The Next Story by Tim Challies

The Next Story: Life and Faith after the Digital Explosion by Tim Challies
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

So many times I am find myself wondering how I managed without a cell phone...or how I would contact people without Facebook...or how inconvenient it would be without wifi in our home...and sometimes I even wonder how I learned without twitter. And this is exactly what - and so much more! - Tim Cahllies deals with in this book: The Next Story.

I "read" the audio version of this book and because it was not a book that I wanted to read but rather knew I should read. The audio format was best for me and was easy to listen to.

This is a book that will challenge you, make you think, and give you lots to continue to think about. However, while being deep and probing, I still felt that it was easy to understand and digest the message.

Tim is both gifted and knowledgeable as a communicator on the subject of technology and he brings to the table some very thought-provoking ideas and ways of determining the place for technology in the life of a Christian. I appreciate that, in my opinion, he is balanced - not willing to throw out technology but not glossing over it either - and looks at things from a realistic, and most importantly, Biblical view point. Now I don't mean that I agree with everything he said...er' I mean wrote but I definitely walked away understanding technology better and the desire to make it serve me, not I serve it. This book was both personally and "parentally" beneficial.

I would highly recommend anyone - adult or teen - read this book (or listen to it!) as it will help you figure out the place for technology in your life.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Even the least technical among us are being pressed from all sides by advances in digital technology. We rely upon computers, cell phones, and the Internet for communication, commerce, and entertainment. Yet even though we live in this ‘instant message’ culture, many of us feel disconnected, and we question if all this technology is really good for our souls. In a manner that attempts to be accessible, thoughtful, and biblical, I address questions such as:

How has life—and faith—changed now that everyone is available all the time through mobile phones?
How does our constant connection to these digital devices affect our families and our church communities?
What does it mean that almost two billion humans are connected by the Internet … with hundreds of millions more coming online each year?

Providing the reader with a framework they can apply to any technology, I explain how and why our society has become reliant on digital technology, what it means for our lives, and how it impacts the Christian faith.

So it’s a book not just for the young and digital, but for all of us.

One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp

One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are by Ann Voskamp
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Stick with me okay?

I began reading this book about 5 months ago via the audio format from Audible downloaded to my Kindle. I listened to the first chapter and never touched the book again. I had heard rave reviews and chatter from bloggers and non-bloggers both about how this book changed their perspective and what a wonderful author Ann Voskamp is. However, I just could not get into it and the first few pages had me loosing focus and interest. It felt wordy and drawn out and frankly, I just couldn't see the point clearly enough.

However.

Yes, however, I picked it back up because I knew there had to be something good in there that I was missing. After all, not every book has an app to go along with it! So I once again plugged it in and this time confined myself to baking for a whole day while I listened to this book being read by the author.

I am not quite sure why this happens, but at times there is just "a right time" to read a certain book and until that time arrives one just never appreciates such a book. This was finally the "right time" because this time I found myself absorbed into the flowing words and vivid descriptions of ordinary moments in life that - seen through the lens of grace - were extraordinary, life altering moments.

While the book could be so much shorter, and the point a lot more clearer at the outset, it would be too easily read and forgotten - leaving no lasting impact and thoughts to ponder. It was a challenge to get into at first but quickly became pure enjoyment. The more I read the more I was encouraged, challenged, convicted, delighted, overwhelmed, and in awe. Ann Voskamp paints a beautiful picture of what it is like to live in every moment - what we deem good and bad - with a heart that seeks God's gifts to us. She strips us of our idea of "good gifts" and invites us and walks with us on a journey to see every moment as a gift from God.

I feel like no words I possibly write could do justice to describing this book. At first if felt like a hard read, but now I stand at the back cover realizing it was hard because sometimes life is hard and yet there is a deep beauty that comes from hard things.

One Thousand Gifts is a perfect read for anyone no matter what your stage or phase of life is. We all need to be dared to live life more fully right where we are.

Found: God’s Will by John MacArthur

Found: God's Will by John F. MacArthur Jr.
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Are you, like so many others, wondering what God's will is for your life? Whether it is at the brink of adulthood or as gray-headed adult looking for change or out of curiosity or any phase in between - this book is for you! It's a perfect read no matter what your age, stage, or maturity level is and it's delightfully short and easy to read.

I personally enjoyed the audio version of this book due to it's shortness and simplicity. John MacArthur doesn't waste your time beating around the bush but rather gets right to the point - the simple truth of what God's will is for your life. He lists several principals for knowing the will of God for your life and they are applicable to all.

The quality of this audio book is great and it's smooth sound makes it a delight to listen to. Each track is a chapter making it user friendly to "read" by chapter and to go back and review a principle.

Once again MacArthur shares the truth simply for all to understand. This is a must-read for all believers - young and old.

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This review copy was provided for my review courtesy of christianaudio but in no way was my opinion influenced.

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The Radical Disciple by John Stott

The Radical Disciple by John Stott
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

I have heard so many men and women, whom I highly respect, quote from John Stott's books that it was with great anticipation that I listened to this audio version of his book. And at first, despite the depth of thought, I readily nodded in silent agreement as I listened. However, after a few chapters I was nodding less and less and and spending more time tilting my head to the side as I paused to try and "get" what he was saying.

While much of this book is wonderful, and Biblical, his presentation is lacking greatly. I don't think this is a book that is best suited for audio digestion; it's easier to intake when given time to read a phrase, grasp it, and then move on to the next. In this audio format it moves too quickly for one to truly glean from - unless maybe they have read all his other books and are already very familiar with his thoughts. I also found that while I agreed with his outline of radical discipleship on the big picture scale, I am left not really agreeing in totality on how it fleshes out. There were parts that it sounded, to me at least, almost too radical. Because of the difficulty of reading this book via audio, I am left still unsure if it sounded too radical due to his wordy wording or because it truly is...and that will have to be decided by each individual reader.

My final thoughts are that even if I did agree 100% with everything that Stott wrote, I would still recommend other books first due to their content being easier to read and digest - Radical by David Platt being the first of those books. The quality of sound and the narration were fine, but this book and an audio format or not a marriage made in heaven!


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This review copy was provided by christianaudio.com but the opinion expressed is my own.

Worldliness by C.J. Mahaney

Worldliness: Resisting the Seduction of a Fallen World by C.J. Mahaney
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Worldliness is not just another book about the does and dont's of the Christian life. Rather this book addresses the heart behind the things we do and don't do as children of God. It goes beyond how we should dress and what movies we should not watch to dig in to why we dress the way we do and why we shouldn't watch a certain movie.

I enjoyed this book in the audio format for it's great quality. It was smooth and clear and the narration was enjoyable to listen to. Using the audio format to read this book is a fabulous choice and the only downside I found was with the discussion questions - it would have been easier if I could read them in print versus just hearing them.

Mahaney and the other men do a great job of keeping each chapter short and to the point while sharing a deep and balanced view of the topic at hand. I walked away feeling so convicted on all issues, especially ones I would have said I had "mastered". However, with this heart probing approach you are sure to walk away challenged and once again amazed by God's grace. This book takes the daily stuff right back to the cross.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

This resource uncovers the presence of worldliness and helps believers learn to relate to the world while resisting its influence in their lives.

People today are saturated in technology and prosperity. They are bombarded with endless luxuries: clothes to wear, cars to buy, vacations to take, entertainment to enjoy. Yet this world, which offers so many pleasures, is actively opposed to God and the truth of His Word. How, then, is the believer to relate to the world in which he or she lives?

Worldliness: Resisting the Seduction of a Fallen World uncovers the presence of worldliness-the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes, and the boasting of what he has or does. Worldliness then reveals how Christians are to engage a fallen world and boldly preach the gospel, yet not be conformed and ultimately seduced by the system of this world.

As readers learn to identify the presence of worldliness in the areas of media, modesty, music, and material possessions, they can begin to resist its influence in their lives and instead pursue eternal godliness.


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This review copy was provided by christianaudio.com but the opinion expressed is strictly my own.

Because He Loves Me – Reading & Music CD

I got the CD for free with the purchase of some DVD’s from Elyze Fitzpatrick and while I was glad for that, I didn’t give it much thought.

Until I got home and listened to it.

W.O.W.!!!

As I worked in the kitchen doing dishes and preparing supper the other night, the tears trickled down my face.  The music and readings on this CD cause you to reflect on what Christ did for you and the love that the Father has for us.  It’s a beautiful collection that will draw you to worship the Savior, celebrate His love, and stir your heart for holiness.  The collection is both calming and uplifting at that same time and a wonderful addition to everyone’s listening selection.

You can read more about this product here.

I want to encourage each one of you to invest the few dollars to buy this CD, listen to it, and then let me know how it impacted your life.

Without A Word by Jill Kelly

Without a Word by Jill Kelly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

I grew up in NY and the Buffalo Bills were "my" team. I even went to got my Jim Kelly trading card autographed one time when I was about 12! So it was with great interest that I listened to this audio book.

First of all I really enjoyed the fact that Jill Kelly read her own book. The vocal expression was wonderful and it was easier to listen to knowing that how she said what she said, was how she meant it. I also enjoyed hearing the voices of Jim, Erin, and Cameron as well.

Jill - and the whole family, really - were so open and vulnerable in this book and their story is amazing! It's a testament to God's amazing love and goodness. I was touched by their honesty, inspired by their passion, and encouraged by their journey to the Savior.

If you want to more about the Kelly family or just simple want a good biography to listen to, this is a perfect one to select.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

“Your son has been diagnosed with a fatal genetic disease called Krabbe Leukodystrophy. There is no treatment and no cure. I will do everything I can to help your son. But the disease has already progressed so fast that I don’t think he will live to see his second birthday.” With these words, pro football Hall of Famer Jim Kelly and his wife, Jill, were catapulted from a seemingly fairy-tale life of celebrity into a world of private struggle and medical uncertainty. What the public didn’t know, however, was that behind the scenes lurked more than a family’s pain at the dire prognosis of their only son. Hunter’s illness exposed the troubled depths of a marriage that had long been shadowed by uncertainties of its own. For eight years the future was unwritten, with Hunter defying all medical odds and his parents pursuing every means to save his life. Meanwhile, Jim and Jill’s marriage continued to fail yet was held together only by their love for their kids and their determined hope for Hunter. Though Hunter’s illness prevented him from ever speaking a word, his will and unconditional love spoke volumes to his family and all who knew him. And in time, the light of Hunter’s silent, all-too-brief life shone into the darkened corners of Jim and Jill’s lives, leading them to authentic faith, a restored relationship, and the establishment of a foundation that is reaching other families with terminally ill children around the world. Without a Word transparently shares it all: The heartbreaking moments . . . and those Jill would love to relive. Moments that add up to a time filled with unimaginable pain . . . and indescribable joy. Moments that silently transformed the hearts of every member of her family . . . and changed their lives forever. Moments that may even change your heart and life, too.

BOOK DETAILS:

Published by: Oasis Audio
ISBN:9781598597943
Price: $25.99

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Oasis Audio but the opinion expressed is my own.

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The Choice by Suzanne Woods Fisher

The Choice by Suzanne Woods Fisher
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Choice is not your typical Amish novel. It's better.

A young Amish girl, Carrie Weaver, has a choice to make that will change her life: run away and become English or become a member of the Amish church. Among the twisting and turning story line are two steady characters who are firmly rooted in their relationship with God and shine brightly to those around them. Meanwhile, the lives of others are being tossed around as they search for purpose in the trials of life.

Suzanne Woods Fisher has authored a book that will draw you into the world of the Amish and the simple, yet hard life they live. The Choice is surprisingly filled with much humor and the ending is nothing like what you expect as you begin the chapters of the book. Yet despite the disappointment and grief, you witness through the pages of print the incredible plans of God and His overwhelming provision.

After living among the Amish just two counties away from Lancaster, I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. It was more than just nicely packaged fiction, the story seemed real and the characters came alive on the pages. It touched my heart and had me crying; but it also had me celebrating and laughing. The Choice was encouraging and in many ways a gave good reminders for my own life. I look forward to reading/listening to more in the Lancaster County Secrets series.

This audio version was smooth and easy to listen to thanks to the high quality of Oasis Audio!

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Oasis Audio but the opinion expressed is my own.

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Lydia’s Charm by Wanda Brunstetter

Lydia's Charm by Wanda Brunstetter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Some say Amish Fiction books all blend together - but I say this one stands apart! I loved listening to this wonderfully read audio version of Wanda Brunstetter's Lydia's Charm.

The story overall was a great mix of "classic love story" with unexpected twists. Some of these twists were wonderful surprises and others were so shocking that I was in tears as I listened. I felt connected to all the characters in one way or another and even fell in love with the "unlovable" ones.

Not only was the story deep and real - beyond a feel-good romance - but it also dealt with such probing topics such as grief and prejudice. It was a longer book but with short, easy-reading (or easy-listening) chapters that kept you on the edge of your seat in anticipation of what was next.

I would highly recommend this book in print form or audio version. The audio version was smooth to listen to and I enjoyed hearing the dutch words rather then attempting to read them myself! If you are looking for a heart-warming novel that will also challenge your soul while making you both cry and laugh - Lydia's Charm is the perfect book!

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Lydia King is suddenly a widow and moves her son and herself to Charm, Ohio, to be close to her mother and help with her grandfather. But is her heart ready for romance when gifts begin appearing on her porch from a mysterious source? Menno Troyer, a furniture store owner, is also recently widowed and the father of four energetic boys. He has come to realize that, though he doesn’t think he’s ready to love again, his sons need a mother. Levi Stutzman, another newcomer to the area, is the only one in his family not handicapped by dwarfism, and he has dedicated his life to caring for them. Though determined never to marry, he is always willing to be of help to others. Will the anonymous gifts left for Lydia bring her hope for a new life? And when tragedy befalls her yet again, will the mysterious gift giver
be there to support her?

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Oasis Audio and the opinion expressed is that of my own. You can buy your own copy of this great book at OasisAudio.com.

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The Screwtape Letters – Dramatized Audio Version

The Screwtape Letters: First Ever Full-cast Dramatization of the Diabolical Classic by Paul McCusker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Goose bumps. Chills. Heightened awareness.

These are a few of the things that this incredible dramatized audio book will give you as you sit on the edge of your seat with your ear tuned into the hair-raising suspense created by the master of writing - C.S. Lewis. He paints a vivid picture of what could be...what just might be...the life and purpose of demons. Be prepared to have your view of spiritual warfare forever altered by this heart-pounding fictional - yet not so fictional - tale of a demons plans and strategy for a believer's life.

Focus on the Family has brought this vivid imagery to audio life through amazing vocal talent and brilliant sound effects. In fact it is so realistic that I would be very cautious as to who I allowed to listen to this series. Most likely it is best for 12-years and older, but still with parental direction for a teen. However, let me not discourage you from listening together with your teen since it presents a powerful message that may be just what your teen needs to hear in our culture of apathy.

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This book gets awarded with the To Read, Or Not To Read badge of distinction  - Best Of The Best - for the fact that because it is so good, it has been added to Mandy’s bookshelf!

Classic Stories for a Girl’s Heart

Classic Stories for a Girl's Heart: Anne of Green Gables, Little Women, The Secret Garden by L.M. Montgomery
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

These audio books will provide you and your daughters (or sons!) hours of entertainment!

I love these 3 stories - Little Women, The Secret Garden, & Anne of Green Gables - and the way that they are brought to life while staying true to the books. The drama is high quality with various voices and real-life background noise that makes you feel like you are really there. These CDs are a great way to introduce your children to classic books at an early age or enjoy them as family entertainment.

I highly recommend them to anyone with girls ages 5 and up.

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This book gets awarded with the To Read, Or Not To Read badge of distinction  - Best Of The Best Badge! - for the fact that because it is so good, it has been added to Mandy’s bookshelf!

A Place Of Healing by Joni Eareckson Tada

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

This is the raw, honest, and vulnerable sharing from Joni's heart and from the Word of God about suffering. It's a powerful look at how God is a loving God and has plans for us to bring glory to Him and grow in our relationship with Him.

I enjoyed Joni's amazing perspective, steady faithfulness, and open honesty. She addresses the issue of Healing Services in a kind, yet biblically sound way. After reading this book you will have a better appreciation for your life as it is and for all that God is doing in your life.

This audio book is read by Joni and hearing her voice just brings this book to life - planting it's truth deep inside your heart. If you are going through a hard time this book will encourage you. Or if you are facing an easy time right now, this book will help you prepare for when life isn't always the way you want it.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

In this eloquent account of her current struggle with physical pain, Joni Eareckson Tada offers her perspective on divine healing, God’s purposes, and what it means to live with joy. Over four decades ago, a diving accident left Joni a quadriplegic. Today, she faces a new battle: unrelenting pain.

The ongoing urgency of this season in her life has caused Joni to return to foundational questions about suffering and God’s will. A Place of Healing is not an ivory tower treatise on suffering. Its an intimate look into the life of a mature woman of God.

Whether readers are enduring physical pain, financial loss, or relational grief, Joni invites them to process their suffering with her. Together, they will navigate the distance between God’s magnificent yes and heartbreaking no and find new hope for thriving in between.

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This book was provided for review courtesy of christianaudio.com and the opinions expressed are strictly that of my own.

Radical by David Platt

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Wow.

Sometimes you read a book and go away really challenged.

Then other times you walk away not remembering what you just read.

And then still there are times when you can't walk away because what you read has weakened your body with such conviction from the Holy Spirit.

This book is one of those times.

Everything else about the day seems to slip away and all that plays in my mind are snippets from listening to the audio version of this book. Not only was the quality and narration of this book great, but the message it's self made everything else pale in comparison.

I realized just how caught up I am in the American Dream rather than being sold out for the Lord God with a burning, all consuming passion. This book is a must-read for anyone - teen and up. It will bring the reality of life back to where it needs to be in perspective of the Gospel.

While this would be a great book to read, I highly recommend the audio version so that you can easily "read" the book over several times in order to let the message sink deep inside your heart and mind.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Take a transforming journey in authentic discipleship. As the pastor of a large and wealthy congregation, David Platt began to see a discrepancy between the reality of his Church and the way Jesus said His followers lived. In Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream, Platt examines how American Christianity has manipulated the gospel to fit our cultural preferences and challenges readers to rediscover the path

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This review copy was provided courtesy of christianaudio.com but the opinions expressed are my own.

Christy: Stage Fright, Goodbye Sweet Prince, Brotherly Love

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

C. Archer has done a wonderful job of adapting the book Christy by Catherine Marshall into something easy to read for younger children. This audio version by Oasis Audio is read by the talented Jaimee Draper and will captivate the imagination of children 6 and up. Draper reads with drama and flair that add life to the characters and depth to the story.

This set of audio stories is a great way to introduce children to classic fiction. I would suggest that parents listen to them before allowing their children to since there may be parts or entire stories that are too scary for your child depending on their personality.

I enjoyed listening to these myself as they simplify and then dramatize to a greater depth the original story. They do sometimes add some variations that you will not find in Catherine's original book.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Stage Fright: As Christy's students are preparing for a school play, she reveals her dream to act on stage. Little does she know that Dr. MacNeill's aunt is the artistic director of the Knoxville Theater. Before long, just as Christy is about to debut on stage, several mysterious incidents threaten both her dreams and her pride.

Goodbye, Sweet Prince: The whip cracked and the stallion reared up in pain. Christy cried in horror, "I've got to find a way to get Prince away from here!" Prince, the mission's stallion, has a cruel new owner. Christy and her students are heartsick. They desperately want to help Prince. But how? Is there a way their magnificent horse can be reclaimed?

Brotherly Love: George, Christy's younger brother, is charming and kind. But is he also a thief? Everyone is delighted when George visits Christy at the Cutter Gap Mission. But the delight ends when George reveals what he has been expelled from school for stealing. Can Christy summon the love and faith to help her brother do the right thing?

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To listen to an excerpt of this book, click here!

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Oasis Audio but the opinions expressed are my own.

Christy: The Princess Club, Family Secrets, Mountain Madness

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

C. Archer has done a wonderful job of adapting the book Christy by Catherine Marshall into something easy to read for younger children. This audio version by Oasis Audio is read by the talented Jaimee Draper and will captivate the imagination of children 6 and up. Draper reads with drama and flair that add life to the characters and depth to the story.

This set of audio stories is a great way to introduce children to classic fiction. I would suggest that parents listen to them before allowing their children to since there may be parts or entire stories that are too scary for your child depending on their personality.

I enjoyed listening to these myself as they simplify and then dramatize to a greater depth the original story. They do sometimes add some variations that you will not find in Catherine's original book.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

The Princess Club: When Ruby Mae, Bessie, and Clara discover gold in Dead Man's Creek, they form an exclusive group, "The Princess Club." Christy watches in dismay as Cutter Gap is torn apart by greed and envy. Can she find a way to heal the bitter divisions caused by a handful of gold?

Family Secrets: Bob Allen and many of the residents of Cutter Gap are upset that a black family has moved into the Cove. When hostile shooting and a series of threatening incidents befall the newly arrived family, the Washingtons, Christy steps in to help. But it's a clue in the Washington's family Bible that may hold the key to real peace and acceptance.

Mountain Madness: When Christy travels alone to a nearby mountain, she vows to discover the truth behind the terrifying legend of a strange mountain creature. But what she finds seems worse than anything she could ever have imagined!

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To listen to a excerpts of this audio book click here.

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Oasis Audio but the opinions expressed are my own.

Christy: Midnight Rescue, The Proposal, Christy’s Choice

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

C. Archer has done a wonderful job of adapting the book Christy by Catherine Marshall into something easy to read for younger children. This audio version by Oasis Audio is read by the talented Jaimee Draper and will captivate the imagination of children 6 and up. Draper reads with drama and flair that add life to the characters and depth to the story.

This set of audio stories is a great way to introduce children to classic fiction. I would suggest that parents listen to them before allowing their children to since there may be parts or entire stories that are too scary for your child depending on their personality.

I enjoyed listening to these myself as they simplify and then dramatize to a greater depth the original story. They do sometimes add some variations that you will not find in Catherine's original book.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Midnight Rescue: Christy Huddleston, the new school teacher in Cutter Gap, thought her biggest problem was going to be choosing between the charming country doctor, Neil MacNeill, and the handsome minister, David Grantland. But Christy has more serious matters to deal with when her student Ruby Mae Morrison and the mission's runaway black stallion vanish in a furious storm. As Christy desperately searches for Ruby Mae in the cold, blinding rain, she runs headlong into three angry moonshiners bent on revenge against anyone who might try to stop their illegal activities. Can Christy survive this most terrifying test of her faith and courage?

The Proposal: Christy should be thrilled when David, the handsome minister, proposes marriage. So why do thoughts of Dr. MacNeill keep popping into her head? Before she can answer David, Christy is blinded in a terrible riding accident and all her dreams are threatened.

Christy's Choice: Christy screamed as the train broke from the track and plunged down the side of the mountain. When Christy is offered a chance to teach in her hometown, she faces a difficult decision. Will her train ride back to Cutter Gap be a journey home or a last farewell? In a moment of terror and danger, Christy must decide where her future lies.

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Oasis Audio by the opinions expressed are my own.

Christy: The Bridge to Cutter Gap, Silent Superstitions, The Angry Intruder

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

C. Archer has done a wonderful job of adapting the book Christy by Catherine Marshall into something easy to read for younger children. This audio version by Oasis Audio is read by the talented Jaimee Draper and will captivate the imagination of children 6 and up. Draper reads with drama and flair that add life to the characters and depth to the story.

This set of audio stories is a great way to introduce children to classic fiction. I would suggest that parents listen to them before allowing their children to since there may be parts or entire stories that are too scary for your child depending on their personality.

I enjoyed listening to these myself as they simplify and then dramatize to a greater depth the original story. They do sometimes add some variations that you will not find in Catherine's original book.


BOOK OVERVIEW:

The Bridge to Cutter Gap: Christy Huddleston's dream is to teach poor mountain children. Join Christy as she crosses from the familiar world of parties and pretty things to the different world of Cutter Gap, located in the heart of the Smoky Mountains. There she meets the doctor who needs her help to save a life and the handsome minister who helps her face the challenges of teaching and loving the mountain people.

Silent Superstitions: Strange things are happening in Cutter Gap and everybody is convinced that Christy is cursed. After all, who can explain Bob Allens' mysterious accident on his way to bring Christy to Cutter Gap? Or the lightning strike that sent a tree through the school window? Will fear and superstition triumph? Will Christy be driven out of Cutter Gap forever? Or will Christy overcome and win the hearts of the mountain people?

The Angry Intruder: Headstrong and independent, Christy is determined to change the lives of the children in Cutter Gap. Yet it seems that anything new and strange poses a threat to the mountain people, who are proud of their way of life. Evidently, Christy has angered someone enough to cause a string of mysterious pranks. The handsome minister fears that the pranks will turn dangerous. Unfortunately, he doesn't realize how right his fears are.

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Oasis Audio by the opinions expressed are my own.

Christy by Catherine Marshall

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Catherine Marshall whisks you back in time to a secluded place in the Smokey Mountains where you see life through the eyes of Christy. She is a spunky and courageous young teacher who wants her life to be about more than just who she knows and what parties she attends. As you find yourself walking the rugged hills and viewing the majestic sights in your own imagination, you will also find yourself learning wholesome life lessons.

The characters come to life through this audio version of the book and you finish this story feeling like you have new friends. Kellie Martin - who played Christy on the CBS dramatized version of this book - reads the book with passion and depth.

I not only enjoyed hearing the whole and original version of Christy, but was captivated by the tale. I couldn't wait to get up and get to work around the house so that I could continue listening to this amazing journey of Christy and the many other people woven into her story. I would highly recommend this book for older children to adults. It would make a great resource to entertain the family on a long road trip or over a longer period of time in commuting to school or around town.

There were parts that may be slightly scary - such as shootings, burials, and some of the folklore - but overall I think that it would still be appropriate for the average person, child, or family.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Christy Huddleston left home at 19 to teach school in the Smokey Mountains. There she came to know and love the wild mountain people with their fierce pride, their dark superstitions, their terrible poverty, their yearning for beauty and truth. Christy found her faith severely challenged in these primitive surroundings; and, confronted with two young men of unique strength and needs, she found her own growing yearnings challenged by love.

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Oasis Audio.

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This book is awarded with the To Read, Or Not To Read badge of distinction  - Best Of The Best - for the fact that because it is so good, it has been added to Mandy’s bookshelf!

Bible Stories For Growing Kids by Francine Rivers & Shannon Rivers Coibion

Bible Stories for Growing Kids by Francine Rivers

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Excellent!

I'm not even sure if this word is adequate enough to describe my thoughts on this audio book. It is one of the best resources for 4 to 8 year olds I have reviewed.

First of all I love how they tell Bible accounts in a short format with a flair that stays true to the Bible but also makes it come alive. Then they follow up each story with personal application in the "Growing Time" section. Not only are kids learning about well-known and not-so-well-known Bible characters, they are learning how the Word of God effects their own lives.

I can't wait to have my children enjoy this audio book with fantastic narration while they drift to sleep each night. This is a must have for every home with children!   You can listen to a sample by clicking here.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

From this gifted mother-daughter team of Francine Rivers and Shannon Rivers Coibion come the Bible stories youll want to share with the growing kids in your life. Meet thirty important people from the Old and New testaments - some of them famous Bible figures like Abraham and Paul, and others unsung heroes like Amos and Priscilla. The stories will capture kids hearts and minds, and the "Growing Time" sections will help them apply the lessons of each story so they can live for God today!

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Oasis Audio and all opinions expressed are my own.

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You can support To Read, Or Not To Read by purchasing your own copy through my Amazon Affiliate link below.

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These 5 books are awarded with the To Read, Or Not To Read badge of distinction  - Best Of The Best - for the fact that because they are so good, they have been added to Mandy’s bookshelf!

The Scribe by Francine Rivers

  The Scribe: Silas by Francine Rivers

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

The Scribe is an amazing book that looks into the life of Silas and the apostles as the church began after Christ died and rose again. This book, the fifth in the Sons of Encouragement series, has a different feel to it. It is more personal versus a complete third person story.

I enjoyed the careful mix of fiction with biblical fact that creates a close up look at the experiences of well known Bible heroes like Paul and Peter and some not-so-well-known ones like Silas, Luke, and John Mark. There were many moments while listening to this audio version that I was in tears as I heard and thought about what the first Christians endured. This book brings the Bible accounts to life in your imagination in a way that will make the Bible so much more real to anyone.

While you can read this book in print or by listening to this audio version published by Oasis Audio, I must say I really enjoyed the wonderful narration in this audio format. Listening to this incredible story makes your housework go faster and makes family traveling become a riveting ride rather than a boring journey.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Behind the men who shaped history are the heroes who forever changed it. The Scribe, the fifth and final audiobook in the Sons of Encouragement series, beloved author Francine Rivers illuminates the life of Silas. Like the other Sons of Encouragement, this audiobook tells the story of a lesser-known biblical character who made an impact on eternity. The Scribe tells the story of Silas, the man behind the spotlight who recorded most of the New Testament Scriptures we read today. In classic Francine Rivers style the story lets listeners grasp the Scriptures in a whole new light - from a perspective never before imagined. Along the way listeners will be captivated by the growth of the early church and the trials Paul suffers before he is martyred for the cause of Christ.

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Oasis Audio and the thoughts expressed are my own.

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These 5 books are awarded with the To Read, Or Not To Read badge of distinction  - Best Of The Best - for the fact that because they are so good, they have been added to Mandy’s bookshelf!