Friday, December 02, 2016

Charlie the Tramp

One of America's favorite children's authors has a book reissued to celebrate a 50th anniversary!  Russell Hoban's Charlie the Tramp is back and just in time for Christmas!  You remember Russell Hoban, right?  He's famous for the Frances stories- Bread and Jam for Frances was one of our favorites.  Well Charlie the Tramp is sure to be a new favorite.  I love the tender tale and I'm thrilled it was re-issued.  Don't miss the amazing illustrations we all know and love by Lillian Hoban!  This is really a book from long ago that should not be overlooked!

** I was sent a copy of this book by the publisher for an honest review on my blog.

Friday, November 18, 2016

Experiencing God through His Names

Sheryl Giesbrecht has written a book that will help grow and challenge your faith.  Experiencing God through His Names is a great book that is set up with each chapter being a different name of God.  Giesbrecht uses scripture and everyday life to challenge the reader to go deeper with God by experiencing His names and claiming what they mean to us as Believers.  The chapters are short and easy to digest.  I could see myself going through this short title every year to remind myself of who God is.  This was a great reminder and encouragement to me - would make an excellent gift for a friend as well!



*I was sent a copy of this book by the publisher for an honest review on my blog.

Where Jesus Slept

What a delightful new Christmas story!  Norma Lewis has written Where Jesus Slept, a beautiful new picture book for Christmas.  In the tradition of "This is the House that Jack Built" you can go through the Christmas story in a whole new way.  The rhyming and sing-song fashion of the story lends itself beautifully to sharing with little ones.  I loved this - it would be so fun as a read-aloud with your little ones this Christmas.  The illustrations by Katy Hudson are gorgeous as well.  You can't go wrong with this story this Christmas season! 


*I was sent a copy by the publisher for review purposes on my blog.

Wednesday, November 09, 2016

Say and Pray Devotions

Diane Stortz's new board book, Say & Pray Devotions is a great idea for a board book.  It's a simple, fun way to introduce your little one to new words, biblical truths, and so much more.  The book gives a short - VERY SHORT - sentence, words to talk about on each page, a short Bible verse, and a prayer.  It's perfect for tiny hands and tiny bodies which are not able to sit still for long!  If you have a little one or need a gift for a little one - this may just be it!



*I was sent a copy of the book by the publisher for an honest review on my blog.

Tuesday, November 08, 2016

Refresh: Spiritual Nourishment for Parents of Children with Special Needs

Sometimes we just need to be encouraged and that is exactly what this book did for me.  Parenting isn't easy to start with, but throw in a child with special needs and those challenges can be overwhelming.  We are going through this in our very own home as we speak...nothing easy about this task that we are called to.  But a breath of fresh air came to me in the form of Kimberly Drew and Jocelyn Green's book Refresh.  It is a compilation of stories about parenting children who have all forms of special needs....the challenges, the joys, and so much more.  It is one of those books that you need to devour slowly and process but I was encouraged over and over through the words of many who have gone before me on this journey.  If you need encouragement today - don't miss this book.



*I was sent a copy of this book by the publisher for an honest review on my blog.

Tuesday, October 25, 2016

40 Days to a Joyful Motherhood

Coloring is all the rage and I must admit that I enjoy that stress-relieving activity!  I have toyed with Bible journaling and find it all to be quite a fun pastime.  So Sarah Humphrey's 40 Days to a Joyful Motherhood is a tool I am finding myself devouring.  The layout is so simple - a devotion for 40 days with a coloring page opposite it.  For me, it's perfect - I am not a doodler or artist so I love having it all created for me and all I need to do is add color and make it my own.  It is a fabulous idea and one that lets me be creative in my time with God.  The devotions are also great reminders to me- and sometimes challenging - which is ok too....we need that sometimes!  This will be my go-to gift for my girlfriends - it's wonderful!

I love what the publisher's website says:
40 Days to a Joyful Motherhood: Devotions and Coloring Book to Nourish Mom (Abingdon Press, August 2016)

Nourishment for a mother's soul through 40 days of devotion and . . . doodling!

Wouldn't it be marvelous if mothering came with a concrete set of instructions---an easy recipe we could follow? Instead, motherhood challenges women to find their faith, their true selves, and their family through daily doses of trial and error. It is a brilliant and healing time of life that is full of joy, pain, and beauty with a small side of crisis (and humor). What mothers do not know, they learn. And through this lifelong process of learning, they nurture and care for the most precious gifts on earth: children. In a modern society where moms often have a full and busy plate, these 10 minute daily devotions focus on six key topics of motherhood:

-Self-acceptance
-Self-care
-Reconciling with grief, hope and expectations
-Generosity
-Presence
-Forgiveness
In addition to the devotions, these beautiful pages are adorned with handmade illustrations to help you refresh from long days or even occasional sleepless nights. So, grab your colors and a little quiet time for yourself while doodling at the kitchen table. You will be grateful you did!

Visit the author's website to learn more.  OR visit the blog site to see other reviews. 
*I was sent a review copy by the publisher for an honest review on my blog.

The 10 Myths of Teen Dating

When your kids reach the dating ages, it can be scary!  I am always looking for books that can help guide me as a parent as our kids enter these years.  Daniel and Jacquelyn Anderson's book, The 10 Myths of Teen Dating: Truths Your Daughter Needs to Know to Date Smart, Avoid Disaster, and Protect Her Future is JUST THAT BOOK!

Daniel Anderson and his daughter, Jacquelyn, have co-authored a guidebook for parents as their daughters (and sons) enter the dating world.  I did add sons on there - as I think much of the information would be relevant for boys - but it is very much geared to daughters.  The book is easy to read and well laid-out.  I thought it was a fast read but also one I will go back to over and over as my daughter gets closer.  You can learn more by visiting their website.



Daniel Anderson is a former college All-American basketball player, an expert educator, and a father of two grown daughters and a son. As a veteran high school teacher in the public school system, Daniel was troubled by how his students approached dating and relationships. He and his daughter, Jacquelyn Anderson---a twenty something and also a high school teacher---decided to address this need by equipping parents with The 10 Myths of Teen Dating, their first book together. Daniel and Jacquelyn both make their home in Portland, Oregon.

*I was sent a copy of this book for an honest review on my blog.  You can read other blogger's reviews HERE.

Tuesday, September 13, 2016

The Biggest Story

When I first read Kevin DeYoung's The Biggest Story - I could not tell enough people about it- I was pumped!  It is a wonderfully-told children's rendition of God's Story.  It was brilliant!  In fact, so brilliant, that it was given to every family in our church body.  It's just THAT good!  So when I saw there was a CD and DVD to accompany the book - I knew I needed to see it.  It does not disappoint!  The illustrations from the book come to life in the DVD and Kevin DeYoung, the author, narrates this DVD that is sure to be a family favorite for ages.  As I sat watching, I kept thinking, that this is one of those must-haves for grandkids, church children's curriculum, etc.  It's rare to find something of such high quality and content that you know it should be in every home - but this is it!



*I was sent a copy by the publisher for an honest review on my blog.

Monday, August 15, 2016

I Love You Just Because

Do you share books with little ones?  I have a wonderful suggestion for you - Donna Keith's I Love You Just Because is an adorable board book to enjoy with even the youngest budding readers.  It is a beautiful tale of a parent's love for their child and how it isn't earned - it's "just because".  Bible verses are sprinkled throughout to show how much God loves our little ones too.   Alison Edgson's illustrations just add to the tenderness of this story.  This is an endearing book to share with your little ones over and over.

 
*I was sent this title by the publisher for an honest review on my blog.

Monday, July 25, 2016

If My Husband Would Change, I'd Be Happy

So when I typed this title in for my post, I had to chuckle.  I wondered if I should just leave it at that or go ahead with my post!?!?  Let's be honest, as wives you've thought it.  It's human nature to feel like it's not my fault and pass the blame on someone else. I think that's why this book resonated with me on such a deep level.  I know the truth - I just sometimes need to re-hear it.

Rhonda Stoppe has written If My Husband Would Change, I'd be Happy...& Other Myths Wives Believe.  I have read and re-read parts of this book already because Rhonda's message is truth.  We, as wives, have expectations of what it will take to make us happy but they are only that - unrealistic expectations and not truth.  They are myths and Rhonda's mission is to change those myths into reasons to rekindle that love that was there on our wedding day.  I highly recommend this biblically-centered, challenging but rewarding read. 

Visit Rhonda's Website to learn more about her and her mission.


*I was sent a copy by the publisher for an honest review on my blog.

Saturday, July 09, 2016

The Life We Never Expected

You know when you pick up a book and plan to read it and get one to two things out of it....and then you come away with a MILLION!?!!?  That is totally this book!  Andrew and Rachel Wilson have written The Life We Never Expected, and it is a book I plan to read over and over.  This couple KNOWS the struggle of raising not one, but two children with special needs.  Their story isn't pretty - they don't sugarcoat - but they are real and give the ultimate advice over and over - you just need to take it to God.  I love how the book is arranged - in cycles of a lifetime - and how to navigate them.  As a parent to a child with special needs, I cried with them AND I was encouraged.  They get it and they point me to Christ - who is ultimately the only One who can give the rest and strength.  I would highly recommend this book!


*I was sent a copy of this book by the publisher for an honest review on my blog.

Tuesday, July 05, 2016

Would a Worm go on a Walk?

Hannah C. Hall has written an endearing children's book, Would a Worm Go on a Walk?, that is sure to delight children with it's fun storyline and adorable illustrations by Bill Bolton.  The story asks it's young readers/listeners if animals would do silly things that they are obviously NOT made to do...but would they!?!?  Kids will be sure to yell out their answers and become a part of this fun story.  It concludes reminding us that God delights in the animals He has made, but even more so in his VERY SPECIAL creations - us!  This was fun and will be such a joy to share with our young ones. 



*I was sent a review copy by the publisher for an honest review on my blog.

Saturday, July 02, 2016

Unashamed: Healing our Brokenness and Finding Freedom from Shame

Do you need to give yourself some breathing room?  Maybe cut yourself some extra grace?  Then I would highly recommend Heather Davis Nelson's Unashamed.  This is truly one of those books that brings hope and healing if you read it and take it to heart.  Nelson has given numerous examples of where hope can be restored and freedom can be felt if we give it to God and claim the healing that is there.  I was inspired and encouraged and I am sure others will be as well!

 
*I was sent a copy by the publisher for review purposes.

Friday, June 24, 2016

Lucinda Secrest McDowell's "Dwelling Places" Blog Tour and Giveaway

I honestly can't encourage you enough to add this book to your nightstand or coffee table! Dwelling Places is a fabulous daily dose of encouragement and motivation in our daily walk with Christ. McDowell has poured herself into this devotional that gives you timely and seasonal tidbits for every week of the year.    I love that they relate to the seasons and each has scripture to read and encourage as well. This is one I will savor throughout the year!




Lucinda Secrest McDowell is the author of 11 books, including “Live These Words,” “Amazed by Grace,” and “Quilts from Heaven.” She has contributed to an additional 25 books and has been published in more than 50 magazines. A graduate of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and Furman University, she speaks internationally through her ministry “Encouraging Words.” An award-winning writer who has earned accolades from prominent writers’ conferences and retreats, McDowell has also worked in radio broadcasting, in retreat planning, and on church pastoral staffs. She writes from “Sunnyside” cottage in Connecticut.

Find out more about Lucinda at http://EncouragingWords.net.


Drown out the busyness and noise of everyday life and find a deeper faith with something as simple as a single word in Lucinda Secrest McDowell's new book, Dwelling Places. Through short and inspiring readings, McDowell unpacks a single word—such as mercy, beauty, gratitude, or grace—to reveal a biblical blessing or challenge relevant to where you are. Full of stories and illustrations to empower you to live the word you have just read, each devotional ends with a benediction, written as if God were speaking directly to you.

Join Lucinda in celebrating the release of Dwelling Places by entering to win her Season of Refreshment giveaway.

dwelling places - 400 

One grand prize winner will receive:
  • A copy of Dwelling Places
  • Dwelling Places necklace handmade by Lucinda
  • A kit full of goodies you'll need to make refreshing lemonade this summer
One second place winner will receive:
  • A copy of Dwelling Places
  • Dwelling Places necklace handmade by Lucinda
dwelling places - collage 

Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on July 5th. The winner will be announced July 6th on Lucinda's blog.

dwelling places - enter banner

*I was sent a copy for review purposes on my blog by the publisher.

Saturday, June 04, 2016

Children of God

Phil Wickham's latest album, Children of God, is SUPERB!  DO NOT MISS this new album! 

"Doxology" is an amazing rendition of the Doxology we all know and love.  I love the way he makes it his own.

"Spirit of God" is a track that inspires worship and yet is catchy and upbeat.
"Your Love Awakens Me" is a track I sing repeatedly throughout the day - it's a great new song!
One of my stand-outs on the album is the tender track, "Starmaker" - LOVE the background vocals and worship of the song.  Amazing!

Buy Links:

*I was sent a copy of the album for an honest review on my blog.

#ChildrenOfGod #FlyBy

Thursday, June 02, 2016

Mother & Son

Sometimes books really leave an impact.  For me, Emerson Eggerichs' Love and Respect did that - it gave me a whole new way of looking at things and I STILL think back to much I learned in that book.  His new book, Mother & Son, is just the same!  This is a book you will carry with you LONG after you finish reading it the first time.  I love this quote,  "Based on the insight that a Mother's love is important...respect is the key to her son's heart."  You hear so much about little girls needing a father's love but we hear very little about sons needing their mother's respect.  This book lays it out so clearly and plainly - it makes total sense.  I was hit again and again about how important this respect is to our husbands AND sons.  If you have a son - here is THE ONE book you should read this year!  Don't miss this gift to all moms raising boys!



* I was sent a copy of this book for review purposes on my blog.

Monday, May 30, 2016

Little Linebacker

Here is a new book for our younger readers that is sure to be a hit with sports readers.  It is the story of a young boy who wants nothing more than to play football.  However, the book portrays in a very realistic way that there are obstacles to playing sports and you need to work hard to overcome them.  The Little Linebacker is a short, fun read but excels in displaying the importance of determination!  Authors, Stephen Tulloch and Maria Dismondy have created fabulous resources for teachers and parents alike to share with their children around the story. 





*I was sent a copy of the book for an honest review on my blog.

Monday, May 16, 2016

Crossway's Family Devotional Bible

I am a BIG fan of the ESV edition of the Bible.  So when I saw there was a Family Devotional Bible in ESV, I was pretty excited!  This Family Bible is going to be a family favorite!  The layout is fabulous - you read your entry for each day, and it tells you which page to go to to find the next devotional entry.  The pictures are reminiscent of ones I had in a Bible growing up and I remember them fondly - they are Bible-time-ish and add so much to this lovely Bible.  The questions can be easy for our younger ones to answer but they also have some probing questions that will challenge our little ones to think beyond simple answers and use some application skills.  DO NOT miss the maps in this edition either - they are very kid-friendly and easy to read. 

I think this would make a great gift for young families or baby showers - it will be a family treasure!

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog.  Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255:  "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Adverting."

Saturday, May 14, 2016

The League and the Lantern

Are you looking for a new read for your middle school readers?  I may have been introduced to JUST the thing!  Brian Wells' brand new novel, The League and the Lantern, is sure to capture readers - boys and girls alike.  This is a riveting, fast-paced novel that starts with a seventh-grade sleepover gone bad and how Jake and his friends must figure out a mystery dating back to the Civil War.  I thought this was fabulous!  It will be one I recommend to my boy readers who are struggling to find a good read - but also to girls who just want a fast-paced mystery.  It is clean and one they will be able to conquer.

It is also an amazing kick-starter campaign story that reached it's $10,000 goal in under four hours!  That says a lot about this book and the need for it!  Another thing I so loved about this story and author is that for every book ordered off of their website, LeagueandLantern.com, a hardcover book will also be donated to a child who could otherwise not afford one - all affirming the book's goal to show kids lessons in mercy, compassion, and charity through the story.

Do not miss this new novel - aimed at middle school readers - but one that will resonate with SO many readers!



 *I was sent a copy of the book by the publisher for an honest review on my blog.

Thursday, May 05, 2016

Hunting Hope

Sometimes you just find a book that resonates with every part of you - Hunting Hope did just that with me.  Nika Maples has written a book that captures the essence of hurt and hope from that hurt.  Nika knows - she has dealt with lupus and a brainstem stroke that left her paralyzed at the age of 20.  She has seen God work through her hurt and others' as well and she has found hope in the journey and wants to share that with her readers.  The book is short and the chapters are wonderful for reading in small sittings.  Be encouraged and inspired by her words!






At twenty, Nika Maples learned that when hope was all she had, she claimed it boldly while defying all odds to recover from a devastating stroke. The lessons from that struggle are powerful and universal, and she shares those lessons in her new book, Hunting Hope. Doctors warned that she had as little as 48 hours to live, and—if she lived at all—she would never walk or talk again. There was no hope on the horizon. So Nika started to hunt for it. Today, she not only walks, but she speaks to audiences everywhere about the power of hunting hope when a situation appears hopeless. She says hope remains camouflaged in the daily mundane. If we are not looking for it, we will miss it, though it is right before our eyes.

Celebrate the release of Hunting Hope with a $200 Getaway Giveaway (details below) and a live webcast with Nika on May 26!

hunting hope-400 

One grand prize winner will receive:
  • One copy of Hunting Hope
  • A $200 Hilton gift card to give a hope hunter the chance to rest
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on 5/24. The winner will be announced at the Hunting Hope live author webcast on 5/26. RSVP for a chance to connect with Nika and other hope hunters, as well as for a chance to win other prizes!

hunting hope-enter

RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK, TWITTER, or PINTEREST and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 26th!

*I was sent a copy for review purposes by the publisher for an honest review on my blog.

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