This Little Prayer Of Mine~ BOOK REVIEW

This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

Summary: Author Anthony DeStefano’s adult books, The Prayers God Always Says Yes To and A Travel Guide to Heaven, have sold a quarter-million copies. Illustrator Mark Elliott’s cherished artwork has appeared in popular picture books and novels for young readers, including Gail Carson Levine’s ever-popular Princess Tales series.

Now, these acclaimed inspirational experts have come together to create This Little Prayer of Mine, a beautiful and alluring book designed to guide children into a very simple, real and expressive relationship with God.

Through engaging  rhymes and alluring illustrations, This Little Prayer of Mine shows children—and their parents and grandparents—that complete dependence on God is what brings peace and fulfillment. It invites children to know and believe that God is always  just a simple prayer away and that He longs to respond to them with a resounding, “Yes!”

This Little Prayer of Mine appeals to readers from all different faiths. Easy-reader format allows children to read alone, or with someone older, and encourages them to openly express their fears, thanks, and needs directly to God.

Purchase Here

My Review:

I thought this was a great little book. The words are engaging yet easy enough for young readers to read alone. Its a simple way to teach children to depend on God by letting Him know what their fears and cares are. It is a great blueprint for young ones just learning to "talk" to God.This would make a great bedtime book. The illustrations are amazing. Be sure to check this out as a gift for young ones. As a matter of fact, WIN a copy here at my blog. Leave me a comment here for 1 chance to win. Write a blog post about this giveaway and post the link in the comments section for an extra chance. You can get your name in the hat twice :). I will draw for a winner on April 16th. Spread the word! Blessings ~ Nikki

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Lady Carliss and the Waters of Moorue:

Determined, smart and a master of both the sword and the bow, Lady Carliss has proven herself as a veteran Knight of the Prince. Returning from a mission of aid, Carliss is plunged into adventure once again as she searches for the marauders responsible for kidnapping a friends’ family. Along the way she is reunited with Sir Dalton and discovers that the struggle in her heart is far from over. When Dalton falls to the vicious attack of a mysterious, poisonous creature, Carliss finds herself in a race against time. As Dalton clings perilously to life, she must find the antidote in the distant and strange city of Moorue.
While there, Carliss uncovers the master plot of a powerful Shadow Warrior that will soon overtake the entire Kingdom. Her faith in the Prince and her courage as a knight are tested as she faces evil Shadow Warriors and a swamp full of dreadful creatures. The lives of many, including Dalton’s, depend on Carliss. But she cannot save them all, for time is running out.  She faces an impossible choice: save Dalton, or let him die so that others may live.

This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

Buy it here: http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9781601421272

My Review: Lady Carliss and the Waters of Moorue by Chuck Black

Having read the first 3 books in the Kingdom series, and none of the Knights of Arrethtrae series before, I have to say that this book is very easy to pick up, even if you haven’t read any of the others. The author fills in some of the events of the previous book, helping to identify some of the characters and to tie in with the other books. The locations, events and characters are very well-described as well.  The book doesn’t take long to get into the story, and is well-written, easy to read, and I enjoyed it. If you like stories of bravery and battle, then you will probably enjoy this book too.

Raven’s Ladder:

Following the beacon of Auralia’s colors and the footsteps of a mysterious dream-creature, King Cal-raven has discovered a destination for his weary crowd of refugees. It’s a city only imagined in legendary tales. And it gives him hope to establish New Abascar.
But when Cal-raven is waylaid by fortune hunters, his people become vulnerable to a danger more powerful than the prowling beastmen––House Bel Amica. In this oceanside kingdom of wealth, enchantment, and beauty, deceitful Seers are all too eager to ensnare House Abascar’s wandering throng.
Even worse, the Bel Amicans have discovered Auralia’s colors, and are twisting a language of faith into a lie of corruption and control.
If there is any hope for the people of Abascar, it lies in the courage of Cyndere, daughter of Bel Amica’s queen; the strength of Jordam the beastman; and the fiery gifts of the ale boy, who is devising a rescue for prisoners of the savage Cent Regus beastmen.
As his faith suffers one devastating blow after another, Cal-raven’s journey is a perilous climb from despair to a faint gleam of hope––the vision he sees in Auralia’s colors.

This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

Buy it here: http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9781400074679

My Review: Raven’s Ladder by Jeffrey Overstreet

This book was hard to pick up on, since it is the third in the series, and I’ve never read the first two books. It has its own storyline, but a lot of it is meant to tie in with the other two, and so I couldn’t really get all of the storyline. Parts of it to me were a bit slow, but it was a good read. Like Lady Carliss, it is full of battles and adventure. Aside from not knowing the full story of the series, this was also a good read.

Where Is God ( Dr. John Townsend) ~ Book Review

Where Is God? ~ Dr. John Townsend

In this book Dr. Townsend writes about many areas and instances in our lives where we might ask the question, “Where is God?” At one time all of us have asked ourselves that question.  It seems like in our darkest times we can’t seem to see God near us. These are the times though that we need to feel God near us. Dr. Townsend uses many great scripture references to illustrate his points on finding God during the rough patches of our lives. My favorite part of the book is when he uses the story of his young son and his wife in the dentist office. His son was unable to use heavy doses of medication to numb him during a root canal. So his mother had to hold down his arms and keep him from thrashing around during the procedure; all the while crying because her child had to go through this trial. It was a necessary thing for him. Dr. Townsend makes the point that God sometimes has to let us go through things that are very painful, yet necessary. All the time though He has His hands on us, holding us as we go through this period that helps to grow our faith. We have a God that is involved with us. He loves us beyond our own imaginings. This is a wonderful book. You can purchase it here: www.thomasnelson.com/consumer/

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Hear No Evil Book Review

Summary:

A collection of wise, compelling, and often uproariously funny essays built around the experience of music as a transformational element in a moment of truth, Hear No Evil mines Matthew Paul Turner’s humorous memories of his evangelical youth and invites readers to groove along on his journey.

From attending forbidden contemporary Christian concerts to moving to “ Music City ” Nashville , Hear No Evil chronicles Turner’s “life soundtrack” which morphs seamlessly into the stories of people, places, and experiences that have taught the music-editor-turned-author some new things about God, forced him out of his comfort zone, and introduced him to a fresh view of grace along the way.

If you’ve ever had the opening bars of a song transport you back in time or remind you of a pivotal spiritual moment, Matthew Paul Turner’s honest—and frequently hilarious—musings will strike a chord. Straight forward and amusing, Hear No Evil is an exploration of a life of faith lived to a personal soundtrack.

Cover art:

This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

purchase this book at RandomHouse.com:

http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9781400074723

My review:

I would like to be able to tell you that this was a great book and that I enjoyed reading it. However, to be totally honest the best part (and my personal favorite) of this book was the end. Because that meant it was over. I highly suggest if you are an Independent  Fundamental Baptist; don't read this book. I'm sure he might not have wanted it to seem this way (but then again maybe he did) but it seemed to me like most of the book was about him "bashing" that faith. He grew up in an IFB church. Tie that in with the trip to the bar to have a beer with his "Christian" (very loosely using that term) buddy; this book really did not set well with me. And before anyone starts in with the "its ok for Christians to consume alcohol" bit; I just want you to know... I don't agree and I will not debate the subject. (Not what this blog is for) So for my part I did not like this book. You on the other hand might read it and get a completely different outlook on it. So feel free to purchase it through the link above. Blessings ~ Nikki

Love And War : Finding The Marriage You've Dreamed About ~ Book Review

Summary:

What the Eldredge bestsellers Wild at Heart did for men, and Captivating did for women, LOVE & WAR will do for married couples everywhere. John and Stasi Eldredge have contributed the quintessential works on Christian spirituality through the experience of men and the experience of women and now they turn their focus to the incredible dynamic between those two forces.

With refreshing openness that will grab readers from the first page, the Eldredges candidly discuss their own marriage and the insights they’ve gained from the challenges they faced. Each talks independently to the reader about what they’ve learned, giving their guidance personal immediacy and a balance between the male and female perspectives that has been absent from all previous books on this topic.   They begin LOVE & WAR with an obvious but necessary acknowledgement:  Marriage is fabulously hard.  They advise that the sooner we get the shame and confusion off our backs, the sooner we'll find our way through.

LOVE & WAR shows couples how to fight for their love and happiness, calling men and women to step into the great adventure God has waiting for them together. Walking alongside John and Stasi Eldredge, every couple can discover how their individual journeys are growing into a story of meaning much greater than anything they could do or be on their own.

This was book was provided for review by WaterBrook Multnomah.

Love and War is a good read for all married couples. The Eldredge's honesty about their own marriage can be a great encouragement. No matter how much we love each other, even as Christians, marriage can be a rough road to travel. Just knowing that your not alone in the struggle is a big help. They cover a lot of the major trials that married couples face. My favorite chapter is the one about the "little foxes". The small things that add up and steal our joy not only in each other and our marriage but they can damage the whole family and your personal relationship with Christ (my opinion anyway :) ) I think you will enjoy this book. Blessings! ~ Nikki

purchase the book online:

http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9780385529808

Angels Book Review

Angels

by Dr. David Jeremiah

This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9781601422699&ref=externallink_mlt_Angels_sec_1208_01

Summary:  

What are angels? What is their role in God’s plan? Are they present? Do they appear? Do they give us personal insight about our work, our worship?

 

Many contemporary beliefs about angels are based on misconception and myth. Dr. David Jeremiah uses scripture to unveil the remarkable truth about these agents of heaven, and their role and work in our world—and lives.

 

More than 60,000 units of this powerful book have sold in two past editions. This repackage of the original 1996 paperback will surely capture the attention of readers of all ages who seek a broad and thorough survey of scripture that clearly separates fact from fiction as it relates to angels. The book will appeal to the thousands who follow Dr. Jeremiah’s books, and radio and TV broadcasts.

 

Relevant, little known biblical facts help readers sharpen their knowledge and sensitivities toward the spiritual reality of angels. Dr. Jeremiah’s enlightening findings are supported with illustrations and insights from Billy Graham, Corrie ten Boom, C.S. Lewis, and more.

I really enjoyed this book by Dr. David Jeremiah. So many people today do have the wrong ideas about angels and their position in God’s Creation. Dr. Jeremiah uses Scripture to lay out the truth about angels. They are a creation of God. They are His messengers and His warriors. They are not lovely ladies in glittering dresses or chubby babies in diapers. So if you are looking for information letting you know what angels really are and what they really do this book is for you. It is very informative yet easy to read. Blessings! ~ Nikki

DUG DOWN DEEP A Book Review

Dug Down Deep

by Joshua Harris

You probably remember him as the I Kissed Dating Goodbye guy, but Joshua Harris isn’t a kid anymore. He’s a husband, father, and senior pastor, and he has a message about the importance of knowing what you believe and why.

purchase the book online:

http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?isbn=9781601421517

 

This was book was provided for review by WaterBrook Multnomah.

Book:  Dug Down Deep

Author:  Joshua Harris

Dates:  January 18-22  

Summary:  

What will you build your life on?
 
With startling transparency, Joshua Harris shares how we can rediscover the relevance and power of Christian truth. This is book shows a young man who rose quickly to success in the Christian evangelical world before he realized his spirituality lacked a foundation—it rested more on tradition and morality than on an informed knowledge of God.
 
For the indifferent or spiritually numb, Harris's humorous and engaging reflections on Christian beliefs show that orthodoxy isn't just for scholars—it is for anyone who longs to know the living Jesus Christ. As Harris writes, "I've come to learn that theology matters. It matters not because we want to impress people, but because what we know about God shapes the way we think and live. Theology matters because if we get it wrong then our whole life will be wrong."
 
Whether you are just exploring Christianity or you are a veteran believer finding yourself overly familiar and cold-hearted, Dug Down Deep will help you rediscover the timeless truths of Scripture. As Harris challenges you to root your faith and feelings about God in the person, work, and words of Jesus, he answers questions such as:
 
What is God like and how does he speak to me?What difference does it make that Jesus was both human and divine?How does Jesus's death on the cross pay for my sins?Who is the Holy Spirit and how does he work in my life? 
With grace and wisdom, Harris will inspire you to revel in the truth that has captured his own mind and heart. He will ask you to dig deep into a faith so solid you can build your life on it. He will point you to something to believe in again.

Cover art:

I loved this book from the very first page. As a matter of fact my daughter and I read it together. She loves it too. So that goes to show you that this book is for Christians of every age. I love how Joshua gets down to the nitty gritty of knowing what you believe.I had so many thought provoking "God" moments while reading this book. My fave was when he was talking about when Jesus asked Peter, "Who do you say I am?". Think about it for a second...who do you say Jesus is? Man,  I started getting all these thoughts running through my head like, Who do I say Jesus is with my life? I call Him Lord with my lips but is that what my life says? If you are looking for a great read that will have you rethinking some details that you thought didn't matter; then this book is for you. You should buy it ... like right now... I'm serious... its great!

The One Day Way Book Review

Okay I missed this review tour because due to circumstance I posted about earlier but I just had to share with you what I thought about this book.  In short ; I loved it! 

The One-Day Way produces lasting results by taking you back to basics. No more complicated weight-loss strategies. No more expensive diet plans that achieve only temporary results. Instead, you will lose weight and get fit with Chantel Hobbs’s simple, high-energy meal plans and her at-home program for cardio exercise and strength training. She will teach you how to change the way you think, which leads to new actions. Before you know it you will be strong, fit, and healthy. All it takes is doing things differently for twenty-four hours—and then repeating it.

 

The One-Day Way gives you everything you need to lose weight and get fit in body, mind, and spirit:

• Break free from past dieting defeats


• Learn a realistic, life-changing way to measure success


• Change the way you think so you can change your life


• Translate your dreams into goals, and your goals into lasting achievements


• Get strong with thirty-one simple exercises, no fancy equipment required


• Take advantage of ten ways to eat better while you lose weight

 

By focusing on food, faith, and fitness, Chantel shows you not only how to lose weight, but how to build the new life you were designed to live. You don’t have to wait any longer. The One-Day Way gives you all the tools for success, starting right now.

 

 

Author Bio:

The author of Never Say Diet and The Never Say Diet Personal Fitness Trainer, Chantel Hobbs is a motivational speaker, life coach, personal trainer, marathon runner, wife, and mother of four whose story has been featured on Oprah, The Today Show, Good Morning America, Fox & Friends, the 700 Club, and the covers of People and First magazines. She appears weekly on two fitness-themed radio programs and promotes her One-Day Way Learning System on television. Visit Chantel at ChantelHobbs.com for fitness updates and coaching tips.

Chantel Hobbs really lays out an easy plan to diet and weight loss that can truly be essential to all parts of our lives. DO IT ONE DAY AT A TIME. Goals don't seem so enormous and beyond reach if we just look at whats in view today. Chantel lost over a hundred pounds which of course is an inspiration in itself. I do encourage you to get this book . I promise you will find it helpful and encouraging. Plus there are some great exercises in this book. I had an extra copy to give away so I gave it to a dear friend of mine who like me also struggles with being overweight.  You can get your copy here though:
The One Day Way

The Male Factor Book Review

Hey Everyone, Long time no blogging :) We had the power cord to the laptop to die, some flu (eewwww) and a lot of snow that can you believe it... IS STILL HANGING AROUND! 5o degree weather yesterday and today and still there is snow and ice at our house. So I have not had the chance to get on here and blog since I didnt get to the library; and I even missed a book review. I almost missed this one too. But anyway here I am and here is the review.

Summary:  

Many talented women today risk undermining their careers without realizing it, simply because they don’t understand how they are perceived by their male colleagues and customers.
In What Men really Think, best-selling author Shaunti Feldhahn reveals the inner reality behind men’s views — the unspoken expectations that no man would dare to publicly acknowledge, and no woman would learn from an HR department. These revelations include:

 

• Men’s unwritten ‘rules’ of the workplace
• How men perceive workplace emotion
• What common situations with female colleagues most frustrate men-- and why
• Why revealing clothing can sabotage a woman’s effectiveness
• Why some men think flextime is fine, but equal compensation for it is not

  This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

Okay , if you ever wondered why women face things in the workplace that make you want to pull your hair out; then you should read this book. Did you know that the way a woman dresses in the workplace can affect how a man reacts to her as a professional? Some men see womens work clothes as a camouflage. They think that women purposely try to avert coworkers attention to their physical attributes to attempt to cover up professional faults. Also the way a woman constructs her sentences can be taken the wrong way. Of course I'm sure not all male coworkers feel the same way but still this book is a handy one for your shelf if you are a female working professional. There is some great information to help you whether you are already in the workplace or are planning to enter it soon. Lots of great stuff to take into account.

You can buy it here:

The Male Factor

Beautiful Mess Diamond Rio Book Review

Beautiful Mess

First off let me say that back in the “day” I was a huge Diamond Rio fan. As a matter of fact I told my DH when we started dating that if Diamond Rio ever came to Knoxville in concert that he had to take me. Not long after that we were able to see them at one of the Knoxville stations Listener Appreciation shows. They sounded just as great in person as on cd. Their song, “I Know How The River Feels” was the song I walked down the aisle to. Needless to say over the years my musical interests have leaned more toward Southern Gospel and Contemporary Gospel. Yet I was excited when I signed up with Thomas Nelson Publishers to do book reviews that Diamond Rio’s biography, Beautiful Mess, was one of the books available.

I started reading the book as soon as I got it from the mail. Honestly, I found it hard to put down. I was amazed at the lives of these great guys. Most of them come from Christian backgrounds and have returned to those roots so to speak. I loved reading about the closeness they share as a band and “family”. From their lowest depths to their highest moments, the guys share their life stories with honesty. You see the good, bad and the ugly. Yet through all the struggles they still found that God is God and He has a plan. I really enjoyed this book and I’m sure you will too. Check it out here:http://www.thomasnelson.com/consumer/

God Bless ~ Nikki

40 Loaves Blog Tour And Giveaway

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40 Loaves Breaking Bread With Our Father Each Day By C.D. Baker

“Why don’t I have more faith?”
“Why am I so bored with Jesus?”
“Why are Christians so hard for me to like?”

There are many questions we’re not supposed to ask when playing by the religious rules. It makes people uncomfortable. So why is it that Jesus invited questions and even asked some of them himself? What is it that you’re afraid to ask God? It’s a risky prospect to begin asking–but far riskier to continue simply trying to get by without knowing. Author C. D. Baker asked himself 40 soul-searching questions which started a conversation in his heart and ultimately showed him more about God than He ever expected.
Can we become more honest with who we really are and find who God says He really is at the same time? Come indulge yourself in daily readings with an honest exploration of your secret fears and thoughts, and know that you will always be welcomed in God’s unconditional love.

40 Loaves is a very nice daily devotional book. In each chapter, C. D. Baker asks some real eye opening questions. I enjoyed the way he included little stories and insights from his own life. I like when authors of devotional writings bring something of their “self” into the mix. Mr. Baker is openly honest about his own spiritual shortcomings and that is what makes this book so wonderful. These are questions he has asked himself before and was sometimes surprised by the answers. The one downside for me was that the Scripture in the book was not KJV. That is my personally preferred translation but it is hard to find many publications these days that use it. Be that as it may, I’m sure you will enjoy this great (hardback) book so I am going to give you a chance to win a copy. All you have to do is leave a comment on this post, please be sure to leave your email address in your comment so that I may contact you if you win. To earn two extra chances to win; post about this giveaway on your blog and share the link in your comment. All total you could get your name in the “pot” three times. This giveaway will end on Saturday December 19^th. I will draw for the winner on the 20^th and will post their name on the blog plus send out an email to let them know they won. You can also buy this book at this link: RandomHouse.com

God Bless! ~ Nikki

This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

Value Gifts Blog Tour Book Review

In tough times discover…99 Ways (times six) to thrive!

                                                                                                   

Colorado Springs, CO— The Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group introduces 99…times six…practical and up-to-date ways to help families flourish despite present economic challenges, priced at just $5.99 per book (WaterBrook Press, July 21, 2009). These books are not only timely, but also inexpensive enough to fit into everyone’s tightening budget.

 

• 99 Ways to Increase Your Income (ISBN-13:978-0-307-45839-1)

by Frank Martin, successful entrepreneur and author of over sixteen books.

 I got to review 99 Ways to Increase Your Income by Frank Martin.This book has some wonderfully easy tips on how to raise your income and stretch the cash you already have. Each chapter is filled with ideas that are simple yet effective. Some of these ideas utilize websites that we already enjoy like Ebay and Craigslist. I know in this economy many of us can use some new ideas on earning more money or stretching our dollar. I have gleaned lots of ideas from this great book that I plan on using to help our family. I highly recommend buying this book. It would also make a great gift for a friend or loved one.

Don’t Let Relationships Suffer Because of the Economy

Colorado Springs, CO— Just because the economy is suffering doesn’t mean relationships have to suffer, too. The Value Non-Fiction Line (September 15, 2009) offers insightful books on love, marriage, relationships and personal growth. At just $6.99, WaterBrook Press is offering readers on the most limited budgets, valuable resources to help them grow and succeed in their personal lives. Titles include:

More Than A Match (ISBN: 978-1-4000-7489-1) by relationship experts, Michael & Amy Smalley, marriage and family counselors who demystify the science behind compatibility tests to help singles in search of love recognize when the right relationship comes along. They also reveal the specific skills that can transform an ideal match into a lasting love. 

I got to review More Than A Match by Michael and Amy Smalley

This is a great book for engaged Christian (and non Christian) couples. The Smalleys walk you step by step through the dating and engagement process. They cover issues from making sure you are compatible enough to date each other to handling conflicts and on through to the first night together as man and wife. They cover these issues with their own personal insight and lots of humor. Do be advised though that they do cover the subject of s*x. Even this subject is covered with Christian insight though so no worries. I think this book would make a good gift for engaged couples.

You can purchase these books online at:

http://waterbrookmultnomah.com

These books were provided for review by WaterBrook Multnomah.

Want to blog for books?

WaterBrook Multnomah Blogging for Books site page at http://www.randomhouse.com/waterbrook/bloggingforbooks/.