Take Fight! A Sisterchicks' Devotional

Take Flight!: A Sisterchicks' Devotional
by Robin Jones Gunn and Cindy Hannan

A devotional spin off of the popular Sisterchicks books, this book is easily read and enjoyed with or without knowledge of the series.  As a reader who has not read any of the Sisterchicks books, I was able to enjoy this devotional and to understand and appreciate it with no problem.

Broken into sections, this is a small devotional with 3-4 readings per section.  However, this creates a book easily used in a group study as well as personal, as it offers a quick dive into God's word through the witty writings of Gunn and Hannan.  Quick to read yet so full of fun, light yet thoughtful readings, this devotional is a perfect quick study.  Themed around the Sisterchicks, "a friend who shares the deepest wonders of your heart, loves you like a sister, and provides a reality check when you're being a brat.", each study contains quotes, insights from "Robin's Nest" and "Cindy's Perch", a bit of "Wit and Whimsy" in the form of a laugh or a smile, several scripture verses offering the reader opportunity to "Take a Closer Look" and a space to journal thoughts.

Well thought out and written, any woman will enjoy the journey through this devotional and gain insight and knowledge through the stories and scriptures.

You can find this book at Barnes and Noble or other booksellers nationwide.

I was provided a copy of this book to review through the Waterbrook Multnomah Blogging for Books program.  I was in no way compensated for this review, nor was I required to write a positive review.  All thoughts are my own.

Woman's Guide to Reading the Bible in a Year

 

A Woman's Guide to Reading the Bible in a Year

by Diane Stortz

 

A book geared especially toward women and their needs for social iteractions and friendships, this guide begins with a little introduction and encouragement.  Built around the idea that a group of women should seek to accomplish this task of reading through the Bible in a year together, stories are shared that give the reader ideas of success and support.

 

Set apart into weeks, each week begins with a little background about the verses that will be read for the week.  Following that, there is a list of books, chapters and verses to be read, one for each day.  Checkpoints are listed for the reader to have some points to look for in their reading to keep things centered.  A journal portion of the page is left for the reader to answer questions about what they have read, allowing the reader to jot down verses or passages to remember, something that was learned or gained, and any questions.  This page then proves helpful for the weekly group meetings for discussion.

 

While inteneded for group use, this book is equally helpful for reading on ones own as well.  Simple and easy to follow, the guide breaks the Bible down into manageable portions that offer success.  I enjoyed the intro for each week, as it guides the reading rather than just offering a list of verses to read.  A book that will surely stay in my collection and one that I am recommending to all of my female friends.  A good place to condsider starting a small group.

 

I was provided a free copy of this book for review through Waterbrook Multnomah's Blogging for Books program. I was in no way compensated for this review nor was I required to write a positive review.

 

Barnes and Noble Review

Your Life Without Limits

Your Life Without Limits: Living Above Your Circumstances
Nick Vujicic

A short summary of Nick Vujicic's book "Life Without Limits", this is a very short inspirational piece designed to encourage and motivate readers to have hope, persevere, and set high goals for their lives no matter their circumstance.

Having previously read Nick's book, I expected this to be a follow up and was excited to read more from this energetic and inspiring author. I was quite disappointed to find it only an extended summary or maybe a supplement to the book "Life Without Limits" with a little added to act as a stand alone piece or a tidbit to whet the appetite of the reader and introduce them to the story while leaving them wanting more. I am not sure about the true purpose of this short piece.

That said, I have read and reviewed on this site the full book and was thrilled to have had the chance to read it. With bits of encouragement and motivation sprinkled through Nick's life story, it was truly inspirational and worth reading multiple times. You can read my review of Life Without Limits here.

I was provided a digital copy of this book through the Waterbrook Multnomah Blogging for Books program.  I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated for my review.  All thoughts are my own.

Find it at Barnes and Noble

The Girl's Still Got It

The Girl's Still Got It
Liz Curtis Higgs

In a refreshing look at the book of Ruth, Liz Curtis Higgs puts a fun spin on reading about Ruth and her story, creating an engagin way to learn and get deeper into the story of Ruth.  With humor and depth, this book is sure to find a spot with every reader.

Women especially will appreciate this book as it celebrates this historic woman of faith and paints her in a modern way that readers can relate to and understand much easier than from biblical texts alone.  Higgs uses her knowledge of the bible to teach, adds humor to engage, writes in a way that all readers can understand and relate, and captures the reader with her words.

I was immediately drawn into this book and loved reading about Ruth in this way.  My understanding of her walk and life and in turn a new understanding of our God grew from my reading this book.  I was enagaged in ways I seldom am with stories of biblical characters.  After reading this book, I am eager to seek out and read more of the books written by this author.

A glimpse into who this writer is and Ruth's story...


I received this book through Waterbrook Multnomah's Blogging for Books program.  I was in no way compensated for my review, nor was I required to write a positive review.  All thoughts are my own.

Barnes and Noble Review:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-girls-still-got-it-liz-curtis-higgs/1110918393?ean=9781578564484&tabname=custreview&

When Work and Family Collide

When Work & Family Collide

by Andy Stanley

In today's fast paced world full of extra time wasters like facebook, video games and the like, families often find themselves stretched to the max trying to make it all fit in and still have a family.  Work often takes precedence in a material and want driven world where owning the biggest and best requires debt and ceaseless hours of work to make ends meet.

Stanly presents the idea that many families today are mssing out on God's desires because work often comes first and family gets the leftovers.  He challenges readers to look for areas in life that can be cut out or left alone for a time, such as leaving work an hour early on occasion, skipping a golf outing or leaving dirty dishes, in order to spend time playing with your child or focusing on your spouse.  Easier said than done in many homes, Stanley's suggestions hit home hard and force the reader to take a solid look at their own lives and consider the ultimate cost.  What really matters in the end?

An excellent book filled with life stories, this book is easy to read and challenging with God's love written all over it.  A highly recommended book for every family!

I was provided a free copy of this book for review through Waterbrook Multnomah's Blogging for Books program.  I was in no way compensated for this review nor was I required to write a positive review.

God Gave Us Love

God Gave Us Love
by Lisa Tawn Bergren
Illustrated by Laura J. Bryant

Another book in the "God gave us..." line, this book is equally as cute and cuddly, filled with a Christian message of loving one another. The story addresses the different kinds of love we might have, depending on who or what it is for, and reinforces the message that God created us to love and that we should always try to love, even when we do not feel like it.

A children's book, this version is a smaller board book. Because it is a board book, I expected it to be simpler in wording and shorter in length, as board books are generally geared toward toddlers and very youg children. This book, however, is fairly complex and wordy for little ones, with concepts more advanced than a board book would generally be. Reading it with my 2 year old became frustrating and we eventually gave up because she lost interest when pages did not turn quickly and the story was too deep for her understanding... And this is a child who usually engages in books easily. Because of this, I would say that a recommended audience is ages 4 to 7. Unfortunately, this audience may be less apt to consider reading it as it comes in "baby book" format.

Still, a great message with a familiar set of characters. Illustrations are soft and warm, inviting and matched to the story. A book I would recommend with the above precUtions as to age appropriateness.

I was provided a copy of this book through the Waterbrook Multnomah publishing company's Blogging for Books Program.  I was in no way compensated for this review nor was I required to write a positive review.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

To Be Perfectly Honest

To Be Perfectly Honest

by Phil Callaway

Such an intriguing idea that should not at all be foreign to or even strange to hear of, esecially in the Christian community, To Be Perfectly Honest is a refreshing and challenging read that should be taken in by all!

In his book, Calaway humorously yet honestly walks through a year of his live through daily journal type entries, facing the challenge given him that he should go an entire year without telling any lies. His honest report of the experience is thought provoking, yet presented in a way that is easy to read, engaging and even laugh out loud funny at times. Through his journey, he shares stories, life experiences and events he faces and his way of handling them while trying to maintain his truthfulness.

Readers of all walks will find challenge, humor and sobering honesty within this book and will likely find themselves facing the challenge themselves to at least comsider how truthful they really are as well as considering the effects of their responses on others with whom they interact. A highly recommended read, light and fun yet filled with challenge and life changing ideas sure to make an impact.

I was provided a free copy of this ebook through the Waterbrook Multnomah Blogging for Books program.  I was in no way compensated for my review or required to write a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

Life, In Spite Of Me

Life, In Spite of Me
by Kristen Jane Anderson
with Tricia Goyer

Reaching out to others who may be hurting or looking for answers, Kristen Anderson shares her story in a refreshing, easy to read and free flowing way that hooks readers immediately.  Through the journey of her hurts, suicide attempt, recovery and disappointments along the way, Anderson sheds light on a dark story, finding hope in Christ and a new life.  Among chapters are intermittently spaced notes from Kristen to the reader in regards to specific topics such as sucide and what to do to get help if one is in that situation. 

I initially chose to read this book because I was curious.  Having never heard Kristen's story, I was unaware of the book's true message.  Once I got started reading, I had a difficult time putting the book down, finishing it in a matter of two days.  This story is a quick read, with short chapters that flow smoothly, walking the reader through Anderson's life from the point right before her suicide attempt to the present, sharing insight and encouragement through her hurts, pain, depression and strggles.

A highly recommended read.  Readers from all walks of life and histories will find some nugget of truth and help within this book.  Especially recommended for teens or other individuals facing severe depression and thoughts of suicide.
I received this ebook for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated for writing this review.

The Dragons of Chiril

The Dragons of Chiril
by Donita K. Paul

A fantasy tale geared toward younger readers in the teen years, this book spins a tale of dragons, a missing artist and a quest.

Usually able to find enjoyment in reading any book, I had an extremely difficult time with this book.  Having read other books within the genre and able to enjoy young adult literature, I was terribly disappointed in this book from the start and sadly cannot give much recommendation.

Very slow to start, with confusing terminology and titles that are never defined, I found myself confused as to who characters were.  The plot is confusing and I found myself frustrated that I had no idea what was truly going on.  After several attempts to read this book, skimming, skipping ahead, re-reading, etc. I finally gave up.  This may be a really great book, however I could not get past the confusion and frustration enough to get into the book.  After 10 chapters, I was no more hooked than the first page :(
I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated for writing this review.

The Scroll

The Scroll
by Grant R. Jeffrey and Alton L. Gansky

The Scroll spins a tale that quickly draws readers in and keeps them constantly guessing page after page.  As a team of archaeologists are drawn together to serch for a great treasure, trouble greets them in many manners, threatening both the team as a whole and individuals as they struggle to remain involved while maintaining their personal beliefs.  Challenge and growth greet characters around every turn and readers quickly find themselves drawn into the turmoil, eager to see it through to the end.

Jeffrey and Gansky make a great writing team and readers will find their work easy to delve into and hard to put down.  I enjoyed the story entirely.  The only complaint I have is that the ending seemed a little too vague and left me confused.  Possibly intended for a sequel, with the end as it is and as a solo book, I was disappointed  a little.  Overall, however, I did really enjoy reading the book and would recommend it to history buffs, biblical enthusiasts and casual readers alike.  A good read!

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated for writing this review.

Dinner With A Perfect Stranger

Dinner With A Perfect Stranger
by David Gregory

When faced with an invitation to have dinner with Jesus, a doubting and struggling man gives in assuming it to be a big joke.  What he finds is nothing short of a miracle, forcing him to face questions, thoughts and challenging ideas that had followed him his whole life. 

What a refreshing and intriguing book!  I was hooked immediately and curious, engaged up until the end and left wishing for more.  Short yet packed with thought provoking ideas and concepts, this book is an instant favorite for me.  Chapters are quick and easy reads, yet enough food for thought to keep ones mind going for hours and days after reading.

An excellent book to share with an un-believing or on the fence friend or family member, the book presents many of the argued points in regards to Jesus, Christianity and religion in general in a non-confrontational or preachy manner that still gets across the main points while painting Jesus Christ in an accepting, loving and down to earth manner.  Easy to understand even for those un-exposed to the Christian faith, the book opens the door for more conversation as well as explains the foundations of the Christian faith and salvation.  A book I would highly recommend everyone read, believer or not, as it introduces a new way to look at presenting Christ as well as plenty of opportunity for self searching and growth.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated for writing this review.

The Canary List

The Canary List
by Sigmund Brouwer

A mystery/thriller that is sure to keep readers on their toes the entire time!  The Canary List is an intriguing book full of twists and turns that keep the reader guessing with surprise plot turns that ensure the reader will be fully engaged throughout the entire book.

When teacher Crocket Grey is drawn into a web of mystery, false accusations and confusion that lead to a troubling outcome all because of one student, he is forced to face personal demons all while fighting to help the student and keep himself out of trouble.  The paths he is led down are a surprising as the ending.  Readers will find themselves eager to turn the next page.  A book that is difficult to put down and grows increasingly addictive with each chapter.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.  Unsure of what I was getting, I am so glad I opted to review this copy.  I am eager to read more by the same author ans Brouwer spins an engaging tale that soon entangles his readers into a world of mystery and intrigue.  Well worth the time to read it!!!
I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated for writing this review.

Out Of A Far Country

Out Of A Far Country
by Christopher Yuan & Angela Yuan

A topic surrounded with debate among the Christian community and the world at large, homosexuality is often a topic of heated discussion and raw feelings and emotions.  Being a part of a family where this issue is faced, I was intrigued by the topic of this book and drawn to read it out of curiosity.  I am so glad I did!

Out Of A Far Country tells the story of a journey for mother and son from the time Chris Yuan "came out" about being a homosexual up to the present day.  This story is thick with deep emotion, turmoil, intriguing story line and honesty like few other books.  Through the course of the past years, Yuan shares about the man he became, the struggles and ideas he embraced, the results of the chosen paths and the surprise and encouraging ending that leaves the reader thinking deeply about the world around them.  Every other chapter is either by mother or son, following the life of Chris from different perspectives and giving insight to living with a homosexual family member as well as finding love and peace for all members involved. 

A definite must read for any Christian family facing the idea of a member who is homosexual, this book does not encourage full acceptance of the lifestyle, but instead shows how one family, with God, overcame great turmoil and came to find peace and love amid the misunderstanding.  I was thoroughly encouraged and came away with a new understanding and greater love for my family member.  On the top of my list of recommended books for it's complete honesty and personal growth inducing thought.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated for writing this review.

The One Day Way

The One Day Way
by Chantel Hobbs

I chose to read this book as one who does not necessarily need to diet, looking instead at the book as a whole on it's intended audience and effectiveness in approach and reading style as I have friends I would be able to recommend the book to should it pass my test.

Chantel Hobbs approaches the idea of dieting one day at at time, breaking down the often insurmountable task into little pieces.  By setting oneself up for daily success, focusing only on the day at hand, not weeks ahead or behind, the dieter can begin to break down old habits and form new, healthier habits to replace them.  Spinning in her ten commandments of dieting, Hobbs puts a spiritual spin on the idea of losing weight.  She approaches the topic in a serious yet easy to read and non-judgmental way that invites readers to consider this approach and give it a try.

Like most diet books, this book does of course push the ideas of exercise, healthy eating and lifestyle change.  It is not a quick fix plan nor is it a guarantee... it is up to the inidividual to make the plan successful for them.  After having read the book, I am comfortable in passing it on to friends who are looking for ways to help with their weight struggle.  I appreicate the spiritual aspect to this book and feel it an appropriate, well written approach to helping those who wish to change their weight by doing so one day at a time and trusting in God to help.
I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated for writing this review.

Barnes and Noble review: http://my.barnesandnoble.com/communityportal/review.aspx?reviewid=1679932

Life Without Limits

Life Without Limits

by Nick Vujicic

This book has something for everyone.  From the broken and down-trodden to the secure, there is so much packed into this book.  I was initially interested for the sole purpose of disovering more about Nick and reading his story as I had seen a you tube video and was amazed.  Little did I know how much this book would offer outside of a good read.

Nick is truly inspirational.  The story is written in a very safe and easy to read format, chapters broken down into sub stories so there are easy places to stop mid-chapter and pick up later if one does not have a long time available to read in one sitting.  Nick weaves stories of his growing up and struggles with humor, encouragement and common sense to provide an uplifting message that anyone can understand and put to practice.  Despite his lack of limbs, Nick has overcome and is able to do so much.  Putting his love of public speaking with his inspiring story, he sets out to change the world, reader by reader.

Absolutely at the top of my list of recommended books, this is one I will be passing around to share.  Well worth the time as any reader will come away feeling uplifted and encouraged as well as gracious for their own places in life and the gifts they have been given.  A fresh perspective that changes how things look. 

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated for writing this review.

Barnes and Noble: http://my.barnesandnoble.com/communityportal/review.aspx?reviewid=1639241



The Charlatan's Boy

The Charlatan's Boy

by Jonathan Rogers

What a charming and witty book!  A young adult novel, The Charlatan's Boy is a book full of hilarity, imagination, inner exploration and discovery.  Floyd and young Grady travel town to town selling hoaxes, false ideas and solutions trying to survive, their most favored being the idea of Feechiefolk..  When people stop believing in this hoax, Floyd and Grady are scrambling to survive.  They stumble upon a plan to make it big while maintaining their desired line of work, peddling the tale of Feechies.  Through encounters with other peddlers, villagers, and other countrymen, their tale spins and web that all become entangled in. 

A joy to read for all...  Adult and young adult alike,  Rogers offers entertainment in a way reminiscent of C.S. Lewis and Mark Twain.  This book should become an instant classic!

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated for writing this review.

http://my.barnesandnoble.com/communityportal/review.aspx?reviewid=1600380

Tandem

Tandem
by Tracey Bateman

Wow!  At a time when vampire books are so popluar, enter Tandem, a novel written by Tracey Bateman.  A completely different "vampire" book than all of the others on the market, this novel is much more adult, not focused on teen readers or lifestyle.  A read so hard to put down I nearly read it cover to cover without interruption. 

Quick to pick up on the story line, the reader quickly finds themselves immersed in a small town, surrounded by the past of a few characters, leading up to a breath taking and surprising end as the present day story weaves itself together piece by piece.  An easy book to read, an immersing story line that deepens with each page turn, characters that become familiar as a friend and a plot that awakens the mind to a world of curiousity, intrique and mystery.  As the plot thickens and the story gets deeper, the reader finds themselves stuck in the story as an observer, even a character, wishing the pages to turn faster so as to discover the final event.  Filled with small town life, a little romance, history and lots of drama, sure to be a quick favorite!

Highly recommended to anyone who has read such series as the Twilight novels or other vampire type books as well as to those who have not done so.  No need to be a follower or fan, this book tells the story on it's own, without hype or cult following.  5 stars in my book for creativity, uniqueness and intrigue. 


I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.  I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated for writing this review.

Barnes and Noble Review Link: http://my.barnesandnoble.com/communityportal/review.aspx?reviewid=1575187

God Gave Us The World

God Gave Us The World
by Lisa Tawn Bergren
illustrated by Laura J. Bryant

A sweet little book for elementary aged children, teh story walks a child through the ideas of why God made us all different an why there are so many places to live in the world.  It addresses the idea of taking care of the world God has given us as well.

Through a trip, Little Bear and her family discover different kinds of bears, the places they live, and the things they eat.  Each differs from Little Bear in some way and she is curious about why there are differences among us. THe concept of creation and discussion of God's love for us and our differences encourages children to appreciate our differences and to make friends with others even though they are not the same.

Themes of responsibility for our planet and acceptance of diffeences in ethnicity are addressed in a non-confrontational way that a child can understand and transfer into their own lives.  Illustrations are soft colored and friendly.

The story flows well, but lacks some development in that the illustrations jump from location to location, not really flrowing well with the words of the story.  Some pictures depict what is being discussed while others do not seem to fit real well.  The story is a bit wordy at times and could  be simpler while still getting the point across.  Also, a little deep in concept for younger children.  While geared toward younger children, older kids will better understand the lessons involved in the story. 

Overall, a 3 out of 5 stars for me.



I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.  I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated for writing this review.

God Loves Me More Than That

God Loves Me More Than That 
by Dandi Daley Mackall
illustrated by David Hohn


What an absolutely adorable book!  An instant favorite at our house.


God Loves Me More Than That explores how much, high, wide, big, loud, and soft God's love is for a young child, for all of us.  Through cute rhymes and comparisons that are familiar to a child (a cheering crowd, buzzing bee, kitten's sneeze, ...) Mackall introduces children to the many ways we might begin to understand how big and great God's love for us is - much more than we can understand.  


Illustrations are realistic in that they feature a young boy in each situation interacting with our familiar world.  Cartoonish in that the situations depicted are not always something we can do (ride on a bee).  Colors are bright and engaging, fun and whimsical, delightful to look at and offering many ideas to discuss along the way.


The message is sound and easy for a young child to understand.  The rhymes and fast moving pace keep even young children, toddlers and babies interested.  Great for ages 2-6, adaptable either way.  Such a simple message yet so profound and important to the curious little minds who hear and read this book.  I absolutely recommend this with my highest ratings to every family!


I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.  I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated for writing this review.  All opinions are my own.

The Goodness of God

The Goodness of God
by Randy Alcorn

What a thought provoking and mind altering work!  Alcorn puts into words some of the biggest questions we as hums ask about why things like evil, natural disasters, and other bad things happen to us.  "Why did God let this happen" is a question most every person has asked at one time or another.  In his book, Randy Alcorn addresses these questions and many more as they relate to God's goodness in a world full of sin, pain and evil.  Through biblical reference as well as cultural events and personal stories, he author addresses a multitude of topics within the realm of God's goodness and it's existence though our human comprehension of events might cause us to believe otherwise.

An appropriate book for someone facing a life struggle or difficulty, this book offers sound explanations and reasons that are biblically based and comfort.  A great gift for a friend or loved one (or self) facing troubled times and looking for some peace and understanding.

Well written, easy to read with shorter chapters, one can invest a short time to complete a chapter.  Yet, each chapter contains so much information and depth that the individual headings and resulting sections could constitute a reading session themselves.  Plenty of room for possibility of a book study, small group or personal growth study.  A solid book full of ideas, thoughts and stories that will cause the reader to pause, consider their own lives and their world and begin to see things in a new light.  To realize that God is good and ever present in the bad.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.  I was not required to write a positive review and received no compensation for doing so.  All opinions contained in this review are my own.