart. Not having any prior knowledge of Joy Davidman, I cannot express whether this portrayal of her is an accurate description of her life. Her life story is definitely one of searching for truth, as she was not only an ex-communist but also an atheist. I liked how through her awful circumstance God reaches out and she for the first time acknowledges someone greater than herself. This point in time is what propels her to search for the Truth. She also struggles with trying to find love through relationships, and I feel the author portrays her as being addicted to physical relationships. Even after turning to Christianity, while she is still married to her first husband, Bill, she pursues this relationship with Lewis that is drawing her toward Lewis emotionally. And again before her divorce is final, she commits fornication while in London with another writer before marrying Lewis. The author also talks about drinking quite a lot and uses the British swear word "bloody" and "hell" quite a bit too. So overall, this book can be quite controversial with all that is included in the story. On one hand, the author has included all the good and the bad just like in real life. On the other hand, is it too much? 

For me, this book was informational. I'll have to do some other reading to find out if the author did justice to the portrayal of Joy Davidman in this story. The author does include a list of books in the back of the book for further reading. Also, because of seeing the influence that Joy and her sons had on C. S. Lewis' life, it will make me look differently at many of his life's works. 
Now, that being said, I would only recommend this book with caution to the reader.  I was disappointed with all the controversial material in it, but also that there really wasn't much truth of Scripture mentioned in this book. Although there is mention that C. S. Lewis did read his Bible every morning, the characters quoted more from books than the Bible.

***I received this book from BookLook Bloggers. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

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A Sparkle of Silver by Liz Johnson

Are you looking for a fun mystery to add to your "books to read" pile? Then take a look at this new book from Liz Johnson, A Sparkle of Silver. This book is the first book in a new series  by Liz called Georgia Coast Romance.

From the Back Cover:
Ninety years ago, Millie Sullivan’s great-grandmother was a guest at banker Howard Dawkins’ palatial estate on the shore of St. Simons Island, Georgia. Now, Millie plays a 1920s-era guest during tours of the same manor. But when her grandmother suggests that there is a lost diary containing the location of a hidden treasure on the estate, along with the true identity of Millie’s great-grandfather, Millie sets out to find the truth of her heritage–and the fortune that might be hers.
When security guard Ben Thornton discovers her snooping in the estate’s private library, he threatens to have her fired. But her story seems almost too ludicrous to be fiction, and her offer to split the treasure is too tempting to pass up . . .

My Thoughts:
I always enjoy a good mystery. I love trying to figure out the puzzle as the author gives clues along the way. The author did a great job weaving this treasure-hunting mystery together. The story was fast-paced and intriguing. I definitely read this one quick.  This book is not overly spiritual in it's content. God is mentioned in a few of the chapters, but isn't woven into the story as much as other authors I've read. The overall theme of perseverance through trial is clearly seen as the characters struggle with past mistakes, and life trials that are out of their control. Overall, I enjoyed the mystery part of the story, but it's not a book I would read over and over again.

***I received this complimentary book from Library Thing Early Reviewers. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

The Cumberland Bride by Shannon McNear (The Daughter of the Mayflower series, book 5)

Back in February 2018, Barbour Books began releasing a new series called The Daughters of the Mayflower. This series is the collaborative efforts of several authors--Kimberly Woodhouse, Kathleen Y'Barbo, Michelle Griep, Shannon McNear, and Marylu Tyndall. The Cumberland Bride (book 5) by Shannon McNear is the newest release in this series tracing the roots of American history.

From the Back Cover:
In 1794, as Kate Gruener's father prepares to move the family into the frontier of western Kentucky, Kate is eager to see untamed lands and live out her own story of adventure just as her father had during the War for Independence. And she sets her sights on learning more about their scout, Thomas Bledsoe.

Thomas's job is to get settlers safely across the Wilderness Road to their destination while keeping an ear open for news of Shawnee unrest. But naive Kate's inquisitive nature could put them both in the middle of a rising tide of conflict.

Is there more to Thomas's story than he is willing to tell? Is there an untapped courage in Kate that can thwart a coming disaster?

My Thoughts:
This has been a fun trip thru American history for me, and Shannon McNear's addition to this series was a delightful read. This book takes place in the year 1794 when people began moving into unsettled territory using the Cumberland Gap to go through the mountains. The author did a great job describing life back then and the realities of conflict with the American Indians. In my opinion, a book is a success if it can take me back in time and help me understand more about the history of my ancestors who settled this great land. The story pulled me in and kept me flipping pages way past my bedtime. If you're looking for a series that will help you learn more about history and include a little romance, then pick up The Cumberland Bride and the rest of The Daughters of the Mayflower series.
You can visit the link for all of the books in the series by clicking here.

My Rating: ★★★★


Here is the first six books in the series:

Look for two more books coming out next year:

Available February 2019

Available April 2019











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

Enchanting Nicholette by Dawn Crandall (The Everstone Chronicles Series Book 5)

The final book in the Everstone Chronicles series, Enchanting Nicholette,  has released! Now, you can see how things finally end up for Nicholette Everstone as she tries to recover after her loss of her newlywed husband, William Everstone, on their wedding day.

From the Back Cover:
In this captivating novel by Dawn Crandall, Nicholette Everstone is already a widow at the age of twenty-two: her husband was murdered on their wedding day. She has just returned to Boston after two years of mourning in Europe. Although her husband was loving, the marriage was an arranged one, and Nicholette would like to wed again--this time for love...and to someone safe.
As she acclimates to life in Back Bay again, Nicholette meets someone she can't help but fall for. But when she learns of the danger and sacrifices Cal Hawthorne takes on for the safety of others, will her heart by strong enough to keep her fears of "what if" at bay?

My Thoughts:
This book was easy to dive into. The opening chapters draw you into Nicholette's story cheering her on as she opens herself to new possibilities with Cal Hawthorne. Dawn's writing makes me smile. Her characters are like fun friends you'd like to hang out with.  A good book holds your attention, makes your heart grin with cunning phrases and keeps you in suspense as you race to find out what happens in the end. This book has all of those aspects. Dawn has done a fabulous job with this entire series, and this book was a great way to end the story.

If you're looking for a fun, clean, romance series to read, pick up The Everstone Chronicles by Dawn Crandall!! Read more about Dawn Crandall at her website by clicking here.

My Rating: ★★★★★

 

Giveaway: 

Just Read Publicity Tours is hosting a giveaway for Dawn's new book so make sure to head over there and enter today!! Click Here.

***I received this complimentary book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Imagine: The Fall of Jericho by Matt Koceich

The next book in Matt Koceich’s Imagine series has released. Imagine: The Fall of Jericho, the third book in this series, is a story about a young 5th grade boy named Jake Henry who wakes up in the ancient city of Jericho on the first day the Israelites march around the city. Now,  Jake has to figure why he ended up back in time, and what he needs to do before the walls come tumbling down.

This book was a fun read as Jake tries to figure out the mystery he is living. The story line is intriguing since it is a Bible story that kids who have grown up in the church would know. And I think the story helps the Biblical events come to life as kids ponder what it would of been like to live during that time in history. This series is for kids ages 8-12 years old. So, if you’re looking for some good books for your kids, make sure to pick up Matt’s Imagine series.

Check out the other books in this series:
1. Imagine: The Great Flood
2. Imagine: The Ten Plagues

*Look for book 4-Imagine: The Giant’s Fall releasing May 2019.

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

Lynn Austin’s Legacy of Mercy

 Lynn Austin’s sequel to Waves of Mercy has just released. Legacy of Mercy finishes the beautiful story the author began about a young girl named, Anna Nicholson.

From the Back Cover:
Having  returned to Chicago, young socialite Anna Nicholson can’t seem to focus on her upcoming marriage. The new information she’s learned about her birth mother continues to pull at her, and she hires Pinkerton detectives to help her discover the whole truth.
But as she meets people who once knew her mother and hears stories about the past, Anna soon discovers that some secrets are better left hidden. With pressure mounting to keep the past quiet, she discovers daily that her choice to seek God’s purpose for her life isn’t as simple as she had hoped.
When things are at their darkest, Anna knows she can turn to her grandmother, Geesje de Jonge, back in Holland, Michigan. Geesje’s been helping new Dutch immigrants—including a teen with a troubled history—adjust to America. She only hopes that her wisdom can help all these young people through the turmoil they face.

My Thoughts:
The history in these books was amazing. I live in the great state of Michigan and loved reading about some of the first immigrants to settle the city of Holland, Michigan. History has always fascinated me and historical fiction is a great way to learn about history. This story was filled with many different themes as many of the characters struggled through various trials in their lives. But the central overarching theme of God's love comes up again and again as these characters seek to following God through their circumstances. Be aware that there is mention of a past incident of child sexual abuse in this story. It is not in detail and just mentions the event.
My favorite lines from this book are the words that Geesje de Jonge spoke concerning all the loss that she had endured as I have also lost loved ones close to me.

     "There was a time in my life when I said I was willing to serve God any way He chose--and I meant it. But then I began to lose the people I loved, and I became very angry with Him for making me suffer. As my resentment grew, I nearly turned away from Him altogether. Then one day I found myself praying with a friend whose baby had been stillborn, and I understood that this was how God was asking me to serve Him. Would I accept my own suffering as something He allowed in order to shape me into something He could use? Someone who would love like Jesus? Was I willing? Over time--and it was a long time--I chose to let go of the resentment and to trust Him. Simply trust Him. I don't need to see exactly how He's going to weave together all of the broken strands--in my life or anyone else's. But I know that the finished work will be beautiful." (pg. 370)


If you're looking for a good series with some fun Michigan history, pick up this set of books from Lynn Austin!

***I received this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Everything She Didn’t Say by Jane Kirkpatrick

Would you like to take a trip back in time when the railroad was beginning to head out west? Then this is a story you’ll want to read.  Everything She Didn’t Say  by Jane Kirkpatrick will introduce you to a young, adventurous woman named Carrie Adell Strahorn.

Carrie’s story is filled with the hard life of a pioneer, and the exciting adventures of settling the unknown Wild West. She and her husband, Robert Strahorn, travelled around the west for the Union Pacific researching different locations for the railroad to expand to and for material for Robert to write books promoting settling in the West.

Jane Kirkpatrick has a way with bringing an unknown woman’s story to life. The author has done a wonderful job of being true to Carrie’s story while exploring the possibilities of what Carrie left out of what she wrote. I enjoyed reading this story and learning more about the history of my wonderful country. If you’re looking for a good read, pick up this new book by Jane Kirkpatrick!

My Rating: ★★★★

***I received this complimentary book from Revell. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own. 

Who Was Esther?, and Who Was David? Kingdom Files series by Matt Koceich

My daughter has really enjoyed the "Who Was" series from our local library, and I was excited to learn that author Matt Koceich has come out with something similar but with Biblical characters.

Who Was David? and Who Was Esther? are just two of the books in this series. Each book tells the life story of a biblical character and reads like a biography that is separated into three sections--Fact File (key information), Action File (events of the character's life), and Power File (memory verse and application for your life). Clue boxes appear along the way and give applications from the story. These books are for kids ages 8-12.

I thought the stories were a good re-telling of the facts from Scripture so that kids can get a total understanding of the main character being discussed. But I wish the stories were less dry and more engaging for the reader. On the other hand, the power-up section in the back of the book would be a great talking tool to use with your kids as you discuss the book together.

In Who Was David?  I thought that this book could of really used a map to help the reader follow along.  In the Power-up section in the back of the book,  power-up #4 talks about God being with you which is a great lesson we can learn from the life of David. But I didn't like what was emphasized in this paragraph: "After David defeated Goliath, the king invited him in to be a part of his team. Saul sent David out on missions, and David was always successful. So Saul gave David a high rank in the army. David found success in all things he did because God was right there with him." It's almost like he's saying that if God is with you, then you will always be successful. The main idea is not that because we have God, we will be successful with whatever we do--soccer games, life going well, etc.  God was the One Who worked through David because David obeyed. I wish this would of been said a little differently since success is looked at in such a different way by our culture.  In Who Was Esther?  I appreciated that this book did include a mini timeline and a map of the area that was being discussed. Overall, I think the series is a great idea in helping kids get familiar with the character's complete story from Scripture instead of just knowing about them from one story of their lives.

The following is a list of the other books in this series: Who is Jesus?, Who was Daniel?, Who was Jonah?, Who was Mary, Mother of Jesus?  You can see all the books from this series by clicking here.

***I received complimentary copies of these books from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.