Would You Like to Know? ~ Review

Would You Like to Know?
The Complete Collection
By Tim Dowley 

Illustrations by Eira Reeves

When it comes to God, prayer, Jesus, and the Bible children have questions and this collection of six books covers these topics and more.

Would You Like to Know About God? explains that God's story is found in the Bible and tells how He created the world. Though we can never know what God looks like we can see what He is like by the world around us. We are also told that we can talk to God through prayer.

Would You Like to Know How to Pray? explains that prayer is like talking, only instead of to a person we see prayer is talking to God. Prayer can be done anywhere and anytime. 

Would you like to know Jesus? explains how God sent Jesus to the world to take the punishment for our sins. It also explains how we can become Jesus's friend and what that friendship entails.

Would You Like to Know the Bible? explains that the Bible is a special book because it teaches about God and how to talk to Him. It also explains that the Bible has two parts - one about the people of God and the other about Jesus.

Would You Like to Know the Story of Christmas?is a simplified version of the Bible story from Mary being told she would have a special baby to the birth of Jesus and the visit from the wise men. It is then explained that Christmas is a celebration in remembrance of Jesus's birth.

Would You Like to Know the Story of Easter? tells how Jesus along with His 12 special friends (disciples) went to a feast in Jerusalem. Jesus was betrayed and sentenced to die. But as He died He asked for forgiveness for the people. His friends were sad that He died but not for long because He was raised from the dead. Easter is the remembrance of Jesus's death and resurrection.

Each book is under 30 pages with colorful illustrations that correspond with the text portion of the book. This collection would be appropriate for ages 3-8 with help from Mom or Dad. This would also be a great family devotional option. The six books come in a small sturdy slipcover that feels as if it is constructed from board book materials - perfect for keeping these small books together in an easily findable location. The books are approximately 5" x 6" and slipcover is just over 1" wide.

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


About the Books:
In this new addition to the fantastic Would You Like to Know? series, six little books are featured in one boxed gift set. Each book offers a starting point for young children to explore some of the key points of their faith and gain a greater understanding of Christianity. Each title has accessible illustrations, an inscription page, and notes for parents. A wonderful gift for those getting to know the church.

Contains:
Would You Like to Know About God?
Would You Like to Know How to Pray?
Would You Like to Know Jesus?
Would You Like to Know the Bible?
Would You Like to Know the Story of Christmas?
Would You Like to Know the Story of Easter?

Thoughts on Doubt with Giveaway and Trailer

CNN’s Finding Jesus: Faith, Fact, Forgery 

season 2 premieres at 9 PM ET/PT on March 5^th 

Utilizing the latest state-of-the-art scientific techniques and archaeological research, the
series will explore the following:
   The Childhood Home of Jesus
   The Tomb of King Herod
   The Bones of St. Peter
   Relics Believed To Shed Truth About Doubting Thomas
   The Pilate Stone
   The Tomb of Lazarus

A first-class panel of on-screen contributors from the world’s best universities including Yale, Harvard, Princeton and Oxford will provide expert comment.  The series will also feature insights from some of the world’s leading religious theologians and Christian leaders such as:
   Rev. A.R. Bernard (Christian Cultural Centre, New York)
   Erwin McManus (MOSAIC, Los Angeles)
   Father James Martin, SJ (Author, Jesus: A Pilgrimage)
   Bishop Minerva Carcaño (United Methodist Church)
   Dr. Ben Witherington III (Asbury Theological Seminary)
   Dr. Mark Goodacre(Duke University)
   Dr. Candida Moss (University of Notre Dame)

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Are you a Doubting Thomas? 

When life is filled with challenges are you left wondering if your faith was misplaced? After all one has not personally observed with one's own eyes the Risen Lord. But that is where the strength of one's faith is tested and refined. 

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen," Hebrews 11:1. Faith is a hope in the promise of a tomorrow that is never a guarantee in this life.  But we have the promise of a place being prepared for us in eternity. Our acceptance of this as truth to be fulfilled is proof of our faith. Faith is the substance that we need to believe.

Faith has been a powerful force within my own life in times of trouble when the light of day has been masked in the darkest hours of night.  The crush of night loses its grip with the promise of the coming dawn.  Faith is the faintest star that pierces the night and that is all that is needed to get through the night of your doubts. Seeing the wounds from the nails is not necessary to know that the promise of tomorrow is enough.  Faith is knowing that the troubles we face and live through are just a step to something greater - a life that is everlasting. 

All too often Thomas is shamed because he doubted, but all those who first saw Christ after his death were doubters before they saw and believed. Doubting is a part of our nature - but whether we allow these doubts to paralyze us or be the catalyst to a deeper faith is what we should instead focus on. Doubts force us to seek out answers.

Will you seek answers to your questions or will you turn back when difficulties arise? Persisting and pressing forward will allow your faith to grow and strengthen. 

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Open to US residents March 2 - 9, 2017

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When God Made You ~ Review

When God Made You
By Matthew Paul Turner
Illustrations by David Catrow

When God Made You is a picture book that is written so that children will know just how uniquely one of a kind they are. The words have a rhythmic flow as the story develops - explaining the plan God had in mind before time in the creation of each and every child.

The illustrations are bright, colorful and eye-catching. They bring the story to life and move in harmony with the flow of the story. The suggested age level is 3 - 8 but from reading this book myself I think most anyone would enjoy it and delight in the pleasure that God took in planning each and every life. The story itself takes 40 pages but every page is not worded so even the shortest attention span should be able to sit through this book - and if you add in a little snuggle time all the better.

When life gets difficult the assurance that "God knew your name.... God's family without you would not be the same," is just what they need.  This book would make a wonderful gift for just about any occasion. It would also be a perfect special time alone with Mom or Dad reading the book. 

This book does not delve into Biblical matters so if you are looking for a book that teaches the spiritual you will be disappointed. This book is more of an assurance of one's importance to God. I believe children who are in a broken family situation would truly benefit from this assurance of their importance to God - the God who planned and designed them.

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

About the Book:

YOU, you… God thinks about you.
God was thinking of you long before your debut.

From early on, children are looking to discover their place in the world and longing to understand how their personalities, traits, and talents fit in. The assurance that they are deeply loved and a unique creation in our big universe is certain to help them spread their wings and fly. 
 
Through playful, charming rhyme and vivid, fantastical illustrations, When God Made You inspires young readers to learn about their own special gifts and how they fit into God’s divine plan as they grow, explore, and begin to create for themselves. 
 
‘Cause when God made YOU, somehow God knew
That the world needed someone exactly like you!

About the Author:
Matthew Paul Turner is the author of sixteen books. He lives with his wife, Jessica, (TheMomCreative.com, author of The Fringe Hours) and their three children in Nashville, Tennessee.

About the Illustrator:
David Catrow is an editorial cartoonist whose vibrant illustrations have appeared in more than seventy children’s books, including several New York Times bestsellers, such as I Ain’t Gonna Paint No More and I Like Myself. David lives in Ohio with his wife, Deborah.

Raging Storm ~ Review

Raging Storm
The Remnant Series #2
By Vannetta Chapman

Nearly 3 weeks have passed since the modern world seemingly ended forever. And Shelby Sparks is on a mission find and retrieve insulin for her son Carter. There's just one problem chaos has become the new normal and locating a supply could prove dangerous.

Shelby's one hope of finding what she needs lies in Austin and getting there might prove even more of a challenge than locating medical supplies. Abandoned cars, looters, burned out towns, and disease.  But Shelby isn't alone on her journey, she is joined by her friends Max Berkman, Patrick Goodnight, and Bianca Lopez, as well as Dr. Bhatti.

Carter is being left behind with Max's parent Georgia and Roy. But safety is no longer a guarantee anywhere and all too soon everyone is confronting challenges that could cost them anything and everything.

How far are you willing to go to save the life of someone you love? And when the world is crumbling around you are you willing to offer what help? Or will you take whatever you can at the expense of all other life?

It is highly recommended that before delving into this book that the first book be read. One can read this book but there will a noticeable lack as there are references to incidents in the previous book. In the world, as we've come to know it a sudden lack of communication, technology, and convenience would definitely send many into a panic. This book will make one wonder at their own skills or lack of if we suddenly lost the last century of modern accomplishments.

I highly recommend this book to those readers who like suspense and/or dystopian fiction.

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


About the Book:

In the Darkness,

Anarchy Awakens

* * * * * * * * * * * *

When a massive solar flare wiped out all modern technology across the globe, the small town of Abney, Texas, was thrown into chaos. Shelby Sparks and her teenage son, Carter, have found refuge, but Shelby knows she can't simply remain hidden. Carter is a type 1 diabetic in need of insulin—and Shelby will risk her life traveling to Austin to make sure he gets it.

Shelby's best friend and high school sweetheart, Max Berkman, won't even consider letting her make the perilous journey alone. Together, they manage to reach the capital—only to discover that while things are desperate in Abney, Austin has turned into an urban nightmare on the brink of anarchy.

Shelby and Max's search for medical supplies will lead them into terrifying territory, where the only thing more uncertain than finding what they need is the hope of making it out of the city alive.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

In this second book in an eerily plausible, action-packed dystopian series, survival will be threatened and faith will be put to the ultimate test as a raging storm engulfs America.

Fatal Frost ~ Review

Fatal Frost
Defenders of Justice #1
By Nancy Mehl

Mercy Brennan has never been able to depend on anyone since her father walked out on them, on her. The only person to penetrate her icy wall of protection is her best friend Tally Williams who was her friend before her father ruined everything. Her former boyfriend Mark St Laurent was close until she broke it all off.

Mercy's biggest concern is doing her job well - which has been put on hold following an on-the-job shooting incident when the U.S. Marshals and the St. Louis Police Department attempted to arrest a known drug dealer/gang leader.

St. Louis has a problem the Cartel is moving in and they are joining forces with the local gangs to put law enforcement out of business permanently. And Mercy has been targeted! Keeping her safe and unaware of the situation has fallen to Mark and Tally. With a suspected mole within the midsts of the Marshals, need-to-know has become imperative. But when everyone is suspect who do you trust?

A dangerous storm moves in, stranding Mercy, Mark, and Tally in a remote location with no way of contacting anyone for assistance. Worse the very people that they are trying to hide from may have them in their sights. Can they survive long enough to discover who has betrayed them or will the Cartel win this battle? And with her life on the line can Mercy trust someone to be there for her when she most needs them? Or will she again be disappointed?

This is the first book in the Defenders of Justice series from Nancy Mehl and it will be interesting to see where the series goes from here. After this case, I think the US Marshals need to invest in a sat phone - though that would take away some of the suspense if contact was easy to establish.

Readers who enjoy Inspirational Suspense books will enjoy this book. One word of warning this is not the type of book to start in the evening if you have to work the next day - you'll want to read just one more chapter before putting it down - it will keep you up all night reading!


About the Book:
Following in her absentee father's footsteps in a law enforcement career, U.S. Marshal Mercy Brennan has just recovered from being shot in the line of duty. And, unbeknownst to her, her father's recent reappearance in her life has put her in the sights of St. Louis's most powerful gang. Her boss assigns Deputy U.S. Marshal Mark St. Laurent--Mercy's ex-boyfriend--to get her out of town until her safety can be guaranteed. 

Unaware of the extent her boss and Mark have been keeping her in the dark, it isn't until a freak ice storm strands them at a remote location and out of contact with the district office that the full severity of their situation becomes clear. As the storm worsens, the forces of nature combine with a deadly enemy to put them in great danger. Can they survive long enough for help to arrive--if help is even coming at all?

Dragonkyn ~ Review

Dragonkyn
By Nathan Smith Jones

For more than 1000 years a secret has lain hidden amongst humanity and the time of its awakening has arrived...

Marc Mondragon is your average twelve-year-old boy who tries to stay out of trouble which isn't easy when the town deputy has it out for the poor kids because they're poor.  But Marc has managed so far to avoid it.

But trouble is coming and it is something no one could have ever prepared for - not Marc nor his mom.  It starts with a dream - one that Marc actually remembers - one with a  fire and a creature he can't quite make out. When he starts displaying some unusual and unexplainable talents Marc knows something is happening to him. The only question is what...

But someone has been waiting for this day to come determined to keep the truth hidden and destroy not only Marc but all who are similarly transforming or have knowledge of it. A battle is coming and Marc is in danger on two fronts. He needs to control his emerging skills fast if he hopes to see tomorrow!

This is a fast-paced story that will appeal to middle-grade readers who are looking for adventure in their reading. Dragonkyn will appeal to those who enjoy the Dragons in Our Midst series from Bryan Davis. The ordinary becomes the extraordinary and growing up has never been quite so difficult!

This book could definitely be the first in the series the way it ends and I for one would be interested in seeing what comes next. The book is only 214 pages in length though the pacing doesn't make it feel this long. Looking for a weekend read - your tweens will thank you for this one!

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



About the Book:

In his very pores, a new relationship

was FORMING with the gaseous alien

called FIRE that ate and breathed as he did,

and somehow he knew this relationship

would change his life FOREVER.

Marc used to think he was pretty ordinary, but he also used to think ice cream trucks didn’t sell ice cream and dragons were just fairy tales. Now he knows better. With skin that can’t be burned and strange powers he can’t explain, Marc soon discovers the truth: he is part dragon. And as he joins his fellow dragonkyn, his closest friends could quickly become his greatest enemies.

Stu Stories ~ Review

Stu Stories
The Adventures of Dirt Clod and his sidekick Bird Bones
By Patrick "Bird Bones" Hueller
Illustrations by Adam Record

This is a book that should appeal to middle grade readers.  Each chapter is a short story unto itself and builds on the one that came before. Stu Sanderson is that type of kid every teacher would cringe to have in their class and the other students would enjoy the antics.

Eighth grade will never be the same with Stu in the school. Which may or may not be a good thing. Stu is one of those students who draws attention - he is tall and really skinny. And he has a talent for disappearing from the classroom. And then there was an incident involving a flag pole in the middle of winter (need I say more).

Middle grade readers will laugh at Stu and the methods he uses to get his goal accomplished. Stu isn't a troublemaker - he just seems to be drawn to trouble like a magnet to metal. Stu could be called a gentle giant - he cares about the underdog and champions the younger students when he feels it is necessary. But all of Stu's adventures with his best friend Patrick aka "Bird Bones" may come to a tragic end with one last adventure.

At just over 140 pages this book is just right for most book report requirements. The illustrations compliment the book well. There are 14 chapters so the length of each won't be a deterrent to reluctant readers. Boys (and girls) will root for Stu and Patrick as they take on teachers, playground bullies, and secret crushes.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher with no expectation of a positive review ~ all opinions are my own.



About the Book:

Stu Sanderson is no ordinary eighth-grader. Not only is he seven feet tall, but he also vanishes into thin air, duels knights and ninjas, lifts the downtrodden, and woos the best-calved girl in school. Become a middle-grade legend with Stu and his sidekick, Bird Bones, on the journey of a lifetime in “Stu Stories.”