Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Against the Gates of Hell by Mylow Young*A Review


He had always looked down on those who partook and pedaled drugs which claimed the lives of many in the streets. Now Kerby Wilson finds himself duped by his own pride and going down a very desperate path of his own. Distraught over the death of his parents and, the murder of a fellow police officer, Kerby alienates those closest to him, pushing them away¿his wife, brother, police force buddies and old friends. As the bottom falls out of his life and darkness consumes his soul, he sells all that he holds dear for an elusive state of peace.Herby, Kerby's identical twin brother is angry with Kerby for turning on his family, friends, and the police force and for going down this destructive path. As his heart hardens and he is caught up in his own battle of resentment and bitterness, he tries to shut Kerby out. But Rene, his God-fearing wife won't allow that to happen. Instead she continually appeals to his conscience, reminding him of God's unfailing love and Kerby's need for his help.When Kerby uses his past identity as a police officer to rob the biggest drug dealer in Philly, a price is put on his head. Learning of Kerby's latest antics, Herby, family and friends are challenged to push past their struggles to help keep him alive and break free of his addiction.This hope-filled story reveal the internal and external struggles of two men who find themselves in need of God's grace, love and forgiveness as they fight for their lives against the very gates of hell.

Paperback: 464 pages
Publisher: Lift Every Voice; New Edition edition (September 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0802401694
ISBN-13: 978-0802401694
Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 1.4 inches
Shipping Weight: 1 pounds



MYLOW YOUNG is a native of Philadelphia and has struggled with drug addiction for more than half of his life. After several stays at Bethel Colony of Mercy and even serving in that same ministry, consistency in his life was not to be found. After totally surrendering his life to Jesus Christ and discovering his identity in Christ, he has found newness of life. Mylow and his wife Sondra attend The Connection of Statesville Church where Mylow serves as a Deacon. Mylow is available for speaking engagements at your church, youth group, Sunday school service or recovery group and can be contacted at gaitsofhell1@gmail.com.


MY REVIEW
  Against the Gates of Hell by Mylow Young is a book about the inside and outside struggles of life, drugs of twins. It is about police officers and how you can so easily get off of the right track. It also is about not judging anyone when we don’t really know what is going on in their lives.
  I really enjoyed this book. I’ve never read any books by Mylow Young before, but would gladly read any more of his.
  Against the Gates of Hell showed me what it is like to be an addict, but also how people may want to stop, but don’t believe anyone cares for them or is wanting them to be free.
  In this book Kerby was a police officer turned addict after some horrible things happened. Even after all of that he still had family who loved him, prayed for him and wanted him back. Even through all of that he still couldn’t believe he was worth anything, but God wouldn’t let him go. I can just imagine if an addict didn’t have anyone who cared how would they even get help or out.
  This is a very tender, touching story full of action, adventure, love forgiveness and real life situations. I really enjoyed all of the preaching and Bible verses mentioned in this book.  You won’t be sorry you read this book. It really gives you an inside look at how hard some people have it, but they can make it with the grace of God.
 I highly recommend this book. It will change how you feel about drug addicts and those people who are alone in life.


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Thank you to Moody Publishers for providing this book for review. 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

Monday, October 24, 2011

DVD GIVEAWAY and Review of Thomas Kinkade presents Christmas Lodge


ABOUT THE DVD
Thomas Kinkade presents Christmas Lodge: a place where a heart-warming past and loving future meet for one remarkable group of people. During a weekend trip to the mountains, Mary (Erin Karpluk) finds herself at the now-dilapidated lodge where she spent the holidays with her family growing up. She becomes determined to restore the building to its former glory. Inspired by her grandfather and guided by her grandmother in heaven, Mary throws herself into the project, and during the process finds herself drawn to Jack (Michael Shanks), a handsome man who loves the lodge as much as she does. Historically unlucky in love, this chance encounter allows Mary to renew her faith in life and discover her one true love. For an uplifting story about the importance of faith, family and the true holiday spirit, go to the Christmas Lodge.

http://www.christmaslodgethemovie.com/

"I believe we all have a higher purpose to our lives than merely existing day to day. Each of us, in our own unique way, is called to let our light shine. The unique, one-of-a-kind canvas of our existence is meant to be an inspiration to others – a true joy to behold and a heaven-sent blessing to those we meet and to the world around us."
– Thomas Kinkade
THE ACTORS

Erin Karplunk plays Mary












Michael Shanks plays Jack









Actors: Victoria Banks, Michael Shanks, Erin Karpluk, Peter Benson
Directors: -
Format: Color, DVD, NTSC, Widescreen
Language: English
Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
Number of discs: 1
Rated: G (General Audience)
Studio: Vivendi Entertainment
DVD Release Date: October 11, 2011
Run Time: 90 minutes
ASIN: B005BXY1QU





MY REVIEW
  Christmas Lodge is a wonderful family movie and sweet love story all in one.  Mary loves spending time in the mountains, because when she was young her family always spent time in the mountains at the Christmas lodge. By accident she finds the Christmas lodge again and finds out it is falling apart. This really upsets her and she wants to do something about it.
  Mary’s grandfather had heart surgery and then a stroke and they don’t know if he will live or not. I love the sweet relationship Mary and her grandfather have. You can tell they love each other so very much.
  Mary also falls in love with Jack who owns the Christmas lodge. They work together in life, love and rebuilding the lodge, but so many problems keep coming up.
  The actors/actresses do a fantastic job in this movie and it is just a beautiful place to have a movie, and what isn‘t wonderful with Thomas Kinkade involved?
 This is a movie to watch with your family for Christmas and beyond. A G-rated movie and one full of love, faith and family. Highly recommended for one and all.


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“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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.”


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Contest is only open in the U.S. and void where prohibited. Chances of winning are based on the number of entries and winner is draw from a non-biased third party- Random.org.  ENTRY DEADLINE November 13, 2011



The Berenstain Bears Give Thanks by Jan & Mike Berenstain * A Review


THE BERENSTAIN BEARS GIVE THANKS
The Living Lights Berenstain Bear series helps children learn how God wants them to live every day. The Berenstain cubs act out the first Thanksgiving---complete with costumes, props and a full Thanksgiving feast. But will Sister Bear's pet turkey play the part of dinner? The Berenstain Bears Give Thanks teaches how God provided for the pilgrims and reminds children of God's many blessings.

Reading level: Ages 4-8
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Zonderkidz (July 21, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0310712513
ISBN-13: 978-0310712510
Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 8 x 0.1 inches
Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces

THE AUTHORS
Stan and Jan Berenstain introduced the first Berenstain Bear books in 1962. Mike Berenstain grew up watching his parents work together to write about and draw these lovable bears. Eventually he started drawing and writing about them too. Though Stan died in 2005, Jan and Mike continue to create the delightful Bear adventures from their family home in Pennsylvania, in an area that looks much like the sunny dirt road deep in Bear Country.
















MY REVIEW
 I’m just delighted at these new Berenstain Bears books from Living Lights. This one of course is about Thanksgiving and is full of such wonderful colors, pictures and we all love the Berenstain Bear characters. I like the story also. Sister doesn’t want the turkey for Thanksgiving because she wants it as a pet. I can see my daughter doing the same thing. Also brother and sister put on a play for the family who comes for dinner about the pilgrims and how they wanted to be able to worship the way they wanted so they came to America.
  I like these books because they are longer, but really hold the attention of children. So if you have a child/grandchild or young friend, this book is just prefect for Thanksgiving. You will be entertained and also learn something about this special holiday. I recommend this for everyone.

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Thank you to Zonderkidz for providing this book for review. 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

Thursday, October 20, 2011

A Whisper of Peace by Kim Vogel Sawyer*A Review


A Whisper of Peace by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Ostracized by her tribe because of her white father, Lizzie Dawson lives alone in the mountains of Alaska, practicing the ways of her people even as she resides in the small cabin her father built for her mother. She dreams of reconciling with her grandparents to fulfill her mother's dying request, but she has not yet found a way to bridge the gap that separates her from her tribe.

Clay Selby has always wanted to be like his father, a missionary who holds a great love for the native people and has brought many to God. Clay arrives in Alaska to set up a church and school among the Athabascans. He is totally focused on this goal... until he meets a young, independent Indian woman with the most striking blue eyes he's ever seen.

But Lizzie is clearly not part of the tribe. And befriending her might have dire consequences for his mission. Will Clay be forced to choose between his desire to minister to the natives and the quiet nudging of his heart?



Paperback: 349 pages
Publisher: Bethany House (September 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0764207857
ISBN-13: 978-0764207853
Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 1 inches
Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces


Kim Vogel Sawyer is the author of nineteen novels, including several CBA and ECPA bestsellers. Her books have won the ACFW Book of the Year Award, the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, and the Inspirational Readers Choice Award. Kim is active in her church, where she leads women's fellowship and participates in both voice and bell choirs. In her spare time, she enjoys drama, quilting, and calligraphy. Kim and her husband, Don, reside in central Kansas, and have three daughters and six grandchildren. She invites you to visit her Web site at www.kimvogelsawyer.com for more information.


MY REVIEW
  A Whisper of Peace is a good book, but for me it really started slow. It didn’t seem like a lot happened in this book and it was easy to guess the ending. It took me longer than normal to read because it just wasn’t that interesting. I know Kim Vogel Sawyer is a sweetheart of a person and has written many wonderful books, but this just isn’t one  of them.
  Don’t get me wrong this is a fun read if you don’t have any other books to read. It is full of encouraging thoughts.
  I would have liked the characters to have had a little more depth of character and to be stronger in their feelings and the way they lived their lives.
  I just don’t think it is a book I would ever read again.
I recommend this book for a easy going kind of read if you don’t have anything more interesting to read.

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Thank you to Bethany House for providing this book for review. 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

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

BOOK WINNER The Wedding Kiss by Hannah Alexander


The Wedding Kiss by Hannah Alexander was won by
Patsy 
If you didn't win, go out and buy The Wedding Kiss or another book by Hannah Alexander.
Love their books.
New giveaway coming soon.
Have a blessed day,

Friday, October 14, 2011

Shadows on the Sand by Gayle Roper * A Review


ABOUT SHADOWS ON THE SAND
She serves him breakfast at her cafe every morning … but he never seems to notice her.
Carrie Carter’s small cafe in Seaside, New Jersey, is populated with a motley crew of locals … although Carrie only has eyes for Greg Barnes. He’s recovering from a vicious crime that three years ago took the lives of his wife and children—and from the year he tried to drink his reality away. While her heart does a happy Snoopy dance at the sight of him, he never seems to notice her, to Carrie’s chagrin.
When Carrie’s dishwasher is killed and her young waitress disappears, Greg finds himself drawn into helping Carrie solve the mysteries … and into her life. But when Carrie’s own painful past becomes all to present, her carefully constructed world begins to sink.
Will the fragile relationship she’s built with Greg implode from the weight of the baggage they both carry?

Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Multnomah Books (July 19, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1601420846
ISBN-13: 978-1601420848
Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches
Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces


ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Gayle the Writer: Gayle is the award winning author of more than forty books. She has been a Christy finalist three times for her novels Spring Rain, Summer Shadows, and Winter Winds.
Her novel Autumn Dreams won the prestigious Romance Writers of America's RITA Award for Best Inspirational Romance. Summer Shadows was voted the Inspirational Readers Choice Contest Book of the Year (tied with fellow author Brandilyn Collins).
Gayle has won the Holt Medallion three times for The Decision, Caught in a Bind, and Autumn Dreams. The Decision won the Reviewers Choice Award, and Gayle has also won the Award of Excellence for Spring Rain and the Golden Quill for Summer Shadows and Winter Winds. Romantic Times Book Report gave Gayle the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Her Amhearst mystery series, Caught in the Middle, Caught in the Act, and Caught in a Bind, originally published by Zondervan, was reprinted in 2007 by Love Inspired Suspense with a fourth original title added, Caught Redhanded. Another original single title, See No Evil, was also released. Caught in the Middle has been optioned for film.
A Woman and her Emotions, an updated and expanded version of Gayle's title Balancing Your Emotions, also saw release in 2007. Gayle's other nonfiction title, Riding the Waves, has been called the "thinking woman's book on contentment".
2008 sees the release of Fatal Deduction (Waterbrook Multnomah) in May. Publishers Weekly states, "Roper's dialogue and character development are spot-on, which is no small feat, considering that Libby's world is peopled by everyone from elderly patricians to two-bit gangsters…This novel is a pleasure from start to finish."

Gayle the Teacher:  For her work in training Christian writers Gayle has won special recognition from Mount Hermon CWC, St. Davids CWC, Florida CWC, and Greater Philadelphia CWC. She directed St. Davids for five years and Sandy Cove CWC for six. She has taught with Christian Leaders, Authors and Speakers Services (CLASS), serving for several years as their writer in residence.
Gayle enjoys speaking at women's events across the nation and loves sharing the powerful truths of Scripture with humor and practicality.
When she's not writing, or teaching at conferences, Gayle enjoys reading, gardening, and eating out.
http://www.gayleroper.com/home.html

MY REVIEW
  Another author I haven’t read any of her books before. She is new to me and I really loved this book.
  Right off I really liked/sympathized with one of the main characters Carrie. She is full of spunk, but also tender, but acts tough. It is hard for her to trust people after the way her mother brought her and her younger sister up.
   It was very easy to get involved in this story and it was hard to put down. I couldn’t wait to read it, but didn’t want it to end.
  This book Shadows on the Sand is full of love, patience, suspense and forgiveness. Each of the main characters had something happen in their past that they need to let go of and move on in life. In each other they find how they can do that.
  Also a cult is after two of Carrie’s employees, but she doesn’t know this. It’s sad how things like this happen and no one knows what is going on.
  In this whole book people are dealing with love, loss and forgiveness. Each person deals with things differently.
  I really love the setting of this book. It’s called Seaside, New Jersey and just sounds like a place you would love to live or vacation at. Carrie’s café sounds so very special, warm and inviting. Just a place you would love to visit and share with a friend.
 I highly recommend Shadows on the Sand. You will love it.

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Thanks to WaterBrookMultnomah for providing this book for review. 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

Monday, October 10, 2011

No Escape From Berlin by Rudi London * A Review


ABOUT THE BOOK
A FRIEND IS A TREASURE FOUND
If you are a romantic history buff, you'll love Alex's challenging journey to purpose. We previously met Alex (from Philippi, West Virginia) in Rudi London's first book, The Operator Is Calling. Now we're telling his story. We learn how he grew up to fall in love with Tamlyn, which was not an easy task. Tamlyn had a mind of her own, but so did Alex. It was complicated; on their wedding day, suddenly one of them was missing. Many other members of the US Army Air Forces had issues with pilot Highland and his unit flying over Berlin that night in early June of 1944. We don't know for sure what specific night it was because all records of that raid were immediately destroyed afterward and Adolf Hitler took the secret with him to his grave-or did he really go to the grave?

Hardcover: 312 pages
Publisher: Amazing Road (October 7, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0982302274
ISBN-13: 978-0982302279
Product Dimensions: 9 x 5.7 x 1.3 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds



ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Rudi London was born upstairs at his parent's home in the city of Nedstrand, on the southern west coast of Norway at 12:37 A.M., July 7, in the year of Rudolph. His father, Far, had called in the mid-wife and his mother, Mor, gave birth. The birthing process went flawlessly up to a certain point. This is discussed in London's book, 3 Angels (July 2010). Upon graduating High School Rudi started his computer career in January 1969 at Forsvarets (Norwegian Military/NATO) Datasentral, Oslo. Working on IBM 360 mainframes, Mr. London sent his first email from Oslo to Bergen in November that same year. July 1970, Mr. Rudi London joined the Norwegian Air Force to fly fighter jets. After completing military duty, his Computer Systems boss thought young London needed more knowledge and sent him to evenings classes at Bedriftsøkonomisk Institutt to study college importance.

MY REVIEW
  This is the third book I’ve read written by Rudi London and I must say this is his best one yet. Don’t get me wrong I have enjoyed all of Rudi’s books, but this one is superb.
  I really enjoyed how the book No Escape From Berlin tells the story of a very young boy, his growing up and then when he goes off to war.
  Alex meets an older man down by the creek and they become very good friends. Alex never tells anyone about his friend, but so enjoys all of their talks and the lessons his friend Charlie teaches him. It’s fascinating how these lessons helped Alex all through his life.
   I was captivated with the action, adventure and sweet romance. I usually don’t like to read books that are set in the time of Hitler’s rein, but I loved reading this one. I was sitting on the edge of my seat through the last half of this book, wondering how things would turn out.
  I love books with Norwegian characters in them and Alex and his family are Norwegian. I’ve learned some new Norwegian words and phrases, which is cool.
One of my favorite characters in No Escape From Berlin is Adriana. She is strong, brave and full of life. I like the way she never gave up.
I highly recommend this wonderful book. It is a keeper and one you will want to read again and again. Thanks Rudi for another great book.
 
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Thank you to the author for providing this book for review. 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

Sunday, October 9, 2011

The Day No One Played Together by Donalisa Helsley * A Review


ABOUT THE BOOK
For ages 3-9. . Jadyn and Genesis want to play together but neither one wants to play what the other wants to. What will they do? Will they be able to brainstorm and find a way to play together? Will they play alone? "The Day No One Played Together" teaches an important lesson in a fun way. Join these sisters in the first of their series.

Paperback: 26 pages
Publisher: Mirror Publishing (September 13, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1612250645
ISBN-13: 978-1612250649
Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 8.5 x 0.1 inches
Shipping Weight: 2.4 ounces


ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Donalisa lives in Oklahoma with her husband, David, her daughters, Jadyn and Genesis and their miniature schnauzer, Shadow. She is Wild About Reading. Donalisa has written many stories since she was a child. She is a social worker and has worked with children for over 12 years. Donalisa is finishing her Masters in Social Work so that she can be a therapist for children and adolescents. Her mission is to encourage a love of reading in our children and re-ignite the love in you.
www.wildaboutreading.net
www.facebook.com/wildaboutreading
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5234700.Donalisa_Helsley?origin=


ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR
Sarah is a conceptual artist who recently graduated with a degree in 2D animation at Columbia College. She lives in California. She has freelanced as an art director, conceptual artist, and background painter. Her favorite music consists mostly of punk and alternative, she creates her best art work while laying on the couch, her favorite food is anything cheesy, and her favorite color is all of them.
 www.s-harkey.blogspot.com
 www.sarahharkey.com


MY REVIEW
  This is such a sweet book talking about children getting along and playing by compromising. Two girls each want to do what they want, but get bored and lonely, because her sister isn’t playing with her. It’s such a great lesson to teach children to do what they want, but involve the other sister also.
  The book The Day No One Played Together teaches a great lesson, but also is easy to understand and very entertaining.
  The pictures in this book are very beautiful and the expressions on their faces are so real. The author uses her girl’s names in the book and I bet she got the plot of this story from her own girls.
  This book teaches you can have fun playing what you like, but it is so much more fun if you have someone to share in your fun.
  I’m glad to have this book to teach my grandson and further grandchildren what compromising is all about. A wonderful teaching tool, but also very interesting.
 I recommend this book for children ages three through nine.

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Thank you to the author for providing this book for review. 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

Tiny Bear's Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones * A Review


ABOUT TINY'S BEARS BIBLE
An adorable story Bible for kids 6 and under written by bestselling author Sally Lloyd-Jones. Tiny Bear's Bible is a warm, fuzzy reminder of how God loves his children---in a format that kids can cuddle. Together with their friend Tiny Bear, children discover eleven Bible stories in a book they can carry with them wherever they go. The closing story leaves us with this loving reminder: 'No matter what, no matter where, God is with us, Tiny Bear.' Sally Lloyd-Jones presents some of the most familiar Bible stories to children, which provides parents and grandparents lots of teachable, cuddly moments as they explore God's love together. SaLLy LLoyD-JoNES is a leading writer of inspirational books for children, with an expertise in conveying biblical truth to young children. She is the author of three bestselling children's Bibles, including the Gold Book Award--winning Baby's First Bible and, most recently, The Jesus Storybook Bible. She has written many picture books for children, including Handbag Friends and Time to Say Goodnight. A native of England, Sally lives in New York City, and can be found at www.sallylloyd-jones.com.

Reading level: Ages 2 and up
Board book: 22 pages
Publisher: Zonderkidz (August 14, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0310710820
ISBN-13: 978-0310710820
Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 7.9 x 1.2 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds


ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sally Lloyd-Jones is a leading writer of inspirational books for children, with an expertise in conveying biblical truth to young children. She is the author of three bestselling children's Bibles, including the Gold Book Award-winning Baby's First Bible and, most recently, the Moonbeam Award Winner---The Jesus Storybook Bible. She has written many picture books for children, including Handbag Friends, Time to Say Goodnight and the critically acclaimed, How to Be a Baby: By Me, the Big Sister. A native of England, Sally lives in New York City and can be found at www.sallylloyd-jones.com.  www.sallylloyd-jones.com.

Igor Oleynikov has been drawing since early childhood. He grew up in Lubertsy, Russia, a satellite town of Moscow where he lived with his mother, a carpet designer, and his father, an engineer. Oleynikov has illustrated more than 25 children's books from publishers around the world. He now lives Moscow with his wife and is a proud father and grandfather.



MY REVIEW
 I just love, love, love this Tiny Bear’s Bible. Sally Lloyd-Jones is such a excellent author and always has books that every child will love.
On the outside of this Bible it has a fuzzy, warm covering that children will cuddle and love. It is almost a stuffed animal and Bible combined. It is just precious.
  The stories that are inside are:
God Makes the Whole Wide World
God Promises to Rescue Noah
God Keeps Moses Safe
David Fights a Horrible Giant
God Protects Daniel in the Lions’ Den
Jesus is Born
Jesus Stops a Scary Storm
The Lord’s Prayer
The Friend of Sinners
God Makes Jesus Alive Again!
I am With you Always
  This Bible makes a great gift for any child between the ages of two through five and even older children will love it. I’m going to be giving this wonderful Bible to my little grandson for Christmas. I know he will love it. He already loves books and this one is extra special.
  The stories are only one page long, but very interesting. The sentences are rhyming and fun. Here is one story that is very special.
Jesus Stops a Scary Storm

The disciples thought that they might drown.
Their tiny boat tossed up and down.
“HELP! Wake up! Quickly! Lord!” they cry.
“This storm is big. Those waves are high!”

Jesus said, “Stop!”
The waves-obeyed!
Why had they ever been afraid?
The storm was big, but God was there.
Just like He’s with us, Tiny Bear.
Highly recommend this sweet Bible for your precious child, grandchild or friend. A five-star book for sure.

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Thank you to Zonderkidz for providing this book for review. 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

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Could I Have This Dance? By Harry Kraus, MD * A Review


ABOUT COULD I HAVE THIS DANCE?
You can’t dance this dance unless it’s in your blood. Claire McCall is praying it’s not in hers. Claire McCall is used to fighting back against the odds. Hard work, aptitude, and sheer determination have helped her rise from adverse circumstances to an internship in one of the nation’s most competitive surgical residencies. But talent and tenacity mean nothing in the face of the discovery that is about to rock her world. It’s called the "Stoney Creek Curse" by folks in the small mountain town where Claire grew up. Behind the superstition lies a reality that could destroy her career. But getting to the truth is far from easy in a community with secrets to hide. As a web of relationships becomes increasingly tangled, two things become apparent. One is that more than one person doesn’t want Claire to probe too deeply into the "Stoney Creek Curse." The other is that someone has reasons other than the curse for wanting Claire out of the picture permanently. Somewhere in the course of pursuing her career as a surgeon, Claire lost touch with the God who called her to it. Now she realizes how desperately she needs him. But can she reclaim a faith strong enough to see her through this deadly dance of circumstances?

Paperback: 432 pages
Publisher: Zondervan (March 1, 2002)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0310240891
ISBN-13: 978-0310240891
Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.6 x 1.1 inches
Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces


ABOUT HARRY KRAUS, MD
Harry Lee Kraus, MD, (www.cuttingedgefiction.com) is the bestselling author of ten books, including Could I Have This Dance? For the Rest of My Life, and All I’ll Ever Need. He draws from his career as a board-certified general surgeon to flavor his writing with exceptional authenticity and technical knowledge. He and his wife, Kris, are missionaries serving in East Africa.

MY REVIEW
  Another first for me. I hadn’t heard of Harry Kraus before reading this book. He is now one of my new favorite authors.
   There are two kind of books I love and they are medical and police dramas. This is a mix of medical and suspense which I really love.
  This book is in a series so it didn’t really answer the main question if the main character has an inherited disease so I have to read book number two.
  The cover is beautiful and title of this book Could I have this Dance?, is a great play on words. It makes you think of a dating relationship, but actually has to do with the inherited disease.
  The characters are very well developed and it is a very exciting book. It is a long book, but kept me interested throughout and I look forward to book two.
  Claire has gone to church most of her life, but doesn’t want to hand over the full control to God. She wants to have the control in her hands. I love all of the medical drama and medical terms, which is very well explained. It also shows that mistakes can be made in hospitals, because we are all human. She goes through relationship problems, family problems, faith problems, work problems, you get the picture, it’s a very tangled web.
  I really thought it was neat how the author wove together the prologue and epilogue, it was the same, but very different. It gets the story going and ends the story with one of the main questions answered.
  I really love this book and will be keeping it. It is a story that is well written with plenty of interesting characters, plots and suspense. Highly recommended to everyone.

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Thank you to Zondervan for providing this book for review. 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

Saturday, October 1, 2011

A Marriage Carol by Chris Fabry and Gary Chapman * A Review


ABOUT A MARRIAGE CAROL
On Christmas Eve twenty years earlier, Marlee and Jacob were married in a snowstorm.   This Christmas Eve, they are ready to quit, divorce is imminent. Their relationship is as icy as the road they’re traveling and as blocked with troubles as the piling snow. They take a shortcut to get to the lawyer’s office, on a slippery, no-fault path. She thinks they need to stay on the main road. He disagrees. They fight. Story of their lives and they slam into a bank of snow , spinning, drifting, falling, out of control. Just like their lives. Reluctantly, freezing cold, hungry, scared, she trudges up the hill. Paul is nowhere to be found. Her ears frozen, fingers and hands red, she comes to a house on the hillside, built like a Bed and Breakfast, a green wreath on the red door and the door-knocker is in the shape of a wedding ring.

The red door opens and the first thing she notices is the fire in the room, blazing hot, a warm, inviting, friendly place and the voice of an old man welcomes her in. There are three golden pots on the hearth, shining, glimmering things. The old man claims that they are used to restore marriages. She laughs—and begins a journey through her past, present, and future that will test how she views her lifelong love. There are two futures available. Which will she choose?


Hardcover: 144 pages
Publisher: Moody Publishers (September 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 080240264X
ISBN-13: 978-0802402646
Product Dimensions: 7.1 x 5 x 0.8 inches
Shipping Weight: 8 ounces


About the Authors
CHRIS FABRY is a graduate of W. Page Pitt School of Journalism at Marshall University and Moody bible Institute’s Advanced Studies Program. Chris can be heard daily on Love Worth Finding, featuring the teaching of the late Dr. Adrian Rogers. He received the 2008 "Talk Personality of the Year" Award from the National Religious Broadcasters. He has published more than 60 books since 1995, many of them fiction for younger readers. Chris collaborated with Jerry B. Jenkins and Dr. Tim LaHaye on the children's series Left Behind: The Kids. His two novels for adults, Dogwood and June Bug, are published by Tyndale House Publishers. Chris is married to his wife Andrea and they have five daughters and four sons.



GARY CHAPMAN, PhD, is the author of the #1 New York Times bestselling The 5 Love Languages. With over 30 years of counseling experience, he has the uncanny ability to hold a mirror up to human behavior, showing readers not just where they go wrong, but also how to grow & move forward. Dr. Chapman holds BA and MA degrees in anthropology from Wheaton College and Wake Forest University, respectively, MRE and PhD degrees from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and has completed postgraduate work at the University of North Carolina and Duke Univeristy.


MY REVIEW
  My first Christmas book this year and it was so worth reading. A Marriage Carol is such a incredible, little book and I love it. I read it in only a few hours, it wouldn‘t have taken that long if I didn‘t have to interrupt my reading to get things done.
  A Marriage Carol takes a few sentences and has some of the same plots as the famous book A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.
  They are on their way to town to get a divorce and end up in a ditch. The next things they go through causes Marlee and Jacob to really think about what their life really is about and how they need, want to look at all parts of it.
  This book gives a person hope that everything isn’t lost and you always can try again. How we need to really put our spouses ahead of us and think of what they are feeling. How God made marriage and he wants us to keep working at it.
  I love the way the book brought about the feelings and heartaches of this couple. How one choice changes a life. How everything can work out if we just have hope and work very hard.
  This little book is really worth buying and keeping to read many times over. I know this book will be a winner of many awards. Highly recommending A Marriage Carol for one and all. Deserves much over five stars. Buy this book for yourself as a Christmas present. It'll be the best present you have ever bought.

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Thank you to Moody Publishers for providing this book for review. 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

I Can Read Made By God Polar Pals * A Review


Polar Pals
Level 2

Series: I Can Read! / Made By God


Did you know ... A polar bear's favorite food is seal? That the emperor penguin is the largest penguin in the world? Read more about some very chilly creatures found in the coldest parts of God's world.
These exciting photos and facts show children the wonders of God’s creation. Includes simple text perfect for level two readers. Parents, Home school families, and classroom teachers alike will love the fact-filled books in this series.


Reading level: Ages 4-8
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Zonderkidz (July 22, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0310721881
ISBN-13: 978-0310721888
Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.8 x 0.2 inches
Shipping Weight: 2.4 ounces



MY REVIEW
  These I Can Read books are just fabulous. I remember when my children went to school they would bring these kind of books home, but the ones from school didn’t mention God as the Creator.
This book is called Made By God-Polar Pals. It has four chapters called Emperor Penguin, Arctic Tern, Polar Bear and Arctic Fox. Besides helping your child to learn to read it gives so many facts about each animal, some even I didn’t know.
   Like the Arctic Tern flies from their summer home to their winter home which is 21,750 miles, that is almost the circumference of the earth and the Polar Bear doesn’t drink water.
 These I Can Read books are very good for ages four through eight, but is helpful if your child is having trouble learning how to read.
 Also the pictures are very big and colorful. They are very interesting besides.
  In the series of Made by God here are the other titles. I’m going to be reviewing some of those also.
Barnyard Critters
Forest Friends
Jungle Beasts
Curious Creatures Down Under
Rainforest Friends
Sea Creatures
Our Feathered Friends
Big Bugs, Little Bugs
Poisonous, Smelly and Amazing Plants
Spiders, Snakes, Bees, and Bats
Cats, Dogs, Hamsters, and Horses
I like everything about these books, but the best thing is it talks about God and how He made the animals.
  These books are really good for any parent/grandparent, but also would be great for a home school family and Christian schools. So I highly recommend this book.



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Thank you to Zonderkidz for providing this book for review. 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