Messianic Prophecy for Kids GIVEAWAY

Curious about how Old Testament prophecies have been fulfilled through the Messiah? The pick up a copy of Messianic Prophecy for Kids: Follow the Threads by Brynn Padrick. For upper elementary grades (but adaptable to just about any age), it's engaging, fascinating, and includes different activities.

Follow the Threads makes the complicated prophecies accessible for the younger ages. OK, who am I kidding? Some OT prophecies can be a bit confusing for those not so young, too, but Brynn does a good job of making everything as clear as possible. It's not just another workbook, either, it's got all sorts of fun activities to help youngsters remember what they learn.

GIVEAWAY: I have one copy of this great resource to giveaway to one of my friends here in bloggy world. You must live in the continental U.S. and leave a comment including your email address in the comments below (not on Facebook or wherever). I'll choose a winner on Friday, March 8, and email her/him.

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from the author in exchange for a review; however, the opinions expressed are my own.

Little Pilgrim's Progress Adventure Guide GIVEAWAY

It's hard to belive that Helen Taylor's Little Pilgrim's Progress has been around for 60 years already! But it has, and it's been improved with the addition of an Adventure Guide, written by homeschooling mom Deanna Conrad. Written especially for those in grades 4-6, families with children in other age groups can still benefit from the guide.

It's not just another fill-in-the-blanks workbook. The Little Pilgrim's Progress Adventure Guide provides engaging vocabulary, thought-provoking questions, allegorical concepts, literature elements, biblical applications, and character analysis in various formats. From trusted publisher, Moody Press, you know you can trust the content!

GIVEAWAY: I have not one, but TWO sets of Little Pilgrim's Progress, 60th Anniversary Edition, and Little Pilgrim's Progess Adventure Guide to give away! All you have to do is leave me a comment below (on my blog, not on Facebook or Google + or wherever you're reading my post). I'll choose a random winner on FRIDAY, March 8, 2013, and email the winner (so you must include your email address where I can find it). The giveaway is open only to those living in the continental U.S. only, sorry.

Disclaimer: I received both the book and the guide free from Moody in hopes that I would provide a review. The opinions expressed are my own, though.

When Happily Ever After Shatters (book review)

The big white dress. The flowers. The church. The kids. The years. The breakup. Wait--what? What do you do when your (or your friend's) marriage disintegrates before your eyes? When you can stop crying long enough to read a chapter at a time, dig into Sue Birdsey's When Happily Ever After Shatters, published by Focus on the Family in conjunction with Tyndale Publishers. Sue has first-hand experience in not only dealing with abandonment, divorce, and single parenting, but thriving through it.

Sue offers practical advice for those going through every step of this life-altering tragedy. She also offers advice for friends and families of those suffering. This book was so good that I read it straight through in two sittings. I highly recommend it for everyone because we all know someone going through divorce right now.

Disclaimer: This book was provided to me free of charge from Tyndale Publishing in hopes that I would provide a review. The opinions expressed are my own.

A Promise to Protect (book review)

Liz Johnson delivers again with A Promise to Protect! Navy SEAL Matt Waterstone knows about keeping people safe. When his best friend’s sister is attacked, Matt promises no harm will come to Ashley Sawyer–not on his watch. But Matt’s not the only protective one. Ashley will do anything to safeguard the residents of the battered women’s shelter she runs. She’s sure she can handle the threats she gets in return. What she can’t handle is the way Matt scales the walls around her heart. Yet when she falls prey to a crime web more sinister than she’d realized, trusting Matt could be the only way to survive. (Summary provided by author.)

I loved the book! It was the perfect blend of intrigue and romance with just-right characters. I couldn't put it down once I'd started it. I can wait until Liz's next book!

Disclaimer: The book was provided to me free of charge in hopes that I would post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.

Simplify Dinner (cookbook review & GIVEAWAY)

Some people love cooking. Some people love planning exotic, nutritious, delicious meals for their families. Some people even love spending all day in the kitchen. I am not one of those people. Don't get me wrong, I can cook just fine. I know how to plan healthy meals for my family. But I'm often exhausted and busy with other things around the dinner hour. So, I was delighted to be given the opportunity to review Simplified Dinners--Gluten Free and Dairy Free by Simplified Pantry's Mystie Winckler. (Don't worry, there's also a "normal" version of the e-book, but I have food intolerances.)

With my food intolerances, I often feel like I always eat oatmeal for breakfast, a smoothie for lunch, and grilled chicken salad for dinner. Every. Single. Day. Of course, that's not entirely true, but I was very excited to discover easy, different choices. The emphasis here is on easy, meaning that most of the ingredients can be found in any grocery store.

The best thing about Mystie's cookbook (besides the fact that it's gluten free and dairy free) is its ORGANIZATION! Y'all know that's my favorite word! She starts with 23 basic recipes (listed in the index = easy to find), but each recipe contains numerous variations. The other night, I had chicken, fatigue, and no time. I flipped to the "Skillet Cutlets with Pan Sauces" page and had a tasty dinner on the table before I fell over from exhaustion. Score!

In addition, there are 3 separate salad categories, a side dish category, and of course, a dessert section. Simplified Dinners--Gluten Free and Dairy Free is quickly becoming my go-to cookbook.

Wouldn't you like to have one for yourself? It's easy; just leave your name and email address in a comment below for a chance to win a copy! I'll choose a random winner on Thursday before noon (EST).

Disclaimer: I was given a free copy of this ebook to review, but the opinions expressed are my own.

Tattoo a Banana (book review)

Tattoo a Banana? Say what? Don't you recognized the famous David on the banana on the cover. Phil Hansen's premise is that anyone can be an artist with anything. Even me, and I can't draw a stick figure. Turns out I don't have to with this fun how-to book that includes templates and directions for original, creative, outlandish works of art.

Fun, fun, fun! Our only problem was deciding which project to tackle first!

Disclaimer: The publisher sent me this book totally for free, but the opinions expressed are my own.

Unglued (book review)

Lysa TerKeurst's new book, Unglued, was written specifically for me. Okay, maybe not, but it sure felt like it as I worked through it! Why is it that when I'm at church or out with casual friends, I can be Mrs. Calm, Cool, and Collected, but just let one of my kids leave dirty socks in the back of my car (oh yes!), and I become completely unglued in the mouth? I'd love to say I'm not a freak-out kind of person, but I'd be totally lying. I usually try to stuff it all in, but when that fails, watch out!

Lysa honestly, lovingly, and clearly unpacks the glue to help us put ourselves back together. She gives us permission to make imperfect progress, thank goodness. She backs up and applies her practical wisdom with God's ultimate wisdom.

I give Unglued two enthusiastic thumbs up. Gather a group of girlfriends and start letting God glue yourself back together. Go buy it & the participant's guide over on Amazon (not an affiliate link).

Disclaimer: The publisher provided me with an ARC copy of Unglued in order to preview and review it, but the opinions expressed are entirely my own.

The Guest Book (book review)

Looking for a great summer read? Look no further than Marybeth Whalen's latest novel, The Guest Book. Set at one of my favorite places--a North Carolina beach--reading The Guest Book almost makes my toes feel like they're sunk in the sand. I've signed lots of guest books in bed and breakfast inns, but I've never drawn pictures, as Macy Dillon has. She drew her first guest book picture when she was just five, and she was delighted when her family returned to the inn the following year to discover that a little boy had drawn her a picture in reply. This pattern continued for over ten years, until Macy's family decided they couldn't bear to return because of the painful memories of her recently deceased father that the beach brought.

Fast forward another ten years, and Macy is once more returning to Sunset Beach with her family, including her own five-year-old daughter. Macy hopes to finally discover the identity of the boy who once captured her heart with his drawings, but when three possibilities present themselves, the search becomes harder instead of easier.

The ending actually surprised me! I stayed up late two nights in a row to finish the book; it was a page turner for sure.

*Disclaimer: Zondervan gave me a free copy of this book in exchange for a review, but the opinions expressed are my own.

The Voice (book review)

Looking for a fresh word from The Word of God? Look no further than The Voice, a brand-new, dynamic translation of the New Testament. It's presented as a "collage of compelling narratives, poetry, song, truth, and wisdom." Its creation was meant to promote longer, narrative, dramatic, public readings of the New Testament. Its unique screenplay format will draw audiences in like no other previous translation.

The Voice invites readers to "step into the story of Scripture." Additions and expanded material not found in the original languages are clearly marked in this thought-for-thought translation. Included are introductions to each book and selected readings for all of the ecclesiastical observations.

The Voice is not for everyone. But, if you're looking for a novel, dramatic way to present the story of the New Testament to an audience, then it's for you.

Disclaimer: I received a free e-copy of The Voice from Thomas Nelson via Net Galley in exchange for a review. The opinions expressed are my own.  

Eyes of Justice (book review)

Lis Wiehl and April Henry have done it again. They made me stay up way past my bedtime, cowering under the covers, finishing Eyes of Justice. Allison the prosecutor, Nicole the FBI agent, and Cassidy the crime reporter return in this latest installment of The Triple Threat Club. But then, one of them is brutally murdered.

The other 2 members of The Triple Threat Club, though thoroughly shaken, are determined to bring the killer to justice. They think they've succeeded, but then he strikes again. Will he ever be caught? Will The Triple Threat Club ever be the same again? Read it for yourself; you won't be disappointed.

Disclaimer: I received this e-book for free from Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for a review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Pursuit of Proverbs 31 (book review)

 I don't know about you, but most of the time I feel like I could never possibly live up to the ideal wife/mother/business owner portrayed in Proverbs 31. Fortunately, we don't have to. Amy Bayliss, author of the brand new Pursuit of Proverbs 31 e-book, shares from her heart how to let go of unrealistic expectations.

First, Amy shatter the myth of the unattainable superwoman. Proverbs 31:10-31 is an acrostic poem filled with principles, not an impossible list of achievements. Phew! Then, she focuses on several principles found here that should be the desires of our hearts: a relationship with God, being a godly wife, being a godly mother, being a good manager of our households, being resourceful, and being transformed by God.

The only fault I could find within the pages of Pursuit of Proverbs 31 is that the leap from the poem in Proverbs 31 to the list of principles it holds was not clear. Of course, Amy does reinforce throughout the book that we are to study the Scriptures for ourselves (and the first chapter includes specific how-tos and resources); if we do that, then it's not much of a leap from the impossible to a poem to the principles.

Each chapter gives very practical suggestions for how to apply the poem's principles to our daily lives. The chapter titles are as follows:

• Shattering the Myths
• The Real Woman of Proverbs
• Living In Relationship with God
• Be His Wife, His Helpmate
• Create a Biblical Marriage
• Being a Mother
• Home and Family Management
• Pocket Full of Resources
• A Woman of Ministry
• Matters of the Soul

Lest we get hung up on the idea that Amy writes from a lofty position of having arrived already, she shares honestly and openly about her own struggles. She makes me feel life if she can pursue the ideals in Proverbs 31 without losing her sanctification, then I surely can, too.

Ready to be released from the seemingly impossible to-do list in Proverbs 31? Visit the Pursuit of Proverbs 31 website to purchase it for Kindle or as a PDF for only $4.99.

I highly recommend Pursuit of Proverbs 31 for any Christian woman/teen who wants to be a godly woman, but who feels too intimidated to open that chapter in her Bible.

Disclaimer: The author provided me with a fee PDF of this book in exchange for a review; however, the opinions expressed are my own.

Homeschooling Gifted and Advanced Learners (book review)

Kids who are gifted and/or academically advanced are in a category unto themselves. While I've seen many resources for parents of kids who have special needs, this is the first resource I've seen that addresses gifted and advanced learners in the homeschooling arena. I only wish I'd seen it before I graduated my then 15-year-old from our homeschool!

The author, Cindy West, is a veteran homeschooler with gifted children; she knows what she's talking about. She includes practical ideas, websites, and resources, not just pie-in-the-sky theories. She also addresses practical ideas for those who struggle in certain areas (even if they're gifted in other areas). Cindy has information about all of the core curriculum areas, including how to find curriculum that will challenge your advanced learners. She helps parents think through the best course of action for each student; this is not just a one-size-fits-all solution manual. Cindy even incorporates practical ideas on how to find creative outlets for talented kids and how to find true intellectual peers.

Homeschooling Gifted and Advanced Learners is available from Prufrock Press, Inc. for just $24.95 (paperback) or $19.95 (PDF). I highly recommend this resource if you're already homeschooling or considering homeschooling kids who are gifted.

Disclaimer: I was given a copy of this book for free in exchange for a review. The views expressed are my own.

The Ultimate Prescription (book review)

 . . . What the Medical Profession Isn't Telling You. Are more prescriptions really the answer to our wide-spread health issues? "Take 2 and call me in the morning" just isn't cutting it anymore.

Board-certified cardiologist Dr. James Marcum explains the biblical plan for spiritual and physical health that will help us feel energetic and beat stress naturally. I don't know about you, but this fits in nicely with my New Year's resolution to be more healthy and more natural.

Marcum reviews the 7 days of creation and then explains how each element (air, water, rest, etc) is necessary for our well being. That's our ultimate prescription. Simple, yet complex in our modern-day lives. On the road of life, God is not a police officer; rather, he is our support team. Marcum says that God's love and God's directions will set us free from the stressors that can cause heart problems--and many other chronic health issues, I suspect.

Purchase your own copy from CBD or Amazon.

Disclaimer: Tyndale provided me with a free copy of this book in exchange for a review; however, the opinions expressed are my own.

Longing (book review)

Bailey is longing for a romantic relationship. Leaving ends with a long silence from Cody. When Brandon Paul, the handsome movie star, pursues Bailey, she thinks she's found what she's looking for in a future mate. Considering the huge romantic gestures he makes and the amount of attention he lavishes, I can't say I blame her. But, Cody hasn't disappeared from Bailey's life forever. Who else would he call when he need encouragement? Why would Bailey's heart respond as it does if she's completely over Cody?

I think Karen persuaded me to switch from team Cody to team Brandon in this book! No one but Karen Kingsbury elicits such heart-involvement with characters. Karen writes for today's readers--not last decade's readers. I'm waiting with baited breath for the Bailey Flannigan finale, Loving, due out this March.

Disclaimer: Zondervan provided me with a free e-copy of this book through Net Galley. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

Louisa, book and reading guide review

Louisa is the story of a young, African-American girl who was taken from her family and native country as a young girl. Her inspiring story includes details of learning to read, write, and speak English in her new Boston home. She eventually became an internationally known poetess and gained her freedom. Louisa is loosely based on the life of African-American poetess Phillis Wheatley.


The novel is inspiring and touching. Written from a first-person point of view, the book enables younger readers to relate to Louisa's feelings and escapades. Set during the late 18th century, it adds real-life depth to American history and evangelical studies. 


The Resource Book for Louisa: A Guide for Teachers provides everything homeschool or classroom teachers need to make this a full unit study. Included are journal writing prompts, thought questions, worksheets, projects, vocabulary, a test, teaching tips, and background information. Although not stated, the grade range looks to be about 5-8. The resources are thorough enough to pick and choose, yet not too overwhelming. There's a good variety of projects for writers and those who hate to write.


Hurry on over to Parson Place Press and purchase your set today! The novel would make a great Christmas present.

Disclaimer: Parson Place Press sent me a complimentary copy of Louisa and The Resource Book for Louisa for me to review. The opinions expressed are my own though.

Warring Spirits (book preview)

There’s a party going on!! Historical fiction author April W Gardner is celebrating the release of Warring Spirits, the second book in her Creek Country Saga! Everyone who purchases Warring Spirits on Amazon on Thursday, December 15, 2011, will be entered into SIX different drawings for some cool and unique prizes. That’s right—ONE purchase. SIX chances to win.  CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS. She’s also giving away personalized, signed book plates (labels for the inside cover). One for every book you purchase. That’s a lot of bang for your buck. Order today and cross a few names off your Christmas list! So what’s this book about? Warring Spirits is the sequel to Wounded Spirits, April’s Grace Award winning debut novel. 


Here’s a bit about today’s featured novel:  Where blood is spilt, unexpected love may bloom. In 1816 Georgia, escaped slaves control the land just beyond the American border in Las Floridas. Lost somewhere between white and black worlds, Milly follows hope to the only place that can offer her refuge—the place Georgians are calling Negro Fort. The first, sweet taste of freedom convinces Milly that surrender is not an option. Death would be more welcome. Major Phillip Bailey has orders to subdue the uprising and return the runaways to their masters. Forced to fight alongside Creek warriors—the same who etched the scars into his mind and flesh—Phillip primes himself for battle.  But inside, a war already rages—return for the woman he thought lost to him or concede her to the enemy she loves; follow orders or follow his heart.

Wanna know more about these great prizes? Get on over to APRIL'S PLACE to see what all the hoopla's about!


Book excerpts are a great way to get a feel for the author’s writing style, so I asked April to share a scene with us. Here’s a taste of chapter one when the hero and heroine meet.


Ears finely tuned, Phillip crept toward his cap which lay before a scanty shrub. The bush shook violently. He jerked his musket up then back down as a woman sprang from concealment.  Her skirt snagged, abruptly halting her flight. As her hands battled to extricate the fabric, she lifted her bonneted head, exposing large, fearful eyes and a face which glowed pale in the waning daylight. Unless the encroaching night was playing tricks on him, this woman was white. Not the midnight skin of a runaway or the smooth olive of a Spaniard, but white. Nearly as white as Phillip.  He settled the butt of his musket at his feet. “Ma’am? What are you doing out here?” Her struggle grew more desperate until the sound of ripping preceded her tumble. Mostly hidden by palmettos, she scooted backward on the ground. Still many yards distant, Phillip reached a hand to her, unable to imagine why she might be afraid of him. “I won’t hurt—”


A black man, large as a bear, darted from behind a thick pine to Phillip’s right. His sprint carried him across Phillip’s path and directly toward the woman.  “No! Get away.” Her words came out a garbled croak.


“Halt!” Phillip flipped the weapon back into position and aimed it at the slave’s chest.  Unfazed, he kept moving and would have intercepted the woman except for the stone she hurled. It thudded off his shoulder and stopped him dead in his tracks. He swiveled to face Phillip, who had shortened the distance between them, his eye never leaving the musket’s sites. “One more step, and before the night's out, I’ll bury you where you stand.”


The man’s shoulders rose and fell with each rapid breath, but his stony face showed no fear. “Then you bettah do it. Otherwise, it’ll be you what's buried. See, I plan to make it to that fort, and losin’ my life to do it is no mattuh to me.”


Phillip’s brother, Dixon, had often said that a man who didn’t value his own life made the most dangerous of enemies. This one wouldn’t live long enough to become that. Phillip leveled his musket’s barrel at the big man’s heart. In response, he took a single step forward. “Don’t shoot!” The woman stumbled forward, placing herself between the runaway and the iron-tipped muzzle.


Reflexively, he skipped to the side to maintain his aim on the man. “Step away, ma’am. Don’t want you hurt.” What was she thinking? She mirrored his movements, keeping herself between them. “No one needs to get hurt.” “Move away from him, and let me handle this.” 


She faced Phillip, her large brown eyes pleading. “Let him go. Please.”


“Woman, are you crazy?” The black man voiced Phillip’s own thoughts. She was either insane or suffering from over-exposure. Weapon still trained on the runaway, Phillip took a quick step forward and flailed at her, trying to grab her by the arm. She skittered to the side, and he swiped nothing but air. “Get out of the way,” he snapped. Not one of his men would have dared defy his command, yet this woman stood her ground. She backed further away from him and dangerously close to the black man. 


“He didn’t run a hundred miles just to be shot down defenseless in the woods a day away from the only chance at freedom he’ll ever have.” Her voice shook, but her rigid back told Phillip she wouldn’t give in any time soon.


With his mind concocting a way to move the woman and save both their necks, Phillip was only half-listening. “What are you talking about?” Although shadows fell across her face, Phillip didn’t miss the softening of her eyes or the quiver of her lips. Her passion for this slave’s freedom furrowed Phillip’s brow.


“If you were fighting for your life, wouldn’t you want a fair shot at it?” she asked. Like a Red Stick’s arrow, her soft-spoken question pierced him, immobilizing his thoughts to anything beyond one image—his brother’s doom-stricken features and the blood-thirsty warriors that swarmed him.


“Yes,” he rasped. Surprise widened her eyes and parted her lips—a lovely image to return to after his disturbing trip to the past. For one instant, Phillip would have done anything she asked. He lowered his musket and stretched a hand toward her...


Sound intriguing? Head over to APRIL'S PLACE to learn more! Or go straight to AMAZON to get your copy.

--April W Gardner is a multi-published author and the founder and senior editor of the fun literary site, Clash of the Titles.

A Christmas Journey Home (book review)

I've got strong opinions about illegals sneaking over American borders, and I bet some of you do, too. Well, thanks to Kathi Macias's A Christmas Journey Home, I have a whole new perspective on the issue! Isabella, an illegal immigrant hoping for a better life, and Miriam, mourning the death of her border-patrol husband, seem  to be separated by more than a boundary line. One woman's journey has brought her closer to God, while the other woman's journey has brought her further from God. But, miracles happen on Christmas Eve. 

Written with sensitivity and insight, A Christmas Journey Home drew my sympathies on both sides of the border. Instead of the fluffy, easy holiday read I expected (I should have known better with Kathi's book!), I received a thought-provoking fictionalization of the real-life drama that happens every day here in our country as well as in Mexico.

I highly recommend A Christmas Journey Home, and it would make a perfect gift for the readers on your list. All of Kathi's books can be purchased through Amazon.

Disclaimer: I received this book as a gift from the author with no strings attached. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Life Application Study Bible Devotional (book review)

What could be better than the original Life Application Study Bible? Why, the new devotional book based on its concepts, of course! The developers have taken the same attention to detail and the same application concepts previously used and focused on the life of Jesus as seen through the Gospels. Each week focuses on a single event from Christ’s life with Scripture verses, thought-provoking devotionals, soul-searching questions, and ideas for deeper prayer. Call me shallow, but I also like that there are only 6 days of devotions for each week. I love the depth and the concentrated focus of this devotional. Don’t be worried that this devotional will take a huge chunk of your day; it’s designed to be read in as little as 5 minutes, so even the busiest people among us have no excuse for skipping it. This unique devotional draws from three different translations of the Bible: NLT, NIV, NKJV.

If you’re ready to join me in walking where Jesus walked and learning from His ministry, click here to get more information.

This books was provided to me by Tyndale free of charge in exchange for a review. The opinions expressed are, however, my own.

Bethany

Cherished (a book review)

Author Kim Cash Tate dives into the deep end of God’s forgiveness and human relationships in Cherished. Just as it looks like Kelli’s once-dead dreams of becoming a songwriter can be resurrected, her past returns to haunt her. When the woman who almost broke up her best friend’s marriage needs a friend, what will Kelli do?

As someone who needs forgiveness and who longs to feel cherished, I devoured this book. The depth of God’s forgiveness is amazing, but we sadly forget that fact all too often. Tate used the beauty of human relationships to mirror the beauty of our relationship with God. It’s always reassuring that happy endings are possible.

Ready to purchase your own copy of Cherished? Head on over to Thomas Nelson.

This e-book was provided to me completely free of charge by Thomas Nelson’s BookSneeze program in exchange for a review. The opinions expressed are my own.

Bethany

My So-Called Life as a Proverbs 31 Wife (book review)

Sara Horn is a real person. Usually when I read books about the Proverbs 31 Wife or another type of biblically based womanhood, I come away feeling deflated and defeated. Okay, I often feel that way just looking at the cover! Anyway, My So-Called Life as a Proverbs 31 Wife is for all of us real women with real lives out there. If Sara has a sink full of dirty dishes and uses frozen meals as a base for her dinners, there’s hope for me, too. Or maybe being a Proverbs 31 wife isn’t about clean dishes and totally-from-scratch meals.
When I started laughing on the first page, I knew it was going to be a good book. Just as Sara thinks she’s got this whole Proverbs 31 Wife thing figured out, her life situation changes. We walk together through her experimental year and learn what it means to be a godly woman, how important it is to invest in faith and in family, and how even mistakes can be used to grow spiritually. I’ve been inspired to rethink the whole ideal wife thing, and so will you.
Harvest House Publishers provided me with a free review copy of this book via Net Galley in exchange for my opinion, but the views expressed are my own. Find out where to pick up your own copy here.