A Leader's Heart

A Leader's Heart
365-Day Devotional Journal
by John C. Maxwell

John Maxwell again provides a book with purpose, encouragement, growth and strength in this devotional.  Focused toward leaders, this devotional/journal offers a wealth of topics that are relevant, including teamwork, mentoring, stewardship and success.  With space for writing beneath each short devotional, this book packs in the power of two.  An attractive cover and page artwork, a beautiful book all around.

Each devotional begins with a bible verse to focus the reader on the topic.  Following this is a short quote, poem, or paragraph offering food for thought to go along with the bible verse.  A short prompt is given to begin each journal space.  Each page is dated, and each month is separated by a page, making it easier to find a date within each month.  Motivating and encouraging, with clear and concise statements and truths, this devotional/journal is a great gift for any leader in your life.  Appropriate for male or female, God's principles in the area of leadership are presented in a way that lifts up the leader and promotes further growth in personal and business life.  This book is great for any reader, easy to follow and read.  Highly recommended!
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.”

The King's Christmas List

The King's Christmas List
by Eldon Johnson, Illustrated by Bonnie Leick

This is a fairy tale type story with realistic morals and lessons to be learned.  Recommended for children ages 4-8, this book is appropriate for young children with the availability of an adult for discussion and explanation. 

A cute story on the surface, deeper meanings are to be discovered as the reader follows Emma and her talking dog Shu-Shu as they go to the king's party. Upon receiving the invitation, Emma searches for a gift for the king.  As she travels to the party, she is faced with decisions that affect the gift she is carrying and present her with a lesson in giving and helping others.

The title is a bit misleading as there is no mention of the king's list, possibly not the best choice of titles for this book.  However, the message is sound.  Illustrations are bright and cheery, but average to good at best, nothing that stands out as memorable in my mind.  The story is whimsical and pleasant, a Christmas story with a non-religious front that still presents valuable lessons and morals for the child through the discovery of learning to give to others and the joy in doing so.  Overall, I do recommend this book as it is a harmless story with a good purpose.

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.”

Good Morning, Lord

Good Morning, Lord
I Don't Know Where You're Going Today But I'm Going with You
By Sheila Walsh

In this gift book, Sheila Walsh encourages the reader to delight in each day as an adventure in trusting a faithful God."  A devotional for women, this book uses real life situations that are often faced by women to encourage trust in God.  With room for journaling and reflection and questions to prompt such thoughts, this book acts as a daily encourager and pause for reflection amid the daily chaos of life.

Walsh offers hope through her word, uplifting encouragement and fosters growth and trust in God.  Useful as a personal study or even in small groups and bible studies, this book offers great possibility for women of all ages and stages of life. With short chapters, easy to read text, engaging thoughts and encouraging words, this book can be a strength in times of weakness.  Spiritual truths are conveyed in non-threatening and simple ways that any reader, regardless of their stage in their faith and trust in God can learn and grow, from non-believer to the most seasoned Christian.

This book will become a part of my devotional and study book collection and be on my list of books to both recommend and give to friends, family and other women in my life.

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.”

A Christmas Prayer

A Christmas Prayer
by Amy Parker, Illustrated by Marijan Ramljak

This children's book is the perfect Christmas story for young children.  It is filled with capturing illustrations that will engage young children, filled with rhymes and pictures that draw young eyes and ears.  Most appropriate for ages 2-5 years, older children can enjoy reading it as well.  A padded boardbook, it is perfect for young hands, sturdy and well constructed.

On a snowy Christmas night, a young child goes from place to place in his home, praying and thanking God, ending with thanks for the best Christmas gift, Jesus.  The message is presented in a way that is interesting to young eyes and ears, while not boring to the older reader.  Illustrations are soft and clear, drawing the eye from scene to scene, including major Nativity characters.  The message of the ultimate Christmas gift - Jesus - is presented in a way young readers can understand while still sharing a spiritual message.  Highly recommended for all homes with young children, even those with infants who can grow into loving this book.

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.”

Jesus Calling: 365 Devotions For Kids

Jesus Calling: 365 Devotions For Kids
by Sarah Young

This children's devotional is appropriate for a varied audience age range.  While recommended for ages 4-8, children up to 12 or 13 can benefit from this book, maybe even more so than 4 and 5 year olds.  A versatile book that will last for years in any home.  Each day of the year has its own page, making it great for daily personal study for the child, or as an addition to table or family devotions.  

Each devotional starts with a topic appropriate bible verse, preceding the devotional text.  There are additional verses following the study, encouraging the child to "Read on Your Own", promoting further study for the more advanced ages.  For the reading child, this book, and especially the "Read on Your Own" section promotes spiritual growth and encourages a deeper walk with Christ.  For the non-reading child, this book provides an opportunity for parents to spend time daily encouraging and teaching their child to get into the Bible and grow in their walk with Jesus while reading and discussing the devotional with them each day.

Well organized an in a language appropriate for young children, yet deep enough to encourage discussion and learning, this devotional would make a great learning and growing tool in any home, providing discussion topics, family time and personal growth.

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.”

Immanuel's Veins

Immanuel's Veins
by Ted Dekker


Set in 1772, two warriors of Catherine the Great - empress of Russia set out on a mission to protect a family of political interest. The Cantemir family, consisting of mother and breathtaking twin daughters are the seemingly easy charges to be protected, yet the warriors soon find themselves in over their heads. Both warriors and daughters find themselves entangled in a web of love, temptation, desire and sacrifice that lead them into darker places than they ever imagined. The results of their choices reveal a reality none could imagine and an ending that leaves readers breathless.

Once again, Ted Dekker has penned another novel that leaves heads spinning. Plot twists and character connections (for avid follower and readers of other Dekker novels) reveal themselves in hidden ways throughout the story. A suspenseful novel with swirls of darkness, romance and the underlying theme of love and sacrifice feed the reader's addiction and leave them begging for more. Thought provoking ideas prompt reflection and deeper consideration of one's own life.

Highly recommended to all readers, this book inspires and challenges faith while entertaining and drawing the reader into a spiral of addiction to the words of Ted Dekker.

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.”

Outlive Your Life

Outlive Your Life
by Max Lucado

In the world outside our own, suffering, sickness, sadness, poor living conditions and death are among the daily experiences our fellow humans face.  Max Lucado provides a new perspective on what it means to be a Christian and live in a world where there is so much hurting.  Readers are encouraged to consider all they have and what they might be able to give to use their life to the fullest for others.

Max Lucado writes in a way that is easy to read, full of lyrical images and flowing words that carry the reader away into the mind of the writer.  The concepts and ideas are prevented in a non-confrontational yet challenging way that causes the reader to consider the impact they could be making in the name of Christ.  With witty stories and illustrations, short chapters and easy to read format, this book easily becomes a coffee table book, bible study or devotional.  Biblical references appear throughout, adding credence to Max's words and giving the reader pause when considering God's true plan and what we who are blessed can do to help.  Most encouraging is the fact that 100% of profits go to World Vision, a noble and worthy cause.

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.”

Permission to Speak Freely: Essays and Art on Fear, Confession, and Grace

Permission to Speak Freely
Essays and Art on Fear, Confession, and Grace
by Anne Jackson

In a sea of brokenness, Anne Jackson breaks the silence by sharing her journey through life, allowing the reader to see honestly into her hurts, addictions and questions. She challenges the reader to consider their own secrets and the possibility of speaking about these things, whether taboo or looked down upon, and doing so freely with the confidence that one might be allowing another with the same hurts and issues a chance to follow their lead. Through essays, poetry and artwork, Anne shares thoughts and responses herself and others have shared related to the question, “What is the one thing you feel you can’t say in the church?”


A little outside of the box in format, Anne’s book is easy to read and follow. Challenging ideas and stories bring about a self-reflective thought process while reading. While a Christian, Anne frankly shares her insider’s view of the way the church seems to handle shushed topics and challenges readers to consider their actions when hearing confessions of another. Whether a church attender or not, any reader can get insightful and helpful information from reading this book in a non-threatening and non-preaching way. Recommended for all adult readers as it addresses an issue everyone has faced, brokenness and the grace we all desire and need to feel accepted.

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.”