Princess Grace Sticker and Activity Book

About the Book:

Sticker books girls will love! The Princess Parables come to life through age-appropriate puzzles, activity pages, and 50 reusable stickers—perfect for girls 4-8.

The Princess Parables come to life through age-appropriate puzzles, activity pages, and 50 colorful and reusable stickers in the friendly and fun Princess Grace’s Sticker and Activity Book featuring Grace, her four princess sisters, and their friends.

Join Grace and her sisters in some creative and interactive fun with 16 pages of stickers and activities that are sure to please, featuring her father the king and her special animal friend Poppy the kitten.

My Review:

4 Stars

This is a very cute sticker book for little girls and very affordable for parents ($3.99). Each page is beautifully illustrated and their are a ton of stickers. I liked that their is more than just stickers but also activities. This would make a great book for car/plane travel or when you need things that are easy to take with you to entertain them with. There are others in this series and I can easily see girls wanting more.

*I received this book through BookLook Bloggers for the purpose of this review.

God Gave Us Sleep Children's Book

About this Book:

“Little Cub!” Mama called. “Time for bed.”

Little Cub is having so much fun building an igloo with her friends that she doesn’t want to stop for bedtime! Who needs sleep when there’s fun to be had? Mama patiently answers her child’s questions as she puts her to bed, explaining the importance of daily rhythms of work, play, and rest. As they talk through the fears that come with nighttime—and work through Little Cub’s endless stalling tactics—our favorite bear learns to realize that God gave us sleep as a vital gift.


“God gave us rest so we have energy for our day, and patience to enjoy it. And so we have quiet time to listen to him.”

This charming addition to the best-selling God Gave Us series, with its Arctic characters and relevant message, will help all little ones prepare for a peaceful night’s rest.

My Review:

5 Stars

I just love this series that Lisa Tawn Bergren does. My daughter has all but one book from it and they are much loved in this house. The illustrations are just so adorable and I love the way she uses the cubs to teach our children about God and the importance of different things. When ever I see there is another one coming up I can't wait to get it.

In this particular book Lisa Tawn Bergren uses the cubs to teach us about the importance of rest and and routine. Kids love to play and not many want to take the time to sleep if they had their way but this book helps them learn why we need it and that it is a good thing. We need rest so we can have energy, be in good moods and more imporant be able to follow what God's wants for us.

Fans of the God Gave Us series will love this edition and those that have never read them should check it out. This book makes a great edition to any childs library.

*I received this book from Blogging for Books for the purpose of this review.

The Choosing by Rachelle Dekker

About the Book:

Book 1 in Seer Series

Like all citizens since the Ruining, Carrington Hale knows the importance of this day. But she never expected the moment she’d spent a lifetime preparing for—her Choosing ceremony—to end in disaster. Ripped from her family, she’ll spend her days serving as a Lint, the lowest level of society. She knows it’s her duty to follow the true way of the Authority.

But as Carrington begins this nightmare, rumors of rebellion rattle her beliefs. Though the whispers contradict everything she’s been told, they resonate deep within.

Then Carrington is offered an unprecedented chance at the life she’s always dreamed of, yet she can’t shake the feeling that it may be an illusion. With a killer targeting Lints and corruption threatening the highest levels of the Authority, Carrington must uncover the truth before it destroys her.
My Review:

5 Stars

Wow, I just loved this book. From page 1 to the final this book kept me up reading late into the night. This is Rachelle Dekker's first book, daughter of the well known author Ted Dekker, and she already set her bar high for what she can do. This book falls under the dystopian fiction category and is just as enjoyable as many of the secular counterparts.

I really loved Carrington in this book. She had a great blend of personality and boldness and wasn't afraid to do what she needed to figure out what is going on. I loved all the twists and turns this book tooka and can not wait till the next one to find out what happens next. The suspense of what is to come is driving me nuts. Don't pick up this book if you have a lot to do because it won't let go!

Great job Rachelle on an excellent debut novel!

*I received this book from Tyndale Blog Network for the purpose of this review. An honest review was all that was expected. Thank You!

Join Odyssey Adventure Club for a Summer Challenge

 

Summer . . . a time that kids pine for during the school year and parents may anticipate with something akin to dread. Fearing refrains of “I’m bored” or hours spent on the couch playing video games can make moms and dads nervous about the long, hot months stretching before their family. Focus on the Family’s Odyssey Adventure Club offers an answer, encouraging parents and kids to embrace faith and fun with the Take the Plunge Adventures in Odyssey Clubhouse magazine’s Summer Challenge.

Take the Plunge

The Take the Plunge challenge features:

• Master Mind Monday — commit God’s Word to memory
• Ways to Play Wednesday — spend active time with your family
• Faith Sharing Friday — share God’s love with others

The Take the Plunge challenge helps families memorize at least five verses, engage in five activities together and share their faith with five people before the school doors swing open again. Those who sign up will receive an 11-week plan with suggested verses to memorize, activity ideas (such as visiting a war memorial) and ways to witness (such as passing out popsicles at the park with an invitation to your church), making this challenge the perfect tool for parents who want summer to be a time of spiritual and social stimulation for their kids.

"Research tells us that the more senses we involve when teaching children a principle, the more likely it is to stick,” Plugged In editor and Adventures in Odyssey podcast host Bob Smithouser says. “Bible memorization by itself is great, but it becomes even more powerful when put into action. Know it. Share it. Live it.”

Families who sign up to take part in the challenge at www.whitsend.org/summer will have access to weekly verses to memorize, ideas for family fun and suggestions for service projects that allow a family to share their faith. Additionally, anyone who signs up to participate in the Take the Plunge challenge will receive a free scene from the latest Adventures in Odyssey album, as well as a free story from the book Strange Journey Back.

One Last Thing by Rebecca St. James and Nancy Rue

About the Book:

A hope-filled soon-to-be bride makes a discovery about her fiance that rocks her world and provokes a maelstrom of decisions and self-discovery.

Tara Faulkner has dreamed of her wedding and the life she and her fiance Seth will share in their hometown of Savannah . . . and by all accounts, it should be a charmed one. But when she discovers three weeks before the wedding that Seth is seriously addicted to pornography, Tara's dreams are shattered.

She must decide whether she will stand by Seth, but she also must let go of the dream she shaped for herself and discover a real vision for her life-and where it will come from. With all else falling apart, Tara encounters an unexpected-and unlikely-group of women mentors. They help her peel back the layers of shaming secrets and begin to clearly see the real issues of her generation.

In the end, she's able to make a decision based on God's vision-not her own.

My Review:

3.5 Stars

Rebecca St. James and Nancy Rue team up again to bring another powerful book packed full of real issues that affect so many in our modern society. This book is not a light read and will leave you thinking. It was an interesting read but not my favorite in the end. The topic is much needed but felt it wasn't the best story and had a hard time getting into it. For some dealing with similar situations it might be great but I had a hard time relating to the characters.

*I received this book from booklook bloggers for the purpose of this review.

The Woods Edge By Lori Benton

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing The Wood's Edge WaterBrook Press (April 21, 2015) by Lori Benton

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Lori Benton spent her late teens and early twenties pursuing a career as a wildlife artist, attending the Maryland College of Art & Design before she began painting professionally. When not writing or researching, Lori can be found exploring the mountains of southern Oregon with her husband, Brian. Lori's first novel, Burning Sky was nominated as an ECPA 2014 Christian Book Award Finalist and also received double nominations for 2014 Christy Awards. The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn is her second novel.

ABOUT THE BOOK

At the wood’s edge cultures collide. Can two families survive the impact?

The 1757 New York frontier is home to the Oneida tribe and to British colonists, yet their feet rarely walk the same paths.

On the day Fort William Henry falls, Major Reginald Aubrey is beside himself with grief. His son, born that day, has died in the arms of his sleeping wife. When Reginald comes across an Oneida mother with newborn twins, one white, one brown, he makes a choice that will haunt the lives of all involved. He steals the white baby and leaves his own child behind. Reginald’s wife and foundling daughter, Anna, never suspect the truth about the boy they call William, but Reginald is wracked by regret that only intensifies with time, as his secret spreads its devastating ripples.

When the long buried truth comes to light, can an unlikely friendship forged at the wood’s edge provide a way forward? For a father tormented by fear of judgment, another by lust for vengeance. For a mother still grieving her lost child. For a brother who feels his twin’s absence, another unaware of his twin’s existence. And for Anna, who loves them both—Two Hawks, the mysterious Oneida boy she meets in secret, and William, her brother. As paths long divided collide, how will God direct the feet of those who follow Him?

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Wood's Edge, go HERE.

To Win Her Favor by Tamera Alexander

About the Book:

A gifted rider in a world where ladies never race, Maggie Linden is determined that her horse will become a champion. But the one man who could help her has vowed to stay away from thoroughbred racing forever.

An Irishman far from home, Cullen McGrath left a once prosperous life in England because of a horse racing scandal that nearly ruined him. He’s come to Nashville for a fresh start, hoping to buy land and begin farming, all while determined to stay as far away from thoroughbred racing as possible. But starting over proves harder than he’d wagered, especially when Maggie Linden’s father makes him an offer he shouldn’t accept yet cannot possibly refuse.

Maggie is certain that her mare, Bourbon Belle, can take the top purse in the inaugural Peyton Stakes, the richest race ever run in America. Maggie only needs the chance to prove it. To give her that chance—and to save Linden Downs from being sold to the highest bidder—Maggie’s father, aging, yet wily as ever, makes a barter. His agreement includes one tiny, troublesome detail—Maggie must marry a man she’s never met. A man she never would have chosen for herself.

My Review:

5 Stars

Another excellent book from the talented Tamera Alexander. Everytime I open one of her books I just know I am in for some late nights and lots of page turning. She is easily an author I love and would recommend to anyone that would be interested and those that aren't too...lol. This just might be her best book yet, though they are all so good it is hard to tell. I love how much research she puts into her books and the depth she brings, they aren't light, fluffy and predictable and that shows true talent in an author. This is the second book in a series and I think they should be read in order but that is because no matter what I like to read books in order whether you need to or not.

*I received this book through Litfuse Publicity for the purpose of this review.

Snuggle Time Devotions that End with a Hug

About the Book:

Children will grow in their understanding of faith and look forward to spending time with God as they read, play, hug, and get inspired through these 52 heartwarming snuggle time devotions. Along with the short devotional reading and Bible story, each snuggle time moment features a game or activity to help kids remember the lesson and tuck it away in their heart. This book will get you and your child talking together, laughing together, and hugging together! It’s a great way to strengthen your parent-child relationship while introducing young children to the joys of spending time with God. It’s also an effective resource for helping to shape behavior and for teaching kids biblically based life principles.

My Review:

4 Stars

Such and adorable little devotional for young kids. This is a great book for 2-4 years old and a way to establish devotion time. It is broken into 52 devotions which is nice since it works great as 1 a week, and repeating that 1 throughout the week since little kids learn by repetition. The illunstrations are just adorable and will delight children and adults alike. I love that it includes bible reference so its easy to pull it up and show kids where in the Bible it is and teach them the importance of everything being tied back to the Bible. The only think I didn't love about this book is the activities, many didn't seem to tie well and many just awkward and time consuming. Not something that we would do at night when many do devotions.

This is just one of a few books in the End with a Hug series and its just as cute and good as the others. This is a great book for those with young children or who interact regulary with them. 

* I received this book through Tyndale Blog Network for the purpose of this review. Thank You!

How to Catch a Prince by Rachel Hauck

About the Book:

Series: The Royal Wedding #3

She caught her prince once. Can she catch him again?

American heiress Corina Del Rey’s life was devastated by war. Every thing she loved was lost. But after five years of grief, she’s shed her grave clothes and started over in the sunshine along the Florida coast.

But some things are not so easily forgotten. When a secret from her past confronts her face to face, she realizes she must follow her heart. Even if it cost her everything.

Prince Stephen of Brighton Kingdom is a former Royal Air Command lieutenant turned star rugby player, trying to make sense of his life after the devastation of war.

When his brother, King Nathaniel, discovers Stephen’s pre war secret, he must deal with an aspect of his life he longed to forget. But how can he do so without exposing the truth and breaching national security?

Yet, true love has a destiny all it’s own. As the cathedral bells peal through Cathedral City, Corina and Stephen must chose to answer the call of love on their hearts.

Or let it be lost forever?

My Review:

4 Stars

How to Catch a Prince is the final book in Rachel Hauck's The Royal Wedding series and I found it just as good as the first two. I really enjoyed reading this whole series and highly recommend it to others. Please note though that this is a series that should be read in order as each book does build on each other.

Rachel Hauck is a fantastic author and one I know I read in the future again. She does such a great job at bringing the characters and settings to life. I really have enjoyed Prince Stephan and Corina and felt like they were real people and wanted to know more about them. I am sad to see this series end but it was a fantastic journey!

*I received this book through Litfuse Publicity for the purpose of this review. Thank You!

Still Life by Christa Parrish

About the Book:

A tragic plane crash. One woman who lost her husband. Another who gave up her seat for him.

Adah spent her first twenty-five years with her family as part of a fringe religious sect. Her only contact with the outside world was through customers at their farm store. Then she met Julian, a photojournalist who'd come to document their lifestyle. They eloped mere days later and Adah was thrust into a completely new life as a wife, city-dweller, and an individual allowed to make her own decisions. But she has no idea who she is.

On her twenty-sixth birthday, Julian plans to fly home from an assignment to give her her first-ever birthday present. He's thrilled when Katherine Cramer gives up her seat so he can make the flight. But the plane crashes and everyone on board is killed, including Julian.

Adah is completely at a loss, with no friends and no marketable skills. When Julian's last photographs are published, her life errupts into chaos. She begins travelling-with Julian's camera for a companion-searching for answers to who she is and what she really wants.

Meanwhile, Katherine must live with the knowledge of why she gave up her seat-to extend her affair one more night. She recognizes her survival as a second chance to save her marriage. But is it too late?

When Adah's and Katherine's paths cross, they discover that there's still life ahead for both of them.

My Review:

3.5 Stars

I am not sure what I really think about this book. It is very complex story in a way but the character development was so weak. I loved Christa Parrish's last book, The Air We Breath, but in the end I felt like this book did not live up to be as great to me. I really did like Julian and Adah but never really could connect with them. With every chapter I was hoping to learn more about Adah's past and more of her relationship with Julian before the cast. 

I am sure some will really love this book, but in the end it just wasn't my favorite. I do look forward to reading more from Christa Parrish!

*I received this book through Book Look Bloggers for the purpose of this review. Thank You.

The Dandelion Field by Kathryn Springer

About the Book:

Genre: Contemporary

This handsome firefighter makes a living coming to the rescue, but Gin doesn’t need a man to fight her battles.

After Raine’s dad walked out, Ginevieve Lightly never lived in one place too long, a rambling lifestyle that defined her daughter’s youth. When their car dies in Banister Falls, Wisconsin, Gin promises Raine they can stay until she finishes her senior year of high school. Gin will do anything to make sure her daughter has a bright future . . . a future that’s compromised when Raine reveals she’s pregnant.

Dan Moretti has only ever called Banister Falls home. After losing his best friend in a tragic accident, Dan devoted himself to responding to fires, rescuing the helpless, and guiding Cody Bennett, his best friend’s son, through life. With Cody being the epitome of the good kid, it was an easy job. Until he says four little words: “The baby is mine.”

Knowing gossip of Raine’s pregnancy will erupt sooner or later in the small town, Gin’s reflex is to grab the suitcase and escape to a new city, a new life. But with each passing day, Gin’s feet stay rooted in Banister Falls, and she falls a little more for this local firefighter who shows her not all men abandon women at the first sign of smoke.

As Gin and Dan do the best they can to guide the two teenagers through their early entry into adulthood, they discover together that romance can bloom in the rockiest of situations. And God can turn the pieces of a broken past into a beautiful new beginning.

My Review:

4.5 Stars

This is the first book I have read from Kathryn Springer but it sure won't be the last. From the first page to the last I just loved this story. Christian Contemporary books are my favorite and this is one of the best I have read lately.

I really loved all the characters and how the story had almost two story lines going on it, one with the teens and one with the adults. This just brought a different dynamic to the book. This book also brought a great reminder that God can turn broken into something beautiful and amazing if you just trust in Him and let Him guide you.

Fans of contemporary novels will just love this book! 

*I received this book through Litfuse Publicity for the purpose of this review. Thank You!

Easter Stories and Prayers Children's Book

About the Book:

Celebrate the real meaning of Easter with your kids. This special edition of Little Blessings books includes four books in one: Who is Jesus, Why is there a Cross, What about Heaven, and What is Prayer.

Each title is designed to help kids learn more about Jesus and his sacrifice for us. This volume includes a special note from author Kathleen Bostrom on how to help kids understand the meaning of Easter and the good news of Jesus’ resurrection.

Full-color art of the adorable characters draws kids in and makes them want to hear the stories over and over again. Scripture references support each answer to the questions so parents can study more.

Make Easter about Jesus this season

My Review:

4 Stars

Four previously published books make up this book and they all focus on the meaning of Easter. Each page is beautifully illustrated. I really love how sweet the pictures are. I love the rhythmic nature of the stories because it makes reading out loud so much easier. There is scripture on the top of every other page which is a nice way to introduce where it comes from in the Bible and a great tool for older kids too. My biggest complaint on the book is that the pages are thin and I worry they will rip easily especially with kids that like to turn the page and flip through books on their own.

This is a great book for any young child's library. I just love multi-volume books, they take up less space and its nice to grab one book and have the option of many stories in it. Overall great book!

*I received this book through Tyndale Blog Network for the purpose of this review. My honest opinion was all that was requested.

Hidden Agenda by Lisa Harris

About the Book:

His cover is blown. Now his enemies are on his heels and closing in.

Michael Hunt is alive--and on the run. Presumed dead by friends and family, the undercover assignment he's been working for the past eight months has just been blown. With a hit out on his life and corruption inside the Atlanta police department, Michael finds himself hunted by both the cartel and the law. His only hope is Olivia Hamilton--the daughter of the man who wants him dead.

This nonstop chase from Christy Award-winning Lisa Harris will leave you breathless.

My Review:

4 Stars

Amazing Book. I just love Lisa Harris' books each one has been excellent and I always look forward to her next book. This is her newest romantic suspense book in her Southern Crimes series and just as good as the others. I felt like Lisa brought the story to life and felt like I could see and feel everything going on. I couldn't belive how fast I read this book since I just had to find out how it would all turn out.

* I received this book through Revell Reads for the purpose of this review. Thank You.

A Star for Jesus Children's Picture Book

About this Book:

Beautiful illustrations and playful rhyming text bring the story of Jesus’ birth to life for young children in A Star for Jesus. This board book, die-cut to enhance the shape of the star on the front cover, is the perfect gift to help little ones understand that "God made the stars and put them up high to shine down on earth from up in the sky." And long ago God also made a special star to send a special message: "Jesus our Savior has come."

My Review:

4 Stars

This is a really cute board book for toddlers. Its short and simple but that is what makes it great for 1-3 year old children. This book is much more about the Epiphany, and not the birth of Jesus which is really nice. There are so many books about the birth already. I found the theology to be sound and the rhyming and simple nature makes it great for young kids to enjoy it and learn about the Epiphany. I highly recommend this book to those with young kids or who work with young kids.

* I received this book from Book Look for the purpose of this review. Honest opinion was all that was requested.