Children's book: My Bedtime Bible Prayers

About the book: 
My Bedtime Bible Prayers is creatively designed to encourage Bible reading and prayer as a natural part of any nighttime routine.

Inside are 44 prayers, each based on a Bible verse and Bible story, along with a takeaway question. The whimsical illustrations featured throughout depict both Bible scenes and contemporary life. With this caring guidance, children ages 6-8 will learn to share their hearts and thoughts with God--while also discovering how much He loves them!

My thoughts:

This book of prayers contain prayers relevant to a young child’s life. I think this book would teach a child they can and should talk to God about anything!

I like that the prayers are short and meaningful.  It is also nice that each page has a question for the child to consider like on the "God is Faithful" prayer it asks "Who can you count on to be there for you when you need them?" The prayer gives examples of God's faithfulness to us through the sun rise and the family and friends He gives. Also, the prayers begin with a different greeting each day like “Dear God” or “Hi Dad.”  This could lead to a good conversation with your child about how God is our heavenly Father.

As another  reviewer said, it made me scratch my head to see the illustration with the child on top of the dresser.  I thought this was an odd thing to put in a children’s prayer book.  Parents don’t want their children climbing on dressers. This is a safety issue and shouldn’t be in a children’s book.

I received a copy of this book from Kregel publications for my honest review.  Thank you.

Have a day of blessings!
    Bethany

Children's book: My God Loves Me Bible

About the book:

 This colorful book unpacks the wonderful truth that each child is loved by God

God speaks His love through every single story of the Bible. What a beautiful message for little hearts to hear!

With eighteen Bible stories from creation through the life and resurrection of Jesus, My God Loves Me Bible shows children that they are precious beyond measure in God's sight.

Each Bible story is supported by Scripture to bring out the truth it reveals. The stories are told both through words and colorful scenes and visual details young children will love.

With this Bible in their hands, they will say with joy, "God loves me!"


My thoughts:
It is important that our children know God loves them at a young age.  This book will help you as a parent or grandparent to share that love with little ones.

I think this book would be appropriate for toddlers and preschoolers.  The toddlers would like the pictures and the simple phrase with each story that gives a reason God loves each of us.  There is a unique reason that goes with each story.  For example in the page about Ruth, the truth is "My God Loves Me....He gave me a family and a home." The text seems more appropriate for preschoolers.  It is not overly long but would be more easily understood by those a little older than toddlers.

It has a handle which little ones will enjoy carrying around.  The illustrations are colorful and applicable to each story.  The stories chosen are good choices from both the Old and New Testament.

I received a copy of this book from Kregel Publications for my honest review.  Thank you.
Have a day of blessings!
    Bethany

Book: A Cross to Kill

About the book:

A gripping debut thriller pits a man of God against terrorists—and his own deadly past 

John Cross is a small-town pastor, bent on leading his flock to follow God's calling. He's not the sort of man one would expect to have a checkered past.

But the truth is that the man behind the pulpit preaching to his sheep was once a wolf—an assassin for the CIA. When John decided to follow Christ, he put that work behind him, determined to pay penance for all the lives he took. He vowed never to kill again.

Now someone wants the peaceful pastor to pay for his sins with his own life. And when a terrorist out for revenge walks into the church, John's secrets are laid bare. Confronted with his past, he must face his demons and discover whether a man can truly change. Can he keep his vow—even when the people he loves are in mortal danger? Will his congregation and the brave woman he's learning to care for be caught in the cross fire? In the end, his death may be the only sacrifice he has left to offer . . .

Andrew Huff's thrilling debut is not only a riveting story of suspense, it's also a deep exploration of the moral quandaries that face those who choose to follow the Prince of Peace in a violent world.

My thoughts:
I did not think I had requested this book for review and was sent it anyway.  My son read the book and wrote the review.  It was more of his interest than mine, and I appreciated him reading and reviewing it for me.

The book A Cross To Kill was a very interesting book, perfect for the teenage reader who wants action, suspense, and love in a book. However there were a few spots in the book where it was hard to track what was going on since there was so much detail and so much going on in one chapter. The story brought a good message on God's plan for us. The details of the characters made the characters seem to come to life.  I thought that the story was written beautifully with you sitting on the edge of your seat waiting to see what is going to happen. The characters weren’t superheroes but common everyday people that most people can relate with one thing or another. I appreciate how the book can be full of action without a single curse word. I am looking forward to the other books in the series. I think that this book shows a lot of potential for the ideal book for young men and women looking for an actionpacked book with God as its main focus. 

I received a copy of this book from Kregel book blog tours for my review.  Thank you.

Have a day of blessings!
 Bethany

Book: Summer’s Promise

About the book:
Can she leave everything she knows for love?

Summer Carson has lived near the Amish community in Paradise, Pennsylvania, all her life. Now she's following in her father's footsteps and earning her degree in agricultural science so she can continue his work helping local farmers.

In her job at the county extension office, Summer moves between the Englisch and the Amish worlds. While she sometimes finds herself speaking—and even thinking—in Pennsylvania Deitsch, the transition isn't always easy. But what has come naturally to Summer is her attraction to one of the farmers: Abram Yoder is handsome, steady, and hardworking. He's everything so many of the Englisch men she knows are not. And Summer quickly realizes that she's caught his eye as well.

Can Summer give up the comforts she's always known for a life with this Amish man? And is Abram willing to let her try?

My thoughts:
 Summer's Promise is the third book in the Harvest of Hope series by Barbara Cameron.  

I liked reading Summer and Abram’s story. Summer is working hard to finish college on top of working and helping her mother.  They are both grieving the loss of her father.  Summer also feels the burden of caring for her mother when she begins to notice her health and memory seems to be declining. She has a lot on her plate right now.  

Abram, an Amish man that lives nearby, comes along as a friend to Summer.  They both enjoy each other's friendship but don't know if they can have a relationship because they are from differing lifestyles.  

There were some things that confused me. I was not sure at first of Carl’s role and his relationship to Summer or her mother.  I was confused about his age and role. Also, I didn’t know why it suddenly said Abram had a cell phone since the Amish do not typically use them.  I couldn’t remember if I had missed it previously stating why he was allowed to have a phone.  There were parts of the book that didn't flow well in my opinion, parts felt choppy and needed to be more developed or left out.  

Overall I enjoyed the story.

I was not familliar with this author and had not read the others in this series.

I received a copy of this book from the Kregel blog tour for my honest review.  Thank you.


Have a day of blessings!
 Bethany

Book: I Could Use a Nap and a Million Dollars

About the book:
Too often, women wonder if the abundant life Jesus promised is buried somewhere beneath the piles of dirty laundry or the layers of crumbs and abandoned toys on the floor of the minivan. Overwhelming to-do lists--pay the bills, go to work, parent the children, volunteer at church, bake four dozen cupcakes before bed--can feel like weights around their necks.

Jessie Clemence knows the struggles of women everywhere who are just trying to get through the million stresses--small and large--that come with living day to day. This funny, warm, and honest book speaks directly to them, and offers real hope.

With hilarity and wit sure to make every mom chuckle in recognition, Jessie discusses what the Bible says about reactions to daily frustrations and God's expectations for Christians' lives. For any overwhelmed woman wanting a new way of handling life's crazy moments, God is waiting to offer abundant life, peace, and joy--all found through seeking Him.

I Could Use a Nap and a Million Dollars will give readers a respite, time to laugh out loud, and a new focus on the God who can turn their stresses into blessings.

My thoughts:When I read the book description, I thought this sounded like a good book to review.  I have enjoyed reading it.  The book is divided into three sections....

• The Relentless, Endless Muck of Adulthood
• Other People and Their Chaos Stress Me Out
• Sometimes I Stress Myself Out 

She has a lot of funny stories which the readers will be able to relate to.  I appreciate the biblical perspective she adds to these too. 

Topics covered in the chapters of this book include procrastination, finances, housework, misunderstandings, and entitlement to name a few.

As I read I kept a list of quotes that really stood out to me.  Here are a couple of those:

"The Bible never once tells us our value is based on how clean our tubs are or how tidily our linens are folded.  But it does tell us to carefully guard the important things in our hearts and to focus on what's really important."

"Our eternal security and citizenship rest in what Christ has done for us, not in how many religious memes we post on Facebook.  We've lost our focus, and we desperately need to get it back."  

I think you will be encouraged by this book.  Sometimes we just get all bent out of shape over things that don't ever matter. It's good to take a step back and recheck our priorities. There were a lot of things that made me stop and think, which I always appreciate as I read.

While I didn't agree with everything the author said, I did enjoy this book overall and found it to be a good read and encouraging to me.

Check out more about this book here.

I received a copy of this book for my review for being part of the Kregel Blog Tour.  Thank you.

Have a day of blessings!
   Bethany

Books: Circle C Stepping Stones #3 and #4

About the book:
When the Circle C ranch decides to host a rodeo competition with two other ranches, dozens of cowboys are eager to prove they're the best riders and ropers in the valley. But they're not the only ones who want to show off their skills--Andi aims to lasso her way to the prizes, even if big brother Chad says the contest isn't for kids.


My thoughts: 
This is such a cute series, and I couldn't resist getting these books to review after reading the first two in the series.  In Andi Lassos Trouble  the main character Andi wants to compete in the rodeo that is being hosted by the Circle C.  Her older brother does not think she should participate though.  Will Andi obey and only watch, or will she try to get in on the competition?

I like the fact that this book is historical fiction for the young readers.  Andi is a likeable girl and has troubles with friends and siblings to which the reader will be able to relate.  The reader can learn from these books about life on a ranch and in this book about events at a rodeo.
  
It is appropriate for 2nd/3rd graders, but I think 1st graders would enjoy listening to the story if they couldn't read it on their own.  I recommend these books to you for your personal library.

Find out more about the book and author here.


And book #4 in this series is called Andi to the Rescue.

About the book:
This is so embarrassing. Andi's teacher, Miss Hall, is sick--and Mother is the substitute teacher. What will Andi's friends think?

But it turns out embarrassment is the last thing Andi needs to worry about when two outlaws kidnap Andi and her mother after school in a case of mistaken identity! They can't even tell the kidnappers a mistake has been made without putting themselves in even more danger.

My thoughts:
This is the fourth book I've read from this series.  It added some danger and mystery to the story which made it a fun little read.

The setting of this book is not at the Circle C but involves  Andi and her mother being kidnapped by mistake.  Will they be able to escape and return home safely?  Can Andi be brave when she needs to be for her Mom?

I also found it interesting to learn the section at the back of the book about some outlaws that weren't your "typical" outlaw.  I appreciate that these books teach historical lessons as well as examples of Godly character. 

I previously reviewed other books in this series on this post.

I received these books as part of a Kregel blog tour for my honest review.  Thank you.


Have a day of blessings!
   Bethany

Children's Book: God Made the World

Today I have a soft cloth book to share with you that is perfect for the little babes in your life. It is called God Made the World.   It is a few pages in length with a crinkly cover that babies will like to squish. And they will like the special surprise page at the end, a mirror where they can see something else God made!   It is important to introduce even the youngest children to our Creator, and this is a sweet book to do just that.  It has a velcro closure on the outside as well as a loop to attach it or hold it.

I recommend this book to you and feel it would make a nice baby shower gift.

I received this book for my review as part of a Kregel blog tour.  Thank you.

Have a day of blessings!
Bethany

Circle C Stepping Stones book series

Do you have any young girls in  your life, around age 7-10?  I have a series to share with you that you should consider sharing with your young reader. (Boys would probably like the stories as well.)  I have read two books from the Circle C Stepping Stones series by Susan Marlow.  Let me tell you about them.

About the book:
Andi Carter has just turned nine. She and her palomino, Taffy, are old enough to be a real horse-and-rider pair at last! With a beautiful new saddle, Andi's sure she is ready to learn to trick ride like her friend Riley used to do before he left the ranch.

Sadly, big brother Chad knocks down any trick-riding plans, but Andi cheers up when she discovers a new friend at her special spot. Her fun with Sadie is soon threatened, though. They are caught in the middle of a boundary quarrel between the two families. Both Sadie's pa and Chad are stubborn as mules and neither will back down. Can Andi and Sadie hang on to their friendship while the adults are fighting?

My thoughts:
I quickly knew I was going to like this series as I began reading Andi Saddles Up.  Andi is a fun little girl who likes adventure and fun on her family's ranch.  I like that she is portrayed as a normal little girl who is not perfect and messes up.  She gets aggravated at her brothers and doesn't always obey.  In this book I liked the friendship that formed between Andi and Sadie.....a good lesson for kids and adults.    

The second book I read was Andi Under the Big Top.

About the book:
The summer after Andi Carter turns nine the circus comes to town. She can't wait to get in line to see the elephants, acrobats, and--most of all--the champion bareback rider. What could be more thrilling than riding your very own horse under the big top?

When the Carters see the show, Andi meets Henry Jackson, a small boy selling concessions. Andi thinks his job must be perfect, hanging out with happy clowns, exotic animals, and excited visitors. But it's not all fun and games. Henry shares a secret with Andi: he ran away from home to join the circus--and now he's trapped. Andi wants to help him get free. But helping him may mean losing something very special to her.

My thoughts:
This was another great Andi story.  I really liked seeing the excitement of the circus experience through Andi's eyes.  I appreciated that this book shows the "ugly" parts of the circus too through Andi's relationship with Henry.  I was touched by these two and the way they helped each other.  

I am glad I have found this series.  I will be sharing them with my niece.  They are well-written stories with fun characters that teach valuable lessons.  I like that they are historical fiction for this young age group and that at the back is a couple pages of facts about the main point of the book. These would be a nice addition to your home, church, or school library.

These books were sent to be by Kregel blog tour for my honest review.  Thank you.

Have a day of blessings!
  Bethany

99 Prayers for Children

Today I want to share with you a book called 99 Prayers for Children compiled by Juliet David and illustrated by Elina Ellis.

This is a sweet book for young children to read with their families. I personally liked the colorful illustrations and the variety of topics for which prayers were included. For example, there were prayers for mealtimes, bedtime, special days, and family and friends.  Some of the prayers will be familiar to you probably while others will be new. Some are rhyming poems as well.  It provides a nice way to teach children how to pray for others and as well as how to use different prayers and not just the same one every time.

This is a nice book for a gift or for your own children for families who enjoy praying together.

I received this book from the publisher and this review is my honest opinion. Thank you.

Have a day of blessings!

Bible Stories Gone Crazy!

Look at this book called Bible Stories Gone Crazy!  It is by Josh Edwards and illustrated by Emiliano Migliardo.

My thoughts:
This is a fun book for young children. It has 8 Bible stories illustrated with bright cartoon type pictures.  They will enjoy looking at the funny pictures and trying to find the hidden items.  Children could also practice counting as they search the pictures. I like that there is a brief (few sentences) description of the Bible story for each page and also the biblical passage where the full story can be read.  Some of the stories are favorites like Moses Crossing the Red Sea, Jonah and the Big Fish, and Feeding the 5,000.  This would be a good book for parents and children to enjoy together.

I was provided this book as part of the Kregel blog tour in exchange for my honest review.


Have a day of blessings!