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!
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!
Just a few of the words I use to describe this book which is a contemporary view of Bonhoeffer's book titled The Cost Of Discipleship. Not only is it an updated version of the previous book, but it's easy to read all the while being challenging to your thinking and traditional beliefs. I really enjoyed the casual feel - almost as if in a conversation. And the bullet-pointed questions and thoughts to contemplate at the end of each chapter were incredibly helpful and convicting. Not only does this book give you good thoughts and theology, but great application as well.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone - young or old. It will be worth your time to read and appreciate the cost of grace in our lives.
BOOK OVERVIEW:
In 1937, on the threshold of Nazi Germany’s war on the world, Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote what turned out to be one of the most influential books of the century, The Cost of Discipleship. In it, he challenged the flabby faith and compromises of German Christians, famously writing, “When Christ calls a man he bids him come and die.”
Now, seventy-three years after the book was first published, Jon Walker has written Costly Grace: A Contemporary View of Bonhoeffer’s The Cost of Discipleship. Although Bonhoeffer’s book still has a loyal readership, it has not been adequately viewed through the eyes of the twenty-first century. Walker brings to a new generation the timeless message of Bonhoeffer against the background of today’s political upheaval and societal change and what it means to those who claim to follow Christ’s teachings, challenging contemporary teachings and lifestyles.
Grace is a foundational doctrine for Christians, yet it is one of the most misunderstood. Bonhoeffer watched as many used the doctrine of grace as an excuse to do whatever they wanted, and in response, he wrote his classic work on what it truly means to follow Jesus. We cheapen grace, he declared, when we use it to compromise our behavior or to lower the standards of God’s Word. In a modern retelling of this Christian classic, Walker explains what Bonhoeffer meant when he taught that grace is free but will cost us everything.
“Bonhoeffer called for a return to ‘costly grace,’ to a recognition that God’s grace comes at the cost of Christ’s passion. Grace is free, but it demands a disciple’s whole life, not just partial obedience to the commands of Christ. Bonhoeffer’s message resonates with our time of instability and insecurity,” Walker explains. “We’re tempted to compromise in order to keep things as they have been, but the cost of discipleship requires that our loyalty be only to Christ and Christ alone. Where our behavior is at odds with our belief, God requires we be ruthless in letting go of the things that entangle us and keep us from becoming just like Jesus.”
Costly Grace is a clear call to discipleship, reminding us what it means to be a disciple of Jesus, and makes the doctrine of grace understandable and practical. Following Bonhoeffer’s example, Walker has anchored this book around an expository study of Matthew 5–7, including the Beatitudes and the Sermon on the Mount. As such, Costly Grace is an excellent resource for small group curriculum or congregation-wide study.
Also set to release in October is the Costly Grace 90-Day Devotional. The companion devotional is dedicated to bringing home to the heart of every Christian the vital call that Bonhoeffer made in his book and that Walker now makes in his. What decisions do we need to act on to walk the road Jesus shows us? Who is it we are called to love and forgive? And why is it imperative that the Beatitudes become our way of life? These are just some of the challenges that Walker helps us tackle in his valuable guide.
Costly Grace: A Contemporary View of Bonhoeffer’s The Cost of Discipleship by Jon Walker
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?
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.
* * * * * This review copy was provided courtesy of Oasis Audio by the opinions expressed are my own.
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.
As you read through the Bible it is easy to gloss over people and events and miss the most thought provoking moments. Francine Rivers makes you stop and think with her books in the Lineage of Grace series which cover the lives of five women who experienced the immeasurable grace of God.
Each book is the biblical account woven together with the imagination of Francine Rivers and relevant cultural facts from that day. It brings familiar Bible characters to life in your mind and makes them feel like real people whom you have more in common with than you might want to admit. I greatly appreciate how Francine stays true to the Bible passages while adding a storyline that could have happened.
In this audio book compilation, Anita Lustrea adds an even greater depth with her wonderful vocal talent and smooth presentation. Listening to these stories in audio format is a delight and you will find yourself sitting down to listen because the story will have you riveted!
These five novels brought out aspects of each woman’s life – both real and what could have been – that made me appreciate them and the amazing grace of God in a greater proportion that I had before. From the lives of Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and Mary I was not only entertained by their stories but I was convicted, challenged, and encouraged. I highly recommend these books to anyone – women, men, teens – in either the audio format or in the printed edition.
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This review copy and author feature were provided courtesy of Oasis Audio.
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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!
This, the child's version of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, is an excellent way to introduce your children to the classic books by C.S. Lewis. It covers the basic points of the original book in a much shorter version but with the same great lessons. It is in storybook format with beautiful, life-like illustrations.
I really liked this book, and surprisingly, so did my 6yo and 4yo daughters. I thought they would be afraid of the pictures of the White Witch, but they were not and they enjoyed the story.
I do recommend discernment in that it might be appropriate for some 4yo and not for others. Also, I skipped some of the story because I thought it would be too scary or too hard for them to grasp. So while I would highly recommend this book to 6-year-olds and up, this is a book that the parent should read before reading to their child.
I give this book a 4 only because it may not be good for every child. However, the content is, of course, excellent!
We have all sung the great hymns of our faith such as Amazing Grace, A Mighty Fortress, Rock Of Ages, and Fairest Lord Jesus, and have come to cherish them and their impact on our lives. Yet, often we do not know the story behind the hymns and how God worked to bring these songs to us.
This collection of 101 stories behind the hymns of our faith is a wonderful source of encouragement and inspiration as well as a wonderful reminder of the sacrifices made by many a man, woman, family, for the sake of the Gospel. While meant for adults primarily, this book on audio would be a great resource for parents to use with their children. In the day where hymns seem out of date to the younger generations, these stories will revive one's appreciation for these old songs.
The audio version is a wonderful mix of story, lyrics, and music to make it a well rounded presentation.
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This review copy was provided courtesy of Oasis Audio.
The Velveteen Rabbit is a classic story about a stuffed Rabbit who desperately wants to be real. He believes he is real when he is loved so much by his little boy. But when scarlet fever hits and all the toys and book have to be burned, the Rabbit finds out he is not real. But all is not lost...a fairy saves the day!
While The Velveteen Rabbit is a sweet children's story, it is hard for younger children (six and younger) to grasp that it is not real and only a fairy tale.
It is a good story for those with well-loved stuffed animals, but at the same time a bit of discretion is needed by parents to know if this book is for your child or not.
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Click here to read reviews on good bedtime stories!
This small book serves in a big way to show us what it would have been like to have been living in Gettysburg on July 1st through 3rd of 1863. Tillie's account of the events is tragic and sad, yet it is a good thing to read to cultivate a heart of appreciation not only for the soldiers that fought for our freedom, but also for the townsfolk who sacrafices so much for us, too.
You can read this little black book in an afternoon and I highly recommend you doing so to get a short, but personal, glimpse into the battle of Gettysburg.
I remember my Mom reading this book to me when I was a little girl, and not I get the fun of reading it to my own little girls and boy. This charming house was built in hopes it would see the family's great, great grandkids living in it someday. But when the little house longs for the city and the city comes, will it ever see the great, great, grandkids and the country again? Read this adorable little story to find out!
A classic tale for young children. Mike Mulligan and Mary Anne work well together and do their very best at each job. But when new shovels come along, they are out of work. Will Mary Anne end up in the dump?
A favorite book of mine while growing and now a favorite of my own children.
I remember this tale as a child myself and it was fun to read to my own kids. They enjoyed the story and we talked about fairytales because they didn't understand how the goat could cut a whole and then sew it back up! The fun illustrations make this a good read!
This is an excellent book by C.S. Lewis that will truly make you think about God and how you can not deny His existance. While I'm sure that some may still walk away and resist His gift of salvation, this book will challenge your mind and heart toward your spiritual status.
Brother Lawrence give short conversations and letters on what it means to practice the presence of God. This amazing book is short and easy to read, yet one that should be read in just small clips to truly digest the message.
I would think that most of us, if not all of us, have had at least a brief moment in our life when we have questioned the meaning and sense of pain in suffering in life. C.S. Lewis once again completes a thorough writing of a complex subject. This book is deep to wade through, and I plan to read this again...slowly!, but well worth your time and effort in doing so.
Never in my life have I wanted to read such fiction books as The Chronicles Of Narnia, but in my desire to read the works of C.S. Lewis I determined to work through them. What began in duty has ended in delight! While book 2 was my favorite, I have really enjoyed them all. I grew fond of the "children" and cried over Aslan. I'm not a fan of un-realistic fiction, but the spiritual application in these books is so powerful that it makes the fantasy enjoyable. I encourage you to expose your own mind and heart to C.S. Lewis's incredible writing and encouragement.
C.S. Lewis did a fabulous job of creating a fictional story woven with spiritual application. The Silver Chair is another one of his masterpieces. While I enjoyed this story a lot, I would not recommend it to young children.
Another good book in The Chronicles Of Narnia. I really enjoy way C.S. Lewis wove spiritual truth into a fictitious story. While not appropriate for young children, I do think "older" children and above can both enjoy and benefit from this book.
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The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
