Getaway with God by Letitia Suk (Book Review)

Getaway with God

The Everywoman’s Guide to Personal Retreat

by Letitia Suk

(received in exchange for an honest review)

Genre- Religion / Christian Life / Spiritual Growth

Published by- Kregel Publications

Copyrighted- 2016

Number of pages- 160

Age Group- Adult (women)

Description of book- paperback, listed price- $14.99, ISBN 978-0-8254-4415-9

Are you busy all the time?  Is it hard to spend time with God?  Perhaps it’s time to go on a personal retreat with God.

Letitia Suk has written a book that gives guidance and tips on how to take a personal retreat.  There are ideas for:

• the amount of time that works for you.
• different types of retreats.
• how to pray.
• what to do on the different days.

About the Author-

Letitia Suk and her husband have four adult children and currently live near Chicago.  She is a life coach, speaker, and author.  Her website is LetitiaSuk.com

My thoughts-

Sometimes I feel as if I have no time to myself and no quality time with God.  I think it would be fun, restful, and restorative.  I wouldn’t like to leave my family for a time, but it would probably be the best for all of us. 

There were many different ideas and helpful tips.  I really liked the part where Suk discussed exactly what to do on a five day retreat.  She told her story, gave a sample schedule, and different areas (ex. health, home, and work).

The only part I didn’t agree with was the Sabbath.  The Sabbath is much more important than she made it out to be.  It is one of the ten commandments, so it must be followed.  You also need to make sure you know which is the true day.

I thought this was a good book.  I would really like to work on planning my retreat.  I suggest all women take time for themselves. 

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Getaway with God, by Letitia Suk, 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.

Lucifer’s Harvest by Mel Starr (Book Review!)

Lucifer’s Harvest (Book 9, 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- 2016

Number of pages- 160

Age Group- Adult 

Description of book- paperback, listed price- $14.99, ISBN 978-1-78264-188-9

Lord Gilbert Talbert and his soldiers need to go to Prince Edward in France.  Hugh de Singleton needs to go along as his surgeon.  Along the way, Hugh’s wife’s old beau, Sir Simon Trillowe, and his group join everyone.  Sir Simon holds a grudge against Hugh and has even burned his house, so Hugh knows he needs be aware of his surroundings.  Sir Simon has been known to try to hurt Hugh.

It turns out that it was Sir Simon who should have been more aware of his surroundings.  Hugh needs to find out who killed Trillowe, because he is being blamed.

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.  He currently lives in Michigan

My thoughts-

I haven’t read the first three books in this series.  I have thoroughly enjoyed reading Unhallowed Ground, The Tainted Coin, Rest Not in Peace, The Abbot's Agreement, Ashes to Ashes, and Lucifer’s Harvest.  I like that each one is a mystery, focuses on an early time period (late 1300's), and each book is well written. 

While this book was shorter than many of the other ones, it didn’t disappoint.  Hugh was able to help people and solve Sir Simon’s murder.  I like how Lord Gilbert is always there for Hugh.  He is always doing what he can for Hugh and his family, whether they are near or far. 

One of the best parts of the book is still the glossary.  It has been one my favorite sections in each book.  I enjoyed reading and learning about the clothing, food, and times of the year.  This section helps me learn about a time period I don’t know much about.

Hugh is certainly dedicated.  He is determined to find out who the dead man is and why he died.  I like his determination.  We all need to have his persistence and desire to make sure all wrongs are righted. 

I think this is an excellent book and series.  I’m looking forward to the next book, Deeds of Darkness. 

Readers who enjoy mysteries and/or historical fiction will enjoy this book.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Lucifer’s Harvest, 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.

When There is No Miracle by Robert L. Wise (Book Review!)

When There is No Miracle

Finding Hope in Pain and Suffering (Revised and Expanded Edition)

by Robert L. Wise

(received in exchange for an honest review)

Genre- Religion / Christian Life / Death, Grief, Bereavement

Published by- Kregel Publications

Copyrighted- 2016

Number of pages- 168

Age Group- Adult

Description of book- paperback, listed price- $14.99, ISBN 978-0-8254-4425-8

There are many tragedies happening around the world every second.  They have become a daily part of our lives.  Robert Wise has written this book to help answer the question people always ask, “Why?”  Over the years he has learned answers from his questioning  and searching in the Bible.  He shares what he has learned in this book.  As you read this book, you’ll be able to see that God is always there, even if it doesn’t seem like it.

About the Author-

Robert L. Wise has written thirty-four books under his name and the pseudonyms, Spencer E. Moses and Ed Moses.  He is an archbishop in the Communion of Evangelical Episcopal Churches.

My thoughts-

This book gave me a lot to think about.  There is so much tragedy and pain in the world.  You can’t turn on the television or look on the internet without seeing a natural disaster or one that man has caused. 

This book is full of Bible verses and personal stories from Wise.  There was a lot that I think was very useful, but you’ll want to read it for yourself according to what you believe.

I think Wise has written a book, which will help many people learn how to better deal with pain and tragedy.  They will always be able to see God in everything that happens.

You should pick up a copy soon.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received When There is No Miracle, by Robert L. Wise, 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.

Candle Day by Day: Bible by Juliet David and illustrated by Jane Heyes

Candle Day by Day: Bible

By Juliet David

Illustrated by Jane Heyes

(received in exchange for an honest review)

Genre- Christian / Juvenile /

Published by- Candle Books

Copyrighted- 2016

Number of pages- 368

Age Group- Young children (5-7)

Description of book- hardback, listed price- $16.99, ISBN 978-1-78128-281-6

This is a flip calendar edition of the Bible, which has won Children’s Book of the Year; CRT Awards 2015.  There are accounts of Jesus, Jacob, Elijah, and others from the Bible.

The language is easy for young children to understand.  The illustrations are subtle and relevant to the daily devotion.

About the Author-

Juliet David lives in London with her family. She has written Bible activity books and children’s stories. She enjoys traveling to Israel and other Bible lands.

About the Illustrator-

Jane Heyes currently lives in the South of France.  She has established her own publishing company.  Her artwork has been in children’s books, ceramics, textiles, wall art, and more.

My thoughts-

This flip calendar is perfect for young children to begin to know the Bible.  Each day they can either read or have the story read to them while they look at the illustration.  I think that it would have been nice to have if each day had the relevant Bible verses next to it.  Some children might enjoy knowing more about the story.

I also would have enjoyed a day of the month not just a number of the year.  My daughter and I had to use the computer to find out what number matched our date.

I enjoyed reading the text and looking at the illustrations in this book.  I think the young children in your life would like it too.  It would make a good present.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Candle Day by Day: Bible, by Juliet David and illustrated by Jane Heyes, 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.

Candle Day by Day: Walk with Jesus by Juliet David and illustrated by Jane Heyes

Candle Day by Day: Walk with Jesus

By Juliet David

Illustrated by Jane Heyes

(received in exchange for an honest review)

Genre- Christian / Juvenile /

Published by- Candle Books

Copyrighted- 2016

Number of pages- 48

Age Group- Young children (young readers)

Description of book- hardback, listed price- $9.99, ISBN 978-1-78128-291-5

This book contains 40 days of readings to help young children learn more about Jesus.  For each day there is a Bible verse, question, and short story.  The Bible verses come from different versions of the Bible.  The different readings are based on the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

The language is easy enough for toddlers to understand and simple enough for younger readers.  The illustrations are subtle, but realistic, and come off the page.

About the Author-

Juliet David lives in London with her family. She has written Bible activity books and children’s stories. She enjoys traveling to Israel and other Bible lands.

About the Illustrator-

Jane Heyes currently lives in the South of France.  She has established her own publishing company.  Her artwork has been in children’s books, ceramics, textiles, wall art, and more.

My thoughts-

I liked the story, Bible verses, and questions in this book.  I feel that David did a good job of including the most important parts of Jesus’s life. 

I thought that the illustrations were subtle, but captivating.  They will keep a young child interested while the short story is being read to them.  You’ll want to make sure you have your Bible on hand, because you might need it to answer some of the questions.  Your young child might have more questions about the story as well.

There are some of the stories that you might want to add to, because there just wasn’t enough space for David to add enough information.  Those readings that needed more involved the end of Jesus’s life on this Earth. 

I enjoyed reading the text and looking at the illustrations in this book.  I think the young children in your life would like it too.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Candle Day by Day: Walk with Jesus, by Juliet David and illustrated by Jane Heyes, 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.