99 Prayers for Children by Juliet David and illustrated by Elina Ellis (Book Review!)

99 Stories from the Bible

By Juliet David

Illustrated by Elina Ellis

(received in exchange for an honest review)

 

Genre- Nonfiction / Young Children

Published by- Candle Books

Copyrighted- 2015

Number of pages- 96

Age Group- Juvenile

Description of book- hardback, listed price- $9.99, ISBN 978-1-78128-191-8

 

This book is a companion to 99 Stories From the Bible.  It contains traditional and contemporary prayers.  It provides young children with a variety of ways to pray during different times of the day and year.

Link to my review of 99 Stories From the Bible.

About the Author-

Juliet David currently lives in London with her family.  She has written many Bible activity books and children’s stories.

My thoughts-

I thought 99 Prayers for Children was an excellent companion book to 99 Stories Bible.

I liked the table of contents, which had the prayers in different categories, like mealtimes and bedtime.  I appreciated the index of first lines, because it was easier to find a specific prayer that way instead of looking in the different sections.

The prayers were based on traditional prayers and Bible verses.  Some of them were from different authors like St. Patrick.

My daughter has a hard time thinking of a prayer to say.  This book is perfect for her, because she can pick a prayer that best fits the time of day or how she is feeling at that time.  I think it will help her become more confident when praying, so that when she is older she can say her own prayers.

I really liked the illustrations.  They were realistic and matched the prayer that was being said.  They will be able to help young children understand the meaning of the prayer and how it relates to them.

This book would be a great addition to a child’s book collection.  It would help them draw nearer to God.

I recommend it.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received 99 Prayers for Children, by Juliet David and illustrated by Elina Ellis, 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.

The Hardest Thing to Do by Penelope Wilcock (Book Review!)

The Hardest Thing to Do

The Hawk and Dove Series, Book 4

By Penelope Wilcock

(received in exchange for an honest review)

 

Genre- Fiction / Christian / Historical

Published by- Lion Fiction

Copyrighted- These editions are 2015

Number of pages- 256

Age Group- Adult

Description of book- paperback, listed price- $14.99, ISBN: 978-1-78264-148-3

The Hardest Thing to Do begins one year after The Long Fall.  The new abbot has been chosen following the death of Father Peregrine.  Abbot John is faced with his first problem when Prior William comes needing refuge.  Several of the monks do not want the prior there, because of the way he treated Father Peregrine.  The monks decide to let Prior William stay there on a trial basis.  What will happen?  Will they all be able to forgive each other?

About the Author-

Penelope Wilcock currently lives in England with her family.  She is a writer and is a former Methodist minister.  Her blog is Kindred of the Quiet Way.

My Thoughts-

I thought this was a wonderful book about forgiveness and change.  This was a perfect book to learn about Abbot John and the way he was able to get Prior William involved in the monastery. 

I liked the characters in this book as much as I did in the other three books.  Since I recently read the other books, the characters were easy to remember.  If I hadn’t remembered them, there was a very complete list of characters at the beginning of this book to help me.

I liked how the chapters were divided by each day of Lent, but I wish they were a little more detailed than, “The Tenth Day.”  There were some things I wanted to look up, but I couldn’t remember which chapter they were in.

I really enjoyed this book.  I think everyone should read this book.

Here is my review of the other three books.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received The Hardest Thing to Do, by Penelope Wilcock, 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.

Unlikely Rebel by Kelli Gotthardt (Book Review!)

Unlikely Rebel: A Church Girl’s Journey out of Shoulds and Shame

by Kelli Gotthardt

(received in exchange for an honest review)

Genre- Nonfiction / Christian Life / Women’s Issues

Published by- Kregel Publications

Copyrighted- 2015

Number of pages- 160

Age Group- Adult (women)

Description of book- paperback, listed price- $13.99, ISBN 978-0-8254-4228-5

Women struggle with many different problems.  Kelli Gotthardt shows us in this book what it was like to look like life was all together, but be filled with self-doubt and shame.  She is a pastor’s wife, so it was even harder for her to live authentically, because people expected more from her.

She wrote this book to show us how there is freedom and love that God wants us to have.

About the Author-

Kelli Gotthard has a master’s degree in spiritual formation and lives in California.  She is an international speaker, pastor’s wife, and leadership consultant.

My thoughts-

I thought Kelli Gotthardt was courageous when she wrote this book about her hard times and insecurities.  I was captivated by her writing style and it made me want to keep reading.  I wanted to learn about her journey and how it might apply to mine, even though each person’s journey is different and unique. 

I’m glad that she mentioned that this book was written as a journal, that way I knew that she was writing this in the order that they happened.  This was mentioned in the introduction, which was one of the most important parts of the book, because it set the stage.  It showed how she went from being a “good girl” to being a rebel.  It also alerted me to the physical and mental issues she had to and has to deal with.

I liked the divisions of the sections, Leaning In, Letting Go, and Living Out.

I think this was a very interesting book, one because she is a woman and two, because she is the wife of a pastor.  I enjoyed it and I hope you do too.  You might learn something about yourself you didn’t know.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Unlikely Rebel, by Kelli Gotthardt, for free from 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.

The Methuselah Project by Rick Barry (Book Review!)

The Methuselah Project

by Rick Barry

(received in exchange for an honest review)

Genre- Fiction / Historical / Christian / Suspense

Published by- Kregel Publications

Copyrighted- 2015

Number of pages- 312

Age Group- Adult (men)

Description of book- paperback, listed price- $14.99, ISBN 978-0-8254-4387-9

Roger Green was shot down in Germany in 1943.  He was taken prisoner and was an unwilling participant of an experiment.  He has lived for seventy years as a prisoner, and the scientist who has taken care of him for all these years has passed away.  He hasn’t aged a bit and has no knowledge of what has really been happening in the world.  He has read lots of historical books.  He has also read the Bible, which has helped him all these years.  He wants to escape, but when he does the world is unrecognizable.  It is 2015.

Katherine Mueller has always lived in the modern world, so when they meet, she questions what he believes.  He is running from the group who has kept him hidden for all these years.  Katherine is part of the group who has hidden him and is now looking for him.

Will they be able to work together?  Will Katherine turn him in to her organization?  Will Roger be able to adjust to his new world?

About the Author-

Rick Barry currently lives in Indiana.  He is the director of church planting ministries at BIEM.  He speaks Russian and has written Gunner’s Run and Kiriath’s Quest.  He is on Facebook and Twitter.

My thoughts-

World War II is a subject that interests me, and this book was very interesting.  I think The Methuselah Project would make a perfect movie.  When I finished reading this book, I had to go find my husband and tell him all about it.  I could not believe how much I could remember and how I wished I could read more.

Dr. Kossler, the man who took care of Roger Green (POW), for all those years was intriguing.  I thought that he was intriguing, because although he did not tell Roger the truth about the end of World War II, (Roger thought WW II was still being fought) Dr. Kossler treated him very well.  Dr. Kossler brought him books to read, kept him company, and made sure Roger had what he needed.  He believed in the project.  Dr. Kossler’s new assistants did not believe in the Methuselah Project and did not treat Roger respectfully.

Katherine, even though she was a part of the group who was trying to capture him, had great integrity and knew when to stand up to the people in her organization, who were trying to kill Roger.

My favorite part of the book took place after Roger escaped from the house in Germany, made it to the United States, and was with Katherine.  It was fun going with them on their journey as they learned more about Roger’s past.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book.  I recommend it to everyone, but especially men.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received The Methuselah Project, by Rick Barry, for free from 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.

Only with Blood by Therese Down (Book Review)

Only with Blood

By Therese Down

(received in exchange for an honest review)

Genre- Fiction / Christian / Historical

Published by- Lion Fiction

Copyrighted- 2015

Number of pages- 313

Age Group- Adult 

Description of book- paperback, listed price- $14.99, ISBN 978-1-78264-135-3

Jack Flynn.  Caitlin Spillane.  Donal Kelly.

Their lives are about to connect in Only with Blood, by Therese Down.

Jack Flynn lives in Tipperary in the new Republic of Ireland.  He is a farmer, who is dying of tuberculosis, and he wants a wife who can give him a son.

Caitlin Spillane is a high school student who is going to be forced by her father to marry Jack.  She will do it, but at what cost to her?

Donal Kelly is an IRA activist, who has fallen in love with Caitlin.  He wants to save her from her circumstances.

What will happen in their lives?  How many people will be affected by their actions?

Read an excerpt.

About the Author-

Therese Down currently works as the Head of English in a High School in England.  She currently lives in Worcestershire and has been teaching English Literature and Language for over 20 years.

My thoughts-

Only with Blood was an interesting read. 

I liked learning more about Ireland in the 1940's, when there was a lot of political turmoil.  The historical aspect was interesting, but I was captivated with the people, Jack Flynn, Caitlin and her family, and the outsider, Donal Kelly. 

Jack and Caitlin get married, but their age difference is so great (Caitlin is still at the local school) that they really don't have a marriage.  They are able to have a working relationship, which is important, because Jack is dying of tuberculosis.  I am sure the relationship would have been different if he had not been so sick.  I don't think that Donal helped their relationship or a chance of a relationship, because he wanted Caitlin.

Therese Down did a good job of evenly adding the political turmoil and Jack and Caitlin's relationship.  When I was reading a chapter about politics, I wanted to learn more about Caitlin and Jack, and vice versa.

I was surprised by the ending.  I can't tell you what it was, but Jack became my favorite character, even though he purchased Caitlin from her father.  I recommend this book to those who like history and family.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Only with Blood, by Therese Down, 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.

Bible Stories Gone Crazy! by Josh Edwards and illustrated by Emiliano Migliardo (Book Review!)

Bible Stories Gone Crazy!

By Josh Edwards

Illustrated by Emiliano Migliardo

(received in exchange for an honest review)

 

Genre- Christian / Children / Bible Stories

Published by- Candle Books

Copyrighted- 2015

Number of pages- 24

Age Group- Young Children (ages 3 and up)

Description of book- Hardback, ISBN 978-1-78128-190-1, $10.99

 

This book contains Bible stories that have crazy illustrations and good questions!  For example, did Noah have lots of constructions workers helping him build the ark?

There are also illustrations with Moses, Joshua, David, Daniel, Jonah, and Jesus.  Each story lists the verses in the Bible, so everyone can learn the true story.    

About the Author-

Josh Edwards currently lives in London and has three children.  He has written different Bible stories and activity books for children.  He has experience as an artist and teacher.

About the Illustrator-

Emiliano Migliardo has been illustrating for many years.  As a young child he knew that illustrating was in his future.

My thoughts-

I think the illustrations in this book are very clever and can provide a lot of entertainment for young children.  I think it would be perfect for those times when a child needs to be quiet, like church or even the vehicle. 

My son and I were not sure of the answers for a couple of the questions.  I would have liked an answer key in the back of the book or available on a website. 

I am glad that the Bible verses were listed.  It would have been neat to see the actual verses listed in the story, so the children would have instant access to the true story.

This book would be perfect for any child, who likes to have fun with books, and learn too.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Bible Stories Gone Crazy!, by Josh Edwards and illustrated by Emiliano Migliardo, 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.

The Atheist Who Didn’t Exist by Andy Bannister (Book Review!)

The Atheist Who Didn’t Exist Or: the Dreadful Consequences of Bad Arguments

By Andy Bannister

(received in exchange for an honest review)

 

Genre- nonfiction / Christian

Published by- Monarch Books (Lion Hudson)

Copyrighted- 2015

Number of pages- 238

Age Group- Adult 

Description of book- paperback, listed price- $14.99, ISBN 978-0-85721-610-6

Dr. Andy Bannister uses humor and thought provoking statements to unravel many arguments that atheists say.

Atheism is becoming more popular these days with movies, best-selling books, and other forms of advertisements. 

This book along with careful study will help readers to learn more about atheism.

Read an excerpt.

About the Author-

Andy Bannister currently lives in Toronto with his family.  He enjoys mountain climbing, hiking, and taking photos.  He is the Director of RZIM Canada.  He speaks all over the world to people about faith, culture, society, and politics.  He has a PhD in Islamic Studies.

My thoughts-

I liked how Dr. Bannister used humor in The Atheist Who Didn’t Exist to get his point across.  I feel that the use of humor will help draw skeptics in, because there will be more for them to relate to.  The title of the book and the different chapter titles, like “Aim for That Haystack,”  help draw people in as well.  They will want to know what haystacks have to do with “Why Psychological Arguments Against Religion Fails.”

He uses a lot of different quotes from different well-known atheists, such as Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens.  He takes those quotes and proceeds to deconstruct them to show how they cannot be true.

There are great lists of books for further reading at the end of each chapter.  I think it would have been nice if there was a master list at the end of the book.  I also would have liked to have been able to read a brief summary at the end of each chapter.  I would have enjoyed learning what Dr. Bannister felt were his main points.

This book can be used as a tool to help talk with atheists.  I recommend that no matter what you believe that you should read this book.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received The Atheist Who Didn’t Exist, by Andy Bannister, 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.