The Blessings of Friendship by Mary Engelbreit

Though posted as  a children's book, young and old alike will love this beautiful book of friendship.  It's a whimsy, nostalgic collection of sayings, poems and Bible verses centered around of all things friendship.  It is a beautiful book Engelbreit is staying true to her unique style.  It is a must for all ages and even more so if you are an Engelbreit fan.  It is truly a book you could leave setting on the coffee table for guest to pick up and read a leisure.  People of all ages need reminded about the value of true friends. The illustrations are bright, colorful and cheery and right in line with Mary Engelbreit style.  This is definitely a book I'll keep on hand and in the open for all to read. 

Book Description

The Blessings of Friendship, created by New York Times bestselling author and artist Mary Engelbreit, is a playful and poignant treasury of poetry, Bible verses, and quotes that celebrate the joy of friendship. Children will learn from timeless sayings and poems what it means to be a friend - helping, encouraging, listening, sharing with, and loving one another. Colorful and whimsical illustrations bring these words to life, as children learn the value of friendship. Verses from the Bible give us instruction on putting others above ourselves, loving each other, and being kind to one another. This book will make you smile with each turn of the page, remembering old friends and new friends alike.

For more information about this book visit here.

a copy of this book was provided by Thomas Nelson in exchange for my honest review

Willie Out West by Rhonda Walker

Book Description

Young Willie Walrus leaves his ice home to travel on an adventure to Big West, where the town’s citizens desperately need help. Arriving to cheers, he quickly runs into Old Walter, the One-Eyed Whale. Colorful illustrations and action in Willie Out West takes readers to an old West town where the citizens expect Willie to save them. Can he?

Willie Out West is geared to young readers.  It takes some imagination to think that sea animals can live in the wild west outside of water.  3-5 year olds may like the story.  I'm not a big fan of ebooks yet, since I don't have a reader just a computer app.  Reading a book on the computer just doesn't do much for me.  Reading a book to a child on a computer is hard too.  I'm still a physical book fan.  kindles haven't won me over yet when it comes to reading them to children.  However, this book is very creative, imaginative and the young ones would probably fall in love with the animal characters.  The story line is good, being brave and standing up for what it right. 

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an ebook was provided by Thomas Nelson in exchange for my honest review

Riley Mae and the Ready Eddy Rapids by Jill Osborne

Book Description:

If you’re gonna run for your life, you gotta wear the right shoes.
Life is rapidly changing for pre-teen shoe spokesperson Riley Mae. After the last photo shoot and trek up the Half-Dome in Yosemite, Riley Mae and her Swiftriver friends find themselves in Northwest Montana, the perfect backdrop for a river sandal campaign. The first problem is a plane malfunction. Then the rigorous raft training for the “Ready Eddy” river sandal campaign brings more bumps and bruises. And given that she is in Montana for a shoe campaign instead of back home with her friends, Riley thinks life can’t get much worse. But then she meets Sunday, a 10 year-old boy from Kenya, who wrestles fish, battles bears, and tackles leukemia. And Riley soon learns that life is as unpredictable as the raging waters, which, if she is not careful, will sweep her away and into the hands of the enemy - who is even closer than she thinks.

This is a totally awesome book for preteens that love adventure.  It's not all about prissy girls, make-up, trying to be in fashion, boys and all the drama that goes with preteens these days.  It's about faith and living it, doing what is right.  The characters are fun and very age appropriate.  I would recommend this book and series to any middle school age child.  We need good clean Christian faith based books for our children.  Look out Babysitter club, Magic tree house and the others FaithGirlz is a super series and going to rise to the top.

About the Author:

Jill Osborne works in children’s ministry and has a passion for telling great stories. She has written plays, skits for youth groups and Sunday morning drama teams, curriculum for children’s ministry, countless articles for her church newsletter, and a blog about taking a sabbatical in a motor home. Good News Shoes is her first series for kids, and she plans to run with it! 

Find out more about Jill on her blog:  www.thegoodnewsshoesblog.com !  Tween girls can also enter to be featured on her blog!

a copy of this book was provided by Thomas Nelson in exchange for my honest review

Prayer Warrior Mom by Marla Alupoaicei

 

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Book Description

Moms, are you struggling with patience? Worrying about your children’s spiritual development? Concerned about their social or behavioral issues? Wondering how to get it all done when there’s just never enough time?

Author Marla Alupoaicei knows that today’s Christian moms want to be the parents God intended. They desire to pray boldly and stand in the gap for their kids. But many mothers haven’t been equipped with the prayer skills, scriptural knowledge, and practical strategies to fight the spiritual battle for themselves and their children.

Marla is no stranger to these trials. She has felt the simmering frustration and discontentment that come from the constant tension of trying to do it all for her family. But as Marla began to turn everything over to God in prayer, He granted her an attitude of gratitude, the antidote to despair. “When you and I choose to praise the Lord, He will be fully present in our hearts, in our homes, and with our children,” she says.

In Prayer Warrior Mom, Marla invites you to walk with her through fifteen life-transforming principles that will empower you to effectively intercede for your children. Learn to cultivate your own attitude of gratitude, pray Scripture, be persistent, pray with power and authority, be your children’s #1 advocate, hear God’s voice above the noise of daily life, and much more!

“The only real power we have on this earth is the power of prayer. Our potent prayers for our kids connect them with the reality of God and His will for their lives,” Marla says.

Mom, this is your year. Your year of spiritual breakthrough. Your year to see your children start loving God and living for Him. What are you waiting for? Become a Prayer Warrior Mom today!

In her book, Prayer Warrior Mom, Marla Alupoaicei shares with the reader how they can engage in spiritual warfare so that their children may thrive in Christ.  She gives simple ideas and activities to implement in mom's and child(ren)'s life.  Alupoaicei shares strategies on how to powerfully, specifically and effective pray for your child.  In Prayer Warrior Mom, you'll find....

• how to cultivate an attitude of gratitude
• scriptures to pray
• how you can stand in the gap
• how to pray with power and authority
• where to get help when needed
• the importance of being persistent
• learn importance of fasting and how to fast
• learn to love to pray
• become your child's number one advocate
• learn to live with spiritual perspective
• learn the importance of forgiveness and grace
• learn to hear God's voice above daily noise

a copy of this book was provided by Thomas Nelson in exchange for my honest review

Unglued Devotional by Lysa Terkeurst

Have you ever felt as though you were just going to come unglued at the seams?...maybe you have actually come unglued with a co-worker, spouse, child(ren)  Lysa has 60 days of insight on getting imperfect progress.  She takes the everyday blow up events and turns them into spiritual growing experiences.  She comes with inside perspective of mother, wife and woman.  She knows first hand what it is like to come unglued and then regret it.  Lysa TerKeurst shares biblical insights, personal anecdotes, and practical advice on how to make “wise choices in the midst of raw emotions.”

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a copy of this book was provided by Thomas Nelson in exchange for my honest review

When your Parent becomes your Child by Ken Abraham

 Mr. Abraham takes his reader on a very touching and moving journey as they travel the road of dementia with his mother.  He covers many characteristics that are associated with dementia patients.  This was a very enlightening book and one that I'm passing on to family members as we start are journey on this road with my father.  I just wish I could say that our journey is as sweet as Mr. Abraham's, but unfortunately it hasn't  been.  I've learned from him and trust that passing this book on to siblings will help them to gain a beginning understanding of our dad's condition.  This book was very informative and many ideas were passed along-Lord willing we'll be able to implement them as the need arises.  He does refer to some medical terms and steps involved with dementia; however, for the most part the book is a how they handled the conditions and what could possible work in situations.   Humor is sprinkled in as he tells his story.  At the close he gives survival tips and suggestions for making the best of situation if you find yourself in it. 

Book Description

Hope and inspiration for helping parents through the aging process and the decline that comes with dementia and Alzheimer's Disease.

Dementia is one of the world's fastest growing illnesses. Without a major medical breakthrough, the estimated 24 million people living with some form of the disease could easily jump as high as 84 million by the year 2040. It is rapidly becoming everyone's problem.

When Your Parent Becomes Your Child tells the story of one family who reluctantly began to recognize and then deal with the common issues found in caring for their elderly loved one:

• memory loss
• physical decline
• personal hygiene
• dangers of driving and living alone
• aberrant behavior
• uncharacteristic attitudes

As he chronicles his own mom's degenerative condition, New York Times bestselling writer Ken Abraham not only educates but offers inspiration to help readers cope with and manage their family circumstances.

With humor and spiritual reminders of God's command to honor our parents, Abraham encourages readers, helping them shoulder the additional, often difficult responsibilities. And though patients will not recover this side of heaven, he suggests many practical things that families can do to make the experience safer, kinder, and more endurable for everyone involved.

Helping our loved ones live out their remaining years in dignity paves the way for a rewarding and enriching experience for our families, and for the people whose lives they have affected for all eternity.

For more information about this book visit here. 

a copy of this book was provided by Thomas Nelson in exchange for my honest review

Here's Lily by Nancy Rue

Are you looking for a girly girls book?  A girl that is bit into fashion?  A book for a girl that is between the ages of 7-11 years old.  Then Here's Lily is just the book for her.  This is a cute fiction chapter book written about Lily a red-headed, spunky, spirited sixth grader. Lily is given a compliment and it grows into an obsession for her in the end she finds out what real beauty is all about.  This book is written with spunk and humor.  It is fun and entertaining for the fashionista with biblical truths and insights. There is also a companion nonfiction book that will help readers of this age group through their own growing pains.  A very realistic book and subject for this age group.  What a cute book set item to put under the tree or in the stocking for the tweetie girl on your Christmas list.

Product Description

Meet Lily Robbins, an awkward sixth grader who, after receiving a compliment about her looks from a woman in the modeling business, becomes obsessed with her appearance and with becoming a model. As she sets her sights on winning the model search fashion show, she exchanges her rock and feather collection for lip gloss, fashion magazines, and a private "club" with her closest friends. But when the unthinkable happens the night before the fashion show, Lily learns a valuable lesson about real beauty.

Find more information about this book here.

a copy of this book was provided by Thomas Nelson in exchange for my honest review

America: The Last Best Hope Vol. III by William J. Bennett

William Bennett has done it again; he has put together information to inform his readers. I have many of Bennett's books both adult and children's and like them this book was not a disappointment. This is this third book in America series it enlightens the reader to the last 20 years of American history:  From the collapse of Communism to the Rise of radical Islam.  It covers presidents from George H. Bush to beginning of Obama's presidency.  This book was very interesting for the history buff and informative for the political/history wannabes.  The author presents the information in a very easy to read format that is easy to read and follow, Bennett keeps the readers interest sparked.   The author adds his own personal notes, views, and perspectives throughout the book.  Many schools use Bennett's books in their curriculum.  I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to be informed.  You will walk away more informed after reading Bennett's book.

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a copy of this book was provided by Thomas Nelson in exchange for my honest review

Just in case You Ever Wonder by Max Lucado

This is a sweet story of a parent reassuring a child of his love for him.  It starts out when the child enters the family as a baby explaining how happy they are that God sent them.  Confirming that they are special and glad God made them just the way He had made them.  If you have a child that needs that security knowing they are special then this is just the book that is needed.  Christmas is coming what a better gift to give than a book that tells the message of your love.

Product Description

A timeless children's classic by best-selling author, Max Lucado, that reinforces the love of a parent. There are certain words that every child longs to hear-affirmation of unconditional love, promises of support, and words of encouragement. Just in Case You Ever Wonder wraps your children in its tender message of love, comfort, and protection, showing them that as they grow and change, you'll always be there for them-whether it's "monsters in the closet" or hard times when other kids are mean. Beloved author, Max Lucado, helps express unconditional love for a child-simply, powerfully, and forever.

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a copy of this book was provided by Thomas Nelson in exchange for my honest review

Hermie: A Common Caterpillar by Max Lucado

Are you thinking about Christmas yet??  Well, Hermie the Worm would delight any youngster on Christmas morning and all year long.  Hermie: A Common Caterpillar by Max Lucado is a excellent book.  I totally fell in love with Hermie from day one of reviewing him.  Your child will learn that being common isn't always a bad thing.  We all are special in God's eyes.  God is working on them and isn't finished with them.  These themes are much needed to help any child gain a healthy self-esteem.  The illustrations are beautiful too.  I haven't come across a Max Lucado book that I haven't fell in love with yet.  Just can't go wrong.  I'm sold.

Get more information about this book here.

Be sure to check out the Hermie Prize Pack Giveaway here.
Deadline Oct. 15th





a digital copy of this book was provided by Thomas Nelson in exchange for my honest review

Gabby God's Little Angel by Sheila Walsh

If this wasn't the cutest book I've ever read on guardian angels.  I believe any little girl would just fall in love with Shelia Walsh's little angel, Gabby.  What is there not to love about cute little angels sent to watch over us.  Gabby is quite the active little angel and she is given a big responsibility keeping watch over a very active little girl. The illustrations are just as adorable as the angel and the story; very beautifully illustrated.  Any girl ages 3-7 would fall in love with this book (psst even my teenage daughter loved it; and if you tell her I said so I'll deny it.)

Publisher's Description

This first book in a delightful new series offers a comforting message for young readers-God loves you very much and is always watching over you!
What little girl wouldn't love her very own guardian angel? Parents and children alike will be won over by this humorous tale of Gabby, a guardian angel in training who has much to learn about taking care of God's little ones. Her new assignment is to protect a young girl named Sophie, but Gabby soon realizes that watching after Sophie is a bigger challenge than she had expected! After a close call while riding her pony, Sophie learns what the Bible says about guardian angels: "He will put his angels in charge of you. They will watch over you wherever you go" (Psalm 91:11 ICB).

For more information about this book and others by Sheila Walsh visit here


A copy of this book was provided by Thomas Nelson Publishing in exchange for an honest review. 

Fashioned by Faith by Rachel Lee Carter

International Model, Rachel Lee Carter, speaks with girls on modesty in dress.  She also interviews male and shares in her book what guys think about modesty in girls.  What they are truly looking for when it comes time to choose a wife.  She tells it like it is.  She is honest and straight forward.  She uses scripture and helps girls see what God's Word has to say about their dress too.  This book is set up as a devotional type each chapter is covered over a period of 5 days.  Carter speaks from experience.  She shares how you can still dress nice and be modest while doing it.  I will be using this book with my teen daughter this fall in our schooling.  It is designed to use as a Bible Study.  It is written simple and to the point.  We need more brave souls to stand up for modesty in the fashion world today. 


For more information about this book click here.

A copy of this book was provided by Thomas Nelson Publishing for this review. 

Max on Life by Max Lucado

Do you have a question about Life?  If so Max Lucado probably covers it in his book, Max on Life.  In his book, Max, gives Biblical insight to 172 of life's important questions.  His book is nicely broken into 7 chapters, all beginning with "H".

• Hope
• Hurt 
• Help
• Him/Her
• Home
• Haves/Have-Nots
• Hereafter

There is also a nice Topical Index as well as a Scripture Index if you prefer looking up subjects you have a question about this way. 

Max explains his answer in very easy to understand terms, using the Bible as his bases. They are short answers not long drawn out answers that are pages long.  I don't think there are any that go over 2 pages and that is stretching it.  This is a very good resource too to have right at your finger tips. 


Book Description

We have questions. Child-like inquiries. And deep, heavy ones.

In more than twenty-five years of writing and ministry, Max Lucado has been the receiving line for thousands of such questions. The questions come in letters, e-mails, even on Dunkin Donuts napkins. In Max on Life he offers thoughtful answers to more than 150 of the most pressing questions on topics ranging from hope to hurt, from home to the hereafter.

Max writes about the role of prayer, the purpose of pain, and the reason for our ultimate hope. He responds to the day-to-day questions—parenting quandaries, financial challenges, difficult relationships—as well as to the profound: Is God really listening?

A special addendum includes Max’s advice on writing and publishing.

Including topical and scriptural indexes and filled with classic Lucado encouragement and insight, Max on Life will quickly become a favorite resource for pastors and ministry leaders as well as new and mature believers.

For more information about this book visit here.

A copy of this book was provided by Thomas Nelson Publishing for this review. 

The Final Summit by Andy Andrews

All travelers through-out time are to meet for the final summit.  There they are to figure out how to save humanity from destruction.  The question that all travelers must answer is this: 

What does humanity need to do individually and collectively to restore itself to the pathway toward successful civilization?

They must come up with the answer before time runs out and with only 5 tries.  Will they be able to do it?  That and the answer are in The Final Summit book that Andy Andrew has written.  What an answer for anyone to come up with. will they be able to come up with the answer in the time aloud.  How much time do they have no one knows, but they do know they can not go back and gain time nor do they know how much time is remaining.  All they know is that the sand in the hour glass is falling to the bottom and only time will tell how much time is really left. 

This book is not a real long book. However, it is packed full of thought provoking quotes, sayings and ideas from people in history. 

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A copy of this book was provided by Thomas Nelson for this review