tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34878881025865045502024-03-13T11:42:06.750-04:00My Two Cents' Worth Sharing my two cents' worth about books, movies, products and stuff in general, and hosting giveaways.Jessica Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14424348024065994981noreply@blogger.comBlogger97125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3487888102586504550.post-34754200068622935682020-05-27T11:56:00.002-04:002020-05-27T11:56:45.653-04:00The Healer's Apprentice by Melanie Dickerson<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A friend recommended this author and this series, so I was happy to be able to get a copy of <i>The Healer's Apprentice </i>to review. Medieval times fascinate me, even though I'm not a big fan of fairy tale romances. <i>The Healer's Apprentice </i>was interesting and enjoyable, but not great. The settings were detailed beautifully and the characters were fairly complex, but the overall writing style seemed a bit choppy and even awkward at times. Also, what should have been a surprising plot twist was easy to figure out fairly early on in the book. The relationship between Rose and Frau Geruscha was especially touching and well written, as were the themes of friendship, loyalty, courage, humility, and honesty.<br />
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So, all in all, it was an okay read.Jessica Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14424348024065994981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3487888102586504550.post-1974731376659503962020-05-27T11:42:00.001-04:002020-05-27T12:23:11.765-04:00The Medallion by Cathy Gohlke<br />
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World War II fiction is my favorite, and I'm always excited to find a new book from that era/genre. <i>The Medallion</i> was quite a pleasant surprise, and a new favorite! Set mostly in war-torn Poland, this book checks all the boxes. It's heartwarming, romantic, tragic, hopeful, historically accurate.... The characters are believable and easy to relate to, and every setting is described so that you feel like you're there. Though lengthy, the story never gets dull. As expected in a book about the holocaust, some parts of the book were hard to read because they were so raw and heartbreaking, but a thread of hope runs throughout. I was a little confused but the seeming change of the main character, Sophia, toward the end of the book, but I think I can understand it in the context of the trauma she went through. That was really my only complaint--that she seemed like a different person from the first half of the book. The ending was so well done, but that's all I can say without spoilers.<br />
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I don't remember reading anything by Cathy Gohlke before, but I'm excited to read more from her now. I really enjoy her style; it reminds me of Brock and Brodie Thoene's.Jessica Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14424348024065994981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3487888102586504550.post-14011351300433137822019-05-23T22:20:00.001-04:002019-06-01T15:07:28.034-04:00Empowerment by Catherine Parks<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">I have to admit, I’m very tired of constantly seeing blog posts and T-shirts and books and articles and advertisements about “girl power”. (It’s not that I think girls aren’t equal to boys; this isn’t the place for a full discussion on that.) So, when I saw the selection of books offered for review I was afraid this would just be more of the same stuff. It’s NOT! This book is exactly what true female empowerment should be about: living a life of total surrender to God—being who He wants them to be. True freedom...true worth...will only be found in finding His strength and power in our weakness and allowing Him to work through us. Through the stories of eleven women Catherine Parks encourages girls to do amazing things. Faithfulness and dedication are the keys to true success, and this book makes that clear. It’s a beautiful, well written collection of mini-biographies that will draw the reader in from the very first page. It’s a book that is very needed right now, and I highly recommend it for every girl on your life.</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">I received this book for free in exchange for my honest review. </span></i></div>
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Jessica Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14424348024065994981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3487888102586504550.post-23203449440556526742019-03-28T11:31:00.003-04:002019-06-01T15:06:51.280-04:00Other Bodies by Joel Ohman<br />
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Abortion is a hot topic these days, as it should be. How anyone can justify the murder of innocent children, no matter how small, is beyond my comprehension! Somehow, no matter how many attempts are made to get through to those who excuse it or outright celebrate it, the results are usually the same: nothing changes. For this reason, I was excited to find out about the opportunity to review a new book that approaches the abortion debate from a completely new perspective. <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DFMDP97/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i2">Other Bodies</a>, </i>a dystopian novel by <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Joel-Ohman/e/B00NFOGFV6">Joel Ohman</a>, is written from the perspective of a teenage girl named Hattie who finds herself in an unthinkable situation and has to choose, of course, between having an abortion or allowing her baby to live. </div>
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While I enjoyed the writing style, I found the futuristic setting to be a little too imaginative and unrealistic. Also, there were aspects that were confusing and just didn't make sense. I wish certain points had been better developed; for instance, some things were described as extremely high tech and imaginative, while others obviously hadn't advanced at all in this future world. The ending seemed rushed. Still, it was a pretty good book and I look forward to reading more from this author. </div>
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Overall, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DFMDP97/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i2">Other Bodies</a> is an easy read and I think it will raise necessary questions and, hopefully, cause readers to reconsider if they are pro-choice or considering an abortion. A few situations were a little bit too suggestive, in my opinion, so I wouldn't be comfortable allowing my child to read this book until at least 13-14, if not older. But maybe that's just me. </div>
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I give this book 3 out of 5 stars. </div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">I received this book for free in exchange for my honest review. </span></i></div>
<br />Jessica Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14424348024065994981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3487888102586504550.post-83712696790162440312018-08-29T21:06:00.003-04:002018-08-29T21:33:08.028-04:00World Religions and Cults by MasterBooks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.masterbooks.com/world-religions-cults-box-set"><img alt="World Religions and Cults (Box Set)" height="400" src="https://static.masterbooks.com/media/catalog/product/cache/2/image/512x512/17f82f742ffe127f42dca9de82fb58b1/w/o/world-religions-box-3d.png" srcset="https://static.masterbooks.com/media/catalog/product/cache/2/image/512x512/17f82f742ffe127f42dca9de82fb58b1/w/o/world-religions-box-3d.png 1x, https://static.masterbooks.com/media/catalog/product/cache/2/image/1024x1024/17f82f742ffe127f42dca9de82fb58b1/w/o/world-religions-box-3d.png 2x" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="275" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.masterbooks.com/world-religions-cults-box-set">World Religions and Cults Boxed Set from MasterBooks.com</a></td></tr>
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In a day when lines are blurred and nothing is black or white, it's more important than ever to know the truth. A common belief is that all roads lead to God--that one can be a part of any religion and, as long as they are sincere, they're fine, but the Bible clearly teaches that there is <i>one God, </i>and <i>one way </i>to Him: His Son,<i> </i>Jesus Christ<i>. </i>Even the label "Christian" doesn't necessarily mean that one is truly a follower of Christ. Many call themselves Christians when they don't even believe or practice the basics teachings of Christ. In order to know the difference between the true and the false, and to instruct our children and to reach others with the gospel, we need to understand which beliefs are Biblical and which are not, and we must have at least a basic understanding of false doctrine. It can be intimidating to attempt self-education; there are so many different religions and off-shoots of those religions, and the amount of information available is overwhelming and difficult to sift through.<br />
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Enter <a href="https://www.masterbooks.com/world-religions-cults-box-set"><i>World Religions and Cults </i>by MasterBooks</a>. Here is a description from the website:</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><i>These three volumes are a must for laymen, church leaders, teachers, and students wanting to understand the trends in our culture and around the world where certain religions dominate, helping you discern truth and guard your faith. When you understand a religion’s origins and teachings, you are in a better position to know how to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ as you take the good news to those in false religions. Prepare yourself, your family, and your church to answer questions and share the gospel with non-Christian friends and skeptics, and defend against the rise of religions and cults in our culture.</i></span></blockquote>
I was able to access the ebook versions of the three books in exchange for an honest review. I haven't had the time to read through all three, ovbiously, but what I've read I've loved. There is <i>so</i> much information packed in these pages! I am learning so much, and I'm eager to learn more. I will be adding these books to the Bible/Apologetics courses my children will be taking this year and in the future. I truly believe that these books will equip them to face a confused and questioning world with confidence, and most importantly, aid them in reaching out to others with the gospel! I highly, highly recommend these books.<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Thank you, New Leaf Publishing Group, for my review copy. All opinions expressed are my own. </span></i>Jessica Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14424348024065994981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3487888102586504550.post-53242426575621975542017-07-22T17:46:00.002-04:002017-07-22T17:46:23.561-04:00A Beautiful Read<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtVlIjUw8ZEwII23jWUb6-6WymR8-cPffQ2makIlUGjU2eKqhbcDh-dmEeUinI52bS4J8wZ_XpQDz3QA7v3wQMmZRcJdjSJFVG_keyoMiBQnAvwzBPibwfHLpeW84RIuTXKijFuOwcfhbL/s1600/IMG_0096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1052" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtVlIjUw8ZEwII23jWUb6-6WymR8-cPffQ2makIlUGjU2eKqhbcDh-dmEeUinI52bS4J8wZ_XpQDz3QA7v3wQMmZRcJdjSJFVG_keyoMiBQnAvwzBPibwfHLpeW84RIuTXKijFuOwcfhbL/s640/IMG_0096.JPG" width="420" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: 'Brandon Text', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">I am fascinated by anything and everything British, so I snapped this book up in a hurry. Andrea Lucado reminisces about her time spent studying at Oxford and her crisis of faith in a colorful, beautiful way that makes you feel as if you're walking the rainy streets with her or sitting on the banks of the Thames beside her, listening to her story. This was an enjoyable read--meandering, a little confusing at times because of little rabbit trails--but very enjoyable. I wish Andrea's questions about her faith had been resolved more clearly, but maybe that's the point. We all have questions, and not all of them will be resolved in this life. But that's where faith comes in. Where it becomes real. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: 'Brandon Text', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: 'Brandon Text', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: 'Brandon Text', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><i><b><a href="http://andrealucado.com/">English Lessons</a></b></i> is a beautiful book to curl up and read while drinking a cup of hot tea (of course) and listening to a fire crackle. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: 'Brandon Text', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">3.5 stars from me. </span>Jessica Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14424348024065994981noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3487888102586504550.post-83333307861504306392017-04-25T00:06:00.000-04:002017-04-25T00:06:15.110-04:00ATG Today<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I was given the opportunity to try out and review a new app, called ATG Today (Awakening to God). It's available on iTunes and Google Play. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">With a simple, easy to use format and a great design, this app encourages me to daily "check in" and gives me a verse to focus on for each day, as well as writing prompts and a place for a photo. These are all combined into a Timeline, making it easy to see highlights of my life, as well as keep track of answered prayers. It's practical, encouraging, uplifting, convenient.... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I appreciate anything that encourages me in my walk with God, and this app is a great tool for that! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">You can find the ATG Today app </span><a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fappsto.re%2Fus%2FEojUeb.i&h=ATMVBKDOeJget2h-X6MYGWG6ZgU-jr7J7ek8vB6QoG-88FPY6KVKZ22VI5nu6ju5VbZVhgjkXFBG8gx7qNM8CR9xTruX3qXuEbpFlpKxFLT2YswpLTNjCaizI_6qXPyosj8ILY4ebJK2EB69" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">here.</a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">More about the app:</b><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">About Awakening to God Today (ATG Today):</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A devotional journal to help you enjoy your walk with God, with thanksgiving from your heart, everyday touches and prayers. Inspiration for 8 minutes with God at the start of your day, learning to hear His voice, memorize scripture, pray and journal. Lots of great ideas to build your faith, share scripture, encourage others and strengthen family devotions.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">You can watch the video ‘How Do You Keep Living After the Death of Two Children’ at: <a href="http://www.awakeningtogod.org/"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(56, 110, 255); color: #386eff;">www.awakeningtogod.org</span></a> and see Mission, Vision and Strategy under About.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>A little about the founders:</b> </span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Gerald & Jeannie Long experienced success and wealth based on the values of the world and also the deepest grief and suffering from the death of two of their three children. On their journey, God has revealed His grace and glory to them in extraordinary ways. In particular, they’ve experienced how God is able to redeem the most painful areas of our lives and turn them around for good. Gerard has caught a deep awareness of eternity and Jeannie has experienced God’s presence and glory when she was close to ending her own life. Their marriage has triumphed when all seemed lost and they’ve learnt invaluable lessons on their unbelievable journey. And, they have a very clear message of God’s calling for each Christ follower to obey the Great Command and the Great Commission.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">· to inspire and encourage thousands of people in their walk with Christ (hopefully, leading to another ‘Awakening’ – see 2 Chron 7:14); and</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">· to raise the funds to: dig a well in 100 villages in India, provide 40,000 meals to widows and orphans, 15,000 mosquito nets and a medical team for immunizations, cataract operations and other services.</span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Watch promo video: (6</b>0 sec)<b> - </b><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(56, 110, 255); color: #386eff;"><a href="https://youtu.be/QmYoDXjHi8o">https://youtu.be/QmYoDXjHi8o</a></span></span></span></div>
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Jessica Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14424348024065994981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3487888102586504550.post-12321392024427996782017-03-24T00:34:00.001-04:002017-03-24T00:34:26.854-04:00People of the Second Chance<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: 'Brandon Text', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">There isn't a person on earth who hasn't needed a second chance. Knowing that God is the God of second chances has been a huge comfort to me; my problem, however, is learning to forgive myself. My usual opinion of myself is pretty low. I've needed a lot of "second" chances! </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: 'Brandon Text', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: 'Brandon Text', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: 'Brandon Text', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">People of the Second Chance was an easy read and offered some new ways of looking at old problems. I related to much of what the author had to say, but had to take issues with some of his statements and ideas. I appreciated his openness about his own issues, as it helped to know while reading that he had gone through some of the very things, or had had the same feelings as I (and many, many others) </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: 'Brandon Text', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">have. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: 'Brandon Text', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: 'Brandon Text', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: 'Brandon Text', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Some truly eye-opening statements are written involving judging others, but the author goes too far, in my opinion, and nearly brushes away the fact that while God is merciful and loving, He is also righteous and just. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: 'Brandon Text', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: 'Brandon Text', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: 'Brandon Text', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: 'Brandon Text', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Pros:</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: 'Brandon Text', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: 'Brandon Text', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">A beautiful cover, and a synopsis that pulls the reader in. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: 'Brandon Text', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: 'Brandon Text', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Relatable. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: 'Brandon Text', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: 'Brandon Text', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Real. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: 'Brandon Text', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: 'Brandon Text', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Thought-provoking. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: 'Brandon Text', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: 'Brandon Text', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Some really great quotes: </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: 'Brandon Text', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: 'Brandon Text', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">"The upside down God is good at what he does. He turns weirdness into wonder. He uses opposites, prodigals, and everyday quirkiness to shame the zealous, religious know-it-alls."</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: 'Brandon Text', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: 'Brandon Text', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: 'Brandon Text', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">"Moses was more confident in his weakness than he was in God's strength." (Ouch! That's one of my problems!) </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: 'Brandon Text', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: 'Brandon Text', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: 'Brandon Text', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Cons:</span><br />
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On page 37 the author says that Game of Thrones is HBOs finest show. Ummmmm, no. For obvious reasons.<br />On pages 164, 169, and within the whole section on loving yourself, there were statements that I don't believe are biblical. We love ourselves in the sense that we care for our daily needs, but we aren't to love ourselves too much. There is a list of things that the author suggests you do, such as this one: "Let a few people down. Let them be disappointed in you. It's good for them. It's good for you too." Maybe I didn't get what he was trying to say here, but that rubbed me the wrong way. We're supposed to be dependable. I don't think it's ever right not to keep our word--to let people down--just for our own comfort or..whatever.<br />Once again, an author has attempted to make God sound cool. Brought Him down to our level. "He (God) likes to party. He is weird sometimes. " No. God is never "weird". That's just irreverent. He works in mysterious ways, true, but He isn't weird. God would be spoken of with only severance and carefulness, and this isn't that.<br /><br />All in all, while I couldn't recommend this book without mentioning these concerns, I do think there is a lot of good stuff here. </div>
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3 out of 5 stars. </div>
Jessica Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14424348024065994981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3487888102586504550.post-9775302470361197012017-02-17T02:21:00.000-05:002017-02-17T13:30:18.921-05:00When We Last Spoke by Marci Henna<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I usually prefer books that are suspenseful and action-packed, but since I have fallen in love with The Mitford Series by Jan Karon, I've become more open-minded about slow, "folksy" books. <i>When We Last Spoke</i> promised to be just that, so I looked forward to escaping into a simpler, better time. The book, set mostly in and around the 1960's, is the story of two sisters who were raised by their grandparents in the sleepy little town of Fireside, Texas. It opens as Juliet, the older of the sisters, is going through some of the old possessions of her late grandparents. We're zipped back into the childhood memories of Juliet, and are introduced to her sister Evangeline, her grandparents Walt and Ruby, and other memorable townsfolk and kin.<br />
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<i>When We Last Spoke</i> was difficult for me to get into, but I kept reading, hoping that it would begin to pull on my heartstrings and whisk me away to little town of Fireside. And...it did...a little. While the characters were interesting and the tales of the people were charming, there was something missing. It came close to being really good, but fell short. It lacked heart. It seemed that the author tried a little to hard to be humorous and, while sometimes it worked, often it didn't. The book wound up feeling choppy and at some points, hard to follow. For a book that was supposed to be realistic, there were some pretty unbelievable situations. Still, I did find myself relating to some of the characters more than I thought they would, and some portions of the story were genuinely moving. One especially good and appreciated fact about this book: it's clean! However, there is a little bit of language, which I found very disappointing.<br />
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So if you're looking for a slow, meandering read and you're good at suspending your disbelief, this is your book. I'm sure there are many who would enjoy it more than I did!<br />
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<b>More about the book:</b></h3>
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With the heart and humor of Fannie Flagg’s <i>Fried Green Tomatoes</i> and Rebecca Wells’s <i>Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood</i>, author Marci Henna introduces you to the Cranbournes—a mostly lovable and undoubtedly nutty family who’ve had more than their fair share of hard times.</div>
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A beautiful blend of tears and laughter, <i>When We Last Spoke</i> tells the tale of sisters Juliet and Evangeline, who are dropped off by their Broadway-bound mother at their paternal grandparents’ Texas ranch in 1967. After their cherished father is killed in Vietnam, the girls are orphaned. Still mourning their son’s death, grandparents Walt and Ruby accept their role as guardians, only to be surprised soon after by another permanent houseguest’s arrival—Walt’s kooky mother, Itasca.</div>
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Fast-forward to the present, where the warmhearted home in which the girls grew up is now just a faint memory. The estranged sisters are in need of a good dose of Walt’s famous stargazing wisdom: “You’ve got to look real close. Pay attention to what’s around you in this life. You’re liable to miss something important if you don’t.”</div>
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Packed with plenty of quirky characters and hilarious escapades, this must-read novel also digs in deep to the things that matter most—family, friends, love, and forgiveness.</div>
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Jessica Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14424348024065994981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3487888102586504550.post-12306790672173281492017-01-27T16:09:00.001-05:002017-01-27T16:09:31.611-05:00I'm Going to Give You a Bear Hug! (GIVEAWAY!)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I don't often review little kids' books, but this offer came along and I couldn't resist. Playfully describing different types of hugs with sweet, lyrical, rhyming text combined with gorgeous artwork, <i>I'm Going to Give You a Bear Hug!</i> makes for perfect bedtime (or anytime!) reading. Also, because there aren't a lot of words per page, and a many of the words are just right for beginning readers, this is a perfect book to read together!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I’m Going to Give You a Bear Hug!, written by bestselling author Caroline B. Cooney, is a playful and comforting bedtime book that imagines all the wonderful ways a child might give and receive a hug.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Whether it’s a big bear, gasp for air, knock over a chair hug or a wet and drippy, slimy, slippy fish hug, children will giggle their way through all the imaginative examples. Cooney’s sweet and simple rhymes encourage playful interaction between parent and child and ultimately help them wind down before they snuggle into bed and drift off to sleep.</span></div>
<a href="http://www.zondervan.com/i-m-going-to-give-you-a-bear-hug"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Official Website</span></a><br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Zonderkidz"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Zonderkidz Facebook Page</span></a><br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/Zonderkidz"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Zonderkidz Twitter Page</span></a><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Caroline B. Cooney (Author)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Caroline B. Cooney was born in New York, grew up in Connecticut, and now lives in South Carolina. Caroline is the author of 90 Young Adult novels in many genres, and her books have sold over fifteen million copies. <em style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">I’m Going to Give You a Bear Hug</em> is her first picture book. It’s based on a verse she wrote for her own children, Louisa, Sayre and Harold, who are grown now.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Tim Warnes (Illustrator)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Tim Warnes has been illustrating children's books for twenty years. He lives in Dorset, England, with his wife, children's illustrator Jane Chapman, and their two sons. When he's not drawing little critters, Tim loves to write, watch birds and play his banjo. Visit Tim at <span style="color: blue; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><a href="http://www.chapmanandwarnes.com/" style="color: #353535; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.ChapmanandWarnes.com</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;"><b>Here's how you can have a chance at winning your own copy of this beautiful book:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;">Just leave a comment with the name of your favorite bedtime storybook. That's it! :) </span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;">Giveaway ends Tuesday, </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia", "times new roman", serif;">January 31, at 9 pm.</span><br />
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Jessica Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14424348024065994981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3487888102586504550.post-5497253970473045562016-12-03T02:17:00.000-05:002016-12-03T02:17:35.085-05:00The Fir Tree by Hans Christian Andersen (Review)<div style="text-align: justify;">
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While not your run-of-the-mill, cheery Christmas tale, <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Fir-Tree-Hans-Christian-Andersen/dp/039957848X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1480748784&sr=8-1&keywords=the+fir+tree+sanna+annukka">The Fir Tree,</a> </i>written in 1845 by <a href="http://www.biography.com/people/hans-christian-andersen-9184146">Hans Christian Andersen,</a> will (hopefully) make the reader stop, think, and enjoy the life they have, not the life they dreamed of. This edition, illustrated by <a href="https://www.sanna-annukka.com/">Sanna Annukka</a>, is absolutely exquisite! I <i>love </i>the vintage look and feel of the cover, and the illustrations are rich and beautiful. This is a book that I don't want to hide away on a shelf! I look forward to reading it to my children during this holiday season. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijKTW5d_Kkj49iDoXvh-Vygmmv4UHbxdHoOLXHc7VLjstk8RM4atfMjbmrEwKF2HwMFdAbkefgMoHDitL0VH19fD4pBQLbWLgwq3CUGu3mvV8psLNVR-B_eFaSxnEojgH-PwcDyWPJvD-e/s1600/15322446_1539785276062417_1101095910_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijKTW5d_Kkj49iDoXvh-Vygmmv4UHbxdHoOLXHc7VLjstk8RM4atfMjbmrEwKF2HwMFdAbkefgMoHDitL0VH19fD4pBQLbWLgwq3CUGu3mvV8psLNVR-B_eFaSxnEojgH-PwcDyWPJvD-e/s640/15322446_1539785276062417_1101095910_o.jpg" width="479" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the amazing illustrations.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgLGptqvvSeEcgvirGwmVQ1SHqYKzVHoeq5ALr4iOoSw6kshY0EGCSYzBuLb9HCf6krStSmEpoJrK98ZzkYagNvktEmzPW3b8cgIDr1FvQjJZODtulekwphq5GZ2lgEd_YvUV5IamJId3c/s1600/15293211_1539785179395760_2091931175_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgLGptqvvSeEcgvirGwmVQ1SHqYKzVHoeq5ALr4iOoSw6kshY0EGCSYzBuLb9HCf6krStSmEpoJrK98ZzkYagNvktEmzPW3b8cgIDr1FvQjJZODtulekwphq5GZ2lgEd_YvUV5IamJId3c/s640/15293211_1539785179395760_2091931175_o.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back cover.</td></tr>
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<b><i>From the Book Description:</i></b><br />
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<b style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Gorgeously packaged with intricate illustrations from Finnish illustrator, Sanna Annukka, this new edition of Hans Christian Andersen's well-loved fairy tale, <i>The Fir Tree</i>, is the perfect holiday gift for adults and children alike.</b></div>
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Hans Christian Andersen's tragic tale of naive greed and dissatisfaction is retold through the striking and contemporary illustrations of Finnish illustrator Sanna Annukka. Cloth-bound in rich forest green, with gold foil embellishments, <i style="background-color: transparent;">The Fir Tree </i>is elevated from a children's book to a unique work of art and makes an ideal gift for people of all ages.</div>
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<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">I received a copy of this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.</span></i></div>
</span>Jessica Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14424348024065994981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3487888102586504550.post-12487198394578350512016-12-03T01:45:00.003-05:002016-12-06T21:39:51.674-05:00Amy Grant ~ Tennessee Christmas (CD Review and Giveaway)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFPinpePSlhOO6B8UnotJe9nQ5kQY14U-_69VE9XCmAQBrMUYTyIXQS59abv1rmpt2nJYr5AJahQEbidPHr2p0zfRasor3imwlovvi0oK3rON8-LXCVJdah0k1I6jbOpmir2-iowjLR2QE/s1600/tenesseechristmashorizontal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFPinpePSlhOO6B8UnotJe9nQ5kQY14U-_69VE9XCmAQBrMUYTyIXQS59abv1rmpt2nJYr5AJahQEbidPHr2p0zfRasor3imwlovvi0oK3rON8-LXCVJdah0k1I6jbOpmir2-iowjLR2QE/s400/tenesseechristmashorizontal.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I jumped at the chance to review this CD! I adore Christmas music and always enjoy finding new favorites! Honestly, I'm not a fan of country music, so I wasn't sure if this certain CD would become a favorite or not. So far a few of the songs, including "I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm", "Christmas Don't Be Late" and "White Christmas" are promising, but others are easily skipped. I prefer Christmas songs to be, well, Christmas-y, and some of these weren't. But that's just me! I'm sure others would think differently. "Tennessee Christmas", even though it's country, is one I've always loved. (Amy Grant's voice hasn't changed a bit!) The insert includes song lyrics and photos of Amy and her family. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ0sxV95Qy8jRTOJKZXV4NSp4U3FBc2_zZ53a435QnTP9Tvhz8SJyJs6ycCOjm5xEaha-9_92614gg4hbGo3w4_gBXwZw45NQ3mw1-mC44HV9Ii-hh0MreESOYj9UmHMVztBsBbwthn8Oe/s1600/amy-grant-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ0sxV95Qy8jRTOJKZXV4NSp4U3FBc2_zZ53a435QnTP9Tvhz8SJyJs6ycCOjm5xEaha-9_92614gg4hbGo3w4_gBXwZw45NQ3mw1-mC44HV9Ii-hh0MreESOYj9UmHMVztBsBbwthn8Oe/s320/amy-grant-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTtqpKb0X3gSk-fTlubcos1uti0LjSDfZo9Lr5txiiDU4bfxasoCD9boTwF-olZgSb8lms1FtfxQfVWrl75DC6q67Kl7RFJkjVioDbn7-AU5eaIBcohhnRJ_ofgDvU2LABzf8VVnURx6XI/s1600/15303835_1539783459395932_1443652812_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTtqpKb0X3gSk-fTlubcos1uti0LjSDfZo9Lr5txiiDU4bfxasoCD9boTwF-olZgSb8lms1FtfxQfVWrl75DC6q67Kl7RFJkjVioDbn7-AU5eaIBcohhnRJ_ofgDvU2LABzf8VVnURx6XI/s320/15303835_1539783459395932_1443652812_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Songs on this album:</b></div>
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1. Tennessee Christmas</div>
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2. To Be Together</div>
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3. Christmas For You and Me</div>
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4. Melancholy Christmas</div>
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5. December</div>
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6. White Christmas</div>
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7. Joy to the World</div>
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8. I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm</div>
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9. Baby It's Cold Outside</div>
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10. Christmas Don't Be Late</div>
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11. Still Can't Sleep</div>
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12. Another Merry Christmas</div>
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13. O Come, All Ye Faithful</div>
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You can listen to a sample <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUpIwK5Bxn8">here</a>, and purchase <i>Tennessee Christmas</i> <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/tennessee-christmas/id1160552757?app=itunes">here</a>.<br />
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<b>You can win one a copy of <i>Tennessee Christmas</i> for yourself!</b> To enter, simply comment below with the name of your favorite Christmas song. That's it! The giveaway will end Tuesday, Dec. 6th, at 9:00 pm. Good luck!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The giveaway has ended. Congratulations to Vonnie Warden! </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><b id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1480747154654_5364" style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px;">“Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): </b>Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><span id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1480747154654_5371" style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; text-align: justify;">Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.</span><span style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; text-align: justify;"> </span><span id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1480747154654_5373" style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; text-align: justify;">If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller /FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.</span><span style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; text-align: justify;">Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again.</span><span style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; text-align: justify;"> </span><span id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1480747154654_5384" style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; text-align: justify;">Winner is subject to eligibility verification.</span></i></span></div>
Jessica Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14424348024065994981noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3487888102586504550.post-43222558310229703142016-11-15T15:40:00.005-05:002016-11-15T15:48:06.953-05:00Today's Moment of Truth by Lee Strobel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6cJAFmv5emH9P5UVolV-CdzPGoUHyOo7NinhJzBlJqPk70F__y6EKjkZEXm9R2aQ72115zjXk2TtjgO26ThlNJZvK6cGdWW5BfmA9ZGGM9pNPcIvRmg6tcjm0U_Xs97RfWpoFv286kfp_/s1600/51KVm-Rz1-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6cJAFmv5emH9P5UVolV-CdzPGoUHyOo7NinhJzBlJqPk70F__y6EKjkZEXm9R2aQ72115zjXk2TtjgO26ThlNJZvK6cGdWW5BfmA9ZGGM9pNPcIvRmg6tcjm0U_Xs97RfWpoFv286kfp_/s640/51KVm-Rz1-L.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
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If ever there was a time when Christians need to have answers to hard-hitting questions about faith, it's now. Lee Strobel, a former atheist, has a unique perspective and the ability to tackle those questions from both sides and offer clear, intelligent answers. I have been blessed and strengthened other books that he has written, and the same is true with this book, <i>Today's Moment of Truth.</i> I love that this book is in a daily devotional format, with easy to read and perfectly-sized portions of questions and answers, along with corresponding verses, to chew on throughout my day. Strobel's theology is sound, and his apologetics ministry is helping to fill in a huge gap in our Christian community. I highly recommend his books, and especially this one! (It's also a great introduction into his writings if you haven't read any before.)<br />
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<b><i>From the back of the book:</i></b><br />
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<strong>Why do you believe what you believe? </strong><strong>How can you know your faith is credible?</strong></div>
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Many Christians today struggle to answer these questions. Though you may know <em>what </em>you believe, the <em>why </em>and<em> how </em>behind the thought can be complex, confusing, and even mysterious.</div>
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In <em>Today’s Moment of Truth, </em>bestselling author Lee Strobel articulates in 180 easy-to-read devotions the reasons why Christians believe what they believe. Combining his expertise in apologetics with his journalistic approach to parsing out the details, this devotionalwill leave you deeply encouraged and well-informed. Topics range from scientific discoveries to theological explanations, and each devotion is followed by a brief reflection and prayer for meditation.</div>
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The time has come to walk confidently in your faith. <em>Today’s Moment of Truth</em> will be an invaluable tool as you grow in your understanding of and faith in Christ.</div>
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5 out of 5 starts</div>
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<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">I received my copy of this book for free in exchange for my honest review from BookLook Bloggers. </span></i></div>
Jessica Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14424348024065994981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3487888102586504550.post-26061137511707054762016-11-15T15:17:00.001-05:002016-11-15T15:17:18.170-05:0031 Verses to Write on Your Heart by Liz Curtis Higgs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEw8kqk01-MktPIgJMEvn4LoaFzX5HYm475Yn_WgF0BeuHzBCXtmcFXzQrNLVf2se_LsGE3ajzmvy4yL0AJi-yf2DFPVPKykA4HzxbZ7pHFCrXjHy7HwHdB1TD20JTO3TmqU7KQ4YxSxTU/s1600/51%252BZ6psRE1L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEw8kqk01-MktPIgJMEvn4LoaFzX5HYm475Yn_WgF0BeuHzBCXtmcFXzQrNLVf2se_LsGE3ajzmvy4yL0AJi-yf2DFPVPKykA4HzxbZ7pHFCrXjHy7HwHdB1TD20JTO3TmqU7KQ4YxSxTU/s640/51%252BZ6psRE1L.jpg" width="412" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: 'Brandon Text', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">I need help with Bible memorization (I can barely remember my own name) and I enjoy trying out a new devotional book. This one fits the bill! <i>31 Verses to Write on Your Heart</i> includes s</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: 'Brandon Text', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">hort, daily readings that help explain selected verses from Scripture as well as a place to write out the verse from your favorite version of the Bible, and helpful memorization tips. For a busy mom who doesn't have a lot of quiet time, this is perfect! </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: 'Brandon Text', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: 'Brandon Text', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: 'Brandon Text', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><b><i>From the book description:</i></b></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: 'Brandon Text', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Here are the words of hope you’re looking for when your faith needs a boost or a friend needs encouragement. Chosen by more than a thousand women as their favorite verses in the Bible, each one is worth learning, worth sharing, worth remembering,</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">You’ll find verses you already know and love: “I can do all this through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13)</span><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">. </i><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Others may be less familiar but are no less powerful: “Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe” (Proverbs 29:25). All of them capture the truth of God’s goodness, mercy, and love for His own.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Best-selling author Liz Curtis Higgs invites you to experience—</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">A deeper, richer understanding of thirty-one treasured verses. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">A fresh look at how these timeless truths can impact your life. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">A new passion for memorizing Scripture, verse by verse. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Thirty-one creative ways to keep them in your heart forever. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">With a study guide included, </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">31 Verses to Write on Your Heart </i><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">is a daily devotional and a small-group Bible study, wrapped in a lovely gift book overflowing with joy!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">4 out of 5 stars</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. </span></i></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span>Jessica Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14424348024065994981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3487888102586504550.post-91393848203599027552016-10-20T22:46:00.000-04:002016-10-20T22:46:34.162-04:00You're Saying it Wrong (by Ross Petras and Kathryn Petras)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've heard people (and I'm sure you have, too) use big words to sound smarter and be impressive, and I've cringed when they've mispronounce those words. Of course, I've mispronounced a lot of words myself! And so have you. ;) We all could use a little help in that area. </div>
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Enter: <i>You're Saying it Wrong: A Pronunciation Guide to the 150 Most Commonly Mispronounced Words--and Their Tangled Histories of Misuse. </i>This little guide is seriously helpful! If you're thinking that it's another dry reference book, think again. Besides the "shibboleth" words and their history and usage guide, there are other helpful lists such as: "How to Sound Like You're From Across the Pond" and "How to Sound like a Patron of the Arts." So, plenty of great info with a wonderful smattering of humor. (Oh, and if you don't know what "shibboleth" means, get the book! ;) )</div>
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I love that this little volume looks and feels a bit antique. 5 starts for design and content! </div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>I received this book for free from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review. </i></span></div>
Jessica Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14424348024065994981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3487888102586504550.post-70297705132804291952016-09-22T00:06:00.002-04:002016-09-22T00:14:01.244-04:00Me (A Compendium)<i>Me, </i>a fill-in journal for kids, is one of the cutest books I've seen! The colors, the artwork, the clever ideas, it's all wonderfully done! My son is 8 years old and I thought it might be a bit young for him, but he loves it and probably would have filled it all out today if I'd let him.<br />
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The first thing that grabbed me was, of course, the jacket artwork. When I opened the book and read the inside flap, I saw more "genius": it tells the child to remove the jacket and fill in the cover on their own. Inside, the child is directed to fill in the pictures on each page, such as: where'd I'd love to visit, if I had a band it would be called____, my family, my favorite shoes, etc.<br />
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<i>Me</i> is the perfect way to spark a child's imagination and love for books, and I highly recommend it!<br />
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5 out of 5.<br />
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Find out more about the book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Me-Compendium-Fill--Journal-Kids/dp/0553459791/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1474517044&sr=1-1&keywords=me+a+compendium">here</a>.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">I received this book for free in exchange for my honest review. </span></div>
Jessica Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14424348024065994981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3487888102586504550.post-12706334567004877872016-09-19T21:45:00.003-04:002016-10-03T12:56:44.359-04:00Live on Forever (The Afters)<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This giveaway is now closed. The winner is..... Charissa Rice! Congrats, Charissa! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Christian Pop Rock isn't my favorite kind of music, but I did like some of the songs on this CD. My son <i>loves</i> it, and has been singing along with it, and dancing, which is adorable. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">What I liked:</span></div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Some of the lyrics are great. My favorite is "Battles", and I've included an excerpt at the end of this review. </span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Some of the tunes were pretty catchy. </span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Artwork is great!</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">What I didn't like:</span></div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Like so much of the music in this genre, a lot of the songs start to sound the same after awhile. </span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I can't figure out why the song When You're With Me is on this album. As a love song, it seems out of place. </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Here's the thing: <b>one of you will get a copy of the CD! </b>If you'd like to enter the giveaway, just comment on this blog post or on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/My-Two-Cents-Worth-221192018038051/?fref=ts">Facebook post</a> and let me know. That's it! Giveaway ends Wednesday, Sept. 28, at 9pm, EST.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Find out more about the CD and the group on their website</span><a href="http://theafters.com/" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> here</a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"Battles"</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This current is trying to wreck me<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Like castles of sand, castles of sand.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />My fear, like an enemy army<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Is marching again, but I'm making a stand.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />You surround me on every side<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Your love is my armor I fear no evil.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Darkness runs from your light<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />So I won't be afraid, I won't be afraid.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />You're going before me<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />And oceans are parting<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />You're fighting my battles.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />When my feet are failing<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />And my heart is shaking<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />You're fighting my battles.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Fighting my battles.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Fighting my battles.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Fighting my battles.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Time after time you're my refuge,<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />You heal every scar you're guarding my heart.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Your promise, the hope that I cling to,<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />My rescue, my friend you come rushing in.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />And surround me on every side<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Your love is my armor I fear no evil.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Darkness runs from your light<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />So I won't be afraid, I won't be afraid<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />You're going before me<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />And oceans are parting<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />You're fighting my battles.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />When my feet are failing<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />And my heart is shaking<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />You're fighting my battles.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Fighting my battles.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Fighting my battles.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Fighting my battles.</span></div>
Jessica Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14424348024065994981noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3487888102586504550.post-86683316424678907202016-09-19T10:04:00.000-04:002016-09-19T10:04:20.883-04:00Uninvited, by Lysa TerKeurst<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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If ever a book became available for review at a perfect time, this is it. Feelings of rejection have plagued me my entire life, and I've allowed it (and the fear of it) to taint every opportunity, relationship...everything. Lately it's been a huge battle for me, as I also battle depression and anxiety, and anything that <i>might</i> be seen as rejection is blown entirely out of proportion and crushes me.<br />
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This author clearly knows what it's like to deal with rejection. In <i>Uninvited,</i> she relates her own battle to fit in, find acceptance and fill the empty places in her life, and how she ultimately has found it all by "living loved". Mixed with both raw pain and humor, she leads the reader on a journey to discover this solution as well.<br />
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<b><i>"Live from the abundant place that you are loved, and you won't find yourself begging others for scraps of love." p. 106, Uninvited</i></b></blockquote>
I definitely recommend this book. It's must read for those who have dealt with rejection in any form, or anyone going through a difficult time.<br />
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5 out of 5 stars.<br />
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Read more about the book <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Uninvited-Living-Loved-When-Lonely-ebook/dp/B01864DVG6/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1474293520&sr=1-1&keywords=uninvited+lysa+terkeurst">here</a>.<br />
Read more about the author <a href="http://lysaterkeurst.com/">here</a>.Jessica Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14424348024065994981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3487888102586504550.post-72001583603535416742016-09-12T14:58:00.000-04:002016-09-12T15:04:35.614-04:00Women in Science by Rachel IgnotofskyTo a lot of kids, science is booooooooring. It's something they do because they have to, and definitely not something that's enjoyable or inspiring. I hated science in school. I mean, some of it fascinated me, but it all seemed hard and undoable and nothing I ever really wanted to invest time in. Besides, girls weren't exactly encouraged to pursue anything related to science.<br />
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Fast-forward to now: I have a daughter who loves science. She really does! She'll be doing her science for the day and get excited about something she just read and start telling me about it. I'm thrilled that she loves it, and I want to encourage her, but I can't help it: the technical terms and facts make me glaze over. But I try. I really do! I want my other kids to love science, too. Science, after all, is a subject that causes an awareness of the awesomeness of God like no other!<br />
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For that reason, and because I'm a homeschool mom, nonfiction books, especially those that look interesting, grab my attention.<br />
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This book didn't disappoint! The cover art and colorful, quirky illustrations on every page made this book a joy to read. It's beautiful! The info presented is done so in a matter that holds interest. It doesn't drag. There is a timeline, list of lab tools, graphs, glossary of terms, and links to provide further info on the amazing women who "star" in this book and their work. I had never heard of most of the women, and I was absolutely amazed at what they accomplished, especially considering the hardships and discrimination they faced.<br />
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I highly recommend this book! It might just inspire <i>your </i>girl to get more interested in science!<br />
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5 out of 5 stars.<br />
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Read more about <i>Women in Science, 50 Fearless Pioneers who Changed the World" </i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Women-Science-Fearless-Pioneers-Changed/dp/1607749769/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1473706574&sr=8-1&keywords=women+in+science+50+fearless+pioneers+who+changed+the+world">here</a>.Jessica Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14424348024065994981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3487888102586504550.post-63973019503529866052016-08-19T14:43:00.002-04:002016-08-19T14:43:31.321-04:00The Long Journey to Jake Palmer by James L. Rubart<br />
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Some books merely entertain; some leave a deep impression. This is one of the latter. <i>The Long Journey to Jake Palmer</i> touched on some painful areas for me, but applied a balm afterward. This story is packed with feeling that goes right to the heart of the reader! Humor was present as well, and it wasn't cheesy or forced. There were suspenseful moments and surprising twists, and the characters were developed well. (Don't we all know a Camille!? Yeesh!) The story, while told rather slowly, wasn't dull. This is a book you can curl up and escape into. I look forward to reading other books by this author!<br />
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It's so easy to read others' labels while entirely missing what our own label says. It's easy to hide in our bottles and never be our true selves...never find the freedom that Christ offers. But it's time to change that. It's never too late.<br />
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4 out of 5 stars from me.<br />
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<b>Read more about the book <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Long-Journey-Jake-Palmer-ebook/dp/B01864DTK4/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1471631404&sr=1-1&keywords=the+long+journey+to+jake+palmer">here</a>. </b><br />
<b>Read more about the author<a href="https://www.amazon.com/James-L.-Rubart/e/B002VD08HO/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1"> here</a>. </b><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>I received this book from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own. </i></span>Jessica Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14424348024065994981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3487888102586504550.post-81382645189198292132016-08-06T01:45:00.004-04:002016-08-06T01:47:32.511-04:00When Death Draws Near, by Carrie Stuart Parks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When I read the blurb about <i>When Death Draws Near</i> and saw that it was about "snake-handling churches", I was intrigued. I am scared to death of snakes, but I'm a little fascinated by them. I've wondered what those churches are really like, and what they teach. I'm also fascinated by forensics, so choosing this book to review was easy. </div>
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I had never read anything by Carrie Stuart Parks, so I was anxious to see if her style was similar to Terri Blackstock's (my favorite suspense author). In a lot of ways, it was. Here are the things I enjoyed:</div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;">The book was definitely a page-turner.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">There were few slow spots. </li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">I was kept guessing about the culprit until the end of the book.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Gwen has struggled with cancer, and I found out later that the author herself is a cancer survivor. This thread, though not a main theme in the book, was especially well written. </li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">This is the third book in the Gwen Marcey series, but there were only a couple of times when I felt a little confused because I hadn't read the first two. It really wasn't a problem. </li>
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The things I didn't like are these: </div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;">The humor seemed forced and out of place at times.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">I never fully "connected" with the main character. Gwenflip-flops all over the place. One minute, she's calm, cool, collected, and all business, suspecting a certain person of being the serial rapist, and the next, she's fawning and helpless, a damsel in distress, blushing every time he looks at her. Speaking of him, He goes from being incredibly rude to thoughtful and romantic...and back again. He is impossible to figure out. </li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">During one tense, pivotal moment in the book, a character says something that is ridiculously out of place for what was happening. </li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">At one point, the members of the church are introducing Gwen to everyone, and not long afterward, they're saying that they never use names because it's too dangerous. </li>
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All in all, I enjoyed the book and will probably read more of this author's books. </div>
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3 out of 5 stars. </div>
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<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 14px; padding: 0px;">
<strong>Book Description: </strong><br />
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<strong>Gwen Marcey takes death in stride. Until she’s faced with her own mortality.</strong></div>
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Forensic artist Gwen Marcey is between jobs when she accepts temporary work in Pikeville, Kentucky—a small town facing big-city crime. But before Gwen can finish her first drawing of the serial rapist who is on the loose, the latest witness vanishes. Just like all the others.</div>
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Gwen suspects a connection between the rapist and the “accidental” deaths that are happening around town, but the local sheriff has little interest in her theories. When her digitally-obsessed teenage daughter joins her, Gwen turns her attention to a second assignment: going undercover in a serpent-handling church. She could get a handsome reward for uncovering illegal activity—a reward she desperately needs, as it seems her breast cancer has returned. But snakes aren’t the only ones ready to kill. Can Gwen uncover the truth—and convince anyone to believe her—before she becomes a victim herself?</div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">In a thrilling race against time,</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> </span><em style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">When Death Draws Near </em><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">plunges us into cold-case murders, shady politics, and a den of venomous suspects.</span></div>
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Read more info about the author <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Carrie-Stuart-Parks/e/B001JS2OTC/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1">here.</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>I received this this book from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own. </i></span></div>
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Jessica Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14424348024065994981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3487888102586504550.post-22408993452342472362016-08-02T19:04:00.000-04:002016-08-02T19:04:19.844-04:00The Spiritual Warfare Answer Book by Dr. David Jeremiah<br />
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This little book packs a punch! The cover is beautiful, and though small enough to stick into a purse or backpack, the volume feels satisfyingly weighty in your hands. Split into categories like "Terms of Engagement", "Behind Enemy Lines", and "God's Armory", topics such as being called into battle, being a courageous warrior, Satan's origin and strategies, and prayer are covered in a brief, easy-to-read manner. <i>The Spiritual Warfare Answer Book</i> is simple enough for my older children to read, but deep enough to cause me to think more about topics I might have brushed over in the past. I appreciate what I've learned from the book. It was a truly enjoyable read and I highly recommend it! </div>
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Read more about the book <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Spiritual-Warfare-Answer-Book/dp/0718091469/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1470178026&sr=8-1&keywords=the+spiritual+warfare+answer+book">here</a>. Read more bout Dr. David Jeremiah <a href="http://www.davidjeremiah.org/site/about/biography.aspx">here</a>.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>I received a copy of this book from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.</i></span><br />
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I thought I'd try something different this time when choosing which book to review, and...I messed up. I knew this was tongue in cheek comedy, but I wasn't expecting so much language and crudeness. I didn't even finish it, but I will share some info.</div>
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The book is beautifully bound, with a surprising, humorous twist. Parts of the book are definitely funny, but the snark was a bit much, and the crudeness and bad language <i>wasn't</i> funny. If you have to be crude and offensive to make people laugh, you may be hanging out with middle schoolers. It really isn't necessary. Also, making fun of someone's faith is distasteful, to say the least. </div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">There are some genuinely helpful tips if you are a world traveler, and I suppose that this book will appeal mainly to people of that group anyway. </span><br />
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So, all in all, <i>How May We Hate You </i>was a disappointment. I don't recommend it. </div>
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1 out 5 stars.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>I received this book for free from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review. </i></span>Jessica Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14424348024065994981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3487888102586504550.post-56144195114394986822016-07-01T21:17:00.000-04:002016-07-02T01:44:17.236-04:00Unashamed (Review & Giveaway)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I was recently hospitalized due to severe depression and anxiety. It was the first time I had ever gone to the hospital for that reason, and I was scared to death. I was also ashamed. I kept a journal during my stay and, over and over, I found myself writing, "I'm ashamed. So ashamed." I was afraid for anyone to know because of how they might think of me, and I was terrified of causing my family embarrassment. I shouldn't have worried! When my husband let people know and asked them to pray for us, we were covered by love and understanding, and many people opened up and shared that they, too, suffered with depression. And you know what? I bet they've felt shame, too. That should be the very <i>last</i> thing we should have to deal with. I even interpreted it as guilt; I felt like I had done something wrong. Honestly, I'm not sure I could differentiate between guilt and shame. </div>
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In <i>Unashamed, Healing our Brokenness and Finding Freedom from Shame, </i>Heather Davis Nelson defines the difference between guilt and shame, and explains how Satan uses shame to crush and defeat us. With a warmth and candor that is so needed when dealing with this sensitive subject, Heather opens up about her own experiences and offers hope and advice on how to break free from shame's bondage. Topics such as body shame, social shame, and shame in marriage and parenting are covered, and there are even extra resources for those who suffer from abuse. </div>
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Here are some of my favorite quotes from the book:<br />
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<i>"Insecurity leads to people-pleasing, which is often motivated by fear of intimacy, which is motivated by fear of rejection."</i></div>
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<i>"What if you chose to share what's closer to real life than the airbrushed life stories our social media accounts usually portray? If you are really daring, ask a friend who knows you well in real life how similar your online presence is to who you are. And if you're feeling especially courageous, write a post about how you are <b>really</b> doing."</i></div>
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<i>"To engage in our work and calling with all we are, and to continue without stalling out or freezing up requires silencing the critic within (because too often it is our own voice that speaks the oldest words of condemnation)."</i></div>
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<b>I highly recommend this book! </b></div>
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<b>And...one of you will win a copy! To enter, simply leave a comment letting me know that you wish to be entered into the giveaway. That's it! :) Oh, and please share this with your friends! This giveaway will be open until Friday, July 8th, at 10 pm. </b></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">I received this book in exchange for my honest review. Giveaways are open to residents of the US and Canada. Winners are chosen via random.org. If you have won in the last six months, another winner will be chosen.</span></i></div>
Jessica Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14424348024065994981noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3487888102586504550.post-49013188587419826642016-06-09T14:51:00.000-04:002016-06-09T14:51:17.798-04:00Subversive Jesus, by Craig Greenfield<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Recently, I've been more stirred (bothered, challenged, what have you...) by the realization of how little we actually do to help the poor and needy. We read the Bible, we profess to love Jesus and strive to be like Him, but we fail in this vital area. In <i>Subversive Jesus, an Adventure in Justice, Mercy, & Faithfulness in a Broken World,</i> Craig Greenfield relates how he and his family and friends made drastic changes in their lives in order to better minister to this neglected group of people. </div>
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While the stories in this book were touching, convicting, and sometimes humorous, I was a bit turned off by the author's attitude. (Or, the attitude he seemed to me to have.) He thumbed his nose at earnest people who work with ministries that offer food and gifts to the homeless and those in poor neighborhoods, even going so far as to say that he is embarrassed by them. While handing out scarves and gloves to the homeless might not have the same affect as living among them, it is still a ministry, and those who take part shouldn't be made fun of. </div>
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While I didn't entirely agree with the author's views, I do admire what he and his friends are doing, and I am convicted to study into what he wrote. </div>
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This is from the back copy of <i>Subversive Jesus:</i></div>
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<b style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">A broken world </b><b style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">demands a response. </b><br style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><b style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> </b><br style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><i style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Subversive Jesus</i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> is the story of one family's experiment in putting the most counter-cultural teachings of Christ into practice. When Jesus says invite the poor for a meal, Craig and his family welcome homeless friends, local crack addicts, and women from the street corner over for dinner. When Jesus proclaims freedom for the captive, they organize Pirates of Justice flash mobs to protest cruise ship exploitation. When Jesus teaches love for enemies, they make homemade cookies and lemonade for the local drug dealers, and none of them show up! This adventure takes Craig's family from the slums of Cambodia to inner city Canada and back again. </span><br />
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You might think that Jesus' most subversive teachings should be systematically laid out in a theological textbook. With plenty of dull footnotes. But Jesus knows well that we are people of story and grit. We need to see theological ideas in messy human form so they can spark something real in our imagination. We need to see other people screw up so we can laugh or weep and then imagine that we might dare to risk failure too.</div>
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<br />Allow their journey to inspire your own. Allow Jesus to subvert what you think you already know. And you'll find that this book becomes an invitation to say yes to this subversive Jesus and do something courageous with your life - for the sake of justice, mercy, and faithfulness in a broken world. </div>
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<b>About the Author: </b></div>
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<span style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Craig is the founder and director of Alongsiders International (alongsiders.org) - a fast-growing movement mobilizing and equipping thousands of young Christians in the developing world to walk alongside those who walk alone - orphans and vulnerable children in their own communities. </span><br style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">During more than 15 years living and ministering in slums and inner cities in Asia and North America, Craig has established a number of initiatives to care for vulnerable kids and orphans, as well as formed Christian communities for those marginalized by society. </span><br style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">For 8 years, Craig served as the International Coordinator of Servants, a ministry within the slums of Asia. His postgraduate research in International Development led to the publication of his first book, The Urban Halo: a story of hope for orphans of the poor. Craig's second book, Subversive Jesus, will be published by Zondervan in 2016.</span><br style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">For more info visit Craig's website: <a href="http://craiggreenfield.com/">craiggreenfield.com</a></span></div>
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This book gets 3 out of 5 stars from me. </div>
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I received this book from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest review. </div>
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Jessica Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14424348024065994981noreply@blogger.com0