"The Gift That I Can Give for Little Ones" by Kathy Lee Gifford

Kindness is something we should all exhibit constantly and the sooner we show our children by example the better. In this new book, Kathy Lee Gifford gives children ideas of how to help others and uses language they will understand.

How can a child make this world a better place? There are so many wonderful ideas in this book. Simply being kind to others, realizing that God made each of them special and that that trait was meant to be shared, being kind to animals, using their talents, and being a team player are just a few of the lessons little ones can learn from this book. It will make a great addition to any family library.

I love this little book with its bright drawings and practical lessons, and can't wait to share it with my grandchildren. It is easy to understand and the pictures reinforce each message. I recommend this to anyone with young children in their home. It is a priceless library addition. Thank you to Book Look Bloggers for my review copy. This review is completely mine.

"Ancient-Modern Bible" NKJV Edition

There are many Bibles on the market today, each with their own appeal. In this new edition, Ancient and Modern scholars are included to give their wisdom and study helps. Readers are treated to articles and commentaries from voices they may never have read, but will aid in their search and study of the Scriptures.

This Bible is hard-covered and comes in a protective box. It has beautiful maps in the back, along with some beautiful "Art of the Church," which readers may or may not have seen. Articles include: "Creation and Fall," "Meditating on His Word," and "The Church." Throughout the Bible, readers will find biographies of people like: Maximus the Confessor, Thomas Merton, William Tyndale, and Eusebius. 

I really like this Bible. It is well laid out for study and it has been fun to learn about some ot the great Christians of the past. Each book has an introduction that includes quotes, the theme, and its purpose. I especially enjoy reading the quotes by men like John Calvin and Ayhanasius. I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys studying the Bible and going deeper each time. Thank you to Book Look Bloggers for my review copy. The review is my opinion and words.

"All the Colors We Will See" by Patrice Gopo

The quest to belong can often times lead us through painful struggles, the pangs of growth, worry, and love. It is a journey that can involve race, religion, immigration, and more. It is not an easy journey for everyone, and most people have times in their lives when belonging seems out of reach. In this new book of reflections and essays, Patrice Gopo shares her heart and lessons learned along the way in her quest to belong. 

Patrice is the child of Jamaican immigrants who lived in Anchorage, Alaska. Her experiences gave her the subjects to write about, and her words bring them to life. Her essays are beautiful and captivating. Readers can feel her heart as she opens up to the "colors" of her life. This world is only a temporary home for us, but we all struggle to belong sometimes. These personal essays will open readers' eyes to the struggle that others might be facing and encourage more compassion and grace.

I recommend this book to readers of all ages and types. It is a book that will make you think and reflect. Thank you to BookLook Bloggers for my copy. This review is an honest account of my thoughts.

"Empire of Gold" by Jo Amdahl

"Empire of Gold" is a series of stories that helps readers meet Bible characters like Jeremiah and Nebuchadnezzar in a new way. Jo Amdahl takes the time to give her readers the facts as well as some background color in order to being these historical characters and places to life. Readers learn a lot about Jeremiah and his mission.

Historical records bring the past to life, letting us meet people like Jeremiah, a prophet from his youth; and Daniel, who stood for God even when he had to stand alone. As Jo Amdahl tells their stories, readers really get to meet them. What was life like for them? How did they make the decisions they did? How did others like King Nebuchadnezzar affect those around them? Why was/is Jeremiah so important? This book will help answer those questions and encourage you to keep reading.

I enjoyed this book. I have grown up knowing the story of Jeremiah and those who lived during his lifetime, and yet still found some new things about each of them. I love when a book does that for me! If you enjoy books that help you glean new information and encourage your soul, this book is a good choice for you. I recommend it to everyone. I received my free review copy from BookLook Bloggers for an honest review. The words and rating are mine.

"Unbreakable" by Sara Ella

In book three of her "Unblemished" trilogy, Sara Ella takes readers back to Verity and the Void. She takes us to the place where Reflections could cease to exist, where darkness could take over. Can anyone stop this?

Verity has a queen who would rather be anything but queen. Eliyana doesn't want to have the fate of others on her hands but finds she must move between Reflections to find the answers she needs. Along the way, two men fight for her heart. Ky and Joshua both have secrets, yet Eliyana finds herself torn between them. Can Eliyana find the solutions she needs for both Verity and her heart? Come, finish the saga and find what choices are ultimately made.

I really enjoyed this book. It made me stop and think so many times as I walked along with the characters. We each have good and bad inside of us and what we choose in each situation affects so many others. Ultimately we also need to choose between the light and darkness. I recommend this entire trilogy to readers of all types. Sara Ella will pull you into her story and keep you there long after you are done reading. I received my free review copy from BookLook Bloggers for an honest review. The words and rating are mine.

"A Light So Lovely" by Sarah Arthur

Madeleine L'Engle is a much beloved author. Most everyone has read, "A Wrinkle in Time." Add to that others in that trilogy and her other works, and you have someone whose life continues to shine after death. In this new book, Sarah Arthur takes readers inside the life of the woman whose strong faith and imagination worked together. Come, take a look inside her life and get to know Madeleine L'Engle.

Madeleine L'Engle was a woman who was beloved and unliked at the same time. She wrote from her heart and imagination making some think it was too spiritual and others not spiritual enough. Yet, she still entertains and challenges her readers today. Book groups continue to have lively discussions about what she meant about this or that. A movie was even made about "A Wrinkle In Time" that caused quite a stir in many places. Sarah Arthur has opened Madeleine's life to readers so that they can see the woman, the author, the icon.

I love Madeleine L'Engle's work, which is why I wanted to read this book. She found a balance in her life that few find or are able to continue with. The chapters are insightful and entertaining, the writing inviting and easy. Sarah Arthur will draw you in and leave you content but also wanting more. I recommend this book to readers everywhere. You won't regret picking it up!

Special thanks to Handlebar Publishing for my review copy. This review is mine.

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"If He Had Not Come" by David Nicholson

What if Jesus had not come to Earth? What if He had never been born? In this book by David Nicholson, youngsters, and adults, get to explore that question through the story. 

Jesus has made an incredible impact on this world. What would it be like without that impact, without His influence? This story has been around for many years and is a favorite of many as it lets people of all ages really reflect on what things would be like without Him. The opportunity for discussion occurs throughout the book, and there are discussion questions at the back to help facilitate the family/church group discussion. It will become a Christmas tradition for you if it hasn't already.

This is a great book and story for the family as well as Sunday School groups. Just thinking about what things would be like without Jesus can help unbelievers believe. It can help families grow closer around the Bible. I recommend this book to all. Thank you to the BookLookBlogger program for my review copy. The words and review are mine.

"Early Readers Bible - NKJV" - Tommy Nelson

Do you have a child who wants a Bible of his/her own? who wants to learn more about the Bible on their own? This new NKJV Early Readers Bible may just be the fit for them. This is a pink and glitter hardcover Bible for at girls ages 7 - 10.

A good Bible should have tools to let the reader see where things are happening and get extra help in understanding what they are reading. This Bible does just that. There are maps scattered throughout to point out specifics, there are helpful tables like the one on "Jewish Feasts," an illustrated Word List, an illustrated Bible history, a One-Year Reading Plan, and many other helpful things to get your youngster actively reading and understanding God's Word.

I really like this Bible because it has a good sized print and so many helps. I also like that the words of Jesus are in red. It will attract young girls because of the color and glitter. If you have a daughter, granddaughter, friend, etc., who needs a Bible, why not check this one out? I highly recommend it. Thank you to the BookLookBlogger program for my review copy. The words and review are mine.

"Willie Out West" by Rhonda Walker

Willie is a young walrus who is bored with his daily life. He longs for adventure even though he is young. What would it be like to live somewhere else? What would it be like to be a hero? As Willie waits for meal time, he starts to daydream....

This is a short story with a big message, well, messages. Willie is still young and things can be scary, but there are times to stand up and be counted. This comes into play when Willie dreams of being in the wild west with a bully of a whale. Can Willie overcome his own fears to help out the town folk? Can he learn to be content where he is? Young readers will enjoy figuring this one out!

I enjoyed this story and had the opportunity to read it to some children who also enjoyed it. They were caught up in the drama and were voicing their ideas of how things were to be handled. The illustrations were also a big hit. It you are looking for something fun and short to read out loud, or to have a young reader read to you, this book is a great choice. Thank you to the Book Look Bloggers Program for my review copy. The words and review are mine.

"Dinner for Dinos" by Tommy Nelson

It's time for dinner, and while most of the dinos were going for healthy options, Bronto didn't want anything to do with vegetables! What were they going to do? How could they all eat together and make something that everyone could enjoy? Children will learn the answer when they hear or read the story in this book. The book cover is hard but has a squishy component and the colors and illustrations are brilliant and fun. 

Shopping together, singing great songs, and talking about the benefits of eating good foods are three of the points readers will find in here. No, it's not an in your face type of book, but instead one with some fun. Parents could even sing and/or create different voices for the pages. Nothing gets kids more interested that making reading fun!

I like this book and so did the children I read it to. They liked the heavy duty pages, the bright colors, the pictures, and the voices I created for these characters. It is a short book with a great message and I encourage people who love children to add this to their shelves. Many thanks to the Book Look Bloggers program for my review copy. The review and words are totally mine.

"The Bones Will Speak" by Carrie Stuart Parks

So many things draw a reader into this book. A dog finding a skull, a serial killer on the loose, a cabin in the woods, a tortured victim, and a forensic scientist with a target on her back; all parts of this murder mystery by Carrie Stuart Parks. Gwen Macey is a forensic scientist and her dog is the one that found the skull. Drawn into this serial killer's mind and path, Gwen decides to try to find him/her, only putting herself in peril. 

Suspense is definitely the hallmark of this book. Whether following Gwen's leads and trails, or whether they are trying to catch this serial killer, readers are in for an emotional and suspenseful ride. Why is this person killing? Why is Gwen targeted? Come join Gwen as she endeavors to discover who is doing the killing and how they can be stopped. You won't regret picking up the book.

I really enjoyed this book because I couldn't put it down. I had to know the full story. I had to help follow the trail. I had to be sure that Gwen and others were ok. The writing is excellent. You will see and hear everything. If you enjoy books filled with suspense and mystery, you will love this book!

"When God Says 'Go'" by Elizabeth Laing Thompson

Our lives are so hectic that it sometimes seems that we don't have the strength or courage to do something new. We look at people from the Bible like Moses, Mary, Rebekah, and Jeremiah and wonder how they found the strength to follow God's leading. The world didn't want them to anymore than it wants us to, but there is strength found in God's direction. In this new book, Elizabeth L. Thompson provides direction in where to find God's direction and what to do when He says "Go."

Go is an action word that implies that we are to move forward. But, sometimes that moving creates fear in us, making us doubt that we can do it. Sometimes we may even doubt that God is telling us to go. How can we find the answers to our questions, to our fears? One proactive step is to search the Bible and study the many examples God has provided for us. God gives us examples of moving forward (like Joseph and Job), of accomplishing big tasks (like Moses and Mary), of using the talents He has given us (like David and Paul), etc. We just need to trust and Go!

I really enjoyed this book and will be sharing it with others. Too many times we think God only tells missionaries to "Go," but that isn't true. This book will help readers understand that and find ways to overcome fear, anxiety, and complacency. I recommend it to Christians who want to hear and do what God says.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

"The Prayer Map for Women: A Creative Journal" compiled by Barbour staff

Have you ever wanted to track your prayer life to see how God has worked? Have you ever wanted to look at how effective your prayer life is? In this new creative journal by the Barbour Publishing staff, you can do just that. Each "prayer map" documents things like what you are thankful for, what you are worried about, what you need, what is happening, etc. It provides an area for as much detail as you wish to include. The colorful pages offer a place to quiet your mind and really talk to God. 

Prayer journals are becoming more popular all the time. Why? Because people want to see how God works, how He answers prayer and provides on a daily basis. I love this little journal because I can date it and then write down what I am talking to God about. Later, I will be able to see exactly how God worked and how He provided. What a great tool! I plan to buy more so that I can enjoy using this journal without fear that I will run out of recording places. If you are looking for something new to pump up your prayer life, this just might be the tool for you. I highly recommend it to people of all ages.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

"Imagine: The Ten Plagues" by Matt Koceich

Imagine, you are transported back to the time of Moses, Aaron, and Pharoah. Imagine that you witness the ten plagues that fell on Egypt before the Pharoah let God's people go. That is what this new book by Matt Koeich is about.  Imagine.... 

Kai can't stand bullies but isn't sure how to battle them except to protect those who are picked on. But, when she is confronted by the bully and tries to stand her ground, she is hit so hard her mind takes her on a trip to ancient Egypt. There she meets Amenken and his wife Betrest, who were trying to help a young girl get water to help her people. One problem, the Egyptian soldiers were bullying them to stop. Needless to say, Kai also gets involved in trying to help Lily. Does her help work? What was it like to witness the plagues? Who is Naaji and what is special about his book? And, who is the "falcon?" All these questions and more are answered within the pages of this book.

I really enjoyed this book and recommend it to families with children ages 8 - 12. It is a great book to read aloud and discuss together. Children will also love picking it up and reading it for themselves. It will also help with the discussion of bullying. Thank you to Barbour Publishing, Inc. for my review copy. These words are my own and I am under no obligation to provide a review.

"The Invention of Wings" by Sue Monk Kidd

"The Invention of Wings" is an amazing book. While it is fiction, the story does contain facts. The Grimke sisters were indeed abolitionists and many of the other people mentioned (such as Denmark Vesey) also existed. The settings were real places and the horrors meted out were real. But, the story is a fictionalized account, handled expertly by Sue Monk Kidd. This is a story of two sisters and how they fought not only for their own identities, but also for the freedom of others. It kept this reader glued to the page wondering what was going to happen next.

Too many times we read about a historical time and forget that real people were involved. This novel brings the fight to abolish slavery to life, as well as the fight for women's rights. I love how I was put right into each setting and felt like I got to meet each and every character. I could actually see the quilts! I don't think I will ever look at a bird, especially a black bird, the same way again. There were times I wanted to cry, or laugh, or cheer. If you enjoy books that make you think, that pull you in, and that bring history to life, this book is for you! Come meet Sarah, Angelina, Hetty, Charlotte, Sky, Denmark, Goodis, and so many others.They will draw you into their story completely and won't let you go until they are done.