The Promises of God Bible Storybook ~ Review

The Promises of God Storybook Bible
The Story of God's Unstoppable Love
By Jennifer Lyell
Illustrated by Thanos Tsilis

This book has over 50 Bible stories (24 from the Old Testament and 28 from the New Testament). Each story is told through a lovely blend of text and illustration. Jennifer Lyell uses her years of experience as a Sunday School teacher in the text portion of the book almost using a conversational style to tell each story. And the illustrations that accompany each will catch young eyes as the story is read.

The book opens with Creation and moves through the first sin, the flood, and Noah's Ark. Then the attention is turned to Abraham and his descendants as they become the nation of Israel while in Eygpt all the while hoping for the promised Savior. Again and again, Israel fell short, failing to heed the word of the prophets God sent to them until years went by with no word from God. After generations of silence, God again spoke to His people but His message was limited to a select few including a young woman named Mary. Mary was to be the mother to God's promised Savior. We are then taken through Jesus's birth, childhood, ministry, and His death. When we read through the story of the Resurrection we notice that the author wove the story of Job into it. The ministry of the disciples following Jesus's accession then takes up the majority of the book with the last two stories coming from Revelation.

This is a nice introduction to the Bible for young readers. I think it is better for children over 2 just for comprehension purposes but that doesn't mean you can't share with those that are younger. I think this would be an excellent choice for either morning or evening devotion times. The length of each story is perfect for young listeners who have a shorter attention span but not so short as to feel skimped. The book is over 200 pages so you can estimate about 4 pages per story.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations but that I offer my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

God’s love is unstoppable. 

And that’s a promise.

Noah’s ark. Joseph’s dreams. Jesus’s miracles. The Bible is rich with stories for our children to hear and enjoy, but when those stories uncover the thread of God’s promises, our children learn much more than individual Bible stories. They discover how God has demonstrated His love for us, from the first promise in the garden to the promise of the new heavens and earth.

A conversational, whimsical, biblically faithful retelling of more than fifty key Bible stories, The Promises of God Storybook Bible lets your child hear favorite stories with new ears, repeatedly assuring them that each word is proof of God’s unstoppable love and unbreakable promises to His people.

God Gave Me Grandma ~ Review

God Gave Me Grandma
Written by Pamela Kennedy
Illustrated by Xenia Pavlova

This is a delightful book that in combination with adorable pictures and text celebrates Grandmas. Whether they are teachings about the world around us, playing with us, or caring for daily needs we can celebrate the gift God gave us when He gave us Grandma!

The book is a padded board book that measures approximately 8-1/4" x 8-1/4" and is a tad under 3/4"wide. The book is 22 pages of colorful images that feature animals in the role of Grandma and Grandchild. The illustrations are colorful with a perfect blend of brights, pastels, and neutrals. The text has a flow that is almost lyrical. Facing pages have images that go with the action of the text (gardening, swinging, cooking, etc.) The animals used include the cover image kitties, dogs, kangaroos, bunnies, mice, raccoons and five more.

This would be an excellent gift to give Grandma and is perfect for any time of the year. It would definitely be a book to read with an adult as it is a bit heavy for little hands - so this would be a sit on the floor lap book (or placed on a table) for young readers who want to hold it themselves.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations but that I offer my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.



About the Book:
It's no secret that children tend to have a special bond with their grandmothers. With humorous art and fun verses, this book celebrates that relationship and recognizes the many ways that grandmothers support, love, and empower their grandchildren.

Easter is Coming ~ Review

Easter is Coming
By Tama Fortner
Illustrated by Wazza Pink

This is a delightful story about Easter that is presented so that even young children can learn that it was a gift of love from God. Children are taken on a short journey through the Bible starting with Creation and the first sin and the message of the prophets. The main focus of this book though is the life of Jesus and that Easter is coming.

This is a board book that measures approximately 8.25" x 8.25" (or 21 x 21 cm). The cover is padded so easy to hold while reading. The illustrations are colorful but soft perfectly complimenting the story. At 23 pages it isn't too long for short attention spans while sharing a powerful and important message Easter is Coming and it is the proof of God's love for us today. Perfect for bedtime reading or as the start to your day. This is a good family time book whether shared with a parent and child or a grandparent and a slew of grandchildren scattered round about.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations but that I offer my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Did you know?... Easter is coming!

This special day is more than bunnies and baskets. It's about God and a love so great that He planned to send His Son to save us...right from the very start.

Designed to be read and reread on the days leading up to Easter, this book teaches little hearts to celebrate and anticipate the true joy of Easter.

Who Sang the First Song? ~ Review

Who Sang the First Song?
By Ellie Holcomb
Illustrated by Kayla Harren

In Who Sang the First Song? the reader is taken on a journey of exploration of discovering who sang the first song. The story has a rhythmic lyrical flow to it and in combination with the illustrations should engage the attention of any young listener/reader.

Have you ever wondered where the first song came from? Well, this delightful picture book asks and answers this very question with the conclusion being God. But He didn't stop there as He gave everyone a song to sing and to hear.

There is limited wording so young readers should be able to (with a little help) make their way through this book. And the illustrations are a powerful companion in sharing the story. The scenes are varied and each has a faint scattering of musical notes throughout.

The book is approximately 9-1/4" x 9-1/2" with 28 unnumbered pages with the first having a to/from plate perfect for gift giving. There is a dust jacket but the same image is on the hardcover beneath (in case little sticky fingers tear the jacket).

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by BH Publishing with no expectations but that I offer my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.



About the Book:
In this engaging picture book with whimsical art, singer/songwriter Ellie Holcomb asks a childlike question and answers with a lovely lyrical tale that shows young readers that God our Maker sang the first song, and He created us all with a song to sing.


About the Author:
Singer-songwriter—and now author—Ellie Holcomb began her musical career touring the country with her husband in the Americana band Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors. Her honest voice and rich lyrics shined on her first solo album and deemed her the Best New Artist at the 2014 Dove Awards. In 2017, she followed with the restorative, hope-inducing Red Sea Road. Ellie, her husband, Drew, and their three children live and make music in Nashville, Tennessee.

Seek-and-Circle Bible Battles ~ Review

Seek-and-Circle Bible Battles
By Alyssa Jones

From the BH Kids Editorial Staff

This is an activity book to help teach children about the armor of God and stories taken from the Old Testament. So get a dry erase marker and get ready to have a fun time while learning from the Bible. The Scripture references for this book come from Ephesians 6:10-19 (The Armor of God), Joshua 6 (The Battle of Jericho), Israel vs. the Five Kings (Joshua 10:1-15), Deborah, Barak, and Jael (Judges 4), Gideon vs. the Midianites (Judges 6-8), David and Goliath (1 Samual 17), and Judah Taken Captive (2 Chronicles 36). 

Now the Scripture is just referenced so you will need to have a Bible nearby so that you can read this before the search for the listed objects commences. Each story is pictured on nearly 2 pages with a list of items to look for. One of the items to be searched for is a piece of the Armor of God. There is a Christ Connection for each story showing how the Old Testament past of Israel was a glimpse of what Christ would be for the whole world. 

I'll admit it is fun trying to find all the objects and this would be a really fun family activity, maybe have different colored markers for each person to use and take turns finding the objects. However you decide to use this book it will be an enjoyable and educational time for all involved. Though I will admit some of the objects may be difficult to identify which is why reading the Scripture first is important as it offers descriptions of the people that may be helpful.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations but that I offer my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Seek, circle, 

and learn!

Maybe you’ve heard about the battle of Jericho and David’s battle against Goliath, but what about the day the sun stood still? Inside this book, explore six of the major battles from the Bible, filled with dozens of items for you to seek and circle! Every battle scene also has something to tell us about God’s plan for His people through His Son, Jesus.

For an added challenge, look for the six pieces of the armor of God as you explore each battle.

Use a wipe-on, wipe-off marker to seek-and-circle over and over again!

This BH Kids book includes a Parent Connection, an easy tool to help moms and dads (or anyone else who loves kids) discuss the book’s message with their child. We’re all about connecting parents and kids to each other and to God’s Word.

Big and Little Coloring Devotional ~ Review

Big and Little Coloring Devotional
Written by Rachel C. Swanson
Illustrated by Jacy Corral

Big and Little Coloring Devotional is a fun and relaxing way to spend time together with your younger family members. The facing pages go together one is a simpler design while other is more intricate. They are themed so that these two pages go together offering a verse of Scripture on both pages and corresponding devotional message on the big page.

The book is softcover so while it does not lay-flat it can get fairly close to it and is an excellent opportunity for parent and child to learn to work together if coloring at the same time. The pages are of a heavier weight but I'd recommend crayons or color pencils just to be sure the color doesn't bleed through to the other side.

One page pairing has the verse: Children obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. The parents are then offered a small insight - they are to lead their children in the Lord. The pages have a penguin family to color as you think on these things.

If you have more than one child you may have to come up with an alternating day coloring system or get a second book to double the enjoyment. This would also be a lovely visit to Grandma and Grandpa's house activity. Do you know someone expecting a new sibling soon - this would be a great big brother/big sister gift with the promise that there will still be a special parent time to come (unwinding de-stressing time for Mom).

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher BH with no expectation except that give my honest opinion ~ all opinions expressed are my own.


About the Book:

Kids crave constant activities and attention. Adults crave quiet moments of refreshment. How can we achieve both? Big and Little Coloring Devotional engages adults’ minds with appealing biblical devotionals while providing a creative outlet through coloring to diffuse stress.

Let’s have fun with our children through coloring and facilitate their spiritual growth with Scripture. Big and Little Coloring Devotional will incorporate physical, spiritual, and emotional refreshment by providing authentic faith-filled devotionals combined with therapeutic doodling for both the adult and child.

About the Author:

Rachel C. Swanson is a dental hygienist turned author and speaker. She’s founder of the blog community RefineAndRestore.com where she pours out "R&R for the Heart and Soul." Her writing is featured on multiple websites worldwide. She’s been married ten years to her husband who loves her despite her love for coffee and often impulsive nature. They rear their tribe of identical twin boys and (nineteen months later) their baby girl ... and a Weimaraner (dog) who thinks she’s human. They reside in a wannabe country town just on the outskirts of the big city Los Angeles, CA. www.RachelCSwanson.com

About the Illustrator:

Jacy Corral (pronounced "Jackie") is an illustrator, hand lettering artist, graphic designer, wife, and mom. After enjoying an extensive career in corporate marketing and design, she traded fancy slacks for yoga pants to focus on the great privilege of raising her daughter, investing in her home and marriage, and creating artwork that helps people to connect and reflect. Jacy lives with her husband, daughter, and miniature poodle in West Los Angeles, CA. She shares her creations regularly on Instagram and at www.hyssopdesign.com.

All the Colors That I See ~ Review

All the Colors That I See
Written by Pamela Kennedy
Illustrated by Holli Conger

Red, blue, green, yellow, orange, brown, purple, gray, white, and black. This cute little board book will teach your little ones about color in a fun interactive way. Each color has a specific activity that the reader is supposed to accomplish while identifying the color. The odd numbered pages (1-17) have the color name centered with the rest of the page showing the color. The facing even numbered pages (2-18) have a scene in which there are various examples of the color which the child then points out. The final two pages have the child using the knowledge they have gained to identify the colors in the picture and offer a Bible verse - Ecclesiastes 3:11.

The book is approximately 6-1/4" x 6-1/2" a good size for little hands to hold and sturdy enough to withstand the inevitable drop. There are 20 unnumbered pages which will hold up to sticky fingers and not tear during the page turning.  This would make a lovely gift for the new big brother or sister-to-be. I can also see this as a fun time spent with Grandma or Grandpa cuddling and reading together.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher B&H with no expectations of a positive review.  All opinions expressed are my own.

About the Book:

What favorite color did God give you?

Green and yellow, red and blue...little ones can learn their colors and learn that each came from God! Toddlers will be encouraged to touch, tap, or pat colors on each page, and a sneaky chameleon will follow them along the way.

When We Say Father ~ Review

When We Say Father
Unlocking the Power of the Lord's Prayer
By Adrian Rogers and
     Steve Rogers

When we say Father we come to the name with certain expectations or disappointments all based on our previous experiences with our own fathers. But this is not how we should come before our Heavenly Father. Rather we need to reset our thinking because God our Father is so much more than what we've ever experienced in our current physical experience.

Prayer is a conversation with God and we've been given an example of how we are to begin this conversation with the Lord's Prayer. We are to come before God addressing his nurturing nature - that of an ideal father. We come before God addressing Him as Father but we must realize that He is not the Father to all but rather to those who have accepted His gift of being born into His family.

I really like When We Say Father and how each line of the prayer is addressed and explained - putting it into perspective for our own lives. When we pray we are to start out by addressing God directly exalting His name. We then ask for His will to be done - in other words, we put God and His wants first in our conversation. By putting God first we don't focus on ourselves - who would start off a conversation with someone saying, "I want such-and-such and this-and-that." Self-focus distracts us from a full and meaningful conversation with God. Only after we focus on God do we ask Him to provide for our daily needs (when we worry about the day-to-day things we are insulting God by not trusting Him to provide).  We follow this by asking for His forgiveness and His assistance to avoid temptations that would lead us into future sins. We end our conversation as we began it focusing on our Father, His kingdom, and His everlasting glory.

This is a lovely book that helps one to understand in a more complete way the gift of prayer. The small size makes it easy to handle and to keep readily handy. You'll want to reread this book as you grow in your daily prayer life with the various scripture references it will prove to be a valuable aid.

I was provided a review copy of this book by the publisher BH Publishing with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. 

About the Book:
Adrian Roger's last written manuscript before his passing in 2005, has been edited and brought together by his son Steve, as a final joint work. When We Say Father takes the Lord's Prayer and breaks it down to its most basic components for readers to easily learn how to pray from the ultimate source, Jesus himself.

Christ Chronological ~ Review

Christ Chronological
Christian Standard Bible (CSB)

This is a unique and interesting way to present the four books of the Gospel. All four books are presented in a chronological format. The four Gospels are side-by-side when they are relating the same events. When all don't present the same event only the book or books that do are on the page. This is different from a Parallel Bible in which the same text is presented in various translations/versions.

Are you thinking "Oh, how will I be able to tell the books apart?" Don't worry each book is printed in a different color. Matthew is blue, Mark is green, Luke is red, and John is purple. There are notes throughout to guide the reader along and these are in black.

The entire Gospel message is presented from before the Birth of Christ opening with John's narrative on the beginning and concluding after the Ascension with John's testimony that the world could not contain all the books that could be written about Jesus.

The textual portions of this Bible go from page 5 to page 139 which is followed by 5 lined pages for notes. The book is hardcovered and is approximately 9" x 9-1/2". The cover has in the lower portion a thorn pattern with the upper portion showing rays spreading upward as from the rising sun.

I was provided a complimentary review copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.


About the Book:
CSB Christ Chronological provides a unique way for readers to experience the life of Christ in chronological order with each Gospel writer’s account of events side-by-side. Featuring a parallel format, commentary notes for each section to provide background and context, and color-coded text to differentiate between the accounts in each Gospel, readers are able to gain a fresh perspective on the life and ministry of Christ. 

CSB Christ Chronological features the highly readable, highly reliable text of the Christian Standard Bible (CSB). The CSB stays as literal as possible to the Bible's original meaning without sacrificing clarity, making it easier to engage with Scripture's life-transforming message and to share it with others.

My Merry Christmas ~ Review

My Merry Christmas
By Sally Lloyd-Jones
Illustrated by Sara Gianassi

This padded board book is delightful and perfect for little readers. The story is 22 pages of illustrations with text on 14 of these pages. The story has a lovely rhythmic flow - "What is Christmas? Do you know?" and with this opening line, the tone is set.

The story has a back-and-forth presentation as cute woodland animals decorate for Christmas and enjoy the season and the Christmas story and the birth of Jesus is told.  The woodland illustrations make use of blues while the Biblical illustrations make use of browns. The illustrations go together and yet each portion has its own unique feel. Kids and adults alike will enjoy this book that ends with John 3:16!

I was provided a review copy of this book by the publisher BH Publishing with no expectation of a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

About the Book:

What is Christmas?

Is it twinkling lights? Angels? Stars? This rhyming story by Sally Lloyd-Jones helps children relate favorite holiday symbols to the true story of Christmas‒the night Jesus was born.

The Lost Sermons of C.H. Spurgeon ~ Review

The Lost Sermons of C.H. Spurgeon
His Earliest Outlines and Sermons 
Between 1851 and 1854  Volume 2
Edited with introduction and notes by Christian T. George

This book is heavy and I don't mean just the subject matter - this book weighs just over 4 pounds. But when one considers the treasure found between these covers it is hard to believe it weighs so little.

The introduction that opens this book allows the reader to understand the world in which these sermons were written. Surgeon's strong stance against slavery understandably made him an unpopular person in the American South. Don't skip this as it is really interesting and there are some really interesting charts that offer a breakdown of the sermons that are in this volume.

Now you are probably wondering about the sermons. Well, in my opinion, this is what makes this book so great. The original notebook which Charles Spurgeon wrote out his outline and notes is scanned and shown in its current condition. The facing page is the same content typed out so that the reader can easily read what Spurgeon put to paper. There are footnotes following each sermon to explain Surgeon's notes or where further references could be found in other sermons.

This is a great book for one who wants to delve into a study of Spurgeon, his sermons, and his thoughts. And when you first pick up this book ignore all the notes and just read. I went back and forth while reading and if you just read the sermons the first time through it is amazing just who powerful some of these messages are. Read the footnotes and such on a second time through. The book is over 565 pages in length. And don't you just love the artwork of the dust jacket? Well, it is inspired by the actual cover of the notebook that Spurgeon used for these sermons. Rather appropriate don't you agree? And the picture of the front and back cover can be found in this book.

This book is for those who want to read all of Spurgeon's work, the student of Christian history, and pastor who has a library that he uses on a regular basis. This would also make for an interesting Bible study resource. There are two indexes in the back of the book one for Scripture references and the other for subjects. 

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher BH Academic with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

About the Book:
In 1857, Charles Spurgeon—the most popular preacher in the Victorian world—promised his readers that he would publish his earliest sermons. For almost 160 years, these sermons have been lost to history. In January 2017, B&H Academic will begin releasing a multi-volume set that includes full-color facsimiles, transcriptions, contextual and biographical introductions, and editorial annotations. Written for scholars, pastors, and students alike, The Lost Sermons of C.H. Spurgeon will add approximately 10 percent more material to Spurgeon’s body of literature and will constitute the first critical edition of any of Spurgeon’s works.

Steal Away Home ~ Review

Steal Away Home
By Matt Carver
    and Aaron Ivey

Steal Away Home brings to life a bit of history that most people are unaware of and the history books give little if any, mention of.  Many have heard of Charles Spurgeon and his preaching but for many, myself included Thomas Johnson is an unknown factor in the life of Spurgeon. This book brings to life their story and friendship.

Any good story must start at the beginning and this book does just that starting out when both were in their childhood. But their childhoods were vastly different with Charles calling England home while Thomas called America home. The chapters alternate between their lives as Charles grows to become the preacher we are familiar with and Thomas lives the life of a slave. Yet both men sought freedom from the bonds that held them captive.  Charles sought to be free of the fear and the darkness that had followed him through life. Thomas sought to be free of the yoke of slavery. Yet what both needed was the freedom that can only be found in the loving grace and forgiveness offered by God. And in the midst of their search, the two found the freedom they sought and a friendship that would shape the rest of their lives.

If you appreciate history that comes to life through the power of words this is a book that you will want to read. The contrast in the lives of these two men is powerful and equally powerful is the force behind their friendship - God's mercy. At less than 300 pages this book feels longer though it doesn't drag in the least. Opening in 1841 and continuing through 1892 one is taken through years of change and three different continents. If one has seen the movie Amazing Grace which looked at the life of William Wilberforce I believe this book to be as profound and powerful in portraying the life and times of these two men.

I was provided a review copy of this book by BH Publishing with no expectations of a positive review ~ All opinions expressed are my own.


About the Book:

Thomas Johnson and Charles Spurgeon lived worlds apart.

Johnson, an American slave, born into captivity and longing for freedom--- Spurgeon, an Englishman born into relative ease and comfort, but, longing too for a freedom of his own. Their respective journeys led to an unlikely meeting and an even more unlikely friendship, forged by fate and mutual love for the mission of Christ.

Steal Away Home is a new kind of book based on historical research, which tells a previously untold story set in the 1800s of the relationship between an African-American missionary and one of the greatest preachers to ever live.

The Big Picture Interactive Bible ~ Review

The Big Picture Interactive Bible

This is a Bible that is geared towards children with colorful illustrations throughout.  There are Big Questions which help focus attention on God.  Seeing the Big Picture condenses some Bible stories by focusing on the main points.

Verses to Remember are highlighted throughout the Scriptures (for example in Psalms 119 verses 11, 16, 34, and 105 are highlighted).

Then there are Big Words.  In Joshua 15 the Big Word is Dead Sea.  In Acts 2 the Big Word is Pentecost.  These words are defined and described so that they are understandable (this is one feature that would make this Bible great for someone who is seeking and unfamiliar with anything dealing with the Bible).

Each Book is introduced with the Who, When and Why stated and explained.  The main teachings of each book is listed with the corresponding verses.

And, yes, there is Red Lettering for the words of Jesus!  I know this is often a question that many people have about different Bibles.

As an added bonus if you have app capabilities (iPhone and Android)  you can bring the illustrations to life with narration.  I don't have either of these devices so I wasn't able to check out this aspect of this Bible.

I was provided a copy of this Bible B&H in conjunction with this blog tour in exchange for my honest review.

About The Big Picture Interactive Bible:
Are our children really getting the full meaning of the stories as we read the Bible to them? When we read the Bible to our children, the stories are often in bits and pieces and focus on "being good." But children should get the message of "being saved" from reading the Bible instead. The Big Picture Interactive Bible (B&H Kids) is the first children's Bible of its kind-the Jesus story from start to finish, filled with features and interactive elements that capture the true meaning and significance behind all of the verses and stories.

The Big Picture Interactive Bible has nearly a thousand features in full color throughout including pictures of key items so children can understand what they're reading. The B&H Kids Augmented Reality App (free and available for Android and iPhone) creates a digital pop-up book when used with full-color illustrations, bringing the Bible to life for each child. It features the full text of the Holman Christian Standard Bible, a clear, contemporary English translation that's faithful to the original languages of the Bible.

Other features included are:
Big Words - Colorful Bible Dictionary entry with photos, maps, illustrations and descriptions of key terms, right in the Bible text.
Big Questions/Big Answers - Kids always want to know why. This feature asks and then answers many of the common "big questions" throughout the Bible.
Christ Connection - This feature can be found from Genesis to Revelation and will help kids understand how each story points us to Christ and His work for us.
Introductions - Basic information about the books of the Bible will give kids perspective on the who, what and when for each book as well as "the Big Picture" from that book and key stories it contains.
Icons - Special icons are placed throughout the Bible to connect to the Gospel Project for Kids curriculum.
Memory Verses - Scripture memorization is much more than "saying the words." When a child memorizes a Bible verse and puts it to practice in their daily life, that child begins to learn how God can lead his life. The top 100 verses to remember are highlighted throughout the Bible.
Parent Connection - This feature is designed to help parents be empowered to engage deeper in the story with their kids.
Seeing the Big Picture - This feature digs into key Bible stories to help young hearts and minds grasp the meaning and provide parents with extra information to discuss the Bible with their kids

A Plain Disappearance ~ Review

A Plain Disappearance
An Appleseed Creek Mystery
By Amanda Flower

In the Plain world of Appleseed Creek it is Christmas time and murder has marked the season when Chloe Humphrey and Timothy Troyer discover the body of a teenage Amish girl buried in the snow near an abandoned barn.  Talk about a memorable first date.

But when it is determined that Katie Lambright was murdered Chloe is tasked with the task of figuring out whether or not any of her new Amish acquaintances had anything to do with the murder.  But the Amish don't totally trust Chloe and her Englischer ways nor her knack for helping the police - unofficially of course.

In A Plain Disappearance Chloe is spending her first Christmas with Becky and Timothy and Becky is excited to spend her first non-Amish Christmas embracing a true Englischer Christmas with all the trimmings.  And there is a special surprise for Chloe that will make her Christmas complete.

With a full cast of possible suspects Chloe has her work cut out for her.  But can she sort through the suspects or will she be the next victim?  A Plain Disappearance is full of twists and turns that will keep you guessing as to who the guilty party is and believe me there are several who look pretty likely.

A Plain Disappearance is the third book in this series but it can stand alone if you haven't read the first two but don't deny yourself the enjoyment of the entire series as Chloe solves mysteries and makes a place for herself in Appleseed Creek.

I was provided a copy of this book through Handlebar Marketing in exchange for my fair and honest review.


About The Book:

 

It's Christmastime in Amish Country, and Chloe Humphrey has begun settling into her life in Appleseed Creek excited to see where her new relationship with Timothy Troyer will lead. Unfortunately it leads to murder when the couple discovers the body of Amish teenager Katie Lambright while on their first date. 

Near the scene there is evidence that Timothy's friend and auto mechanic Billy Thorpe is involved with the crime. The police reveal Billy is not really who he said he was and has been living the last decade in Knox County under a stolen alias. Now, Chloe and Timothy must find Billy, bring him to justice, or prove his innocence. 

Ever After ~ Review

Ever After
By Vicki Courtney

Life lessons learned in my castle of chaos...

Ever After takes a look at marriage and the ever after after you say I do.  We live under a delusion that we will have a happily ever after just like in a Disney fairy tale, but how many Disney tales show the ever after after The End.  One assumes it's happily.  Or is it?

Our modern culture has idolized the wedding at the expense of the marriage.  What comes after the I do's is more important than the perfect dress or the rehearsal dinner.  If your marriage isn't built on a foundation of friendship you will have problems.

Chapter 2 opens with a quote from C.S. Lewis that everyone should take to heart. "A woman's heart should be so close to God that a man should have to chase Him to find her." Don't you just love that sentiment.  Marriage should be not a union of two but of three.

But Ever After isn't all serious though there are some serious topics discussed throughout.  There are some humorous moments as the author takes you through her trials-and-errors as both and wife and mother.  I think a picture my mom had when my sisters and I were little would be a good motto that would fit in with this book.  Cleaning and scrubbing can wait til tomorrow, for children grow-up we've learned to our sorrow.  

This sentiment is apt for both marriage and parenting.  Don't be everything to everybody except your family.  Make an investment at the beginning of your Ever After so that you will have an Ever After in your future.  Take and make time for you and your spouse, don't put it off until later.  Your marriage should not revolve around your children.  It is not "of the children, by the children, and for the children."  The foundation is the marriage and if it is not maintained and shored up it will crumble.  This isn't to say that you should ignore your children, but don't focus on your children to the exclusion of your marriage.  Your identity should be more than the parent of so-and-so, you are also a husband or wife. 

I loved reading about Vicki's cooking adventures and last minute school projects with her children.  And her thoughts on Proverbs 31 are enlightening no matter how many times you've delved into the virtuous woman.

Ever After is the tool you need to add happily to your ever after.

I was provided a copy of this book by Shelton Interactive in exchange for my honest review.

About the Book:
Most every woman dreams about having a family and a building a home. We grow up on a steady diet of fairytales and chick flicks that drive our dreams . . . and leave us with a sugarcoated version of reality. We want it all: the prince, the kiss, the proposal, the ring, the castle, and eventually, the kids in smocked rompers playing cheerfully on the perfectly manicured lawn. Our hopes and dreams are pinned on the world’s version of happily-ever-after.

The problem is, the fairytales and chick flicks end where real life begins. We never see that follow-up scene where the prince and princess argue at 3 a.m. over who will get up with the colicky newborn. Or the princess reluctantly returns to work to help pay the bills and feels the stress of juggling work and family. And you certainly won’t see that part where the princess moves her last child into the dorm and realizes the bulk of her identity has been based on being a mother.

The truth is, marriage and motherhood are hard. Few of us are prepared to handle the balancing act of being a good wife and a good mother, without one or the other getting the short end of the stick. No matter how much we give or how hard we try, we never quite feel like it’s enough. And heaven help us, we always imagine every one else is doing a much better job.

In Ever After, best-selling author Vicki Courtney addresses the realities of marriage and motherhood, the difficulties and the blessings. It offers women a behind the scenes glimpse of what a fairytale really looks like on the average day for the average wife and mom. Poignant, funny, and even cathartic, Vicki shares mistakes made, lessons learned, and memories to keep. Most of all, she reflects the hope and promise that God meets us in the middle wherever we are in the journey.