Princess Stories by Carolyn Larsen

I loved this book, but my 6 year old granddaughter loved it even more!  She was sold on it the minute she saw the beautiful pink cover with sparkly purple flowers (her two favorite colors). Since she sees herself as God’s little princess and a princess in training, she was surprised there were such princesses in the Bible.  That sparked her curiosity immediately!

The stories were written in such a way that kept her attention.  Each princess/ female Bible character is given a title, such as “Rebekah the Helpful Princess.”  This gave her an idea right away what the special character quality of that woman.   The story has a rhyme that begins with “Mirror, mirror on the wall. . . “and introduces how the “princess” displayed the character quality.

I was impressed with how each account clearly told the Bible story.  They were short but very easy for a child to understand.  My granddaughter quickly grasped the biblical concepts.  Each story has a Bible verse to read and memorize that brings home the main truth presented. 

At the end of each story there is a section called, “Princess Ponderings”.   It contains 3 parts: A comprehension question about what was read, a quick activity or thought to apply the truth of the story to their lives and another scripture with a question about what was learned. 

Each part was perfect in length, not too long and not too short.  The pages are beautiful with flower boarders and the illustrations are stunning and appealing to any little girl.   My granddaughter begged for me to read more, and was excited about how she could be like each princess.  Every little girl should have this book in their library!

I received this book free from Tyndale Press.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

I Am Second Real Stories. Changing Lives By Dave Sterrett and Doug Bender

This is a powerful book.  As a minister’s wife my husband and I have seen people come out of very dark and painful lives and accept Christ as their Savior.   Yet in a short time go back to the same lifestyle.   For this reason, this book was very encouraging  to see so many not only accept Christ but continue to make Him first in their lives.   I think it would also be encouraging for those struggling and wondering if they can truly make a lasting change.

I liked the title of the book, it really spoke to me.  We have to be second and Christ first for Him to work in our lives.  Today many try to make Him second and wonder why they don’t have more of a victory in their spiritual walk.

These are stories of all kinds of people, some famous, the ones that are thought to “have it all”.  I appreciated the transparency and honesty of each person.  Putting it all out there regardless of shame or ridicule shows that they have made Christ first. All walks of life and every addiction and sin you can imagine is represented here. 

 As I read their failures and mistakes, and saw how greatly sin had destroyed their lives,  I witnessed how the awesome power of God can work in the seemingly impossible situations.   The book gives the strong message that there is always hope in Christ, no matter where you are or what you have done.  I found stories very inspiring and gave me a renewed desire to make sure I am second and Christ is first.   

I especially liked the fact that a website is posted where I can go and watch each person speak and give their testimony!  A real bonus!

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255