Four wonderful children's parables in one volume

My children were the perfect age for understanding the deeper meaning behind Liz Curtis Higg's Pumpkin Patch Parable when I first learned of it about a dozen years ago.  Soon after, I was made aware of The Pine Tree Parable which was a must have for us as a family who loves just about any Christmas themed story.  Little did I know when I bought each of them how they would touch my own heart and speak to me, not just my children.

This volume not only contains my two favorite mentioned above but also The Sunflower Parable and The Parable of the Lily.  Each of the four are set in a different season and use common plants to remind us of God's love, provision, and character--all attributes that we, as Christians, should aspire to mimic.  Bright beautiful illustrations are provided by Nancy Munger and add to the beautifully written parables.  Most pages also contain a Bible verse either verbatim or paraphrased that add to Higg's heartwarmng stories. 

The advantage of this volume over owning each of the original books individually is that they are easy to grab the collection all at once, the extra sturdy cover, and price.  The entire volume costs under what two of the original parable books did when I purchased them.  Even for an unbeliever, I think this book would make an excellent baby, child's birthday or Christmas gift.  God says that we must have the faith of a child so why not use this beautiful book to reach the hearts of parents and children alike?

I love it!  I think I will hold on to it to replace my original copies.  Thanks again Mrs. Higgs for using your talents and sharing them.  I did receive this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.  I was in no way obligated to write a positive one. 

Mexican food waiting when you get home

Deborah Schneider has give busy cooks the gift of serving a tasty hot dinner with a bit of advance prep time for even the most hectic of days. Mexican is one of our family favorite and I look forward to trying each recipe.

The 138 page recipe book contains an assortment of soups, main dishes, street food favorites such as various tacos, tostadas, burritos and enchiladas, a variety of sides as well as dessert recipes guaranteed to please.  Ms. Schneider begins with some basic information regarding using a slow cooker for Mexican foods which includes a guide to the varied chiles used in the dishes, which may be the most challenging ingredient to find depending on what is available in your local grocery.  Another challenge could be locating a spice or two but I wouldn't let that keep me from either leaving it out or locating a substitute. Scattered throughout each section is some educational information from making tamales, making tortillas, and varieties of beans along with color photos of select recipes.

Bound in paperback, this book offers several of my family favorites that can now be an option when I  work all day.  I am always looking for some good slow cooker recipes that will be ready to dish out when we arrive home. Like most paperback recipes books, it is somewhat challenging to keep the book open to the recipe but not impossible.

I give this book four stars out of five. I would like to see the book spiral bound, additional color photos of the prepared recipes, and suggested substitutes for the less common ingredients.  I revived this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way obligated to write a positive one.

Mama's prayer

Every Christian mother prays for her child before he/she is born and along every milestone from birth to first steps to when they go to school and beyond.  We even pray and love when our children are disobedient.  What a beautiful way to share with your child and remind them of your prayers through the story of Baby Bear and Mama Bear.  Each page contains beautifully created illustrations by Frank Endersby to enhance the words written by Ms. Fischer as Mama tells Baby Bear how and what she prayed for before he was born and through his childhood and even when he is grown.

I love this book!  The heavy board book format is perfect for little hands to grasp and turn the pages.  The watercolor illustrations are precious.  I think it is perfect gift to give to any new arrival or expecting Mom.  Very reasonably price as well. It beautifully shares with a child how much they are loved and cared for, a reminder every child needs daily whether born naturally to his or her mother or adopted into the family.

I did receive this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review and was in no way obligated to write a positive one.  Two thumbs up toe Ms. Fisher and Mr. Endersby!

Destined to be a classic Bible story book

In modern day, is there anyone who has lived who is wiser than Billy Graham?  Not in my opinion.  Who better to teacher our children and our children's children about God's love? 

God's Good News Bible Storybook contains over 70 Bible stories from both the Old and New Testaments perfect for a family devotion for those with children older than toddlers.  Each story is beautifully illustrated by Scott Wakefield and is 1 to 3 pages in length but what really makes this volume special is that some/many of the stories contain a special message and reminder from Dr. Graham.  Having turned 97 I believe this week, Dr. Grahams words of wisdom aren't published every year anymore.  I think this volume is destined to become one that lasts through the ages. 

All of the old favorites are included but this book also has some of the less familiar Bible stories--The Tower of Babel, Gideon, Josiah, Saul, Lydia, and Paul's letters from prison.  Few volumes go past Jesus' resurrection so I give two thumbs up to Dr. Graham for going past the book of Acts in the New Testament stories.

If I had to say anything negative about the book, I think it might have to be just a few of the illustrations but that is searching hard.  It isn't that there is anything at all wrong with the portrayal, I simply think that some of them could limit the audience just a bit but they are perfect for pre-school and elementary age children.

The cover is quite sturdy and will last, with care, for generations to come. I certainly plan on it being around our family for that long.

I did receive this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review and am in no way obligated to write a positive one.  Thank you Booklook Bloggers for publishing such wholesome materials and for the opportunity to review Billy Graham's latest work.

Rising Darkness

Typically, I hate going into a series without starting at the beginning. In fact, I would prefer  not to read series because you have to wait so long for the new one to be released.  However, this time I made an exception with Nancy Mehl's Rising Darkness, the third installation in the Finding Sanctuary Series.  Ms. Mehl's writings are new to me so I thought it a good opportunity to read a good mystery and I must admit wasn't disappointed.   Even though this is the third in the series, Ms. Mehl did a really nice job with a short prologue, filling the reader in on what was necessary to dive right in to Rising Darkness.

Sophie Wittenbauer is budding journalist trying to get her foot in the door as a crime reporter when she has the opportunity to help solve a murder/robbery case which took place years ago with the help of an inmate she knew years ago.  What she didn't expect was to be forced to face her past in a Mennonite community much like the one she grew up in with a face all too familiar which threatens to put her investigation at risk.  Can Sophie find the presumed dead suspect still alive before someone makes sure she doesn't?

I think I will have to go back and pick up books one and two from the series, Gathering Shadows and Deadly Echoes.  Ms.Mehl is excellent, weaving a story that makes you keep wanting more and creating characters you can easily relate to.  Two thumbs up!

I did receive this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review and was in no way obligated to write a positive one.