Cast of Characters

by Max Lucado

Thomas Nelson Publishing

"Some of the most powerful stories from the Bible will come alive for today’s readers through these

inspiring selections from the writings of Max Lucado. Max provides a compelling look at the most

high-impact moments in the biblical narrative, drawn from his previous 20+ years of writing.

At the end of each chapter will be study guide questions so the reader can go deeper into this

scripture.

Extraordinary stories are told about the following characters:

Mary, Peter, Matthew, Joseph, Nicodemus, Woman at the Well, David, Esther, Job, The Samaritan Woman, John, Rich Young Man."

I have read a number of Max Lucado's works.  Most of them I have found to be wonderful and profound.  However this book felt wrong.  I picked it up to read today.  I was disappointed and a little upset at the way Lucado portrayed the Bible and Biblical characters.  I felt he was trying to fit in with today's hip way of life.  I have respect and reverence for my Father in Heaven and the Holy Scriptures.  I felt that the respect and reverence that the Bible demands was not there.  It was almost callous in the way it was written.  I was unable to read the entire book, because of the uneasiness that I found from reading the small bit I did.  Maybe this book will appeal to others in a way it did not to me.

Price: $14.99

*I was sent a copy of this book from the publisher to read and review.  I am  not compensated for my honest opinion.

Offworld

by Robin Parrish

Bethany House Publishing

Okay, so yesterday I was reading this book and told Brian what a great book it was.  He asked me what it was about.  I told him it was about these 4 astronauts that went on a 2 1/2 year mission to Mars and when they came back EVERYONE in the world was gone.  I happened about 2 months before their return~ the same time they lost contact with NASA.  So as they are traveling to this bright light in Houston from Florida, they find a homeless gal (about 19 or so)~ the only person alive.  Not knowing what to think they took her with them.

  Brian was shocked he said, "Your are reading science fiction?"  I told him I was and it was soooo good and they needed to make it into a movie! (I never read sci-fi).

Well this morning I finished it and while it was really good, I can not tell you any more.  It will spoil the ending for you if I tell you more then what I told you already.  But even if you are not into sci-fi (like me) you should try to read it.  Only took me about 5 hours to read!
Loved it!

Price $14.99  purchase here.

*I was sent a free copy to read and review.  I am not compensated for my honest review.

Though Waters Roar

by Lynn Austin

Bethany House Publishing

"Thank goodness you're such a plain child. You'll have to rely on your wits."

So went the words of Grandma Bebe. And for all of my growing-up years, I scoffed at the beauty of my sister and what I saw as her meaningless existence. But my wits hadn't served me well in this instance, for here I was, in jail. And while I could have seen it as carrying on the family tradition (for Grandma Bebe landed in jail for her support of Prohibition), the truth is, my reasons for being here would probably break her heart.

So how did I end up becoming a criminal? I've been pondering that question all night. Perhaps the best way to search for an answer is to start at the very beginning."

One girl's story intertwined with her grandmother's life story.  This truly is a unique story of courage and trusting God with our lives.  There is quite a bit of history in the book that I was able to glean.  I found myself hoping and wishing for good to happen from Bebe as her life was so hard..  It was easy to follow a long, although I did find it a bit long and hard to get into in the beginning.

Price: $ 13.99 purchase from the publisher.

*I was sent a free copy of this book to read and review from the publisher.  I am not compensated for my honest opinion.

Granola Bar and Fruit Snacks GIVE AWAY!

My friend Janet from Simply Schooling Mom is having a giveaway from Costco.  She is giving away a huge box of granola bars, real fruit roll up snacks, and a $25 gift card to Costco. To enter go here.

Thank you Janet!!

Amazing Adventures, Creative Connections, & Daring Deeds:

40 Ideas That Put Feet to Your Family's Faith 

by Tim & Alison Thompson

Nav Press Publishing

"Say good-bye to passive family devotions! The energy and creativity of these 40 activities, which can be adapted to all ages, is a great resource for individual families or for churches with family and inter-generational ministries.

Instead of reading a verse that is soon forgotten, you and your kids will engage in activities both inside and outside the home that demonstrate biblical faith in action. The result? Seeing how you can live as disciples whatever your sphere of influence.

Each of the 40 activities includes a creative introduction, a brief exploration of a Bible passage, and active ideas for applying biblical truth

This great discipleship and outreach tool includes age-appropriate discussion questions and activities for age four through teens."

I read this book and am really excited!  I think this would be great devotions or Family Home Evenings to do with the family.  I plan on using it once a week in our home school this coming year as a devotional.

Each chapter contains  an introduction message about the chapter~the topic.
There is also a Reaching In section where you would reach in to your own family and discuss various questions.  Reaching Into the Word in the next section~  a scripture is given and various questions based on children's ages to discuss.  The last section is the Reaching Into the World~ service based ideas to help others in the community.

Price: $ 12.99 go here to purchase

*I was sent a free copy of this book from the publisher to read and review.  This review is my honest opinion which I am not compensated for.

Growing With Purpose

by Jon Walker

Zondervan Publishing

"Spend a year exploring God's purpose for your life. This thought-provoking, yet practical one-year devotional will help you understand that God's grace is the most powerful tool for change in your life. In this time of uncertainty and fear, Growing with Purpose teaches that God's perfect love drives out all fear. It's a fresh look at biblical truth that will strengthen your faith and encourage you to trust that God's promises are as certain as the sun coming up tomorrow. You'll find yourself reading it over and over again, growing with purpose and in intimate pursuit of God every day. Spend a year exploring God's purpose for your life ... spend a lifetime connected to the heart of God. Learn more about author Jon Walker's ministry" here.

For those of you who enjoy reading a page a day in a devotional fashion with really like this book.  I find that I do not like them as much.  I  feel guilty if I do not read everyday.  But, this would be good if you do devotionals for homeschooling or with your family.  Very upbeat with scriptures to read along with the message.  

This is a Christian based book.

Price: $18.99 click to purchase.

*I was sent a free copy of this book to read and review.  I am not compensated for my honest review.

Blind Hope GIVE AWAY!!

by Kim Meeder & Laurie Sacher

Multomah Publishing

This was a very powerful book and true story.  I enjoyed it immensely.  It is a quick read (with pictures of sweet Mia), but also amazing.  Readers will learn so much about loving themselves and trusting God.  This book is a message of hope to all of us who struggle from time to time. I guarantee you will be a changed person after reading this book.

When Laurie decides to rescue a mangy sick dog, she had no idea her life would change more then her dog's.  After Mia goes blind Laurie has to train the dog to hear her voice.  She realizes she needs to listen for God to tell the direction she needs to go as well.

"Coming to a book retailer new year July 2010."

Price $13.99 to purchase go here.

* I was sent a free copy of this book to read and review.  I am not compensated for my honest opinion.

I have a brand new copy from the publisher to give away on my blog.  Here is how to enter to win you very own copy!!

For each of the following you will get one entry.  Maker sure you leave me a  note on how to get a hold of you if you win.

1.  Become a follower of my blog.

2. Tell me why you would like this book.

3.  Get a friend to become a follower of my blog.

I will randomly select the winner on Saturday July 10th 9pm MST

The Silent Gift

by Michael Landon Jr, & Cindy Kelley

Bethany House Publishing

There are so many layers to this book.  I was intrigued, angry, hopeful, and sad during the reading of this book.  I must say the authors are fabulous writers! There was such depth to the story and many layers to the main character.

"The decade of the 'thirties was a time of enormous uncertainty--for the world, for America, and in particular for one lonely, struggling mother and her disabled son. Their story is one of unyielding love and incredible sacrifices in the face of circumstances beyond belief. 

But then The Gift appears where has it come from, and why? How can a young boy who cannot communicate provide comfort and direction to seekers who learn of the special ability? Whatever the source, its presence brings a single shaft of light and hope to Mary to her beloved son, Jack. Will it be enough?"

I could not put this book down.  I stayed up until after 1am (I am an early to bed kind of gal) so that says a lot.  I am not sure I would have picked this book up to read if I had not been given an opportunity to review it.  It is not usually a type of book I read, but this was so well written and kept me reading on and on to the end.  Thank you!!

Price $ 13.99 purchase here.

*I was sent a free copy of this book to read and review.  I am not compensated for my honest review.