The Five Times I Met Myself by James L. Rubart

{MORE ABOUT THE FIVE TIMES I MET MYSELF}

The Five Times I Met Myself(Thomas Nelson, November 2015)

What if you met your twenty-three-year-old self in a dream? What would you say?

Brock Matthews’ once promising life is unraveling. His coffee company. His marriage.

So when he discovers his vivid dreams—where he encounters his younger self—might let him change his past mistakes, he jumps at the chance. The results are astonishing, but also disturbing.

Because getting what Brock wants most in the world will force him to give up the one thing he doesn’t know how to let go . . . and his greatest fear is that it’s already too late.

My opinion: This is a great novel about regrets and more importantly redemption. This book is about a guy whose life is unraveling and it really deals with the what ifs and makes one think about the choices in ones life and how they can affect your life. This was a very though provoking, intriguing read and I highly recommend it. I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. 

An endless Christmas by Cynthia Ruchti

{MORE ABOUT AN ENDLESS CHRISTMAS}

An Endless Christmas (Worthy Inspired, October 2015)

Too many people, too much snow, and too little room should be a recipe for disaster.

Christmas takes a very different turn when the guests of honor break up instead of announcing their engagement. Trapped with his family, they learn that love looks different than either imagined. Both in their eighties, Dodie and Wilson Binder celebrate every Christmas as if it were their last. This year, their grandson Micah is planning to ask his girlfriend, Katie, to marry him so they can celebrate with the whole family. But things go very wrong when she says, “no.” Now they are stuck. Too many people, too much snow, and too little room should be a recipe for disaster. But sometimes too much is just enough. Especially when it’s Christmas.

My opinion: I really enjoyed this little book and it was just enough to put me in the Christmas spirit. I found  myself falling in love with the story and the characters in it and finished it up really quick. It was a delightful little book filled with great characters and I totally loved it. I highly recommend this sweet little read to get you ready for Christmas. I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. 

Slow Fires by Justin Smillie

What a cookbook! I have to say that the cover didn't do  much for me, honestly it looked kind of gross so I wasn't sure what I was going to think of this cookbook,but I must admit that it was much better than I was expecting.
I love how this book focuses on technique and the basics, making sure you have those down before moving on to more complex and challenging recipes. It really breaks things down and makes them much more manageable .
One of the huge downsides to this book is the lack of pictures, I really appreciate pictures but maybe they would be like the one on the cover which wasn't helpful.
Overall I liked this cookbook, it is not one I would see myself using everyday but it had some great recipes and I loved the techniques.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Black Friday!!

It’s that time of year. The time for buying presents, making wish lists, and planning New Year’s Resolutions. If any of those activities involve books for you, Indie Christian Authors has a perfect event for you. From Nov 27 (that’s today!) through Nov 30th, more than 70 independent Christian books are on sale. You can find free shipping, $0.99 ebooks, package deals, and more! And if your budget is depleted from Christmas shopping, they’ve got you covered with some freebies Think 70 books is overwhelming? Narrow it down and find the perfect books for you or someone on your Christmas list by using this quiz to generate a customized book list.> What awesome reads of 2015 are you grateful for? What books are you looking forward to reading in 2016?

A note on the Ebooks Only page. All books are listed as “Sold Out.” This only refers to paperback copies of these titles. Please click onto the product pages to find descriptions and links to discounted or free ebooks.

Acknowledgements: Thanks to Leah E. Good for her work organizing this sale, Gloria Repp for completing the time consuming job of uploading book info to the sale website, and Hannah Mills for her fantastic design work on the website graphics. Hannah can be contacted at hmills(at)omorecollege(dot)edu for more information about her design services.

Art Students League of New York on Painting

What a fascinating book! It feels like one is getting all sorts of art lessons straight from New York and you don't even have to leave your house! With some renowned artist that most of us would never get an opportunity to take lessons from this book is filled full of wonderful tips, divided into sections that look utterly fascinating this book is an art lovers dream! It would make a fabulous gift this holiday season or would be a wonderful addition to ones own personal library.
I received this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Another way home by Deborah Raney

Another Way Home (Abingdon Press, October 2015)

Sometimes God’s ways are not at all what we expect . . . and exactly what we need.

Grant and Audrey are adding grandchildren to their family left and right, but middle daughter, Danae, and her husband, Dallas Brooks, have been trying for years with no baby in sight.

Though Danae is ready to consider adoption, Dallas will not even discuss it. Despairing of ever having a family of her own, Danae decides to pour her passion and energies into volunteer work with a newly opened women’s shelter in town. Looking for a good cause to fill her lonely days, she never expects to give her heart to the hurting women she meets there. She’s finally learning to live her life with gratitude, but then heart-wrenching events on Thanksgiving weekend threaten to pull the entire Whitman clan into turmoil—and leave them all forever changed.

My opinion: I have enjoyed the previous books in the series and was equally delighted with this one. I love how the author has so much going on and the stuff that is written about really causes you to stop and think. I also love how realistic and flawed the characters are, they are not perfect and make mistakes but I love the growth and development of them. I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

THE OLOGY BY MARTY MACHOWSKI

{MORE ABOUT THE OLOGY}

The Ology: Ancient Truths Ever New (New Growth Press, October 2015)

A page-turning storybook of theology for kids

In the cellar of the old stone cathedral, Carla and Timothy uncover a life-changing treasure, a carefully wrapped ancient book known as The Ology. What adults might describe as a beautifully illustrated storybook of systematic theology, the kids discover to be a story of adventure, mystery, and wonder that leads them to the truth about God, themselves, and the world around them.

Truth is for kids, not just for adults! So The Ology gives kids of all ages a beginner’s theology book to help them understand who God is and how we, as his children, relate to him. Arranged within a traditional systematic theological framework, each truth in The Ology is also connected to the larger redemptive story of Scripture. The doctrine of God, for example, is presented in the larger framework of creation, where the attributes of God are more clearly on display. The Ology takes abstract theological concepts and makes them easier to understand with the use of creative examples, illustrations, and analogies. The goal is not to say everything that could be said about a theological topic, but rather to share the key thoughts behind a theological concept. The Ology is a starting point to learning theology and aims to create a hunger and desire in children to learn more as they grow older.

Designed for six-year-olds through preteens, this flexible resource includes built-in adaptations for use with younger or older children, so that entire families can enjoy it together. Read The Ology to preschoolers, read it with grade-school kids, and let older kids discover the “hidden” truths by reading the corresponding Scripture passages for each section. However you read it, The Ology will give your children a gift that will last a lifetime—a solid foundation of life-changing biblical truth that will point them to the God who loves them and gave himself for them.

My opinion: This book was more than I was expecting, it was way more detailed and in-depth than I thought it would be, really digging in and explaining a lot more,which is certainly a good thing! It is beautifully illustrated and would make a great devotion book or would be good for homeschoolers to use for religion class. The nice thing is that it can appeal and work for quite a vast age range which is very much appreciated. I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Elements of Landscape oil painting by Suzanne Brooker

Talk about breathtaking! This book is filled with so many amazing techniques to makes ones oil painting improve and I must say from reading the book that the author is amazingly talented, so many of the paintings look so realistic that they look more like photographs and it takes one a moment to realize they are indeed paintings.
I love how this book is broken down into sections, like Sky, Terrain,etc and it goes over concepts, palettes,brush techniques,etc. Then at the end it has a chapter that kind of pulls it all together. Such a well developed book that will really help the budding artist.
I receive a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion

Get your story straight by Kristen Hatton

{MORE ABOUT GET YOUR STORY STRAIGHT}

Get Your Story Straight (New Growth Press, October 2015)

What’s your story?

We all tell stories to each other–stories about what happened when we were kids, stories about last night, and stories where we dream about the future. Some stories are funny, some are amazing, others are sad, but they all have something in common–each of us is the hero of our own story. Our thoughts, feelings, hopes, and dreams take center stage. But when it’s all about you, it’s also all up to you. You have to make life work, find meaning, and hope for the best even when you mess up or things go badly wrong.

But what if we were made for something different? What if the main character in our life story isn’t us, but it is the God who became like us and is now with us? What if being fully human means knowing him and growing to be like him? What if the way to be fully alive is to be caught up in Jesus’s story?

This 52-week devotional book and small group resource is designed to help you live with Jesus in his gospel story–the good news that your sins are forgiven, your future is assured, and following him is the only meaningful way to live. No matter your age, where you live, who your family is, or what your past, God wants you to experience the freedom that comes in being secure in his love.

Divided into three parts, starting with creation, each section progressively explores the idea that the whole Bible is the unfolding story of Jesus. Through this grid, who Jesus is and why we need him will shape your understanding of freedom and grace and how you grow to be like him. This yearlong study for teenagers and young adults is designed for individual devotional times, but a small group discussion guided by a mentor would help participants to absorb and live out the truths of each week’s teaching.

My opinion: This was a wonderful book that speaks well to young people, but appeals to older folks as well, which is a rare thing indeed! It was a wonderful devotional that is precise and short but totally unique and good. I like how each week is kind of themed and kind of builds on each other,it was really well done and interesting.  I also liked how the made the examples applicable to everyday life and into something that most teens can easily relate to. Well done indeed! I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

A Chameleon, a Boy, and a Quest by J.A. Myhre

{MORE ABOUT A CHAMELEON, A BOY, AND A QUEST}

A Chameleon, a Boy, and a Quest (New Growth Press, October 2015)

A Boy Named Mu, an African Journey, and You

Mu, a ten-year-old orphan, has lived his entire life in the heart of Africa. For as long as he can remember he has served in the household of a great-uncle where he is unloved and ignored. In his drudgery-filled life, Mu has little hope of happiness, and little hope that anything will ever change.

But one day, everything does change. On his way to draw water one morning, Mu is astonished when a chameleon greets him by name and announces that they will embark on a quest together. And what a quest it turns out to be! Mu faces danger and finds unexpected allies as they journey through a fascinating and ever-changing landscape.

A Chameleon, a Boy, and a Quest blends magical realism with a compelling story. The exciting story line combines an orphan’s journey to find a home with the plight of child soldiers and the dangers of the Ebola virus and, along the way, highlights universal themes of integrity, loyalty, faith, and love. Written by long-time medical missionary J. A. Myrhe, the artful story is laced with subtle gospel themes and handles cross-cultural issues with grace and sensitivity. Kids will encounter good and evil and learn the truth about hope, happiness, and what it means to be human in this page-turning first book in a new series.

—A page-turning children’s action and adventure story set in a fictional African land
—Blends magical realism and compelling storytelling with gospel themes to draw kids gently into the truth
—Deals with real-life but (seemingly) faraway themes like the plight of orphans, the duties of child soldiers, and the reality of the Ebola virus
—Written by a long-time medical missionary to Africa who handles cross-cultural issues with grace, sensitivity, and love

My opinion: I wasn't sure what to expect with this book, it was such a slim novel, written for a younger audience, so I was a bit skeptical, but upon starting this little gem I was utterly delighted. The story was unique and sweet, the illustrations perfect for the book, all in all it was a stellar read. I appreciated  the message and that it would appeal to young readers and older ones alike. I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

The War for the Waking World by Wayne Thomas Batson

Would you be willing to fight for your dreams?

Fifteen-year-old Archer Keaton has the ability to enter and explore his dreams. He is a Dreamtreader, one of three selected from each generation. Their mission: to protect the waking world from the Nightmare Lord who dwells beyond the Slumber Gate. But as Archer’s dreams become more dangerous and threatening, so too does his waking life.

In this fast-paced conclusion to the exciting fantasy trilogy, the dream world and the waking world bleed into each other when a rift is formed between the two. People in the real world suddenly find their waking lives resemble their wildest dreams. Now it’s up to Archer and his fellow Dreamtreaders to race to reverse the rift before too much damage is done and to battle Archer’s ex-best friend, Kara, who sits on the throne of the Nightmare Lord. Kara is building an army of her own. Will Archer be strong enough to stand against her?

My opinion: I had not read the previous books in this serious, but despite that was still utterly enthralled with this book and found it to be a wonderful read. I love fantasy and am so happy that there are more Christian fantasy authors out there. The characters were riveting, the authors description of everything was enthralling and it just really kept me on the edge of my seat! I cannot wait to get my hands on the previous 2 books. I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Olympia Provisions

What a gorgeous book! Everywhere from the cover to every single recipe and the lush photography, this books is pretty darn amazing. I felt this book was so much more than just a cookbook as it was delightful to read the little blurbs in it as well. A lot of the recipes are a little more time consuming and advanced than I tend to prefer, but they results are amazing. Certainly not for the faint of heart!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Street God by Dimas Salaberrios

What an absolutely riveting and extraordinary read! This book really captures ones attention from the get go and is hard to put down. I know for me when I was reading it that it completely blew my mind that this was a true account. The things that this man went through are incredible and it goes to show what an awesome God we a have that this man survived the self destructive lifestyle he was engaged in and that he was redeemed. 

It was so sad to me the tender age he was exposed to such horrid things. Selling drugs at 11?  I know at that age I was still playing with dolls and was blissfully unaware of drugs or anything like that. 

I think this is a beautiful story of redemption and how nothing can separate us from the love of God.

I received this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Valley of decision by Lynne Gentry

Every choice has a consequence in the explosive conclusion to the Carthage Chronicles as Lisbeth returns to third-century Carthage for a thrilling final adventure.

Thirteen years ago, Lisbeth made an impossible decision—leave third-century Carthage and her husband Cyprian behind for good. She knew it was to protect her daughter Maggie, so Lisbeth gathered the strength to move on with her life.

All these years, Lisbeth has thrown herself into her work and raising her headstrong daughter, all to live up to the promise she made to Cyprian. But Maggie is sick of being protected. In an act of teenage rebellion Maggie decides to do what her mother can’t—secretly returning to the third century on a quest to bring her father back, leaving Lisbeth no choice but to follow.

With Maggie’s surprise arrival in Carthage, chaos ensues. She finds her grandmother on trial for murder and attempts to save her, but instead the diversion sparks a riot that nearly destroys the plagued city. Only one thing will appease the wrath of the new proconsul of Carthage: the death of the instigator.

Will Lisbeth arrive in time to save her daughter from the clutches of Rome? How can God possibly redeem such a slew of unwise decisions and deep regrets? Filled with heart-wrenching twists and riveting action, Valley of Decision brings the romantic adventure epic, The Carthage Chronicles, to an electrifying conclusion.

My opinion: This is the satisfying and exciting conclusion to the series. Usually I am not a fan of time travel and the previous books in the series were not my favorite, but this one was in my opinion the best in the series with a lot more going on and I really liked how they brought Maggie into the story and focused on her more.I thought this book was very engaging and loved the conclusion. I highly recommend the series for lovers of historical fiction as the author does a fabulous job at weaving in a lot of history into the book. I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.