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.