Easter Stories, Classic Tales for the Holy Season

Spring! New beginnings, freshness, beauty, reminders of sacrificial love and promises of better tomorrows.... And, best of all, the celebration of Easter. This collection of tales by some authors with whose work I was acquainted, and others who were new to me, was perfect reading for this season! At 300+pages this book was a bit intimidating. Some of the stories were hard to push through, but many were enjoyable. I felt quite accomplished when I finished. *ahem* The stories did touch my heart, especially The Case of Rachoff and Easter Under A Park Bench. 

Most if not all of these stories would make great read-alouds for the family. There are some wonderful lessons to be learned here, and who doesn't need to be exposed to more classic literature?

I do think that the cover artwork could have been more imaginative, not quit so generic, but that obviously doesn't affect the readability of the book. 

I give Easter Stories 3 out of 5 stars. 

One of you will win a copy of Easter Stories! Simply comment under this post sharing something you love most about Easter. That's it! Oh, and please share! Contest ends Tuesday, March 24th at 9 p.m.

About Easter Stories:

383 pg / multiple authors

Everyone who believes Easter is about more than Easter egg hunts will be grateful for this new anthology of short stories that illumine the true meaning of the season. Selected for their spiritual value and literary quality, these classic tales capture the spirit of Holy Week and Easter in a way that will captivate readers of all ages. Parents and grandparents will find that children love to hear these stories read aloud, year after year.

Easter Stories includes time-honored favorites from world-famous storytellers such as C.S. Lewis, Leo Tolstoy, Selma Lagerlof, Oscar Wilde, Elizabeth Goudge, Maxim Gorky, Ruth Sawyer, Anton Chekhov, and Walter Wangerin – as well as many you’ve never heard before. Illustrated with original woodcuts.

Find out more HERE!

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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. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification

Just Add Watercolor (Book Review)

Just Add Watercolor is a great little book! I call it "little" only because of its size, not because of the content. This book is loaded with beautiful examples of watercolor art and practical info. The information and tips on artists, materials, equipment and media are presented in a clear and straightforward manner. The visual index of paintings included in the book was especially helpful. Sections are organized according to type: 

1. TraditionalWatercolor 

2. Gouache

3. Digital

4. Mixed Media

5. Other Water-based Media

6. Non-Paper Media

Just Add Watercolor is gorgeous! A must have for any artist interested in exploring the world of watercolor. I give it 5 out of 5 stars. 

Read More: 

More info: http://www.randomhouse.com/book/243238/just-add-watercolor-by-helen-birch

Author bio: http://www.randomhouse.com/author/224140/helen-birch

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

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.”