Yeshua's Dog

Yeshua's Dog: A Gospel Love Story
by Barbara Rogers

Yeshua's Dog is a fresh look at many of the stories surrounding Jesus' presence on earth, as found in the New Testament of the Bible.  Through short chapters, each containing a single illustration opposite the chapter page, readers follow a forsaken and forgotten dog as it finds it's way into the presence of Jesus and finds love and acceptance there. 

Stories of Jesus are told from the dog's point of view and offer a fresh look at many of the stories.  It also brings to light the characteristics we humans often exhibit in relation to faith and following and compare them to the childlike faith and trust of a dog.  There is much to be learned from this dog and his journey with Jesus.
As a dog lover, I really loved this spin and found the book refreshing.  A nice read for animal lovers or not, this book has something to offer for everyone.  While I feel the text is most likely geared toward upper elementary and middle school students, it can be enjoyed as a read aloud book for younger children, or as a nice light read for adults as well.

I received this book free 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 with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR Title 16, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”I was in no way compensated for this review.

Barnes and Noble Review Link: http://my.barnesandnoble.com/communityportal/review.aspx?reviewid=1945681

The Donkey's First Christmas

The Donkey's First Christmas

by Susanne T Schroder

Donkey does not like to do any work and tries everything he can to get out of helping.  One day, he is forced to help a couple on a long trip, despite his many complaints.  Along the way, he discovers that he is a part of a much bigger event and learns some important lessons along the way.

This is an adorable book for young children, ages 3-7, and even those younger and older, with something to take away on every level.  The book brings a new way of seeing the Christmas story and brings in a different perspective that is fun and engaging for children and adults alike.  With many rhymes and a rhythm that flows smoothly, the book is both fun to read and listen to.

Illustrations are soft and inviting.  The text is unique and fun.  Using vocabulary and ideas familiar to children today, the book offers all sorts of fun and learning as well as opens up room for discussion and more learning.  A really adorable book!  Most definitely a book that will become a favorite in our home as it is so fun to read.

I received an e-copy of this book for review and enjoyed the opportunity to view it this way.  While the book opened up nicely via the link I was given, when I tried to see it on my iPad I found many of the illustrations to be missing either in part or in whole, which distracted greatly from the book.  So, for now this book will remain a computer only book, which is a disappointment, but that aside, I was very pleased with this book and highly recommend it.

I received this book free 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 with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR Title 16, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” I was in no way compensated for this review.

Love Your Husband, Love Yourself

Love Your Husband, Love Yourself

Jennifer Flanders

A book full of chapters and ideas to support the Christian woman in her role as wife, Flanders discusses in depth the requirements based in the bible and the Christian Faith that women should follow in order to truly love and honor their husbands, creating a strong marriage based on faith and love.

While I found the information and ideas to be encouraging and helpful, I had a hard time getting through this book as I found it wordy and the chapters long and difficult to wade through.  Sadly, I cannot give it more than 2.5 stars because it was a challenge for me not to put the book down and walk away from it permanently.  For it to be effective for me, I need to be engaged, which I was not.

Still, I do recommend it on the basis of the information contained.  While definitely written for the more traditional woman who stays home and is devoted to the house and family without other work requirements, all women can glean some bit of information that will help them love their husbands more fully and create a safe and loving marriage environment that is strong and faith based.

I received this book free 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 with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR Title 16, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”  I was in no way compensated for 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.

Jesus, My Father, The CIA, and Me

Jesus, My Father, The CIA, and Me: A Memoir... of Sorts

by Ian Cron

An engaging memoir that keeps readers interest through the pages, memories, stories and lessons.  So much more than just a memoir, this book offers a look into the life of a man who straight forwardly shares the hurts, fears, struggles and battles of a life lived with an alcoholic mysterious father, bouncing from well being to near poverty and back.  Brutal honesty draws readers to Cron's side as cheer leaders through the book.

Prior to reading this book, I was unsure what I would be finding.  Not familiar with Cron's story, I was intrigued by the title.  I am so glad I stepped into the adventure his book offers.  With a spiritual force backing his story, he leads readers through more darkness than is imaginable, spun with laughter and humor, complete with a faith that finds readers identifying and searching their lives for that faith as well.  A good read, quick and light yet deep and fully engaging.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. 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: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”