A Short Life Well Lived, Tom Sullivan

Brian O'Connor's perfect world is shattered by one uttered statement of the doctor. A baseball injury to his son Tommy would throw Brian O'Connor into a deep, dark nightmare of epic proportions.

In this moment Brian steps into the fiery furnace that will try his faith and call into question all that he believes. Being blind since birth Brian has faced many trials and obstacles, however, he has always come out on top. This time, facing the illness of his own son and seeing that son suffer he finds how weak his faith is as he watches his son struggle with cancer. He is forced to admit this is one thing that he can not overcome on his own.

Through a friendship with the chaplain at Tommy's hospital he is able to ask the questions that most trouble his aching heart. One of those being how a loving God could allow such tragedy into a young life.

This book is about a father's journey to restorative faith. The book is very emotional and will leave the reader in tears at times as this father tries to reconcile tragedy and love, pain and the good will of God.

I received this review copy from GlassRoads Publications.

A Short Life Well Lived, Tom Sullivan

Brian O'Connor's perfect world is shattered by one uttered statement of the doctor. A baseball injury to his son Tommy would throw Brian O'Connor into a deep, dark nightmare of epic proportions.

In this moment Brian steps into the fiery furnace that will try his faith and call into question all that he believes. Being blind since birth Brian has faced many trials and obstacles, however, he has always come out on top. This time, facing the illness of his own son and seeing that son suffer he finds how weak his faith is as he watches his son struggle with cancer. He is forced to admit this is one thing that he can not overcome on his own.

Through a friendship with the chaplain at Tommy's hospital he is able to ask the questions that most trouble his aching heart. One of those being how a loving God could allow such tragedy into a young life.

This book is about a father's journey to restorative faith. The book is very emotional and will leave the reader in tears at times as this father tries to reconcile tragedy and love, pain and the good will of God.

I received this review copy from GlassRoads Publications.

The End of Rejection, Your Past is NOT Your Future, Chris Hayward

Absolutely one of the best books I have read about the bondage of sin! Chris Hayward opens this book with one of the most touching and challenging descriptive essays of the garden. Each of the chapters ends with questions that help the reader to apply the truth of scripture to the individual's life.

Easily read in one or two days - a person needs to be encouraged to read the book over and over again.

All of us struggle with the need to feel loved and wanted - accepted for who we are. However, in the fallen world we live in from the moment we begin life the enemy begins to devalue a person by speaking lies. In this book Hayward examines the root of this and gives directions to break the bondages and lies of the enemy.

Very sound. Very Good.

Thank you Gospel Light for this review copy.

Perfectly Invisible, Kristin Billerbeck

At first the High school drama was a little more than I could keep up with. In the first few pages I couldn't keep straight all the characters. However, upon reading more I found this to be very well-written for the teenager. It follows closely with the everyday language they are used to and the fast change of topics common to a teenager telling a story.

This story chronicles the senior year of Daisy Crispin. A middle-class girl at a rich kids christian prep school. It is about Daisy finding out what really matters in her life and who really matters. All in all this is a classic coming of age story about a young girl caught in the throes of High school drama. As she sorts through crushes and mishaps, longing to be noticed, and following her dreams a beautiful story of God's plan unfolds.

In the end the story shows how following God is the right way and that things truly do work out for the best.

This was a great novel - really. I was surprised - but pleasantly so.

Thank you Revell for this review copy.

Available July 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

Perfectly Invisible, Kristin Billerbeck

At first the High school drama was a little more than I could keep up with. In the first few pages I couldn't keep straight all the characters. However, upon reading more I found this to be very well-written for the teenager. It follows closely with the everyday language they are used to and the fast change of topics common to a teenager telling a story.

This story chronicles the senior year of Daisy Crispin. A middle-class girl at a rich kids christian prep school. It is about Daisy finding out what really matters in her life and who really matters. All in all this is a classic coming of age story about a young girl caught in the throes of High school drama. As she sorts through crushes and mishaps, longing to be noticed, and following her dreams a beautiful story of God's plan unfolds.

In the end the story shows how following God is the right way and that things truly do work out for the best.

This was a great novel - really. I was surprised - but pleasantly so.

Thank you Revell for this review copy.

Available July 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

Children's author Jill Warren shows youngsters the power of giving and teaches them
that any day can be a lucky day in this uplifting debut tale about a homeless man living alone in a big city whose life suddenly is changed forever.

New York Mills, NY - July 15, 2011 - Jill Warren announces the release of Abe's Lucky
Day. A perkily inspirational work for children ages five to eight, Warren's debut book is a story of sharing and a lesson in how giving to others can help create more lucky days for all.

Abe is a homeless man who at night sleeps all alone in the alley behind a bakery in a
large noisy city. He has few possessions and no comforts, and winter is on its way. In fact, it seems he has nothing at all to offer another human being.

What he does have, however, is a selfless nature and a propensity for kindness to others, even those he perceives as needier than he.

On what turns out to be Abe's lucky day, an event occurs that changes his life forever and teaches young listeners and readers that there is a power in giving to others which transcends the material and creates a kind of "luck" for all.

Abe's Lucky Day is a tale well timed for this era when so many are finding it
increasingly hard to keep up with their growing expenses and their shrinking incomes.
Oddly, despite these widespread economic difficulties, our society still largely defines success in terms of wealth, possessions and status.

Warren's tale about Abe provides a refreshing look for today's children at the greater values of life.

The book's valuable message is that, while these tough economic times prompt everyone
to hold on all the tighter to what they have, there is more truth in giving what we can to those who have less -- just as the remarkable, homeless Abe does.

By doing that, Warren suggests, we may all have more lucky days.

About the book:
Abe's Lucky Day by Jill Warren
ISBN: 9781432773052
Publisher: Outskirts Press
Date of publish: July 12, 2011
Pages: 31
S.R.P.: $16.95

About the author:

Jill Warren has a B.A. in Psychology and much experience reading books to children.
Reading children's stories over the years to preschoolers and to a son of her own inspired her to write books for children which they and their parents can share and talk about over and over. Ms. Warren currently works with autistic children and resides in central New York.



***Copied from Press Release Email****

Women Of Faith Conferences 2011

God loves us more than we know. He gives us more than we can ask or dream. He's unrestrained... excessive... outrageous... Over the Top.



Find an event near your home city and come and enjoy great bible teaching and worship in song.
Event speakers include: Patsy Clairmont, Marilyn Meberg,Lisa Whelchel, and Sandi Patty. Be wowed by the musical guests: Amy Grant and Mandisa. Also Special Guest Andy Andrews (author of some really great christian books.)

Visit http://www.womenoffaith.com to find out more and to see where an event is near you!

The Author

Hebrew 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith...

How often do we look at our life and think that things could be better if we did things differently. Often times not even consulting God on our decision - but rather doing what we consider the best option for us.

This verse speaks of the fact that Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith. He set out a redemptive plan that includes a new life in him. He is the one who has written our story before the beginning of time. Like any good author of this world Jesus has carefully written our stories, following us through hardship, heartbreak, joy, and forgiveness to the end of our story. Unfortunately along the way we often decide we do not like the story that is laid out before us. And not knowing the ultimate outcome we decide to re-write certain parts. Ripping the pen and paper from the master author's hand and handing it over to the world or the enemy to write out a part of our story. In this we shortcut the beauty of the story the master author has before hand laid out. We miss the designed story he has for us and ultimately miss some of the blessings that were set out for our lives. During this time the Author of Salvation stands at our side ready to take over our story when we decide to trust him with it again.

Think back on the last good novel you read. The earthly author lovingly unfolded a story that surrounded major characters. The author laid out the details and through the story the reader follows as the character goes through trials and hardships, triumphs and defeats and ultimately the ending is good - though granted sometimes sad. But in the end we see that the story laid out shines brightly and we at the end have a connection to those involved.

In much the same way our story is written out by The Author of Salvation - and he has made one for each of us that will ultimately shape us into an image of Him. We must therefor trust our story in the hands of the Author of Salvation even in the times that we do not fully understand our story. We must trust him in the times of heartbreak and trials that he is working out a greater purpose. We must give him the thanks for the times of joy when all works out. We must commit to leave the pen in the hands of the Author who has our best intent in His heart. The one who said that He knows the thoughts he thinks toward of us and they are of peace and an expected end.

My hope is that at the end, my story is one that is captivating because the Author of Salvation shines through on each page. May this also be your endeavor as you seek God's will - trust His authorship in your life and know that He is writing a beautiful story across the years of your life. Let Him shine on each page.

Mirror Ball, Matt Redman

"Living Boldly and Shining Brightly for the Glory of God"

Amen! Isn't that what life should be about - shining brightly for God? However, so often we limit worship to just our singing at church. Though Matt Redman is known for his amazing, heartfelt, soul-stirring worship music he and his wife are authors of great books and and their lives reflect a life of living worship. Like every book I have read by either of the Redman's I am utterly amazed!

This book challenges and encourages the reader to look at worship in a whole new light. We are to be like a mirrored ball reflecting the glory of God for all the world to see. He shows how our daily living should be approached as an act of worship for God. Each task we put our hands to should be done with the Glory of God in mind.

If each Christian lived this way - sold out to worship - our world would be utterly turned upside down. People would view all things in life differently and the hurting and lost would see light in the midst of their darkness.

I encourage everyone to pick up a copy of this book.

Thank you B&B for this review copy.

Let God Change Your Life, Greg Laurie

Greg Laurie's candid open writing style makes this book an instant winner with any audience. Whether you are a new christian or have been a christian for a while this book will give you a new look at the christian life and what it means when God changes your life.

This book encourages a radical change in your life and your thinking - challenging that what is labeled as "radical Christianity" is what is really normal when Christ does change your life.

Using his own life and experiences Laurie does an excellent job of showing the grace and changing power of Christ no matter what your circumstances. While telling his story Laurie is careful to bring in lots of scripture to show how God works in a person's life.

The book is broken into three main sections: How to Know God, Discipleship, and Making Him Known. These are the three key areas most pastors try to cover with individual. But sadly enough these are also the three areas that many Christians in todays churches are lacking in (or at least in the last two areas).

This book is an excellent resources!

Thank you B&B for this review copy.

40 Days to Better Living, Optimal Health

Okay, this was not what I expected but I am not disappointed. This book is printed to look like a small magazine - in fact I had to take a double look at it. It is small in size and very glossy. In fact every page is color pictures and is also glossy. This makes is great to carry around as it is small enough to fit in a purse or bag. Also the glossy pages are more wear resistant and would stand up to small spills or other accidents (especially if you have small children around).

I found this book to be unique in its setup and that may be one of its greatest selling points. Since it does not look or feel like a normal book it is less intimidating. It is split into 6 weeks each with a theme of sorts. I enjoyed the personal stories listed for each week. Each day begins with a morning reflection that can easily be done in a few minutes. The next page is "Daily Practices" these are ways to improve your faith life, medical,movement, work, emotional, family & friend, and nutrition. These are small suggestions and encouragements to change areas in your life for an overall healthier lifestyle. This books focuses on all areas of life, not putting emphasis on one thing over another. The day ends with the Evening Wrap-up which is reflection and bible verses and a prayer.

Very good book littered with scripture and encouragement for everyone. Great read.

Thanks to B&B Communications for this review copy.

Give Them Grace, Elyse m. Fitzpatrick & Jessica Thompson

Grace - the one thing most of us struggle with. After all what does this word actually entail? How do we show grace? Have we really accepted fully the grace God has bestowed on us - or do we understand the depth of that grace in its fullness?

This is a radical approach on parenting as it presents the idea to parent with the gospel of grace of legalistic rules. A home dominated by the telling of "the Story" instead of the implementing of rules and regulations.

The over-arching view is that as parents each of us is imperfect however we can live and parent with extreme grace. I am a big believer in "teachable moments". In fact our home has scripture posted on the walls (thanks to the new vinyl cling lettering that looks hand-painted), we have scriptural art work on the walls and shelves - all constant reminders of whom we serve. In fact above the archway in the living room our family theme verse (Joshua 24:15) is posted. My children even memorize a verse for every letter of the alphabet along with other theme verses for their schoolwork. I also love to use moments of life to teach a life lesson based on scripture. However, I found some of the sample conversation in this book to lesson the effect of the gospel and Christ and to even diminish the power of certain scriptures.

For instance I do not apologize when have to discipline my children with spankings by saying "I am sorry to cause you pain...." This quote goes on to diminish the suffering and power of the cross. A more applicable scriptural reference to use is that like God punishes His children out of love so too must we as parents, for if we love our children we will not spare the rod but will chasten them when they are disobedient.

All in all the book is an excellent parenting book in that it is not a list of rules for christian parents to take not of and apply. The danger though is that the sample conversations will become a list of conversation and instead of prayerfully asking that God reveal "teachable moments" the parent might try overly hard to apply scripture everywhere and by default becoming a pharisee of sorts.

Parenting must be done in grace - for this there is no argument. But it must also be approached prayerfully. It must never diminish the gospel or power of the Word of God. And we must all be careful not to use scripture to beat up our children - for in this they will become bitter and revel against the very thing you are trying to teach them to embrace.

My advice: parent with grace by living grace. All the scripted conversations in the world - all the scripture memory that can be done in a life time is null and void if it is not demonstrated in your daily walk. After all what makes God's grace so appealing to us? It is the fact that Jesus Christ demonstrated grace daily - not by repeating the scripture of the day, but by living and walking it.

This is worth the read and may inspire you to live with grace.

I received this review copy from Crossway in exchange for an honest review of the book. Go to www.Crossway.org/blog for more on this and other Crossway products.

The Holy Land Tour

This DVD offers neat insight into biblical insight. Through a tour of the Holy Land you are invited to visit places mentioned in the bible and learn significant and interesting facts surrounding these sights. I loved the easy manner of the speaker and the information presented. This DVD brings about a new appreciation for the bible and all the places mentioned in it. I found it to be a great resource for home school, Sunday school, or for personal use.

Thanks to Gospel Light for this review copy.

Big Wave Discovery

Looking for a great supplement for Vacation Bible School or just a different and fun summer program for the kids? Look no further - here it is!

Gospel Light has produced a curriculum that follows their VBS program of the same title. In this kids explore the wonders on God's great love in several meetings. This would be great to hold prior to or directly after the VBS. Or if you wanted you could use this as a backyard VBS meeting time for the community.

Kids will enjoy learning about God while playing games and doing arts and crafts. Everything is set out in an easy to follow instruction.

Thanks to Gospel Light for this review copy.

The Blessed, Ann H. Gabhart

his book is excellently written. I enjoyed it from the very first page.

Young Lacy Bishop's life was a web of sticky mess that had her tangled in obligations she wanted nothing to do with. Would the Shaker Village be a way out of this mess?

As a young girl Lacy Bishop is sent to live with Mona and Preacher Palmer. There words of truth are spoken into her life and the scripture becomes her strong foundation. However, Mona dies just as Lacy is becoming a young woman and she and the orphaned girl (a baby that had been left on the door step of the Preacher's house) find themselves the center of church gossip. Preacher Palmer takes matters into his hands and convinces Lacy to marry him. Devastated and heartbroken but wanting to stay with the young child she has taken as her own she agrees.

On the other side is Isaac, the young widower of the judge's daughter. His life is turned upside down when his beloved wife dies. As they lay her body in the grave the judge vows to make Isaac's life miserable.

In the end all end up at the Shaker Village, searching for the truth and peace that will set them free. In that village truths are uncovered that rock Lacy's world. In the midst of the strange religion Lacy is pulled ever closer to God as the truth instilled in her by Mona echos in her heart. It is here that all those involved find a new life - and freedom from old things.

Truly an insightful story. I found it to be very eye-opening in regards to the Shaker religion and system of beliefs.

Thank you Revell for this review copy.

The Blessed, Ann H. Gabhart

This book is excellently written. I enjoyed it from the very first page.

Young Lacy Bishop's life was a web of sticky mess that had her tangled in obligations she wanted nothing to do with. Would the Shaker Village be a way out of this mess?

As a young girl Lacy Bishop is sent to live with Mona and Preacher Palmer. There words of truth are spoken into her life and the scripture becomes her strong foundation. However, Mona dies just as Lacy is becoming a young woman and she and the orphaned girl (a baby that had been left on the door step of the Preacher's house) find themselves the center of church gossip. Preacher Palmer takes matters into his hands and convinces Lacy to marry him. Devastated and heartbroken but wanting to stay with the young child she has taken as her own she agrees.

On the other side is Isaac, the young widower of the judge's daughter. His life is turned upside down when his beloved wife dies. As they lay her body in the grave the judge vows to make Isaac's life miserable.

In the end all end up at the Shaker Village, searching for the truth and peace that will set them free. In that village truths are uncovered that rock Lacy's world. In the midst of the strange religion Lacy is pulled ever closer to God as the truth instilled in her by Mona echos in her heart. It is here that all those involved find a new life - and freedom from old things.

Truly an insightful story. I found it to be very eye-opening in regards to the Shaker religion and system of beliefs.

Thank you Revell for this review copy.

Friends without Benefits, Ron Luce

This is another "Teen Mania Book" and is as good as all the rest. To be honest I had never heard the term "Friends with benefits" until recently. When I heard it I was utterly and completely shocked! How could such an idea of casual sexual behavior have permeated our culture as such an astonishing rate.

This book boldly and opening addresses this topic with the full backing of the scriptures. In the pages of this book a battle is waged against this evil thinking giving our children the power and knowledge to stand against these things. It is especially helpful that there are insights written from other teens on the topic of each chapter.

Thank you Gospel Light for this review copy.

Teen to Teen, Ron Luce and katie Luce

I became a Ron Luce fan after reviewing the book and DVD ReCreate. After being hooked by this revolutionary cry to recapture this generation I was eager to read anything else by this author.

So came the devotional Teen to Teen. In short this book is advice and encouragement from teens to teens. It deals with the issues that this generation faces in a direct and open manner. Each of the 145 devotional opens with a scripture then is followed by a devotional written by a teen. In these devotionals the scriptural application is laid out. I enjoyed it because I think the concept of being written by Godly teens to teens about the struggles they face and how God helped is of great magnitude. I know from personal experience that I much more enjoy a bible study about motherhood that is written by a woman who actually has children and not by a man who can never mother a child. So I think the impact of this devotional will be greater because of this.

Thank Gospel Light for this review copy.

Big Book of Discipleship Basics

This is for ages 3rd to 6th grade and is divided into 52 small group lessons. The object of the book is to "build discipleship into kids' lives".

The lessons are meant for an hour long session but I found that they could easily be adapted to a shorter time frame if needed. Each lesson starts out with an overview of the lesson to be taught; including the Bible Basis, this has the bible verses to be studied, then the memory scripture.

The time is divided into "Get Started" - this is a hands on or object lesson, "Get it Together" - this brings in the scripture and shows how it relates to life, "Get Going" - this is closing time, the final thing is the take home page that is reproducible.

Also included is a CD-Rom with reproducible resources for use that enhance the lesson.

Thank you Gospel Light for this review copy.

The Big Book of Holiday and Bible Celebrations

If you are looking for a book to help teach children between the ages of 6 to 12 about bible celebrations and holidays this is it! This is book is great. There are 30 lessons. These are easy to use and follow and are broken down into sections. Each celebration or holiday has a bible story reference and a bible verse to memorize. I especially liked the box labeled "Focus" that gives the emphasized point of the lesson. The crafts and object lessons are easily adaptable for this broad age range and will be enjoyable for the kids.

Thank you Gospel Light Resource for this review copy.

What the Bible is All About Handbook

This is the "big people" bible handbook. This is great to have as a resource especially for adults or older children. The younger children of the family will benefit from the What the Bible is All About Handbook for kids.

I especially liked this because if one wanted to one could read through this like a bible study, addressing each book as its own study. Each book has selected bible readings for an entire week - so that one could thoroughly study and pour through the scriptures to glean the truth from it and truly grow in one's spiritual walk. Each study of the book begins with a description of the author, the date the book was written and what was going on at the time, the purpose and summary. It then delves into the chapters of the book giving additional description of things going on in the book.

Very helpful is the fact that a dictionary is located in the back to help with words that are difficult.

Thank you Gospel Light for this review copy.

What the Bible is All About Handbook for Kids

This is a great resource for children. I found that it serves as an excellent tool for teaching children to search out what is in the bible. The book is in big enough type and language for children to read and understand.

The first 24 pages is dedicated to explaining that the bible is God's story written by many men in many books. It points out the flawlessness of the bible and ends with a section titled "How You can be a part of God's big story". In this section the plan of salvation is written out.

Following this each book is opened up with a description of the book, the writer, the title (this tells what the title means or how the book became titled as it is), and outline, a list of the main people and the location. The next pages have timelines, brief outlines of the chapters and the main points. These pages have interesting drawings which make it easy for kids to be engaged in the material visually.

This is an excellent starting point if you are trying to train your children to search out the scripture and use resources to find further information on the books of the bible.

Thank you Gospel Light for this review copy.

Pressing Into Thin Places, margaret Herrell Willis EdD

"A thin place is where, for a moment, the spiritual world and natural world intersect. There are moments when we do feel the divine breaking through our world. We feel unified and connected with God. It is not an intellectual knowing, it is felt in the spirit. / We are graced with thin moments from time to time, some profound, some subtle. They sneak up on us. So let us keep our eyes open for the gifts of the thinning of the veil as we walk on the mountains. And let us remember the truths in the flatlands and in the valleys."

So begins one of the most profound and dear books that I have read in a long time. In the pages of this tiny book the heart of the author is opened up as she delves into the sweetest moments of life - when God reaches down and we are aware of His closeness. It is in these moments that we see His greatness and feel His presence. Sometimes this happens on the mountainsides of joy, in the green valleys of peace, beside the still waters of rest - But more so they also happen in the throes of the storm, in the wrecking winds of destruction, in the devastating breaking of heartache and loss. It is then that God "pulls back the veil" and allows us a glimpse of His eternal love, grace, power and peace.

Filled with short stories followed by scripture and poetry this book is sure to be an encouragement to those who read it. More over it stands as a testement of God's working in the author's life and those that she knows. I found this especially neat after studying the book of Joshua. In it Joshua commands a man from each of the 12 tribes to place a rock on their shoulder from the river Jordon to carry it over. This meant these men were not picking up mere pebbles, but were reaching down to place the largest boulders they could shoulder to carry accross. These boulders came not from either shore but more specifically from the bed of the River Jordon - the place God had cleared for them. On the other side they were instructed to build an alter to the Lord - a monument. It's purpose - to serve as a visual reminder of ALL the Lord had done. And when the children Isreal passed that way they were to recount the story of God's working to their children and grand-children. This book is just such a memorial. It is written accounts of the "thin places" - divine and life changing moments with God.

Read this and be encouraged to open your eyes to the "thin places" in your life. Eagerly seek out the moments when God is pulling back the veil so that you can have a glimpse of His eternal greatness. Let the weaver move the threads of your life in such a way that the tapestry is brilliant and the glory of the thin places serves as a glowing light for the lost of this world. Our thin places may be the evidence of God's power, His enduring love, His forever strength that someone else needs to see.

I highly recommend this book.

Thank you B&B Communications for this review copy.

The Lady of Bolton Hill, Elizabeth Camden

What a sweet love story! This is such a great look at what happens when one is faithful always to share God's word with those we love the most.

A childhood friendship that spans oceans and years is reunited when the two cross paths again. Clara Endicott and Daniel Tremain were from opposite social classes and yet the common love of music was the basis for a friendship that would impact them for their entire lives. When Daniel's father is killed at the mines and he loses any chance of ever going to school life changes. That summer Clara's father sends her to London where she will spend the next decade.

During this time both grow up and change drastically. Clara is sent from London after causing a stir by an article that she wrote. Soon these two friends are thrown back together - this time both in equal social classes. Though the flame of love is stirred things are drastically different for each of them.

This is truly a story of how God's word spoken to those loved brings freedom. I had to admire Clara when she purposed that unless Daniel became a believer she could never marry him nor have him raise her children. This resolve leads to her constant speaking of the truth of God's word.

This resolve also serves as a stronghold when she is kidnapped. Through this story we see one remarkable woman - founded in her faith - that changes those around her by simply living what she believes so strongly in.

Thank you Bethany House for this review copy.

The Ultimate Top Secret Guide to Taking over the World, Kenn Nesbit

Okay this had to be one of the funniest children's books I have read in a long time. I loved the illustrations. My son laughed because he thought the main character looked like Despicable Me.

I agreed to review this book in hopes that my reluctant 7 year old reader (a boy) would pick it up and actually read something and be able to tell me about it. I was really surprised. Not only did he read it but he wanted to write his own review of it. He also recited much of it to me at different times and called his sister at camp just to read a few pages he liked to her. He loved the little exercises on memorizing pi and the alphabet backwards (and since we actually live in Texas he loved the end of the alphabet song..."I know my z,y, x's now my head's the size of Texas").

The overall book is cute and easy to read. It gives strategies of taking over the world (most of the ones in movies or cartoons - like Phineas and Ferb, or Despicable Me, or others like them). He loved the ease of the reading and the short chapters. I loved the fact that it captured his attention and that it gave him a sense of accomplishment as he read it.

Special thanks to Sourcebooks for this review copy.

The Blessing, John Trent, PH.D. and Gary Smalley

A blessing - a birthright - the one thing each of us is entitled. Did you get yours - was it clearly communicated to you? Or are you like many - wondering if life is filled with chances and choice, wondering if you are destined to continue in the same family cycles that have been established?

In this book the authors challenge the common thinking and misunderstanding of what a blessing is. I was greatly encouraged by this because it is something my husband and I strongly believe in. Our spiritual heritage and the legacy we wish to pass to our children and grandchildren has been foremost in our mind as we began our family 10 years ago. 5 pregnancies and 4 children later plus one adopted recently we stand firm in the fact that we have a responsibility to send our children into this world with full knowledge that they have a spiritual blessing from us - that we have prayed over them and for them and that we have set forth a spiritual foundation on which they can securely build a future.

Through Meaningful touch, spoken message, attaching high value to the person, picturing a special future for the person, and making an active commitment a parent learns to express unconditional love and acceptance. This allows the reader to learn how to make their home a home of blessing, acceptance, love and growth. In this type of home the spirit of children thrives and happiness and peace abound.

Do not despair though. If you are a person that comes from a broken background, or if your home has not been a home of blessing this book offers help here too. My background was broken and dark - filled with many curses and a foundation of failure was a slippery path on which I perched. My husbands home life was good, but his parents did not build on the solid rock of Christ - thereby he also had no solid blessing passed down. Though we learned about blessings through study of the Old Testament this book shows how you can Reverse the Curse. It also addresses the home that withholds the blessing - the dangers of this and how to correct it; and what happens when you Missed the blessing.

The hope is this - It is your home, and the children that God blessed you with. Embrace the birthright blessing that is available. Give your home a theme verse and cling to it ever tightly.

This book is an encouragement and a great tool.

Thank you Thomas Nelson for this review copy.