May the Faith Be With You

May the Faith Be With You

NIRV Holy Bible

Geared towards young teens and pre-teens, this Bible takes the concepts and verbiage of Star Wars and uses that interest to spark interest and appreciation for scripture. This particular version has a more simple interpretation and vocabulary, making it great for the intended age group. Sprinkled through the book are glossy, colored pages that have different subjects under the headings - Ways of Wisdom, Master Moment, and Use the Force. These cover things like "famous children of the Bible", "the miracles of Jesus", and "fruit of the spirit". 

While I'm not the target audience, I did enjoy flipping through and reading the additions. My son who is 11 yrs old said he would enjoy having a Bible like that. I think it would be an excellent gift for a young person who is a fan of Star Wars.

I received a copy of this book from Handlebar Marketing. All thoughts expressed are my own.

Adored

Adored 365 Devotions for Young Women

Lindsay A. Franklin

Young women today face a multitude of problems and experiences. From bullying, social media, friendships, and dating women today need the encouragement and knowledge that they are loved and adored by their Savior. The author takes this concept and created a beautiful book for young women. Each devotional is short and can be read quickly. It begins with a scripture and there is a small space for notes or prayers at the end. The cover art is carried throughout the book for a visually pleasing look. Each devotional is numbered, but not dated. So the book can be started at any point during the year.

I wanted this for my daughter who is nearing her teen years. I think she will love it, because I did. It's small size would allow her to take it with her to school or on a trip. The cover is gorgeous. I think the author did a great job of addressing the issues that young women face today without coming across as preachy or boring. Each page is short, but meaningful. I can't wait to give this book to my daughter and think it would make an excellent gift for any young woman.

I received a copy of this book from Handlebar Marketing. All thoughts expressed are my own.

Rasmus and the Vagabond

Rasmus and the Vagabond

Astrid Lindgren

 Rasmus wants parents more than anything else. But everyone knows that parents always want curly haired little girls. And Rasmus is a nine-year-old boy with straight hair. So fearing punishment for a prank, Rasmus runs away and finds himself in the company of Oscar, a vagabond. The adventures they encounter are scary and thrilling for the young boy as the two search for the perfect parents for young Rasmus.

Written in a classic style that will never get old, the author tells a story that readers both young and old will enjoy. I loved the story as much as my 8 yr old son. The descriptions and depth of the characters pull you into the plot and paint a vivid picture. The writing style is spirited and animated enough to capture even the youngest readers. The simple drawings spaced throughout the story only add to the book. I think everyone should have a copy of this classic. The book will definitely be added to my library.

I received this book free of charge from Handlebar in exchange for my honest review.

Watch For The Light

Watch For The Light

readings for Advent and Christmas

There are very few Advent devotionals out there. So the creators of this little book have picked from some well known authors and speakers and complied a devotional for every day of Advent. The purpose of the book is to bring the true reason for Christ's birth back into our thoughts as we celebrate this beautiful season.

First, I love the cover of this book. Also this is a pretty impressive line up of authors. Several of the devotionals touched my heart and convicted me to spend more time on the meaning of the season. But some of the days had incredibly long chapters and the thoughts were a bit too deep or complicated for me to share with my children. I was hoping for a shorter devotional I could read to the whole family. This book is more for the Bible scholar who would like some deeper thoughts for the Advent season. It is a really nice book and would make a great gift as long as the concept is for deeper study and not a family devotional.

 

I received this book free of charge from Handlebar Marketing in exchange for my honest review.

Noah

Noah

A Wordless Picture Book

Illustrated by Mark Ludy

As you can see from the title, this book doesn't have words. But the illustrator is extremely talented and does a fantastic job of telling the story without words. Bright colors, exaggerated facial expressions and tons of detail make this a book to add to the library. The kids have poured over this book looking for things they missed the first few times through. My daughter, who can not read, loved this book because she could "read" it to me.

 I think that a knowledge of the story before picking up the book would be helpful, but the illustrator does such a great that kids will want to read the story after seeing the book if they haven't read it before. One of my favorite things was the obvious love between Noah and his wife. It was a detail that the author didn't have to add to make the story authentic, but was a wonderful addition.
If you look carefully, you can find a tiny mouse named Squeakers on every page. I loved all of the different details and will be checking out the author/illustrators other books.

I received this book free of charge from Handlebar Marketing in exchange for my honest review.

A Plain Disappearance

A Plain Disappearance

An Appleseed Creek Mystery Book III

Amanda Flower

Chloe is beginning to feel at home in Appleseed. She's enjoying her roommate Becky and her new relationship with Timothy. But trouble pops up again on their first date. They find a young Amish girl, murdered, by a barn. Chloe's life seems to get a little bit complicated as she assists the police in looking for the murderer while still trying to maintain her relationships with friends and family.

I haven't read the previous books in this series or anything by this author before I picked up this book. And while reading the first book would definitely make this book clearer, I do think it can be read alone. The characters were realistic and enjoyable. Even the more disagreeable characters were interesting and had depth. I really enjoyed the way the author had the story flowing at a fast pace without losing any of the mystery feel. The romantic parts of the story were clean and well written. It is difficult to pick up a book in the middle of the series and still have it grab you. Usually the author grabs you in the first book and then just finishes the story in the rest of the books. Not so with this author. I am definitely hooked and plan to purchase the previous two books in the series.  Will be keeping this author on my radar.

I received this book free of charge from Handlebar Marketing in exchange for my honest review.

I've Got Your Back

I've Got Your Back

A Leadership Parable

Biblical Principles for Leading and Following Well

James C. Galvin

The author wrote a rough draft about leadership. But then he realized that people relate better to stories. Isn't that why Jesus told parables. So he ditched the draft and started over. This time he told a story about several young people looking for advice on leadership skills.

The story flows well and works perfectly to get the message of leadership skills across to the reader. I learned a lot from reading the book and loved the concept of learning following skills that would then mesh with leadership. The skills actually go hand in hand. At the end of the story, the author takes a few chapters to go over the information taught in the story and to round out the book. Filled with scriptures to back up his thoughts and a discussion guide at the back, this book is a must have for any Christian leader or follower. I'll definitely be keeping it for reference.

I received this book free of charge from Handlebar Marketing in exchange for my honest review.

Bread & Wine

Bread & Wine

A love letter to life around the table with recipes

Shauna Niequest

Food isn't just for fuel. It's meant to be enjoyed, savored, and eaten with friends and family. Taking this idea to heart, the author begins each chapter with a story about how food touched her life in some way. Most chapters are followed with a relevant recipes. The recipes are made personal with notes from the author.

This book really spoke to me. The writing was simple and real. Most of the recipes appear easy enough that I didn't feel intimidated with the thought of trying them. The way faith and friendship was subtly woven into each story was beautiful and heartwarming. This book will inspire the reader to open their home and hearts and to try out new recipes. It has definitely inspired me.

I received this book free of charge from Handlebar in exchange for my honest review.

Invisible

Invisible

Ginny L. Yttrup

Three women from completely different walks of life are entwined in a small coastal town. Each woman faces issues in her life that must be resolved. Each lady realizes that friends and trust in God are the only things that will help them. But can they rely on others for help? Can they finally trust in the creator who made them in His image?

What at first appeared to be a story about eating disorders turned into something much bigger and beautiful. It's a story for anyone who has felt guilt and shame; for anyone who has felt that they aren't important enough. It's an inspiring story with a message about how beautifully and wonderfully we are made in our Father's image. The characters were flawed and real, but likeable. The author has a wonderful way with words and a smooth writing style. Told from several of the character's point of view the story moves along quickly. I enjoyed the plot and touch of romance, but I also loved the inspiring message. I will definitely be reading more by this author.

I received this book free of charge from Handlebar Marketing in exchange for my honest review.

Goodbye to Yesterday

Goodbye to Yesterday

The Discovery Part 1

Wanda Brunstetter

Luke and Meredith are newlyweds. Luke recently lost his job and tensions are high as he looks for a source of income. Then an offer comes along that seems to be a dream come true. But Meredith has reservations and can't shake her worries.

The story seemed to speed forward without much character or plot development. The clues given made the ending very predictable. Before my attention could be captured the story was over. With only 114 pages (in a 1/2 size book) the book seems more of an excerpt than an actual book. This is a regular book that has been broken into six pieces. I would not have agreed to read the book if I'd known this. I certainly wouldn't pay the $6.99 that Amazon is asking.  Sadly, the part 1 did not interest me enough to want to read the rest of the book.

I received this book free of charge from Handlebar in exchange for my honest review.

Tangled Ashes

Tangled Ashes

Michele Phoenix

Marshall Becker "Beck" is an architect with issues. He arrives in France to restore a castle that was used by the Nazi during the war. But he isn't the only one chasing dreams and demons. Someone is destroying the castle at night and he needs to find out who or he will never meet his deadlines.

World War II books, especially those dealing with the cruelty of the Nazi, are often dark and difficult to read. Tangled Ashes was told in two parts. One part told the history of the castle and the other was the modern tale. Telling the story this way seemed to lighten up the book. And I'll be honest I enjoyed the WWII part the most. The characters were more likeable and believable. The main characters in the modern story were Beck and Jade. I thought the author was going for a romance story, but if she was it failed. The ending seemed to explain the puzzles, but didn't conclude. It left the modern day characters with hope for a better future, but based on their parts in the book they probably weren't going to get better. I really enjoyed this book, but I'm not sure I would read a second book based just on the modern characters. I read the book in one evening, so it was fast and enjoyable. But while I enjoyed it, I don't think I loved it.

I received this book free of charge from Handlebar Marketing in exchange for my honest review.

Faith and Other Flat Tires

Faith and Other Flat Tires

A Memoir

Searching for God on the rough road of doubt

Andrea Palpant Dilley

Andrea spent the first few years of her life in Kenya. Moving to the US was shocking and challenging. Her next few years as a teenager and young adult were spent trying to decide where she fit in. Not just in society, but in her Christian walk with God.

Memoirs are a bit difficult to review. Every person's story is different and will therefore resonate with every individual differently. This book seems to end abruptly. There isn't really a "closing" chapter in my opinion. But the author's story isn't finished yet; so, I suppose, it's impossible to put an ending where there isn't one. The book was filled with interesting stories and antidotes that made the book more enjoyable to read. This book certainly isn't for everyone, but some of the questions she asked will give the reader pause to think and consider their own walk with God.

I received this book free of charge from Handlebar Marketing in exchange for my honest review.

Break Through

Stay tuned for details about a give-away!

Break Through

When to Give In, How to Push Back

Tim Clinton & Pat Springle

Are you struggling with an abusive, controlling, or just plain unhealthy relationship? This book is all about having healthy relationships with people and when to give "tough" love and when to "give in". It's filled with practical advice, stories and thoughts on the correct way to handle relationships and love those around us. It's from a Christian perspective and would be gold for a person dealing with one or more dysfunctional relationships.

Even though I, thankfully, don't have to deal with any of these issues, I still enjoyed the book. It wasn't too clinical or boring and was filled with stories to break up the advice being given. Definitely a book I would recommend if you are struggling with a relationship gone wrong.

I received this book free of charge from Handlebar Marketing in exchange for my honest review.