No Greater Valor by Jerome Corsi (Book Review)

                                  

I've always been fascinated by World War II, and I love to read and watch films about it. When I learned about the Battle of the Bulge and realized how horrific the conditions were for those men, I was so moved by their sacrifice. I can't possibly understand just how horrible and dark it was during that battle, nor can anyone who wasn't there. The stories of those soldiers need to be told...often...so they are never forgotten. In No Greater Valor, Jerome Corsi tells about the siege of Bastogne and the ways in which God worked to bring about victory for the Allies. Jerome Corsi writes from a Christian worldview; it's refreshing to read about the war and not have to wade through offensive language and vulgar stories. 

I was disappointed that the book was hard to get into. Most of it is a dry recitation of so many facts, names, places, dates, and war machinery that I found it difficult to keep up. Maybe that's just me. By the middle of the book I found it enjoyable and more interesting. I especially enjoyed the first person narratives and photos scattered throughout. One portion of the book that stood out to me was the story of General Patton and Chaplain O'Neill collaborating on a "special training letter dedicated to expounding upon the importance of prayer." If only we had men like them in leadership today!

I give this book 3 out of 5 stars. 

More about the book:

Book Description

Jerome Corsi's newest opus, No Greater Valor, examines the Siege of Bastogne-one of the most heroic victories of WWII-with a focus on the surprising faith of the Americans who fought there.

In December of 1944, an outmanned, outgunned, and surrounded US force fought Hitler's overwhelming Panzer divisions to a miraculous standstill at Bastogne. The underdogs had saved the war for the Allies. It was nothing short of miraculous.

Corsi's analysis is based on a record of oral histories along with original field maps used by field commanders, battle orders, and other documentation made at the time of the military command. With a perspective gleaned from newspapers, periodicals, and newsreels of the day, Corsi paints a riveting portrait of one of the most important battles in world history.

About the Author

Jerome Corsi has written and coauthored many books and articles, including the #1 New York Times bestseller, Unfit for Command. Corsi is the founder of the Iran Freedom Walk. He has appeared on Fox News and MSNBC regarding Iran, as well as in hundreds of radio interviews.

Rasmus and the Vagabond by Astrid Lindgren (Review and Giveaway)

I don't remember much about the Pippi Longstocking books, but I do remember loving them and finding them very funny. When I received an email about a new book by the same author up for a review, I was excited to request it! 

However.... The deadline crept up on me real quick-like. My kids had only just started it, and I had to quickly skim through it in order to get the review done in time. I hate that too, because this book deserves better than that. Even in my quick skim-through I found myself drawn into this delightful story. Rasmus and the Vagabond, originally printed in 1956, is absolutely charming and reads as fresh as if it had been written yesterday. The orphan Rasmus' search for a family and a home is sweet, humorous, and filled with adventure. It will appeal to children of all ages!  I look forward to slowing down and reading the rest of this book with my kiddos. 

More about the book:

About the book:

Softcover / 180 pages

After running away from an orphanage, nine-year-old Rasmus finds the world a cold and unfriendly place until he befriends an extraordinary tramp called Paradise Oscar. Together they meet more adventure than they ever imagined, solve a mystery, and catch the culprits. Reassume dreams of finding a family and a home someday. But when he does, will he be able to part with his new friend and life on the road?

About the author:

Astrid Lindgren, the creator of Pippi Longstocking, Emil, and dozens of other world-famous characters, has thrilled three generations of children with her storytelling. She is the only children’s author with a literary prize, a theme park, a museum, a satellite, and a minor planet named in her honor. (After this last honor, she suggested changing her name to “Asteroid Lindgren.”) A jury appointed by Swedish Radio’s Culture Department to elect the “Author of the Millennium” voted Astrid Lindgren second after William Shakespeare. She was awarded the Hans Christian Andersen Medal and heaps of other awards and honors.

Official Website: http://www.plough.com/en/ebooks/qr/rasmus-and-the-vagabond

One of you will win a copy of Rasmus and the Vagabond!  To enter, simply leave a comment on this blog post or on my Facebook page letting me know that you wish to be entered. If you share this giveaway via social media, leave another comment letting me know and I'll give you an extra entry. Giveaway ends Wednesday, February 18. 

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): 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. 
Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

Team Us, by Ashleigh Slater (Review & Giveaway)

According to Random.org, the winner is: Kellysews! Congrats, Kelly!

With candor, wit, common sense, and humility, Ashleigh Slater presents a picture of what marriage is...or should be: a team. Not two teams pitted against each other, but one team, with each spouse committed to the other. A team of two. Not two, actually, but three, because God is the necessary member Who holds it all together.

I love Ashleigh's writing style! I never got bored with this book. She relates, through both her own experiences as well as those of her married friends, the ways in which she (and they) have learned to use their differences to strengthen their teams rather than divide them--in parenting, jobs, difficulties, conflict, and handling differences.

While an easy read, this isn't a feel-good one all the way through. It's not one of those mushy-gushy-everything-is-lovely books. Ashleigh keeps it real, and that makes it seem more doable.

Team Us is a book that every engaged and married couple should read.

I give it 5 out of 5 stars.

About the book:

176 pages / Forward by Dr. Gary Chapman (author of 5 Love Languages)

What are you agreeing to when you say “I do”? When a couple promises “I do,” they agree to more than just a shared last name, a joint bank account, and no more dateless nights. This husband and wife duo forms a new team. “Life together” becomes their mantra. Nothing can come between them. At least, that’s the plan. But then real life sets in. With it come disappointments and frustrations. If the couple isn’t intentional in their day-to-day interactions, that once enthusiastic “we” can slowly revert to “you” and “me.” Before long, the couple’s left wondering what happened to their team spirit. 

Team Us: Marriage Together offers couples practical ways to cultivate and strengthen unity in their marriages. Author Ashleigh Slater shares from her own marriage as she presents couples with realistic ideas on how to foster cooperation, deepen commitment, and exercise grace on a daily basis.

 “Finishing your marriage story well is definitely within your reach, no matter what your history tells you.”

Check out the book trailer HERE & hear from Ashleigh Slater HERE.

Check out Ashleigh’s blog HERE

Check out the official website HERE (you can read an excerpt here to see if you’d like it!)

One of you will win a copy of Team Us, Marriage Together! To enter, simply leave a comment on this blog post or on my Facebook Page letting me know that you wish to be entered. If you share this giveaway on social media, please leave an extra comment letting me know and I will give you another entry. Giveaway ends Friday, Feb. 13 at 9 pm.

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): 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.

 Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

Draw-A-Saurus (Book Review)

As soon as I saw this book on the review list, I knew I had to get it for my dino-loving son. I was right--it was a hit!

Draw-A-Saurus, Everything You Need to Know to Draw Your Favorite Dinosaurs is, in a word, fun! No dry, boring instructions here! Nooo, sir. This book is bright, colorful, and funny! I particularly love the "editor's notes".

Dinosaur facts are included throughout the book, as well as step-by-step instructions on how to draw various types of dinosaurs. 

My son is 7. He had a bit of trouble with the more detailed steps of dino drawing, but I was very impressed with how well he did. I have no artistic talent when it comes to drawing, but I helped my son out with the more advanced steps and I was quite satisfied with our attempts. :) Even if it wasn't perfect, my little guy and I had fun together, and he learned something new. So, for educational as well as fun value, this book is a winner! 

There is evolutionary content in the book, so just a heads up there. 

Draw-A-Saurus gets 4 out of 5 stars from me.

Read more about the book here.

Read more about the author here.

"I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review."

52 Little Lessons from Les Misérables (Review)

                                        

52 Little lessons From Les Misérables is as beautiful inslde as it is out. It is a new favorite of mine!

I must confess that I have never read Les Misérables, nor have I ever seen any of the stage or screen versions. My introduction to Victor Hugo's classic came by way of Focus on the Family's Radio Theater. Their dramatized version is excellent and I highly recommend it! The story wrapped itself around my heart and squeezed out a whole lot of tears, lemme tell ya. Maybe it's because Valjean reminds me of my grandpa...I don't know. The themes of grace, forgiveness, and sacrifice were beautifully presented and, though not Hugo's original intent, spelled out the gospel so clearly. Still, probably because I hadn't read the book, I didn't realize how many little gems and parallels I had missed.

I had never read anything by Bob Welch, but I was immediately won over by his writing style. I love the way this book is laid out. In each of the 52 chapters, or lessons, he includes insights that both convict and inspire. I was very moved by this book; it isn't one that can be read and quickly forgotten. I have already looked for more books from this author! 

I give 52 Little Lessons From Les Misérables 5 out of 5 stars and highly recommend it. 

For more about the book, visit this link: http://store.faithgateway.com/52-little-lessons-from-les-miserables 

About Bob Welch

Bob Welch is the author of seventeen books, an award-winning columnist, a speaker, and an adjunct professor of journalism at the University of Oregon in Eugene. His articles have been published in inspirational books, including the popular "Chicken Soup for the Soul" series.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

DIY Type (Review)

DIY Type, though a beautifully bound book, was a bit of a surprise. It is actually sort of a glorified set of stencils, with several pages in the front introducing the author, Dana Tanamachi, and presenting some project ideas. I guess I expected more tips, project photos, or...something. The introduction was interesting, especially to a beginning artist like my daughter, and the ideas were helpful. This book is great, but I'm thankful that I received it for free; if I had had to pay for it, I would have been disappointed. I think the book should have included more font sizes and some numerals. 

I give it 3 out of 5 starts.

For the author's bio, go here: http://www.randomhouse.com/author/219770/dana-tanamachi

For more info on the book, go here: http://www.randomhouse.com/book/237772/diy-type-by-dana-tanamachi

I received this book from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest opinion. 

Colliding With Destiny (Review)

"Our brokenness is most beautiful when we're in His presence." 

Day 1: Life Doesn't Always Go as Planned

I was intrigued after reading the blurb for Colliding With Destiny, and I was happy to be able to review it.  Sarah Jakes has been through a lot. She's made many mistakes, but has obviously learned much from them. The very fact that she has changed so drastically and has written this book is testimony to God's grace. (I'm very interested to read the book she's written sharing her story, Lost and Found.)

In Colliding With Destiny Sarah Jakes shares excerpts from the story of Ruth and ties Ruth's story into the circumstances of so many of us today, showing how God is working and molding us and our futures even when we can't see it; how we collide with our destinies, much like Ruth. I appreciated Sarah's insight and I found the running theme of redemption and grace throughout the book to be uplifting and encouraging. 

The cover is absolutely beautiful and the quality of the book as a whole was impressive. The layout of the chapters was a bit of a surprise, but a pleasant one; they are short and written like a devotional, with a journal prompt, questions to ponder, and a prayer at the end of each chapter. It's a very easy read, and there are many tidbits that the reader will want to write down and ponder.

There were some areas of concern to me. There seemed to be overtones of prosperity gospel, self love, and relying too much upon self confidence and our own worthiness. (We aren't worthy--no one is. That's the beauty of the gospel.) Since I don't know Sarah, I'm aware that I may have misunderstood her meaning. But, since I don't have the luxury of conversing with her to get a clearer understanding of what she was saying, I can only go by what I read in the book. 

All in all, I give Colliding With Destiny three out of five stars, and I recommend it with caution. 

Read more about Colliding With Destiny here.

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.