Friday, September 30, 2016

Take the Bible Challenge

How much do you know about the Bible and its influence on our culture, history–and the whole world? Focus on the Family and Bring Your Bible have teamed up to create a quiz to test how much you and your kids know about the Bible. Take the quiz to find out!




Don't forget to mark your calendars to celebrate religious freedom with other students across the U.S. on October 6—Bring Your Bible to School Day! Students from kindergarten to college will be bringing their Bibles to school and sharing God with their friends in just a few short weeks. Sign up to be a part of the movement to protect religious freedom for future generations.




bybts-signup-sidebar 


By signing up, you’ll receive a free guide with tips, downloadable posters, sticker and T-shirt designs, information on your legal rights, and other fun, interactive activities.




You’ll also be automatically entered for a chance to win a free trip for four to hear the Newsboys, an award-winning Christian music band, in Dallas!


Plus Bring Your Bible to School Comes to Adventures in Odyssey

sept-oac-art-250x250 


Getting used to a new school isn’t easy, especially for someone as paranoid as Buddy Norman. In “A Predicament of Biblical Proportions” he envisions wacky worst-case encounters with townsfolk who seem like mobsters, snoops and fairy-tale tyrants—until he gets to know them. He’s also a little confused about Bring Your Bible to School Day. What’s it about? Should he participate? See Odyssey through Buddy’s eyes in this witty celebration of religious freedom.




Listen to this story through a two-week trial only on the Odyssey Adventure Club.

Thursday, September 29, 2016

Choose and Choose Again


In Choose and Choose Again, the reader will encounter story after story of different people, most of whom are from Hope Community Church of Detroit, where Pastor Butcher has been sharing the healing love of God for thirteen years. They represent men and women, African American, Caucasian, Latino, and Asian, urban and suburban, professional types and prostitutes, clergy and addicts, drunks and lawyers and convicts―wounded human beings who have found themselves empty, dying, and longing to be filled.

The stories are not only about their own healing and restoration but also about how the love of God heals. Butcher hopes that readers will find before them a path of healing that they feel compelled to embrace. He begins with his own story of emptiness and despair, and his journey to healing, but the ultimate power of his message is that this healing journey is for anyone who is willing to own his or her emptiness and hold one’s heart out to God, who is desperately longing to love each person all the way home.

My thoughts: Wow, I needed this book! It is a beautiful reminder of God's love for us and that we need to be living that love. I was so moved by the stories of people who had a rough childhood or adulthood (often both. It's so sad how a horrible childhood can leave people scarred and set the stage for adulthood. But, this book shows the power of God's love), but how they found God's love and how life changing that knowledge is.
It really hit home for me when he talks about seeing others with the love of God when we know we are secure in God's love.
I highly recommend this book, though parts of it are tough to read.
I received this book from Tyndale in exchange for my honest review.

The Bread Baker's Apprentice


Co-founder of the legendary Brother Juniper’s Bakery, author of the landmark books Brother Juniper’s Bread Book and Crust & Crumb, and distinguished instructor at the world’s largest culinary academy, Peter Reinhart has been a leader in America’s artisanal bread movement for over fifteen years. Never one to be content with yesterday’s baking triumph, however, Peter continues to refine his recipes and techniques in his never-ending quest for extraordinary bread.

In The Bread Baker’s Apprentice, Peter shares his latest bread breakthroughs, arising from his study in several of France’s famed boulangeries and the always-enlightening time spent in the culinary academy kitchen with his students. Peer over Peter’s shoulder as he learns from Paris’s most esteemed bakers, like Lionel Poilâne and Phillippe Gosselin, whose pain à l’ancienne has revolutionized the art of baguette making. Then stand alongside his students in the kitchen as Peter teaches the classic twelve stages of building bread, his clear instructions accompanied by over 100 step-by-step photographs.

You’ll put newfound knowledge into practice with 50 new master formulas for such classic breads as rustic ciabatta, hearty pain de campagne, old-school New York bagels, and the book’s Holy Grail–Peter’s version of the famed pain à l’ancienne. En route, Peter distills hard science, advanced techniques, and food history into a remarkably accessible and engaging resource that is as rich and multitextured as
the loaves you’ll turn out. This is original food writing at its most captivating, teaching at its most inspired and inspiring–and the rewards are some of the best breads under the sun.Co-founder of the legendary Brother Juniper’s Bakery, author of the landmark books Brother Juniper’s Bread Book and Crust & Crumb, and distinguished instructor at the world’s largest culinary academy, Peter Reinhart has been a leader in America’s artisanal bread movement for over fifteen years. Never one to be content with yesterday’s baking triumph, however, Peter continues to refine his recipes and techniques in his never-ending quest for extraordinary bread.

In The Bread Baker’s Apprentice, Peter shares his latest bread breakthroughs, arising from his study in several of France’s famed boulangeries and the always-enlightening time spent in the culinary academy kitchen with his students. Peer over Peter’s shoulder as he learns from Paris’s most esteemed bakers, like Lionel Poilâne and Phillippe Gosselin, whose pain à l’ancienne has revolutionized the art of baguette making. Then stand alongside his students in the kitchen as Peter teaches the classic twelve stages of building bread, his clear instructions accompanied by over 100 step-by-step photographs.

You’ll put newfound knowledge into practice with 50 new master formulas for such classic breads as rustic ciabatta, hearty pain de campagne, old-school New York bagels, and the book’s Holy Grail–Peter’s version of the famed pain à l’ancienne. En route, Peter distills hard science, advanced techniques, and food history into a remarkably accessible and engaging resource that is as rich and multitextured as
the loaves you’ll turn out. This is original food writing at its most captivating, teaching at its most inspired and inspiring–and the rewards are some of the best breads under the sun.

My thoughts: I worked for a bakery for over a decade and LOVED it, but we didn't make a lot of these breads, so I was thrilled to get this book to review. The book is full of wonderful information to help the average Joe master some gorgeous, tasty breads. I always wanted to make more rustic breads (more than just sandwich breads), so this book was just perfect for me! If you are looking to learn how to bake bread or want to know how to make a wider variety of breads, then this is a perfect book for you! It makes an excellent addition to any cookbook collection.
I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.

Two Children's books by Catherine Christensen


We love books at our house, so my daughter was thrilled for me to review something that is geared towards her age group.;) I love these two books! Blessing the Nephite Children is an adorable board book that shows how much Jesus loves little children and how He blessed them. It was a hit! I love to see her sit and try to "read" the book to herself or her brother. It has such an important message for kids!
The Holy Ghost; Discovering Your Extraordinary New Gift is a fun book of activities geared towards children who are about to be baptized or who have just been baptized. I love the variety, there are color pages, places to write personal testimonies, and fun games. This one is a little over her comprehension, as a toddler, but I think that it will be fun to start working on some of the pages, even if it takes a while for her to fully comprehend. It's amazing what kids pick up on.;)
Both of these books are excellent for young children! I highly recommend the board book for baby showers and toddlers! The activity book is excellent for elementary age.
I received these two books from Cedar Fort in exchange for my honest review.

Wednesday, September 28, 2016

Total Family Makeover


Train children in the way they should go; when they grow old, they won’t depart from it. —Proverbs 22:6

God calls us as parents to be key disciple-makers in our children’s lives, but if we’re honest, some days it’s a battle just to get them dressed and ready for school on time. How can you mold their hearts when sometimes you can’t even find their shoes?

In Total Family Makeover, author Melissa Spoelstra gives parents a way—a sort of spiritual track to run on—when it comes to building family discipleship. She focuses on eight key habits of growth:

—Spending Time in Prayer
—Reading God’s Word
—Growing Through a Mentoring Relationship
—Finding Community in the Church
—Serving Others
—Taking Time to Rest
—Giving Back to God
—Sharing Your Faith

Disciples are made, not born. Whether your children are babes in arms or teenagers getting ready to leave the nest, making disciples at home starts with you! Give your family a makeover with this practical approach to helping your children learn what it means to be a follower of Jesus.

MY thoughts: This book has some wonderful ideas on how to implement important habits in your family's lives. A lot of us what to teach our children how to pray and the importance of time spent with God in devotions, but this book does an excellent job of laying out practical ways to help your family become a family of disciples. I appreciate Melissa's honesty and enjoyed the stories that she shared to tie her points together. I also love that she uses a lot of scripture verses and has great discussion questions to accompany each chapter.
This is an excellent parenting book! While I feel like it was good for me to read with young children, I think a lot of it is geared towards families with a little older children, like from age 4 on.
I received this book from Litfuse in exchange for my honest review.

Tuesday, September 27, 2016

Blown Together


When love storms in…
Wealth manager Sam Conrad is accustomed to his domineering father ordering him around, especially at the bank where they both work. But when his father demands that Sam manage the inheritance of his bossy ex-fiancée, Sam has finally had enough. He leaves in search of a new life, and attorney Big Roy Bosarge from Mobile, Alabama, agrees to mentor Sam on his quest for direction. Sam didn’t expect to be thrown together with Big Roy’s eccentric and opinionated daughter.

Storm damage forces lonely romance writer Elinor Bosarge and her hairless cat, Mr. Darcy, out of her Fort Morgan Beach cottage. She plans to take refuge in the boathouse on her parents’ estate, but finds the place already occupied by one of her father’s “projects.” She’s shocked her father would allow another young man onto the property after his last mentee robbed her family and broke her heart. And from the moment she meets Sam Conrad, they disagree about everything from her cat to how to best renovate a local nursing home.

Between her mother’s health issues and the hurricane brewing in the Gulf, Elinor feels like her life is being ripped apart. It doesn’t help that she’s falling for the man she’s determined not to trust. Sam finds himself drawn to Elinor, wanting to help her and this new family he’s grown to love. But can he overcome the barrier she’s built to keep him out? When the storm rages and the two of them are blown together, can Elinor find the faith to open her heart again?

My thoughts: I have enjoyed all the books in the series, but I think that this one may of been my favorite (though, book 3 was a tough one to beat!). I loved the characters and how unique and fun they are to get to know! It's hard not to fall in love with both of them, especially Elinor. I loved what a deep character she is! I wasn't sure that I would like her, from what I knew about her in the other book, but Janet did a wonderful job of showing why she came off as a bit prickly.;)
I like that each book in the series deals with issues. The theme for this one seemed to be growing old, since the characters are involved with helping at a nursing home.
I highly recommend this series!
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.

Ella's Will


Will Hawkins is just a mere stable boy. How can he ever think to woo Ella, his once-wealthy childhood friend who is stubbornly independent, especially when his competition is the prince? Without any magic or fairy godmothers, Will must show Ella that he is her true prince charming in this perspective twist of the Cinderella story.

My thoughts: While I didn't read the first story, which tells things from the perspective of Ella, I still enjoyed this book and feel like it did just fine as a stand alone. I enjoyed getting to know Will, a young man who knew Ella as a young child before everything changed. When she is brought back into his life and he sees how her circumstances have changed, he seeks to lend her a hand. I like how Jessilyn gives us a different sort of heroine with her Ella. One who chooses a little different path than we generally think when it comes to fairy tales and happily ever after.;)
I received this book from Cedar Fort in exchange for my honest review.

Coldwater Warm Hearts Club


“A unique take on what it means to go home again.” —Kristan Higgins, New York Times bestselling author

The lake is crystal blue, the hills roll for miles, and breaking news travels via the Methodist prayer chain. But don’t let the postcard fool you. Coldwater Cove, Oklahoma, leavens its small-town charm with plenty of Ozark snark.

For Lacy Evans, returning to flyover country is the definition of failure. She had everything she wanted—an award-winning design firm, a chic city condo, a handsome, aristocratic almost-fiancé. Then her boyfriend ran off with her receptionist and her clients' money. Now she’s out of business and crashing on her parents’ couch. When she slides into a booth at the Green Apple Grill, she's feeling lower than a worm's belly.


But Lacy’s old classmate Jacob Tyler is happy to see her. Coldwater’s football hero came back from Afghanistan short part of a leg and some peace of mind, but he’s counting his blessings, and Lacy could be one of them. Then there’s her ex, Daniel, wearing a sheriff’s badge and a wedding ring, but looking like young summer love. And a host of unlikely serendipities: the selfless do-gooders who sneak around taming curmudgeons and constructing second chances. The Fighting Marmots. The sprawling, take-no-prisoners Bugtussle clan.

Lacy thought she knew her hometown, and herself. She just wanted to get on her feet and keep running. But the longer she stays, the more she finds to change her mind. . .

“Readers of sweet romance will fall in love with Coldwater Cove. Lexi Eddings’s talent shines in this edgy, fresh story.” —Kristan Higgins, New York Times bestselling author

My thoughts: I wasn't sure what I was going to think of this story when it first arrived, though I was hoping it would be a sweet homecoming story. It was excellent! I like that there is a lot going on and that the story is told from different point of views. You have Lacy, a young woman who thought she had left small town living behind when she moved to Boston, but is now back with her dreams in shambles. Jake, who is incredibly complex with still dealing with his wounds, visible and invisible, from his military days. And Daniel, a man who has messed up big time and is looking to make amends. This taste of small town living is delightful!
I would recommend this for an older audience, since there is some language and inappropriate thoughts that I could of done without. I still enjoyed the story and the introduction to the Warm Hearts Club!
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.

Monday, September 26, 2016

Take Ten: Fall TBR list


It's funny how summer could pass both quite fast and so slow at the same time! It was beginning to seem like Fall would never get here.;) I love this time of year, everything pumpkin, the excuse to bake, Thanksgiving (!), crunchy leaves, bonfires, pulling out my boots... The list goes on! It is also a great time of year to grab a cup of tea (or, whatever your hot beverage of choice is) and curl up with a good book. I look forward to getting the chance to read these books!

1. Ella's Will

I haven't read the first book, but I look forward to reading this one!

2. Total Family Makeover

I need to get on reading this one, since I have to review it soon!

3. Shaken

So, um... I'm not really a big sports fan, and I have never actually seen Tim Tebow play football (because I basically only accidentally watch football, or any other professional sport, for that matter. T-ball is more my speed. lol), but I had the chance to be a part of the launch team. It looks like an interesting book!

4. 40 Days to a Joyful Motherhood

I'm just slightly addicted to coloring books, though I don't have a lot of time to devote to them. So, I am all about this one for mothers!

5. Riley Unlikely

This one looks great! I love that she has a thrift store to fund operations!

6. The Devoted

I'm not usually into reading Amish fiction, but this series has been interesting.

7. The Blue Ribbon Brides Collection

This is another one I will need to review. It looks like it is a collection of sweet stories!

8. A Portrait of Emily Price

I love Katherine Reay, so I hope this one will be amazing like her previous books!

9. Unblemished

This is another one that I have high hopes for.;)

10. A Season to Love


What books should I add to my list? What books are a must for your Fall TBR?

Sunday, September 25, 2016

The Second Season


Eleanor Hopkins has lived in disappointment for far too long believing that her husband only married her for fortune, and she determines to protect her own daughters from such misery by scheming to secure offers for both Lucy and Caroline based on mutual rank and reputation. When Caroline finds that the handsome and reputable Lord Searly desires her as his wife, she finds that no amount of planning or pretending can convince her to accept him. Instead, she is confronted with an unexpected and reluctant suitor in the respectable shoemaker Thomas Clark.

My thoughts: This one is a sweet story of two sisters seeking love during the London season in 1817. I like that the story is also, somewhat, about their parents as well. It was interesting to read a book where the heroine has the chance to either marry up or down in station, since it seems like a lot of the books are about the hero marrying "beneath" him in station.
While I would of liked a bit more to this story, it is a sweet one that I enjoyed! If you like regency style books, then I highly recommend this one to you!
I received this book from Cedar Fort in exchange for my honest review.

Friday, September 23, 2016

See the Newsboys with Adventures in Odyssey

newsboys 


Want to be entered for a chance to win a free trip for four to hear the Newsboys, the award-winning Christian music band, in Dallas? Sign up to be a part of the movement to protect religious freedom for future generations: Bring Your Bible to School Day! Students from kindergarten to college will be bringing their Bibles to school and sharing God with their friends on October 6.




By completing the information on this page, you're automatically entered to win the chance to see the Newsboys with Focus on the Family and Adventures in Odyssey. Don't miss out on the chance to see a fantastic band with your family!


Plus Sign Up for a Free Two-Week Trial of Odyssey Adventure Club

sept-oac-art-250x250 


Getting used to a new school isn’t easy, especially for someone as paranoid as Buddy Norman. In “A Predicament of Biblical Proportions” he envisions wacky worst-case encounters with townsfolk who seem like mobsters, snoops and fairy-tale tyrants—until he gets to know them. He’s also a little confused about Bring Your Bible to School Day. What’s it about? Should he participate? See Odyssey through Buddy’s eyes in this witty celebration of religious freedom.




Listen to this story through a two-week trial only on the Odyssey Adventure Club.

Thursday, September 22, 2016

Celebrate Lit November Celebration Box


The November Celebration Box is here!

This celebration box is a unique, one of a kind box with goodies hand picked by the author just for you! These boxes are special because they are not sold anywhere else. There is a limited supply so be sure to get yours right away!

The November’s box features Carrie Fancett Pagel’s Tea Shop Folly. Sales for the November box will close on October 10 or while supplies last. The first 12 people to order will receive an ebook copy of the Maggie Award 2016 finalist, The Substitute Bride.
The basic box includes:

A minimum of 6 items handpicked by the author themed around the book.
A themed charm specifically chosen for this book.
One lucky box will contain a special teacup and saucer that no one else will receive.
The first 12 people to order will receive an ebook copy of the Maggie Award 2016 finalist, The Substitute Bride.

Along with the basic box, you can purchase the ebook, paperback or an autographed paperback book.

To purchase your box, click here

While My Child is Away


Parents and children are separated for many reasons: divorce, school, camp, even work. It might be for just a few days or indefinitely. These prayers give voice to all that you are hoping for your child when you can’t be the one to meet their needs. Prayers of blessings, protection, instruction and grace. Or prayers for those around your child to choose wisely, see their needs, and love them as you would. Prayers for friends, teachers, coaches and mentors to step in and fill every need. Knowing that a loving Father God is caring for your child, even when you can’t, gives you the peace and assurance that all will be well.

My thoughts: I like how this book is set up! Each chapter starts with several prayers that give parents ideas of what to pray for over their children at all different stages. I like that Edie shares a lot of personal stories and experiences, before summing the chapter up in a few key thoughts. She has so many wonderful ideas in this book! I enjoyed it even more than I thought I would. Especially the reminder to live in the moment. Being a mother is crazy, but we only have our little ones for a short time before they fly the nest.
I received this book from Worthy publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Wednesday, September 21, 2016

The Cursed Dagger


“‘And the Challenge?’ I said.
‘The Challenge will destroy you only you if you lose. Win, and I will walk away from the galaxy forever and leave your family in peace. It’s your choice. Sacrifice yourself for the ones you love, or live and watch them be sacrificed. What will it be?’”

Ian Quicksilver, heir to the Bankhirian throne, has two weeks to get Princess Arianna to fall for him in order to break the curse the magician Silivus has cast over Ian and Ari’s worlds. In the meantime, he still has to go to school, where he is all but invisible, and practice fighting tactics with his guardian, Corbin.

But something is wrong with Ari, and the closer she gets to Ian, the sicker she becomes. After a disastrous dinner that seals Ian as the worst date in the universe, Silivus hits him with a proposal: a winner-take-all challenge that would overrule his quest for Ari’s heart and free them from the curse for good—that is, if Ian can win.

When tragedy strikes Ian’s family and Ari’s illness worsens, Ian must find a way to rise to the challenge, stop a rampaging dragon, and save the day before time runs out for both of them.

My thoughts: This book was a delightful sequel to Ian Quicksilver! I like that there is a lot of humor involved, in addition to it being a science fiction YA novel. The characters are a lot of fun as they navigate being alien, while living on earth as humans for their lives up to the point of the first book. Ian is endearing as he struggles to win the heart of Ari instead of just coming out with it and telling her that they were betrothed at birth and she is stuck with him.;) The ending leaves readers looking forward to the next book!
I received this book from Cedar Fort in exchange for my honest review.

Tuesday, September 20, 2016

Reclamation


When Jace Vega wakes up three years after the eruption of Mount Hood, her life is in turmoil. The future seems to match the images on the tablet, but Corey is missing, and nothing about her relationship with Damien feels right.

As Victor Trent continues to amass power, using information terrorism to make the world dependent on Omnibus technology and his private military force, Omnibus Global Security, Jace knows she doesn’t have much time if she’s going to stop him.

Jace’s reawakening begins a race to the place where it all began: the Point of Origin. If she can only remember where it is.

My thoughts: I feel like I should of gone back to the first book and read it again before starting this one.;) I think they would be best read back to back, though I still enjoyed the story immensely! What's not to like about time travel and wibbly wobbly timey wimey stuff.;) (thank you, tenth Doctor!) I love how the story worked out, since you start the book wondering how things could of gone so upside down for Jace. She lost her memory with the eruption and seems to have made all the wrong choices. As she races against Victor to set things right, it works out just perfectly. If you are looking for a spell binging, suspenseful tale, then I highly recommend this set! It will keep you reading late into the night.;)
I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.

The Berenstain Bears: Book of Prayers


This new prayer book for toddlers features Mama and Papa Bear, Brother, Sister, and Honey. Nearly 50 simple rhyming prayers cover a typical day and the typical worries of a young child. From waking in the morning to going to sleep at night, from thanking God for a meal to praying for His comfort when afraid, the prayers will help little ones see that any moment is a good moment to talk to God. With its soft padded cover and convenient size, the book is the perfect way to teach children about prayer and the ways God cares for us each day.

My thoughts: This is an adorable books for prayers to use from morning until night! My daughter is a huge fan of the Berenstain bears, so she is always grabbing this one (especially when we read a few books before bedtime) and wanting me to read it to her. There are quite a few prayers in here, which I like, since they conver a variety of topics. We don't usually make it through all the prayers in one setting, which I think works well with this book.
The illustrations are adorable and it is a hit with the youngsters at our home!
I received this book from First Look in exchange for my honest review.

Monday, September 19, 2016

Love Unending


A 21-day journey to remember daily why you first fell in love.
Tremendous freedom is found when we start each day without a yesterday hanging over our heads. This book invites you to wake up daily acting and thinking toward your husband as if there was no yesterday to overcome--as if there were no hurts or offenses, and no record of right or wrong. As you complete 21 daily challenges, you ll be reminded of how you felt and acted when you first fell in love. As you remember what you did and how you felt in those early days, you ll see that to keep love from ending, sometimes you have to go back to the beginning.
This book isn't just for those with struggling marriages. It is for anyone who wants to fall in love again with the person they have already chosen for life."

My thoughts: I needed this book! I knew, when I saw it come up for review on blogging for books, that I would enjoy it, since I loved her book on being a mother. This book works as an excellent reminder to focus on the good and remembering the love you felt for your spouse when your love was young. Marriage can change your relationship so much, but it doesn't have to be that way.
It's funny how I kind of burnt myself out on marriage books when my husband and I were first married, so I didn't pick up any for the last several years. Now that we have been married for over five years, I feel like it is a good season to refresh my thoughts on marriage.;) So, whether you are newlyweds or been married for ages, or somewhere in the middle, then this is an excellent book for you. Though, the newlyweds may wind up putting this book on the bookshelf for a few years.;)
I received this book from Blogging for books in exchange for my honest review.

Take ten: Audio


Top ten books I would like to listen on audio:

1. Les Miserables

This one is on my list of classics that I need to get to. It would be the perfect audio to take on a cross country road trip.;)

2. Our Mutual Friend

Another story I have enjoyed, but haven't actually read. (BBC radio drama has a great version of this!)

3. In Between

Because her stories are cute, of course!

4. On the Loose


5-12. Harry Potter

I think the audio would be fun to listen to with this series! I also really like the cover of this one.;)

I'm not really one to listen to audio books, since my mind likes to wander too much, but it would be nice to get into the habit of listening to more while working on projects around the house or when driving. When I drove a lot for work, I would listen to the BBC radio dramas, which are a lot of fun. As are some of the Focus on the Family radio dramas (I love their Chronicles of Narnia!).

Saturday, September 17, 2016

Commit to bring your Bible to school October 6

Celebrate religious freedom with other students across the U.S. on October 6—Bring Your Bible to School Day! Students from kindergarten to college will be bringing their Bibles to school and sharing God with their friends in just a few short weeks. Sign up to be a part of the movement to protect religious freedom for future generations.




By signing up, you’ll receive a free guide with tips, downloadable posters, sticker and T-shirt designs, information on your legal rights, and other fun, interactive activities.




You’ll also be automatically entered for a chance to win a free trip for four to hear the Newsboys, an award-winning Christian music band, in Dallas!


Plus Bring Your Bible to School Comes to Adventures in Odyssey

sept-oac-art-250x250 


Getting used to a new school isn’t easy, especially for someone as paranoid as Buddy Norman. In “A Predicament of Biblical Proportions” he envisions wacky worst-case encounters with townsfolk who seem like mobsters, snoops and fairy-tale tyrants—until he gets to know them. He’s also a little confused about Bring Your Bible to School Day. What’s it about? Should he participate? See Odyssey through Buddy’s eyes in this witty celebration of religious freedom.




Listen to this story through a two-week trial only on the Odyssey Adventure Club.

Friday, September 16, 2016

Earth Psalms


Millions of readers have been transformed and inspired by Francine Rivers’ bestselling novels Redeeming Love and A Voice in the Wind. Now, in this weekly devotional, the beloved author invites you to join her in seeking the Creator through the marvelous natural world we live in. Francine shares observations she’s gathered over a lifetime of exploring―abroad and in her own backyard―and reflects on how they might apply to your daily life. What do the majestic redwoods, the persistent woodpecker, or a glorious sunrise reveal about our artistic and generous God? How could that change your outlook or the way you handle adversity?

Stunning photography, Scripture excerpts, applications, and prayers accompany Francine’s reflections, inspiring you to be encouraged. Be challenged. Be comforted. God’s power is immense; His attention to detail in precise; His love for you is vast and unfailing. The proof is all around you.

My thoughts: Having read quite a few of Francine Rivers fiction stories, I was interested to get this devotional and read something very different by her. I've enjoyed it immensely! I love the weekly devotions that tie nature and scripture together with her beautiful thoughts and photography! I love the variety of topics that are covered in the book, from prayer to protection, faithfulness to living waters. I also like that each devotion is accompanied by thoughts to reflect on, things to apply, and a scripture to connect with God. This book would make a beautiful gift for a friend or loved one, since it is a lovely hardcover book.
I received this book from Tyndale in exchange for my honest review.

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

God Bless Us Everyone


Charlene Dixon—called Charlie by family and friends—is devastated at the recent loss of her job.

For the last five years, the twenty-seven-year-old has blossomed as the activities director of an exclusive all-girls school. But when a misunderstanding with the headmistress leads to a pink slip right before the holidays, Charlie packs up her dreams and returns to her grandmother, Sis, who raised Charlie as her own in the mountains of North Carolina.

When Charlie arrives—broken and confused—Sis immediately puts her granddaughter to work behind the scenes of the local school’s Christmas play, A Christmas Carol. Charlie prickles at working with Dustin Kennedy, the drama teacher and her old crush from schooldays, but is even more put out at that the choice of the Dickens’ classic for the holiday performance. When she discovers her estranged father’s involvement her world turns on its head once more. But when Sis and Dustin encourage her to take a deeper look at the story behind A Christmas Carol, Charlie learns about trust, faith, and forgiveness and the needs of people in their own community.

My thoughts: This novella is a fun way to get ready for the holiday season! (though, I am not really ready to get into the Christmas spirit just yet. I do enjoy listening to Christmas carols year round, so I suppose reading this book isn't that different. lol. And, I still enjoyed it, despite the a/c still running) It is the sweet, modern day story of a young woman who's life begins to parallel Charles Dickens A Christmas Story. I loved the themes of love, forgiveness, and learning to live in the present, despite change.
I received this book from Litfuse in exchange for my honest review.

Monday, September 12, 2016

The Low Pressure Guide to Parenting Your Preschooler


The Low-Pressure Guide to Parenting Your Preschooler is brilliantly written to liberate parents from the expectations of having to be super-parents. It relieves the pressure to follow long lists of rules, to be perfect, and to be enslaved by the idea that, “If you don’t do this, your kids will turn out terribly.” This book shows parents that it’s really not their job to make sure their child turns out “right.” Instead, the author encourages parents to learn the much simpler and more rewarding role God has for them. This book . . .

Assists parents in recognizing the difference between controlling and influencing actions when it comes to raising preschoolers.
Provides a four-quadrant grid that visually clarifies what parents can and can’t control and what they are and aren’t responsible for when it comes to interacting with their child
Distills the mountain of parenting advice and material down to four overarching principles that are clear and doable

The Low-Pressure Guide to Parenting Your Preschooler makes the job of parenting simpler and reduces the stress parents feel when it comes to parenting.

My thoughts: We put so many pressures on ourselves when parenting, since we want what we think is best for our kids and hope that they will turn out perfect. This book was an excellent reminder for me that we are all imperfect creatures, but that God knows that about us and loves us anyways. So, I, as a parent, need to have some grace for both myself and my children. This book has so many excellent points. I really needed to read this one! I appreciated the reminder not to get caught up in the small details, but to enjoy this phase. The good, the bad, and the ugly.;) This book is not about letting your kid run amok, but about learning what is important and what can be let go. I highly recommend this book for parents of preschoolers!
I received this book from Tyndale in exchange for my honest review.

Take Ten: favorites from a specific genre



I figured I would feature my very favorite Christian historical fiction, since I seem to read a fair bit of it.;)

1. A Haven on Orchard Lane


2. An Elegant Facade


4. Chivalrous


5. Harvest of Rubies


6. Anchor in the Storm


7. The Reluctant Duchess


8. A Refuge at Highland Hall


9. The Sea Keeper's Daughter


10. Maggie Bright

A Lady Unrivaled


White Is Quickly Becoming the Top Name in Edwardian Romance

Lady Ella Myerston can always find a reason to smile--even if it's just in hope that tomorrow will be better than today. All her life everyone has tried to protect her from the realities of the world, but Ella knows very well the danger that has haunted her brother and their friend, and she won't wait for it to strike again. She intends to take action . . . and if that happens to involve an adventurous trip to the Cotswolds, then so much the better.
Lord Cayton has already broken two hearts, including that of his first wife, who died before he could convince himself to love her. Now he's determined to live a better life. But that proves complicated when old friends arrive on the scene and try to threaten him into a life of crime. He does his best to remove the intriguing Lady Ella from danger, but the stubborn girl won't budge. How else can he redeem himself, though, but by saving her--and his daughter--from those dangerous people who seem ready to destroy them all?

My thoughts: Wow! I was thrilled to get this book and had a hard time not wanting to just stay up all night and read through Ella's story.;) As it was, I still managed to read through it fairly quickly, and then was sad for the Ladies of the Manor series to be at an end. I would love for the characters to make and appearance in some of Roseanna's upcoming stories.;)
This story is a wonderful conclusion to the series. I loved Ella's character and how she is so full of joy! It was also delightful to get to know Lord Cayton, after his being on the fringe of the previous stories. The historical aspect is rich and I love that there is more going on with the secondary characters.
I highly recommend this book, but also suggest that you start at the beginning of the series, since they definitely entwine and add as the series progresses. Not to mention, they are all just wonderful, so you will want to read all three.;)
I received this book from the author and Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.