Sunday, September 13, 2015

"Scents and Sensibility: A Chet and Bernie Mystery" by Spencer Quinn

A missing safe and with it Bernie's grandfather's watch, possible cactus smuggling, a kidnapping from the past, and a cult are all parts of this new Spencer Quinn novel.What will Chet and Bernie unearth about the crimes, their neighbors, and the missing watch? Come and solve the mysteries alongside these two loveable crime solvers.

This is book eight in the series by Spencer Quinn, featuring Bernie (a private detective) and his dog, Chet. In this installation, Chet and Bernie have just come back from visiting Bernie's girlfriend, when Bernie finds that his wall safe is gone. Whoever took it has his grandfather's watch, one of his most precious possessions. They also find out that the Parsons (next door neighbors) have an illegal cactus in their backyard, and an investigation is underway. What happens when Chet and Bernie get involved? What happens when they get too close?

I love these books and have been a fan since, "Dog On It." It is fun to read a book that is written from the dog's perspective, seeing things people wouldn't normally notice. I like the introduction of "Shooter" this time and the inuendo surrounding his parentage. This book gave me the opportunity to follow the sleuthing, and also to feel how much the characters mean to me. (Pick up the book and you will understand.) If you enjoy books that are fun, written from the perspective of a loveable dog, and let you follow the crime solving, this book is definitely for you. I got a review copy through Net Galley and will now go buy a copy for my library.

Chet The Dog: www.chetthedog.com 
Chet's Facebook page www.facebook.com/ChetTheDog 
Chet the Dog on Twitter @ChetTheDog

Saturday, September 5, 2015

"Israel's Mission Discovery Guide and DVD" Ray Vander Laan

Want to take a walk through some of the most precious places in Israel? Want to know more about God's plan for His people? In this new video lesson series, Ray Vander Laan takes his viewers on an inspirational, educational, and awe inspiring trip through God's plans for His people.

History and culture have a lot to do with what is in the Bible. The settings could be rough, they could be restful. Ray Vander Laan takes a group to the Middle East to explore the history and culture surrounding some of the beloved people/stories of the Bible. Come walk where Abraham and Sarah walked. See how they lived. Look at the parable of the lost sheep/lost coin/prodigal son from a new perspective. And, there is much more. The DVD incorporates active, alive teaching with journeying through the holy land. The study book lets you dive deeper. The topics covered are:
Abraham and Sarah and Three Strangers
Israel at Sinai: The First Great Commission
Jesus Renews His Mission: Seeking the Lost
The Lost Son: In a Far Country
The Seeking Father: The Lost Son Returns

I really enjoyed this DVD and book! My husband and I watched it together, then studied deeper together. It is something that we will watch and explore again. Ray Vander Laan is an excellent teacher and I would love to be in his class! If you enjoy learning, especially from a master teacher, this set is for you. If you want to learn more about Israel's Mission, this set is for you. I received my review copy from Litfuse in exchange for an honest review.

Tour info
About the DVD:

   
What's your mission?

God gave the assignment to His people thousands of years ago: to bring "lost sheep" back into the love and safety of His kingdom. He said to become a "Kingdom of Priests," and put God on display to show the world what He is like. It's still our task today. In this thirteenth volume of the That the World May Know ® film series, you'll glimpse the urgency and rewards of welcoming the strangers and prodigals the Lord longs to embrace. Discover the mission that can give your life - and the lives of those around you - greater meaning than you ever imagined.

Join renowned teacher and historian Ray Vander Laan as he guides you through the lands of the Bible. In each lesson, Vander Laan illuminates the historical, geographical, and cultural context of the sacred Scriptures. Filmed on location in the Middle East and elsewhere, the That the World May Know ® film series will transform your understanding of God and challenge you to be a true follower of Jesus.

Designed for use with That the World May Know: Israel's Mission Discovery Guide.

Filmed on location at these biblically significant sites in Israel and Jordan:
-Back to the Father's House - Negev Desert
-Show Them the Way - Timnah
-Prodigal Sons and Daughters - Qatzrin
-Return from the Far Off Country - Jerash
-Welcome Home - Qatzrin

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1KsCFRr
About the author:
Ray Vander Laan is the founder of That the World May Know Ministries and creator of the Faith Lessons video series with Focus on the Family. An ordained minister, he holds the chair of biblical cultural studies as a religion instructor at Holland Christian Schools in Holland, Michigan. He and his wife, Esther, have four children and fifteen grandchildren.

Find Ray online:
website