What a great book for young boys! My grandsons love stories filled with action and lots of exciting exploits, especially tales of military battles. This book fulfills all those conditions and has the added bonus of historical detail. I found it very educational and fascinating to be able step back into 311 A.D. and share in the experiences and challenges of life during that time. It isn’t often you find a fiction book written about this time and even rarer for it to be a children’s book.
The story centers around two best friends, Con and Julius. Con’s father serves as a centurion for the Roman government. Julius’s father is a merchant. They live in a province on the fringes of Rome’s vast empire. It is a time that Christians are in danger of severe persecution should they be found out.
The boys inadvertently find themselves a part of a surprise attack in a nearby area. (I appreciated the fact that while the description of this battle was exciting and full of action, it was not gory or gruesome).
At this skirmish, they meet a Christian priest, Brychan, and become fast friends. At first they are not aware he is a Christian, but find themselves fascinated by him. For reasons they cannot explain the have a strong desire to get to know him better and protect him. As their friendship grows he shares his faith and how it has changed his life.
As the story unfolds, the boys’ loyalty to Brychan has an enormous impact on their lives and that of their families. It costs them more than they could have ever imagined and takes them on a journey they could never have dreamed of.
Their bravery and commitment to stand for what is right, no matter what the costs is a wonderful example to young readers. This book will not only appeal a boy’s sense of adventure but also teach some important character lessons.
I received this book free from Bethlehem Books. 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 for the purpose of this review.

Taste of Home has long been one of my favorites for just plain good recipes. I never have to worry if the recipe won’t work. They are tried and true.
I am so pleased with this cookbook.
The first few pages are a thorough but condensed overview about basic cooking tips and utensils. There are 12 categories of recipes, giving you lots of to choose from. I especially like the fact that all the recipes come from cooks just like me, sharing their favorites.
In many cookbooks I look and there might be a few recipes I would use but the majority I would not. That’s not the case here! The recipes are fantastic! I don’t even know where to begin! While there is a lot of creativity, I like that they don’t have a lot of steps and unusual ingredients.
Each recipe is illustrated with a colorful photo. This helps me not only to have an idea what the finished product will look like, but also to help me decide what I want to make. Recipes are easy to read and follow. I appreciate the Nutrition facts that are include with each one. My husband is a diabetic and it is crucial to know how much insulin he needs to program his insulin pump for.
This would make a great wedding gift or gift for someone who loves cooking. But be warned! You will want to get a copy for yourself too!
I received this book free from FBS Associates. 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

Alec London is beginning his 5th grade year and as if that isn’t hard enough, his dad is the new principal of his school! He finds himself in a very tough situation with not only his peers, but also his teachers and his Dad. To add to his difficulties, he is being bullied by 2 boys in his class, his mom is out of town on an extended business trip and his grandmother is sick. He is overwhelmed had doesn’t know how to handle any of it! His frustrations grow and so do his problems as he tries to solve them by himself. At one point he decides that Karate lessons would help him take care of the bullies, but even after talking his dad into it, the instructor refuses to teach him! After exhausting all his options, he learns that only God has the answers he needs!
This is the first book I have read but the 4th in a series. I was looking for good Christian books for my 9 and 12 year old grandsons. I have definitely found some in these books! I was very impressed with Ms. Moore’s writing in several ways.
First of all is the wholesomeness of the book. Too many books for this age group allow a character’s bad attitude or rebellion to be portrayed as alright or cool. Alec’s misbehavior is dealt with in the light of scripture and the correct behavior presented. I liked how his father was firm but loving. Throughout the book children are shown how to apply God’s Word to their lives.
The book was well written and interesting. The story flowed. I loved the way Ms. Moore captured the feelings, thoughts and situations a child that age would be facing. I believe 8 to 12 year olds will not only be able to relate to Alec and his predicaments but also see answers to their own situations using Bible knowledge.
Another surprising of the book is the fun educational activities. At the end of every chapter is a simple word search. Each one has words pertaining to different things about Karate. At the end of the book is a page of discussion questions, a vocabulary worksheet about the story, a math worksheet and a full list of Karate terms! This is a wonderful book! I highly recommend it! Thank you Ms. Moore for high quality Christian writing!
I received a copy of this book from Moody Publishers for the purpose of this review.

I was very excited to see this new book by Siri Mitchell. I have enjoyed each of her books I have read, including this one. What a special talent she has to not only bring to life her characters in their challenges and daily life, but also penetrating her stories with wonderful historical detail from the era!
The story is set during the Revolutionary War. Hannah Sunderland and her family are devout Quakers. Their strong beliefs against war and remaining neutral throw them into the very center of the conflict. They are forced to leave their comfortable home when Redcoats move in and drive them out. This leaves them no choice but to move in with their mother’s wealthy sister who left the Quaker faith years ago. As can be expected the two families clash on many issues.
To complicate things, Hannah’s twin brother ran away and joined the army, was captured, and put in prison. Now Hannah begins to question the beliefs she has held so close. Her parents suggest this is due to her brother’s sin and he should be left to face the consequences. Hannah’s heart breaks at their harshness and she cannot see leaving him to suffer in the horrific prison without reaching out.
Her secret visits to the jail unexpectedly involve her with Jeremiah Jones, the bitter war veteran and bar owner. He has suddenly found himself running an espionage that a former leader has abandoned. Here Hannah and Jeremiah’s lives are thrown together as he works to free the prisoners and she her brother.
She is as repulsed by his lack of Christian virtue as he is by her rigid faith. Their common ambition draws them in a closer relationship that neither desire. Both are forced by the horror of war to examine the ideas they have held so firm and decide what is truly right. In doing so, they discover strength and character in each other that neither expected to find.
The story is filled with suspense, courage, and surprises. I especially enjoyed learning about the Quaker faith during the late 1800’s. This book is well written and extremely enjoyable to read. I look forward to more of Ms. Mitchell’s books!
I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. 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

At the age of 38, Sasha Davis’s fairy tale life as a famous professional ballerina ends with a serious injury during a performance. Her glamorous, exciting, whirlwind life is gone and she finds herself living in her recently deceased mother’s home, overwhelmed with memories of both losses. She withdraws from life and isolates herself from everyone and everything. Due to her condition, she reluctantly hires a temporary care giver to live with her. Unbeknownst to her, her new employee, 19 year old Evelyn Burke is her exact opposite in every way. Evelyn is as outgoing as Sasha is withdrawn, as happy as Sasha is unhappy, and as hefty as Sasha is fragile.
Evelyn quickly realizes that the job isn’t what she thought she signed up for. Sasha not only needs physical healing but healing of the heart too. The story unfolds as Evelyn full of forgiveness and patience works to help Sasha rebuild her body and spirit.
I loved Evelyn’s living example of Proverbs 15:1, “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” She brought to mind all the unhappy people we come in contact with that lash out. We are often frustrated and offended at their responses, but we need to consider the battles they are fighting that we cannot see. God may want to work through us to help them.
As I read I saw God working in each woman’s life through difficulties, that they saw only as problems and hindrances. I was reminded of the times I have failed to see complications in my only life as His hand at work.
Evelyn was such an example of Christ’s love. While these women had nothing in common, Evelyn’s strong faith and sincerity not only drew Sasha out of her shell but back to her relationship with God. As their friendship blossomed they faced heart breaks and unexpected setbacks together. Each woman truly found their way home.
Not only was this a very enjoyable book, but I took away a renewed sense of the power of love in the face of self-pity and bitterness. The story had so many beautiful illustrations of making God’s Word a living example in your life.

I received this book free from WaterBrook 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

Chuck Swindoll has long been one of my favorite speakers and authors. He has a gift for presenting things in such a way that you have many “aha” moments concerning God’s Word. Therefore, I was excited to see what this DVD. It was excellent. I watched it with my grandchildren ages 6 years to 13 years. We all enjoyed it, even the 13 year old!
Selfishness and unkindness is a problem among children that only biblical teaching can cure. This DVD did an excellent job of showing the effects these character flaws have on our relationship with others and our own attitudes.
The 1st story was about forgiveness. As the story unfolds, children learn about not only how to forgive, but why it is important. I was very pleased to see it also brought to light now we cannot take up offenses for others. We are not given the grace to handle what is not ours to deal with. Many problems between children come from taking on the hurts and anger of others as their own.
The 2nd story deals with working together. Children are naturally selfish and want the biggest and best for themselves. Looking out for “number one” often takes precedence over working as a team to succeed.
I thought the DVD did an excellent job of teaching children these biblical principles in a way they can understand and apply. The stories were entertaining and the characters engaging. I plan to share this with the young ones at our church. An excellent DVD!
I received a complimentary copy of this DVD from Tyndale House Publishing in exchange for my honest review. I am not required to write a positive review.

Gary Chapman’s The 5 Languages of Love is a classic and still much read book. I was very excited when I saw this book because now that same concept could be taught to children. This will not only help them learn to relate to each other but also the adults in their life. How wonderful they can learn and apply it at an early age.
Penny and Peyton have their birthday party with their 3 friends at the “Perfect Pet Pal Emporium.” It is every child’s dream come true because it is a zoo, a museum, a theme park, and a birthday party palace all rolled into one! The 5 languages of love are taught through the special pets each child receives as a gift. The pet each child is given matches his or her love language.
The book itself is beautiful. All the illustrations are brightly colored and well drawn. There are also lots of details in the pictures that not only cause the young ones to want linger, but they serve another purpose. Many of the pages have activities to search for certain items on that page. For example, one page has underwater creatures listed to find, making this a learning experience also. Another fun activity is on every big picture in the book is an insect to find. These are pretty small and it is a challenge! I even had fun with this one. At the end of the book is a “Five Love Languages Quiz for Kids”, with questions to help them identify their love language. A well written, fun book to read over and over!
I received a copy of this book from Moody Publishers for the purpose of this
review.

Having been a Christian for many years I understand the importance of having a time each day to be with the Lord. Sadly I have always struggled to be consistent. I have read many books on how to make the best use of that time. Most of them, while they had really good ideas, were long and detailed. I needed something not too short, not too long and easy to implement. Well I finally found all of that in this e-book! I cannot tell you how impressed I am!
I didn’t just read it to write a review but actually studied it! It is well-written and easy to understand. Most of all it makes having an effective quite time with the Lord attainable! I not only felt empowered but encouraged!
The book covers, why we need Bible study, how to set a time and place, how makes goals for what we study, preparing our hearts, how to study, how to memorize, and applying God’s Word to your life. There are wonderful worksheets in the back to use that guide your every step. The way the authors expressed their ideas truly touched my heart and mind.
I cannot tell you how excited I am! This book has made my way so simple without guilt or pressure. I was going through a very difficult time when I got this book and it helped me get right into studying and memorizing.
It would be great to use as a group study also. I am teaching it in my class for young mothers at church. So many people accept Christ and want to grow, but no one teaches them how to really study their Bible. This book does! A priceless tool for your time with God! I would love to see this book in print!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the authors in exchange for my honest review. I am not required to write a positive review .

For many years I have sent cards and notes for all occasions, and as a pastor’s wife I have even more opportunity to do so. I always try to speak from my heart but there are times I want to add a little something more. This book will be a great help.
It is a springboard for ideas of how to better express myself. I also make greeting cards and it will be wonderful resource for verses to use. When I have searched websites for greeting card verses I am usually disappointed and turn up empty handed. The lines are most often cliché and without thought. The ones in this book are well written. I especially liked that each one is followed by an appropriate scripture. Something I always want to include.
Included are 28 categories to choose from. Each sentiment is numbered and at the end of the category is a page to record the number, person, date that you used that particular one. This is very helpful as you don’t’ want to send the same one to the same person more than once. At the end of the book is a section to record addresses and special dates for 30 people. A jewel of a book!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Discovery House Publishers
in exchange for my honest review. I am not required to write a positive review.