Know the Word Study Bible

KJV Know The Word Study Bible (Thomas Nelson, September 2017)

Gain a greater understanding of the Bible book by book, verse by verse, or topic by topic.

The study of God’s Word can be easy and rewarding if you break down the Bible into easy-to-understand segments. The KJV Know the Word Study Bible offers three easy ways to begin studying Scripture and helps individuals transition from being a casual reader of the Bible to becoming a regular student of the Bible. You can choose to study the Bible book-by-book, verse-by-verse, or topic-by-topic; each path offers powerful insights that will help you develop a daily routine of Bible study.

The book-by-book series of notes leads you through the main points of each book of the Bible. The verse-by-verse notes help you to dig deeper into God’s Word. The topic-by-topic articles, which cover 21 theological topics, guide you through a series of insightful notes and give you a thorough biblical understanding of each topic. With the beautiful and timeless text of the KJV translation, the KJV Know the Word Study Bible offers you choices of how to study Scripture and grow in your relationship with Christ.

Features include:

—King James Version Bible text
—Three easy approaches to study the Bible: 1. Book by Book; 2. Verse by Verse; 3. Topic by Topic
—Insightful introductions for each book of Scripture
—Words of Jesus in red
—Beautiful two-color interior page design
—Comprehensive list of theological notes
—Concordance
—Full-color maps
—8-point type size

My opinion: This break down of the KJV Bible is a great addition to anyone's collection as it is really has a lot of helpful information that is a great addition. I loved how there were maps included which are really helpful when trying to figure out where everything is. Loved how there were 3 approaches to studying the Bible, Book by Book. Verse by Verse and Topic by topic.
This is a gorgeous edition that would make a fabulous present or gift to oneself.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Q & A a day for Grandparents

What a delightful book to help strengthen the bond between Grandparents and their grandchildren! This book is sure to become a keepsake and will be fun for both the grandparents to fill out and for the grandchildren to read.
Such a beautiful book, an absolute treasure! This is a 3 year journal that is easy to fill out and isn't overwhelming so even busy grandparents can make the time to write in it.
Great writing prompts that are sometimes funny and sometimes very serious this is a great book!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

I'd like you more if you were more like me by John Ortberg

This book is just an outstanding read that can really benefit one in all areas of ones life, whether in your marriage, relationship with children, family, church,coworkers,etc it is inevitable that you are going to run into people who think a little (or a lot!) different from you and how to truly get close to those people despite struggling to know where they comes from.
We are really made for deep human connection and to fellowship with those around us, but so often we are not able to make deep connections with those around us because of differences and this book really helps break down some of those things that separate us and ways to make those deep connections.
Drawing on the scriptures, real life stories and modern psychology this book is deeply fascinating and utterly enthralling and sticks with you long after the last page is read.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Tora Fright patches things up: A story about forgiveness by Tracey Madder

What an utterly delightful book! Not only does the story have a great message but the illustrations are so bright and whimsical that it cannot help but engage kids in the story. I really enjoyed how this book taught a great lesson about forgiveness even when it is really tough, but how working together and working through those feelings of anger can lead to a closer relationship. It really breaks it down in a way kids can comprehend and grasp and hopefully implement into their own lives.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion/

30 days to Joy

What a gorgeous creative journal and just what I needed!  This book has enough structure to help direct ones thoughts to things of joy while leaving enough room to engage ones creativity in whatever way that is, whether by writing. doodling,etc. This book really helped me be more conscious of the things that bring me true joy in my own life and how I need to be dwelling on those things more.
Beautiful and very encouraging this book would make a great gift for a loved one or to keep on hand for yourself!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

A small book about a big problem by Edward Welch

{MORE ABOUT A SMALL BOOK ABOUT A BIG PROBLEM}

A Small Book about a Big Problem: Meditations on Anger, Patience, and Peace (New Growth Press, September 2017)

How many times today have you been irritated? Frustrated?

While you might not think about it often, if you look closely at any day most everyone can find anger in their actions and attitudes. Something spills or goes missing, we get stuck in traffic or someone cuts us off on the road, or we feel like the people we live and work with are only making our lives more difficult. And while no one wants to get angry, what happens when our irritations and frustrations rise yet again?

Anger is so common—yet it also hurts. It not only leaves a mark on us, but it also leaves a marks on others. The wounds we inflict on ourselves and others because of anger—loss of intimacy, trust, security, and enjoyment in our closest relationships—give us compelling reasons to look closely at our anger and think carefully about how to grow in peace and patience.

But if you, like many others, have just gotten irritated for the umpteenth time today, you might wonder if change is possible. Can anyone truly find peace? The answer is yes, but you will need a plan. Biblical counselor and psychologist Ed Welch invites readers to take a fifty-day journey that unpacks anger while encouraging and teaching readers to respond with patience to life’s difficulties. Readers will also be introduced to Jesus, the key to any plan for change. Known as the Prince of Peace, he is the only one who can empower his people to grow in patience, peace, and wholeness.

My opinion: This is a great book that is small but mighty, it really packs a punch into its short pages that stick with you long after the final page is turned. Filled with Biblical wisdom and knowledge this book really gets to the heart of anger and how destructive it truly is. Being that I struggle with angry outburst especially towards those around me, this book really resonated with me and made me more mindful of the place I have given anger in my own life. Deeply touch and meaningful this book is a great and thought provoking read. I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Bringing Maggie Home by Kim Vogel Sawyer

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Bringing Maggie Home(WaterBrook, September 2017)

Decades of loss, an unsolved mystery, and a rift spanning three generations

Hazel DeFord is a woman haunted by her past. While berry picking in a blackberry thicket in 1943, ten-year old Hazel momentarily turns her back on her three-year old sister Maggie and the young girl disappears.

Almost seventy years later, the mystery remains unsolved and the secret guilt Hazel carries has alienated her from her daughter Diane, who can’t understand her mother’s overprotectiveness and near paranoia. While Diane resents her mother’s inexplicable eccentricities, her daughter Meghan—a cold case agent—cherishes her grandmother’s lavish attention and affection.

When a traffic accident forces Meghan to take a six-week leave-of-absence to recover, all three generations of DeFord women find themselves unexpectedly under the same roof. Meghan knows she will have to act as a mediator between the two headstrong and contentious women. But when they uncover Hazel’s painful secret, will Meghan also be able to use her investigative prowess to solve the family mystery and help both women recover all that’s been lost?

My opinion: Filled with mystery and intrigue this book is an excellent read that really keeps you on the edge of your seat. I love how the book spans three generations and talks about healing and forgiveness. At times this was utterly heartbreaking, I cannot imagine what Hazel went through losing her sister under her care and can see why it haunted her so. I loved the character of Meghan and how strong she was, this book had so much going on and was a real page turner! I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Grand Central Market Cookbook by Adele Yellin

This book is sure to enchant with its whimsical design and lush recipes that are sure to enthrall and delight.
For those of us who do not have easy access to the vibrant food scene in downtown LA this book is a way to bring those delicious foods alive in your own kitchen. Filled with everything from exotic recipes to comfort foods this book has it all.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

God gave us family by Lisa Tawn Bergen

What a delightful book to read with ones children. This book really stresses the importance of family and does so in a delightful and engaging way. Using wolves this book is sure to engage and enthrall all ages, I know my 2 year old loved this book and wants to read it over and over again.
I love how this book talks not only about ones parents and siblings  but extended family and stresses the important of all family in ones life.
It was nice that this was a Christian book so one didn't have to worry about content issues.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

The pretender by Ta'mara Hanscom

{MORE ABOUT THE PRETENDER}

The Pretender: A Blackguard in Disguise (Reata Publishing, September 2017)

Set in South Dakota in 1975, where eighteen-year-olds could order 3.2 beer in a bar, and loaded guns were kept under the counter.

Frankie Valli sang “My Eyes Adored You,” and American soldiers returning from Vietnam struggled with their new reality.

It’s within this tumultuous season of American history that Tillie Caselli meets Noah Hansen, and they are never the same again. Their lives were mysteriously intertwined—and had been for many years—yet they had no idea.
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From the moment they met, Tillie and Noah wanted to spend the rest of their lives together, but a deliberate omission will keep them apart—and that same omission will be responsible for the escape of a murderer, and a bride’s deception.

My opinion: What a riveting read that really keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout the whole book! I loved the characters and how they interacted with each other and really grow on you throughout the book. This really brings the 1970's to life which was an interesting time with so much change and struggles. This was a new author but I am looking forward to trying out her other books!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Many Sparrows by Lori Benton

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Many Sparrows(WaterBrook, August 2017)

Either she and her children would emerge from that wilderness together, or none of them would. . . .

In 1774, the Ohio-Kentucky frontier pulses with rising tension and brutal conflicts as Colonists push westward and encroach upon Native American territories. The young Inglesby family is making the perilous journey west when an accident sends Philip back to Redstone Fort for help, forcing him to leave his pregnant wife Clare and their four-year old son Jacob on a remote mountain trail.

When Philip does not return and Jacob disappears from the wagon under the cover of darkness, Clare awakens the next morning to find herself utterly alone, in labor and wondering how she can to recover her son . . . especially when her second child is moments away from being born.

Clare will face the greatest fight of her life, as she struggles to reclaim her son from the Shawnee Indians now holding him captive. But with the battle lines sharply drawn, Jacob’s life might not be the only one at stake. When frontiersman Jeremiah Ring comes to her aid, can the stranger convince Clare that recovering her son will require the very thing her anguished heart is unwilling to do—be still, wait and let God fight this battle for them?

My opinion: Yet another outstanding historical novel filled with so much detail and depth, recreating a time in American history that is little read about and little understood. I loved how this book gave a perspective from both the settlers and Native Americans point of view so you could see where both were coming from.
This book was heart wrenching and fascinating, being that I am currently pregnant I cannot even imagine giving birth in the wilderness with no one but a stranger to help! The characters were flawed but engaging and I loved watch their individual characters develop as well as watch them grow together.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Counseling under the cross by Bob Kellemen

Counseling Under the Cross: How Martin Luther Applied the Gospel to Daily Life (New Growth Press, September 2017)

Martin Luther not only reformed theology, but his understanding of the gospel revolutionized soul care.

In Counseling Under the Cross, biblical counselor and noted author Bob Kellemen explains how Martin Luther’s gospel-centered and cross-focused pastoral care transformed his own approach to soul care.

As Kellemen mines Luther’s own writings and other first hand accounts, readers will gain a new understanding of how Luther richly, relevantly, robustly, and relationally applied the gospel to suffering, sin, sanctification, and our search for peace with God. Counseling Under the Crosswill guide pastors, counselors, lay leaders, and friends toward a rich understanding of the gospel that will directly impact their personal ministry to others.

Through lively vignettes, real-life stories, and direct quotes from Luther, readers will be equipped to apply the gospel to themselves and others so together they find their hope and help in Christ alone.

My opinion: For anyone who thinks that Martin Luther was just a man who caused Reformation in his own day and age and is not relevant to this day and age, this book will set you straight! Author Bob Kellemen brings Martin Luther's back to life and breathes life into them showing just how relevant and important they are today especially when counseling. I love how the insights and information are great not only for Pastors and counselors but for the average person who deals with giving advice to friends and loved one. I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

A box of awesome things matching game

What a delightful game! I was eager to get this whimsical game of matching because I love playing matching with my daughter and am always looking for things to stimulate her little 2 year old brain. This game did not disappoint, not only is at excellent memory game but it is also a great little game to help her identify things in her world, I was surprised at how many things she knew and am excited at how many more awesome things I can teach her.
Filled with bright illustrations this game is a excellent addition to anyone's game closet.
I received a copy of this game in exchange for my honest opinion.

Gathering the threads by Cindy Woodsmall

Gathering the Threads(WaterBrook, August 2017)

Finally back in the Old Order Amish world she loves, will Ariana’s new perspectives draw her family closer together—or completely rip them apart?

After months away in the Englisch world, Ariana Brenneman is overjoyed to be in the Old Order Amish home where she was raised. Yet her excitement is mixed with an unexpected apprehension as she reconciles all she’s learned from her biological parents with the uncompromising teachings of her Plain community. Although her childhood friend, ex-Amish Quill Schlabach, hopes to help her navigate her new role amongst her people, Ariana’s Daed doesn’t understand why his sweet daughter is suddenly questioning his authority. What will happen if she sows seeds of unrest and rebellion in the entire family?

Meanwhile, Skylar Nash has finally found her place among the large Brenneman family, but Ariana’s arrival threatens to unravel Skylar’s new identity—and her sobriety. Both Ariana and Skylar must discover the true cords that bind a family and community together and grasp tight the One who holds their authentic identities close to His heart.

Gathering the Threads is the third and final novel in The Amish of Summer Grove series.

My opinion: This book was an utterly engrossing and interesting read that not only was a quick read but it really had a lot of depth and thought provoking  stuff going on. I loved watching the characters develop and grow and really felt  like this was a very satisfying conclusion to a great series. I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

All she left behind by Jane Kirkpatrick

Another engaging read by one of the most prolific Christian historical authors that loves to steep her books in real stories. This book certainly does not disappoint and leaves readers utterly engaged until the very end.
This book was fascinating as you follow Jennie Pickett through her life which is filled with many tragedies and triumphs as she learns to navigate through a very male dominated world, raising a difficult son on her own.
I loved how this book brought Jennie to life and made you really care what was going on with her. Written with great historical detail this was an outstanding read.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

The day the angels fell by Shawn Smucker

This book was an intriguing and fascinating read. I love how this book tackles some really hard questions in life and yet does so in such an interesting way that leaves you pondering a lot when the story draws to a close.
Dealing with issues such a death this book is presented in the present when the narrator is an older man and goes into his past when he was a 12 year old boy grappling with the tragic death of his Mother.
With vivid detail and rich story telling this debut novel is a great read and I am going to be looking for the next book by this amazing author.