Raising Sons and Loving it!, Gary & Carrie Oliver

The Oliver's have written an excellent resource about raising sons using their own experience of having three boys of their own. I thought the book was very well layed out. It is evident the Oliver's spent much time doing research on the subject as well as prayer. I did not realized the vast difference in the amount of information available on the subject of men's issues or raising boys compared to that of women's and raising daughters. I found this very interesting a little disturbing as men are supposed to be the leaders of families.

I also found the statistics presented in this book to be informative and interesting. During the first few chapters a knot developed in my throat as I realized how important the battle was for our sons. The information presented gives a bleak picture of boyhood. However, the Oliver's do an excellent job of pointing out that Christ is the answer and the example to the problem. The book was encouraging while not cutting any corners or making excuses for bad behavior. It is very matter of fact in some areas, yet very personable.
Thank you Zondervan for this review copy.

Words, Ginny L. Yttrup

The simple title holds such powerful truth. For in this book we find that young Kaylee seeks the memorization of words to escape the terrible reality of life around her - they are her voice when she is unable to speak. Words are her friends when she has none to comfort her. While Sierra a woman tormented by her own failures and shackled by her self-loathing and regret at her choices uses words to express in art her soul's deepest yearning and her heart's deepest fears.

In a dungeon of anger, self-hate and unforgiveness Sierra has locked out others in her life. She is so blinded by her accuser that she can not see the free gift of grace and love lying at her feet, she can not hear it in her best friend's conversation or her parent's concern. She can not bear the thought of coming face to face with herself and her choices that led to the loss of the most precious gift given to a woman.

Kaylee abused and neglected clings to her dictionary and reads the words soaking them up as food. They are her escape in the middle of the attacks perpetrated on her, they are her solace in times of loneliness, they are her comfort in moments of fear. She stores them in a mental file cabinet - a security blanket from the horrendous life of abuse she endures day after day.

These two are drawn together by divine design. Their paths cross and The Word is released into their lives in His fullest power. For it is this Word (Christ) in whom freedom is found. Through the prayer and constant watering of the word Sierra is re-introduced to the Savior she had shut out and is healed and set free. In turn The Word is released in her life and overflows into Kaylees eventually leading to redemption and restoration.

This is a highly emotional, well-written story. Although is specifically deals with sexual abuse and drug use I believe that the truth of the power of the Word is applicable to any woman with a wounded spirit - and their are many. Throughout the book the author points to the fact that The Truth sets us free. God's grace and love is so prevalent in this book that it would be difficult to read it and overlook God's great love and compassion for each of us no matter our past mistakes, our circumstances, those terrible lies spoken to us, or those things done to us that were beyond our control. It is evident that this author experienced God's grace first hand. She has done an excellent job at penning a story that is very healing to a shattered heart.

Thank you B&H Publishing for this review copy.

iShine NLT Bible, Tyndale

This is a pocket size, soft simulated leather bible with a rock-n-roll boy on the front. The blue and orange colors are age appropriate for tweens and teens. It is designed for those difficult tween years. I thought it was very well layed out. I am partial to having the words of Christ in red and this bible does not have this. However I really liked the fact that it opens with a page that states: "Who you are matters, Why you are matters, What you do matters, You matter to God" it then points them to color inserts scattered through the bible. These inserts are titled: Section 1 - You have value, Section 2 - You have a unique identity in Christ, Section 3 - You have a purpose to fulfill. Each of these have a link to a video and a short lesson or devotional. I think it is great for teens and will help them with the questions that are central to so many us - Do we matter, Do we have a purpose, Are we special.

Great purchase for your tween son.
Thank you Tyndale for this review copy

Jesus In the Present Tense, Warren W. Wiersbe

I look forward to reading anything this author writes. I think he is one of my favorite bible teachers and commentators of this time. This book is about the I AM statements of Christ. It is absolutely powerful and compelling. If a person can read this and be totally unaffected I would wonder how. An experience with Christ demands a response - and this book brings the reader face to face with the great I AM! From the old testament all the way through the new Dr Wiersbe exposes these life-changing statements and exposes the foundational truths found in them. By doing so he enables the reader to become fully grounded in truth of Christ. This enables them to be consumed by this mighty God and to be changed, free to live and serve the way you were created to.

Excellent for personal growth or group study.

Thank you B&B Communications for this review copy.

Marriage, It's in Your Hands, Bobby L. Sneed

This book has been written in a time when it's message is crucial. The institute of marriage has long been under attack by the enemy and is more so now. I read this book a long side a book titled "Raising Sons and loving it". Both presented the issues facing men in particular in fulfilling their God-given roles in life. I had not given much thought, as a woman, about the issues that men face. I knew there was ample information on women's issues and raising daughters. I then began to wonder about my boys - How could I best equip them to be Godly men - How could I make the scripture more applicable in their lives. In this book Bobby Sneed begins with a confession of a failed marriage. I was very impressed with his statements about his responsibility in this and that "God placed me in the position to be the leader and manager of the relationship, which made me responsible for the well-being of our marital relationship/So, as the man, I take full responsibility of my marriage...".
The author makes no excuses to holding men and women to the biblical standards of the marriage covenant while not being legalistic or dogmatic. I appreciate the way he handles each subject and coaches the reader into a deeper knowledge of the original biblical intent for marriage.
While pointing out common pitfalls and mistakes, and lies of the enemy Bobby Sneed does an excellent job in encouraging and exhorting Christians to reach for the blessings God has intended for this most beautiful institution called marriage.
Men - you may find this book a little convicting. Stick with it - for if you do you will also find the encouragement and the tools to better yourself. After visiting with the author he stated that he would have a later work dealing with a woman's role in marriage since this is not highly touched on this work.
Very good.
thank you Bobby Sneed for this review copy.
To learn more about his ministry or to contact him for speaking events visit the following website http://www.bobbysneed.com

Health Care You Can Live With, Dr. Scott Morris

Dr Scott Morris is the founder of the Church Health Center in Memphis, TN. Dissatisfied with the quality of health care offered, Dr. Morris set out to set a new standard of health care. He chose to approach health care through the eyes of the Great Physician - seeing not only the symptoms but looking into the cause of these things. He set out to change health care one patient at a time by investing in that person as an individual creation of God, valued by God, and loved beyond measure. By addressing not only the physical symptoms but the spiritual and emotional well-being of the person Dr. Morris taught how to treat the physical by also treating the spiritual and emotional. In no way or at no time does the author undermine or negate the need for medical professionals but does call into question the use of simply treating the symptoms for the sake of a temporary fix. This is an excellent book with great personal stories of God's power in the lives of individuals.
Thank you Barbour and B&B Communications for this review copy.

Radical, David Platt

It's the orange book with the upside down face - the eye catching one that makes you wonder what's inside. The picture of the upside down house is exactly the idea of this book - it will turn your ideas, your world, your spiritual house upside down. Those beliefs that have been long ingrained in you since a child sitting on a pew will be tossed out the window. What you have held as the standard for Christianity will be turned on it's head. The standards you held will be lifted to a new level and that level brings a freedom that you will be excited to have.

This is one of those books that as I read I find myself getting excited! This is a great book of motivation. David Platt challenges Christians to embrace their true freedom in Christ - One not regulated by church covenants or religious have too's.
The reader is pushed toward understanding and pursuing God's standard and in that is true happiness. If you are ready to jump out of the stagnant luke warm water and into something hot and fresh, If you are ready to be consumed by Christ and fully surrender to His will - this is the book to read. Live radically, live fresh, live free - experience all Christ has for you.

Thank you Multnomah/Waterbrook for this review copy.

Extra Edge Preteen DVD Year 1

My kids love this! With the words on the screen you are able to create a great worship in song service in your classroom or in your living room. What an excellent way to worship God as a family and have fun doing it. This is a great lead into bible study. When children learn to sing before the Lord they learn a new aspect of worship that involves movement and excitement – that is unrestrained and inviting. They are invited to experience God outside of the limits of bible memory work and sitting still for bible stories. The great thing is that for these songs it is easy to find many applicable bible lessons. So tie them in with what you are teaching. If you have a theme for the week let them practice one or two songs over the week. Song is such an excellent way to internalize the truth. The world knows this that is why we have MTV and such – the enemy is after the musical part of our being. Words set to music are easy to remember and often hard to get out of ones head – this in turn influences ones thinking and decisions making. Why not take the initiative now to attack this front head on with this effective, fun resource to help your children internalize God’s truth and set it as a standard echoing in their ears and beating in their hearts? Thank you Gospel Light for this review copy.

Bible in your Brain

Oh, my how much fun. This is a great addition to the family games. Set aside a night once a week or once a month and make this a new family tradition. The book is filled with “game show” style games for bible trivia and memory. What makes this so unique is that Gospel Light has seen the trend of video games and television watching and they have created a book of games with downloadable PowerPoint games. You can easily hook your computer to the t.v. and start playing. I think the easy props would add to the excitement as your family or church class divides into teams to battle it out. Even though there is a target age I found that our youth group could benefit from the questions. It never hurts to quiz yourself in the basics of bible trivia – the Word is living and applicable for all ages. Let loose and have fun!

Big Book of God's Amazing Creation

Home school parents if you are looking for a supplement to science curriculum this is it! If by chance you are using My Fathers World Kinder this would fit perfectly since it begins the year discussing creation. This book has 57 science projects for 3-5 and an equal amount for ages 6-12. The 7 of creation are divided in exploration, experimentation, and bible memory. There is something for everyone – this is an excellent opportunity for parents and children to explore God’s amazing creation – to come to a better appreciation of the beauty that is displayed. If you are a Sunday school teacher looking for a fun, interactive way to engage children when you study about this wonderful world we call home.
Thank you Gospel Light for this review copy.

Targets Down, Bob Hamer

This was my first FBI suspense novel and I have to say I really enjoyed it. I’ve never really been a fan of James Bond so I did not know if I would like a book based on an FBI agent’s undercover story. I did not realize how much was involved in the undercover process or how much red tape there was. At one point I was frustrated for Matt as he needed to move forward with the case in order to preserve justice and yet to do so he would have to side-step the rules.
Robert Hamer did an excellent job of weaving into this story a faith in God that sustains us. I really appreciate the example of the power of prayer as Matt’s wife is continually praying for her beloved and for those in her life. I had never taken any part of Micah and memorized it, however toward the end of this novel I found myself being able to recall portions of this scripture. There truly is power and calmness in the Word – this is shown in this book at the very climax.
This is a wonderful book that most certainly would appeal to anyone that likes action and adventure. Though some of the book is set in a place of ill repute because of the criminal nature of it – the main character sets an example of walking in this world and not being conformed. (I also think the fact that he realized that his wife was at home praying for him to be delivered from the evil one kept him from any temptation that might come from his line of work as an undercover agent.)
Thank you B&H and the author for this review copy. I look forward to reading more from Robert Hamer.

Nobody Told Me, Pam Stenzel and Melissa Nesdahl

What a unique book. The format is like facebook with an initial post and then comments from teens and those in their early 20’s. The book is broken into subjects and the authors address each subject with sound biblical counsel and scriptures. I was very surprised as I thought this would be more of a bible study to be taught when in fact it is a book for teens. If you have a teenager this is a great book. I think all parents should invest in this. This book is filled with the things parents are all want to tell their teens or are telling their teens, but it comes from their peers. The real-life stories and questions are great and will make an impact on your teen. Within the pages of this book there may even be questions asked and answered that your teen won’t ask you. It further impressed me that for most subjects there was a positive example from someone who had chosen God’s way and an example of someone who did not choose God’s way or did not know to choose God’s way and how that has impacted their life and ultimately how God restored them after they admitted their sin. I highly recommend this book and am so impressed that Gospel Light took the initiative to print such a unique and helpful book in this format.
I received this book as a review copy in exchange for an honest review. I was not asked to give a positive review. Thank you Gospel Light/Regal for this book.

Press Release: Lady in the Mist

A Whole Town’s Secrets Held by One Woman…
Could anyone get beyond the secrets of her past?
As a midwife, Tabitha Eckles, the woman at the center of Laurie Alice Eakes’ new book, Lady in the Mist, (ISBN: 978-0-8007-3452-7, February 2011, $14.99) knows the most intimate secrets of the women and families she cares for. While the women in town are drawn to her warmth and caring ways, the men are wary at best.
In the little town of Seabourne, Virginia where Tabitha Eckles lives, another standoff is brewing. It is 1809 and relations between America and England rest on the edge of a knife, when Tabitha crosses paths on the beach one morning with a man named Dominick Cherrett. He seems to have his own secrets to keep, including why he, a British aristocrat, is on American soil working as an indentured servant.
One chance meeting leads these two secret keepers through a twisted path of kidnappings, death threats, and public disgrace. Can Tabitha trust Dominick? What might he be hiding? And can either of them find true love in a world that seems set against them?

"Featuring a charming hero with a mysterious past and mission, Lady in the Mist brims with tension, intrigue, and romance."--Julie Klassen, bestselling author of The Silent Governess and The Girl in the Gatehouse

Laurie Alice Eakes began to be fascinated by the role of midwives in history during graduate school and she knew that someday she wanted to write novels with midwife heroines. Ten years later, after several published novels and a National Readers Choice Award for Best Regency, the midwives idea returned, and Lady in the Mist was born. Laurie Alice has a master degree in creative writing and writes full time from her home in Texas, where she lives with her husband and sundry dogs and cats.

Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, offers practical books that bring the Christian faith to everyday life. They publish resources from a variety of well-known brands and authors, including their partnership with MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) and Hungry Planet.

For more information, visit www.RevellBooks.com.

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Little Kids Time God's Kids Grow Kit

Wow! This was easily integrated into My Father's World home school curriculum and a Boz curriculum I use for my Pre-schoolers. They love it and look forward to bible time every morning. I then use the morning lesson and pages throughout the day as we go through home school. The DVD is a must have for every parent and I was so glad to see that it can be bought seperately! This has replaced 30 minutes of "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse" (thank you for the provisional hand of the Lord in all things!) I love it that my kids got hooked on this because they are being saturated with the Word (no harm meant to Mickey Mouse Clubhouse as I see it is very educational I just prefer this to that).

I can say that I would highly recommend this for church use, but I have found it very beneficial in personal use. We use it 3 to 5 days a week. The lessons are simple and exciting for kids - concepts are easily picked up and memory verses are simple enough for even the youngest toddlers to work on.

I really enjoy the play and learn section. This helps set up "centers" with a theme for the day. It has made play constructive and God-centered.

Great resource!

Thanks Gospel Light for this review copy.

Prime Time Songs, CD

This comes in a pack of 20! Truly a bargain for any church (large or small). Want to get your kids excited about children's church and worship? What better way than to present them each with their own cd so they can sing the songs at home.

This cd has found a permanent place in our van. My kids love the song Promises: "Promises, you keep your promises...Promises, o God your word is my rock!" As a mom I love "Family Tree" - this one talks about the importance of family relationships and how they treat each other. Then there is "The Lord is Good" - just plain cute and sweet. "All Men will Know", "the Gift", "Trust in the Lord" - all excellent.

The words are easy to memorize and fun to sing. Simple, short and fun!!!

Thank you Gospel Light for the review copies

I Love to Sing, CD

Again, another excellent cd by Gospel Light. This one is loved by all the kids. Fun for the entire family to sing a long with. This is one that I have been using during school time for our kids.

Thank you Gospel Light for this review copy

God's 10 Best CD

Are you looking for a way to make learning the 10 commandments fun and easy to memorize for your children? This is it. My children ages 2 to 9 love this cd. Sometimes it is difficult for me to find scripture memorization cds that all 4 of them enjoy.

Gospel Light has done an excellent job. This is great for the family or for church.

Highly recommend!

Thank you Gospel Light for this review copy.

Praying the Names of Jesus, Ann Spangler

Seeking a new view of Jesus? Seeking a closer relationship, a more intimate understanding of the Savior who chose you? Needing a refreshment in your spirit, a revival in your heart, a gust of air for a dying or flickering spiritual fire? This is the book for you. Ann Spangler put her heart into the writing of this book. And just as God does he allowed circumstances in Ann's life (as discussed in the Introduction) to test her heart knowledge of these names and the meaning of them in her life, applied to her heart. So this book is not just a woman telling another the head knowledge of these names, but a woman writing from the heart the meaning of these names or titles revealed in scripture.

I believe this book is life changing when approached with an attitude of worship, a heart anxious to hear the Father's whisper, a life surrendered to His will. Each of the 26 names discussed is set up as a week long study. I love this because for 7 whole days you focus on one amazing title and come to know Jesus in that roll. The first day is the introduction with scripture and meaning. Days 2-4 are days with devotionals, 5-7 more study and contemplation about what that name/title means in your life and how it is applicable to you.

Coming face to face with the Savior demands response. A most powerful and compelling book.

Thanks to Zondervan for this review copy.

Beneath the Night Tree, Nicole Baart

A truly lovely story of change in one woman's life. Nicole Baart captivates the reader with her easy and personable writing style unfolding a beautiful story of transformation...a journey of becoming what God desires a life to be. It is a story of discovery as a young mother searches out the meaning of her life and the direction that it should take.

Thrown into her life is the husband of her child. She is forced to face the past and reconcile it with her present and weave it into the future. In the midst of this beautiful and moving story those around her help her discover the meaning of her life through the power of Christ.

This is an easy, quick read that will leave the reader feeling as if they have walked along side the main character in her journey. Many people could identify with her and that is what makes this story so real and moving.

Thank you Tyndale for this review copy.

Couples Who Pray, Squire Rushnell & Louise Duart

Written by a husband and wife team with the express goal of showing the importance of prayer within the institution of marriage this is a great little book. It is a 40 day challenge, much like the Love Dare, created as a challenge to do something new and dramatic in the marriage. So many marriages miss this most intimate and personal time for many different reasons. It seems that this very discipline has, in recent history, been shuffled out of the common marriage. We often find ourselves just to busy or too ashamed or embarrassed to pray with our spouses.
I enjoyed the personal stories that showed the benefits of prayer in marriage. These are compelling in proving the immeasurable power of God’s provision in all things. These also serve evidence to the power of God’s word unleashed in the believer’s life. Though a word of caution ought to be extended in the fact that God never promises to fix the broken marriage, or the wayward child, or to make your life all roses if you pray religiously. However, this is a discipline that every Christian couple should practice out of love for their spouse and God the Father. For in the sanctity of prayer that a new intimacy between God and individual, God and couple, and person to person is experienced.
Thank you Thomas Nelson for this review copy.

Author Interview

Q&A with Missy Buchanan

Even when age creeps up on the body and mind, and life changes from what it once was, is it still possible to have a purpose in life? When it is no longer possible to venture out and do the things you once loved, can you still find a reason to look forward to each day? Missy Buchanan, a leading expert and advocate for senior adults, believes that you can. Buchanan wants to encourage older adults to find their purpose, share their stories, and make an impact on those around them.

Q: What made you decide to start ministering to and writing books for older adults?

Well, as a middle-aged adult, I never had any intention of becoming an author of books for older adults. But because of the journey that my own aging parents were on, I realized how they had become disconnected from their church as their lives changed. They started off as active older adults and then that circle got smaller as they had more needs and physical limitations. As I would visit them at their retirement community, I would also see so many others that were just like them. They needed spiritual encouragement. And so that’s why I got started. The first book began as a project just for my own parents. I wrote devotions and kept them in a loose-leaf notebook. But others started asking for them and things just spiraled from there.

Q: What do you think children need to know about their aging parents?

What I realized personally was that I had been so caught up in my parents’ physical needs that I had neglected their spiritual needs. They were no longer connected to their church, at least in regular worship attendance, and that had been such a huge part of their lives. I almost made that mistake of just totally missing that, and that was the point where I began to write. I looked and there were other books written about older adults but not very many that were written to them and for them. So the first thing I would tell their children is to pay attention not only to their physical needs but also to their spiritual needs.

Q: What is your opinion about role reversal with children and their aging parents?

I hear the whole idea of role reversal where the older parent becomes a child and the grown children become the parent, and I understand what they are talking about because my own parents became more dependent on me. But I think that when we refer to it as a role reversal, and we begin to think of our aging parents as children, we strip away their dignity. We rob them of respect and we overlook the fact that they are not children. They have had a lifetime of experiences that a child has not had. And I think that is an important difference that grown children need to think about and pay attention to. It’s more of a role shift in responsibilities and not a role reversal. I know how much it hurts an aging parent to feel like they are being treated like a baby or like a child.

Q: Other than aging adults, who else has benefited from your writing?

A friend of mine in an assisted living facility asked me to bring some books for one of her tablemates. Her tablemate explained that these books were for her adult children. “They don’t understand what it feels like to grow old, and I can’t seem to make them understand, but your books say it better than I ever could.” My books are all written in the first person as if an older adult is speaking directly to God. There are a lot of adult children that are buying them for themselves and older adults buying them for their grown children.

And I’ve heard of different youth groups that have been reading my books in order to better understand what it’s like to grow old. Instead of just mocking their older peers, they are learning that they share a lot of the same feelings—feelings of insecurity, feelings of fear. As a result of reading the books, one youth group in Tennessee has even adopted the residents of the senior living center across from their church.

Q: How can faith change our idea of growing older?

So many see aging as a punishment, and they dread it so much. But even though it is difficult to be limited by an aging body, they need to look at it as a gift that God has given them. They still have so much to give. They have great wisdom to share and stories to share. I always tell my older friends that their story is not yet over.

Missy Buchanan is the author of Talking with God in Old Age: Meditations and Psalms and
Living with Purpose in a Worn-Out Body: Spiritual Encouragement for Older Adults (Upper Room Books).

Click here to watch Missy Buchanan’s recent interview with
Good Morning America’s Robin Roberts and Roberts’ 86-year-old mother.

Visit Missy Buchanan’s website, www.missybuchanan.com, and blog, http://missybu.wordpress.com/.
Become a friend on Facebook (Aging and Faith) and follow on Twitter (MissyBuchanan).


Talking with God in Old Age: Meditations and Psalms

In Talking with God in Old Age, Missy Buchanan sensitively address the worries, fears, and frustrations of older adults and extends hope, encouraging them to maintain an open dialogue with God. Each reading features:
· A candid conversation with God
· A related passage from Psalms
· Easy-to-read print

Seniors grappling with the aging process will readily identify with these reflections and will find reassurance of God’s Presence. Caregivers, family members, and others seeking to understand aging loved ones will gain insight into the thoughts and emotions of the elderly frail.

Living with Purpose in a Worn-Out Body: Spiritual Encouragement for Older Adults

Birthed out of real-life experience, Living with Purpose in a Worn-out Body is a big does of authentic spiritual encouragement for frail elderly who struggle to find purpose a the end of their lives. These devotionals addressed to God raise in prayer the many concerns of the frail elderly and provide opportunities to reminisce and reflect on their blessings.

Each devotional offers the following:
· Easy-to-read print
· Reader-friendly format
· Comfortable, nonacademic language
· A first-person address to God
· Brief supporting scriptures from the New and Old Testaments

Posers, Fakers, & Wannabes (UnMasking the real you), Brennan Manning & Jim Hancock

After reading this I really have to get a copy of Abba's Child by Brennan Manning! I was interested in reviewing this book since I work with the youth at our church. I loved the very casual writing style of Brennan Manning. I appreciate how very open and candid both authors are about their flaws and short-comings and that they are very comfortable in God's love. They nailed it on the head when discussing our feelings of uncomfort when we are confronted with God's unconditional love.

The aim of this book is to bring into light what Christ spoke so plainly over 2000 years ago and what God has whispered across time and eternity: You are loved just the way you are!! God sees the individual as what he/she will become. It is vitally important to accept ourselves as we are in the light of God's love and the knowledge that we are a work in progress.

I can't wait to recommend this to others, especially teens. I wish someone had written this when I was a young person. So that I could have lived in the richness of God's blessings for a longer time. It has not been until recent years that I have become more at peace with my identity in Christ and like Manning, I too have to daily put to death "The Poser".

This is a powerful book. Parents read it for yourself then read it with your teens! Empower them for a life of success and peace - help them to become centered in Christ!

Thank you NavPress for this review copy

Shattered Dreams, Larry Crabb

Who hasn't experienced shattered dreams - moments when our lives feel as if they are falling off their axis, spinning out of control, crashing down at our feet. Who hasn't found themselves devastated and broken, spilled out and hurting, desperate for restoration and redemtpion. What is happiness- True contentment - Security - Blessing? Where does one find these things in this broken and stained world filled with disappointments and heartaches?

Larry Crabb bodly declares the compassion and immeasurable grace of God our Father who desires above all else to bless His children.

I recommended this title to a friend in crisis - she laughed at the title - saying "This doesn't sound very encouraging". Oh - but this is the essence of life, we must experience the shattering to experience true grace, to appreciate the fullness of God's love, to find ourselves in total surrender to a faith that will forever change us and restore us.

I began reading this book after my husband preached a sermon about being "fully equipped" out of II Timothy. How true that God does equip us for the storms of life that batter us and threaten to destroy us.

I have a new-found respect for Larry Crabb as he teaches the doctrines of Christ and tells of the vast love and grace out of his own experience with shattered dreams. Living in the middle of a world shattered by health issues he has experienced grace and restoration and testifies of it in this powerful, life-changing book.

Thank you Waterbrook for this review copy

Brave Boys of Derry or No Surrender!, W.S. Martin

Whether you are looking for a good supplement to your history class or a good piece of classic literature to appeal to your young boy this is the book! It is a true historical narrative of courage and faith - of battles and standing firm. "No Surrender!" was the cry of thirteen young boys who refused to give up the city - they became champions of God when the leaders would not.

This book is written in such easy language that even an older elementary age student would enjoy it very much. History comes alive and leaps off the pages. Before a student realizes what has happened they have soaked in the historical events of 1689 and become familiar with King James II and other nobles. They will learn that God reigns supreme in all affairs.

After reading this for myself in one setting - I am currently reading it to my children (ages 7 and 9). They find it as exciting as any book they have read. How could facts of history be so much fun to learn about? I think that is always the way it is when things become personal and are made real to the student. Children see that age does not matter - the heart surrendered to God does, and ALL things are possible under His protection and will.

Thank you Nordskog Publishing for this review copy.

For other publication by this publisher or to order this book on-line visit them at wwww.NordskogPublishing.com

The Battleof Lexington, A Sermon & Eyewitness Narrative

I found this to be extremely interesting. Forced to memorize battle dates, outcomes, and commanders in high school I often sunk into the muck of memorization for the purpose of passing a test. History so often was just that - an impersonal memorization of dates. I have long been fascinated by the personal side of history - taking to heart God's command for Israel to pass down from generation to generation the works of the Lord (their history). I believe hidden behind the dates and outcomes lie important and overlooked details of God's provision and love - and lessons that must be taught and learned from.

The Battle of Lexington would have meant more to me had I had this book as a high school student. I would have done more than memorize the date and outcome. Like the diary of Anne Frank is required reading when studying the horrors of the Holocaust and Hitler's frightening rise to communistic power - so should this book be required reading when studying the American History.

Within this sermon and the eyewitness account are hidden deep spiritual truths that are foundational to every persons very life. A young reader is invited to experience firsthand the atrocities of war and the price of liberty. They are invited to see the Jehovah-Nissi (The Lord is my banner) shine in battle as His provisional security and grace is accomplished in the midst of innocent bloodshed. One can not but help feel a wave of patriotism well up inside as you read this amazing sermon. It is as applicable today as it was in 1776 - Jonas Clark calls his people to repent and acknowledge God's sovereign reign, to accept the Lord's chastisement for wrongs, and to take hope in God's promise of deliverance in the midst of terrible times.

I will say that I recommend this highly for high school and maybe junior high. The language and content may be more difficult for a young elementary age student to fully take in and appreciate. I look forward to having my children memorize parts of this sermon and the included poems as part of their history.

Thank you Nordskog Publishing for this review copy.

To order this book on line or to see other publications by this Publisher visit them on-line at www.NordskogPublishing.com or call direct at 805.642.2070

The Search, Suzanne Woods Fisher

The Amish community meets the English world in a tale that has so many turns and twists it is amazing. Secretive and sweet Lainey O'Toole ends up in the one town that forever changed her life as a child - to face the split second decision she made one night when she thought no one could see. Bertha Reihl, an elderly widow, and owner of Rose Hill Farm is out on a mission to set right the events of the past and to restore her shunned brother to the Amish community and bring a lost soul back to the flock of God. Jonah Reihl had left home after a buggy accident had killed his young wife 15 years ago with the baby he thought was his daughter. Being convinced to come back he is now forced to face the past, and is set to make a decision to open his heart to love again. Bess Reihl, the wispy yellow haired 15 year old "daughter" of Jonah is visiting Bertha ("Mammi") not knowing that in this summer she would go from child to young woman and she would be the glue and example for those around her.

This book is filled with a theme of God's grace and forgiveness - and the freedom that comes from personal forgiveness. I loved the fact that forgiveness was so central that in the midst of this story so many are faced with the choice to forgive the "unforgivable" - the one who refuses to ask for or accept forgiveness. This is the true test of one's faith - and unfortunately is the one area of forgiveness that most of us stuggle with.

Thank you Revell/Baker Publishing for this review copy.

In the Shadow of Evil, Robin Caroll

In this suspense/love novel unsolved murders and mysterious fires abound. Layla Taylor, a female contractor, finds herself in the middle of a mysterious chain of events - and she is one of the suspects of the crimes. As she tries to uncover the truth behind the terrible mysteries she finds herself the target of the criminal. She and her sister Alana must learn to face their greatest fears and Layla's faith is put to a test that she did not think she could pass. Thrown into her path is a rugged, rough edged detective with a tender heart, Maddox Bishop. Hiding his own secrets and held in the bondage of ineffectiveness and hurt his is driven to be the best detective. That is until his world is forever changed by the strong, independent yet soft Layla Taylor. Quickly she turns from a key suspect to the woman he loves and desires so much to protect. Both are forced to face the unforgiveness that keeps them shackled and to face and reconcile their face past. To win the heart and love of Layla Maddox is brought into the presence of God by her continual forgiveness and genuine concern for others. He must make a decision to surrender to God and accept His blessings or turn his back on what might be.

Truly a great novel.

Thank you B&H for the review copy.

The Names of God, Ann Spangler

I had picked this book up several times thinking I should study it. Each time I put it back on the shelf. However, when I began to review books for Zondervan this was one I chose to review.

I was absolutely stunned by the clarity and beauty that Ann Spangler revealed about the 52 names of God. This study is meant to draw the reader closer to God - into a holy place of His presence. The reader is invited to discover attributes and characteristics of God that they may never have thought about before. It is evident that Ann Spangler did her research into the original Hebrew language and the scriptural meaning of each name. Each of the 52 names is explained and clearly defined and key scripture is given for each name. There is a section called "studying the name" that invites readers into a closer look at the name and the meaning - to see how that name applies to them and effects their life.

If you are searching for that deeper more intimate relationship with God - then study Him, search out the infinite wisdom of His word.

Absolutely amazing.

Thank you Zondervan for this review copy.

Dreams and Visions, Jane Hamon

I enjoyed reading the relaxed writing style of Jane Hamon. This book is biblically based, filled with scriptures - showing that God still desires to communicate with his people in very personal ways. He desires to reveal aspects of His divine character and to let His children learn more about themselves and the areas of their lives that still need the touch of the Master's hand. Too often, however, we misinterpret or ignore all together the beautiful voice of God. We write it off as just another dream or a whispered word from somewhere in our heart - discounting the power of God. This book encourages the reader to seek God and the message that he wishes to reveal to them. It turns the reader to seek the interpretation of dreams to the dream maker - not to lean on our own finite knowledge of the physical and spiritual world. Jane Hamon has done an excellent job in this book. It would make a good resource for anyone. It is great to find a book on this subject that is not filled with new age mysticism and false spirituality - but rather to read dreams are just another way of God revealing Himself to His children.

Thank you Regal for this review copy.

Book of Days, James L. Rubart

This book is truly intriguing. I enjoyed it - reading it in only two days (between taking breaks to play with my 4 children and do my household things). I too hope have the hope that God has indeed recorded my memories - it is a great comfort to know that each breath we take, each moment we are on this earth, each tear we shed, each laugh we laugh is dear and precious to the creator.

Cameron is a young man on a journey to restore his memories - afraid to lose his mind as his father had. He had suffered the loss of his father and his beloved wife. Both had held a deep belief in God and His eternal plans for each of their lives. They both died praying for Cameron to come to the acceptance (a heart knowledge) of the God of the Universe.

This journey is so intricate and involves so many the plot is not easily figured out. I loved all the twists and turns in the journey. I found myself deeply hoping that Cameron would find the true answer to his questions and that the deep longing he felt would be satisfied and he would find freedom.

The last two chapters had me in tears! So poignant, so applicable to our lives, so personal to the heart of God. Absolutely a beautiful story.

Thank you B&H Publishing for this book.