Growing Up Amish by Ira Wagler

Growing up Amish by Ira Wagler
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Sad. Fascinating. Heavy. Intriguing.

I grew up visiting Amish country often and for 4 years of my early married life we lived in an area filled with Amish and Mennonite families. My family also had an Amish family that we were friends with and spent time in their home as I as growing up. I have always had an appreciation for the Amish community and enjoyed reading the occasional Amish fiction. However, all this said, I think our English views of the Amish community are shaped on quaint ideas of happy-ending fiction books and tourist interactions. Reading Growing Up Amish displays an accurate view of the average and ordinary life of the Amish. While I appreciated the life story of Ira Wagler, I set this book down with an overwhelming sadness. Honestly, after the first few chapters I wanted to put the book down because it was depressing. Yet at the same time the inside look at raw Amish life was so fascinating that I couldn't put it down. (Plus it was a review book and I needed to finish!)

I liked this book for it's inside look at real Amish life versus our quaint, tourist view. However, I feel that the end fell flat. It was an abrupt ending to a very dramatic and emotional story. If this had not been a review book, I would not have finished it. The reason I give it 3 stars is that if you are hooked on Amish fiction I think this would be a good dose of reality for you.

If you have lot of time to read and are curious about Amish life you would probably enjoy this book.

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This review book was provided courtesy of NetGalley but the opinion expressed is my own.

Safely Home

Safely Home by Randy Alcorn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW

Never did I think I would say "You HAVE to read this!" about a fictional book...but neither had I read Safely Home. This book is about two men who were roommates and friends in college but now are two worlds apart and haven't been in-touch for twenty years. When their paths finally cross once again they realize that they are two worlds apart spiritually speaking. As the story unfolds you find your self face-to-face with the persecuted church of China and the amazing love of a Savior and King.

I absolutely loved this book. My stomach churned at the thought of reading about people being persecuted, but once I began, I could not set it down. This thick fiction read gives you an eternal perspective on God's love and why "bad things" happen. While it seems trite to say, it's the simple truth - when I closed the cover on this book I was a different person. It brings to life before your eyes the power of prayer, the possible encouragement we have on a daily basis, and the powerful love of our God. You'll be left thinking about the profound question: "Is this the day I die?".

I highly - HIGHLY - recommend this book for teens and adults alike. While some of it won't be easy to read, you NEED to read it.

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

dot.com Dating by Drs. Les & Leslie Parrott

dot.com Dating: finding your right someone online--avoiding the liars, losers, and freaks

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

In this culture where the look of dating is changing, dot.comdating is an almost-pocket-sized handbook to help you work through the myths of online dating, the decision of whether online dating is for you or not, and the questions to ask prior to dating online. I appreciate that this book has helpful information for those looking to date and those like myself who are parents and friends of those dating online. Drs. Les & Leslie Parrott effectively debunk the myths surrounding the online scene and I liked the way the shed light on the truth so that the fear of online dating is removed. The advise they have to offer about how to use the online sites is very helpful and will hopefully enable many singles to have a better experience, saving more heartache and frustration.

Although I found this book very helpful, there were a few points that I flat out disagreed with - specifically their description of true love found on page 36. I would encourage adults to read this book for it's helpful hints, but hope that they filter it through the Word of God and not establish the foundation for their beliefs about relationships on man's relationship techniques. Look to the gospel to see what love looks like and how it should be fleshed out in our daily lives. Then read this to find out how to use a dating site more efficiently.

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This book was provided for review courtesy of Tyndale House Publishers but the opinion expressed is my own.

Don’t Kiss Him Good-Bye by Sandra Byrd

Don't Kiss Him Good-Bye by Sandra Byrd
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

High school drama, strange siblings, cute boys, and great music - this book has them all! And a whole lot more!

After a long day at school any teen girl will love reading this sassy novel about 15-year-old Savvy Smith and her new life outside London. It is full of what teen girls face on a daily basis along with a whole lot of biblical advice for dealing with tough situations and presented in a fun, fiction format.

I really enjoy reading this series myself - as a grown woman! Sandra has a writing style that is fun, real, and enjoyable to read. This series deals with real life topics in a fresh way. They are light enough to read in just an a few hours, yet challenge the reader to do what is right even when it's not so easy to do.

As a Mom I would recommend them to any teen girl in 7th grade and up. May I also suggest that you buy the set and use them - one at a time - as impromptu gifts for your teen girl every now and then. What a great way to encourage her and instill biblical thinking in her life!

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Now established in her quirky British village, Savvy works hard to get an article with her own byline published in the school newspaper. When an attractive and mysterious boy asks her for help with his school work, Savvy is slowly pulled into his circle and soon finds out that the wrong set of friends—boys and girls—can influence her own behavior. Following her own advice to cut ties with a charming bad boy would mean abandoning her dearest wishes, and it just doesn't seem as wrong as it feels. Is it? Read on for surprise twists throughout the book!
London Confidential is a new series for young girls. In the series, British fashion, friendships, and guys collide as an all-American teen girl learns to love life and live out her faith. The series follows Savvy's entertaining attempts to fit in during her first year at a new school in a new country.

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Thanks to Tyndale House Publishers for the courtesy of a review copy. However, all opinion expressed is mine.

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Fatal Convictions by Randy Singer {Giveaway!}

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Wow!

There is not a dull moment nor a dull page in this easy reading, yet suspenseful book where the Christian faith and Muslim beliefs smash into each other in the defense of a murderer. Singer has written a wonderfully entertaining and fascinating story in this murder mystery and tucked in thoughts that will challenge your convictions along the way.

Fatal Convictions is a thick book but incredibly easy to read. I stayed up late to finish this book despite my eyes drooping with sleep just because it was that intriguing. I like how the chapters are short and self contained making it easy to read just a little bit here and there rather than having to have a chunk of time in order to feel like you grasp all the details.

The characters of this book are very real and it is easy to relate to their emotions through out the tangled trial they face. Singer writes enough history into the plot to make you understand the characters without being weighed down by too much detail. I appreciated how even the bad guys were written in a real dimension where I could at least understand and relate to their thoughts even if I did not agree.

Anyone who enjoys mystery, intrigue, and/or suspense will enjoy this book. I think those who normally don't read books like this - especially those where the plot is Christianity vs. Muslims - will find they actually enjoy this book because it weaves in much more to the plot than just Christianity vs. Muslim beliefs.

My only words of caution with this book is that there are several intense and gruesome scenes talking about the murders. I would advise parents to pre-read this book before letting a teen read it.

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars! Enjoy the read!

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Young attorney Alexander Madison spent his weekdays chasing personal-injury cases and his weekends chasing souls as pastor of South Norfolk Community Church in Virginia Beach . Granted, it was an odd pairing, but it had its benefits. For one thing, he could do hospital visitation and seek out new clients at the same time.

While visiting an elderly congregant, he meets Muslim imam Khalid Mobassar whose wife is battling a brain injury after a serious car accident. Sensing a multi-thousand dollar or more lawsuit, Alex and his partner, Shannon, take the case. But no sooner is the ink dry on the contract when a firestorm ensues. The wife of a prominent Muslim leader in Virginia Beach , who was rumored to have converted to Christianity, is beheaded. And Alex and Shannon’s client is accused of being the mastermind behind it.

Everything inside Alex tells him to flee—to turn the case over to experienced defense lawyers and remain focused on his personal injury clients. But deep down he and Shannon believe that Mobassar is innocent, and despite intense pressure from Alex’s church, national media attention, and overwhelming evidence in the hands of the prosecution against Mobassar, they decide to take on the biggest murder case Virginia Beach has ever seen.

As Alex and Shannon dig into the case, and the evidence begins to mount, they discover that things aren’t always what they seem. When the imam’s beautiful daughter arrives from Lebanon to help with the case, Alex finds himself torn between his developing interest in her and his obligation to his client.

When another former Muslim woman winds up dead in a baptistery in Los Angeles , it only confirms that a brutal assassin is still on the loose. And if Alex doesn’t watch his back, he might be next.

AUTHOR BIO:

Randy Singer is a critically-acclaimed author and veteran trial lawyer. He has authored nine legal thrillers and one novella, including the 2003 Christy Award-winning Directed Verdict. In addition to serving as managing partner of the Singer Legal Group, and his writing, Randy serves as a teaching pastor for Trinity Church in Virginia Beach , VA , and is a professor at Regent University School of Law. More info at www.randysinger.net

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Side Door Communications in partnership with Tyndale House.  The opinions expressed above are my own and in now way were they influenced by anyone else.

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GIVEAWAY!!!

You can leave a comment on this review from now until September 5th to be entered into the drawing for 1 free copy of this book! 

Giveaway is only open to US addresses and you will be contacted if you win.  The winner gets a certificate to redeem at your local book store or to send into Tyndale directly.  A winner will be drawn at the close of the time period using Random. org.

What’s In The Bible? – Wanderin’ In The Desert

MY REVIEW:

Wanderin’ In The Dessert is the third DVD in a series created by Phil Vischer that walks kids (and parents!) through an overview of the Bible. This episode covers the books of Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.

While I can’t say I agree with every last detail, I still appreciate this video for the great teaching it does offer.  It has a variety show feel with fun and likeable characters that attract both kids and adults.  In my opinion it is a great way to study Bible Overview with kids.  It presents facts in a fun way that will not only hold their attention but have them remembering them for years to come.

As a Mom of 3 children – 7, 5, & 3 – I am always looking for creative ways to teach my children here at home.  Our kids attend a Christian school but we feel very strongly about our responsibility to teach our children in the home as well.  I have, and plan to continue to use this series as a fun way of spending time with my kids while they learn.  It will give us a great starting point for some excellent conversations about topics and information that many people don’t know until their later adult years.

I enjoy What’s In The Bible and would recommend this to any family.  However, I do think it’s best used in a family setting rather than a Sunday School or church setting.  For more information be sure to check out the website: www.whatsinthebible.com.

DVD OVERVIEW:

In What’s In the Bible #3, Wanderin’ in the Desert, Buck Denver and his cast of friends take us through the next three books of the Bible—Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy—helping kids understand how these books fit in with Genesis and Exodus to make up the Pentateuch and to set the stage for the trials and victories of God’s people. The question “Did this stuff really happen?” is also answered.
From the man who made vegetables talk (and sing and dance and tell Bible stories) comes this third release in the engaging new series that walks kids through the entire Bible! Each DVD is filled with an entertaining cast of characters who bring the most powerful Bible stories to life using humor, creative storytelling, and fun songs. Join VeggieTales creator Phil Vischer on a wild and zany journey and see the world’s most amazing book come to life.

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Tyndale House Publishers.  The opinion expressed is strictly my own.  Be sure to check out my review of episode 1 and 2!

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You can watch this video clip from the first 2 episodes to get a feel for the great format Phil Vischer has created.

Be sure to join me next week for T.V. Tuesday with a GIVEAWAY!!!

Raising A Modern-Day Princess by Pam Farrel

Raising a Modern-Day Princess by Pam Farrel

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

If you are a Mom, Grandma, Aunt, or an influential woman in the life of any girl you will not only appreciate this book, but benefit greatly from it, too. Pam Farrel and Doreen Hanna have written a book that will encourage you in your relationship with your daughter(s) as well as walk you through many things we want to do, but just don't know how to do. Most of us want to inspire our daughters and breath purpose into their lives and Raising A Modern-Day Princess is the guide to help you do just that.

I appreciated the combination of personal stories and insight that Farrel and Hanna shared along with all the simple and practical tips on how to raise a modern-day princess in a world that wants just the opposite for them. The book is easy to read and offers huge amounts of creative ideas for you to glean from.

The focus of this book is on teaching young girls about becoming godly young women. My favorite part of all that was shared was the idea of intentionally choosing mentors, along with your daughter, to mentor her. There is a treasure trove of information in this book to help you at whatever place in life you are at. Not everything will be for everyone, but I doubt anyone could walk away without gleaning something.

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This review copy was provided by Tyndale House Publishers and the opinions expressed our strictly my own

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Making Money from Home by Donna Partow

Making Money from Home: How to Run a Successful Home-Based Business by Donna Partow

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Making Money from Home is a personal coach in "soft cover" format for helping you to make money from the comfort of your own home. Donna has given us a thorough, informative, and extremely practical guidebook on the steps to getting started and maintaining a home business.

I began reading this book with the mindset that I would learn how to make some extra money on the side while staying home. While I picked up many tips and ideas to help me accomplish this, I would say the main focus of this book is about building a bigger business than just some "extra cash". It shows you how to build a career from working at home.

This is the perfect handbook and encouragement for those who work outside the house and want to make the jump to working from home. I found chapter 10, on legal and financial issues, to be very helpful as it took some deeper topics and made them simple to understand. And I also greatly appreciated the chapter on E-bay which literally gives you the step-by-step knowledge of how to make it work for you.

Donna makes the whole process sound so easy. Maybe even too easy. I could understand someone getting either hyped-up or discouraged by reading this book. Remember that working from home is not for everyone. In fact, the one thing that I didn't like about this book was that I felt the benefits of working from home were overemphasized and in doing so, the role of a homemaker was downplayed. At times the message of the book seemed to be flirting with the line of greed and traditional homemakers may not agree with Donna's philosophy. Having everything the way you want it is not as easy as Donna presents it to be.

However, this book is not just for the homemaker looking to bring in some cash, it can be read by anyone - male or female, married or single. The questions at the end of each chapter are some of the best "discussion questions" I have ever seen in a book. They are practical and applicable; truly aiding in the understanding of the book on a personal level. Anyone wanting extra money or a full-time job can glean from this book, but I would recommend it more to someone who wants to seriously pursue a full-time job from the home setting.

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This review copy was provided by Tyndale House Publishers in connection with Donna Partow. The opinions expressed are purely my own and my thoughts were no way influenced by the publisher or the author.

Bringing Up Girls by James C. Dobson

Bringing Up Girls: Practical Advice and Encouragement for Those Shaping the Next Generation of Women by James C. Dobson

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

The title of this book pretty much sums up the overall point of this book - bringing up Girls. I, along with many other parents of girls, desire to know how best to raise our daughters, especially during those moments of drama, emotions, and crying that even us grown-up girls just don't "get".

Dr. Dobson presents the basic make-up of a girl both emotionally and physically which aids you in better understanding what girls are experiencing at the various stages they go through. Through out this book he has great insight as well as some practical direction that will help parents of girls. However, for as good as the advice may be, there is one component that really bothers me. Dr. Dobson uses self-esteem as the primary area to focus on in order to "cure" the problems our girls - young and old - face on a routine basis. In my personal opinion based on the lens of Scripture, our girls don't need more self-esteem, they need the love and esteem of Jesus Christ. While Dobson talks about the importance of faith, I feel that he misses the extent and power of the Word of God and the love of God to overcome the challenges our daughters face.

I greatly appreciate some of the concepts and thoughts Dr. Dobson shares, especially his concern for preparing your child for adolescents. But due to the amount of stuff I don't agree with, I can not recommend this book for reading. If you have all the time in the world to read then I might say "read it with great discernment", but if you do not have much time I think there are better parenting books to read that will give sound Biblical advice.

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This review copy was provided Tyndale House Publishers, but the opinions expressed are purely my own.

Does God Exist?

Does God Exist? Kit by Focus on the Family

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

The TrueU series is a great tool for older teens and college age students. Rather than have the feel of a "force fed meal" in a lesson format, it's a presentation of various thoughts allowing the student to decide for himself what is really the truth.

The downside is that in some churches, this more relaxed and laid back approach of presenting the truth is not as well received as it may be in others. At times Dr. Meyers can be too vague.

Overall, it is a helpful resource, but I highly recommend that you preview it or do your research before actually purchasing it. It may, or may not be, for your church.

PRODUCT OVERVIEW:

In this first DVD set of the TrueU series, Dr. Stephen Meyer plays a “philosophical survival game,” pitting four worldviews against one another in the quest to decide which one gives the best answers. Dr. Meyer examines the evidence and provides the tools needed for students to defend their faith and make it their own. This is the perfect resource for students preparing to enter college and a culture that may be hostile to their faith. Additional discussion guides can be purchased separately, either in singles

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Tyndale House Publishers and did not have any impact on my review which is purely my own opinion.

Happily Ever Laughter by Ken Davis

Happily Ever Laughter: Discovering the Lighter Side of Marriage by Ken Davis

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Happily Ever Laughter will have you laughing till your sides split!

Ken Davis is the general editor of this book that holds stories by a variety of authors such as Jeff Allen, Chonda Pierce, Kendra Smiley, Bob Stromberg, and others. The short chapters each tell a great story and then are followed by a brief paragraph called "Laugh Lessons".

The focus of this book - you couldn't tell by the title - is the humorous side to marriage. And Ladies, your husband will enjoy this, too! I had a great time reading some of the stories out loud to my husband and at one point I was laughing so hard I was gasping for air and crying! Reading a chapter each night before bed would definitely be a great way to end the evening and melt a few calories away with laughter. It would also make a great anniversary gift to any couple.

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This review copy was provided by Tyndale House Publishers.

What Did Jesus Say? by Diane Bay {Giveaway}

What Did Jesus Say?: Bible Verses on Issues You Deal With by Diane Bay

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Teens or Tweens would be the perfect person to give this book to!

This topical book is full of catchy pictures and simple explanation of scripture dealing with 62 different topics that teens and tweens face. It's in alphabetical order and has a handy index so anyone can look something up quickly. With it's appealing format it's easy to sit down to look up one thing and end up reading several pages!

I appreciate that the Bible passages are written out in the book and explained in simple terms that are easy to understand. It's a great book for teens and tweens to use on their own to look up issues they face or to help them dig into God's Word.

As a youth leader, I think this book is a great gift idea for newly saved teens or those seeking to understand more. The only thing I didn't like so much was that all the scripture is from the NLT, but since it's a resources and not a complete Bible, I think it could be of use to making things easy to understand for this younger age range.

Overall, it's like the names says, a great way to get kids asking: What Did Jesus Say?

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Kids, much like adults, are looking for answers and guidance about the issues they face every day. What Did Jesus Say? is an easy-to-use topical Bible that combines the words Jesus said about 62 subjects. Each topic is explained before the verses, and the words of Jesus are summed up after the verses to help youth understand what they’ve read. Some of the topics include anger, jealousy, humility, love, fear, hate, grief, and worry. This book is a natural bridge between colorful story Bibles for children and full-text Bibles for teens and adults. It is perfect for tweens—kids “in between” these ages. The one-color graphics relate to the subject and make reading the Bible text easier and more interesting for this age group.

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Tyndale House Publishers but the opinions expressed are my own.

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GIVEAWAY!!!

To enter the giveaway for a copy of this book, please leave a comment below.

Don’t forget to leave a way for me to contact you if you are the winner!

The drawing ends on May 22nd and the winner will be drawn using Random.org.

For an extra entry, follow me through facebook or google friends and then leave another comment saying you did!

UPDATE 5/22/10: Congratulations to Crystal who won this book!

the secret Holocaust Diaries by Nonna Bannister Review

The Secret Holocaust Diaries: The Untold Story of Nonna Bannister by Nonna Bannister

My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Nonna Bannister left behind the horrors of her European childhood when she relocated to the United States alone.  Having lost all of her family, including her brother Anatoly with whom she was quite close to the Nazi regime, Nonna closed the door on her life in Europe and started afresh in the United States.  Throughout her marriage, the birth of her children, and her latter years, she did not speak of the immense cruelty she suffered at the hands of the Germans, however one day, she opened her secret place in the attic to her husband.  Looking at her journals written in many different languages (Nonna knew at least five fluently) her husband wondered how he would read these memoirs that were written in a tongue he didn't know.  It was then that Nonna produced the legal pads.  Piles of legal notepads full of her translations.  This book is the meat of those notepads.

the secret Holocaust Diaries is Nonna's true story of her experiences at the hands of the Germans.  It chronicles her childhood before the Germans came to power and continues through he imprisonment at a labor camp through until her death.  With a memoir, I feel the story cannot be critiqued because this is not a plot fabricated in the mind of an author--this is a person's life; their experience.  Therefore any critique is my opinion on the writing style and/or how much I enjoyed the book.

That being said, I don't think enjoy is the correct word to use when referring to reading a true story about the Holocaust.  This book was intriguing and poignantly written.  I will warn that it is a detailed account of Nonna's experiences and there are some VERY disturbing interactions that take place.  What more can one expect from a Holocaust memoir.  If you enjoy reading memoirs or Holocaust based titles, this book is a must-read.  Again, I would caution however that one should be mindful of the age of those who read this.

This book was provided by Tyndale House Publishers for review purposes.

The Busy Mom’s Guide to a Happy Organized Home by Kathy Peel

The Busy Mom's Guide to a Happy, Organized Home: Fast Solutions to Hundreds of Everyday Dilemmas by Kathy Peel

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Are you feeling overwhelmed?

Do you feel like you are always busy?

Do you long for way to simplify your life?

If you answered yes to any or all of these questions then The Busy Mom's Guide could be the book of the year for you!

In an easy reading format this book provides help and encouragement for the organized and unorganized Mom alike. It is fun to read straight through or easy to read in any order you need. It also is a great book to read a page a day with-out feeling like you're lost. Kathy breaks life down into 7 manageable categories and then provides a variety of helpful tips and ideas to make each of those categories work better in your life. Whether you browse the book or read from cover to cover, this book is for you! It is a great addition to anyone's personal bookshelf and one that you will go back to over and over through out the years of motherhood as you fine tune your home and routines.

I liked the easy read format along with the index for quick finds if searching for tips on a particular subject. I also enjoyed all the sidebar tips, tricks, and tid-bits. Kathy has truly given you fast solutions to hundreds of everyday dilemmas!

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This review copy was provided by Tyndale House Publishing, but the opinions expressed are strictly that of my own.

Sleep, It Does A Family Good, by Archibald D. Hart

Sleep, It Does a Family Good: How Busy Families Can Overcome Sleep Deprivation by Archibald D. Hart

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Is your family sleep deprived?

You may not even know if you are! In this book Dr. Archibald Hart talks about the signs and symptoms of people and families who are deprived of sleep and shares how to "fix" the problem as well. The main point is: "The family that sleeps well, lives well", and even "Just because your family doesn't feel tired doesn't mean that don't have a problem".

Dr. Hart's book is a fascinating look sleep and our view of sleep. I greatly appreciated his informative approach and simple ways of expressing the problem and presenting the solutions. I was also amazed at the amount of problems and physical ailments/disabilities that have a high probability of being linked to not enough sleep. But as amazed as I was, I believe it because I can see what a lack of sleep does in my own life.

I think this is a MUST READ for anyone, but especially for married couples and parents. There is plenty of practical application and tips to help you start sleeping better now. For parents, I highly recommend you read this along with the book: On Becoming Babywise.

Overall, I think this is a great book. There were a few things I didn't agree with the author on, but it was more application than theory and I would still highly recommend this book for EVERYONE!

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This book was provided for review courtesy of Tyndale House Publishers. The review is my own opinion.

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Inspirational Zingers Jumble by Christopher Hudson

Inspirational Zingers Jumble by Christopher Hudson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Maybe reading a book is not your "thing" per-say, but perhaps challenging your mind with a book full of word jumbles and crossword puzzles is! Inspirational Zingers Jumble is a book full of fun, challenge, and little doses of encouragement tucked in between! I enjoyed the Bible-based themes and the Zingers which were all quotes. It had enough variety of skill and puzzle type to keep my interest. And for those panic when they can't figure one out, well, there is an answer key in the back!

This book is wonderful entertainment for an individual or for a family; and is great for cold evenings spent inside, warm afternoons on the front porch, and of course perfect for travel. It would also be a neat little gift or a neat touch to lay on the night stand in your guest room.

However you decide to use this book and can be sure that fun and mental exercise will follow!

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Thanks to Tyndale House Publishers for the courtesy review copy.

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Bible Jumble For Kids by Christopher Hudson

Bible Jumble for Kids by Christopher Hudson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Bible Jumble for Kids is a great alternative to entertaining kids and challenging their minds with not only fun facts, but biblical content. Jumbles, crossword puzzles, and word searches make for hours of fun and brain stretching that all revolve around Bible accounts and facts. Each set of puzzles centers around one verse or story. The book is said to be for 8-year-olds and up, but 8 may be young depending on your child and his/her likes. I appreciated this book for the fun and challenge while stretching my knowledge of all things Bible. And of course, having the answers in the back helps a lot, too! This book would be perfect for a rainy afternoon, long car ride, or something to do as a family.

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This review copy was provided by Tyndale House Publishers, but the thoughts and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

I Love God’s Green Earth by Michael & Caroline Carrol

I Love God's Green Earth: Devotions for Kids Who Want to Take Care of God's Creation by Michael Carroll

MY REVIEW:

I Love God's Green Earth is a unique devotional for kids ages 6 and up. And of course the parents who read it to their children will enjoy it, too. I appreciated the simplicity of the devotional format (only 2 short pages each day) and the variety in each day. Each day's devotional includes a great devotional thought based on a passage of scripture, some application steps and tips, fun facts or jokes, and a story or paragraph about a current "green" topic that coordinates with the theme of the day. While I can't say that I "loved" everything about the book, I would say that it was a fair mix of showing respect for God's creation and spiritual application. I personally thought this book was a neat resource for those who want to teach their children more about caring for the earth from a Biblical point of view.

Our family will try to make an attempt to watch our garbage output and show respect by picking up garbage that we see laying around.  What will this book encourage your kids to do?

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Kids love working on practical projects to help take care of the Earth; they are often the family’s biggest proponents of recycling. This book will attract those eco-friendly kids and teach them how creation care can actually draw them closer to God. Each devotion includes a Scripture verse, a “Connection” section to help kids apply both the biblical and environmental lessons, and a “What Can I Do?” section with a takeaway activity. Jokes and fun facts are also included throughout the devotion to make this book fun, informative, and interesting to readers.

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Tyndale House Publishers.

Take It From The Top by AIO Team

Take it from the Top by AIO Team

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

I grew up on Adventures In Odyssey and while it's changed for the past 20 some years, it still remains as a wonderful source of entertainment and learning for kids...and some not so kids anymore!

This album is full of great stories both imaginary and based on history and has some new characters with some spanish speaking background that add a new and more varied dynamic to the program. Of course, there are still your loveable old pals such as Connie, Eugene, and Wooten, and of course the one and only - Whit.

Some of the themes addressed in this album are:

• Our possessions
• Procrastination
• Responsibility
• Pride
• Family
• Perseverance

This is a great resource for families of all ages. I recommend this album to kids ages 4 and up. This one does not have any episodes that would be deemed "scary" to young children.

OVERVIEW:

It’s back to the basics in Take It from the Top, the long-anticipated 51st album of Adventures in Odyssey! Enter Whit’s new invention, the Inspiration Station, and find out why Connie wants to spend so much time in it. Solve mysteries with local sleuth Emily Jones, and learn why 10-year-old Matthew Parker doesn’t think being “target of the week” is such a good thing. Catch up with Whit, Connie, Eugene, and Wooton, and meet two new families, as they learn lessons about responsibility, revenge, and God-given inspiration. Whether on a baseball field, at home, or at Whit’s End, there’s never a dull moment in the town of Odyssey!

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Tyndale House Publishers.

Asking For Trouble by Sandra Byrd

Asking for Trouble by Sandra Byrd

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

BOOK OVERVIEW:

When her family moves to London, 15-year-old Savvy Smith has to make her way in a new school and a new country. She just knows the school newspaper is the right place for her, but she doesn’t have the required experience, and the cute editor-in-chief is not looking to train anyone. She has to come up with a way to prove herself and nab the one available position on the newspaper staff at Wexburg Academy.

London Confidential is a new series where British fashion, friendships, and guys collide, and where an all-American girl learns to love life and live out her faith.

MY REVIEW:

Asking For Trouble is a fun and fast read about friendship and faith. While being the first book of the London Confidential Series it also stands alone to make for a great book for 12 to 15 year old teen girls.

I enjoyed the realistic characters of Savvy Smith and her family and the troubles she encounters in her new life in London. While being a fun and easy read, it is also a book with a spiritual message woven through out the story line that teen girls will be easily able to relate to.

I think that Asking For Trouble could have had a "heavier" message, however I am pleased with it for what it is and the fact that it does not contain material I would not want girls to read. So I give it 4 stars and recommend it as an encouraging book for younger teen girls.

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Tyndale House Publishers.