The Imagination Station: Peril in the Palace

LOVED this book!!  I actually requested this book through Tyndale Publisher's blog review program because my son loves the Magic Tree House books and I thought it would be nice to have a similar experience, traveling through time, but with a Christian outlook.  I was right, this book was wonderful.  Well written, grabbed you from the beginning. We loved it so much, we plan on purchasing the rest of the series (this is book 3 of 6).

As I said, it is similar to Magic Tree House in that the main characters, cousins Patrick and Beth, go through time on quests to find out why the Imagination Station isn't working the way it should.  Their quest in Peril in the Palace is to find the golden tablet of Kublai Khan.  But while going on this quest, they find more clues as to who is sending them their quests and why the Imagination Station isn't working correctly.

I would recommend this book to anyone with a child who loves stories with adventure.  We will be reading the whole series from Book 1 until they don't publish anymore.  This book can be purchased at Amazon.com, Christianbook.com or BN.com.

Now for the legal stuff: Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through their blogger review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Mystery of the Blue Ring

I received an electronic copy of this book from Open Road Media through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book is geared toward children beginning to read chapter books, so around first or second grade.  This book was originally published in 1987, and has been re-released for e-readers.

It's a great book about a second-grade girl who receives a detective kit complete with disguises from her Grandmother and sets about to solve some mysteries.  I remember wanting to solve mysteries when I was a young girl too, though there wasn't really a mystery, just an over-active imagination on my part.  But Dawn has a mystery to solve, a ring is missing, and the class thinks she stole it!  Dawn puts her detective kit to use when she decides to investigate the whereabouts of this ring, and she gets some help from a boy from her class, Jason.

Patricia Reilly Giff draws you in and keeps you going throughout this book.  I would highly recommend this book to any child, boy or girl who likes adventure and mystery.  You can find this book at Amazon for Kindle  or at Barnes and Noble for Nook.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through their blogger review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

It Couldn't Just Happen

I got this book from Booksneeze in exchange for an honest review.  I picked this book because I think that it's very important for my son to learn that the world didn't just happen, that God created Heaven and Earth, and us.  Lawrence O. Richards goes through all the things that kids would be interested, dinosaurs, the creation of the Earth, evolution, space, other planets, etc. and shows how God has created all things and uses Biblical support too.  He discusses Evolution (we come from plankton) vs. evolution (we change over time) as well which was one of the big reasons I wanted this book.  It bothers me that the Theory of Evolution is taught in public schools as fact now, not as a theory as it was when I was in school.

Mr. Richards also ends each chapter with a "Just for Fun" activity, which gives them ideas on how they can learn more through the Bible and research.

This book is well written and can be used either to read straight through or as a reference to look up individual topics (the book has a topical index in the back).

One thing that really impressed me is when he discussed the age of the Earth, Mr. Richards did not state that the Earth can't be billions of years ago, he said the Bible does not state when God created, just that He did.  He also only disputes the reliability of radiometric dating.  While I do believe that scientists can carbon date fossils to the billions of years ago, I respect that Mr. Richards had research that did support his argument.

Oftentimes Christian groups dispute things like when dinosaurs roamed by simply stating that it couldn't happen because God created the world in 7 days regardless of how long we conceive 7 days to be versus how long God would consider 7 days to be.

Mr. Richards' book is well-written and well researched.  It is supported both by scientific discoveries and the Bible, and it shows that even scientific discoveries support a Biblical world view.

I would recommend this to anyone who would like their children to know a Biblical view of our world.  Those who believe in Evolution as fact, not a theory and that the world was created by a coincidental merging of dust particles would probably find this book irritating.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Stealing Jake

This is my first review for NetGalley.  Though it's also for Tyndale and I have done reviews for them...but I digress.

Stealing Jake is a wonderfully written piece of Christian historical romance by Pam Hillman.  The story takes place in a rural town where Livy O'Brien has just relocated to from Chicago where her life was not that easy.  She is trying to start a new life and become a better person than she was.  She meets the town Deputy, Jake Russell, who has problems of his own and a past he wants to move on from as well.  The characters are well developed and this is not just written as a romance, there have been some robberies and some new street kids coming in from Chicago as well as the new orphanage in town.

I am not one for romance novels, as a rule I don't tend to like them.  But, as I said, this isn't just a romance.  Pam Hillman stayed true to the historical events of the Chicago area and developed characters, both main and secondary, that you truly cared about.

I highly recommend this novel.  You can find it on Amazon for Kindle.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through their blogger review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Promises to Keep

This is the first novel I've read by Ann Tatlock, and I have to say I will be reading more of her books.  Taking place in the 1960's, we hear Roz's story, moving with her mother away from her alcoholic father to live in the same town as her grandfather.  She meets and befriends a young African-American girl who has her own family secrets.  Roz grows from the innocence of youth to realization that things are not always what we want them to be, and neither are people no matter how much we believe in them.

This novel is well written and keeps your interest.  It is a great coming of age book.  Even though at parts you can see what may happen next, you hope that what Roz sees will be reality.  I would highly recommend this to  any reader.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through their blogger review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Cure for the Common Life

I got this ebook from BookSneeze in return for my honest review.

Have you ever dreaded going to work each day, felt like something was not quite right in your career?  Maybe you haven't found your "Sweet Spot".  Max Lucado in his writing brilliance has put together this book to help you find your sweet spot, the spot where what you love doing comes together with what God has planned for you.  He guides you through looking back through your life to the things that you felt like you were  meant to do, the places where you were fulfilled and the most energized in your life.

Max Lucado then helps you write your S.T.O.R.Y. by looking back through your life to see where your every day life, your strengths and God's glory all come together, that's your sweet spot.  The goal of this book is to help you find where you can do what you are best at for the glory of God.  It also helps you look at your child's life, interests and abilities and help them find their sweet spot.

Though the ideas put forth in this book aren't necessarily new, Max Lucado gives you Biblical references to help and real life examples to explain what he is trying to help you do.

I highly recommend this book for anyone, whether you are unhappy in your life, complacent in your day to day routine, heading off to college and unsure what to major in, or just need help refocusing your life on bringing glory to God.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

No Place Like Holmes

I got this book in e-book form from Book Sneeze in return for my honest review.  This book is written for tween boys, and I must say, it's a great read.  A young boy, Griffin Sharpe, travels from the US to England to visit his Private Detective Uncle, the only name he has for the uncle is Snoops...and the address is 221A Baker Street.  Griffin Sharpe is very observant, noticing everything and deducing much like a young Watson of Sherlock Holmes fame.  Jason Lethcoe grabbed my interest from the beginning, and never let go.  I couldn't put this book down and read it in under 2 days.  I will be looking out for the second book in this series, The Future Door.

As a teacher, it's so nice to see more books that encourage thought and thoughtfulness out there for our young boys to read.  As a parent, this book is very well written, I am looking forward to sharing this series with my son.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Max on Life - Max Lucado

Max Lucado, oh how I love your writings.  This is not my first Max Lucado book, and it won't be my last.  This book answers some questions that were sent into Max Lucado about life, and how we should live it.  It is divided into sections like Hope, Help, Home, Him/Her.  Each section has a question, and a Biblically supported answer.  As I was reading, I found myself underlining both Bible passages and commentary that I wanted to be able to refer back to.  This book is a great read through, though it does take time to go through the book.  And, in case you want to look up something in particular, there is a topical index in the back.  Max Lucado even put in a section on writing and how that all works.

I would highly recommend this book.  I'm sure I will find myself going back to this book again and again as life changes and we need to refocus on the Lord.  I received this book through the publisher's BookSneeze program for an honest review.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Final Summit

I received this E-book from BookSneeze to read and post my honest opinion.  Well...I love this book.  Once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down.  

David Ponder is visited by the Archangel Gabriel and goes to a summit of some of the great minds from history.  He meets with Winston Churchill, Abe Lincoln, King David, Joan of Arc, and others to decide what it is that the world must do so that it can continue to go on.  Each chapter involves a discussion and advice for what the people individually and as a whole need to do to show that they haven't lost sight of what they should be doing here on Earth.  Each answer builds upon the last and leads up to the ultimate answer which you will have to read the book to find out.

This is the first novel I have read by Andy Andrews, and I'm hooked.  I had the opportunity to see him live at Women of Faith and have read his book The Boy Who Changed the World  he is a wonderful comedian and writer.  I can't wait to read another of his books.  Oh, and I'm going back to read the first book in this series, The Traveler's Gift.  

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

While the World Watched

So, I thought I knew a lot about the Civil Rights Movement, I mean I learned about it in school in the 1970's and 1980's, right.  Well, I now know there was a lot I didn't know.  But that's not all this book is about.  Carolyn Maull McKinstry gives us a look into her life, a life filled with death, fear, inequality, but most importantly God.  At the age of 14, she lost her 4 closest friends in a Klan bombing at the Sixteenth Street Church, her church, in Birmingham, AL.  Her life was spared by minutes.  But her loss, her anger and her fear would last a long time.  She marched with Martin Luther King, Jr.  But the loss of those 4 friends would haunt her for a long time.

This wonderfully written book leads you through Carolyn Maull McKinstry's life as she comes to terms with the loss and her hatred and comes to forgiveness through the Lord.  Her road was not smooth or quick, but it led her to where she was meant to be.  I received this book to review while I was going through a Sunday School class on forgiveness and how when we forgive others as God forgave us, we are in his grace.  I really loved this book, I had a difficult time putting it down.  I would recommend this to anyone whether or not they have an interest in the history of our Civil Rights Movement.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through their blogger review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Sun Stand Still

As Steven Furtick promises on the back cover of his book Sun Stand Still, "This book is not a Snuggie. The words on these pages will not go down like Ambien. I’m not writing to calm or coddle you. With God’s help, I intend to incite a riot in your mind. Trip your breakers and turn out the lights in your favorite hiding places of insecurity and fear. Then flip the switch back on so that God’s truth can illuminate the divine destiny that may have been lying dormant inside you for years. 
   In short, I’m out to activate your audacious faith. To inspire you to ask God for the impossible. And in the process, to reconnect you with your God-sized purpose and potential."

Steven Furtick is the lead pastor of Elevation Church in Charlotte, NC.  An unlikely church in one of the most churched areas in the U.S.  His church was founded 5 years ago with 20 parishioners, and today boasts a regular attendance of over 8,000.  He praises his faith in "Sun Stand Still" prayers for making this growth possible and wants to share the tools needed with everyone.

I received Sun Stand Still by Steven Furtick to review from WaterBrook Press through their Blogging for Books program.  I was not required to give a positive review, these are my honest thoughts.

I must say that I've been struggling in my prayer life, I'm pretty good at reading the Bible and praying every day, but I kind of have gotten into a rut in my life with prayers.  I was really looking forward to reading this book and seeing how I could pray audaciously through the Word of God.  And I did take a lot from this book.  I learned that you should ask God for what you cannot humanly do yourself, and you will find that things happen because of Him.  You must show faith.  And I have changed my prayers.  A lot.  And my prayers have changed me.  

The only thing I took issue with is Mr Furtick discussed how he used to pray saying "if it be your will", as if to give God a way out, but interestingly we are going through a prayer series at my church where we are going over Matthew 6:10-14 where Jesus teaches us how to pray and one thing he does say is that we should pray "Your will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven" Matthew 6:10.  

I did really like how he showed that you should use Biblical references to "support" your request, which reinforces your faith and your faithfulness.

All in all I think this is a good book to help you pray for God's help in your life, and I really like that he shows you how to do it with all your faith.  I would recommend this book without hesitation.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through their blogger review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

A Conversation with God for Women

I got another book from Book Sneeze, A Conversation with God for Women by Marcia Ford.  This is a wonderful resource for any Christian woman, a new believer or a mature believer.  It is set up in several sections: God, Jesus, The Bible, Life, Prayer, Relationships & Good and Evil.  It poses several questions and has answers based in the Bible from God, Jesus and several prominent and not so prominent women from the Bible such as Mary of Nazereth, Anna, Mary Magelene, Priscilla, Elizabeth, etc.

I love the set up, it makes reading easier.  It's a great support to your devotional time.  It also helps when you are reaching out to new believers and non-believers to have answers to questions like "Who really wrote the Bible?" or "Is one right way to pray?"

This book is a wonderful addition to any believer's library.  It would make a great gift as well.  I would highly recommend this to anyone!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Voices of the Faithful - Book 2

I received this book through BookSneeze.  It is a wonderful 365 day Devotional written by missionaries.  I love reading the stories telling about how God's grace has been witnessed throughout the world.  The book is set up with a daily devotional with a verse listed at the top of the page.  The devotional is a story from one of several missionaries from around the world showing how God works on the hearts of the unbelievers.  The daily entry ends with a prayer for the missionaries.  Each month is set up with its own theme and an introduction by Kim P. Davis.

I love the set up and the stories show God's glory throughout the world.  I also like the prayers showing how to pray for the missionaries and their missions.  The only thing I'd like to see is additional Bible references to help bring more of the Word into the devotion time.

All in all this is a wonderful Devotional and I look forward to each day and the story I will read from Christians doing God's work all over the world.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Sleep - It Does a Family Good

I received this book from Tyndale Press to review for their blog network.  Since we have sleep problems, and serious ones in my family (as you can see since I am typing this review at close to 1 in the morning on a Sunday night), I figured it would be a great book for us to work through to help with sleep issues.  Unfortunately, I couldn't really make it through the book.  I'm sure for some it would be a great book for some, but the author is so caught up on the science of sleep that the book lost my interest very quickly.  I trudged my way through about half of the book and couldn't bring myself to continue reading, and that's saying something since I read anything.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through their blogger review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Little Star

I received Little Star by Anthony DeStefano to review from WaterBrook Press through their Blogging for Books program.  I received it just in time to read to my first grade son at Christmas time.  It is an endearing story about a Little Star who, being the smallest star, was lonely and felt neglected, but on the day that Jesus was born, that Little Star used all his strength and shined his light on the baby Jesus so he could be warm.  This story is being told to a little boy by his father.

I loved this story and so did my son. I would recommend it to anyone with young children.  It is really a nice story about the tradition of putting a star on your Christmas tree to remember the star that shined down on the baby Jesus.  This book will definitely be added to our "must read" books for Christmas next year.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through their blogger review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Jesus Calling: 365 Devotions for Kids

We started using Jesus Calling: 365 Devotions for Kids by Sarah Young for our family Bible time yesterday, and it's already become a favorite of mine and my son's.  The text of each devotion is written as if Jesus is speaking to you.  Each devotion starts with a passage, then the devotion follows and the page ends with passages that continue on the theme.  

So far we have learned about Calling on Jesus and Putting Jesus First.  What I really like about the layout is it gives me a chance to not only work with my son on putting God's Word in his heart every day, but it also helps me to teach him how to look up passages in his Bible.  We read the passage, go over the Devotion, discuss what the devotion means and finally read the additional passages.

My son, who is 6 and in First grade, loves being able to talk about what the devotions mean, I ask him to put what he's learned into his words.  We discuss what the passages mean and what we can learn from the Word and from the devotions.  With my son's ADHD, it really helps that the devotions are short and in a form that draws him in.  While he could easily read the devotions by himself, we do this together so that we can talk about it.  

I would highly recommend this to anyone with children from preschool through 3rd grade, the older children can read everything on their own for their private Bible time. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”