Showing posts with label book review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label book review. Show all posts

Friday, August 21, 2026

Children's Book: Strawberry Shortcake and the Berry Besties Festival




About the book:

Join Strawberry Shortcake and her berry besties as they put on a festival to raise money for their local animal center! Packed with all of the nostalgia and whimsy you know and love, this picture book includes two sticker sheets and celebrates the positive impact friends working together can have on their community.

It's the day of the Berry Besties Festival and Strawberry Shortcake can't wait to see what her friends bring. Everyone has baked, grown, crafted, or sewn something special to sell so they can raise money for their furry friends at the animal center. Strawberry Shortcake brings strawberry-filled treats, Raspberry Tart brings colorful pet bandanas and fruit tarts, and Huckleberry Pie brings handmade birdhouses. But one friend isn't excited for the event. When Orange Blossom shares her worries about her runny marmalade, her friends rally around her to make her booth a success. By combining all of their special talents, the berry besties create one truly sweet event that helps animals in need.

This joyful picture book

  • is for ages 4 to 8;
  • has 2 sticker sheets of Strawberry Shortcake and her berry besties, their furry friends, and delicious fruits and baked goodies;
  • is a great gift for a child or for fans of the Strawberry Shortcake aesthetic; and
  • is a perfect purchase for Valentine's Day, birthdays, holiday gift-giving, or simply brightening someone's day.

Make your own sweet memory when you share this charming book with a little one in your life!





My thoughts:
Do you remember the smell of Strawberry Shortcake toys from childhood?  This book brings that smell to mind!  

This is a cute story about Strawberry Shortcake and her friends.  Each friends brings something to the festival.  We see the friends help Orange Blossom when her marmalade doesn't turn out right.  This is a nice story about friendship.  

Little girls will enjoy this book.  It also includes cute stickers! I also noticed the font used... most of it is green in color but other colors and sizes are used. 

I received a copy of this from Tommy Nelson Book Worms and was under no obligation to provide a positive review.

Have a day of blessings!
 Bethany

Monday, August 3, 2026

Children's book: That's What Heroes Do




About the book:
Who is a hero? From first responders and soldiers to teachers and friends, discover what makes a real-life hero in this story from Adam Kinzinger, veteran and former congressman. Take to the skies with a boy and his pilot dad as they visit sites across the United States in search of heroes. As they look down on community helpers working hard to lift up others, and even witness those who gave everything at Arlington Cemetery, children will discover that America is built on the service and sacrifices of heroes.

In this imaginative, heartfelt adventure, boys and girls 4 to 8 will

  • discover that heroes are all around us,
  • learn about notable sites across the United States where heroes work and serve,
  • learn that a hero protects and lifts up others,
  • understand that anyone can choose kindness and generosity, and
  • be inspired to honor the sacrifices made for them.

Inspired by the author's experiences as an Air Force pilot, this story of adventure, curiosity, and patriotism will give children a deeper understanding of the many people who put others first every day to make America a nation of safety and opportunity. Perfect for classroom and homeschool studies about Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Veteran's Day, this hopeful book will encourage children to be tomorrow's heroes—and to start today.

My thoughts:

We may not think about it often, but there are heroes all around us.  So many people help others as their profession.  This is a great book to talk about heroes and the important work they do.  

Both boys and girls will like this book I think with its conversational story and the rhyming text as a boy and his Dad (who is his hero) go on a little trip.  They talk about what the heroes do and the many ways they help.

It is a nice addition to your personal or classroom library.  The illustrations are just perfect for this book as well in depicting the various heroes.  

I received a copy of this from Tommy Nelson Book Worms and was under no obligation to provide a positive review.

Have a day of blessings! 
 Bethany

Monday, May 18, 2026

Children's book: We Are Home When We're Together


About the book:

We Are Home When We're Together is a warm invitation to cherish memories, embrace change, and remember that whenever you're with family—you're home.

Acclaimed designers and mother-daughter team Jean Stoffer and Grace Start of The Established Home from the Magnolia Network show that the location of a family's most sacred space may change, but the foundation—love for one another—remains. This meaningful picture book helps children savor good memories and reassures them that new spaces can lead to beautiful new experiences as they trust God to help them navigate and settle into a new house with their family.

Moving to new houses, new schools, new neighborhoods, and other life changes can be unsettling, and We Are Home When We're Together is a reminder to look to God as your family adjusts together. This beautiful book

  • is for ages 4 to 8,
  • includes stunning illustrations that feature interesting and diverse homes,
  • helps parents and caretakers who are navigating moves or other life changes with their children,
  • features ways to involve children in setting up home together,
  • provides intentional ideas to savor memories and create wonderful new ones, and
  • reminds families to rely on God, who is preparing our forever home, and rest in Him as they navigate change.

This celebration of home and family is a lovely addition to your bookshelf, a wonderful story to cozy up to with your children, and a meaningful gift for children and families who are navigating new seasons of life.



My thoughts:

"A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps."  Proverbs 16:9

Don't you just love this sweet cover!  In life we all face changes and transitions.  This is a sweet book with a lesson that even though change can be difficult, it doesn't matter where we live when we are together.  Changes are part of life.  This book can help families have conversations and share concerns about upcoming moves or changes they are facing.  God will help us as we faces these challenges and new things.

The illustrations really add to the beauty of this book.

I received a copy of this from Tommy Nelson Book Worms and was under no obligation to provide a positive review.

Have a day of blessings! Bethany

Wednesday, May 6, 2026

Book review: Navigate Life Like a Pro


About the book:

Level up and handle life like a pro with 100 devotions to encourage faith, build resilience against tough challenges, and learn practical tips for daily life. Navigate Life Like A Pro provides faith-based guidance for issues like anxiety, self confidence, bullying, faith conversations, and more all packed into 100 daily devotionals that tween and middle grade boy will connect with.

Imagine your life armed with confidence and clarity, ready to take on life's challenges. Growing up is like navigating through a maze full of surprises, challenges, and decisions that can be difficult, thankfully God’s right there alongside you. Filled with captivating stories, meaningful reflections, and practical advice, in this 100-day devotional you’ll find:

  • Themes of empowerment that become your go-to guide for transforming challenges into opportunities and making confident moves.
  • Real-life wisdom for issues such as dealing with bullying to self-esteem to making tough decisions in life, including sex, drugs and other social anxieties
  • Faith-based guidance providing insight and advice rooted in solid biblical wisdom to help you grow stronger in your walk with God
  • Ways to surround yourself with friends who share your values and support your goals. Whether it's through church youth groups, school clubs, or sports teams, find places where you can meet like-minded people.

Build confidence, strengthen your faith, and develop personal growth with action-oriented devotionals that feature practical steps you can take to apply in your everyday life.



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Ed Strauss lives in British Columbia, Canada, with his wife and three tween-aged children. Ed is a freelance writer with a passion for Biblical apologetics and fantasy fiction. Apart from writing, Ed enjoys biking and exploring nature.



My thoughts:


I have an 11 year old boy so I thought this would be a good devotional book to try!  He has read some of the devotionals.  He said he thought it was good. He said "it was good it was for all ranges of kids like those that are shy or those that feel like they are good at everything.  It helps them see how to be a better person."

What I like is the format.  These are not overly long readings.  They are concise and will hold the attention of a young boy.  Each day has a verse as well as a question at the end with a little space to write an answer.  I like that it takes a truth or character from the Bible and relates it to a young boy's life. There is such a variety of topics in these devotionals....attitude, how to treat the elderly, prayer, our speech.  


I think it would be a good book for him to use daily during the summer.  



The book may be purchased here.

I received a copy of this from FrontGate Media and was under no obligation to provide a positive review.

#boys #middlegradebooks #middlegradereads #boymom #ChristianMom #homeschoolmomlife #homeschooling #homeschoollife #zonderkidz


Have a day of blessings! 

 Bethany

Wednesday, March 18, 2026

NLT Wide Margin Filament Bible review





Today I am sharing with you the NLT Wide Margin Filament-enabled Bible. I was not at all familiar with this and am happy to share with you.  Maybe you will be able to find something new to try in your Bible study time!  


About the Bible:


Discover more ways to interact with God’s Word with the Filament Bible Collection

·         What is a Filament-enabled Bible? Filament-enabled Bibles offer a seamless fusion of traditional reading and cutting-edge technology. The Filament Bible app is your gateway to a deeper, more enriching Bible-study experience. Seamlessly connect every page of your Bible to a treasure trove of resources, including:

o   25,000+ study notes for understanding

o   350+ videos for insight

o   40+ maps and infographics for context

o   400+ profiles and articles for enrichment

o   1,500+ devotions for daily inspiration 

o   audio Bibles for immersion

o   a library of worship music for personal reflection

·         Why you’ll love it

o   Deepen Your Understanding: The Study window contains everything you would expect to find in an excellent study Bible: book introductions, study notes, in-depth articles on key topics, and profiles of key people from the Bible.

o   Reflect on God’s Word: The Reflect window is less about in-depth study and more about connecting the ideas of the Bible to your everyday life. Here you’ll find devotional articles and thoughts that are curated from some of Tyndale’s favorite resources

o   Interactive experience: The See window is where you’ll find all things visual. Interactive maps and visuals allow you to zoom in or out and tap key locations to learn more and see photos of the sites. Videos that are relevant to the page you are reading are provided by The Bible Project

o   Convenient and Easy to Use: You get a stunning Bible that is easy to read and carry equipped with the Filament Bible app to bring you study notes, articles, reflections, videos, interactive maps, and even worship music—all curated for the page you’re reading—when you scan the page number with your phone or tablet.



My thoughts:


I have used and reviewed a variety of Bibles for women and children.  This one is different in that it is Filament-enabled.  What does that mean?  You get an app using the QR code at the front of the Bible.  Then whatever page you are on you can scan the page number, and the app will take you to numerous resources related to that page or passage.  

This is a screen shot of what that looks like.  


You can click on the maps or infographics for more information. 

Also there is a section of songs which is a nice addition in my opinion.  You click to listen to the music.  

Besides the study notes and helpful additional information, you can also click at the bottom to listen to a reading of the Scriptures. 

I appreciate the size of this Bible.  It isn't too big or bulky.  It is a plus for me that it lays flat.  I tested this out while reading before bed.  

There are multiple cover choices.  I really like this one.  There is a verse on the back as well.



I wasn't sure if the font would be too small for me.  I recently got a Bible with larger print.  This one seems to be okay.  It's not large print but the spacing and wide margins help I believe.  The wide margins are super nice if you are a note taker.  


Watch the trailer about this Bible!
 

You can go here to purchase your own copy. I hope you will consider this beautiful Bible.  It would make a nice gift or to keep for yourself.

I received a copy of this from FrontGate Media and was under no obligation to provide a positive review.


#studybible #biblejournaling

 Have a day of blessings! 
 Bethany

Monday, November 17, 2025

Children's book review: Kid the Goat Won't Wear His Christmas Coat




About the book:

This romping Christmas tale is a kid-approved reminder to wear your winter coat! Lana Stenner of the Grace-Filled Homestead (which is also filled with goats, chickens, and sheep) shares this hilarious story about a young goat who would rather stay in his pajamas than wear his coat at Christmastime.

Kid the Goat runs to the Christmas tree to open his presents and saves the biggest for last. What could be inside such a big box? After ripping off—and snacking on—the wrapping paper, Kid opens the box and finds . . . a winter coat. Clothes for Christmas? What a bu-u-ummer! When Kid refuses to wear his coat, Maa-a-a makes Kid stay inside while the rest of the family enjoys Christmas Day outside. How can Kid make ice skating, building snowmen, sledding, and caroling just as fun while inside the house by himself?

Filled with cute and cuddly artwork, this relatable and laugh-out-loud rhyming story

  • is for ages 0 to 4,
  • shows kids the consequences of not dressing for the weather, and
  • is a perfect gift for Christmas and Advent.

Grab a copy for your coat-averse children today. They will Totes McGotes love this book!


My thoughts:
The goat on the front and in the title caught my eye on this one.  How cute is the little goat in his pajamas!

The illustrations are fun in this board book that will be enjoyed by toddlers and preschoolers.  It has rhyming text.  

I feel like there could be several different lessons to create conversation with this book.  It is unclear which lesson the author is aiming to get across though in my opinion.  As a parent I would definitely want to talk about how Kid the goat was sassy and disobeyed.  I feel like the book would be better if it wasn't a board book and had a few more pages to draw out the story.  It felt rushed and in a hurry to end.  While the illustrations are cute and it could be a fun story with great Christmas time lesson, it feels like something is missing for me. 

It would be a cute stocking stuffer for a little one that likes goats.

I received a copy of this from the publisher and was under no obligation to provide a positive review.

Have a day of blessings! 
 Bethany

Friday, November 14, 2025

Children's Book: Jesus Listens for Christmas






About the book:

Prepare your spirit for the Savior's coming and magnify your joy this holiday season as you spend the days of Advent and Christmas with your heart and mind intentionally fixed on Jesus.

Enjoy more peaceful moments this holiday season with Jesus Listens—for Advent and Christmas. This devotional collection of prayers and reflections from Sarah Young's bestselling Jesus Listens® and Jesus Calling includes Scripture verses, and words of hope from God's heart to yours.

This inspirational holiday devotional is ideal for:

  • Anyone longing to draw closer to Jesus during the Advent and Christmas season.
  • Those who are looking for comfort, calm, and peace in place of the holiday bustle.
  • Families who want to cultivate a tradition of Advent prayers and devotions together.

This full-color prayer book includes:

  • Prayers, reflections, and Bible verses based on the Christmas story and prophecies of Jesus' birth.
  • Stunning seasonal illustrations, making this holiday treasure a beautiful gift or keepsake.

As you pray Scripture throughout this holiday season with Jesus Listens—for Advent and Christmas, you'll experience not only God's answers, but also how prayer connects you to God, changes your heart, and brings peace and joy to one of the greatest celebrations of the year.







My thoughts:

I am familiar with Sarah Young and the Jesus Calling devotional books.  This is similiar to that format and is designed for families to read with their children through the advent season.  Each day has a prayer, Bible reading, and activity to do together.  

The illustrations have a peaceful sense about them and add to the beauty of this book.  This is a beautiful book to add to your personal library to help focus your heart on the true meaning of the season.  

I am looking forward to using this devotional with my family.  




I received a copy of this from the publisher and was under no obligation to provide a positive review.

Have a day of blessings!
 Bethany

Monday, November 10, 2025

Children's book review: What God Says About You





About the book:

When a child feels left out, makes a mistake, or is called a name that hurts their heart, how can they know their true identity? Bestselling author, spoken-word artist, and thought leader on identity Hosanna Wong reveals that you aren’t defined by what you’ve done or what others think—you’re defined by what God says about you.

Hosanna’s powerful message uncovers an important truth for kids today: no one has the power to define you but the One who created you. And God says you are His friend. You are a work of art. You are His child. And you are greatly loved.

A perfect read before bedtime, and during tough times, this picture book

  • is for ages 4 to 8,
  • highlights scriptures that unpack the life-giving names that God gives us,
  • includes whimsical illustrations from Liz Brizzi,
  • is inspired by Hosanna Wong’s “I Have a New Name” viral spoken word poem, and
  • is the perfect gift for back-to-school celebrations, baptisms, holidays, or seasons of transition.

As kids search for the right words and labels to understand their worth, What God Says About You will strengthen them with affirmations to discover who they really are.



My thoughts:
What a beautiful book... both the words and the illustrations!  This is a message our children need to hear and have repeated throughout the different stages of life.  The world will try to give you labels and make you feel inferior.  Our children need to know the truth of what God says about them.  

This book is one way to give positive messages to your children about their value and worth.  I like that each page has a different name given to God's children.  This is an example:






We all forget truth at times, and this is a great reminder for all of us, not just children, of our value and worth in the eyes of our Creator. 

This is a powerful line of the book to me:  
"But no one has the power to give you your true name except for God, who created you."
This is a wonderful book to add to your personal library and read periodically.  It would make a great one to read at bedtime for your child to have truth in their minds as they are going to sleep.

(I love the cover too and how the words look like they are made with stars.)

I received a copy of this from the publisher and was under no obligation to provide a positive review.


Have a day of blessings! 
 Bethany

Thursday, March 20, 2025

Children's book: The Good Shepherd and the Stubborn Sheep



Are you looking for items for Easter baskets?  I'm excited to share this wonderful book with you today.  It's called The Good Shepherd and the Stubborn Sheep and the author is Hannah E. Harrison.

About the book:

The Good Shepherd and the Stubborn Sheep is a humorous and heartwarming picture book about God's unconditional love. This story beautifully captures the essence of Psalm 23, showing the importance of trusting God, our Good Shepherd, with our lives.


Meet George, a silly and sometimes stubborn sheep living happily under the care of a Good Shepherd. But when shearing time comes, George decides it’s time to make a run for it, and soon finds himself on a journey full of unexpected disappointment, discomfort, and danger. Ultimately, he finds rescue and learns why he really does need a shepherd.


The Bible is full of references to sheep and shepherds, but what does it mean to be a good shepherd? And how are we like sheep? The Good Shepherd and the Stubborn Sheep uses an unforgettable character and riveting story to bring biblical truth to life for kids and illustrate the many comforting and loving attributes of God.


The Good Shepherd and the Stubborn Sheep is perfect for:

  • Children ages 4 and up

  • Family devotions and bedtime reading

  • Discussions about the meaning of Psalm 23, the parable of the lost sheep, and how God is always with us

  • Sunday school lessons and church libraries

  • Easter baskets, baptism or First Communion gifts, birthday gifts, and other gift-giving opportunities



About the author:

Hannah E. Harrison is the author and illustrator of six award-winning picture books, including Extraordinary Jane, My Friend Maggie, and Poopsie Gets Lost. Her books have received numerous starred reviews, been chosen as Kirkus Books of the Year and Editors’ Picks on Amazon, and have been selected for book clubs. Hannah is originally from New Hampshire, but now lives in Oklahoma with her big-hearted husband, two delightful daughters, a crabby cat, and a playful pup.


My thoughts:
Oh I just love this book!  I was excited to share it with you.  

Psalm 23 is so familiar and yet I can always learn something new from it.  A book like this is perfect to share this Psalm with a child and have a discussion about sheep and shepherds and then discuss how we are all like sheep and Who we have as our Shepherd.  You could also tie it into the parable of the lost sheep in the Bible.  You can talk about what characteristics we've had like George the sheep.  

I love the beautiful illustrations and the cute sheep. 



We read a lot of children's books and this is definitely a new favorite for me.  The text and illustrations are fabulous!  I hope you will check it out for your family library or for a gift for a little one in your life.  Sometimes I give away my books away but this is one I will be keepig for my library shelf! It definitely gets 5 stars from me! (That doesn't happen too often.)

Watch this little preview about this sweet book.



This book can be purchased at this link.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to provide a positive review.

#goodshepherd #zonderkidz #christianbookreview #ad

Have a day of blessings! 
 Bethany

Friday, February 28, 2025

Book + Bible Study

I have a new book and Bible study to share with you today by Lysa Terkeurst.



       



About the book:

New York Times bestselling author Lysa TerKeurst shows you what to do with your skepticism and distrust so you can heal from past betrayals and move forward with strength and resilience.

Trust is the oxygen of all human relationships. But it's also what trips you up after you've been burned. Maybe a friend constantly lets you down. A leader or organization you respect turns out to be different than they portray themselves to be. A spouse cheats on you. A family member betrays you. You're exhausted by other people's choices and starting to question your own discernment. And you're wondering, If God let this happen, can he even be trusted?

How can you live well and step into the future when you keep stumbling over trust issues? Lysa TerKeurst says it's not simply about finding better people to walk with. It's about developing the stability you long for within yourself and with God, so you don't become cynical and carry a broken belief system into every new relationship. In I Want to Trust You, But I Don't, Lysa shows you how to

  • identify which of the eleven relational red flags are stirring up distrust, so you can pinpoint why you're feeling uneasy;
  • stop having more faith in your fears coming true than God coming through for you by asking crucial "what if" questions to better process your doubts;
  • recognize when a fractured relationship can be repaired by considering a reasonable list of characteristics necessary for rebuilding trust; and
  • understand the physical, emotional, and neurological impact of the betrayals you've experienced and start healing from the inside out.

In a world where so many things feel alarming, this book will give you a peace that isn't dependent on unpredictable people, circumstances, and experiences. Instead, it offers practical and biblical ways to make real progress toward healthier perspectives, relationships, and a future you can authentically look forward to.



About the study:

Building upon and further unpacking the scriptural concepts in her book I Want to Trust You, but I Don’t, this six-session Bible study (video access included) will equip you to:

  • Identify which of the 11 relational red flags are stirring up distrust, so you're able to better pinpoint why you're feeling uneasy.
  • Recognize when it's possible to repair a fractured relationship and how to do it with a five-step framework you can start using today.
  • Understand what the Bible says about trusting God and others so you're equipped to make decisions that are in line with Scripture.
  • Learn how to know the difference between a feeling you're having and true discernment from the Holy Spirit so you can move on from the past with more wisdom and assurance.

This study guide includes:

  • Individual access to six streaming video sessions
  • A guide to best practices for leading a group
  • Video notes and a comprehensive structure for group discussion time
  • Personal study for deeper reflection between sessions


My thoughts:

I felt there was a lot in this book that I couldn't relate to in regards to losing trust in marriage; however, she does give examples of other situations where a person can lose trust.  I appreciate that she shares some of her personal experiences and the process of trusting again when trust was broken.  She makes it clear this is not an overnight thing and will take time.  


Each chapter ends with "One More Thing I Want You to Know" followed by Remember, Receive, Reflect, and Pray.  I like this feature as it is helpful to review when you read nonfiction.   Here is an example from one chapter.  



There are single quotes on individual pages throughout the book.  Here is one.  


This is the type of book you may need to read more than once to glean information from it.  

About the Bible Study:
I have done many Bible studies through the years by a variety of authors.  I like the set up of this one with a schedule for you to follow for each chapter/session.  


The personal study days are similar to other studies I've done with questions, passages to read, and fill in the blanks to answer.  

For the video sessions notes are included as well with space to take your own notes.


Click on this link to learn more about this author and these books and to purchase.




I received a copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to provide a positive review.


#iwanttotrustyoubook

Have a day of blessings!
 Bethany