I think it is so important to introduce little ones to the Bible as young as possible. Bible story books are the best way to do that and the more the better!
This one checks all the boxes with the cute colorful illustrations and durability, as do many do. I like board books for little hands to touch and discover without fear of damage. Also the heavy pages make it easy for munchkin hands to turn the pages. The soft cover is appealing to touch and also passes the sturdy test, but this one goes a step beyond in several ways.
What impressed me the most was the stories. There are a total of 18, each 2 pages long. The page covering pictures are attention getters and illustrate the story very well. One page has the title, scripture references and a paragraph. I was very impressed how in that in very few lines the author not only captured the story but also how it connected the child personally to God. The opposite page has a heart with how God loves them as shown in the Bible story.
The handle is such a great addition! Children love to imitate the adults in their life. Many grownups have Bible covers with handles to carry to church. This was the child can carry their books too. What a wonderful way to instill taking your Bible to church and other places! I habit to instill early! I think it would be a great quite time book for them during services!
A wonderful addition to your youngster’s library and a great gift for showers, holidays, and birthdays!
I received this book from Kregel Publications in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have stated are my own.

I thoroughly enjoyed the author’s first book, The Whispering in the Willows and was excited to see her second book. It is a delightful continuance the previous book. Appalachian culture and life style has always fascinated me. Ms. Blessing not only gives insight into this, but also into the minds and thinking of the people. One particular subject is the superstitions and mysticism that is so prevalent. I liked the strong biblical strength of the main characters as the not only relied on God but tried to share His truths with their neighbors. Their continuous focus on the Lord was an example and encouragement in relationships, and misunderstandings. I was impressed with how she handled prejudice and racism, showing how God’s love can overcome. I am looking forward to Tonya’s next book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through the Bookcrash.com book 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 Federal Trade Commission’s CFR Title 16, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Emotions are powerful things, not only for adults but also for children. Sometimes it is hard to understand them or even why we are experiencing them, especially for little ones. Good feelings are easy but bad ones are confusing for kids. Adults can usually name them but children can’t. They just know their feelings are there.
This book is a beautiful tool to help young ones understand emotions are a part of the way God made us, but we must learn to control them. We aren’t just victims of
how we feel. I love, love, love the repeated saying, “A feeling is just a feeling, it’s not in charge of you.” One all ages need to remember! The authors offer child and parent ways to biblically get a reign on strong emotions with God’s help.
I liked that the book was in rhyme. This is not only delightful to the child but helps them remember what has been read. The illustrations are spot on! Colorful and simple pictures of children in emotion sparking situations that all little ones can relate to. The feeling chart was great but I would have like to have seen greater number represented. I am going to go on line and copy a more extensive chart to use with the book.
A wonderful book for kids and a great teaching tool for parents! I received this book from BH Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have stated are my own.

To say I am an avid fan of Jane Kirkpatrick is putting it mildly! I have loved all her books but she really out did herself this time! Her detail (as always) to research is impeccable. What I find remarkable is her ability to understand and capture the emotions and physical details of the people involved to the point the story does not appear as historical fiction but a personal account of the characters.
The 1800’s was a time when settlers were heading west for the promise of better more prosperous lives. These brave men, women and children had no idea what danger or difficulties lied ahead, all they saw was their dream. In 1844 the Stephens-Murphy-Townsend left Missouri to travel over the Sierra Nevada Mountains to California. As they reach the mountain range snow begins to fall and the trip becomes a race against time to before severe winter weather sets in. The decision is made to divide up into 3 groups. One will stay in a crude built shelter and protect supplies until the others return in the spring. As the remaining 2 groups move on, they realize the way is impassable for the wagons. A second larger crude shelter is built and the women and children are left as the third group forges on to California to bring back a rescue party.
As I read I thought about how my impressions of these westward settlers pretty much came from the show Wagon Train. Boy was I misguided! The hardships these people faced are unbelievable! The constant fear of death or loss of a loved one was a part of life. The lack of food and starvation was an endless reminder of their mortality. It is one thing to be hungry yourself, but to have small children with nothing to eat is another. Can you imagine giving your children animal hides to chew on hoping there would be some sustenance? Mothers who bore children on the journey even feared they would not have breast milk for their babies to survive.
And the cold, oh the cold! Fire didn’t do much to warm you and about the only thing between you and the elements was a crude structure that had snow and wind blowing through the cracks. I don’t do well with frosty weather, and Ms. Kirkpatrick’s descriptions their battle against frigid temperatures was so vivid I found trouble keeping warm!
What I found truly amazing was their perseverance, ingenuity, and courage. People from all nationalities and walks of life worked together without pettiness or irritation even during the worst of times. Instead of whining and dragging each other down, they uplifted and encouraged one another. No one belly-upped and quit in the face of their suffering which is what I am sure I would have done! A remarkable book you want to read! I received this book from Revell Publishing in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have stated are my own.

Slow my beating heart! Another Melody Carlson Christmas book! I cannot even express how I look forward to each one of Ms. Carlson’s new holiday books! It amazes me how she captures the spirit of the season and all character’s individual perceptions.
Winter Hill looks like a fresh new start her life and her career to recently divorced Krista. Her job as a small town city manager turns out to be much more complex than she anticipated. A difficult childhood in foster care has turned Krista into a non-Christmas person. Even with her little daughter Emily she doesn’t celebrate the holiday. Wouldn’t you know it! Winter Hill is Christmas celebration crazy! As new city manager she is thrown directly into the hubbub of planning the big event. More serious problems are at hand as Krista finds some concerning evidence in the inner workings of the city finances.
There were so many emotions Ms. Carlson captured in her characters. For one, the excitement of town’s people preparing for their giant annual celebration. It was contagious just reading it! I could picture all the food, game booths and families spending quality time together.
Not everyone has Currier and Ives Christmas memories. Pain and disappointment can sometimes run deep, like Krista’s from her childhood in foster care. I felt her struggle in trying to hide her attitude from her new associates and her sweet little daughter. I experienced her anxiety of doing the right thing even though it was unpopular as a new person in town. The author’s talented writing also enabled me to picture each person, the decorations, and all the details surrounding the story. It was almost like watching a Christmas movie! Not only will this book put you in the Christmas spirit but will delight you with many surprises along the way. Another incredible Christmas book by the author! I can’t wait for the next one!
I received this book from Revell Publications in exchange for an honest review.
The opinions are my own.

Mark McDonough went through more suffering, emotional and physical, in his life they numerous people put together. As a child he faced the debilitating effects and a long healing from Guillain-Barre syndrome. One would think that was enough for one lifetime. When he was 16 he faced an even greater hardship. A house fire took the life of the beloved mother and little brother. He experienced burns over 65% of his body. There was even more tragedy for him to face in future years which he shared in his story.
This was a very moving and thought provoking book for me. The author’s transparency in his thoughts and feelings took such courage to put on paper. His descriptions of the year’s pain, discouragement and agony during the medical treatments he experienced were incredible. I could sense at points the intensity of the pain and emotional distress was beyond what he could find words to describe. As I read I thought several times, “I would have just given up.” Yes, he wavered, doubted, wanted to quit and just throw the towel in on life, but he did not!
He grew stronger in the Lord and learned each time to rely on Him in great greater ways. None of this is sugar coated, trust me! Not only did the author prevail over insurmountable tragedies used those sufferings to help others. He against all odds became a plastic and reconstructive surgeon to help burn victims like himself. What a gift I know that has been to all his patients. He had the insight and compassion other doctors could not.
I found myself ashamed for my pity parties and despair over what I have faced. I don’t think I can ever look at my problems the same without thinking of Mark. I am even having problems finding the words to write this review! This is a book you want to read! Dr. McDonough’s story is more than just a publication to read. It is a testimony and encouragement to everyone facing trials. I can tell it was written out of love to all those who read it.
I received this book from Revell Publishing in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have stated are my own.

I loved this book! It is a very wholesome read with strong Christian principals. I especially liked that the author had a modern day setting but with the biblical and moral values from bygone days that we badly need restored!
Autumn was very young when her beloved mother died. As years go by her grief and loss are compounded by her father’s abuse. He had grown bitter over the loss of his wife and struggles to raise his daughter and work. Each time she has run away he finds her and brings her home
Through a magazine ad Autumn applies to be a companion for the wealthy Lady Cannon. She is a devout Christian with very high standards and strict qualifications for whomever she hires. Autumn is deceptive in her application, leaving the impression she is alone in life. Lady Cannon hires her and Autumn’s life will take a far-reaching turn. Being a willing and hardworking she grows by leaps and bounds in skill and experience, but most of all spiritually. With her employers love, patience and generosity she blossoms into a beautiful young woman. In spite of all her progress forward she cannot out run her unresolved past with her Dad.
There are so many surprises throughout the book which made the story even better! Not only the solid biblical influence impressed me but the true salvation message, and how prayer was the foundation for each character. A unique book you will want to read!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through the BookCrash.com book review program. 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 is the third book in the Nantucket Legacy Series. I am happy to say I have read all three! This can easily be read as a standalone but you won’t want to miss reading the other 2!
Henry Macy and his twin sister Hitty are summoned home following being gone on a whaling expedition for 3 years. Their cantankerous grandmother has died leaving them her fortune with some very detailed and constraining guidelines. Should they decide not to follow her wishes the fortune would be given to their scoundrel of an uncle that robbed their father of all he had. They don’t want the money, but what about using it to help their community? Their choice is not an easy especially with the other instructions their grandmother has left.
This book as with the others draws the characters to Great Mary’s diary. A family heirloom passed down since the 1600’s. Wisdom never is out of date and this treasure continues to guide the family member who receives it. It has been a major part of each book and I couldn’t wait until another page of it was revealed.
Nantucket in the 1800’s had greatly grown from its humble beginnings. The whaling industry was still the center of it. But with time and progress come new challenges and struggles. Discrimination and conflict concerning slavery was a major issue. It was interesting to see it from the view point of that era and how the Quakers dealt with it. The story was exciting complex with the plot and characters. I love the unexpected surprises! Definitely a book for your reading list!

When our girls were growing up family devotions were sometimes hard on all of us. We had them upon rising and all of us were a little bit sleepy. The girls would doze off or lay now so we had to make rules. While we were being obedient parents by spending time in the word with our children, I am not sure how much they remembered! I wish this book were available then and I bet they do too!
It makes the children participants in the devotionals, not a captive audience! Scriptural principles are taught with exciting, fun and very unique ideas. This concept will capture the kid’s attention and make what they are learning memorable. There are 52 devotionals, one for each week of the year! I liked them all but some of my favorites were: “Watermelon Drop, Spudzooka, and Life Lessons from a Graveyard”.
The book begins with the chapter, “Ending the Stop and Start Syndrome.” It has 14 suggestions to help your children get the most of the devotionals, ideas to help you build on being consistent and successful in your family time in the Word. I found these very helpful!
The theme of each devotional is at the beginning. The items needed and advanced preparation for the parent is listed out and very clear. Some of the planning is quite a bit, but isn’t it worth is to teach your children the Bible? Granted it you may not have some of the items suggested but you can easily borrow them from someone who does! Or better yet come up with a creative substitution.
Next the author explains how to execute the activity. I was impressed about “Teaching the Lesson”. It isn’t too long but gets to the point and brings up many ideas that might be overlooked. Finally “Summing It Up” helps bring it all together by sharing how the devotional applies to everyday life. I see this book as a win-win for parents and children. The parent will be obeying God and the children will be learning and applying.
I received this book from Revell Publishing in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.

I haven’t read many Christian comedy romances and this one was definitely unique.
Cadie and Will are both in their 30’s, unmarried and very involved in their careers. They begin seriously dating and develop a loving and comfortable relationship. But after 4 years of hoping proposal Cadie becomes frustrated. Will drops hints of marriage but never takes the next step. She finally breaks up with him. Will truly loves her and determines to do all he can to woo her back.
There were so many things I liked about this book! First and foremost was the humor! So many times I was laughing out loud. I feel Ms. Turner realistically portrayed the relationships and interactions of young adults today. The lack of communication between the two was also spot on. It is an area so many people are lacking in and with disastrous results as with Cadie and Will.
I admired that they couple were saving themselves for marriage and wanted God’s best. I was not comfortable (even though it was handled very tastefully) when their passion went too far. I saw regret and shame for failing, but not a true repentance toward God. I thought it was wonderful that Cadie honored her parents and was concerned about sharing what she had done. Yes she was an adult and didn’t have to, but it showed respect. In spite of their not saving intimacy for marriage, the author did a wonderful job of stressing God’s forgiveness and starting over. It introduced the concept that no man or no woman is perfect and all a person needs. Commitment to one another requires forgiveness, acceptance, compromise and work! A sweet book with many important messages for couples.
I received this book from Revell Publishers in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have stated are my own.