Book Review: Precious Moments Little Book of Bible Stories by Jean Fischer

I tried to hide this book from my kids (ages 1 and 2) when it showed up so I could pull it out at bedtime. It didn’t work! They both immediately knew it must be for them and wanted me to read it! We go through a few pages a day and they love it! It’s a board book, and the pictures are adorable and attractive to children, like most precious moments books. Every page has its own Bible story complete with a corresponding verse and a short prayer.

Each story is presented in a clear and simple manner appropriate for a 1-3 year old (in my opinion). It’s definitely better quality than some other Bible storybooks I’ve seen for very young children. The stories are simplified but not ridiculous. And the fact that my children love it is a huge plus! The illustrations are attractive for kids and adults, and the slick board pages and thick cover make it pleasant to handle as well (both big pluses for children’s books). It’s also pretty durable.

If you have young children I recommend this book. I think it would make a great baby shower or baby dedication gift as well.

I received this book for free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions and thoughts I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Book Review: The Promise of Breeze Hill by Pam Hillman

Life along the Natchez Trace in the 1700s was anything but easy, especially for the Bartholomew family, whose plantation bordered the trace. Murder and sabotage to their plantation have combined to make life difficult, and now Isabella has had to rise and manage her family and the plantation. Juggling responsibility and family has caused her to resist various suitors vying for her hand in marriage… or perhaps just control of her father’s land?

Connor O’Shea is again thrust in a position where life as an indentured servant is the only way to bring his family from Ireland to America where they can all start a new life. The past eight years of service earned his own passage, and would’ve begun to bring over his brothers if it weren’t for the untimely death of his master. He ends up indentured to Breeze Hill, charged with rebuilding the plantation home under the oversight of the plantation owners beautiful daughter. Can he keep his personal feelings to himself and focus strictly on his job?

I enjoyed the interplay of relationships put forth in this story, as well as reading about the main character’s struggle with faith. I was able to connect with her struggles, as some of her losses matched my own, and even her methods of dealing with those losses by pushing away new relationships and attempting to focus only on family when God has other plans. The romance has a perfect level of involvement in the story without distracting from the rest of the plot. If you, like me, enjoy fiction and romance set in American history then you will probably enjoy this book. It’s an easy read, and I got through it in about two days despite the fact that I’m a full time Mom. I didn’t do as much sleeping as I should have though!

I received this book for free from the publisher through the Tyndale House Publishers blogger review program. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions and thoughts I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Book Review: Mighty Salads by the Editors of Food 52

Mighty Salads is not your run-of-the-mill cookbook. It contains 60 mouth-watering recipes for salads that are balanced and filling enough to make a meal out of them. The book is also sprinkled full of tips on topics like growing your own sprouts, preparing eggs, and prepping other ingredients. Each recipe is accompanied by a photograph. (Hey, we eat with our eyes first right?)

I must say this is a book to get excited about. I couldn’t stop devouring the pictures and planning what to make first when it arrived. The recipes are well-constructed and exciting, and this book is a must-have for foodies who like to cook, or those trying to improve their health and eating habits. However, many of the ingredients are difficult to find, expensive, or require some advance preparation. So if you are a Mom trying to constantly feed a family of small children you may find yourself frustrated with prep-time (and of course combating a child’s simple palette desiring mac and cheese or pizza most of the time). However it’s still a pleasant book to have around for a special night without the kids, or maybe when they go off to college!

                                                             

I received this book for free from the publisher through the Blogging for Books blogger review program. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions and thoughts I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Book Review: The Gospel According to Paul by John MacArthur

We are all familiar with the four gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Each of these books of the Bible has “The Gospel According to” proceeding it. There is no book of Paul, but as he wrote most of the epistles in the New Testament reiterating and explaining the gospel it is undeniable that he has written extensively on the subject. John MacArthur’s latest book, The Gospel According to Paul, takes a good look at the gospel as this inspiring apostle wrote it. Paul did not conflict with other authors of parts of the Bible, but he offers his unique perspective (as did the other gospel authors). Each Chapter focuses on a specific concept based on a passage of one of Paul’s epistles and backed up by multiple other passages.

I am familiar enough with the gospel, but I enjoyed this fresh approach. In some ways it was a summary of Paul’s writings. One of the things I appreciate about MacArthur’s books is that he sticks to what the Bible says and not conjecture, thus his theology is sound. I found this book to be no different. As is any Biblical presentation of the gospel, it is convicting and uplifting at the same time. Even as a born again Christian I need to be reminded every so often where I came from, what Christ has done for me, and that I need to be sharing the gospel as part of the Great Commission. This book is a wonderful addition to any Christian’s library, but will probably be easier to get through for those who have read the entire Bible, or at least the New Testament.

I received this book for free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions and thoughts I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255