"A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver." Proverbs 25:11

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

MY VERY FIRST EASTER STORY STICKER BOOK by Lois Rock and Illustrated by Alex Ayliffe


ABOUT THE BOOK   

Here is a story and activity book containing a complete retelling of the Easter story presented in a simple manner for young children to grasp. The stickers are used first to complete the illustrations in the main story. Then there are extra activities on each page alongside the story--counting, naming, identifying--with stickers for each. All of the stickers are found in the center of the book where they are grouped and numbered according to activity to make it easy for young children to find the right sticker.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Lois Rock is the Commissioning Editor for Lion Children’s Books, as well as a highly respected and trusted author in her own right, acclaimed in many different countries for her books of prayers, Bible stories, and non-fiction books about the Christian faith.

Lois lives in Oxfordshire, is married and has 3 children, all of whom are now grown up. She enjoys cycling and walking and has helped to lead church children’s groups for many years, an experience that she draws on when writing books for children.  

MY REVIEW

This is a wonderful sticker book about the Easter Story. Alex Ayliffe uses bright colors and simple graphics that catch a child's eye. Lois's story line is a simple retelling of the Easter Story, about Jesus and His death and resurrection. A child will have no trouble staying attentive to the story. 

A child will also enjoy placing the colorful stickers in their respective places. There are easy activities besides the stickers that include simple math questions,identifying objects and more.

This sticker book will give any child a basic understanding of Jesus' death and resurrection as well as countless hours of joy as they reread the Easter Story.

Kregel Publications provided me with a review copy of this book for the purpose of writing this review.

  

    

Thursday, March 14, 2013

GRAVE CONSEQUENCES: Grand Tour Series Book 2 by Lisa T Bergren




ABOUT THE BOOK

For Cora Kensington, the journey of a lifetime takes unexpected twists. And her future-her very life-depends on the decisions she'll make at each crossroad. As her European tour with her newfound family takes her through Austria, France, and Italy, an unseen enemy trails close behind. Meanwhile, a forbidden love continues to claim her heart, putting everyone's plans in danger.

And as Cora stays one step ahead of it all, what might need the most protection is her own heart, torn between the dramatic pursuit of a dashing Frenchman and a man who has been quietly staking claim to her affections all along. Love has dangers all its own. She must escape the bonds of the past and discover the faith to make the right choices, as each one has grave consequences.

  
Lisa T. Bergren is the award-winning author of over thirty-five books, with more than 2 million copies sold. A former publishing executive, Lisa now divides her time between writing, editing, parenting three children with her husband, Tim, and dreaming of her next trip to Italy. She lives in Colorado Springs. 

Visit her website here: http://lisatawnbergren.com/ 

MY REVIEW 

Continuing the Grand Tour Series, Lisa Bergren takes her readers through France, Austria and Italy with Cora and Will and Cora's siblings. Lisa's ability to not just create scenes of a different time and place with words but bring alive the emotions of her characters in this second book is outstanding.

She stays true to her characters that we got to know in her first book of this series, Glamorous Illusions. In Grave Consequences, Cora becomes stronger in who she is and what she believes through a series of events that have the potential to tear apart the fragile cord that binds her to her siblings. 

This is another excellent novel by Lisa. My heart would cheer on Cora when it came to her relationship with her siblings and with Will. It would weep with her when she would hurt and laugh with her when she braved to leap..... Oh, wait, I can't tell you that part. You will just have to read the book. 

Written from Cora's viewpoint and from Will's viewpoint, the reader really gets a good look and feel for each of their hearts and fears. I really like how Lisa is able to write in this manner. You get a much better understanding of the workings of Cora and Will's mind and heart.   

Full of twists and turns and suspense, not to mention possible romance, Grave Consequences is another great novel that leaves you excited to read the third book in this wonderful series.

Litfuse Publicity Group made this review possible by providing me with a free copy for the purpose of writing this review. 

Celebrate the release of Grave Consequences with Lisa T. Bergren by entering to win an iPad Mini!


Grave-Consequences-Bergren

One "grand" winner receive:
  • A brand new iPad Mini
  • Grave Consequences and Glamorous Illusions will be pre-loaded onto the Mini!
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 23rd. Winner will be announced on March 25th at Lisa's website.

Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.

 

 

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

PASSION: How Christ's Final Day Changes Your Every Day by Mike McKinley

ABOUT THE BOOK

Some people see Jesus' death as a historical footnote, buried in the past. Christians understand it is much more than that, and know it has transformed their future.


But often we don't realize how much Jesus' last day should change our present, too.


Walking readers through Luke's Gospel, US pastor and well-known author Mike McKinley looks at the events of the last day of Jesus' earthly life. At each point, he pauses to marvel at the love Christ has for His people; and shows how Jesus' people can learn from His passion, His care, and His integrity.


This unique book is perfect for both new and mature Christians. While great for reading at any time in the year, it's particularly helpful to read during Lent or Holy Week.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Mike McKinley was raised in suburban Philadelphia. He received a B.A. in Religion and Classics from The George Washington University in Washington, D.C., and an M.Div from Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia. In 2004, Mike was brought onto the pastoral staff at Capitol Hill Baptist Church as a church planter. In 2005, he brought a small group of people from CHBC to Guilford in order to help revitalize the church’s ministry. He has served as Guilford’s pastor since June of 2005. Mike has been married to Karen since 1997, and they have five beautiful children: Kendall, Knox, Phineas, Ebenezer, and Harper. In his free time, Mike loves to spend time with his family, reading all kinds of books and daydreaming about the New York Yankees and the Philadelphia Eagles. Mike is the author of several books and blogs regularly at Church Matters, the 9Marks blog.

MY REVIEW

The title and subject matter of this book intrigued me, so when I was given the opportunity to review it I just couldn't pass it up. 

I am glad I was able to review this book. It is extremely well-written, easy to read and one of the most thoughtful books I have read about the last day of the physical life and death of Jesus the Christ. 

Though it wasn't weighed down with the various gruesome descriptions of all the torture and agonies He endured that day on the cross and prior, it is still a weighty subject that was presented with a deep love for Christ and for those who do and do not know Him. 

At the end of each chapter Pastor McKinley gives us a few questions to ponder upon, a time for reflection, accompanied with verses from well-loved hymns that have been passed down through-out the church.

This is one book that though I chose to review it, I will cherish to read it again and again, throughout the years.

This review was made possible by Cross Focused Reviews and TheGoodBookUSA.

They provided me with a free e-book copy for the purpose of writing this review.

 
       
 

 

Monday, March 4, 2013

UNHOLY HUNGER: Lure of the Serpent Book 1 by Heather James

ABOUT THE BOOK

Evelyn Barrett wants to die. As long as her daughter’s murderer dies with her, she is ready to go. Why did this man--this stranger--destroy her family? Why has he not been brought to justice? Why is she forced to live a life of anger and grief? Amid a million questions she cannot answer, Evelyn knows one thing for sure: this murderer must be punished for his crime.

Before it all, she was a successful attorney who won all the hard cases. Now that the case is personal, Evelyn will stop at nothing to seek her own version of justice. When another girl goes missing, Evelyn plows forward, ignoring the warnings from police detectives, the pleas of her grief-stricken husband, and the strange, almost supernatural tingles that tug at her. But as she follows the stench of evil, Evelyn learns that the hardest thing she will have to face may not be the death of her child after all. Perhaps the harder lesson is this: the ultimate truth--of crime and verdict, of life and death--cannot be swayed by a mother’s revenge.

In this first book of a new, page-turning series, a woman will be brought to her limits before she finally recognizes the movement of the Holy Spirit and reconnects with the source of true peace.

WATCH THE TRAILER


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

Heather James is the author of the upcoming Lure of the Serpent Series, suspense novels that pack quick wit into the high heels of attorney turned vigilante, Evelyn Barrett.
 
In addition, Heather is a practicing lawyer in California and a columnist with The Bakersfield Californian. Her columns focus on the humorous aspects of marriage and parenthood. Heather is married and works at home, raising two young sons.
To visit Heather’s author page on Amazon and see current books and trailers: http://www.amazon.com/Heather-James/e/B009TWYH2C/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

Her website is heatherjames.net

MY REVIEW

I am thrilled to write about this debut novel by Heather James. It is always a privilege to review debuting authors. So without further ado, here is my review.

Written in the first person viewpoint, we meet Evelyn Barrett as she talks about the first Eve and a piece of fruit. From that point forward it becomes a wild roller-coaster ride for Evelyn, emotionally, spiritually and physically. 

Heather chose a difficult subject to write about, sexual abuse and murder of young innocent children. Her main character, Evelyn, is a woman who tries to deal with the murder of her only child. It is how she deals with it that will make the reader continue to read this extremely suspenseful novel.   

Will she accomplish what she sets out to do? Will revenge fulfill her emptiness?  

Heather James has crafted a novel that will have have you turning the pages until you reach the last. An incredible, chilling tale with a spiritual twist that will have you looking at things differently, Unholy Hunger, is a winner for me. 

I look forward to reading the next one in this powerful series. 

Kregel Publications provided me with a free review copy for the purpose of writing this review.