Book Review "A Rush of Wings" by Kristen Heitzmann

I recently received a complimentary copy of the book "A Rush of Wings" by Kristen Heitzmann from Bethany House Publishers as part of their book review program. All opinions listed below are my honest thought on the book.

This is the story of Noelle St. Claire who grew up with her father, William, since her mother died when she was younger. She grew up with most decisions being made for her by her rich father and everything handed to her. Her father even tried picking a spouse for her, Michael; however, he turns out to be abusive to her during their engagement. Noelle finds herself fleeing from danger and running from other fragmented images in her head that she struggles to recall what they are from. She ends up in the Rocky Mountains at a horse ranch owned by Rick Spencer. He lets her stay on the ranch for a small fee and while there, his brother, Morgan, attempts to date Noelle. She is so closed off to any emotional relationship and she does not open up until much later in the story when she opens up to Rick. Through many trials and happenings, Rick and Noelle find themselves in love even though Noelle doesn't share Rick's faith. She must work through her memories of being kidnapped at the age of 5 and try to trust in a God that she thought was someone evil and mean. This is a wonderful story of love, forgiveness, hope, and trials. It is a story of how the Lord can truly change someone and help them heal no matter what they have experienced in their past. I really enjoyed this book and plan to read others written by the same author.

Book Review: "God Gave Us So Much" by Lisa Tawn Bergren

I recently received a complimentary copy of the book "God Gave Us So Much" by Lisa Tawn Mergren from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group as part of their book review program for bloggers. This book is a limited-edition three-book treasury that includes the books "God Gave Us the World," "God Gave Us Love," and "God Gave Us Heaven." These stories follow a little polar bear and her curiosity about the world around her. As she journeys through the Arctic North Pole she is helped along by her Mama, Papa, and Grampa Bear to find the answers to her important questions. These stories share with children the beauty of God's creation and how much He loves us. With beautiful and colorful illustrations by Laura J. Bryant, children will be captured by the stories. The three stories show and teach children about the diversity in our world, the wonderful gift of love, and the beauty of heaven. My children were both engaged in these stories and were so excited to hear them several times. I would recommend this book and the others in this series as a wonderful way to teach your children about the love of God.

Book Review: "Voices of the Faithful" by Beth Moore

I recently received a complimentary copy of "Voices of the Faithful" by Beth Moore and friends who put their lives on the line for God from Thomas Nelson Publishing as part of the Booksneeze book review program. The opinions listed below are my honest opinion of the book.

We live in a country where persecution is not an everyday occurrence; however, this is not true for many Christians living around the world. This book is filled with 366 daily readings with encouraging stories of faith, strength, and hope. These are stories of Christians worldwide who are living the life Christ called us to and they are devoted only to Him. I have read these daily devotions since receiving the book and I love how it has a short daily story for every day of the year. These stories have already encouraged my heart and also convicted me to do more for the Lord. We live in such a comfortable society and this book challenges you to live more and do more for the Lord when you see how these Christians are challenged every day to live for Christ. Wonderful devotion book to add to your daily quiet time with the Lord.

Book Review: "Coming Back Stronger" by Drew Brees

I recently received a complimentary copy of the book "Coming Back Stronger: Unleashing the hidden power of adversity" by Drew Brees with Chris Fabry from Tyndale House Publishers as part of their book review program.

This book tells the story of Drew Brees and how having such a positive attitude and really make a difference. When Drew Brees suffered a horrible shoulder injury that could have ended his career for good, people questioned whether he would ever play again. Through drive and determination he pushed through that obstacle in his life and was able to play as a quarterback again. Then in 2005, Hurricane Katrina left New Orleans in utter ruin when over 80 percent of the city was left damaged and under water. People everywhere questioned whether New Orleans could ever rebuild and get back on its feet again. That is when Drew Brees signed on to play as quarterback for the New Orleans Saints. Through is drive, determination, faith, and encouragement he lead the Saints to their first ever Super Bowl title. This story is a wonderful true story of hope and that you can always get up after being "knocked to the ground." It's a story of heart and determination that I really enjoyed reading. I would recommend this book to everyone, especially if you have a Saints fan in your midst!!

Book Review: "Under the Overpass" by Mike Yankoski

I recently received a complimentary copy of the book "Under the Overpass: A Journey of Faith on the Streets of America" by Mike Yankoski as part of the book review program through WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group. The opinions below are my honest opinion of the book.

Would you give up everything in your life just to experience how others live their lives? That is exactly what Mike Yankoski and his friend Sam decided to do when they gave up their upper-middle class life to live the lifestyle of the homeless. For five months they experienced the homeless life in six different major cities. They experienced hunger, depression, exhaustion, and many other issues along their journey. This book also contains a foreward by Francis Chan and an updated bonus chapter that the author wrote five years after his experience.

This story is truly inspiring and challenging. It made me focus on the people around me and those who I don't see just because they don't live like me. Jesus ministered to the lowly and poor and we are called to do the same. I would highly recommend this book as the story itself is very intriguing but the challenge is great. We need to look outside of our comfort zones and reach out to those less fortunate than us.

Book Review: "Hatteras Girl" by Alice J. Wisler

I recently received the book "Hatteras Girl" by Alice J. Wisler from Bethany House Publishers as a complimentary copy for their book review program. The opinions are my honest opinion of the book.

In this story by Alice J. Wisler, Jackie Donovan has two dreams in life. She wishes to reopen the old Bailey House, a bed and breakfast place, and also meet the man of her dreams. She lives with her best friend who has a young boy that Jackie often cares for while her friend is at work. Jackie is a writer for the local magazine of the North Carolina outer banks, "Lighthouse Views." She interviews local business owners and interviews Davis Erickson, a local realtor. She falls for his charming ways and good looks and discovers he is the grandson of the Baileys who ran the old bed and breakfast that she dreams of owning. Davis works out a "deal" with her to rent with the option to buy the place. Her long time friend, Buck, ends up telling her the truth about Davis and how he is a horrible landlord. She discovers that she is actually in love with Buck and he helps her to get the bed and breakfast on its feet while making sure Davis pays for it all.

This is a great story about love, hope, and faith. Jackie's friend suffers many trials throughout the book and it is a great example of what a strong friendship can do in helping others through hard times. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading another of Alice J. Wisler's novels.

Book Review: "Then Sings My Soul" by Robert J. Morgan

I was recently sent a complimentary copy of the book "Then Sings My Soul: Special Edition" by Robert J. Morgan from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of the Booksneeze book review program. The opinions listed below are my honest opinion of the book.

In "Then Sings My Soul," Robert J. Morgan has compiled many favorite Christmas, Easter, and other famous hymns and the stories about how the writers of these wonderful songs came to write them. The book is beautifully done and each page has the actual song on one side and then the story of the writer's life and how they came to write the song. It is a wonderful inside look at many favorite songs sung in churches and around the world today. I found it inspiring to read the stories behind the songs I have sung for years. It makes the songs mean so much more when you hear the background of how the words and music came about. The words really come alive to you after hearing how these songs of praise to our Lord were written. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves music and wishes to know more about the hymns we sing. It is a wonderful teaching tool you could use in Sunday School or other areas as well. I will keep this book for years to come to share with others the meanings of all the wonderful songs we sing around the holidays and all year long.

Book Tour and Review: "Run to Overcome" by Meb Keflezighi

I recently received the book "Run to Overcome" by Meb Keflezighi with Dick Patrick as a complimentary copy from Tyndale House Publishers as part of their bookreview program. This book is the wonderful, true story of Meb Keflezighi who started as a young boy in the midst of a war between his country of Eritrea and Ethiopia. He lived in poverty, but his family raised them to believe and trust in God, to work very hard, and to never give up no matter what. Meb's father left for Italy in order to work to bring his family to join him later. This was a hard time for Meb's family and especially his mother. They were reunited in Italy and then through God ordained circumstances were finally able to come to the United States. Meb had never heard of running as a sport until he arrived in the USA. Not knowing any English he had to work very hard in school and eventually went to UCLA. He ran in high school and discovered his God given talent for running. He ran and won many races throughout his years in high school and college and then his career turned professional. He won the silver medal in Athens. One of his biggest accomplishments was winning the New York City Marathon in 2009. He continues running and has a wife and three little girls who support him.



The part of this book that I loved was just how Meb never gave up his faith and trust in God no matter what. He had injuries that prevented him from participating in the Beijing Olympics and had several close running friends that passed away. He never once gave up and he fought back to win the NYC marathon. My favorite part of Meb's story is that he encourages his readers and fans to persevere no matter what and give everything your best and then you will be "running to win." A wonderful story and I am now a Meb fan and hope to see how he will do in his next marathon run on November 7th in NYC.



If you are interested in learning more and possibly winning a copy of this book head on over to the Run to Overcome website where from November 1 through March 31 they are giving away one signed book per day. There will also be chances to win other prizes monthly. You can go there to learn more about Meb and his amazing journey of running and his faith through it all.

Meb Keflezighi

Book Review: "Really Woolly Bible Stories" By Bonnie Rickner Jensen

I recently received a complimentary copy of the book "Really Woolly Bible Stories" by Bonnie Rickner Jensen from Tommy Nelson Publishers as part of the Booksneeze book review program. The opinions listed below are my honest opinion of the book.

Upon arrival in the mail and opening the package with this adorable board book inside, both of my girls were in love. They love the Really Woolly movie series and also loved this book. This book goes through many Bible stories using rhyme and adorable pictures to teach children these important stories. I like how it also tells you under each illustration where to find the story in the Bible so if you have a younger child and an older child you can read this book to the younger and then go to the Bible for your older child. My girls are ages 4 and 2 and they both love this book. I would recommend it to everyone with young children looking for a great way to teach your child Bible stories. This would make a wonderful Christmas present for that special child in your life.

Book Review: "In Every Heartbeat" by Kim Vogel Sawyer

I recently received a free copy of the book "In Every Heartbeat" by Kim Vogel Sawyer from Bethany House Publishers as part of their book review program.

This story is about three friends who know each other from growing up in the same orphanage together. Libby Conley, Pete Leidig, and Bennett Martin are given the opportunity to go to college together. The story takes place when the world was on the brink of World War I. As their lives begin to take different paths at college their friendships are put to the test. Libby hopes to become a journalist; however, through certain circumstances and her new found faith in God she end up deciding that being famous may not be as important as writing the truth. Pete feels called to be a minister and through Libby's discovery of his family's secret he must seek the Lord for what to do. Bennett planned to pledge in a fraternity and wants to be popular, but after seeing his friends' faith, he begins to question what is important to him as well. Through all of this, Pete and Libby realize their love for one another.

This story was enjoyable to read and kept my interest. I found it neat to read about their college experiences trying to picture what college life was like back then. Overall, a wonderful story about faith and friendship that I would recommend to everyone.

DVD Review: "The Way Home"

I received the movie "The Way Home" from the Booksneeze book review program as a complimentary copy to review. The opinions listed below are honest and are mine. This movie is based on a true story which I personally love movies like that. It really makes the characters seem more real to me knowing someone really experienced the story. In "The Way Home," Dean Cain plays the role of Randy Simpkins who is always busy with his work. He struggles, like many parents do today, between juggling work and family. His wife, Christal, asks Randy to watch their son, Joe, for a few short minutes and in those minutes Joe disappears. Randy was distracted by work when Joe disappears; therefore, Randy feels very responsible and the rest of the story and movie is him in a desperate search for his son. On the way, he finds himself on a journey back to God and he realizes that nothing is more important than family. This is a wonderful Christian based film that I will share with my family for years to come.

Book Review: "Which None Can Shut" by Reema Goode

I recently received a complimentary copy of the amazing book "Which None Can Shut" by Reema Goode from Tyndale House Publishers as part of their book review program. The opinions listed below are mine and are my honest opinion.

Reema Goode, her husband, and two children are living in what most would consider a dark place for a Christian, the Arabian Peninsula. Here Christians are persecuted beyond what one can imagine; however, this book holds stories of God piercing through the darkness of the Muslim world and reaching lost souls. These are incredible true stories of what has happened in Reema Goode's life while living upon the Muslim community. In America, we can't understand the persecution of Christians that goes on in other areas of the world because we don't experience it firsthand. We may get made fun of or not make a friend because of our Christianity but we do not face death or persecution. This book has truly opened my eyes and heart that God is working in these dark areas of the world even if we think there is no hope for them. Reema Goode writes in a way to make you feel and pray for these people they are living among because God is the God of the impossible and He is opening doors in the Arabian Peninsula and using this family as well as others. I highly recommend this book as an encouragement and also a great eye opener.

Book Review: "OutLive Your Life" by Max Lucado

I recently received a complimentary copy of the book "OutLive Your Life" by Max Lucado from Thomas Nelson Publishing as part of the Booksneeze book review program. The opinions listed below are honest and are mine.

First of all, I love Max Lucado's books and really enjoy reading all of them. This one was no exception. He writes in such a clear and easy to understand way for Christians of all walks with the Lord to understand. This book is about how we are all called to live our lives to make a difference no matter how incapable we may feel. It tells how the disciples were ordinary "blue collar" workers and how Jesus chose them and what a difference they made. We, too, are called to DO something in today's society. There are so many people around us who need help and what are we doing about it? This book was such a challenge and inspiration to me to get up and do something with my life for the Lord. I highly recommend this book to every Believer.

Book Review: "One Hand, Two Hands" by Max Lucado

I recently received "One Hand, Two Hands" by Max Lucado from Thomas Nelson Publishing as part of the Booksneeze book review program. The opinions listed below are honest and are mine. I opened this book from the mail and my children instantly fell in love with it. The illustrations are so eye catching for children. This is a wonderful and adorable story of how we use our hands every day. It is written in rhyme which my children love and goes through different ways we use our two hands from the mundane things to how we can use them to help and serve others. I love that the story ends with ways little ones can help out their family and friends by serving and being kind. My four year old really enjoyed that part and the prayer for God to use her hands at the end of the story. I would recommend this book to all parents who have children and are looking for a great story to teach them about using and serving the Lord with their hands.

Book Review: "The Butterfly Effect" by Andy Andrews

I recently received "The Butterfly Effect" by Andy Andrews as from Thomas Nelson Publishing as part of the Booksneeze book review program. The opinions listed below are mine and are honest. This book is a wonderful encouragement and reminder to us all that our lives matter and can make a difference. The subtitle says, "How Your Life Matters," and this is a unique look at how one person can make a difference. Andy Andrews inspires readers to make a difference by telling of a Civil War hero and goes on from there to tell other stories of historical figures. This would make a great gift book to encourage and inspire anyone to live a life of purpose because we all do truly make a difference to someone around us, even if we don't realize it.

Book Review: "The Boy Who Changed the World" by Andy Andrews

I recently received "The Boy Who Changed the World" by Andy Andrews from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of the Booksneeze book review program. The opinions below are mine and are honest opinions of the book. I really enjoyed this book and so did my two girls. The colorful and engaging illustrations by Philip Hurst kept their attention and my 4 1/2 year old sat still for the entire story. The book begins with the story of a boy, Norman Borlaug, and goes through others in history such as Henry Wallace, George Washington Carver, and Moses Carver. It tells a wonderful story of how one child can make a huge difference and change the world. The book is based on the adult version of "The Butterfly Effect" but is written in a way for children to understand that they, too, can make a huge difference with one small dream or action. This book is a wonderful book for children to realize that they can make a difference and also gives them a great history lesson at the same time by introducing them to people in the past that made a difference.

Book Review: LOL with God by Pam Farrel and Dawn Wilson

I recently received the book "LOL with God: devotional messages of hope & humor for women" by Pam Farrel and Dawn Wilson. As a Christian mom who is busy and often needs some humor in my day to day life, this devotional was very refreshing and wonderful for my time needs. Each devotion is colored with humor and laughter to brighten your day and bring you closer to the Lord at the same time. I love that they are not, too, long and they also have an area at the end to record any thoughts you have from God on that day. I am not a huge "texter" so the verses at the top of each devotion that were in text form I had to look at the bottom of the page to see the actual verse. I am glad they had the verses available in non-text form for those of us who are not as text savvy. Overall, a wonderful devotion for all women.

I received this book as a complimentary copy as party of the Tyndale Publishers Book Review program. The opinions above are mine and are honest.

Book Review: "Captured by Grace" by Dr. David Jeremiah

I recently read "Captured by Grace" by Dr. David Jeremiah as part of the Booksneeze book review team. I picked the book because I thought a book about God's grace would be a wonderful read and I was right. Dr. David Jeremiah digs into the lives of ex-slave trader turned preacher, John Newton and the apostle Paul. John Newton also penned the famous hymn "Amazing Grace." Each chapter is divided using a line from this famous and wonderful hymn. This book is a wonderful reminder to us all of how God's grace is the only way we are saved from our past and our sins. Dr. David Jeremiah writes in a way that makes you understand and truly see our need for God's grace and also how we should be so thankful for it. It will make you think differently when you hear that song again and you will sing it with a new song in your heart. I can't wait to pass this book along to someone else to read and enjoy.

I received this book as a free complimentary copy in return for my opinion and review. The opinions above are mine and are honest.

A Book Review: "Still House Pond" by Jan Watson

In the novel "Still House Pond" by Jan Watson, the young Lilly Corbett lives a life that is beyond her years. She is busy helping her mother, Copper, with her younger siblings while Copper is out helping mothers birth babies. Lilly just wants to live the life that any young girl her age would want which is one of playing and spending time with her friends instead of watching her siblings. Her Aunt Alice sends a letter asking Lilly to come to the city of Lexington to visit. Copper is not thrilled with the idea at all and feels Lilly is not ready. Most of all Copper is not ready to let her little girl go. Copper and her husband, John, do let her go to Lexington and later hear that her train has crashed. This is a story of letting go and letting your children move on in life even if you are not ready quite yet. I normally do not tend to read historical setting fiction, but this one caught my attention in Jan's interesting characters she created. Also, I used to work as a nurse with babies and mothers in the nursery so I could easily relate to the medical situations in the book. This is a great read and I would recommend it to anyone.

Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book to review. The opinions listed are mine and are honest.

Resurrection in May by Lisa Samson: A Book Review

"Resurrection in May" by Lisa Samson tells the story of May Seymour who lived a materialistic and complex life; however, after graduating from college all of that changes for her when she is rescued from the side of the road by Claudius, a sweet and simple old farmer. He welcomes her into her home and she soon leaves to go to Rwanda on a missions trip. Unfortunately for May, the genocide is occurring while she is there and she finds herself witnessing brutality she never could have imagined. She returns to Claudius' farm where she lives a very simple farm life. Later she reconnects with an old flame, Eli who is now on death row. She helps him and he helps her realize that they need to forget whats in the past and move on. The story is one of tragedy, forgiveness, hope, and faith. I had never read any of Lisa Samson's work, but I was truly captured by this story. There are some intense and emotional scenes during the genocide, but Lisa writes it as if you're there and experiencing the hurt that May did. I would recommend this book to anyone with a love for reading good Christian fiction.

I received this book free as part of the Booksneeze book review team. All the opinions listed are mine and are honest.

"A Time to Dance" Book Review

I received "A Time to Dance" by Karen Kingsbury as a complimentary copy as part of the Booksneeze book reveiw program. The opinions listed below are my honest opinion of the book.

First of all, I love Karen Kingsbury so I was so excited to read another one of her books. "A Time to Dance" is part of the Timeless Love Series. The story is about John and Abby Reynolds who appear to have it all together. He is the high school football coach she is a writer and they have three wonderful children. Their lives seem to be perfect and admired by all; however, they are hiding the fact that they are near divorce. Both are guilty of flirting with disaster with co-workers, but neither will admit their fault in their failing marriage. As they are about to announce their divorce to their children, their oldest daughter, Nicole shares of her upcoming wedding. John and Abby decide to put off telling their children about their plans to divorce until the wedding is over. Through this time, they rediscover what made them fall in love to begin with. This is a wonderful story of love, commitment, and God's faithfulness. I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a great read.

Under the Big, Blue Sea: Book Review

I received "Under the Big, Blue Sea" by Aunt T published by Dorrance Publishing as part of their book review team. I received this book as a complimentary copy and the opinions listed below are my honest opinion of the book.

First of all the author, Aunt T, gets her nickname from her niece and nephew and she is a teacher who enjoys writing educational books for parents to share with their children. The book is about what sea animals and creatures you would see in the sea. The photographs appear to be actual photographs someone took in various places. I believe this book is a great learning tool for kids age 4 and up. It would be a great companion guide if visiting an aquarium with your child. The only negative thing was that it had several great pages and then at the end of the book there were 13 blank white pages which I didn't understand. My daughter loved it though because she tried to draw pictures of the sea animals we had just read about. Overall, a great book!!

Ransomed Dreams: Book Review

I received the book "Ransomed Dreams" by Sally John as a free complimentary copy from Tyndale House Publishers as part of their book review program. The opinions listed below are my honest opinions of this book.

"Ransomed Dreams" by Sally John is a wonderful story about Sheridan Montgomery and the twists and turns her life seems to take. This is a story of forgiveness and love and is an example for us all to follow. Sheridan's husband, Eliot is the U.S. ambassador to Venezuela and Sheridan has dreams of helping underprivileged women. When Eliot is crippled from an assassination attempt her life is turned upside down. They must move to a small Mexican village to save their lives. An unexpected visitor shows up, Luke, to tell Sheridan of her father's heart attack and also some of his past. This all causes Sheridan to return to Chicago and search for the truth about her father's past and along the way she uncovers other things in her life as well.

This is a great read and a wonderfully written story. I could not put this book down and Sally John has a way of capturing the reader and making you feel part of the story. I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a great summer read.

The Heart Mender: Review and Giveaway

I received "The Heart Mender: A Story of Second Chances" by Andy Andrews free from the Booksneeze book review program. The opinions listed below are mine and are honest reviews of the book.

Andy Andrews is a New York Times bestselling author and this book is a reprint of the book "Island of Saints." This book also has a Reader's guide in the back for further discussion of the book which is great especially if you belong to a book club. "The Heart Mender" is a wonderful story of forgiveness and faith. It starts with the author finding a container while digging up a myrtle tree at his home. Inside he finds many fascinating artifacts from WWII. He goes on to mix fact with fiction to tell a wonderful story of an American woman, Helen and a German soldier, Josef who seem like the most unlikely pair you would ever put together. Through this story you learn what true forgiveness is all about. God's forgiveness and love for us is unconditional and this story shows how two people forgave as God forgives.

I have never been into reading history stories or books, but when I read the plot of this book I just had to read it. I was so glad I did. This story taught me things about WWII I never knew and also entwined a wonderful love story of forgiveness into all the facts. I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a great read. Booksneeze and Thomas Nelson Publishers have provided me with another copy of "The Heart Mender" to give away to one of my readers. Just leave a comment below and tell me one of your favorite books with your email address. The giveaway will close on Monday, June 21st at 2pm Central Time. Thanks and good luck.

Happily Ever Laughter by Ken Davis: Book Review

I received a copy of Happily Ever Laughter: Discovering the lighter side of marriage by Ken Davis from Tyndale House Publishers as a complimentary copy to review. The opinions listed below are mine and are honest.

Are you looking for a wonderful book to bring some laughter back into your marriage? Have you forgotten how to laugh about certain situations you and your spouse encounter? This book is a wonderful read to encourage you and to bring a smile to your face. The book features stories from Ken Davis, Chonda Pierce, Kendra Smiley, and many others. I just love books that tell true life stories from people who have gone through things and can share them with others. Being married almost 7 years, I enjoyed reading some of the stories from people who have been married longer. Many of them tell of their wedding day and thinking back to the beginning of their marriage which I really enjoyed. Happily Ever Laughter truly is a great and wonderful book to encourage us all in the walk of marriage. It reminded me to find the humorous side of every situation and just to laugh with your spouse. I would recommend this book to anyone who is about to get married, newlyweds, or to those married 50 or more years. It is a great book for all seasons of life and I know I will read it again and again just to remind me to LAUGH!!

Plan B by Pete Wilson- Book Review

I received Plan B by Pete Wilson as a complimentary copy from Booksneeze as part of their Book Review program. I was very excited to receive and read this book. We all have dreams and plans for our lives and often times they are not God's plans for us. These are what Pete Wilson calls our Plan B's. He asks the question "What do you do when God doesn't show up the way you thought He would?" I loved the way Pete writes the book as if he is in conversation with you. He brings humor and laughter with real life stories and situations to make his points relate to you. He also uses Bible stories about people in the Bible that went through the same things I am going through today. He makes their stories come to life and make them relevant to us today. I could so relate to this book because he talks a lot about one Plan B in life for him and his wife was when she had a miscarriage. I have also experienced this and felt I could relate to Pete and what he had to say about how we as Christians need to look to God during our Plan B's and trust in Him. I will recommend this book to family and friends who are struggling in finding God in the midst of their own Plan B's in life.

I recieved this book as a complimentary copy from Booksneeze and the opinions are my honest thoughts on the book.

Review of Patches and Leif by Charles R. Abbott

I absolutely LOVE autumn and how the leaves begin to fall and make everything a wonderful world of orange, yellow, and red. My children also love autumn so I was so glad to receive a copy of this adorable book from Dorrance Publishing. Patches and Leif by Charles R. Abbott is a wonderful story about Patches, the farmer's favorite scarecrow and the wonderful job he does protecting the crop. One windy day Patches meets a new friend, Leif. Leif is a fall leaf that has fallen from his tree, but instead of falling to the ground, he floats around to different places. What I love most is Leif lands in the window of a school so the story actually tells the child the ABCs and how to count to 10. Also, Leif hears the children telling what different sounds the animals make. I love that this story teaches my children in a fun way and also that Patches and Leif are now best friends. You can buy this book from Dorrance Publishing here.

I receive this copy complimentary from Dorrance Publishing as part of their book review team. The opinions are mine and are honest.

Book Review: Captivating, Revised Edition by John and Stasi Eldredge

I recently received the revised and expanded edition of Captivating from http://www.booksneeze.com/ for a book review. The opinions below are my honest opinion and I received the book as a complimentary copy from Thomas Nelson Publishing.

I have wanted to read this book since it came out several years ago, but never did get around to it. I was thrilled to receive this copy from Booksneeze to review and this is also the revised and expanded edition. Captivating is a wonderfully written book about us as women in today's society. It's about how our dreams as little girls and even as women have been destroyed or wounded and how the Lord wants to revive those dreams in our hearts and make us Captivating. It's about how God pursues our hearts as women and is very encouraging to any girl or woman seeking to find purpose in her everyday life.

I personally loved this book. As a stay at home mom, I often times get bogged down in day to day chores and taking care of the home and children that I forget about my dreams and my soul. Captivating made me realize I am worth far more than just cleaning house, making meals, and changing diapers. My God wants to pursue me and my life and heart to make me into a Captivating woman for Him. I would highly recommend this book to any of the women at my church, in my family, or in my playgroup. Wonderful book that I will read again and again.

Book Review: If I Could Ask God Anything by Kathryn Slattery

In the book, If I Could Ask God Anything by Kathryn Slattery I found answers to so many questions that my four year old has asked me. Kathryn writes in a way that children can understand. Questions such as "Does God ever sleep?" and "Why did Jesus do Miracles?" are among many others that my daughter wanted to know about. Sometimes I find it hard to answer these questions with words that my child can understand. This book is the answer for any parent, Sunday School teacher, or Children's Ministry leader. Children are so curious all the time and since my daughter was saved recently she asks many questions. I love that this book can help me answer her questions and show her in the Bible were to find the true answers. Kathryn gives many scripture references throught each answer to help show your children what the Bible says about their questions. This book gives me confidence in knowing I am anwering my child in a Biblical way by showing me where in the Bible to answer their questions.

This book was provided as a complimentary copy from Thomas Nelson Publishing as part of a Booksneeze review. The opinions are mine and mine only.

The Flowering Cross Book Review

The Flowering Cross Book Review

I was recently given the opportunity to review The Flowering Cross by Beth Ryan and illustrated by Renee Graef from Thomas Nelson Publishing. I was so excited to receive this wonderful Easter story to share with my children. The story is of six year old Katie, along with her little dog, Waggles. Her family has shown kindness and love to "mean old Jack," their neighbor that all the other children are afraid of. Throughout many hard times in Jack's life, Katie's family has been there to show God's love to them. Katie wakes up Easter morning to go to Papa Jack's (as she now calls him) to pick flowers from his garden to put on the Flowering of the Cross at church that morning. Her family has invited Papa Jack to church before but he never comes. To her surprise, Easter morning he says he is coming with her. Sweet little Katie tells him of Jesus' love and how He died for our sins. This changes Papa Jack's life and he is no longer "mean" Jack, but shows love to the neighborhood kids that he used to be grumpy toward.

I think this book is a wonderful presentation of the Gospel for little ones age 4 and up. My four year old sat and listened to the whole thing and she loved it. On the bottom of most pages is a scripture verse and also a Faith Imprint for the adult reading the book to discuss an important Biblical lesson from that page. I enjoyed discussing many topics with my daughter including obeying your parents, Jesus' death and resurrection, and how even a young child can share the Gospel with others. This is a wonderful Easter story that I will read every year to my children. I recommend it as not only a good story, but also a way to open up and discuss Biblical principles with your child.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their Booksneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.