Max Lucado's wisdom on God's Grace

Max Lucado is no stranger to God's grace and has shared personal stories and wisdom he has gained through a number of writings since 1990.  His name and writings are sprinkled throughout every Christian and some secular bookstores in America.  This imitation leather bound volume contains snippets from eighteen of his published works, all dealing with the subject of God's grace.  There is one reading for every day of the year coupled with a scripture verse pertaining to that day's devotion.

It would appear this book has been previously published under a different cover.  However, the soft leather-like binding on this volume is beautiful to both touch and look at as well as makes it easy to hold and to lay flat, unlike its hard bound counterpart.  I also love that the pages are a soft ecru color, making thevolume appear timeless.  The print is large, making it easy to read no matter your age.  There is also ample blank space on the page if the reader wishes to make his own notes on his/her journey with grace or how the scripture spoke to him/her when read.

What's not to love about this book?  I have long enjoyed reading and listening to Mr. Lucado and I am grateful for a devotional book by him that is applicable to my daily life, contemporary, and easy to read in just a few minutes yet the message contains enough substance to be pondered throughout the day.  Whether you are looking for a new devotional book to begin the New Year or a gift idea, I would highly recommend Grace for the Moment by Max Lucado.   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.

History of cultural sayings

Ella Frances Sanders has brought us a book of sayings from all around the world and how each originated as well as its meaning.  The only one I was totally familiar with was "Mind your p's and q's" which she says originated around the time of the printing press, warning those who set type to be careful since the letters were so similar.  I have heard another origin so now I don't know which one to believe.  Guess it is time to do my own research.  Some of the other sayings have similar meaning to ones we use in English so it is interesting to see how they originated in what may have been their initial language.

Each saying is illustrated in whimsical ways and has a brief explanation regarding how it originated in its country, some of which are quite humorous.  To be honest, there were languages I was totally unfamiliar with such as Farsi and Ga so the volume allows you to expand more than just your knowledge of the quotes if you want to dig a bit deeper as I did. At approximate 6x8" in size, the hardback book is a really nice gift size or one to place on a small table to pick up and read one or two at a time.  As for me, I will use it in the classroom to introduce students to different cultures and languages.

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.

God's love is evident everywhere

Through nature, small acts of kindness, and scripture, evidence of God's love is everywhere we look if we just have the eyes to see.  Encouraging a young child to truly see what is around him and know that God is the center will follow him into adulthood and create the habit of intentionally looking for evidence of His love.  Through short poems, prayers, and brief scripture, Jean Fischer has published a tool to start using with the smallest of children to develop just such eyes.

I originally chose this book because I have loved Precious Moments since I was a teen, collecting more than my fair share of the figurines and even topping my wedding cake with one.  I love the fact that Fischer used these adorable whimsical children and animals to illustrate the fact that evidence of God's love for us is all around us.  The fact that this volume is in a sturdy board book format makes it perfect for little hands and is light enough in weight for those hands to carry.  The rhythm of the rhyming poems will delight children and the scripture chosen for each poem is short enough that even very young children can memorize and begin to hide God's word in their heart. 

If you are looking for a gift for children ages 2-6, I don't think you can go wrong with Little Book of God's Love by Jean Fischer.  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, Ms. Fischer, for the reminders of how much God loves each of us and renewing my love for Precious Moments.

Bible stories a child can help "read"

I have always had an interest in rebus stories. Perhaps it is something I remember from my childhood or maybe it is the fact that it is interactive rather than just the adult talking.  What a sense a confidence a child can feel when he "reads" with a parent or caregiver.

Look, I'm Reading! Bible Storybook provides just such an opportunity just in time for the holidays.  The volume contains approximately 90 Bible stories from Creation through Revelation.  Most of the stories are the traditionally read ones such as Noah, Jonah, Joshua, Ruth, and the birth of Jesus.  With each one page story is the scripture reference from the Bible (making it easy to follow up with the complete story if you choose to do so), cute whimsical watercolor illustrations by Steve Smallman, and a key to the rebus pictures to help your child learn the words and help you along with telling the story.

The book is a sturdy hard bound volume, well bound so it doesn't fall apart when you read it day after day.  The font is quite large making it easy to read and follow along with little hands and eyes.  In my opinion, this volume of Bible stories will be one a young child ages 2-6 will ask for again and again. 

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.   

A timeless classic of Bible stories for children

How I remember my mother reading a children's Bible story book to my sister each night before she went to bed.  While not this version, it is similar and I firmly believe those words didn't fall on deaf ears.  From Creation to Revelation, your child will learn stories directly lifted from both New and Old Testament Scripture and put into words that are easily understood.   Each story contains the scripture reference and a short Bible story in a large easy to read font that can be read to them or that they can read for themselves as young beginning readers.  Vibrant colored illustrations adorn each page of the story and some of the expressions on the people are quite amusing.  I think they will captures the eye of all young readers and listeners.

The only fault I find with the volume is the weight--it is heavy.   Easy enough for adult hands to hold onto but I think young children will have a bit of difficulty holding the book up and open to read.  It is definitely more of a lay in your lap or on a table to read book but easily carried around in a child's arms.  It does have a durable binding and substantial cover which will protect it well.   An added bonus is a dictionary in the back, explaining terms such as leprosy, Passover, and Tabernacle which aren't so commonly used today but will help the reader in understanding.  I would definitely recommend this volume of Bible stories to any child ages 2-8.

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. 

Berenstain Bears children's devotional

I must be honest and say that Berenstain Bears are special books in our household.  My children first wanted them read to them on a regular basis and then continued to read into their middle school years because they loved them so much so I order this primarily for nostalgia sake.  I wasn't disappointed.

The Berenstain Bears Bedtime Devotional by Mike Berenstain contains 90 devotionals broken down into 10 different topics, including but not limited to being forgiving, being kind and helpful to others, and having faith.  Each devotional contains a brief scripture verse perfect for memorization, a short story based on the scripture then an encouragement/application(something your little cub can ponder or do prior to shutting their eyes for the night) and prayer.  Also included with each is a colorful Berenstain Bear illustration we have come to know and love.  A blue satin attached bookmark holds your place so you know just where to turn tomorrow.

The size of the hardback book is perfect for young children from ages three to eight or so.  I love the fact that it is hardback, making it more durable to be enjoyed for several children or generations.  I am so thankful Mike Berenstain has carried on the work of his parents.

If your child loves the Berstains or hasn't yet been introduced to them, this volume of devotionals will make a wonderful addition to your collection.  Brief enough to be read in less than 3 minutes but meaty enough to make an impression on the heart of your child.

Two thumbs up to Mike Berenstain and Zonderkidz.  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.

The nativity illustrated through a child's Christmas play

The story of the nativity isn't new but Mary Engelbreit has given us the story with her ever special, whimsical illustrations, told through a children's Christmas play.  The narrative is simple enough for the youngest child when delivered as a read aloud and the illustrations are precious. I laughed out loud at some of them because of the humor she added which will escape most young ones.  For example, the "shepherds taking care of their sheep" are two little children playing tug-o-war with a stuffed lamb.  When the wise men kneel before Jesus, one appears as if he is having difficulty with the task and is in pain.  One of the angels must be tone deaf with the looks other angels are giving her when singing, "Glory to God".  The children's expressions throughout the book are wonderful.  I can almost see my own children with them were they to be the actors and actresses at age 7 or 8.

This new hardbound book with dustcover is destined to be a favorite for 2016 and beyond. I chose this book simply for the Mary Engelbreit illustrations but got so much more.  Highly recommended for families with children ages 4-8 but again, I found it quite amusing and enjoyable as an adult.

I did receive this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review and am in no way obligated to write a positive one.  Thank you Ms. Engelbreit for sharing your gift and telling the story of our Savior's birth.

Christmas from a donkey's perspective

He may not be a fancy prancing horse, but this one small donkey is present from the time Mary mounts him to being denied entrance in to the inns to arriving at the stable and then hearing Jesus' first cry.  He may have been small and weaker than some, but this one small donkey had a big job and the honor of playing a special role in Jesus' life.

Children will enjoy hearing the Christmas story from this unusual perspective.  While not  said straight out, parents can easily make connections to little ones and make it applicable to their lives.  Children may be small, but God has big plans for their lives.

This book comes in both hardback and board book format.  The whimsical artwork is bright and colorful.  The words on each page are mostly simple to understand and brief in order to hold the attention of the smallest babes and toddlers.  Parents will probably have to do a bit of explaining as words such as steeds, mindful, and awe are used.  However children will love the repetition of "one small donkey" on each page, allowing the smallest talker to "read" along with the parent.

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.  I give this book four starts out of five.  I love any Christmas story but would have loved for the author to make the connection and apply the role of the donkey to a child. 

Story of God's grace and mercy

Anna Nicholson's heart is shattered after a broken engagement so she and her mother plan a time of healing and are aboard a steamship headed to Holland, MI when she is forced to relive her lifetime nightmare.  Anna has recently been drawn to Mr. Moody's church in Chicago which feels comfortable and like home for her. The desire to dig deeper into faith certainly isn't the way she was raised nor what her fiancé wants for their lives.

In Holland resides Geesje de Jonge, an emigrant from the Netherlands, who is asked to write her history and memories of her emigration for the fiftieth anniversary of Holland.  Anna become acquainted with Gessje's neighbor, who is struggling some with his own heartbreak, and he sees the pain in both women, finding similarities and desires for them to become acquainted and seeks out Gessje's wisdom as he attempts to help Anna through her difficult and questioning time.

The story is written from both women's perspectives, going back and forth between the two.  It would first appear that the majority of the story would be about Anna but that isn't the case.  Lynn Austin does an excellent job of taking the reader back fifty years as Geesje's family makes their way to America, the heartbreaks and  loss endured, and the many times Geesje questioned God and his faithfulness.  If you have ever had your heart broken only to later see God's goodness and mercy shine through in circumstances that are more than you could have imagined, you will fall in love with Gressje.

Waves of Mercy isn't the love story you may expect and you will definitely be surprised by some of the turns Austin takes in the storyline.  It is a book not easily put down until you read the final page and it will leave you wanting more, just like may of her stories.  Thank you Lynn Austin for another well researched historical fiction novel with characters every reader will fall in love with.  I must admit I have never read an Austin novel I didn't love.  This one just happened to catch my attention since friends have vacationed in Holland and made it sound like such an appealing place.  Austin makes me feel as if I have been there, at least the late 18th c version!

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.

Amazing Grace in fiction

In the middle of the 18th century in England, a group of young women are wassailing as a cover to help slaves reach freedom.  Polly Catlett is among these women but unaware that she is aiding in their efforts until being chased down by a farmer and his men.  John Newton is merely a sailor watching the event unfold and is drawn in by Polly's beautiful voice.  Perhaps saving her very life by not revealing her whereabouts, John is determined this won't be the last time he sees the beautiful Polly.  The two are so vastly different though.  Polly is a devout Christian and John sees little use for God.  Through events of being in the wrong place at the wrong time and imprisonment, John and Polly are drawn together and each must discern the path God would have for them and whether that path be together or separate.

I believe this is the second book I have read by Jody Hedlund and I will be looking for more inspired by historical characters.  She did a fascinating job of telling the story of John Newton's path toward God and his inspiration to write the beloved hymn, Amazing Grace--basically the story of his life.  The only background I had of his story was from the movie but that revealed almost nothing of Polly and her role in his life.

Hedlund's writing isn't one that you will breeze/speed read through.  If you do, you will miss much of the rich word choices and well researched details she provides.   Her characters are so well developed that you can't help but feel as if you are part of the story.  She obviously loves history because her research to portray the time period and characters authentically shines through.  Thank you, Ms. Hedlund, for remaining historically accurate.

Two thumbs up from me for Newton & Polly: A Novel of Amazing Grace.  If you enjoy historical fiction and/or love the hymn Amazing Grace, it is a must read, well worth the time investment and price.  I did receive this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review and am in no way obligated to write a positive one.  Off to research more of Hedlund's offerings.

Building your dream wardrobe

My closet, while somewhat spacious, is quite difficult for me to keep orderly and locate items I am looking for.  Let's just say it is a good thing I can annex the guest room closet for my out of season clothing.  Oh, and now that my kids are growing up and moving out, maybe I can move into their closets as well!

Seriously, I don't know that I could have defined my personal style before reading and working through the suggested steps. My daughter, on the other hand, has such a sense of style, she can make an outfit shine because she knows how to put things together and only wears items that fit her personal style regardless of what the stores tell us is fashionable for the season.  I love the fact that Rees suggests to only have in your closet things that you love 100%.  Am I there yet?  Absolutely not.  There are still items that I have around because they go with something I do love and fear I can't replace but I'm getting there.  This book is a process, not a task to check off after a day or two. 

From discovering my personal style to weeding, making the most of your shopping budget, and putting together outfits, you will find yourself motivated to get started.  This volume is certainly going to help with my personal goal to get rid of 1,000 items in my home and I suspect I will feel as if I have more wearable clothing after I  put it all into practice than I do now with more items in my drawers and closet.

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.  Thanks Anuschka Rees for helping me figure out why I "never know what to wear" and then equipping me with the tools I need to do something about it.

New Amish fiction by Beverly Lewis

I have had a long break from Amish centered fiction (due to the fact that it seems like everyone is writing it) but author Beverly Lewis has always been my favorite so decided to give The Wish a try.  Leona Speicher never felt like she fit in with her family and spent more time at her best friend's, Gloria, house than her own it would seem.  More of a sister relationship than a friendship, Leona is devastated when Gloria's family suddenly moves away with no explanation and Leona hears nothing from her dear friend for years.  Out of the blue, Gloria contacts Leona asking for help.  But Gloria isn't the same girl who left Lancaster all those years ago.

If I had to describe Lewis' writing, I would use adjectives such as dependable, well researched, and one of those books you want to curl up with a cup of tea and read until you can't sit anymore.  While The Wish meets those expectations, the characters fell just a bit short of endearing themselves to me.  I don't know if it was the predictability of their actions or if they weren't as well developed as I would have liked.  I do like that the book focuses primarily on the friendship between the two girls and the choices they make rather than the romance which more or less is playing  itself out in the background of the story. 

If you are a fan of Lewis', you won't want to miss this latest publication.

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.

More than I expected and am "dying" to try (pardon the attempt at humor)

I have an aunt who has tried to peak my interest in natural dyes but the closest I ever came was using a walnut dye she had made to color a basket I had made.  However, the idea of learning about and using natural dyes is something I could see myself doing so ordered Sasha Duerr's Natural Color.  Duerr spends the first 40 or so pages explaining the tools, process, sources of natural dyes and how to extract the color, and fibers you may want to consider dying.  She likens dying to cooking.  One has to experiment to find just the right amount to produce the hue or color you want.

The remainder of the book is full of ideas to get your creative juices flowing using a variety of plants based on their growing season.  In other words, the spring, summer, fall, and winter plant material are sectioned off so you can look for items in season. I must admit indigo was my favorite.  Duerr gives clear directions on how to dye the product with an exhaustive list of supplies needed, some of which I am not real certain where to find locally.  In some instances, she explains how to preserve the dye for later projects.  If you want to get a bit more creative, Duerr closes the book with a description of various techniques which can be used to design your one of a kind wearable.  From scarves to bedding to sweaters, the list is endless of the possibilities.

Overall, I really enjoyed looking through the book and reading her explanations.   It may be a bit too earthy and organic for me but that is more of a time issue rather than preference.  I like the fact that the pages are a matte finish, making it easy to make your own notations on the page so you can remember what worked and what didn't as your experiment.  The volume has ideas that will appeal to all ages and walks of life.  Maybe it is time to go try my hand with a bit of indigo or madder root!

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. 

Choose joy every day

Life is hard.  Some days there appears to be few reasons to be joyful with what may be going on in your own life or perhaps simply the world around you.  But those who know and love Jesus can have true joy no matter the circumstance.

Sheila Walsh has given us a tool to focus on Jesus and rejoice always in 5 Minutes with Jesus: A Fresh Infusion of Joy.  Few of us can't spare five minutes in the morning, at least most mornings.  While I can sometimes get overwhelmed with where to even begin in Scripture, Ms. Walsh has provided a tool I think I can use daily with typically four or five short scripture verses on a specific topic (such as illness/healing, rest, forgiveness, creation) followed by a short story taken from a life event, movie, scripture, etc. and a takeaway for the day to ponder.  Her writing style makes it simple and understandable even for those of us whose brains may wake a bit slowly and three short pages in the 5 1/2" by 5 1/2" book makes a morning devotional accessible and possible for all.

This volume is book three in a series of 5 Minutes with Jesus.  Makes a great give and is very affordable.  I did receive this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review and am not obligated in any way to write a positive one.  Thank you Ms. Walsh for sharing very applicable stories where joy may have not been the obvious choice but God miraculously provided.

Never too little to know Jesus

Bethlehem is busier than Itsy and Bitsy Mouse have ever seen it because the time has come for all the people to be counted.  Conversing with Daniel Donkey, Itsy and Bitsy learn a King is coming to Bethlehem and go in search of him throughout the town, not giving into the discouragement their animal friends convey.  Not until they return to their stable home do they find the King they seek and learn that he came for all, no matter how small.

Max Lucado eloquently shares the true story of Christmas through Itsy Bitsy Christmas: You're never too little for His love!  Published in a sturdy board book format, it is larger than many allowing small hands to enjoy the book without fear of tearing pages.  It doesn't follow the word count in what I think of when I think of the typical board book so the story is complete with language, sentence structure, and length appropriate for even young school age children.  

Lucado has been a favorite author of mine for years with You Are Special, Because I Love You, Best of All,  and Just in Case You Ever Wonder.  This book is right in line with those and will become a favorite for our family who loves the Christmas season so much already.  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.  May God allow Lucado's writing to continue for years for future generations.

Perfect 1st letter writing for kids

Unfortunately, the art of letter writing has almost ceased to exist with the technological age.  While facetime, e-mail, Skype, and other electronic communication is wonderful and instantaneous, there is little that is better than opening up the mailbox and finding something personal and written with you in mind.  Random House has made it not only possible but easy for a child at whatever age to send a postcard greeting to family and friends.

Wee Alphas contains 26 postcards, one for every letter of the alphabet.  Each postcard contains one letter of the alphabet with the featured letter represented by a whimsical animal as shown on the box shown above.  On the side used for writing, Random House has simplified the chore of choosing what to write about by providing an outline or prompt that the child can fill in or complete.  For example, the postcard may prompt the child to draw a picture of their favorite item that begins with the featured letter or it may provide a checklist of characteristics beginning with the featured letter where the child can check and add a bit of a personal line.  A few are a bit more open ended, encouraging the child to write more of their own thoughts but still much less intimidating than staring at a blank sheet of paper you have to fill.  A perfect item for encouraging your little writer.

I think this makes a wonderful little gift for any child old enough to hold a pencil and draw a bit.  I know if I were a grandmother, nothing would be more special than receiving something in the mail from my grandchild.  I did receive these postcards free from Random House and was not obligated to write a positive review. 

The Wedding Shop

In the early 1900's, Cora Scott built up quite a wedding dress and trousseau shop right outside of Nashville in Heart's Bend Tennessee, walking through her own search for the man of her dreams.  Almost 3/4 of a century later, Haley Morgan and her best friend Tammy vow to renew the shop to its former glory when they are playing their as children.  Before that dream can become reality, Tammy dies just prior to what was believed to be her wedding day.  When the shop is destined to be torn down for a parking garage, Haley becomes determined to see their dream live regardless of the foolishness some believe it to be.

The Wedding Shop goes back and forth between Cora's and Haley's stories.  Both women have suffered heartache and must heal before God can give them the desires of their hearts.  Both women endear themselves immediately to the reader because neither would be considered "too good to be true", are well developed yet some characteristics left open to the reader's imagination,  and don't necessarily fit into the mold the world has created for women of their time.  The lives of the two women intertwine through their ownership of the shop. 

I hadn't ever read a Rachel Hauck before that I can remember.  The Wedding Shop appears to be third in the series, following The Wedding Dress and The Wedding Chapel.  Not one to typically dive into the middle of a series, I did so without knowing.  Hauck didn't leave me hanging and filling in the blanks on my own though.  She did an excellent job of not presuming everyone had read the prior novels.  I don't know if the other two have any of the same characters, but this novel made me want to search out the other two.  This novel exceeded my expectations.  When I ordered it, I feared it to be a shallow, quick read that would make me feel good for having read it but would be forgotten the next day.  Not so. 

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.  Thank Ms. Hauck for an excellent introduction to your writing and I look forward to more.

A Tapestry of Secrets

For some reason, Ella agreed to meet her ex-fiancé for lunch.  All she ever wanted was to create her artistic quilts and marry a man like her grandfather.  At the same time, her grandmother, Perla, is reminiscing about her life and the mistakes she made that have remained pretty much her secret.  Maybe it was time to share her journey with her daughter Sadie and granddaughter but serious health problems prevent her from acting on her thoughts. Needing help recovering, Ella more than willingly moves into her grandmother's home where some of those secrets begin to unfold.  A Tapestry of Secrets is a story of family, faith, forgiveness and healing at all ages and stages of life.

From some investigation, apparently this novel is the third in a series but nowhere on the cover, title page, verso of the title page, back or spine of the book do I see that information.  The good news is that Sarah Loudin Thomas does an excellent job of bringing the reader straight into the story and fills in the blanks so you aren't left scratching your head and wondering what she is talking about.  In other words, I never would have knows that Perla's story had been told in other books.  The bad news, I probably won't go back and read the other two now that I know how things reconcile themselves but I'm also glad I didn't know because I thoroughly enjoyed the book and wouldn't have ever picked up book 3 in a series had I known I was doing so.

Being raised in Eastern KY, I love the Appalachian setting for the story and found myself longing for the days I spent with my own grandmother.  This is my first Sarah L Thomas book but I don't believe it will be my last.  Thank you Bethany House for sharing this story with me.  I was in no way obligated to write a positive review.

A "p(f)un" game

Punderdome contains a set of 200 word cards, half green and half white.  One of each is used to play each round of the game and the objective is to connect the two word prompts to make a pun.  One player serves as the prompter for each round, turning over the two cards and serving as judge as to who came up with the best pun.  Players have 90 seconds to create their pun unless they have earned extra time. The goal is to collect ten sets of card in order to be declared the winner.  For example, you may select the words "shopping" and "board games".  A possible pun might be, "I get 'board' shopping for games."

Two mystery prize envelopes are also included in the set.  Host/hostess gets to determine what goes in the envelopes whether they be a white elephant, nice prize, or joke prize. A small timer might have been a nice extra to put in the small box package so that players wouldn't have to rely on their electronic devices as a timer.  I think games are a time to disconnect from the electronic world. 

Originally, I ordered this game for use with gifted middle school students since it is recommended for ages 12+ but only those with a pretty mature sense of humor would get the game.  Even for adults, I think you would need to invite the right people to play.  In my opinion, the puns on the back of the cards that earn a player or team an extra 30 seconds of brainstorming time are more p(f)un than trying to connect two random words to create your own pun.  Don't get me wrong, I love puns and use them regularly.  I just think the audience for this game is limited and you will need to look hard for other punny friends to play with.

Overall, I give this game 2.5 stars out of 5.  It won't be on my go-to list but one I will pull out on occasion.  I did receive this game free from the publisher and was in no way obligated to write a positive review.