Inspire Catholic Bible NLT: The Bible for Coloring & Creative Journaling - Tyndale House Publishers

Inspire Catholic Bible NLT: The Bible for Coloring & Creative Journaling by Tyndale
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An incredibly beautiful Bible! The first thing to catch my attention was the beautiful artwork which makes up the gilding on the page edges. The colors are beautiful and vibrant, and something you want to continue looking at, over and over. A sewn binding makes it especially durable, and should last through many years of daily use. The rose-gold binding and matching ribbon, along with matching elastic closure make it a keepsake of beauty that will be treasured through the years. Adding to it's beauty is the fact that it is published in the NLT (New Living Translation), which makes it easy to read and understand, and will draw one read and study God's Word on a daily basis. This Bible is truly a joy to look at, hold, and read. Well done, Tyndale House. This will quickly become a favorite journaling Bible. The illustrations are beautiful drawn, and will be a joy to color while meditating on the Word.
While Tyndale House provided me with a copy of this Bible to review, they have in no way attempted to influence my review. My review and praise of this beautiful Bible is freely and willingly given. Great job, Tyndale House!!

View all my reviews

Inspire Bible for Girls NLT - Tyndale House Publishers

Inspire Bible for Girls NLT by Tyndale
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

While this Bible is marked for pre-teen, teen and tween girls, I can't help but think many adult women would love this Bible as well. The color combination of pink and turquoise make it appealing to our feminine side without being overly "girly". The illustrations inside are beautiful, artistic and thoughtfully chosen for their relevance to a particular verse, and would be a joy to color while meditating on the Word. With a sewn binding, this Bible is sure to last a good long while, and should withstand the handling and jostling that could be afforded by a busy teen. The NLT translation is perfect for the demographics to which this Bible is geared, as it is easy to read, understand and remember. Tyndale House has a winner with this Bible. While Tyndale House gave me this copy to review, they have in no way sought to influence my review. My review is freely given, and reflects my true feelings about this wonderful product!

View all my reviews

Hidden Among the Stars - Melanie Dobson

Hidden Among the Stars by Melanie Dobson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

While I'm normally not a fan of dual story lines, Melanie Dobson has woven the two together beautifully and seamlessly. Her portrayal of Austria and her struggles to survive under a Nazi regime is both beautiful and terrifying. I am normally not a fan of any sort of war retelling, this book was riveting. We must all strive to keep the horrors of war ever at the forefront of our minds, lest we repeat the same mistakes. While interweaving Callie's modern day story, it was done with simplicity and beauty so as to not take away the focus on the Austrian past. And who doesn't enjoy a tiny smattering of romance. Again, this is not my normal cup of tea as far as reading goes, but it was enjoyable and told with skill and compassion. Thank you Tyndale House for allowing me to review this book, and for supplying my copy free of charge. While having been asked to review this book, I can assure you that my review is with complete honesty.

View all my reviews

Everything She Didn't Say by Jane Kirkpatrick

Everything She Didn't Say by Jane Kirkpatrick
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

"A life without purpose is a story without ending." - Jane Kirkpatrick

I have to admit that when I first began this book, I wasn't sure I could/would finish it. I'm typically not a fan of historical fiction, even though this book is based on fact. But after the first page, I was hooked. Jane Kirkpatrick has gone above and beyond to do her homework on what the old west was really like. Today we tend to romanticize the settling of the west, but this book brings home the stark realities of what life was truly like back then. It is honest and "in your face", yet the stories are interwoven so beautifully as to soften the edges of the harshness. I admittedly had done little reading or research concerning the building of the railways out west, but Jane Kirkpatrick has portrayed both the hardships and successes in such a way as to make you want to know more. If you've ever had even the slightest interest in how the west "was won", and/or how our railway system spread west of the Mississippi, you'll love this book. It is riveting to the degree that I could hardly put the book down long enough to tend to my daily activities. Very well written and highly recommended.

View all my reviews

Eternity Is Now in Session: A Radical Rediscovery of What Jesus Really Taught about Salvation, Eternity, and Getting to the Good Place - John Ortberg

Eternity Is Now in Session: A Radical Rediscovery of What Jesus Really Taught about Salvation, Eternity, and Getting to the Good Place by John Ortberg
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

What an inspiring and encouraging book! John Ortberg has done a phenomenal job of explaining just what eternity is, and when it begins. So when do you think eternity begins? When you die? Surprisingly that is the view many have of eternity. It seems to be something so very far away, something to be hoped for and attained, yet if we read the scriptures, we find that eternity begins the very moment we believe in Christ for salvation. Once we grasp that realization, we become more motivated to "lay up treasures" in heaven. We may also find ourselves looking for a deeper relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He IS, afterall, the very reason we're offered eternity with Him. This book brings to light the realization that we should be striving toward eternity, as something we already have, yet want to add to. While Tyndale House Publishers has provided a copy of this book to me at no charge, they have in no way tried to influence my review. Everything I have said is of my own opinion and mindset. Having said that, I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a deeper insight into what eternity really is.

View all my reviews

Praying God's Promises - Linda Evans Shepherd

Praying God's Promises: The Life-Changing Power of Praying the Scriptures by Linda Evans Shepherd
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Linda Evans Shepherd has hit the ball out of the park with this one. While this was my first time reading anything by this author, it most assuredly won't be my last. Mrs. Evans has gone above and beyond, collecting scriptures pertinent to basically every area of our life. It is an invaluable resource of hope and comfort, and a tremendous aid to finding God's incredible promises in His Word, and highlighting them. As the author shares in the introduction, God is truly a God of promises. This book will show you what they are, where they are, and will guide you to specific promises to meet your current situation. I highly recommend having this book in your library.

View all my reviews

Justice Betrayed (Memphis Cold Case #3) by Patricia Bradley

Justice Betrayed by Patricia Bradley
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I'm not normally a fan of mysteries, especially if they're mixed with romance. But this one was really good. As I first began the book, I was disappointed that the "who dun it" was exposed so early. But the story grabbed my attention, and as I continued to read, I began to suspect a plot twist. Sure enough, at the end of the story, there is a HUGE plot twist, one that not many will see coming. Patricia Bradley appears to have done her homework on the inner workings of a police department, and portrayed each character with realism and integrity. As an "inspirational" book, I would have loved to have seen more talk of God, faith, and more scripture reference. However, that is the only negative I have found with this book. If you love a good mystery, with a brilliant plot twist, then you absolutely MUST read Justice Betrayed.

View all my reviews

Before I Saw You by Amy K. Sorrells

Before I Saw You by Amy K. Sorrells
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Few books have ever truly touched my soul like "Before I Saw You" has. As a child of adoption, this book stirred thoughts and emotions I thought I'd long ago dealt with. But after reading this book, I've at last been able to forgive my birth mother, and have come to understand what a truly incredible gift she gave me.
The characters in this book were completely believeable and totally relevant to today's society. My family has been deeply touched by the opioid epidemic, and have watched vital, purposeful lives become reduced to pure squallor. But thank God, I've also seen those lives turned around and made into something incredibly beautiful by the power of God's grace and mercy.
While a fictional story, this book shows the reality of what a life of poverty and drug abuse can do to an individual and their family. But it also shows the unconditional love, grace and mercy shown by our loving Heavenly Father, to anyone who would ask. Amy Sorrells has done an amazing job telling a story that few are brave enough to tackle. A must read!!

View all my reviews

Just Let Go (Harbor Pointe #2) by Courtney Walsh

Just Let Go by Courtney Walsh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

To be honest, when I first looked at this book I wasn't sure I'd enjoy it. I'm not a big fan of sappy romance or olympic hopefuls. Wow, was I ever in for a surprise. This book was every bit as delightful as it was emotional. It is an incredible reminder that no matter what out past holds, what baggage we carry with us, there is always redemption available, and always another chance to get it right. As someone who has struggled with rejection from my biological mother, this book definitely touched an emotional raw spot. But by the time I finished the book, I found that I truly do have the capacity to forgive, and to see not only the lessons learned, but the grace which God has so abundantly given. If you've ever felt the sting of rejection, or ever longed for an opportunity to "do better", you'll love this book. Although Tyndale House Publishing has provided this book to me at no charge in exchange for my review, everything I've written is honest and heartfelt. It truly is a wonderful, uplifting book, and definitely worth of a re-read.

View all my reviews

The Theory of Happily Ever After - Kristin Billerbeck

The Theory of Happily Ever After by Kristin Billerbeck
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In a word, WOW! Rarely do I sit down to read a book and finish it in one sitting. And it's not due to time constraints, the fact is that not many books can hold my interest long enough for a marathon read. But this book grabbed my attention from page one, and didn't let go. Although I'm not a fan of "psychology" or it's fringes of "junk" science, this book wove the facts throughout the book in such a way that I was left wanting more. I literally found myself laughing out loud at some of the antics of Maggie McGuire, and a few times was yelling at her circle of friends, especially Haley. This was SUCH a fun read! The perfect way to start off my springtime reading list. I'm hoping, from the way the book ended, that there may be a book 2 in the works!

View all my reviews

Storm Front (Montana Rescue #5)

Storm Front by Susan May Warren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Storm Front is book number five in the Montana Rescue series, and it is absolutely phenomenal. From page one, my heart was racing. If you're a fan of faith based suspense and action, then grab a copy and prepare for an amazing ride. While the storms that are portrayed in the book are quite literal, there are far more storms figuratively brewing in the lives of each character. You'll laugh, you'll cry, and you'll sometimes find yourself frustrated with the choices of a few of the characters, but in the end, you'll see that God truly does work everything out for good for those that love Him and are called according to His purpose. A beautifully written book, and a wonderful addition to the Montana Rescue series. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants some pulse pounding story telling sprinkled into their leisure reading.

View all my reviews

Adamant: Finding Truth in a Universe of Opinions

Adamant: Finding Truth in a Universe of Opinions by Lisa Bevere
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Once again, Lisa Bevere hits it out of the park! Adamant is a wonderful book, well written and very insightful. Lisa relates stories from her own life in such a way that brings to life many deep truths in God's Word. At a time when many in our world, especially Christians, are struggling with finding a rock to cling to, Lisa points the way with clarity and truth. This is definitely a book I will re-read, and will likely end up with many, many highlights and annotations. There is much to glean from this book, and I highly recommend it to all Christians.

View all my reviews

Pelican Point (Hope Harbor #4)

Pelican Point by Irene Hannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What an absolutely delightful book! This was my first journey into Hope Harbor, and I fully intend to now go back and read what I've been missing out on. From the first page of this book, your attention is grabbed and isn't let go until you finish the last page. Irene Hannon is a highly talented author who knows how to weave a story with love, mystery and intrigue which leave you unwilling to put the book down until you can see how the situation is resolved. Very rarely do I ever read a book that I consider worthy of a re-read, but this is definitely one of them. I HIGHLY suggest it to anyone who loves good, clean love, and mystery all mixed with a hearty dose of comedy. Now if you'll excuse me, I have 3 earlier Hope Harbor books to go purchase!!

View all my reviews

The Golden Vial (Legends of the Realm #3)

The Golden Vial by Thomas Locke
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

While surprised that a Christian publishing house would endorse a book of this sort, I did find it a fairly good read. If you look below the surface content and dig for the deeper meaning, there is much to be gleaned from this book. Faithfulness is one virtue that reverberated throughout, with dedication ranking highly as well. For me, the most valuable lesson was in finding strength within oneself to overcome any obstacle that may come your way. Having said that, I still MUST reiterate my surprise that a Christian publishing house would publish this book. Christianity and sorcercy are two very opposing viewpoints, and God's Word is very explicit concerning it's stand on any type of sorcery.

View all my reviews

Phoebe's Light (Nantucket Legacy #1)

Phoebe's Light by Suzanne Woods Fisher
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The first in the Nantucket Legacy series, Suzanne Woods Fisher has definitely brought to light the fierce differences between the Quakers and the Anabaptists. The story is actually two stories in one, one being set in 1658, and the other being set in 1767. While stories of whaling ships are not my cup of tea, the history of the two religious sects, along with the settling of Nantucket Island were quite interesting and well told. While most enjoy a well told romance story, this also incorporated a quite fascinating mystery as well. There is a little something for everyone in this book, and a very nice start for a new series.

View all my reviews

A Passionate Hope: Hannah's Story (Daughters of the Promised Land, #4

A Passionate Hope: Hannah's Story by Jill Eileen Smith
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Without a doubt, this is THE best book I've read in quite a long time. The story of Hannah and her desperation to bear a child, has long been a favorite of mine. I've often thought of the deep pain and despair she must have felt while having to endure the taunts and degredation by Peninniah. Jill Eileen Smith has brought those feelings to life in such a way as to touch my very soul. I was initially skeptical and leery of reading a fictional account based on a real life Bible character, but Mrs. Smith has quite obviously done her homework and describes the lifestyles in Hannah's days with accuracy and vividity. This story has come alive to me like I'd never imagined possible and has given me an even deeper respect for both Hannah and Elkanah. I highly, HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who has ever been touched by the story of Hannah and her great faith in Adonai.

View all my reviews