A Fascinating Novel… For a Specific Audience

the-domino-effect-image“A Financial Thriller That Will Keep Readers on the Edge of Their Seats”. This is the tagline for a new book called “The Domino Effect” written by Davis Bunn and published by Bethany House in the fall of 2016. I’ve read and enjoyed the intricate plots of Mr. Bunn’s work before, so I decided to take a closer look at this one too. Although the back-cover synopsis sounded extremely interesting and fast-paced, I still had one question…what exactly is a financial thriller? Continue reading

A Wonderful Bible for Kids (Guest Review by Hayley)

airship-genesis-bible-imageHave you been looking for a Study Bible that will actually look interesting to a tween-aged child – particularly a boy? If so, then look no further than the “Kids Study Bible: Airship Genesis Legendary Bible Adventure”! The back cover says it best: “‘The Airship Genesis Kids Study Bible’ brings Bible stories to life and helps kids discover vital truths from Scripture, finding real-life applications for children living in today’s world.” Some of the features included in this fun, appealing edition of the NKJV Bible are: Continue reading

Contains Disappointing Belief Systems

the-rewired-brain-imageSome books are just plain difficult to review… “The Rewired Brain: Free Yourself of Negative Behaviors and Release Your Best Self” by Dr. Ski Chilton, with Dr. Margaret Rukstalis and A.J. Gregory, is just such a book. Published by BakerBooks in the fall of 2016, this title immediately caught my attention because I have learned a great deal from similar works (most by Dr. Caroline Leaf, who I highly recommend) about improving our thought lives. Since “The Rewired Brain” was published by a Christian company, I assumed that the content would be based upon Scriptures and would perhaps give new insight into “renewing our mind” from the viewpoints of both science and the Bible. While this is somewhat the case, another element that I hadn’t anticipated also came into play… Continue reading

A Special Advent Devotional (Guest Review by Hayley)

from-heaven-imageWe all know the Christmas story. Jesus Christ, Emmanuel, the long-awaited Messiah, the Savior, the Great I AM in the flesh comes to earth as a humble infant, born of the virgin in a lowly Bethlehem stable. Truly, the story of Christmas, is one of the two greatest stories ever told (Easter being the other). But to many, the story is one that has become so familiar, that it has, perhaps, lost its feeling of wonderment. Sometimes it would seem as though we have lost our ability to truly be awed by the fact that the Creator of the universe came not only to us, but as one of us… yet so much more! Continue reading

You Will Be Changed

long-way-gone-imageLyrical. Honest. Inquiring. Beautiful. I could continue, but these four words give you at least a partial picture of the depth and power held in the pages of a new book by Charles Martin, entitled “Long Way Gone”. Published by Thomas Nelson in 2016, this is the first novel by Charles Martin that I have ever read. It won’t be my last! Rarely do Christian novels probe as deeply into the human heart and touch readers in as many profound ways as “Long Way Gone” does. Quite simply, once you read it you won’t forget it. It may even change you as a person. Continue reading

Encouraging and Hope-Infused

287861_yourpowerfulprayers_sliderI adore Susie Larson’s writing style. It is warm and personal, sweet and conversational. So, when I discovered her newest book had been released, I couldn’t wait to read it… “Your Powerful Prayers: Reaching the Heart of God with a Bold and Humble Faith” was published by Bethany House in the fall of 2016, and as the title reveals, is focused entirely on the purpose and value of prayer in the life of a Christian. Continue reading

Compassionate and Understanding

hope-prevails-imageIf you or someone you love has ever experienced a season of sadness and desolation, if you (or they) have ever felt hopeless and overwhelmed by life, you simply must read a new book published by Revell in 2016. It is appropriately entitled “Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey through Depression”, and was written by Dr. Michelle Bengtson. This book is NOT a textbook-like volume filled with the latest scientific studies and newly discovered “cures”, nor is it a memoir filled with all the details of one person’s struggles. Instead, this book is a combination of many things, and each one points toward the truth of God’s word on the subject. Continue reading

A Compelling Countdown to Catastrophe

the-raven-imageDo you enjoy suspense novels that suck you in with the first chapter and keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end, guessing at how all the twists and turns will unravel when the truth is finally revealed? “The Raven” by Mike Nappa is just such a book. Published by Revell in 2016, “The Raven” is actually the second book in the “Coffey and Hill” series. While I have not read the previous book (entitled “Annabel Lee”) it did not detract from my enjoyment of this separate-but-connected storyline. Also, while I am not an Edgar Allan Poe aficionado, fans of the famous poet will be delighted by the many intriguing parallels found in the story. Continue reading

Simply Charming and a Beautiful Gift!

beautiful-word-coloring-bible-imageAfter taking just one look at the Beautiful Word Coloring Bible, it had already surpassed my expectations. If I were going to describe it in just a couple of words, I think that most accurate would be “absolutely charming”.

The illustrations for coloring are lovely – not too intricate, but not too simple, and there are plenty of lightly lined, or blank spaces in the margins that can be used for either journaling, or for drawing your own personal creations. Since it is a Bible, the pages are rather thin, so I would recommend coloring with pencil crayons rather than markers, but the pages are still thicker than a regular Bible. A pretty, light blue ribbon marker, and a lovely presentation page make this Bible ideal to be given as a gift, or simply for your own enjoyment. I also appreciate that it is in the NIV translation.

All in all, I highly recommend the Beautiful Word Bible, whether it is for yourself, or to give as a gift. It is charming to say the least, and will undoubtedly be a wonderful addition to your devotional time, artistic endeavors, or anything else you choose!

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

A Story That Will Stay With You Long After Reaching “The End”

287158-heart_most_certain-sliderControversy. Scandal. Desperation. These words were not ones I expected to use when describing the newly released Bethany House book entitled “A Heart Most Certain”, written by new-to-me author Melissa Jagears. The lovely cover image, the series name of “Teaville Moral Society”, and even the back-cover synopsis did not reveal what this book was truly about. While the storyline and plot did surprise me greatly, I was not, however, disappointed in my hope for a wonderful story. It was simply wonderful in unexpected ways. Continue reading