I think everyone has struggled with reading their Bible at one time or another. I know I have. When I do I feel guilty. This is God’s love letter to me, shouldn’t I be enjoying it? What is wrong with me? Even though I know I should be doing it in obedience to Him, I hate finding myself reading “just because I am supposed to.”
This book is perfect to overcome those “blah” times in the Word.
Ferrin gives 10 helps that will not only make your time in the Scripture more of a pleasure but also more profitable without making it a chore. It is short, well written, plus very easy to read and implement the ideas!
The author brings out two very important truths we tend to forget. 1. Bible reading is God talking to me. 2. Prayer is me talking to God. In other words it is you spending time with the most important person in your life (or should be), your Heavenly Father. Bible reading isn’t an item on your to-do list to check off but building a close relationship with the Lord.
I was so inspired and encouraged by these ideas! I see how there have been areas I have failed in my quite time. I was present (sort of) with the Lord but not truly a participant. No wonder those times were stale and I seemed to walk away with little.
There are study guides, further scriptures to pursue, prayers, Bible reading plans and even challenges! I am so excited to start reading God’s Word with a fresh start! If I ever slip back to my old habits I can just refer back to this book! It is becoming a permanent fixture in my library!
This little book is a treasure chest! It is great for new believers, old believers, young and old people alike! I think every Christian should read this! You will be glad you did!
I received this book for free from Bethany House Publishers for this review. 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 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

When I first saw the book title, I thought, “At last a book to teach young people about sex from a biblical perspective.” Upon beginning to read the book I found the questions to be very straightforward. Ones that a youth would ask, and maybe not have the courage to ask but wonder about.
God’s plan and guidelines for sex are being brazenly disregarded today by youth and adults alike. For many it is the fact of simply not knowing what God’s word says. A appreciate the author covering what some young people consider a “gray area” in sexual conduct. Yet is God’s eyes there are no gray areas concerning purity, it is only black and white.
While the author did include scriptural references, I felt there could be far more. And as Scripture is our foundation for all things I find this very important. I understood that the book would be somewhat graphic, but I felt it was more so than needed. We can share details without stepping over the line and making it unsuitable. Many parts of the book seem to be using reasoning rather than God’s Word to encourage youth to do what is right. For example, I do not think a young woman needs to know that she will have better orgasms after marriage if she is a virgin when she weds. The discussion questions at the end were very good to further talk with your child. I forewarn you to read it before you give it to your teen. This book is not what I had hoped it would be.
I received this book for free from Bethany House Publishers for this review. 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 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

As a Christian I see our world being obsessed and overrun with the occult and paranormal. It is seen in music, television shows, books, and even children’s cartoons. The sad part is how widely accepted it is by even those who profess to know Christ. Because the supernatural seems to have no other explanation, ridiculous and impossible stories are believed. I know these things are but a smokescreen to Satan’s greater and darker agenda in this world.
My desire to read this book was twofold. First, to be able to share the truth based on God’s Word about mysterious occurrences with those who are deceived.
This is not a big book, but it is packed with documented and thoroughly researched material. Mr. Dailey certainly has all his ducks in a row! He pulls the curtain back and exposes these facades for what they are: deception and lies. He also sounds the alarm that this is not innocent fun and games but can result in serious harm to Christians and non-believers alike.
Even though I have never believed in these peculiar events others report, I was curious for an explanation. The author systematically and plainly lays out the subterfuge of each type paranormal incident. He even covers some things I had never thought of. I boils down to the fact there is no evidence to prove any of them to be real. A unique book needed in a time when few are addressing the onslaught of satanic ideas and falsehoods. An excellent resource!
I received this book for free from Baker Publishing Group for this review. 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 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The basis of this story is true, scriptures from the Bible concerning what God tells us about spending eternity in Hell and what Hell is like. The fictional part is about a “good” man who thought he was a child of God but upon dying found out he was not. There is no way we can even fathom the horrors of eternal punishment, but the author does an incredible job of graphically describing what Hell might be like based on the Bible. I do not believe this was written as a scare tactic but as an honest warning to those who are not prepared to meet eternity.
This book may be small but it is powerful! The Christians that read it will be lead to make sure they truly know the Lord as their Savior, and/or feel an urgency to share the gospel with those around them! You will want to share this book and to read for yourself. I feel it is appropriate for older teens and adults but not children.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, Start2Finish Books, through the BookCrash.com review program which requires an honest though not necessarily positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR Title 16. Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

This book can be summed up in four words: courage, perseverance, sacrifice, and love! I was touched by Paul’s story about his daughter Jillian in so many ways. Having had a child born with physical challenges and in the beginning we were told mental also (which later proved very wrong), I could relate to the Daugherty’s beliefs. We determined to help our child be all that they could be within their abilities and to stretch their even in those areas. We refused to give up and accept medicine’s status qua for their life. That choice was criticized by many but had far reaching results in their adult life.
I applaud Paul and his wife for looking outside the box and helping Jillian have the life she deserved, not the life others thought she should have. Their love was apparent in the unfaltering battle to help their daughter not only in her education but preparing her for adulthood.
In working with Downs Syndrome children and even other children born with disabilities, it is heartbreaking to see parents give up from the beginning of the diagnosis. I have seen parents even worsen the situation by focusing on what is wrong with the child, pitying and coddling them. Instead of not looking to their future by helping them develop the best of their capabilities. This is what the author and his wife did.
Jillian was raised to believe in and accept herself. Not as the world saw her but as she truly was. Her parents showed tough love to help her grow. They respected her as an individual and a person by allowing her own decisions in areas she could. The Daugherty labored on past their frustration and exhaustion in dealing with professionals and authorities who were determined to keep their daughter in the Downs Syndrome “box”. What Jillian accomplished is incredible.
While this is not on a negative note at all, this after all was his story. But did not agree with the choice the author made for his daughter preparing her for marriage.
You have to read this book! Yes, it is a beautiful story about Jillian, her life, and the battle her parents fought for her, but it is much much more! A wonderful book with many lessons for all of us to learn!
I received this book at no charge from Harper Collins Publishers in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have stated are my own.

I was very excited to find this book! About 2 years ago, after five years of falling off the wagon and starting over and over again, I finally kicked the soda pop habit. No more sodas in any form, diet or otherwise. They all taste awful to me now! That’s the good part. The bad part is that with water as my main beverage, I don’t always do the best drinking enough. I’ve used lemons and limes to “spice” things up but it just wasn’t enough to keep me on track. This book was exactly what I needed!!
There are 75 different water infusion recipes. They are divided into Fruit and Veggie Infusions, Herbal, Fancy Infusions, Seasonal, Healing and even ice cube recipes! Thus far all the combinations are very good, and judging from the recipes, I think they all will be. I appreciate having so many different selections to choose from! All the ingredients were easy to find and making the infusions was super simple
I liked the fact that not only did the recipes offer me tasty water beverages to enjoy, but there were options that also helped me in the area of my health. A definite win win deal! In addition, I want to drink more water!
The trend today to be proactive concerning our well-being, by making sure what we put into our bodies is not only wholesome, chemical free, and not processed. This is a fantastic book! I highly recommend it to any striving for a healthier lifestyle!
I received this book free from the Ulysses Press in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have stated are my own.

I wasn’t sure about reading this book as it was by a man, and I thought it would be too “macho” for me. I also never read sci-fi but after reading the back of the book I was curious. I am so glad decided to give it a chance.
It is WWII, 1943 and Captain Roger Green, already a hero in his own right, is doing what he loves most, flying. After many successful missions, he is shot down over enemy territory and with his piloting skills averts what could have been a fatal crash. He thinks he will go into survival mode and be rescued but finds himself quickly captured and whisked away to an unusual prison. There he finds himself and a handful of other men, as part of an evil experiment. It is top secret even among the Nazi’s.
When the prison is bombed by Allied forces, Roger not only survives but completely heals. Roger becomes priceless to them as a human guinea pig because he is proof what they are trying to achieve worked: a human that can live forever. Over the next 70 years he is kept like a caged animal. Is only human contact is a few scientists. This gave him a great deal of time to examine his relationship with God he had abandoned years ago.
Finally through a suspenseful escape, he returns to America in the year 2015. He is a modern day Rip Van Winkle. Being in a time warp is the least of his worries. He is still in great danger. A young woman, Katherine who is trying to rescue him, has no clue she is his enemy and neither does he.
This story is electrifying! We know technology has moved ahead rapidly in a short time, but do we ever stop to think how much? Seeing the 21st century through the eyes someone from the 1940’s was shocking. To make it even harder, Roger couldn’t share his story with anyone as it was too insane. Who would believe him? He had no identification, and everyone he knew was dead, or so he thought. His newly renewed faith was put into action right away!
This book has so many things going for it. It is well written, super action filled, historical, and exciting! I had trouble putting it down and read it in record time. I look forward to reading more of Mr. Barry’s books! Trust me; you do want to read this book!
I received a copy of this book free from Kregel Publishing. I was not required to give a positive review. The opinions I have stated are my own.

Martha Cade is a practicing midwife in the 1830’s. Widowed for ten years, she has learned to be a strong independent woman. Her livelihood depends on her practice. She does have some family support in the way of her brother and sister-in-law who allow her to live in a room in their tavern.
While she is out of town caring for a new mother for a long period of time, she learns that her 17 year old daughter, Victoria, has run away to be a traveling performer. It was Martha’s dream she become a midwife as was her grandmother before her. For 3 months she travel’s looking for her daughter, but returns empty handed. She is ashamed of her daughter’s poor choice, and dreads facing her patients and the townspeople. Her heart is broken and as any mother would, she begins to blame herself and look at where she might have been at fault. Concerns for her child’s safety, whereabouts, and return are always on her mind, but she must go on.
Her disappointing return isn’t the only challenge she is facing. Immediately upon arriving home, she is called to a delivery only to find a new doctor has moved to town and plans to take over all future births. Martha is faced with the possibility of having to leave to make a living elsewhere. To add to her already stirring emotions, an old suitor returns who is recently widowed.
I love Martha’s character. She is very mature in dealing with conflict and opposition. Her humility and soft answer do nothing to lessen her strength to stand up for what is right. This does not mean she doesn’t feel the rejection and judgement from the town gossips and busybodies. While they might bother her, it does not change her determination. Even fictional characters can encourage us, and I was so by Martha’s unfailing faith in God and her integrity.
I was fascinated by the details of the practice of midwifery during this era. It is mind boggling to think of all the people born between now and modern medicine. I find it unbelievable when I think of the mothers, with few resources to alleviate their suffering or medical help as we know it in case of an emergency. The midwives were truly amazingly skilled women with what little they had to work with. The “modern medicine” of the time, on the other hand, was rather barbaric and the practices not always beneficial. While I completely every aspect of the book, the historical medical parts were my favorite!
This book definitely had an impact on me from a spiritual point. In looking at Martha’s Christian walk, I look at many spiritual lessons I could apply to my own life. It is a rare book that can bring you pleasure in reading it and scriptural truth at the same time!

I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have stated are my own.

Miriam Hastings is training as a nurse in Chicago in 1905. Her desire to be a nurse goes further than loving the vocation. She wants to be able to support her sick, widowed mother and young siblings that are forced to live in poverty. She finds herself with the opportunity of a lifetime: to train in a small hospital in Blessing, North Dakota. After just a few weeks, she is called back home as her mother has taken a turn for the worst. Although she wants to remain in Chicago, she is forced to return and finish out her year of training.
On the other hand, she finds herself unable to suppress her growing feelings for Trygve Knutson. He and his family, the Bjorklunds, are back bone and leaders of the fast growing, predominately Norwegian town. His family wraps her in love an acceptance. Her heart is torn between a life with Trygve in a town she adores and her family whom she loves so much. No matter what she does, she realizes she must make a choice and both will cause heartache.
I felt I was a part of Blessings, and through reading the book dreamed about how wonderful it would be to live in such a place. Life is simple but filled with hard fulfilling work. Whatever crisis might be faced, everyone rallies to shoulder the burden and help. I felt a part of the family’s closeness and interactions. Even though it was just a story, it gave me feelings of warmth and happiness.
I appreciated that the story was not a gushy portrayal a blissful life. The author showed the other side of misunderstandings, losses, grief, heartache, and problems. What makes it special is how each character works through these real life dilemmas based on their strong faith in God, biblical wisdom, and constant prayer. An uplifting story that you will find a “blessing” to read!
I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have stated are my own.

Beth Thatcher returns home for a summer vacation from her teaching job in the improvised mining town of Coal Valley. She loves her job, the people, and the children, but looks forward to rest and quite time with her family. She also has growing affections for a Mountie serving in the area name Jarrick Thorton. Was he the “one”? They agree to keep in touch during the summer, getting to know each other better.
She hasn’t even unpacked when it becomes apparent there will be no rest or quite time! Her family wants to whisk her off on a 6 week cruise stopping at all the big cities from Canada to the U.S., ending in New York City! She wants to decline but her family won’t hear of it. Her father promises to relay mail or telegrams from Jarrick and the school about her teaching position the coming year.
She does look forward to reconnecting with her family, especially her younger sister Julie. This requires Beth to tag along on the many activities youthful Julie enjoys. As if that isn’t exhausting enough, her sister becomes involved with some “modern” friends on the trip. Beth has reservations but doesn’t want to be judgmental. Julie is too stubborn to listens to her sister’s concerns, so Beth makes sure she keeps an eye on her. The trip is anything but dull! The family is confronted with numerous surprises and even tragedy.
The book was fun and enjoyable to read. I learned a great deal about travel during that era, especially by ship. To me there was much hardship in spite of the fact that the Thatchers were wealthy and had first class accommodations. I had stark realization of the hardship dealing with emergencies when away from home without our modern day technology! I was on pins and needles!
I thoroughly enjoyed the first book of the Return to the Canadian West Series, Where Courage Calls. You will want to read the first book, but this can be read as a standalone. A very enjoyable book, but of course you can never go wrong with Janet Oke! I am looking forward to the next one!
I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. The opinions stated are my own.