My Little Life of Jesus written by Karen Williamson and illustrated by Amanda Enright

My Little Life of Jesus

By Karen Williamson

Illustrated by Amanda Enright

(received in exchange for an honest review)

Genre- Christian / Children / Bible Stories

Published by- Candle Books

Copyrighted- 2014

Number of pages- 68

Age Group- Young Children (ages 3-5)

Description of book- hardback, listed price- $8.99, ISBN 978-1-78128-131-4

My Little Life of Jesus is a padded book for three- to five-year-olds which tells the story of Jesus.  In 68 pages children will learn about Jesus’s birth, the telling of his parables, a map of where he traveled, and his death.

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-

Amanda Enright trained at St. Martin’s College of Art and Camberwell College of Art.  She is inspired by Matisse and Picasso.

My thoughts-

I loved My Little Life of Jesus,  by Karen Williamson.  It is the perfect book to teach young children about Jesus.  I liked the map which showed where Jesus lived, the fun illustrations, and the references to the verses in the Bible.

The one concern I had about this book was that it showed Peter and John finding the tomb and there was nothing about Mary and the women going to the tomb first.  I would have preferred having the women first, but I did think it was very neat to have the men included.  I have never read a picture book which included Peter and John.  It is a good thing to teach to young children.

I think this is the perfect read aloud book for families with young children.  Older children could read it to younger children and they would all learn something.  I recommend My Little Life of Jesus to all families.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received My Little Life of Jesus, by Karen Williamson and illustrated by Amanda Enright, 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 Evangelism Study Bible KJV from EvanTell Inc. (Book Review)

The Evangelism Study Bible

From EvanTell, Inc.

(received in exchange for an honest review)

Genre- NKJV / Study Bibles

Published by- Kregel Publications

Copyrighted- 2014

Number of pages- 1564

Age Group- Adult

Description of book- hardback, listed price- $39.99, ISBN 978-0-8254-2662-9

This study Bible is the New King James Version and contains many notes and tips to help you learn how to share the gospel.

It contains:

• over 2,600 study notes.
• many evangelism tips.
• how-to features
• devotions
• concordance and maps

Read an excerpt.

About the Author-

EvanTell, Inc. is an evangelism training and outreach ministry in Texas.  It was founded by Dr. R. Larry Moyer.

My thoughts-

I have explored other study Bibles before and I thought this evangelism study Bible was very good.

As a person who has not explored evangelism or studied a lot about it, this Bible was not for me.  I need all the information in one continuous text, so that I can learn the most.  I really enjoyed all of the tips, study notes, and how-to’s, but this Bible was not for me.

I do think this Bible would be perfect for people who are actively involved in evangelism.  There are many helpful articles and suggestions.  They will also enjoy the list of features at the front of the book that are listed by the Bible chapter.  I would have enjoyed a index of topics that were discussed, not just a list of the article titles.

I recommend that you take a look at the excerpt of this Bible at Kregel’s website before you buy it.  It was a good Bible, just not for me.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received The Evangelism Study Bible, by EvanTell, Inc., 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.

A Saintly Killing (Book 3, A Faith Morgan Mystery) by Martha Ockley (Book Review)

A Saintly Killing (Book 3, A Faith Morgan Mystery)

By Martha Ockley

(received in exchange for an honest review)

 

Genre- Fiction / Mystery

Published by- Lion Fiction

Copyrighted- 2014

Number of pages- 234

Age Group- Adult 

Description of book- paperback, listed price- $14.99, ISBN 978-1-78264-091-2

In A Saintly Killing,  by Martha Ockley, Faith Morgan is busy as the vicar of St. James.  St. James is going to celebrate its 900th anniversary and Faith has a clipboard filled with tasks she needs to finish before the celebration. 

Faith is working on her tasks, when Sal Hinkley, the artist who was commissioned to paint the church was found dead.  This puts Faith and other members of the community under the watchful eye of Detective Inspector Ben Shorter and his department.

Once again Faith has to deal with her former boyfriend (she was a policewoman in Ben’s department).  What will become of their relationship?  Will St. James’s anniversary celebration happen?  Will Faith be able to complete her list of tasks or will she become too involved with the murder?

Excerpt from the book!

About the Author-

Martha Ockley writes fiction and nonfiction and enjoys spending time with her parrot.

My thoughts-

Martha Ockley is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors.  I really enjoy reading her books again and again.  Each time I read her books I learn more about Faith Morgan, the role God has in our lives, and how people think.

I have read, A Saintly Killing, several times now and have enjoyed it both times.  I got caught in the detail and storyline each time.  What made this book so captivating to me was how approachable Ockley made Faith.  So often people who are involved in ministry are put on a pedestal and we think they can do and should do no wrong.  Faith was shown as one of us, a person who can make mistakes and do more than just be a vicar.

One of my favorite parts is how much she still involves herself in solving mysteries, even though it is no longer her profession.  I am interesting in seeing how her relationship with Detective Inspector Ben Shorter will develop.  Will it become a romance again or stay plutonic?

If you have read and enjoyed the other two books in the series, you will enjoy this one.  If you have never read any of them, you can read my reviews of the other two books.

The Reluctant Detective: http://indoorgardenmusings.blogspot.com/2014/08/the-reluctant-detective-book-1-faith.html

The Advent of Murder: http://indoorgardenmusings.blogspot.com/2013/12/the-advent-of-murder-by-martha-ockley.html

I know I cannot wait for the next book in the series!

 

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received A Saintly Killing, by Martha Ockley, 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.

Gospel Formed by J.A. Medders (Book Review)

Gospel Formed: Living a Grace-Addicted, Truth-Filled, Jesus-Exulting Life

By J.A. Medders

(received in exchange for an honest review)

Genre- Christian Life / Devotional

Published by- Kregel Publications

Copyrighted- 2014

Number of pages- 200

Age Group- Adult

Description of book- paperback, listed price- $14.99, ISBN 978-0-8254-4358-9

Gospel Formed: Living a Grace-Addicted, Truth-Filled, Jesus-Exulting Life.  The title says it all!  That is exactly what this book is about.

This book contains 28 chapters which should be read one per day (so you can focus on one topic per day).  There is also an excellent introduction which is a “gospel primer.”

The five parts of this book are:

• “The Gospel Starting Block”
• “What is Gospel Worship?”
• “What is Gospel Identity?”
• “What is Gospel Community?”
• “What is Gospel Mission?”

Read an excerpt.

About the Author-

J.A. Medders currently lives in Texas and is the lead pastor at Redeemer Church.  His website is www.jamedders.com.

My thoughts-

Gospel Formed, by J.A. Medders was an excellent book, very inspirational.  As Christians we need to live a life based on the gospel.  I know there are many times that I forget this and focus on myself and not the gospel and Jesus Christ.  I was intrigued and inspired by the time I was done reading this book.

There were many different things I enjoyed about this book:

• the daily readings
• the personal stories from Medders (I spent a lot of time chuckling)
• the introduction

One of my favorite parts of this book was the section that told me how to read this book, because it told me exactly how I needed to read it, so I would get the most out of it.  I was supposed to read one chapter a day, but I found them so interesting that often I read two or three daily.  I think I would have learned more from them if I had just stuck to one per day.  I plan on reading this book again.  I want to be able to learn as much as I can for this book.

This book taught me so much about living the gospel life.  I highly recommend it to every Christian. 

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Gospel Formed, by J.A. Medders, 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.

Dead Gorgeous: A Mystery for D.I. Costello by Elizabeth Flynn

Dead Gorgeous: A Mystery for D.I. Costello

By Elizabeth Flynn

(received in exchange for an honest review)

Genre- Fiction / Christian / Mystery

Published by- Lion Hudson

Copyrighted- 2014

Number of pages- 288

Age Group- Adult 

Description of book- paperback, listed price- $14.99, ISBN 978-1-78264-131-5

Kristy Manners.  In Dead Gorgeous, by Elizabeth Flynn, she is a model who was mysteriously murdered.

D.I. Angela Costello is busy trying to solve this murder.  Kristy was trying to be a larger part of the designing world than just being a model.  Was that why she was murdered.  Did she become involved in something that was dangerous or did her ex-boyfriend want her so much that he killed her, so no one could have her?  Or was it one of the other people who did not like her?

About the Author-

Elizabeth Flynn wrote Game, Set, and Murder.  She currently lives in London and has experience in theater.

My thoughts-

I thought Dead Gorgeous was excellent.  I was not sure who the murderer was until the very end of the book.  I had my suspects, but none of them turned out to be true.

I have not read the other book in the series, Game, Set and Murder, but I did not need to, to enjoy this book.  I did not feel as if I was missing any important information about the main characters.

Author Elizabeth Flynn did an excellent job with the characters, descriptions, and the build-up to the climax to the murder mystery.  I wish I could tell you what I enjoyed.  I would be spoiling the entire book if I told you, so I won’t.

I really enjoyed reading a mystery where the D.I. was a woman and one of the main characters.  While God was not a main part of this book, I enjoyed the parts we was in (I cannot tell you what it is, I do not want to spoil it).  I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys mysteries.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Dead Gorgeous, by Elizabeth Flynn, 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.