Little Star Book Review

I recently had the privilege of reading a delightful new children's book called, Little Star. This is the second book by Anthony DeStefano that I've been able to receive and review. I loved the first book, This Little Prayer of Mine and Little Star is just as wonderful! I read it to my little 5 year old nephew and he loved it as did I. The illustrations are simply beautiful and are a perfect complement to this tender Christmas story, told from the Little Star's point of view.

I am always looking for children's books that have deep spiritual truths tucked into an engaging story...Little Star is exactly that.

"Little Star knew that Jesus could have chosen to be born in a palace, surrounded by riches, but instead, He had humbled Himself to be born in a stable. He didn't want to be rich and important. He wanted to be like the poorest of the poor. Jesus wanted to be born little to show all the people of the world that He loved them, no matter how small or poor they were."

If you are looking for that last little gift for your children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews...those special little ones in your lives then consider picking up a copy of Little Star for them! You won't be disappointed! :)

A special thanks to Anthony for again allowing me the blessing of reading your wonderful books to the little ones in my life!

Book Review

Recently I had the opportunity to read Anthony DeStefano's delightful new children's book, "This Little Prayer of Mine". It has received praise from many, including Bernice King, daughter of Martin Luther King, Danae Dobson, daughter of Dr. James Dobson, as well as Pat and Shirley Boone.

As a mom, I am always on the lookout for captivating and spiritually sound books for my own kids and Anthony's book did not disappoint! Even my 6 year old daughter enjoyed reading it along with me.

This Little Prayer of Mine is written in simple poetry form and the tender illustrations by Mark Elliott compliment it perfectly. It was a pleasure to read and I would recommend this book for your child or as a gift for that special little one in your life!

A special thanks to Anthony for the privilege to review this fantastic little book ~

Visit Anthony's website for more info!

Book Review

I had the opportunity to read and review the book, 20 Easy Ways to Help Save the Earth by Coach Pedro and Susan Adam-Rita. The minute you open this book you will see that this is a perfect book for kids to read and comprehend not only the value of being good stewards of the earth but simple ways to do their part. From the start this book invites readers in, the illustrations are bright and read like a cartoon which kids will love! The lettering and wording are easy to read but mixed in are broader vocabulary words that parents can talk about with their children.

This book was an enjoyable read. Coach Pedro and Susan Adam-Rita did a fantastic job of condensing an enormous subject down to a child's understanding level without minimizing the importance of the little things they can do every day to take care of our world. I would highly recommend this book!

You can visit the website to read more about Coach Pedro and watch the book trailer.

Thanks to Elizabeth at Phenix & Phenix Literary Publicists for the review copy!

A Book Review

At the Scent of Water by Linda Nichols is one of the best fiction novels I have read in a very long time! You might recall I did a book review on her more recent novel, In Search of Eden, which I loved however ~ At the Scent of Water is even better. A definite MUST READ in my opinion, a 10 out of 10!

I was drawn in by this compelling and heart wrenching story of a family who experiences the pain of loss, burden of bitterness, freedom of forgiveness and reconciliation and the joy of love. Incredibly, this story hit very close to home for me. I could so identify with the very same questions the couple in the story faced...the "whys" of life and the struggle to believe that God is good in the face of unspeakable tragedy. As I read this novel, the tears flowed as well as the laughter and hope renewed.

Linda Nichols is one of the most gripping authors I have ever read. The tale she weaves is brightly varied as it is full of texture and depth. You cannot help but find yourself in the midst of the story, not just reading her words but feeling them as well. Check this novel out from the library, borrow it or buy it...just READ IT, you won't be sorry. Then come back here and thank me!!! :D Happy Reading!!

A Book Review

I recently had the privilege to review the children's book, Dudley's Solo by Tiffany Alexander. This is a delightful tale about a boy named Dudley, who is uniquely different from other kids. Children who read Dudley's story will see that everyone is special in their own way...whether they have brown hair or wear glasses or use their hands to talk. Dudley's Solo is an encouraging read about friendship, acceptance and confidence for children of all ages!

**Children's Author Tiffany Alexander say, "Growing up visually impaired had a tremendous impact on my life," who was legally blind until middle school. "I could do what most of the kids could do, but I always had limitations. As hard as it was to be different, I gained inner-strength and the desire to persevere no matter what."

The first book in the Children's Band series, "Dudley's Solo" takes place at a neighborhood church where the children's band excitedly rehearses for their upcoming choir concert, including Dudley, a hearing-impaired little boy. But being deaf doesn't prevent him from participating in the concert. Encouraged by his friends and father, Dudley embraces his disability and becomes the star of the show by signing the words to "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands" to the entire congregation.

"Children's band was instrumental in my spiritual and social growth. Like Dudley, this is where I received my earliest encouragement," Alexander says. "The other kids and I learned the importance of volunteering, being a good citizen, and mostly importantly, I learned that I could do anything if I put my mind to it."

Tiffany Alexander resides in Atlanta, Ga., and works as an editor for CNN. She is a member of the Independent Books Publishers Association, The National Association of Black Journalists, Hampton University Alumni Association and the African-American Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. She is currently working on the next book in the Children's Band series called "Ebenezer Opens a Savings Account."

For more information, please visit www.ChildrensBand.com.**

A Book Review

Anyone who knows me gets early on that I'm a book lover and a huge Karen Kingsbury fan! This is Karen's newest novel out and halleluiah for the library I say because my budget would never allow me to purchase all these wonderful books. :)

I just finished reading Take One, the first in the Above the Line series and shockingly enough, I loved it. One thing about KK's books is that they are seamless and fluid, you don't even realize that you've blinked and read 5 chapters.

Take One is the story of 2 friends who follow the call of God from the overseas mission field to the mission field of Hollywood film producing. Intriguing right? I was carried along with the characters as they stepped out by faith, struggled with fear and compromise, overcame adversity, discovered true friendship and were drawn closer to God through it all. This book is so culturally relevant for today, beckoning us to question the kind of stand we might take if called upon to give an account to the hope that lines within us. In a day and age when 'anything goes', this book and its story is set apart as different and compelling. And hopefully it will encourage the readers in their daily lives.

I was thrilled when I heard that this new series would include characters from her Redemption series which btw was my all time fav series ever. I loved catching up on the 'Baxter family' and 'Baily and Cody' too! If you haven't yet read that series then for goodness sake START there and be drawn into the lives of these wonderfully rich and moving characters. It is a MUST READ! :)

A Book Review

My first finished book of the Spring Reading Thing 2009! In Search of Eden was a book I picked up in the Christian bookstore and had never read it. The story line on the back cover immediately intrigued me which is why I added it to my list this Spring.

Wow, I highly recommend that you add this to your reading list! I've never read any of Linda Nichols books...but that will no longer be the case. I adore her writing style...her words in black and white weave the most vivid descriptive pictures in your mind that I truly felt like I was living in the story! I laughed and cried...I even talked out loud with this incredible story. I could hardly wait to finish this wonderful tale of heartache and healing, loss and receiving, bitterness and forgiveness. In Search of Eden will draw the reader in and captivate them from start to finish. It is unique in it's story line and perfect in it's development of character and it's conclusion. A must read...a 10 in my opinion! :)

A Book Review

I just finished this new novel, The Centurion's Wife recently and had to let y'all in this great read!!!  Janette Oke has long been a fav of mine since well, my teens...with her Love series.  :)  Historical fiction is definitely a genre I get into and this novel fits the bill.  

Davis Bunn and Janette Oke craft this tale of culture, obligation, hope and love during the time of Jesus in such vivid way I could just taste the dust in the wind and hear the followers of Jesus talk!  The Centurion's Wife begins her life in wealth and luxury only to have it stripped away and be relegated to a life of servitude.  Friendships formed with the followers of Jesus reveal to her where true hope and love are found.  

I definitely recommend The Centurion's Wife to everyone! This will be the first in their Acts of Faith series...can't wait for the next one!

A Book Review

Ok, here's my last one of the Fall Into Reading 2008...I think I read more this time than any other time!  It was great!!  :)  I am a big fan of Nicholas Sparks...his story lines and themes are diverse and varied as they come.  This particular book I listened to as an audio book.  It started a bit slow so if you decided to read it, hang in there it gets better!  There are a few ahem, *choice* bits in this book so reader beware.

The Lucky One is a tale of bravery, loss, friendship, new love, family, mystery and a bit o' magic!  I thoroughly enjoyed the development of character in this novel...good vs. bad, kind vs. cruel.  The story  builds and builds up to an ending I certainly never saw coming!  Though it doesn't hold a candle to The Notebook in my opinion, The Lucky One will stand on its own for sure.  Happy Reading!  :)      

A Book Review

I am still plugging along for Katrina's Fall into Reading 2008...it's actually finished but I'm am behind posting my reviews! It's been super fun as always and it never ceases to get my juices flowin for some good reading.  

So, I just finished Karen Kingsbury's latest novel out...Every Now and Then.  It is the 3rd in her 9/11 series and a great one at that! This book continues the story of the two families from the first 2 books in the series and also begins a new story of Alex.  Alex suffers loss as well in the 9/11 attack and seeks a different kind of path to ease the pain.  God proves Himself faithful through it all and in the end Alex finds where true peace comes from and is able to forgive.  

The series is fiction but so vividly puts into words the stories of family affected by that tragic day in our country.  It's humbling to think of the heroism that was born from adversity.  Being American makes me so proud!

This is a DEF must read...as ALL Karen's books are, in my opinion.  If you haven't read the other two, start there and then finish up with Every Now and Then...you won't be sorry!  :)  Happy Reading!

A Book Review + My 2nd Giveaway!

I mentioned before that a super great publicist from Phenix & Phenix Literary Publicists contacted me about my interest in reviewing 2 children's books and of course I jumped on that wonderful opportunity instantly!!

This is the 2nd of the books that I've had the pleasure of reviewing.  It is called 'The Gift of the Christmas Cookie...Sharing the True Meaning of Jesus' Birth' by Dandi Daley Mackall, illustrated by Deborah Chabrian.  

The minute you open this book, you are drawn in by the picturesque illustrations that so aptly fit this tender story of a young boy who learns how to follow Jesus' example of true heart felt giving.  In a time when society is all about "me" this book gently reminds little ones what Christmas is really all about!  At the back of the book is a great little addition of a sugar cookie recipe you can try out and enjoy with your children at home!  The Gift of the Christmas Cookie is definitely a treasure you will want to add to your home library.  

The Publicists have graciously sent me an extra copy to GIVEAWAY to one reader here!  So, let's see...leave a comment and tell me your BIGGEST Christmas wish this year!  It can be for a particular present for yourself or someone you love or something you are really longing to happen...whatever!!  :)  So share away and good luck!  

I will pick 1 winner via random.org 1 week from today.  Don't forget to leave your email so that I can contact you should you win!

A Book Review + My 1st Giveaway!

I am just TICKLED PINK I tell ya...tickled PINK!!  Anyone who knows me at all knows that I am a total Book Lover, it is one of my very favorite pastimes.  It's one of the reasons that I love it when Katrina does her reading challenges in the fall and spring cause it forces me to make a list and make time to READ.  

So I've done quite a few reviews on my blog and always thought, man I'd L.O.V.E. to do a Book Review for these companies and publishers that are looking to generate some buzz about their books.  Well, what do you know but a week or so ago someone wrote and asked me to do...a BOOK REVIEW!  This is why I'm tickled pink!  :D

A lovely lady from Phenix & Phenix Literary Publicists emailed and asked me to do a review of two children's Christmas books!!  And to top it off, one of them is by my all time fav author, Karen Kingsbury.  It's my pleasure and honor to do a review of one of Karen's books.

This is my review of the wonderful book called 'We Believe in Christmas' by Karen Kingsbury.

We Believe in Christmas is a timeless classic that you will most definitely want to add to your children's library!  Karen beautifully shares what the real meaning of Christmas is in a poetic manner that will capture the hearts and minds of children of all ages.  The masterful illustrations are a perfect addition to the beauty of this delightful and spiritually deep book.

My 5 year old daughter loved it and I know it will be a fast favorite in our household!  I'll leave you with my favorite quote from 'We Believe in Christmas'...

"For we believe in Christmas, and together you and me

will always find our Christmas if it's Jesus that we keep."

Oh, wait...it gets even better!!  The wonderful people from Phenix and Phenix Literary Publicists gave me an EXTRA copy of We Believe in Christmas to GIVEAWAY!!!  It's my VERY FIRST GIVEAWAY...I  know, right??!  How great is that y'all?  I'm just a tiny bit excited!

So, all YOU have to do for me is leave me a comment...tell me what is your family's favorite Christmas tradition.  Easy right?  I will select a winner using Random.org.  

This giveaway will end on November 10th @ 8 p.m.  Please make sure you leave me your email address so that I can get in contact with you should you be the winner!  :)  Yay, so comment away!

A Book Review

I've been thoroughly enjoying my new found genius idea of listening to books on CD while driving to and from work!  It makes for a much more enjoyable commute!  :)

Just recently, I finished another audiobook.  It is called A Tapestry of Hope by Tracie Peterson and Judith Miller, book #1 in the Lights of Lowell series.  

This was a light and enjoyable read.  The book is set in the 1840s in the historic South as well as in Lowell, Massachusetts...I always find that time period fascinating!  A Tapestry of Hope is a well written story of two young girls who find their strength and peace in God in the midst of difficult and trying circumstances.  Jasmine Wainwright is a Southern gentile woman that most modern women would admire and respect for her gracious character under pressure.  Kiara is an indentured servant from Ireland who perseveres through trials and hardship to find that with God forgiveness is always possible.

I definitely recommend this book, giving it a 7 out of 10.  There are three books in this series and I am really interested to see how the series finishes!

A Book Review

 

Now, 'Sunset' by Karen Kingsbury was not on my original list...but what's a good reading list without a book by KK I ask you??! She is my absolute fav and I was delighted to discover that my copy of this book was finally in at the library, gosh I love that place!!

Right, so this book completes *boohoo* the Baxter Family series with a beautiful finish that is so characteristic of KK.  If you have not already read the first 2 series that follow this beloved family...well, WHAT are you waiting for??  Check out the Redemption and Firstborn series and then read this Sunrise series...it is SOO worth your time.  Seriously, the best series I have ever ever read.  I am only sad that the series has come to a close.

Ok, on to the review...Sunset totally gets 20 out of 10, yes it's that good.  Of course, you really need to read these books in order to get the full story of the characters.  I laughed and cried through each of these books and Sunset is no different.  I just love the realness with which Karen weaves the lives of her characters.  They go through hard times just like we do in real life...like death, separation, hurt, pain, loss...it is by no means a depiction of a rosy world with fake people and fake circumstances.  Karen is skillful in the way she ties in Scripture and faith in God as the bedrock of the Baxter family.  It is a truly remarkable story of a family that lives, laughs and loves together all the while depending on God for all they need.

When I finished this book, I was left with a truly satisfied and encouraged heart...you just can't always say that about a book!  :)  So, definitely pick up this series and read to your heart's content!!!  

 

A Book Review

This fall season has been great for reading so far, despite my time spent working...I know, right!  Billie Letts 'Shoot the Moon' is my most recent finished book. It was the one I got out on audiobook from the library...what a stroke of genius!!  :)  My hours in the car are proving quite fruitful.

Ok, so I checked this book out because Billie Letts is also the author of 'Where the Heart Is'.  It is an intriguing read, a tale of a mother's love, a mysterious murder, a long lost child, the bond of family and the quaint charms of a small town.  Although this book did not grip me and I would not highly recommend it, Shoot the Moon did hold my attention and had me wondering "who done it?". There are a few *choice* words in it so reader beware.  

Overall, I give Shoot the Moon a 6 out of 10.

 

Spring Reading Thing 2008

**this is a sticky post, scroll down for recent posts!**

It's ON baby! :)

I've been waiting...haven't you?! I LOVE this bloggy excuse to READ READ READ...it's so fun! Check out Katrina at Callapidder Days for complete details and join us!! You know you want to ;) Ok, so here's my list (since I am a RIDICULOUS optimist and overachiever, I am listing only 4 books this time...if I finish them then I will post more!)

Oceans Apart by Karen Kingsbury (review #1)

The Shack by William Young (review #2)

Soul Surfer by Bethany Hamilton (review #3)

Breaking Free by Beth Moore **update, sorry just can't seem to finish this one!**

**Added**

Sisters, Ink by Rebeca Setiz (review #4)

Change of Heart by Jodi Picoult

:-) Happy Reading, y'all! :-)

A Book Review ~ #4

Sisters, Ink

"Sisters, Ink is the story of four women who were all adopted into the same family - that of Jack and Marian Sinclair - in the little town of Stars Hill, Tennessee. The sisters are varied in a host of ways. From race to personality, marital status to expressions of faith, these girls are as different from each other as night from day! Yet they're bound by their love of scrapping, a love that was instilled by Marian (Momma) throughout their childhood. Even though Momma has passed on after a fight with breast cancer, the sisters still get together to scrap in Momma's old studio in the attic of the farmhouse. And there, amidst paper and scissors, tape runners and chipboard, they hash out life's happenings over the scrapping table Daddy made so many years ago."

I had never heard of Rebeca Seitz until I was blog hopping one day and there was a giveaway for this book and several ladies said it was really good. Browsing through the new books at the library, I saw it on the shelf and grabbed it up!! I am SO glad I did, y'all. :)

Sisters, Ink is a lighthearted and fun filled read that I would DEF recommend! Rebeca crafts a delightful story of family, friends, faith and fun (oh, and did I mention scrapbooking and romance?!). I don't even scrapbook myself (yet) but this sweet book made me want to!! I loved the touch of southern charm in this book and could identify with the wonderful sensation of "going home". This is the 1st book out in this coming soon 4 book series (I will totally be reading the rest in this series!).

Check out Katrina @ Callapider Days for more excellent book reviews!! Rebeca Seitz also has a wicked cute website and if you're a scrapper then you'll really want to check it out! Happy Reading!! :-)

A Book Review ~ #3

Soul Surfer

The amazing story of the thirteen-year-old surfer girl who lost her arm in a shark attack but never lost her faith -- and of her triumphant return to competitive surfing.

"They say Bethany Hamilton has saltwater in her veins. How else could one explain the tremendous passion that drives her to surf? How else could one explain that nothing -- not even the loss of her arm in a horrific shark attack -- could come between her and the waves? Soul Surfer is a moving account of Bethany's life as a young surfer, her recovery in the wake of the shark attack, the adjustments she's made to her unique surfing style, her unprecedented bid for a top showing in the World Surfing Championships, and, most fundamentally, her belief in God. It is a story of girl power and spiritual grit that shows that the body is no more essential to surfing -- perhaps even less so -- than the soul. ~A True Story of Faith, Family and Fighting to Get Back on the Board."

I remembered hearing briefly about Bethany's story a while ago but didn't realize she had a book out. Her story intrigued me because of our Chloe and there were alot of ways I could really identify with Bethany and her family. Bethany's testimony is so clear and pure of how she has allowed God to use her in and through this difficult circumstance. This was her question, "Why did God choose me and what does He have in mind for me?" instead of the typical "Why ME?" Here are some other BIG things she says in her book that really stood out to me...

"And I am working on plans to do other things to help kids who have limbs missing. I'd like to meet as many as I can and share with them my story, maybe help them work through all the fear and self-doubt. I've experienced it all firsthand, and I'm living proof that there's NO such thing as a handicap--it's only in your head...

I know that God has put me in a place where I have a chance to be of help to people all over the world...

But for me, knowing that God loves me and that He has a plan for my life that NO shark can take away it like having solid rock underneath me. Look, lots of bad stuff happens to people. That's life. And here's my advice: don't put all your hope and faith into something that could suddenly and easily disappear. And honestly, that's almost anything. The ONLY thing that will NEVER go away, that will NEVER fail you, is your faith in GOD...

So I think this was God's plan for me all along. I am not saying that God made the shark bite me. I think He knew it would happen, and He made a way for my life to be happy and meaningful IN SPITE of it happening."

HELLO??!! How old is she??! I think she has a thing or two she could teach all of us about trusting God in the tough times and clinging to truth! It's my prayer that one day my Chloe can come to these same convictions in her heart about her own story.

This was a great book and a quick read since it's on a reading level of about 6-9th grade. But Bethany's story is so relevant, impacting and encouarging for all ages. I DEF encourage y'all to read Soul Surfer and even check out her website for more background on Bethany and see what she's up to now!

A Book Review ~ #2

The Shack

by William P. Young (his blog)

"Where Tradegy Confronts Eternity"

"Mackenzie Allen Phillips' youngest daughter, Missy, has been abducted during a family vacation and evidence taht she may have been brutally murdered is found in an abandoned shack deep in the Oregon wilderness. Four years later in the midst of his Great Sadness, Mack receives a suspicious note, apparently from God, inviting him back to that shack for a weekend. Against his better judgment he arrives at the shack on a wintry afternoon and walks back into his darkest nightmare. What he finds there will change Mack's world forever. In a world where religion seems to grow increasingly irrelevant The Shack wrestles with the timeless question, 'Where is God in a world so filled with unspeakable pain?' The answers Mack gets will astound you and perhaps transform you as much as it did him. You'll want everyone you know to read this book!"

First off, I am NOT a bandwagon jumper-on-er nor am I a debater...I don't like debating and don't want to debate. This is simply my own personal review of the book. And second, this is a FICTION book (meaning, you can't take the book as gospel truth, y'all cause it AIN'T the BIBLE!!)

Ok, that said...Wow! Honestly, I don't know where to even begin with my review...I think this is just one of those books you are going to have to read it for yourself. You know books are funny because they hit different people in different ways. Alot of it is timing, for me the timing was perfect. God's been talking to me alot about forgiveness. Here are just 2 quotes that stood out to me from The Shack..."Forgiveness is not about forgetting...It is about letting go of another person's throat" and "Forgiveness is first for you, the forgiver, to release you from something that will eat you alive; that will destroy your joy and your ability to love fully and openly."

William Young gives us such a crystal clear picture of some fundamental truths in story form, it's breathtaking. I laughed, smiled, cried my way through this book. It challenged me and provoked my thinking on a deeper level. I DEF encourage you to read this book...keep in mind that it IS fiction...however, if you are a Believer, you then have the Holy Spirit living in you (as I do) then He can choose to reveal Truth to us through any medium, be it a fictional book, a friend or the sports page of the newspaper! And because He is the Holy Spirit, He'll give you discernment on what things to come away with from the book and what things to disregard! If you're interested, then read it. I'd love to know your thoughts about it but again, I am NOT debating anything!! :)

Happy Reading, everyone! Check out Katrina for more reviews and book-lover blogs!! :D

A Book Review ~ #1

Oceans Apart

"A riveting story of secret sin and the healing power of forgiveness. Airline pilot Connor Evans and his wife, Michele, seem to be the perfect couple living what looks like a perfect life. Then a plane goes down in the Pacific Ocean. One of the casualties is Kiahna Siefert, a flight attendant Connor knew well. Too well. Kiahna's will is very clear: before her seven-year-old son, Max, can be turned over to the state, he must spend the summer with the father he's never met, the father who doesn't know he exists: Connor Evans. Now will the presence of one lonely child and the truth he represents destroy Connor's family ? Or is it possible that healing and hope might come in the shape of a seven-year-old boy?"

I just LOVE LOVE LOVE Karen Kingsbury...she is the kind of author that if all you knew was that she wrote the book then it would be a must read! This book was a thought provoking, tear-jerking and encouraging read (as usual for KK). I picked up this book and read it in just a few days. It is one of her stand alone titles so it's a nice quick one if you don't want to start a series.

Karen Kingsbury weaves a difficult tale of a family broken by lies and deceit and poor choices. However, she encourages us to remember that our God is the God of second chances and forgiveness! "Love happens when you forgive". We can only think of the ultimate example of complete forgiveness by our Lord Jesus. Even when we were still sinners, He died for us to give us the precious gift of forgiveness and a second chance. What more could we ask for?

I DEFINITELY recommend this book!! :)