Book Review of Dead Sea Rising by Jerry B. Jenkins

"on her first dig in Jordan, Nicole Berman discovers what she believes to be irrefutable proof of the historical existence of a Biblical patriarch, but she soon discovers that a dangerous enemy is working to prevent the truth from being revealed."

Fast paced, easy to read, exciting story that weaves current day with biblical times. The story begins with Nicole's mom being injured and investigators trying to determine who was trying to hurt her and why. The why is tied to past events from biblical times. The story jumps back and forth from biblical times when Abram was born to the current day investigation into her mom's attack. It is fascinating how the author ties the two eras together.

I really enjoyed this story and the only disappointment is that book 2 in the series isn't out yet. As always I am grateful for the opportunity to review a book.

#Sponsored by FaithWords

Buck Denver asks What's in the Bible? book series for children

FaithWords is announcing a new children’s book imprint by the creator of VeggieTales called JellyTelly Press! This new line teaches children about the Bible in a fun and unique way. They will be publishing coloring books for preschoolers, picture books, activity books and chapter books for elementary schoolers, as well as Bibles and books for family devotionals.

The first books to come out this January are a line of board books and coloring books:

Truly, a wonderful new series for young children to help them understand Genesis 1:1 - 31. It is told in a way that would be easy for young children to relate to what is being explained. The last page of each book has a parent connection where there are ideas for parents to utilize to further engage the child and teach the concepts being explained in the book. For example in the God Made World book one of the connection points is to "take the book on a walk! Go outside and show your child God's creation. Point out shapes in the clouds, different animals and the sun or moon. Think about some fun ways you can care for God's creation together." What a great idea! These are durable board books but I do believe the concepts are good for children ages 3 to 6 or 7 years old. The books all have wonderfully attractive colors and images that would be inviting to a child. 

To go along with the books are two coloring books. These include a short easy to comprehend explanation of a chapter in the bible along with a picture to color depicting what is being talked about. Some of the pictures are more intricate and could be used for slightly older children. I think these would be great tools for Sunday School teachers to utilize. There is one covering the New Testament and one the Old Testament. Each coloring book has 60 pages in it. 

I think this is a fantastic series and highly recommend purchasing all of them. I love how they tell the story of creation. More importantly I like that they are biblically accurate and that they let the child know God loves him or her. The very last page in each book says "You are so loved by God". Not just loved but so loved. How awesome is that! And what a great message to tell a child daily. 

Always thankful for the opportunity to review a book. The books in this series were sent to me for review by the publisher.

#Sponsored by FaithWords

This is the Day by Tm Tebow - book review

RECLAIM YOUR DREAM. IGNITE YOUR PASSION. LIVE YOUR PURPOSE.

"This is the day! Leave the past behind. Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin!"

I truly needed those words yet they were especially hard for me to hear. My husband just up and walked out on me after 26 years of marriage. No word no warning. Just came home and found he was gone. So 'this became my day to leave the past behind. To live my purpose. To begin anew.' I needed to hear the words that Tim Tebow was speaking but also found it hard. I was thrust into a place I didn't chose for myself and it was especially hard. So I would read a few chapters and his words reached deep into my heart. I would have to put the book down for a bit to just let it sink in. It was too overwhelming to do more. At one point I was feeling especially down about my failed marriage and then read this "Can't let one day, one game, one play, a losing streak, or a string of home runs define anything. This is as true in life as it is in sports." I needed to not let a failed marriage define me. I also read "one of the greatest temptations is to worry instead of pray, trust God and take action. Worry won't change anything." Yes, how very true but sometimes trusting God is hard. There is that part of me that wants to blame Him for letting this happen, and therefore how can I trust Him. Yet, I realize He is there to comfort me and lead me through this. He did not cause my heartache. Sin has entered the world and therefore, we will all at times experience heartache. But He is there for us always - to provide comfort and direction. 

I have to confess I am not that in to sports but did find the sports analogies in Tim Tebow's book to be very understandable and extremely helpful. This book was launched at a perfect time for my life. It spoke right to my heart. It was a great read. I received this book from the publisher through their book launch program.

Jacob's Bell by John Snyder - Book Review

Jacob's Bell is a Christmas story that shows the benefit of the Salvation Army and how important that organization is to helping those that are living on the street, down on their luck and need a helping hand. Jacob had it all. A wonderful wife, children, a very successful career, wealth and prestige. Through a series of very bad decisions he ended up in prison. Those bad decisions continues to haunt him so that when he got out alcohol was the only escape. He couldn't forgive himself and drank more and more to forget what he had done. Eventually, a pastor sees him on the streets, drunk. That pastor encourages Jacob to come to the Salvation Army's shelter, to get food and warmth. In order to stay there though he had to stay sober. This wasn't easy for Jacob and he relapsed. Eventually, though the pastor gets Jacob to unburden himself by telling his story. The Pastor also introduces Jacob to Jesus. He teaches him about forgiveness that is offered to us by Jesus but it takes a long time for Jacob to grasp that forgiveness is for him personally. As often is the case, it takes Jacob a long time to forgive himself. This was a wonderful Christmas story about the bell ringers for the Salvation Army and through a fictional character shows how that money benefits those in our community. Plus this story is about forgiveness offered to all of us through Jesus Christ and it is about reconciliation of family. 

I received this book free from the publisher. 

The Christmas Remedy by Cindy Woodsmall

I really enjoyed reading this heartwarming tale. It is about a female that is devoted to the Amish faith yet trying to achieve more in her life than just be the typical Amish housewife and mother. She feels called by God to serve her community in a unique way. She has the gift of healing and desires to become a nurse. She works at a pharmacy and uses her skills helping her community gain access to prescription medicines. When she gets her nursing degree she will then be able to dispense critical and helpful medical advise to the patients she delivers the medicines to. It is nice to see an Amish community and bishop that is willing to let a female go beyond the household and typical 8th grade learning. It is my hope that this is not just a story but is reflective of real life situations in the Amish community. Really great story. I received this book from the publisher through their book launch program.