tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64997570773826948822024-03-08T13:16:15.985-08:00Book NookBook Reviews from A to ZCAdkissonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16707178660822735318noreply@blogger.comBlogger287125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6499757077382694882.post-79032787865596688502019-06-01T13:52:00.000-07:002019-06-01T13:52:16.555-07:00Special moments with Grandma<img alt="Precious Moments Little Book of Grandma's Love - By: Precious Moments, Jean Fischer
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Grandmas are the BEST! Whether riding bikes together, working in the garden, coloring or enjoying ice cream together, no one is quite like having Grandma by your side and this little board book celebrates those moments.<br />
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Each activity a child may complete with Grandma takes two pages and begins with a few lines about the activity, followed by a sweet rhyme then a short Bible verse. I don't yet have grandchildren but I can easily picture my grandchild sitting in my lap with his/her tiny hands turning the pages of this durable volume. In my opinion, there isn't anything not to like about this book--it is a durable board book perfect for small ones, it is illustrated with one of my favorites, Precious Moments characters, and it can spark ideas for activities grandparents and grandchildren can do together, creating a bank of memories for all. While all the activities may not be appropriate for a child who is attracted to a board book (checkers, for example), I think this volume will still be a wonderful addition to my children's library and for any grandmother or perhaps someone who has just found out she will be a grandmother!<br />
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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.CAdkissonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16707178660822735318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6499757077382694882.post-49746658821697213282019-05-27T09:01:00.001-07:002019-05-27T09:03:18.073-07:00Devotions from the seaside<img alt="Devotions from the Beach - " height="320" src="https://g.christianbook.com/dg/product/web/f400/0211906.jpg" width="240" /><br />
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The phrase "life is better at the beach" couldn't be more true in my opinion. If I feel the need for a vacation, the first place that pops in my mind is the ocean and the surf. Nothing better! I feel closer to the Creator there than anywhere else on earth. The fact that He controls that surf, the creatures within, and the tide amazes me. <br />
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Devotions from the beach contains 100 brief devotions with an included scripture verse or two (taken from several different versions of the Bible), a one page devotional followed by a brief prayer you can use to help guide your own prayer. What makes this devotional unique is the beautiful photography from the coastline. Each devotion contains its own full color photo that will help you consider God's majesty, goodness, and power. Complete with a page where you can record who the volume is to and who it is from, this book makes a nice gift. In my opinion, another advantage is the ribbon marker to hold your spot, something my current devotional book is lacking. Bound in a sturdy hard bound cover, this book is perfect for anyone who loves the beach. I would recommend it primarily for home use as it is a bit heavy and bulky for me to fit inside my purse.<br />
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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.CAdkissonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16707178660822735318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6499757077382694882.post-90048815962692140362019-05-19T09:44:00.000-07:002019-05-19T09:44:03.592-07:00Perfect for graduations!<img alt="10 Minutes in the Word: John - " src="https://g.christianbook.com/dg/product/web/f400/451923.jpg" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-image-outset: 0; border-image-repeat: stretch; border-image-slice: 100%; border-image-source: none; border-image-width: 1; border-left-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: &quot; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; max-height: 400px; max-width: 400px; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" /><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
Every Christian, I believe, struggles with time with God each day. There are so many things that scream at us for attention that we end up putting off our devotional time with Him, saying we will get to it _______, only to find at the end of the day that we may have cried out to him for guidance or shot a little arrow prayer but have not spent a minute in the Word. <br />
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John has often been said to be the perfect book for a new believer but his words are so relevant for all. It is the perfect book of the Bible to learn more about Jesus and His teachings. This small gift book has been divided into 46 ten minute devotionals with the key verse from the scripture (if you're in a big hurry and can't read the entire suggested text), a brief devotional, and then some questions to reflect on a takeaway from what you have read. The text spans John 1 through John 21 and most are based on ten verses or less which I love because I often feel as if I need to read a longer passage because I don't know where to stop. The text is written in language easy to read and understand and the scripture is lifted from the NIV version.<br />
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The book is perfectly sized for an easy stash away in a car or purse. The attractive striped cover carries over to the pages and you can see the pattern on the page edges. At such a reasonable price, I think this volume will be or should be used multiple times during this season of graduation. What better gift to offer a student leaving home for college?<br />
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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.CAdkissonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16707178660822735318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6499757077382694882.post-33462882636482112892019-05-10T12:57:00.000-07:002019-05-10T12:57:06.932-07:00Perfect for the bride<img alt="NKJV, Bride's Bible, Leathersoft, White, Comfort Print - " height="320" src="https://g.christianbook.com/dg/product/web/f400/225841.jpg" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; border-image: none; border: 0px rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; max-height: 400px; max-width: 400px; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" width="224" /><br />
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I know I am old school but I love the thought of a bride carrying a Bible on her wedding day. What better foundation to give your future than God's word? I carried one on my wedding day that was beautiful and oh so heavy. This small edition of both Old and New Testament is so lightweight and <span style="background-color: white;">manageable</span> that it would barely be noticed yet provide the comfort and assurance through the day that God is the center of this relationship.<br />
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<msreadoutspan class="msreadout-line-highlight msreadout-inactive-highlight">The soft "leather" cover, gold gilded pages, ribbon marker and pages at the front to record the details of the wedding day, how the couple met, and the proposal story along with other memories are sure to make this Bible an heirloom. I plan to use one like it for my daughter's special day in hopes that it will be passed down to her daughter for her wedding. The print is small for my eyesight and there is no commentary or index (which I am sure was omitted to allow for the petite size) but I love the fact that Jesus' words on written in red. The embossed floral design on toward the spine is lovely but I must admit I could have done without the center of the flowers being a small rose gold dot but I think my daughter will love that touch. Don't misunderstand, it isn't overwhelming at all and is subtle but I think the simple embossing would have been better.</msreadoutspan><br />
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<msreadoutspan class="msreadout-line-highlight msreadout-inactive-highlight">Two thumbs up to Thomas Nelson for printing a Bible special for wedding use. The size can't be beat and I love the sentiment.</msreadoutspan>CAdkissonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16707178660822735318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6499757077382694882.post-9169553176969895582019-05-05T07:00:00.000-07:002019-05-05T07:00:46.304-07:00Another hit by Wiseman<img alt="Hearts in Harmony (An Amish Journey Novel Book 1)" class="s-image" data-image-index="0" data-image-latency="s-product-image" data-image-load="" data-image-source-density="1" height="218" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81hzNh6duuL._AC_UL872_QL65_.jpg" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; border-bottom-color: rgb(196, 85, 0); border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-image-outset: 0; border-image-repeat: stretch; border-image-slice: 100%; border-image-source: none; border-image-width: 1; border-left-color: rgb(196, 85, 0); border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(196, 85, 0); border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: rgb(196, 85, 0); border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; bottom: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #c45500; font-family: &quot; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; left: 0px; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 49.65px; margin-right: 49.65px; margin-top: 0px; max-height: 218px; max-width: 244.8px; orphans: 2; position: absolute; right: 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; top: 0px; vertical-align: top; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" width="146" /><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
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Eight years ago, Levi Shelter sat down at a piano and knew how to play--beautifully. How could that be? He was Old Order Amish and instrumental music was forbidden so he had never had the opportunity to play. Only one person heard him play in that room and that is Mary who left the room with a promise to keep Levi's secret and his promise to write to her. <br />
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All these years later, the two find themselves together again, helping a "English" widow, Adeline, with her property. Levi is still fighting the desire to play and struggles with the Amish believing instrumental music is forbidden by God, especially when musical instruments are spoken of so often in the Bible. Mary is in her rumschpringe and is drawn to music as well, often playing it on her cell phone. Their love of music as well as their devotion to Adeline draws them together and both continue to struggle with understanding the Amish ways compared to that of the Englischers. <br />
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Natalie, a young relative of Adeline's, begins having frequent visits with Adeline when she is close by for work. What begins as an underhanded request from Natalie's mother turns to a special relationship between Adeline and the three young adults. Hearts in Harmony is a beautiful story of friendship across the generations and one of three young people trying to find their way in the world while respectively seeking wisdom for their elders.<br />
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I have never read a Beth Wiseman book that I didn't thoroughly enjoy and this first in the Amish Journey series is no exception. Wiseman remains one of the best authors for Amish fiction. How refreshing it is to read about the simple Amish way of life in today's fast paced world. Even though both Amish, Levi and Mary's way of life are quite different as Mary's is much more advanced technologically--a learning experience for me and one I found unique in this book. <br />
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Two thumbs up for Wiseman's Hearts in Harmony. I hope the next book in the series follows soon and picks up the story where this one left off.CAdkissonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16707178660822735318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6499757077382694882.post-34082175496237985502018-10-24T09:24:00.000-07:002018-10-24T09:24:03.645-07:00High Sierra Sweethearts--book 2I prefer never to come into a series mid way but Reluctant Warrior was offered to me as a review book and I typically love historical fiction so jumped at the opportunity.<br />
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Reluctant Warrior opens with Cam Scott recently returning from the Civil War to claim his child only to find that she doesn't know him and is very reluctant to leave the safety and security of the woman who has been caring for her. Obviously, that doesn't sit well with Cam. Danger does have a way of drawing people together in order to survive and the author uses a number of incidents one right after the other to force all the characters together, including Cam and Gwen.<br />
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The storyline was enjoyable and I did enjoy the quick moving pace of the book. However, I was a bit perplexed with the simplistic language the author used. As a middle school teacher, I expect quite a bit of sophistication from even 13 years olds and I was disappointed by Mary Connealy. I have never given a book I have reviewed only 2 stars so this is a first for me. If you enjoyed the first in the High Seirras Sweetheart series, I have no doubt you will enjoy this book as well because the characters are interesting and the situation/storyline is a bit unique but I had trouble getting beyond the short, choppy sentence structure and unimaginative language/word choices. For example it is on the sixth page of the book that Cam says his daughter and nephew "hate him". They are small children for heaven's sake. How could they hate him?<br />
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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. It is not my intent to color your opinion about the author so please read other reviews for a more well-rounded purchasing decision.<br />
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<img alt="The Reluctant Warrior #2 - By: Mary Connealy
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<a class="CBD-PreviewGroupItemImage " href="https://www.christianbook.com/the-reluctant-warrior-2/mary-connealy/9780764219306/pd/219306?event=" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #274f72; display: block; float: left; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: -136px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; position: relative; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; width: 126px; word-spacing: 0px; z-index: 2;"><img alt="The Reluctant Warrior #2" height="320" src="https://g.christianbook.com/dg/product/cbd/w163/219306.jpg" style="border-image: none; border: 0px rgb(39, 79, 114); display: inline; max-height: 208px; max-width: 126px; vertical-align: top;" title="The Reluctant Warrior #2" width="205" /></a><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>CAdkissonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16707178660822735318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6499757077382694882.post-27323192600202657992018-10-03T13:18:00.000-07:002018-10-03T13:18:27.914-07:00Winter touch and feel board book<img alt="Cozy, Snowy Cuddles Touch and Feel" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/513mjpV-m5L._AC_US218_.jpg" /><br />
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Little bear meets up with a number of different animals that encourage you to huddle, nuzzle, snuggle, and curl up with your child while whispering "I love you" at the end of the day. Each page has something soft and cozy to feel from Momma seal's soft brown coat to Momma Moose's golden brown fuzz and the longer fur of Momma polar bear.<br />
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I love the fact that this board book is interactive and your child has something soft to feel on each page. Board books are a favorite for me as well because of the durability of the pages. The book does exactly what the title suggests, encouraging cuddles but I was a bit surprised there really wasn't a story-line. My favorite part is the precious faces of the animals, created by Fransesca Pesci. A great wintertime read for very young children.<br />
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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. The opinions present in this review are my own.CAdkissonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16707178660822735318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6499757077382694882.post-20819884257331515432018-09-10T14:10:00.000-07:002018-09-10T14:10:19.876-07:00Amish story for the season<img alt="Through the Autumn Air (An Every Amish Season Novel) by [Irvin, Kelly]" height="320" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51tokiLQ6DL.jpg" width="210" /><br />
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<u>Through the Autumn Air</u> opens with Mary Katherine marrying off her last child. Having been a widow for seven years doesn't lessen her need for her late husband to be near so she chats with him daily, at least in her mind, knowing he will never be far from her heart and has wisdom to help her through trials. While her son is pressuring her to make some unwelcome changes in her life, Mary Katherine is searching for what the next phase of her life should look like, whether she should open a bookstore with her English friend, work in an Amish owned combination store, or even cook for an old friend, Ezekiel, in his restaurant.<br />
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A number of odd thefts have been taking place in the community and one night Mary Katherine finds herself somewhat of a victim. Instead of turning to the authorities, she relies on Ezekiel to help her and the two are drawn together to help the young man Mary Katherine discovered in her kitchen. Ezekiel and Mary Katherine grew up together and both have been alone for years after their spouse passed away. Is the Autumn of their life too late to open their hearts to another?<br />
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Although <u>Through the Autumn Air</u> is the third in the series, I was pleasantly surprised that I didn't have any difficulty reading it as a standalone. There were a lot of names thrown my way in the first chapter but that happens often, whether a series or not and Mary Katherine did have ten children! I can only assume, with the ease of picking up the story and not feeling huge holes in the story, that each of the books in the series focuses on a different person.<br />
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I love the simplicity of the Amish way of life and enjoy reading Amish fiction--in bits and pieces. Kelly Irvin is new to me but I think she did a nice job of portraying the Amish as you would find them in most Amish communities, with this setting being Missouri. Men within the church always seem to have a great deal of authority and the women center their days around the home for the most part, quilting, cooking, etc. The story line is perfect for those of us more in the later summer and nearing the autumn of life so I did particularly enjoy the ages of the main characters which are not often found. I feel confident this will not be the last of Irvin's books I read and look forward to what she may write about the winter season.<br />
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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.CAdkissonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16707178660822735318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6499757077382694882.post-15110789029459120742018-08-31T06:30:00.000-07:002018-08-31T06:30:01.501-07:00Precious Moments board bookThere is no better time to begin to teach your little one to be thankful for all of God's blessings. Whether it be those who love us, precious sounds, God's presence, playtime, or colors, there are things in all our lives we need to pause to be thankful for. <u>Little Book of Thanks</u> featuring the beloved Precious Moments figures is a perfect board book that is a tool for every parent to use to help foster thankfulness. <br />
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Each set of pages contains a brief Bible verse and short rhyming poems that focus on one thing to be thankful for. The cover has rounded edges and is slightly padded, making it easy to hold and tough enough with the board book pages for the smallest of hands to be able to be introduced to reading and hopefully foster a love of reading. The Precious Moments characters are timeless and adorable.<br />
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I have no problem highly recommending this new volume published by Tommy Nelson. I was given a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review and am in no way obligated to write a positive one. It will make a perfect baby or early birthday gift. Recommended for children up to age 5.<br />
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<img alt="Precious Moments Little Book of Thanks" src="https://g.christianbook.com/dg/product/web/w163/098645.jpg" />CAdkissonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16707178660822735318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6499757077382694882.post-90095337385849471862018-08-27T13:31:00.001-07:002018-08-27T13:31:17.172-07:00God's promises for little ones<img alt="God Always Keeps His Promises: Unshakable Hope for Kids - By: Max Lucado
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<br />When life seems difficult and the world seems against you, it is God's promises that often hold you and get you through such difficult times. What better gift can you give your child than to begin to teach your child about God's faithfulness and love? The earlier we begin, as parents, the better. <br />
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The very best time of day for me, as the parent of young children, was bedtime. I love the close of the day when we could all sit down, be still, and enjoy each other. But I also loved reading to my children at night (when I wasn't so tired I fell asleep before they did). These Bible stories would have been exactly what I looked for when selecting bedtime books for my children.<br />
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Each story is short enough that even I could keep my eyes open, can be used as a tool to help my children become the people God wanted them to be, and contains tools to help them hide God's word in their heart. After each story, God's promise is put in a prominent place to help summarize the story. There is a brief prayer and then a page of scripture verses that point right back to the promise. The scriptures are short enough that they would be perfect to begin memorizing verses to hide in your heart. I like that there are many to choose from so that, each time you read through the book with your child, you can select a different verse to memorize.<br />
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The book is a nice hard bound version that will stand the test of many readings. The only somewhat negative thing I have to say about the volume is the coloring used on the illustrations. I loved the pictures, I just felt like most of them looked as if they had been faded in the sun. Nothing wrong with that, just not my taste. In no way does this detract from the value of the collection.<br />
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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.CAdkissonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16707178660822735318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6499757077382694882.post-50827029306295526402018-08-12T11:15:00.002-07:002018-08-12T11:15:45.350-07:00Precious board book for children<img alt="I Am: The Names of God for Little Ones - By: Diane Stortz
Illustrated By: Diane Le Feyer
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God has so many attributes....provider, protector, all-powerful, healer, teacher, creator, and Savior. He also has names that mean just those attributes. What a precious gift to give your little one to teach him the various names and attributes of God through easy to understand examples from the Bible and scripture verses. Also included with each name for God is a brief prayer you can pray with your little one. These special attributes and names for God will help him/her better understand the One who created them and how much He loves them.<br />
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If you follow my blog, you know what a big fan of board books I am. I love how little hands can handle the book without fear of damage. This volume is no exception with its sturdy pages, slightly padded front cover and rounded corners. <br />
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I enjoyed the bright colorful illustrations but was a bit taken aback by the final illustration of Jesus returning on the white horse, hand raised as if saying "I'm here!". <br />
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I do think this book most appropriate for children at least 3 or 4 years of age in order to begin to have an understanding of the names of God and obtain a sense of what that means to them. I must admit that I had difficulty trying to figure out one of the pronunciations even with it phonetically illustrated. Other than the names of God, the language is simple enough for children younger than my recommendation.<br />
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I did receive this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I found the content solid and firmly believe it is never too early to help children gain an understanding of God's love.CAdkissonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16707178660822735318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6499757077382694882.post-71022569121641719152018-07-18T15:31:00.002-07:002018-07-18T15:31:34.053-07:00Similar story, different location<img alt="A Daring Venture - By: Elizabeth Camden
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Set in the early 1900's, Elizabeth Camden's newest novel, <u>A Daring Adventure</u>, is the story of biochemist Rosalind Werner's fight for the use of chlorine to make the drinking water safe for the people of Jersey City. She is a highly motivated young career woman whose past has made her future path clear. Chlorine use has proven itself safe for cattle but has yet to be tested on humans so Nicholas Drake is determined his filtering process is far safer in protecting the residents from a cholera outbreak.While they both have the same ultimate goal, their difference of opinion land them in opposite sides of the courts but neither can deny their attraction to the other.<br />
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When I started reading this novel, it didn't take me long to think the story familiar. A little digging on other reviews I have done revealed why. It seems to follow a similar storyline to another of Camden's books, <u>A Dangerous Legacy</u>. The strong females in both stories are pitted against men who have differing viewpoints regarding the water system, just in different cities on the eastern coastline. I enjoyed both stories but, as stated, I found them too similar in nature. In both, the characters are well developed and spunky, particularly the women. I admire that these women took on roles that weren't common for the early 20th c. but I also wonder how accurate the portrayal is. I haven't studied early 20th c. women enough to know but these two certainly don't fit the stereotype. In some ways that stereotype got in the way of making the women believable.<br />
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The book seems well researched for historical accuracy and Camden does weave a nice story. I don't believe I will stop selecting her titles but this duplication of plot does discourage me a bit. 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.CAdkissonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16707178660822735318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6499757077382694882.post-1308345920230262712018-07-15T08:36:00.002-07:002018-07-15T08:36:48.895-07:00Precious time with your children<img alt="God's Blessing Day By Day: My Daily Devotional for Kids" src="https://g.christianbook.com/dg/product/cbd/w163/311302.jpg" /><br />
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What can be more important that beginning or ending our days in God's word? However, it seems as if life gets so busy that our devotional time and prayer time is the first to get pushed to the back burner. How might your priorities be different if spending time with God had been priority from as early in your life as you can remember?<br />
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Pastor of First Baptist Church of Woodstock, GA, Johnny Hunt, has a wonderful tool to help make devotional time with your children easy and enjoyable, setting them up to make it a habit that will continue with them throughout life. Written by himself, other members of his church, and friends throughout the US, <u>God's Blessing Day by Day</u> contains a year's worth of one page devotionals with easy to understand scripture references, a brief prayer, and a short one sentence summary of the Truth the devotion centers around. I won't even begin to attempt to cover the range of topics because they focus on every aspect of life your child (or we as adults) face. The cute animal centered illustrations are bright and attractive, many of them reinforcing the truth held within the devotion. Bottom line, I loved this devotional and highly recommend for your own family or for a gift. I know it will go on my list of either baby or sibling gifts.<br />
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The sturdy hard bound volume has durable binding and an attached ribbon bookmark to hold your place. The book also contacts a list of contributors and scripture index divided by book of the Bible from Genesis through Revelation.<br />
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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. CAdkissonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16707178660822735318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6499757077382694882.post-51303390237923255682018-06-22T15:54:00.000-07:002018-06-22T15:54:03.589-07:00Wisdom for every father<img alt="God's Words of Life for Fathers" src="https://g.christianbook.com/dg/product/cbd/w163/091998.jpg" /><br />
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Parenting is the most challenging job there is. My husband and I have raised ours to adulthood and the job gets no easier. We have relied on the wisdom of many who have gone before us but only God can provide the wisdom we truly need. <br />
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Whether you are seeking wisdom on work, or you feel stressed or fearful, or wonder what God has to say about setting priorities, this small soft covered book will guide you straight from scripture. Each of the forty-two topics has multiple scriptures that will guide your thoughts and actions and give you the words that will soothe your mind and provide the wisdom you seek. Following the listed scriptures with their full text is a brief one page devotion on the topic<br />
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The book is a perfect gift sized book that would be perfect for travel or your dining room table. I love that the scriptures chosen are NIV, come from both the New and Old Testaments and, is in an easy-to-read font. The cover is of a durable synthetic material that is easy to wipe clean with a damp cloth. I do think that a small ribbon marker would have been a nice addition to consider for those who want to read the book from cover to cover rather than skip around by topic. There is an index of scriptures as well that is broken down and listed by the book of the Bible.<br />
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If you are looking for a gift for a new father as I am, I think this book a perfect gift. I did receive this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way obligated to write a positive one.CAdkissonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16707178660822735318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6499757077382694882.post-68277164264210313812018-05-16T18:19:00.000-07:002018-05-16T18:19:10.812-07:00Story of loss and love<img alt="The Road Home - By: Beverly Lewis
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Lena Rose could never have imagined the tragedy that would strike her and her siblings the day her parents went to work. It was the first day of school for her little brother, Chris, and she was the one responsible for seeing the boys off to school. Before they returned from school, all of them were orphans. Looking all over the Michigan Amish community for a family to take them all in, there was no one willing to take them all. Lena Rose needed not only a home but a job and that was most difficult to find. Only an aunt and uncle in Lancaster, PA was willing to open their home so, not only were the children split into multiple homes, Lena had to leave them all behind to go work with her aunt as a seamstress, hoping to locate someone in Michigan soon so she could be reunited with her siblings.<br />
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Lena Rose didn't expect to find such a precious aunt and uncle, ones who watched over and treated her as their own. While they couldn't replace her parents, she grew to love them but still longed to return to her brothers and sisters and the beau she left behind in Michigan. Will opportunity present itself for Lena Rose to return or will she find her place and friends in Lancaster?<br />
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I have never read anything Beverly Lewis wrote that I didn't thoroughly enjoy and this novel is no exception. When life seems a bit harried, I enjoy escaping to the Amish world where life seems a bit simpler. Lewis' characters are always well developed and her descriptions vivid enough to make me feel as if I am part of the story. Even though Lewis has written a number of Amish fiction stories, many of which are part of a series, I had not indication that this is part of a series but could easily become one, following the remainder of Lena Rose's siblings. <br />
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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 again, Mrs. Lewis, for another heartwarming story.<br />
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<br />CAdkissonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16707178660822735318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6499757077382694882.post-5085542313404899762018-05-16T17:55:00.001-07:002018-05-16T17:55:36.882-07:00Bedtime board book<img alt="Go to Sleep, Sheep!" src="https://g.christianbook.com/dg/product/cbd/w163/310273.jpg" /><br />
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The baby sheep on Suntime Farm have come to the end of their day and Mama is wanting them to return to the barn to go to sleep and dream the night away. Just like your own child, the four little lambs come up with every excuse they can to not go to bed....they aren't tired, they want a story, they are thirsty, and they are hungry. But Mama insists, says their prayers with them and stays close by as they fall asleep.<br />
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Shaped like the barn that houses the animals for the night, this little board book is sturdy and a great little bedtime story for very young children. I loved how the illustrator put glasses on one of the sheep and has both male and female lambs represented. The title and moon on the front also have a glittery like finish, adding a bit of sparkle to the cover.<br />
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It is hard, in my opinion, to go wrong with a board book that permit young hands to enjoy being read to when so small and the reader doesn't have to be concerned with torn pages if the child wants to be engaged in page turning. These playful little lambs are so cute, the excuses not to go to sleep so relate-able, this book is sure to be a favorite go-to for toddlers up to age four or five.<br />
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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.CAdkissonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16707178660822735318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6499757077382694882.post-62752890116498778402018-05-13T15:05:00.000-07:002018-05-13T15:05:11.803-07:00Perfect for young readers<img alt="The Beginner's Bible Bedtime Collection" src="https://g.christianbook.com/dg/product/cbd/w163/763285.jpg" /><br />
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Fresh off the press is the newest volume in The Beginner's Bible story collection with twenty-three of the best known Bible stories from both the Old and New Testaments, perfect for those last moments before lights out. Each brief story ends with a prayer you and your child might choose to say as well as the scripture reference related to the Bible story and prayer topic.<br />
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I have always enjoyed the sweet wide-eyed, colorful illustrations in this series. This volume follows along with those same illustrations. The cover is a softly padded glow-in-the dark one with rounded corners perfect for little hands. The pages within are a slick finished sturdy paper but not board book style. The text of the stories is large print and words not so difficult that I think this is the perfect Bible story book for children ages four to eight who are just beginning to learn to read on their own. I also like how the scripture is set apart in red.<br />
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Perfect for every child's library, <u>The Beginner's Bible Bedtime Collection</u> is perfectly sized for smaller hands and the first book from this series designed as bedtime stories. What better way to end your day with your child than with a Bible story crafted just for them and a prayer right before they close their eyes?<br />
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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. CAdkissonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16707178660822735318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6499757077382694882.post-53809320593761340472018-05-08T10:06:00.001-07:002018-05-08T10:06:26.460-07:00Get rid of the clutter in your life<img alt="Decluttering at the Speed of Life: Winning Your Never-Ending Battle with Stuff - By: Dana K. White
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I love to shop, whether it be at the outlets, yard sales, thrift stores...wherever I am I can always find someplace to shop and most likely a bargain to be found. Thus, I can easily become overwhelmed by all the "stuff" in my life. I have throw away/give away sessions often but I can talk myself out of giving away almost anything that isn't trash. Unfortunately, it seems to be a battle I will never win.<br />
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Dana K. White has just released <u>Decluttering at the Speed of Life</u> and I must say she makes some excellent points in the book. I have fallen prey to some of those items that are advertised to help organize but she addresses the lack of proof that they achieve what they advertise. She also suggests ways to find places to donate your items as well as how to help others declutter their own homes. I did enjoy that White broke the tasks down by room, starting with the living room where everyone gathers including family and friends and will find it more relaxing in a decluttered, well-organized space. Before any of us can begin to tackle the clutter, it is essential to modify how we think about "stuff" and White suggests we begin slowly, making an effort in only five minutes if that is what you have.<br />
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The book is easy to read and I loved how White shared stories of her own journey. It will take some time and I think I will give myself a year to walk through the rooms step by step but this book inspires me to make a change in my own home. As White says, I don't need a bigger home, just less clutter. I suppose the proof will be this time next year. I do think <u>Decluttering at the Speed of Life</u> was released at the perfect time--spring cleaning. This is a book I will read more than once, when the motivation in me dies and I need to refocus and find encouragement.<br />
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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 highly recommend for others like me who can enter a room and shake their head at all the "stuff" in it, my closet being the worst.CAdkissonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16707178660822735318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6499757077382694882.post-28655334026972522302018-04-27T05:58:00.003-07:002018-04-27T05:58:55.670-07:00Perfect gift for grads<img alt="NKJV God's Promises for Graduates, Class of 2018, Navy - By: Jack Countryman
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Many times in my life I have had topics and circumstances come my way that I was uncertain regarding a decision or where I stood. Fortunately, God's Word provides guidance every step of the way. Whether you are uncertain about God's presence, making poor choices, needing encouragement, searching for who Jesus is, or simply wondering what Scripture has to say about a topic so you can make certain your thinking is in line with God, this small purse/backpack sized book provides both Old and New Testament scripture in New King James with a few in New International version answers to your questions. Each topic is addressed by approximately 8-12 scripture verses.<br />
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This small book has been published with a few focuses, <u>God's Promises for Your Every Need</u>, <u>God's Promises for Women</u>, and several newly published color options for the Class of 2018. The soft, leather like cover and the silver gilded pages are very attractive and a perfect gift for someone special in your life who is graduating this year. What better way to send them out than with the promise that God's word is reliable and true and that, one day we will all who are believers graduate into our heavenly home.<br />
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While maybe just a simple thing, one surprise for me when I received this book was the ribbon marker decorated at the end with a graduation tassel. Nice touch. As a Christian teacher in a public school setting, I plan to use this book as gifts for students hoping that the life my husband and I have displayed before them was a seed and this book will water that seed so that fruit may be revealed. Maybe combine this book with a nice pen and journal for an extra special gift?<br />
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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.CAdkissonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16707178660822735318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6499757077382694882.post-68772563482720257232018-04-20T06:33:00.000-07:002018-04-20T06:33:08.625-07:00Entertaining ideas galore<img alt="So Much To Celebrate: Entertaining the Ones You Love the Whole Year Through - By: Katie Jacobs
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Life is worth celebrating. Whether it be big events like birthdays and holidays or maybe just a simple victory such as doing well on a test or meeting an exercise/health goal. In my opinion, it is actually the more unexpected small celebrations that are the most fun to plan and execute.<br />
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I love Katie Jacobs' new <u>So Much To </u><i><u>celebrate:</u></i><u> Entertaining The Ones You Love The Whole Year Through.</u> No matter the season or occasion, she has provide recipes that don't require a list of special ingredients and tips on what you can make ahead, décor and table setting ideas with beautiful photos, and theme options. The one thing that I was a bit disappointed in was the number of drink recipes containing alcohol. However, I think I will try some of them without the addition.<br />
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The volume is a sturdy hard-bound one with a ribbon marker to hold your spot. While some hard-bound recipe books frustrate me, this one opens nicely and lays flat enough that I am not fighting pages while creating the recipes. The exception would be only the very final recipes in the back but it is still okay and I have those at the top of my "must make lists"--Peppermint cheesecake and chocolate eclairs.<br />
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Another feature I like about the book is that it is broken down into seasons with suggested menus. How many times to I want to entertain and can't figure out what to serve? Get ready for a lot of dessert options in those menus though.<br />
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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. <br />
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<br />CAdkissonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16707178660822735318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6499757077382694882.post-21179964190033228852018-04-10T14:50:00.001-07:002018-04-10T14:50:17.335-07:00Jungle board book<img alt="Night Night, Jungle" src="https://g.christianbook.com/dg/product/cbd/w163/090869.jpg" title="Night Night, Jungle" /><br />
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One of my favorite moments of each day when my children were small was bedtime. Sometimes it was just that glorious moment when they calmed down and I could have a moment to do what needed to be done but it was also a special moment for bedtime stories. It seems often their hands would reach for the same story that was their favorite but I loved all books that either pointed them toward the love of their heavenly Father or helped them unwind and be ready for a good night's rest. <br />
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<u>Night Night Jungle</u> by Amy Parker uses jungle animals such as the sloth, lemur, and parrot for just such a bedtime story. In rhyming text, the animals are praying before they eat, brush their teeth, take one more splash in the water, beg for one more story.....all rituals our children go through every night then say "night, night". <br />
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The bright colorful illustrations by Virginia Allyn will engage the youngest "reader" and the sturdy board book pages will stand up to small hands turning them. The lightly padded cover also makes it a bit easier for small hands to grip and carry. I love that the text ends with reminding us that God loves us and the animals then a "night night" to God.<br />
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I am a huge fan of all board books as I don't think it is ever too early to begin to engage your child in the pleasures of reading. I am particularly fond of these sturdier volumes for children up to age 4 so that they can hold the book and turn the pages just like they see their parents doing without any concern of damage. I also like the fact that the author used some pretty obscure animals that can be used as a teaching tool. I may have been a young adult before I knew much of anything about a sloth. And a toucan was simply something on the front of a cereal box but I didn't know anything about its living environment. This book provides a good jumping off for children to investigate and find out more about the animals in the illustrations.<br />
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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.<br />
<br />CAdkissonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16707178660822735318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6499757077382694882.post-3674936986902811182018-04-04T14:04:00.001-07:002018-04-04T14:04:32.624-07:00Picture book based on Mercy Me's "I Can Only Imagine"<img alt="I Can Only Imagine (picture book) - By: Bart Millard
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Who didn't fall in love immediately with Mercy Me's hit "I Can Only Imagine"? The story behind the moving song has just been released as a motion picture and now the book can easily bring the theme to a child's level as the main character wonders what heaven is like. In rhyming verse, the boy wonders if you wake up with messy hair, what there is to eat, what you might spend your day doing, what the rooms look like, what is fun, if Jesus would play too, if there are animals, and more--all questions we have each wondered about at one time or another.<br />
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The brightly colored illustrations will capture the attention and imagination of small children. The text is an open invitation to begin talking to your child about heaven but I love that the text ends with an assurance that we don't have to wait to get to heaven to spend time with God. He is in our hearts. His Spirit will guide us. He will never leave us.<br />
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I thought this book a nice compliment to the song I have come to love and I believe it to be most suitable for children ages 4 to 9. 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.CAdkissonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16707178660822735318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6499757077382694882.post-29507781099714042462018-03-29T13:02:00.001-07:002018-03-29T13:02:36.310-07:00Historical fiction you won't want to put down<img alt="A Most Noble Heir - By: Susan Anne Mason
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There is not a doubt in his mind that Nolan will be able to fulfill his dying mother's wishes to marry the kitchen maid, Hannah, and make a life for the two of them. He is the money saved to purchase a farm so that both of them can leave Stainsby Hall. All the arrangements are made. However, the one shocking piece of information he receives is that his father is the Earl of Stainsby and Nolan is his rightful heir. From stable boy to heir, Nolan's life becomes quite complicated but his love for Hannah doesn't exactly fit into his father's plans.<br />
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Susan Mason is a new author for me but I was drawn right into the story. Her writing style is easy to follow and the pictures she paints with her words allowed me to see the manor, small towns, and countryside of England as I read through the story. Several times, I was a bit surprised by the turn of events which is quite refreshing that the story wasn't so predictable. I also loved Hannah and Nolan's simple faith that was expressed throughout the story--not preachy at all but very believable and sweet. <br />
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While this book doesn't appear to be one of a series, I think the author could easily open it up to be so. Nolan enters a world where he has the siblings he has never experienced so perhaps Mason will choose one of them as a main character for her next book?<br />
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I loved the story--a page turner, a bit of mystery/suspense, love, conflict...it has it all. I have no hesitation in recommending this title to anyone who loves historical fiction and/or Christian fiction. Two thumbs up!<br />
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Thank you Bethany House for providing this book for review. I was in no way obligated to write a positive one.CAdkissonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16707178660822735318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6499757077382694882.post-39189788887543626122018-03-28T15:38:00.001-07:002018-03-28T15:38:26.904-07:00Journal Bible<img alt="NIV Journal the Word Reference Bible--hardcover, black - " src="https://g.christianbook.com/dg/product/cbd/f400/44933x.jpg" />Zondervan's new NIV <u>Journal the Word</u> reference Bible gives you plenty of room for note-taking and capturing your thoughts as you do your Bible study. Complete with Jesus' words captured in red, this is the first Bible I have seen with such large columns on each page designed for note-taking. The easy-to-read and understand New International Version text is my favorite for personal Bible study. I also love the elastic band closure and red ribbon marker.<br />
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Because of the fact that about a third of each page is a note-taking area, I assume some choices had to be made about what to exclude from this volume in order to maintain a reasonable weight. One thing I may miss is the notes section I have in my previous Bible, giving me more insight to scripture. But perhaps I lean too much on those notes rather than allowing God to speak to me? Also a bit sparse is the small dictionary/concordance in the back. However, neither are a deal breaker since I do have other Bibles to use as reference. But those things that aren't included leave me a bit scratching my head as to why it is called a Reference Bible. Another feature I would like to modify is the cover but that is simply a matter of personal preference in that I like a soft cover Bible. <br />
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I am blessed to have both of my grandmother's Bibles. How precious are the words each has handwritten in the margins. I can still see one of my grandmother's Bibles sitting on the kitchen table and remember coming by her house often to see her pouring over scripture. What a special heirloom this Bible can be as those who follow you look over your words as to how God spoke to you through His word. <br />
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Overall, I love the concept and can't wait to get started with my own study and note-taking. The big plus is the room you have to write notes. The biggest negative to me is the hardback cover which makes it look like a hotel Bible.<br />
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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.CAdkissonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16707178660822735318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6499757077382694882.post-49575789152742656102018-03-17T09:14:00.001-07:002018-03-17T09:14:19.064-07:00Precious message for your child<a class="a-link-normal a-text-normal" href="https://www.amazon.com/I-Prayed-You-Jean-Fischer/dp/071804987X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1521302791&sr=8-1&keywords=i+prayed+for+you+childrens+book"><img alt="I Prayed for You" class="s-access-image cfMarker" data-search-image-load="" height="218" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/618YvRN++RL._AC_US218_.jpg" srcset="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/618YvRN++RL._AC_US218_.jpg 1x, https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/618YvRN++RL._AC_US327_QL65_.jpg 1.5x, https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/618YvRN++RL._AC_US436_QL65_.jpg 2x, https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/618YvRN++RL._AC_US500_QL65_.jpg 2.2935x" width="218" /></a><br />
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This title immediately caught my attention. Being a couple who had difficulty getting pregnant, how many times did we go to God and literally beg Him to give us a child. I can also see this book being perfect for an adopted child and their parents.<br />
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Throughout this book, from the time baby bear was born to taking their first steps to going off to school alone, the text makes it clear that Mama bear is praying for each and every event in baby's life. What makes the pages extra special, is that while the text states that Mama is praying, the prayer that she is lifting up is also included in the text. So, not only does the book acknowledge that God is the giver of all good gifts and the One we can go to with concerns, the text also teaches little ones how to pray and that God cares about even the little things in our lives. <br />
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The watercolor or chalk drawings by Frank Endersby are precious. I love how the book ends with Mama bear telling baby as he sleeps that even when he is grown and she is old a gray, she will always be praying for him. <br />
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Again, a perfect gift for expecting parents, either their own natural ones or adopted. This one definitely goes on my baby shower list. 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.CAdkissonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16707178660822735318noreply@blogger.com0