It’s scary in the dark. Although I like it in the dark.
“Momma do you like it in the dark?”
“I like it in the dark.”
Momma and C are in the dark together.
“Do you like it in the dark?”
“I love, love, love it in the dark.”
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Monday, October 24, 2011
Refuge on Crescent Hill by Melanie Dobson
Genre- Fiction/Christian
Refuge on Crescent Hill by Melanie Dobson
Published by- Kregel Publications
Copyrighted- 2010
Number of pages- 272
Age Group- Adult
Description of book- paperback, list price $13.99, ISBN 978-0-8254-2590-5
Camden has lost her freelance jobs and her savings in New York City and has decided to visit her grandmother in Ohio.
When she arrives in Camden, her grandmother has recently passed away and given her the old family home. The home is going to take more money to improve than Camden has, which is nothing.
Camden tries to sell the house and some buyers surface, but their intentions for the house are not necessarily what she wants. And the more time Camden stays, the more she learns about the town’s past, her past and those she meets, which helps to solve mysteries that surface.
About the Author- Melanie Dobson lives with her family in Oregon. She has worked in journalism and publicity for many years. One of the places she worked was at Focus on the Family. She has also written The Black Cloister and Together for Good.
My thoughts-
I enjoy a good mystery especially when Christianity, history, and a good plot are involved the novel becomes even better.
When I received this book in the mail, I just had to open the package and start reading right away. I reluctantly had to put it down as I needed to fix our lunch. It wasn’t until after the kids went to bed that I was able to read the book. Needless to say it was a very late night. :)
Melanie Dobson has woven a story I think will be a classic. There were so many exciting events: people I thought were innocent were not and vice versa, Camden gained family members she didn’t know she had; and how her grandmother protected women who were in abusive relationships.
I highly recommend Refuge on Crescent Hill. It has something for everyone: mystery, American history, and romance. I will be sharing this title with my local librarians.
Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Refuge on Crescent Hill by Melanie Dobson 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. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Playing Hurt by Brian Goins
Genre- Love & Marriage / Men
Playing Hurt: A Guy’s Strategy for a Winning Marriage by Brian Goins
Published by- Kregel Publications
Copyrighted- 2011
Number of pages- 152
Age Group- Adult
Description of book- paperback, list price $11.99, ISBN 978-0-8254-2673-5
Do you like reading books with a sports theme? Do you want to know the best game plan for a successful marriage? Then this is the book to read.
Brian Goins has combined scripture, his own experiences and that of others to give any man a playbook for a successful marriage.
Keeping in mind that a marriage is too important to end, this book will teach you how to play through the pain, like many pros do to finish the game and win.
About the Author- Brian Goins lives with his wife and three children in North Carolina where he is a lead pastor for Renaissance Bible Church. He also speaks at Family Life’s Weekend to Remember conferences with his wife.
My thoughts-
This was an awesome book. Brian Goins was very wise to relate his book to sports. Many men relate well to sports and to explain marriage in that context, was pure genius.
The questions at the end of each chapter help the reader become more involved with the information in each chapter. “Paul’s Playbook for Playing Hurt,” which is also at the end of each chapter lists key tactics for a man to have a winning marriage. One play is, “Every man needs the guts to love like Christ.” A husband can take these plays and use them every day of his marriage.
I would highly recommend this book to all men who are thinking of getting married or are married. I am planning on purchasing this for the single men I know.
Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Playing Hurt: A Guy’s Strategy for a Winning Marriage by Brian Goins 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. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Friday, October 7, 2011
Unveiling the Kings of Israel by David Down
Unveiling the Kings of Israel by Down
Published by- Master Books, A Division of New Leaf Publishing Group
Copyrighted- July 2011
Number of pages- 170
Age Group- All ages
Description of book- hardback book, list price $29.99, ISBN: 0-89051-609-6
Is the Bible true? Is there archeological proof?
Unveiling the Kings of Israel shows archeological and Biblical proof of the Biblical kings like; David, Solomon and more. Each chapter is filled with photos, artwork, Biblical quotes, and archeological proof from other countries.
Learn more about how Egypt and Israel chronology needs to be adjusted up to 600 years to match Bible chronology. What will you believe, Bible chronology or current archeological chronology?
About the Author- David Down is the editor of “Archeological Diggings.” For over 40 years he has been a field archeologist and excavates regularly in Israel.
My thoughts-
I was excited to review this book. I am always interested in discovering how Bible and archeology chronologies match and the proof that I can either show or tell people when I want to help people believe in the Bible.
The most interesting part of this book is the idea that chronologies of Egypt and Israel are off. Up to 600 years! If those times periods are adjusted to the Bible chronology then everything lines up perfectly and the Bible is proven as fact. This book doesn’t describe how the chronologies have been determined so it would be helpful to add that information in future editions.
There is a modern map at the beginning of the book, but more historical maps would add a lot. I would really like to see more maps of the lands of each of the kings discussed.
Would I recommend? Yes! I think that anybody who desires to learn about the archeological proof of the Bible should read this book. Teachers/parents should add it to their history curriculum.
And all the photos are great too!!
Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Unveiling the Kings of Israel by David Down for free from Master Books, a division of New Leaf Publishing Group. 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.
SAT & College Preparation Course for the Christian Student by James P. Stobaugh
Genre- Education/Study Skills & Education/Higher
SAT & College Preparation Course for the Christian Student by James P. Stobaugh
Published by- Master Books, A Division of New Leaf Publishing Group
Copyrighted- June 2011
Number of pages- 425
Age Group- High School
Description of book- Paperback book, list price $29.99, ISBN: 978-0-89051-624-9
Extras- SAT Essay Workbook download here
High school is one of the busiest and most important times in a person’s life. This book is designed to be integrated into a student’s busy life for their first three years.
Short lessons, containing a devotional, reading lesson, plus a few practice questions, Monday through Friday for the first three years is all it will take to help improve scores on the SAT. The back of the book has book lists, scriptures for the devotional and fifty sample essays.
About the Author- James P. Stobaugh and his wife have homeschooled their four children. He is well known in homeschooling and college/SAT preparation. He has a degree from Vanderbilt and Rutgers universities, and Princeton and Gordon-Conwell seminaries.
My thoughts- I thought this SAT prep. book was well laid out, but it is not for the faint of heart. This book will take the user quite a bit of time beginning in their freshman high school career, but I feel utilizing this program will help improve scores and their relationship with God.
There were two parts about this book that didn’t sit well with me: the quality of the essays and the lack of a practice test. If I were in the admissions department of a college I would not have accepted most of the essays as they were poorly written and rather boring. A practice test would help the student know exactly what to expect.
I recommend this book for students to strengthen their academics and their relationships with God.
Disclosure of Material Connection- I received SAT & College Preparation Course for the Christian Student by James P. Stobaugh for free from Master Books, a division of New Leaf Publishing Group. 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.
The Family Illustrated Bible by Sally Tagholm
Genre- Children/Nonfiction
The Family Illustrated Bible retold by Sally Tagholm and Reference spreads by Peter Chrisp
Published by- New Leaf Press, A Division of New Leaf Publishing Group
Copyrighted- 2011
Number of pages- 356
Age Group- Elementary School Children
Description of book- hardback picture book, list price $24.99, ISBN-13:978-0-89221-704-5
Do your children enjoy reading and learning stories from the Bible? This book will give your family hours of enjoyment and years of learning.
Formerly known as The Children’s Bible, The Family Illustrated Bible has stories retold by Sally Tagholm with many beautiful illustrations and photographs. Peter Chrisp did the reference spreads, which give valuable historical information on topics such as Mesopotamia, the Assyrians, and King Herod.
About the Author- Sally Tagholm has written numerous children's books on history and animals.
What C (girl, age 5, Kindergarten) thought- I liked this Bible. I liked the stories of “Moses in the Bulrushes” and “The Golden Calf.” I liked the illustrations, especially of Samson and the lion.
Kids my age would like this book.
What B (boy, age 7, second grade) thought- I like the front cover with Noah and the ark. Flowers and an elephant are in the background. My two favorite stories are, “The Good Samaritan” and “The Unmerciful Servant.” I like the reference section called, “Exile and Return,” in 597 BC when King Nebuchadnezzar II captured Jerusalem.
I thought the whole book was very great. It would be good for kids my age to read to themselves.
My thoughts- I thought this story Bible was great! The stories were well written and as a family we learned a lot of historical information from the reference spreads. The map at the beginning of the Bible was nice too. It is always nice to be able to find the cities that are discussed in the Bible.
I would highly recommend this story Bible to all families who have young children and want teach them Bible stories.
Dad’s Thoughts- I like the illustrations. The information was detailed, but not enough to overwhelm you. The maps and pictures help to show that these are real places, instead of just reading about it, you can see where the events occurred. Overall it is a good buy.
Disclosure of Material Connection- I received The Family Illustrated Bible, retold by Sally Tagholm, for free from New Leaf Press, a division of New Leaf Publishing Group. 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
The World-Tilting Gospel by Dan Phillips
Genre- Christian Life/Social Issues
The World-Tilting Gospel by Dan Phillips
Published by- Kregel Publications
Copyrighted- 2011
Number of pages- 304
Age Group- Older Teen/Adult
Description of book- paperback, list price $17.99, ISBN 978-0-8254-3908-7
Dan Phillips has spent many years studying Hebrew and Greek Bibles to bring you this book to help you understand how you can become a “world-tilting believer.” He lead you on a whole study of the Bible to show you where we, as a people, have been, where we are, and where we are going as a world.
Filled with humor, serious and scripture, you will want to have your Bible handy as you read The World Tilting Gospel.
My thoughts-
I was very intrigued when I had a chance to review this book. The phrase, “embracing a Biblical worldview & hanging on tight,” from the cover of the book had so much potential. Dan Phillips was able to deliver on showing us how to accept and accomplish the challenge of that phrase.
Part One had a lot of humor (mixed in with seriousness of the Fall) to make it a quick easy read. Once I started Part Two he really became serious, which showed me how important it is to him for us to properly approach the world and view Christ and the Bible as Christians.
I thought the summaries of each section were very important and relevant because the information was condensed and showed what was most important to him.
I thought this was an excellent, thought provoking book and I would recommend it to everyone who wants a different way of viewing life that just might make them a “world-tilting believer.”
Disclosure of Material Connection- I received The World-Tilting Gospel by Dan Phillips for free from the Kregel Publications’ Blog Tour. 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 5, 2011
The Story of Noah’s Ark by Lori C. Froeb
Genre- Children
The Story of Noah’s Ark by Lori C. Froeb and illustrated by Luana Rinaldo
Published by- Kregel Publications
Copyrighted- 2011
Number of pages- 16
Age Group- Young Children
Description of book- paperback, list price $9.99, ISBN 978-0-8254-5552-0
Do your children enjoy the Noah’s ark story from the Bible? This deluxe set, written by Lori C. Froeb and illustrated by Luana Rinaldo, has the storybook and wall clings that your children can put on the wall and create all sorts scenes of the animals and Noah’s ark.
About the Author- Lori C. Froeb lives in New York. She is a children’s book editor and has written many children’s books. It was a blessing to her to write this book.
About the Illustrator- Luana Rinaldo has written and illustrated many books for children and babies. The books have been translated into more than 14 languages. She lives Zurich, Switzerland.
What B (age 7, second grade) Thought- I like the story about Noah’s ark, but they forgot to put in Noah’s sons and their wives. There were wall clings, those were really fun. They were really fun, because we made a neat scene with them. Noah built a big ark to hold every kind of animal, two of every kind (one female and one male).
There were good illustrations. There were snakes, dogs, giraffes, pigs, turtles, monkeys and many more animals that I really enjoy.
I think this book is good for kids my age.
What C (age 5, kindergarten) Thought- I like the book. I think it was fun to have it read to me. My favorite part was the rainbow and the animals were safe inside Noah’s ark. Slowly the water began to evaporate and Noah sent out the dove to find dry land. And the sun slowly began to come out. And the rainbow began to come out as a sign that God would never flood the earth again.
I like the wall clings. It was fun putting them on the wall, instead of on the window or door.
I think it would be good for kids my age.
My thoughts-
My kids love Noah and the ark and wall clings, so this book was perfect for them. I read the book different times to them and B enjoyed reading it to C. After they put the wall clings on the wall, they looked at the illustrations to see what animals they had put on the wall.
I thought this book was cute and well written. I really enjoyed studying the illustrations on each page. The wall clings looked spectacular on our wall. I did remember to put them on one of the smooth walls in our house, because we stuck wall clings on our bumpy walls once and they did not stick.
I wondered why Noah’s sons and wives were not included. When I read the story of Noah’s ark, I like having all the characters and the rest of the complete story.
I highly recommend this story, because all kids should know the story of Noah’s ark and the wall clings make it even more fun.
Disclosure of Material Connection- I received The Story of Noah’s Ark by Lori C. Froeb and illustrated by Luana Rinaldo for free from the Kregel Publications’ Blog Tour. 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.
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