I 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
If 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
Do 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!
After 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”
Controversy. 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
Fascinating Historical Description
I don’t usually recommend picking up a book located in the middle or at the end of a series without having read the earlier stories, but I recently did exactly that… “The Artisan’s Wife” was written by Judith Miller and published by Bethany House in 2016, as the third and final installment in the “Refined by Love” series. Although numerous references were made to the earlier stories (because each book is about a different member of the same family) “The Artisan’s Wife” still stood strong all on its own, and gave just enough explanation to make the recurring characters understandable without re-telling their entire stories! Continue reading
A Unique Experience for Christian Music Fans… Hillsong: Let Hope Rise!
This review was written by a special guest blogger and all-things-musical expert, my sister Hayley!
Most fans of the Christian music genre have heard of Hillsong. Their music sings of hope, redemption, mercy, and love. In “Hillsong: Let Hope Rise”, fans will receive a new look at the “behind the scenes” aspects of their musical productions. They will meet the people who have worked so tirelessly in their ministry to create beloved songs like Hosanna, Oceans, and Touch the Sky. Continue reading
A Healing Balm for the Heart
Rejection. We’ve all experienced the ache of this word in our lives to varying degrees. How do we overcome the deep, almost physical pain that rejection forces into the deepest parts of our souls? Well, Lysa TerKeurst has a tonic for our hearts that feels like a warm hug and a chat with a friend over a cup of hot tea, but is actually in the form of a book. “Uninvited: Living Loved When You Feel Less Than, Left Out, and Lonely” was published by Thomas Nelson in the late summer of 2016, and will undoubtedly prove to be a healing balm to women everywhere who have ever felt “uninvited”. Continue reading
A Treasure Trove of Prayers
The title of a non-fiction book does not always convey the full purpose and content of the book itself. In the case of a new book written by Scotty Smith and published by Baker Books, however, the title sums up the content perfectly… What is this book? It is called, “Every Season Prayers: Gospel-Centered Prayers for the Whole of Life”. Continue reading
A Great Continuation of the “Elite Guardians” Series
Although Christian Romantic Suspense is not my go-to genre of choice, I am happy to be swept away by one filled with mystery, intrigue, and excitement once in a while. Last year I enjoyed “Always Watching”, the first book in Lynette Eason’s “Elite Guardians” series published by Revell, and recently had the chance to read the second installment entitled “Without Warning”. Just who are the Elite Guardians, you ask? As the tagline for the series explains: “Intensity. Skill. Tenacity. The Bodyguards of Elite Guardians Agency Have It All.” Continue reading
Prairie Sky Book Reviews 