Bedtime Stories and Prayers, by Mackall and Bostrom

Make bedtime memorable and meaningful!

Bedtime Stories and Prayers is a special collection of four favorite Little Blessings stories.  

Bedtime routines often include a story and prayer. Now parents and kids can combine both with a special Little Blessings compilation book. The padded hardcover book includes the following sweet stories:

• Bedtime Blessings, which reminds kids that God created nighttime too and they have nothing to fear
• Thank You, God, which reminds kids to be thankful for everything
• Blessings Everywhere, which helps readers remember their blessings
• God Loves You, which carries the most powerful message of all to comfort and guide little ones through the night and through their lives.

Each page is filled with full color art of the endearing multicultural Little Blessings characters with illustrations by Care Bear creator Elena Kucharik.

What I love most about this book is the whimsical illustrations that children need for comfort and assurance.  Instead of falling asleep with books of pictures that portray anxiousness and sometimes fear, the Care Bear illustrator, Elena Kucharik, uses her warm details and child-like eyes to give extra confirmation of the stories.  The gorgeous colors in each picture give children the understanding that God’s blessings are beautiful.

Bedtime Blessings, Thank you, God!, Blessings Everywhere, and God Loves You, are the positive reinforcement all of our children need on a daily basis (if not more!) to know that the world they live in does have hope through God.

I would say my favorite story in this collection is God Loves You.  The idea that "you can be silly or you can be sad" as one page declares is a thought children can understand.  I would recommend this book as a gift for families, for Sunday School classes, and definitely grandparents should keep a copy to read aloud when their grandchildren come to visit.

Bedtime Stories and Prayers is the perfect way to end each day.

I received a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes from Tyndale House

Take A Chance On Me, by Susan May Warren

Darek Christiansen is almost a dream bachelor—oldest son in the large Christiansen clan, heir to their historic Evergreen Lake Resort, and doting father. But he’s also wounded and angry since the tragic death of his wife, Felicity. No woman in Deep Haven dares come near. 

New assistant county attorney Ivy Madison simply doesn’t know any better when she bids on Darek at the charity auction. All Ivy knows is that the Christiansens feel like the family she’s always longed for. And once she gets past Darek’s tough exterior, she finds a man she could spend the rest of her life with. 

Caught between new love and old grudges, Darek must decide if he can set aside the past for a future with Ivy—a future more and more at risk as an approaching wildfire threatens to wipe out the Christiansen resort and Deep Haven itself.

This book speaks a strong message of how we show forgiveness.

I'm including a link to read the interview with author, Susan May Warren as she gives deeper insight for the inspiration of this new six-book series.  Susan May Warren Questions and Answers 

I recommend this book to readers based on the principles of overcoming personal fears, accepting others with respect,  and showing compassion and grace.   

"It's a saga about family and faith and what happens when those collide with real life." Susan May Warren

Ivy and Darek each have their personal hang-ups to work through as the story includes their friends, Jensen and Claire.  The gardening stories, caring for an aging grandfather, and the fear of a forest fire make for plenty of interest throughout the book.  Little five-year old, Tiger, is Darek's son, and you can easily picture his curiosity and energy as he challenges his family when outsiders fear his injuries are more than typical child's play.  I appreciate the setting in the northwoods of Minnesota.  The descriptions of the Christiansen's family resort and the lake inspire a trip to visit this restful setting.

I'm looking forward to the next installation of the Christiansen Family.

Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book.

Secrets over Sweet Tea, by Denise Hildreth Jones

SECRETS OVER SWEET TEA



Three troubled characters, Scarlett, Grace, and Zach, each with their own secrets. We think secrets keep us safe, but more often than not, they spill out when we least expect and make a mess out of everything. It’s a truth Scarlett Jo Newberry - a boisterous pastor's wife knows all too well—a truth Grace Shepherd - a polished news anchor and Zach Craig - a beleaguered divorce attorney are about to learn the hard way. As each of their lives intersect in the tree-lined streets of Franklin, Tennessee, scandal threatens to topple their carefully constructed worlds. Grasping at survival, they embark on a journey of friendship and courage, each seeking to find a way back to laughter, love, and life.


I confess to being a tea-a-holic so just the title alone gave me hope that Denise Hildreth Jones would create a "tasty" story and she did! There were never any dull moments in the story. And once Scarlett entered into the lives of Grace and Zach, there were some interesting moments. I bet we would all like to have a character like Scarlett in our lives. She is funny, yet she has her own tragic secret. As for Grace, I believe there are many readers who may identify with her situation. I was surprised, but glad that Zach chose to resolve his secret in a way I didn't expect.

I would recommend this book for those who love southern styles, friendships, and a good plot.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Denise Hildreth Jones Denise Hildreth Jones has spent the last eight years writing fiction that has been hailed as both "smart and witty." Her ability to express the heart of the Southern voice has led to her being featured twice in Southern Living and receiving the accolades of readers and reviewers alike, but it is the simple joy of writing stories that keeps them coming. Her previous novels include the Savannah series, Flies on the Butter, The Will of Wisteria, Hurricanes in Paradise, The First Gardener, andSecrets Over Sweet Tea. She has also written two works of nonfiction—Flying Solo and Reclaiming Your Heart. Denise makes her home in Franklin, Tennessee, with her husband, five bonus children, and her dog. And on her days off, she will settle for a long walk or a good book and a Coca-Cola. Visit Denise's website at www.denisehildrethjones.com  Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book.

Voice In The Wind, by Francine Rivers

The first book in the bestselling Mark of the Lion series, A Voice in the Wind brings readers back to the first century and introduces them to a character they will never forget—Hadassah. Torn by her love for a handsome aristocrat, this young slave girl clings to her faith in the living God for deliverance from the forces of decadent Rome.

This classic series has already inspired nearly 2 million readers, but both loyal fans and new readers will want this 20th anniversary edition of a Christian classic, which includes a foreword from the publisher, a letter from and Q & A with Francine Rivers, color map, an illustrated glossary, and discussion questions suitable for personal and group use.


As I began reading this 20th Anniversary Edition of A Voice In The Wind, by Francine Rivers, I became anxious at the vivid descriptions in the opening paragraph, 

"The city was silently bloating in the hot sun, rotting like the thousands of bodies that lay where they had fallen in street battles.  An oppressive, hot wind blew from the southeast, carrying with it the putrefying stench of decay."

My apprehension to continue reading a story that claims to be a classic was resolved by my commitment to give an honest review of this book for the publisher.
The book surprised me by it's story of life in the first century.  I believe the author has thoroughly researched  the background for the book.  Each chapter brought me closer to experiencing the sights and sounds and emotions of Hadassah and those living through Rome's persecution of Christians.

This special edition has the addition of the discussion questions which would make an interesting home-study with friends.

Even though I'm still not comfortable reading script with horrific details, this book deserves to be on any best seller list.  Understanding and experiencing what life must have been like for Christians in the very early years through this story helps me appreciate the perseverance of all those believers who have come before me.

I was provided a complimentary copy of the book for review purposes from Tyndale House.

TJ and the Time Stumblers "Switched!", by Bill Myers

Still on their quest to teach TJ Finkelstein the life lessons she’ll need to be a great world leader, 23rd-century goofballs Tuna and Herby are brewing up even more trouble for the new kid in Malibu. As the boys try to repair their futuristic gadgets, a little glitch in their Thought Broadcaster Pen lands TJ in the body of her nemesis, TV star Hesper Breakahart . . . and vice versa. And the plot thickens when Tuna and Herby decide to put TJ’s new look and superstar power to use.  There's plenty of lessons to be learned when the characters have a little trouble with forgiveness . . . a lesson that TJ realizes she might also need to learn as she walks a mile in Hesper’s shoes—and body!


I would recommend this fantasy fiction for kids interested in time-travel or unique inventions.  It might be helpful if you were looking for a discussion time on the topic of forgiveness in a light-hearted setting.  The story does switch back and forth with the characters quite often, so a young reader might be challenged to follow the plot.  I believe this book might be good for youth not quite ready for serious literature.
I received a complimentary copy of Switched! from Tyndale House Publisher for my honest opinion.

"Game One", by Emmett Smith

 After watching this "smooth moves" entertainer, it will be delightful to learn about the man behind the dancer.

Emmitt Smith, the NFL’s all-time leading rusher of the Dallas Cowboys, Dancing with the Stars champion, and successful real-estate investor, outlines the principles that helped him become a winner on and off the football field. In "Game On" he encourages you to live your God-given dream, now. Emmitt reveals that it’s not only vision and talent that propel us toward our dreams, but also a combination of determination, persistence, humility, courage, and faith. In this book, Emmitt gives readers the tools to pursue their dream with all their mind, heart, and soul.

The best part of "Game On" is author Emmitt Smith's ability to draw his reader into his plan (that works!) to dream, set goals, and then build on the strengths God has given you.

I found myself thinking seriously about dreams and goals I still want to achieve.  Not only dreams and goals, but a very important part of this book deals with principles that are determined by our character traits.  Chapter 3 "Follow Your Path", discusses the content of our character.  I was very impressed with this chapter as the author reminds us that in order to be of good character we put the needs of others first, not always an easy thing to do.  Well, I believe that is "Game On"!

Emmitt shares many football stories throughout the book, which would attract many sports enthusiasts to read his inspiring story.  In particular, stories of his time spent with football legend, Walter Payton, deserve to be read.

I have received a complimentary copy of the book for review purposes from Tyndale House

Horse Dreams Backyard Horses

Do you have a daughter who loves horses?

The first book in Dandi Daley Mackall's new Backyard Horses series brought back memories of wishing for my own horse.

Ellie James, a fourth grader with a great imagination, spends a lot of time daydreaming about owning a black stallion show horse and winning trophies in the horse show.  The answer to all her dreams and prayers gallops into her life and it will surprise you at the dramatic turn of events.

I believe all elementary readers will find Ellie James to be honest and yet devoted to animals, especially horses. 
Also, each chapter's title includes the sign language spelling - an especially nice addition.  You'll need to read the story to understand the significance of this feature.

I would highly recommend this book and I'm looking forward to the next  book in the series, Cowboy Colt.
I received a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes from Tyndale House.