Neil Anderson has long been one of my favorite nonfiction writers. He is biblically solid and backs all his writing with scripture. When a person accepts Christ as their Savior, scripture tells us “. . . , he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17
This raises many questions we usually don’t ask, “How do I become new? What is passed away? What else becomes new?” Believers can go through their entire life without really knowing these answers. This book searches deep into finding out. Six chapters cover exactly what is “new” in our lives according to the Bible with 5 lessons for study.
This isn’t a read through it and be done book but a work through and learn one. It is filled with lots of scripture references, charts, and questions. I have been a believer for 35 years and it opened my eyes to “new” blessings I did not even consider. You can set your own pace. This would a wonderful personal or group study. It would also make a great book for churches to give their new converts.
I received this book free from Bethany Publishing. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have stated are my own.

This is the most powerful and incredible book I have ever read about a person’s fight to accept Christ and follow Him, no matter what the cost! I remembered reading about her plight in 2009 and following the news. It wasn’t until I was further into the book that I realized it was her. It was one thing to watch it on the news but to actually read the details of what went on is a real eye-opener.
Rifqa was raised in a strict Muslim home. She puts herself at risk even before she becomes a Christian to learn more about Christ. When she did accept Him that was when her sole focus and desire to serve the Lord 100%.
We sit in our churches; enjoy our Bibles and freedom, never once thinking about the privilege and honor we possess, taking it all for granted. I do not see how anyone can read Rifqa’s story and walk away unchanged.
She puts most Christians to shame with her thirst to know Him, her passion to worship Him freely, and her willingness to forsake everything she has ever known to follow Him. She gave up her home, family, and put her life in danger, even now to make Jesus the Lord of her life. Too many believers won’t stand for God because they are afraid they will be criticized or it might involve a small sacrifice concerning their comfort.
She was in a seemingly impossible situation but woven throughout her story was the testimony of God’s hand in guiding and protecting her. Each time it seemed she was at the end of her rope; there would be exactly what she needed to continue. So many Christians stepped out of their comfort zones and put themselves in peril just to help Rifqa. Most of them did not even know her before that moment. They are yet another living example of true, unwavering faith. I was humbled, and amazed by this young woman’s story. You will want to read this book!
I received this book free from Bloggingforbooks.com in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I expressed are my own.

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If I hadn’t read it myself I would not have believed a book could have combined humor, grief, and hardship into one amazing, entertaining story! I laughed, I cried and my heart ached with Ms. Oliver. Best of all this is a true story! Who doesn’t love one of those!?
I related to the book on several levels. I am a recent widow and dealing with my loss on all levels. I can understand her shock, heartache, and all the realities in losing the love of your life. Next, we lived in a funeral home while in college. My husband was an apprenticed embalmer. It brought back so many memories of the business: Crazy hours, grieving with the families, and the uniqueness of dealing with death on a daily basis.
Helping others during their time of bereavement does absolutely nothing to prepare you for the death of your loved ones. I appreciated the author’s honesty, not only about her marriage, but also about the roller coaster of emotions and unexpected challenges she faced in continuing life as a widow. She was an inspiration to me! Yes was spunky and relied on God to get her through, but she was not without fear and doubt as she did. Her sense of humor and frankness makes this book not only delightful to read but also very powerful in its message to those who have lost spouses. You can go on and God will be with you!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers 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.

This is a “stay up all night, can’t put it down, oh no it’s 3 a.m.,” novel! With the help of Ms. Frantz, I stepped back into the time after the American Revolution. As with the end of any war, there is confusion, upheaval, missing loved ones and division. Political allegiances were not as simple today with simply a cutting remark on Facebook. Those who supported the Tories and their extended families were viewed as traitors and endanger for the lives and properties.
Such was the position of Sophie. Her Tory father had fled to Scotland and she awaited news on whether her soldier brother was dead or alive. Times were hard and worked hard at barely surviving in her family home, Three Chimneys.
Adjoining her land was the wealthy estate of Tall Acre. Home to the highly acclaimed war hero and widower, Seamus Ogilvy. His child Lily Cate, wanders onto her land. Hungry for a mother’s love the little girl becomes obsessively attached to Sophie and Sophie to her. Riddled with guilt over his wife’s death while he was at war, Seamus finds his beautiful neighbor a welcome part of their lives. Here the seeds are planted for the beginning of a beautiful but complicated love story.
The author’s skillful and descriptive writing of life during this time, gave me more than an historical view. I believe I could actually draw the pictures in my mind that she painted with words! The story is more than that, much more! Unexpected surprises and turns are so shocking that you might even audibly gasp! All this combined makes for a story you will not forget.
I received this book free from Revell Publishing. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I stated are my own.

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When a new book comes out by Jane Kirkpatrick, I am on pins and needles until I can get a copy and read it! This one is yet another 5 star book by her! She is the best at blending historical facts with fiction. With much detailed research on written accounts and records Jane brings to life Spaulding family; missionaries to the Nez Perce Indians and the rich history of the Oregon Territory where they served.
Tirelessly and with their whole hearts, Eliza’s mother and father taught and ministered to the tribe. At age ten, the mission suffered a fierce attack by the Cayuse Indians. Several people were killed and Eliza, only 10 years old, was taken captive, and had a front row seat to all the horrors that took place. This event had a massive affect upon her the rest of her life.
She suffered from what we now call PTS. Sounds or sights would trigger flashbacks and painful memories. This combined with experiencing the trauma at such a young age left Eliza confused about what actually happened. There were no counselors or medications as there is now so she developed her own ways of dealing with the problem. She leaned on her faith in God, and pure determination and grit. This haunted her even after she married and had children of her own.
The chapters alternate between her mother’s diary from that time and Eliza’s life. Between the two I could see discrepancies of her mother’s description what happened and what Eliza remembered. She is forced to face her past and her present when her husband and children move back to the very place of the tragedy. Her journey is one of healing, especially in the area of finding the truth. She comes to understand that painful memories are not always accurate, especially filtered through the eyes of a child.
This is a story of courage and suffering, from which for a time there was no escape. It is one woman’s search for peace of heart and mind. As always, through her characters, Ms. Kirkpatrick, strong messages of biblical and life wisdom. I found many I could apply to my life. This is a book you want to read!
I received this book free from Revell publishers in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have stated are my own.

This book is a keeper! I haven’t seen another one like it! It is recommended for ages 5-7 years but I would stretch it both ways and make it ages 3-10 years! So many things I like about this book. On the practical side, it is a little bit bigger than an 8 ½ x 11 sheet of paper. Usually I prefer books for children to be smaller so they can hold them, but in this case I appreciate the larger size. The book will probably be laying on a flat surface while the children look over the pictures! The whole book is super sturdy, but I was impressed with the thickness and glossiness of the pages. Crayon would not mark on them, and regular markers just beaded up and wiped off. (Yes I tested it!)
There are 7 Old Testament Stories and 2 New Testament. Each story is one illustration across two pages. At the top of the page are 3 or 4 sentences summarizing the Bible story.
These are similar to Where’s Waldo but made for little eyes to hunt and find. I found there are just enough pictures to make it interesting and challenging but not so many that they would become overwhelmed. The illustrations are comical and in super bright colors. Around the edge of the pages are pictures of characters for them to locate and funny questions. In teaching young children for the past 41 years, I have found obviously silly questions get their attention and make them think about what they are learning. It also helps them gain confidence in being able know the right answer. In addition it also adds to the fun!
A scripture reference is included near the bottom of the page, so you can read the actual biblical account. I plan to read the scripture then do then do the activity. For very young children you might want to read the from a Bible Story book. A book you will want to own!
I received this book free from Kregel Publications. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I stated are my own.

This book is part of an Orphan Train series. While recommended for teen readers, it is a great book for adults too. It is well written and was hard for me to put town. A beautiful story with a strong lesson.
The setting is 1887. Ivy Austin’s father dies suddenly in the line of duty as a firefighter. Not long after her mother dies and she is sent to the Greystone orphanage. She hates the drabness, severe discipline, and lack of affection. One day she is called into the matron’s office and finds she is to be adopted by Mr. Tarantino. Dark, sulking, harsh, and angry, he is nothing like the father she had hoped for. She quickly finds out his only purpose in adopting her was to replace trick horse riders in his circus that had quit. Tragedy strikes and the circus family she thought loved her, moves on, leaving her behind.
Ivy finds herself on an orphan train and becomes friend with a girl a few years younger than her. Allison was shy, soft spoken, and sweet. On the last stop, Ivy convinces Allison to trade dresses with her. She knew Allison pretty and would be chosen no matter what she wore. Unbeknownst to the girls, Allison was already promised to the Mayor and his wife. Weary from the long journey, the children’s chaperon only remembered the dress and pushed Ivy forward in Allison’s place.
It was a dream come true for Ivy, wealth, prestige, and beautiful parents. Guilt riddled her and she wondered how Allison’s new home was. She meets her at school and finds she has been adopted by an older spinster with meager financial means. The woman loves her very much and Allison is happy.
The two remain best friends as they grow up and become adults. Her conscience continues to bother her, especially with great discrepancy between her privileged life and Allison’s simple one. As their life plays out she finds that wealth and positon do not guarantee a happy life. She knows someday she must find the courage to share her ugly secret with. It was a story that touched me and I know I will read again.
The publication date is 1994, but copies are easily found online.

I had never in my life experienced full blown panic attacks until the loss of two loved ones a year apart. Yes I had had anxiety, but not the heart pounding, dizzy, out of control, feeling like I am going to die kind. It was terrifying! As much as would have liked a quick fix, there was no such thing. This book is a real blessing. I didn’t need a book to tell me what was wrong with me, but one that would show me what to do.
The book is great! As I read it, time and time again, I had these thoughts,
“Yes someone understands!”
“No I’m not crazy!”
“I am not the only one feeling this way!”
First of all there was not a bunch of medical mumbo jumbo. It was easy for someone without a PhD to understand. It reminded me that all feelings and actions begin with a thought. The extreme physical and emotional symptoms I was experiencing hindered me from remembering that. It also taught me what was actually happening to me physically during anxiety. By understanding this, it took the “claws” out of the bear I was dealing with. The workbook didn’t give me the idea of unrealistic, instant results, but that overcoming was a process and would take work on my part. Then in great detail it guided me step by step. There are many written exercises that help you take a good hard look at exactly where your anxiety is coming from, and concrete applications to implement each day. If you have a setback you can always return to the previous lesson and do it again.
By having the written workbook that keeps record of your thoughts and progress, you can go back and see how far you have come. Or, you can go back and review what you have learned when you repeat challenges you have previously had.
A great book! I highly recommend it for anyone grappling with anxiety!
I received this book free from New Harbinger Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have stated are my own.

I read the author’s book, 50 Things You Need to Know about Heaven, and was impressed. Therefore, I was intrigued to read this book. I began it with a cautious note, as there is so much false information out there about this subject. With the spiritual state our world is in today, Satan and his demons have been glamorized, their evil, and power minimized, or underestimated by being made light of.
I have no desire to deeply study satanic information. In the Bible God tells us He wants us to be “simple” concerning evil. (Romans16:19) That does not mean I stick my head in the sand and pretend the world of darkness does not exist. It does! I only need to know what God’s Word says about it.
The author covers 50 common questions most people have about Satan and his realm. What I appreciated most was that his answers were not just his view point but backed up solidly by scripture, and lots of it! He also did not go to the extreme in looking at the subject, but stuck to what that was needed to know most. It was an easy read, well written, and very educational on this subject. A great book to study with adults and teens! Especially with young people, I want to answer their questions but not wet their appetite to know too much, as the occult holds a fascination for young people today.
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.

So many Amish fiction books are set in the present time. This one is unique in that it is historical Amish fiction. The Charming Nancy was a real ship that actually crossed the Atlantic in 1737 with a group of Amish and Mennonite believers coming to America. They sailed from Rotterdam in April and arrived in Philadelphia in October of the same year. A 7 month voyage! Traveling by ship during that time was no walk in the park! It was fraught with danger and suffering. Many ships and their occupants perished. A frightening fact that those who sailed knew was real possibility. There was lack of provisions, illness; great discomfort, and death, many of them children. The passengers rode beneath the ship with little fresh air or daylight. A walk on the deck was a rare treat, due to the hazards involved. With them in their tight quarters were all their belongings and animals. Vomiting from sea sickness and the stench of urine and feces was unbearable. Sickness and disease spread quickly in the unsanitary conditions. The Amish/ Mennonites faced even more hardships. They were ridiculed, discriminated against, and taken advantage of financially. Greedy captains charged outrageous prices for food, and passage. In addition they grossly overcrowded the ship with no thought of the safety or comfort of the passengers. Few were able to speak English. This is just a small part of what Anna, her family and fellow believers faced. Add to this these innocent, God fearing people had been in little contact with the world. Now they were thrown head first into it with unscrupulous people and bawdy sailors. A culture shock to say the least! Ms. Fisher does an incredible job of allowing the reader to join these pilgrims on their journey. Her descriptiveness is vivid. My chest tightened and I held my breath at times reading about their experiences. This was definitely and eye-opener! With all the history and detail the author weaves an exciting and personal story of the characters she has created. There are many surprises along the way. A must read! After reading an excerpt included at the end, of Ms. Fisher’s upcoming book, The Impostor, I anxiously await its publication. It will be a first in her new series, The Bishop’s Family. I received this book free from Revell Publishing. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have stated are my own. I