The Life Giving Table

The Life Giving Table

Sally Clarkson

Studies have shown that children who eat supper (or any sit down meal) with their families, do better in life. It provides a time to connect and have in-depth conversations; a time to renew relationships, and bond; a time to enjoy food and fellowship. The author played on a previous title "The Life Giving Home" and shared her families recipes, traditions, and experiences that were shared around their family table. She pulls from scripture and personal experience to write about the joy of friendship, food, and ministry.

The concepts in this book are great. The cover will entice the reader to pick the book up. The recipes aren't complicated or too time consuming. The author sprinkles quite a few of her personal stories of how mealtime nurtured their family. My only complaint was the tone of the book. If family mealtime isn't your thing yet, this book can be incredibly overwhelming and come across as too complicated, described by someone who has "arrived". The author is a bit more into the touchy feely parts of life than I am. My family would not be remotely interested in candles at meal times. I guess the best way to describe it would be that it felt too perfect. As in, no way to make it my reality. But if you can look past the more dated style of "setting the atmosphere", this book has recipes, suggestions, and thoughts that will be great for the family who wants to connect more and build their faith and ministry by utilizing the hospitality gift.

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

12 Days at Bleakly Manor

12 Days at Bleakly Manor

Once Upon a Dicken's Christmas #1

Michelle Griep

 Clara receives a strange an anonymous invitation to visit Bleakly Manor for the Christmas holidays. But she has no idea who lives there or why she's received the invitation. All she knows is that she's been promised financial compensation if she stays for the whole 12 days. Since her life has taken a very wrong turn in the last year, she is really tempted to accept, despite her aunt's bad health. Upon arriving she finds out that other guests have been invited too, including the man she thought ditched her at the alter.

This was a very unique book. It has so many twists and turns. This is book one in a Dickens Christmas series set during the Victorian era. I loved the visuals that the author portrayed as well as some of the character development. The book focuses on the 12 days that the applicants spend in the manor, but also has some back story on the two main characters and how they ended up needing help. The pros - while I haven't read much Charles Dickens, I can say that I could see the nod to his work as well as Agatha Christie. I liked the uniqueness. 

Cons - The Christmas and Christian elements were very weak, the chemistry between the couple didn't show up for me, the accidents that kept happening didn't fit in with the plot and how it ended.

Overall, I liked the story, but felt there were some weak elements. The book could have been longer so that it had more time to explain some of the plot lines that were vague or missing.

So I will definitely pick up the next book in the series and withhold judgement until then. I think fans of mysteries and Charles Dickens will enjoy this short story.

I received a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing. All thoughts expressed are my own.

The Regency Brides Collection

The Regency Brides Collection

 Seven authors come together to tell stories of romance and faith in England during the Regency period. Each young lady searches for a lasting love based on faith and friendship. Each author brings her distinct writing style to these faith based, romantic stories. Each story brings humor, suspense, drama, love of family, faith or intrigue that makes this an enjoyable and fun book.

I loved each of the stories, but one of them was my very favorite. A couple of them didn't have the distinct feel that regency romance typically has, but all of them were well written and had the feel of clean romantic relationships. I loved the romance of each of these stories. Whoever put these particular authors together did a great job, so that the reader enjoys a different type of story, but all the same genre. This book would be  perfect for the busy person who has little time to read so needs a short story. It would also make an excellent gift for Christmas.

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

Newborn Promise

Your Newborn Promise Project

A Christian Pre-Parenting Primer for Husband and Wife

Callie Grand, Audra Haney, Charissa Kolar

The three authors write books for young children. As they were working on various books, they realized the great need for a book for parents before their new little one comes home. This book is written for new parents and acts as a primer for how to bring faith into the home and prepare the parents hearts for God. It acts as a gap stop between pre-marital counseling and when that bundle of joy arrives home from the hospital. Each chapter begins with a question, followed by an applicable scripture. Then follows the authors thoughts on how the scriptures answer the questions. Almost every chapter ends with a way that the parents can grow, learn, or make the lesson applicable.

While I no longer have a newborn, I remember those early days of parenting and wish I'd had this book then. Each chapter is well thought out and clearly written. While parts of it were a bit dry, I muscled through and learned a lot. As I was reading, I wished that there were questions at the end so that it would be easy to study with another new parent or a spouse. I later found out that it comes with a study guide. Overall, I think that parents of faith should grab a copy before their little one appears.

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

Social Media

The Teen's Guide to Social Media & Mobile Devices

Jonathan McKee

There is so much technology out there available for teens and yet they often don't have the knowledge or maturity to deal with the consequences that often result from unfortunate choices. The author has broken down the various social media sites and walks the reader through the pitfalls and nuances of using each site. The book is broken up into 21 chapters, or tips, with a series of questions at the end. There is also an introduction with a letter to parents. 

I was expecting a dry and more adult focused book. Thankfully I was wrong. This book is actually written for teens and is perfect for the target audience. The letter to the parents is wonderful and after reading the into and the rest of the book, I had no worries about passing the book onto my teenager. My son actually wanted to read the book and sped through it. I couldn't believe that it kept his attention since he prefers fiction. The author did a great job of pointing out some of the dangers and addressing them without coming across as preachy. Loved this book and will be keeping it for my daughter when she gets older. I would definitely recommend this book for any parent with teens.

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

NY is for New York

NY is for New York

Paul Thurlby

New York is a wonderful place to live or visit. Follow the author/illustrator as he shows some of the facts about New York that make it so fascinating.  Each page is filled with interesting details about different aspects of NY and colorful illustrations. The Statue of Liberty, Central Park, Coney Island, and Times Square are just a few of the many items in this fun children's book.

My daughter loved the huge, colorful illustrations. The book peaked her interest and gave her a desire to go see New York city. The author did a great job of creating facts that were interesting to children without too many details. This book would also make an excellent addition to classrooms.

I received a copy of this book from Goodreads. 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.