My Princesses - Learn to Be Brave & Lean to Share Book Reviews

My Princesses Learn to Be Brave
Author: Amie Carlson
Illustrator: Heather Heyworth
Publisher: Tyndale House
ISBN: 9781414396613
Hardcover - 21 pages
Juvenile Fiction

About the Book:

Friends Grace and Hope want to play on their favorite slide at the park. However, when they get to the slide, they meet a mean bully who won't let them. As the girls turn to leave, Grace recalls the story of Queen Esther, who bravely stood up for her people. Inspired by Esther's story, the girls ask the bully to be their knight and invite him to play with them on the slide. Recommended for ages 2-7.

My Thoughts:

This sweet book is extremely colorful, holds a good message and is short enough to hold the attention span of the younger child. The message is loud and clear that as children of God, we can learn from the Bible and use it to make good decisions. Grace and Hope meet a bully and use Esther and her position of Queen to stand up for what is right. These girls do the same and handle the bully in a brave and kind manner. A lovely lesson to teach a young child!

My Princesses Learn to Share
Author: Amie Carlson
Illustrator: Heather Heyworth
Publisher: Tyndale House
ISBN: 9781414396620
Hardcover - 21 pages
Juvenile Fiction

About the Book:

Princess Grace and Princess Hope want to wear the same pink dress when they play dress-up. They end up ripping the dress, but Mom has a story to help them learn to share. She tells them the story of Jesus and the young boy who shared his lunch. The girls get the picture, Mom mends the dress, and they learn to share. Recommended for ages 2-7.

My Thoughts:

Another sweet story from Amie Carlson. When Grace and Hope want the same dress, the find that their selfishness caused both hurt and damage. Hope's mom uses this incident to use the miracle of the fish and loaves of bread to illustrate how sharing can change things and make a difference. She also pointed out how one should try to be beautiful both inside and out and sharing is part of that. A great way to share a lesson from one of Jesus's miracles and learn a good lesson from it.

I received a copy of these books from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, but instead, one that gives my honest opinion.

The One Year Book of Amish Peace by Tricia Goyer

The One Year Book of Amish Peace
Author: Tricia Goyer
Publisher: Tyndale House
ISBN: 9781414379807
Genre: Christian/Devotional

About the Book:

In our instantly connected world, it’s surprisingly easy to lose our connection to God. This devotional taps Amish wisdom in order to help us draw closer to God and hear his voice. In The One Year® Book of Amish Peace, you’ll get a daily taste of Amish values and wisdom. Tricia Goyer shares her fascination with the Amish in a way that will inspire and encourage believers to carve out more time in each day to listen to God and experience his presence. This daily devotional contains interesting facts about the Amish, recipes, and information about the way the Amish handle money, rear their children, and center their lives on faith in God. You’ll be inspired to slow down and find ways to simplify so that you, too, can experience God in the ordinary.

The One Year® Book of Amish Peace (Sampler)

My Thoughts:

This devotional is one of the best that I've seen in a long time. Tricia Goyer captures the essence of the Amish and transfers it into a wonderful devotional that can be used over and over again since it is not dated with days or year. Unfortunately there is no entry for leap-year and some of the holidays may not match up correctly, but they can easily be compensated for. Personally, I will be using it again and again.

Each entry starts out with a Bible verse (many translations are used), a devotion that has an example of Amish life and how to apply it to our own lives, a fact about the Amish on the sidebar, and ends with a prayer. Also included are a few recipes and a section called "Endnotes" that contains both websites and information for further reading and study.

This is a lovely devotional that not only gives us a peek at the Amish way of life but uses them as an example to become a more "peaceful" person. The entries are realistic and very much true to the Amish belief and lifestyle. I can say this from experience as one of my closest friends is Amish and I see her (as well as her family) in many of the entries.

This devotional comes highly recommended and would be a delight to anyone that enjoys learning about the Amish or just wants a more peaceful way of life. The One Year Book of Amish Peace would also make a thoughtful and delightful gift this holiday season. What a wonderful way to start the new year!


About the Author

Tricia Goyer has written more than thirty-five books, including both novels that delight and entertain readers and non- fiction titles that offer encouragement and hope. She has also published more than 500 articles in national publications such as Guideposts,Thriving Family, Proverbs 31, and HomeLife Magazine.

Goyer’s fiction and non-fiction books have won awards from the American Christian Fiction Writers and Mt. Hermon Writers’ Conference. She is also a two-time Carol Award winner, as well as a Christy and ECPA Award Nominee.

Tricia has authored several books on family and parenting, as well as co-written with Max Lucado and Robin Jones Gunn. She collaborated with Ken Blanchard and Phil Hodges for Lead Your Family Like Jesus, published by Focus on the Family/Tyndale.

I received a preview copy from NetGalley and a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a favorable review, but instead one that reflects my own opinion.

Scott Stapp: Sinner's Creed & Proof of Life

In conjunction with Tyndale Publishers, today is an exciting day abuzz with the release of Scott Stapp's new album "Proof of Life"! As many know, Scott was/is the frontman for the band "Creed". A band that was rumored to be a "Christian" band although the members greatly denied the label. Instead, Creed was a band that played rock music but many of the lyrics were Christian based.

I enjoyed Creed's music and followed the group years ago, knowing about Scott's problems and heard many rumors, wondering what was true. I was saddened when they split and when the band moved on without Stapp, I was disappointed. However, the new group appeared to be open to the issues, never seemed to badmouth Scott and I was impressed. They moved on, made some great music, and after a time, wounds healed and Creed reunited for a fantastic album, "Full Circle".

In Scott's book, "Sinner's Creed", he lays his whole life out on the line. He divulges so many things that make one realize how difficult and confusing life must have been for him. He did his best, but even his best wasn't good enough at times. That message came through time and time again and explained how he ended up losing his frontman position with Creed.

I enjoyed Scott's candor and honesty. He laid it all out there and one cannot help but feel empathy and for this man. The discussion of life, abuse, loss, fame, addiction, recover and love is powerful, but his most powerful message was when he gave his all over to God. Then the real healing could and did begin.

I was a but confused by some of the comments that Scott made about how he felt the band abandoned him. He admitted to his addiction, but it seemed he wasn't getting why he was left behind. I don't know if this wasn't stated correctly by David Ritz or if Scott was truly clueless. I can't imagine the latter, but that's how the message seemed to be conveyed.

Throughout the book, Scott gives insights on how the songs were developed - how and where he got his inspiration from. It's truly an enlightening story that is well worth reading, not only by fans of Creed or Stapp, but by those that want a story of how God can work in one's life when we finally give Him a chance.



And now, the reason for today's posting... Scott Stapp's new album: "Proof of Life".

"Proof of Life" is in my opinion, the best work Stapp has ever done. He has appeared to have matured and found his "real" sound. The album starts out with "Slow Suicide" (video below) and a second song that is reminiscent of Creed's sound - a heavier sound, but as the album progresses, Stapp explores different genres and seems to sparkle and shine with these new sounds.

I truly enjoyed this album and have actually come to the conclusion that Stapp is much better without Creed as this album shows.  I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about "Proof of Life" after his last solo album, but this really showcases his ability.

Scott's lyrics are powerful as the album winds through his story. I will admit, I'm not enthusiastic with "Jesus was a Rockstar", but looking at the album as a whole complete journey, one "gets" the meaning. Many of the songs are catchy and stick with you long after the album is over. I've been trying to decide which is my favorite song and I am leaning towards "Crash" for both the sound and lyrics. It has a country (or a soft rock sound of the late 70's/early 80's)  flavor to it - I find myself humming it a lot. Wait - maybe it's "Dying to Live", or...

This album will appeal to many because of all the different genres that Stapp explores as well as his meaningful lyrics.

Track listing:

1. Slow Suicide
2. Who I Am
3. Proof of Life
4. New Day Coming
5. Only One
6. Break Out
7. Hit Me More
8. Jesus Was A Rockstar
9. What Would Love Do
10. Crash
11. Dying to Live




***Special thanks to the Tyndale Blog Networ for sending me a review copy of both "Sinner's Creed" and "Proof of Life". Please note: I was not required to write a positive review of either item, but instead, a review that reflects my own thoughts and opinions.***

Still House Pond by Jan Watson - Review

Still House Pond
Author: Jan Watson
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers
Paperback: 400 pages
ISBN: 9781414323862

About the Book:

Lilly Gray Corbett loves living on Troublesome Creek, but she would much rather play with her best friend than watch her little brother and the twins. Her mama, Copper, is often gone helping to birth babies, and Lilly has to stay home. When Aunt Alice sends a note inviting her to visit in the city, Lilly is excited to go, and Copper reluctantly agrees to let her. Later, when they hear the news that the train crashed, Copper and her husband, John, rush to find out if their daughter is injured . . . or even alive.

My Thoughts:

Centering around three main characters, this amazing piece of historical fiction is bound to draw you in and not let you go until the end. Copper is the local midwife, Lily is Copper's daughter and Manda, their hired help. Quite believable but somewhat slow to start, the book builds up momentum and will hook you in in no time. Get ready for some heart stopping excitement as well as a wonderful heartwarming story. Be warned this is part of a series, so not everything is resolved.

This is the second book of the series, but you can read it pretty much as a stand alone (but believe me, you won't want to because it's really that good!)

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

Review: "Inspiration Zingers Jumble" by Christopher Hudson

Inspiration Zingers Jumble
Authors: Christopher Hudson with Megan Chrans
Publisher: Tyndale House
ISBN: 9781414326797
Genre: Games/Puzzles

About the book: (from publisher)

Every day, millions of people enjoy Jumbles in newspapers across the country. Now you can enjoy these popular puzzles while being encouraged by inspirational thoughts from the Bible and wisdom from the world’s most successful people. Perfect for families, trivia buffs, and puzzle fanatics, Inspirational Zingers Jumble is packed with six different kinds of puzzles for hours of fun:

• Jumbles
• Double Jumbles
• Mystery Person Jumbles
• Word Search Jumbles
• Super Jumbles
• Criss-Cross Jumbles

My Thoughts:

When I came across this puzzle book, I wasn't completely sure if it was for children or adults. The cover and the description didn't give me much of a clue. I know when buying from online sources you just don't always have that luxury to be able to view it.

I was very happy to find that this book is appropriate for teens through adult. The puzzles are fun and challenging and every family member enjoyed them. More than once you'd hear someone ask where that puzzle book was and someone else would have it in their room - working on it or just finished working on it.

This book was a big hit in our family. I'm looking forward to getting more of Mr. Hudson's books and am even considering next time getting everyone their own copy!

About the Author:

Christopher D. Hudson has contributed to many Bible reference and novelty books, including Bible Brain Busters, Mysteries of the Bible, and the What the Bible Says About series. He lives in northern Illinois with his wife and three children.

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

Review: Ryken's Bible Handbook

Ryken's Bible Handbook: A Guide to Reading and Studying the Bible
Authors: Leland Ryken, Philip Ryken and James Wilhoit
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
ISBN: 0842384014
Audience: Teens through adult
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Synopsis (from the back of the book):


Dig deeper into the Bible with "Ryken's Bible Handbook".
Go beyond merely reading the Bible and discover its hidden treasures with the help of "Ryken's Bible Handbook". Whether you're new to Bible study or have read the Scriptures countless times, greater riches are waiting to be unearthed.

Discover for yourself the depth of God's Word.
Inside you'll find:

• Maps, charts and illustrations
• A fact sheet for each book
• Key verses
• Key doctrines
• Overviews and main themes
• Perspectives from theologians, educatiors and authors
• One year Bible reading plan

My comments:

This book is truly a treasure waiting to be used and is designed that way. The book is has a hard cover, and stays open nicely when using it alongside your Bible. It is designed to be used and the binding appears that it will hold up to the use and abuse that I'm sure it will receive.

Each chapter correlates with a book in the Bible and in the same order, making it very easy to use along with your Bible study. The first page of every chapter starts out with a fact sheet telling listing important facts about that book of the Bible. Some chapters contain charts and outlines, illustrations and maps. There are also challenges that face the reader listed and suggestions how to meet those challenges. Also listed are most common misconceptions about the book being studied.

As you continue on through using this book, you will find many lovely helps. There are Did You Know sections, key verses, and important information highlighted on the side of the pages. You will find tips for reading, key doctrines, main themes, and much more throughout each chapter.

At the end of each chapter is a section called Perspectives, and this section is has quotes from many different recognizable people as well as others unknown to me. These are really interesting and helpful.

The last part of the book is reserved for wonderful helps. There is a one year Bible reading plan, an index of articles, many full color maps and a few full color charts.

This is a lovely reference book that will be used over and over. It is very easy to use, will help you to understand the Bible more deeply, and will give you much to think about. "Ryken's Bible Handbook" should be in every home library.

This book was sent to me by Tyndale House Publishers for me to honestly review.