Friday, February 27, 2015

Lift the Flap Bible by Karen Williamson and illustrated by Louise Anglicas (Book Review!)

Lift the Flap Bible

By Karen Williamson

Illustrated by Louisa Enright

(received in exchange for an honest review)

 

Genre- Christian / Children / Bible Stories

Published by- Candle Books

Copyrighted- 2014

Number of pages- 16

Age Group- Young Children (ages 2-4)

Description of book- hardback, listed price- $12.99, ISBN 978-1-78128-130-7

This Bible story book is filled with fun flaps for young children to look at while the story is being read to them.  There are stories about Noah, Moses, Daniel, Jonah, Jesus, loaves and fishes, the lost sheep, and the man whose friends lowered him through the roof to Jesus.

About the Author-

Karen Williamson has three children and specializes in Bible stories for young readers.  She has worked as a publisher’s editor and a London primary school teacher.

About the Illustrator-

Louise Anglicas enjoys pattern and design.  She has a degree from Staffordshire University in Ceramics and Surface Design.

My thoughts-

I love reading books that have been written by Karen Williamson.  This book did not disappoint.  I thought this book was wonderful.  I thought these were the perfect Bible stories to introduce young children to the stories in the Bible.  I know they are the most common stories, but I think they are great for young children.

The illustrations make this book special.  Young children can spend many minutes studying the pictures and learning the stories from them.  They will also have a lot of fun looking at what happens when they lift the flaps. 

I think this is a wonderful book for young children.  I plan on sharing it with the young children I know and any future grandchildren.  I recommend it to you.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Lift the Flap, by Karen Williamson and illustrated by Louise Anglicas, for free from the Kregel Publications’ Blog Tour.  All links were current when posted.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Thursday, February 26, 2015

Courage & Comfort Bible Learning Cards (Product Review)

Courage & Comfort Bible Learning Cards

illustrated by Vicky Enright

(Review Product!)

Picture

Genre- Christian / Juvenile Fiction

Age Group: 6-13 (boys and girls)

Description of book- 20 different 5x7” cards, $14.99, ISBN: 978-1-940262-32-1

Vicky Enright, along with the help of Kristen Smith, has selected Bible verses and made illustrations to go with them.  They made three different sets of color coded cards for different age groups.  There are Preschool Bible Learning Cards for those who are 0-5, Children’s Bible Learning Cards for ages 4-11, and Courage & Comfort Bible Learning Cards for 6-13-year-olds.  These cards will help children learn how overcome fears, have courage and comfort, and have good relationships with God and those around them.

We received the Courage & Comfort Bible Learning Cards.

About the Company:

Words2remember4kids is based in Boston with Vicky Enright as the illustrator and Kirsten Smith, who helps with the verses and discussion starters.

My thoughts: 

I really like the idea of children being able to look at cards to find the verse that best suits their situation, so I was intrigued to try them.

I was hoping that these cards would work to encourage and comfort my son, because he is having some health issues right now.  Unfortunately, these cards did not seem to help him.  I know that these cards could help many children.  They have good Bible verses, illustrations, and ideas for more discussion.

I liked the cards that had questions.  Those cards help to lead us to some wonderful discussions about how God can comfort us and encourage us in our time of need.  I think it would have been nice if all of the cards had questions, because then I would have been able to lead better discussions.

I do think the illustrations would be too young for children who are 13.  I think they would work best for younger children.  Our book ring that is to be used to contain the cards was not strong enough to stay closed as we moved the cards back and forth.  I plan on using a different book ring.

I do think that many children would enjoy and learn a lot from these cards.  I recommend them to all families with young children.

Informational and Purchasing Links:

Cards can be ordered at : http://www.words2remember4kids.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/words4kids

Website: http://www.words2remember4kids.com/

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received a free copy of Courage & Comfort Bible Learning Cards, from Words2remember4kids, to review.  I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations.  I am part of The CWA Review CrewAll links were current when posted.

Friday, February 20, 2015

The Babylon Contingency by Clifford Longley (book review)

The Babylon Contingency

By Clifford Longley

(received in exchange for an honest review)

 

Genre- Mystery

Published by- Lion Fiction

Copyrighted- 2014

Number of pages- 329

Age Group- Adult (I think men would enjoy this book.)

Description of book- paperback, listed price- $14.99, ISBN 978-1-78264-120-9

The Babylon Contingency

DCI Robbie Peele is brought into the midst of conflict with terrorists and burglars trying to steal some ancient clay disks in England.  He has no idea why anyone would be so interested these disks.  His ideas change when people are murdered and he learns more about these special disks.

The important clue is left in some coded diaries written by an English explorer.  DCI Peele makes a trip to Crete with other coworkers where the explorer traveled.  There, more problems arise.  On the trip more people die.  Will DCI Peele ever be able to wrap up the case or is this archeology mystery beyond him?

Read an excerpt.

About the Author-

Clifford Longley has written The Worlock Archive and Chosen People.  He is also a broadcaster and journalist. 

My thoughts-

When I read the description of this book I was intrigued and this was a very interesting book.  One of the most important things that I thought was good about this book is that it is a good book for men to read.  Every time I go to the library I find it very difficult to find books that would be good for men to read.  I know that often men may not read as much as women, but it would be good to have books written for them.  If there were more good books written for them, then perhaps they might read more.

I like reading mysteries and when history and archeology are added it makes it really interesting.  There was also a lot of intrigue when other religions and countries were involved.  DCI Peele was an atheist, which made it even more interesting. 

He was an interesting character.  He really tried to do the best he could for everyone.  It was too bad that he was kept in the dark for the investigation on who everyone really was.  It was good for the storyline, but bad for him.

I would recommend this book to men and women, but I think men would like it best.   

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received The Babylon Contingency, by Clifford Longley, for free from the Kregel Publications’ Blog Tour.  All links were current when posted.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Friday, February 13, 2015

The First Principle by Marissa Shrock (book review)

The First Principle

by Marissa Schrock

(received in exchange for an honest review)

The First Principle

Genre- Young Adult / Fiction / Christian / Futuristic

Published by- Kregel Publications

Copyrighted- 2015

Number of pages- 237

Age Group- Young Adult

Description of book- paperback, listed price- $14.99, ISBN 978-0-8254-4357-2

Vivica is living in the United Regions of the North America.  There is no longer a Washington,DC.  There are governors who hold territories instead of states.

High school is going as usual for the sixteen-year-old, but soon the government invades her school.  Teen pregnancies are illegal and even though she is the daughter of a governor, she tries to protect the young pregnant girl the officer has come to get.

Soon she find herself pregnant as well.  What is she going to do?  Will she terminated it as the law states she should or will she leave and keep the baby?  Who are the Emancipation Warriors? 

Read an excerpt.

About the Author-

Marissa Shrock has written articles for teens in Encounter and Evangel.  She is a middle school language arts teacher.  Her website is www.marissaschrock.com

My thoughts-

The First Principle, by Marissa Schrock, was very well written.  I typically do not read futuristic books, but I find that as I read more of them, I enjoy the genre even more.  This book helped me decide that I really do like this genre.

Shrock did an excellent job writing this book for young adults.  This was especially evident to me when I read the comments in the front from seven young ladies.  They really enjoyed and got a lot out of it. 

The subject matter, teen pregnancy, is relevant as is learning more about Christianity.  I think a lot of young adults will learn more about themselves as they read this book.  Could they be as strong as Vivica as she has to decide what to do about her pregnancy?  It is especially hard for her, because she is the governor’s daughter.

I think this is an excellent book for young adults.  I think young ladies will enjoy this book more than the young gentlemen.  I think adults would enjoy this book as well.   

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received The First Principle, by Marissa Schrock, for free from the Kregel Publications’ Blog Tour.  All links were current when posted.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Thursday, February 12, 2015

Dragon Slayer: Beginnings by Carey Green (book review)

Dragon Slayer: Beginnings

(Dragon Slayer Chronicles, Book 1)

by Carey Green

(Review Book!)

Dragon Slayer Beginnings

Genre- Christian / Juvenile Fiction / Fantasy & Magic

Publisher- CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform

Copyrighted- 2014

Number of pages- 340

Age Group- It says juvenile, but I would have an adult read this book first to make sure it is appropriate for the child.

Description of book- Paperback, $11.98, ISBN: 978-1495234897

Hon is a young boy when his village is attacked by a dragon.  Hon is carried off by the dragon and his father believes he is dead.

Hon survives the dragon’s attack and finds himself as the new son of Lord Thurmond.  As the years go by Lord Thurmond dies and Hon becomes angry with his situation and at the people who take care of him.

The dragons, it turns out there is more than one- four actually.  Their masters are getting ready to rise.

Hon is going to need to grow into a man who is strong in body and faith to face these monsters.  Will he be able to do it?  Will his new family and village be able to help him?  Will he find his father?

About the Author:

Carey Green currently lives in Colorado with his family.  He is an author, marriage and family coach, entrepreneur, podcaster, and retired pastor.

My thoughts:  

I love reading Christian books about dragons, knights, and lords.  Dragon Slayer: Beginnings, by Carey Green, was an excellent book about some of my favorite subjects.

I thought all of the characters were wonderful.  My favorite character though was the main character, Hon.  He had such a hard time with the life he had, but with his friends he was able to overcome the obstacles he made for himself and those which came as a part of life. 

This book was written for juveniles, but as a parent I would recommend that you read this book before you give it to your child.  My son is 11, however I will be waiting until he is at least 12 before I let him read this book on his own.  I might use it as a read aloud, so we can talk about it or stop reading it if he doesn’t like it.

I recommend it for adults and young adults, especially if you like reading about knights and dragons. 

Informational and Purchasing Links:

www.CareyGreen.com

Carey Green's author Facebook Page at:

https://www.facebook.com/careygreenauthor

Twitter: @withCareyGreen

Dragon Slayer mailing list: www.DragonSlayerBook.com 

Purchasing Link: Amazon

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received a free copy of Dragon Slayer: Beginnings, by Carey Green, to review.  I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations.  I am part of The CWA Review CrewAll links were current when posted.

Thursday, February 5, 2015

The Abbot’s Agreement by Mel Starr (book review)

The Abbot’s Agreement (Book 7, The Chronicles of Hugh de Singleton, surgeon)

By Mel Starr

(received in exchange for an honest review)

 

Genre- Historical Fiction / Mystery

Published by- Lion Fiction

Copyrighted- 2014

Number of pages- 252

Age Group- Adult 

Description of book- paperback, listed price- $14.99, ISBN 978-1-78264-109-4

The Abbots Agreement-001

Master Hugh and Arthur are on their way to Oxford, to buy a Bible when they discover the body of a young novice in the woods.  It is the body of a young novice, John.  He has been missing for four days from the nearby abbey.  This is not going to be an easy case to solve, because soon the aging Abbot has fallen down the stairs and Master Hugh has been accused of heresy by the prior.

Will he be able to solve the murder while still being accused of heresy? 

About the Author-

Mel Starr and his wife have seven grandchildren and two daughters.  Starr grew up in Michigan and taught history in the Michigan public school system for 39 years.  He knows a lot about medieval English medieval surgery.

My thoughts-

I have not read the first three books in this series.  (I hope to do so soon).  I have thoroughly enjoyed reading Unhallowed Ground, The Tainted Coin, Rest Not in Peace, and the latest book, The Abbot's Agreement.  I am not exactly sure what I enjoy so much about these books.  It could be that it is a mystery or perhaps the time period (late 1300's) or the way Mel Starr wrote the books.  I think it is all of the above.

The part of the book that I first noticed was the first-person point-of-view.  Some books do not flow very well when they are written that way, but this one really did.  This books flows so smoothly that when I read some of it aloud, I knew it would be a perfect audio book.

My favorite part of the book was the glossary, it has actually been my favorite in each book I have read in the series, was the glossary.  I enjoy reading and learning about the different words in this book.  This way I do not need to have a dictionary handy while reading.

The part I liked best about Hugh was his interest in the Bible and how he was willing to stand up for what was right when he was accused of heresy for speaking to Abbot Thurston.  Abbot Thurston thought he was going to purgatory when he died, but Hugh quoted from Colossians (where it discusses how Jesus makes us holy and blameless).  Hugh was being accused by the prior.  I am sure that was very difficult for him to do.

I think this is an excellent book and series.  Readers who enjoy mysteries and/or historical fiction will enjoy this book.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received The Abbot’s Agreement, by Mel Starr, for free from the Kregel Publications’ Blog Tour.  All links were current when posted.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.