tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64703397808341175862024-03-05T18:46:57.082-08:00Abbie ReviewsCreated for the review of christian books, resources and movies. Also for original devotionals, teaching and scripture. Meant to encourage, edify and empower those who visit through the Word of Jesus Christ.Abbie Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01963518453560661181noreply@blogger.comBlogger770125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6470339780834117586.post-70166697962334260242020-05-28T19:56:00.002-07:002020-05-28T19:56:56.512-07:00Elementary Apologetics - MasterBooks CurriculumIf you are looking for a great introduction to Apologetics for your child you've found it. Ken Ham's Answers books are the core for this great curriculum!I absolutely love the course objectives set out in this curriculum: (1) investigate biblical truths concerning the creation account, Adam and Eve, and sin, (2) Become familiar with God's Word, what He desires of them, and how much He loves them, (3) Identify insights regarding the accountof Noah, how he and his family cared for the animals , and how fossils formed, (4) Learn how to defend their faith against a secular worldview in a fallen world, (5) Study truths about the Tower of babel, the Ice Age and what is the purpose of stars, and (6) Write out text they can share with friends or family about what they have learned. These objectives are easily met in the lessons. What impressed me most about this curriculum is how excited my children were as they worked through it. Scriptures states that we must each work out our salvation; this means that God's Word must become real and relevant to each of us - applicable to our lives. It is not enough for our children to attend church and learn church culture; they must understand the Word, understand what they believe and defend it when necessary. This course is an excellent way for your young student to begin to dive into, explore, and internalize the Word. It is a way for them to own it as their own and to understand who the Truth of this Word affects every aspect of our lives. I strongly recommend this course. Abbie Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01963518453560661181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6470339780834117586.post-64629450224019526492017-02-18T13:06:00.002-08:002017-02-18T13:06:26.059-08:00When We Last Met, Marci HennaMarci Henna has written a novel that will resonate in the hearts of many even after they put the novel down. The Cranbourne Family has faced their share of heartache and loss but the deep ties of family, love and faith become the buoy that keeps this family afloat. Walt and Ruby become the soul family for their granddaughters of the loss of both of their parents.
Henna does an excellent job of bringing to life each character and navigating the waters of loss, love, faith and trials and the emotions entangled in these things. Through her transparent writing the reader is invited into the lives of two sisters who at the present are separated, a chasm of hurt and pain and misunderstanding laying between them. However, all this changes when the girls meet to discuss markers for Ruby’s grave.
A visit back home sometimes has a way of breaking down walls with warm memories of happier and simpler times. Before long the girls begin to remember what really matters in life and what is really worth fighting for. This story draws the reader in and invites them to work through the tumult of emotions Henna lays out.
This book is worth a read – excellent for those cool spring nights with a cup of hot tea.
This book was provided by the publisher for review in exchange for an honest review of the story.
Abbie Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01963518453560661181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6470339780834117586.post-47565371985161233812015-04-01T09:08:00.000-07:002015-04-01T09:08:01.797-07:00Promises for God's PrincessesThis books is a great devotional for young girls. When I received it in the mail my 7 year old daughter grabbed it up immediately. It quickly became one of her favorite books. Even after completing it I find her going back to read it again.
Filled with 100 numbered devotions this tiny book is a prize for any reader. Because it is hard cover it is durable and the size makes it easy to fit in a back pack or purse. Our daughter enjoys taking it in her bible backpack for church to share with her friends.
I think that the princess style relates well with young girls and the fact that it is written in a diary style makes it readable and fun.Abbie Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01963518453560661181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6470339780834117586.post-19376949996303005002015-02-16T08:58:00.001-08:002015-02-16T09:02:46.151-08:00At Home in Last Chance, Cathleen ArmstrongAt Home in Last Chance is the third in a series but can be enjoyed as a stand alone book. This book, like the others, draws readers into the stories and lives of the characters. By the end of the book the reader feels like they are a part of the story themselves.
Kaitlyn is back home in Last Chance. For her this is the chance to start over. She is working hard to re-establish a life and relationship with the daughter that she left behind 6 months earlier. To do this she will have to make decisions to change. Kaitlyn may have to adopt a new view of life and how to deal with rough times. The question remains, will her daughter be able to trust her again.
Steven Braden is the irresponsible flirt that has left a line of heartbreak and hurt behind him. He returns to Last Chance trying to prove that he has finally changed. But his family does not know if they can trust that the change is true and there to stay.
As their journeys begin to unfold Steven and Kaitlyn find themselves pushed together. But, how can they ever start a relationship when they are so unsure of themselves.
A story of grace, love and change. This book will have the reader understanding that even those who seem will never change have a chance to start over.
This book was given to me for review by Revell.Abbie Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01963518453560661181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6470339780834117586.post-33553343554454144652015-02-12T19:46:00.001-08:002015-02-12T19:46:45.239-08:00Nourished, Becky Johnson and Rachel RandolphA mother daughter duo that needs to keep on writing!
This book is one that is worth keeping around. This mother daughter duo writes with ease and humor that make reading a pleasure. Filled with practical advice and tips this book is a great read.
The authors address 10 things that cause stress in a wife and mother's life. Then they advise how to eliminate these stressors with practical advice and wisdom. This book is a reminder of the importance of taking time to take care of yourself so that you can take care of everyone else you love.
Being a mom is stressful, being a wife is hard. These two restore the joy in the two tasks that can absolutely wear a woman out.
Be revived and uplifted - encouraged and empowered. Become the best mother and wife you can and learn to enjoy every moment.
Thanks to the author and publisher for this review copy.
Abbie Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01963518453560661181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6470339780834117586.post-58686400546974006572015-02-05T12:21:00.000-08:002015-02-05T12:21:01.416-08:00Escape Through The Wilderness, Gary RodriquezThis book is a great book for upper elementary age students or middle school aged. The characters are all teenage children which makes it more appealing for the younger group to read.
A story of survival and fear begins when four teenage students go on an overnight rafting expedition that ends in tragedy. The children and their guide are in an accident that ends with the guide being swept down river and the children alone. 25 miles from camp, lost in the dark woods and haunted by campfire stories of a terrible creature known as Vexel the kids must come together to survive. As seems to happen when tragedy strikes, an unlikely hero arises in the form of Savi, a 16 year old girl.
This story is a tale of harrowing proportions. The children face unspeakable odds and faith pulls them through. If they were not friends before they became friends during the ordeal.
Rodriquez has written a fast moving very interactive book that will draw the reader into the story. Abbie Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01963518453560661181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6470339780834117586.post-54795413810045282012014-12-23T20:26:00.002-08:002014-12-23T20:26:37.830-08:00TOP FIVE OF 2014: MasterBooksTime for a list of my top five.....and this is so hard to do. I don't think that I have ever had a publisher that has month after month sent me something that every member of my family absolutely loved. My children rush to meet the postman when they know it is time for a package from MasterBooks Publishers. I get excited when I see our yearly line up for review. So here it is....
5. It's Not Greek To Me, Todd Friel - a fun interactive and quirky professor makes learning an ancient language interesting.
http://abbiereviews.blogspot.com/2014/07/its-not-greek-to-me-todd-friel.html
4. Studies in World History - Yep, this made my list. A long time fan of Bob Jones home school curriculum I was skeptical that any other History curriculum could compare. Well, I will now be trading in the old for this outstanding curriculum!
http://abbiereviews.blogspot.com/2014/08/studies-and-world-history.htm
3. Galapagos Islands - Beautifully stunning photography set this apart for me. I love excellent photography but these leap off the page. Words just can not express the beauty!
http://abbiereviews.blogspot.com/2014/02/galapagos-islands-different-view.html
2. 44 Animals of the Bible - My kids still tote this book around the house. They pass it from child to child. Great for making the animals of the bible come alive!
http://abbiereviews.blogspot.com/2014/12/44-animals-of-bible.html
and finally....number ONE for this family for 2014.....
1. BUGS - This full color book is packed with information for ALL ages.
http://abbiereviews.blogspot.com/2014/10/bugs-big-small-god-made-them-all-will.html
We are looking forward to another wonderful year of books and fun with this publisher!!
Abbie Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01963518453560661181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6470339780834117586.post-78170659190358976062014-12-23T20:10:00.001-08:002014-12-23T20:10:44.384-08:0044 Animals of the BibleIt is like Christmas everytime I open a package from New Leaf Publishing!! My kids try to beat each other to the door to grab the package so they can be the first to get the book. This one, like the Bug book, was a favorite of my boys. What surprised me more, though, was how captivating it was for my 1 and 3 year old and even held the attention of my 13 year old. More than once I found the book tucked under someone's math book as they were sneaking "reading" time when they were supposed to be working out math problems.
Each of the animals (some ancient and extinct, some still alive) has a beautiful picture and great description of the animal and how it was used during biblical times. The importance of book like this for me is that it brings to life the Word of God. Makes things more understandable and real for my children. Now for the first time they can go to a book and see a colorful photo and full description of animals such as the asp when they run across the word in biblical text.
This is a book that everyone needs.
Thanks to the publisher for this wonderful review copy.Abbie Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01963518453560661181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6470339780834117586.post-62646486687069839882014-12-23T13:50:00.001-08:002014-12-23T13:50:44.128-08:00Wisdomantics Board GameAre you looking for a FUN and interactive game that will increase bible knowledge for kids and adults alike?
Look no further. This board game comes with 2 dvds loaded with multiple choice questions over the wisdom of Solomon. My kids, all 4 of the older ones, enjoyed trying to beat the other ones by choosing the correct answer quickest. Some of the questions were a little difficult for younger kids so we did allow use of the bible at times but this served as a bible drill, making them more familiar with their bibles.
I really appreciate the thought put into the game and was glad to see something along these lines. We own to versions of bibles trivia as well as many other bible games but few touch on the wisdom of King Solomon. I think this game is one of those hidden treasures that helps to seal the Word of the Lord on the hearts of children and parents alike.
I am so thankful that I received this for review.
http://www.wisdomantics.com/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Wisdomantics/701632026543413Abbie Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01963518453560661181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6470339780834117586.post-41937834239652333142014-12-06T20:39:00.000-08:002014-12-06T20:39:15.856-08:00DVD: What's in the Bible? Jesus is The Good News!I have got to say that this is one of my favorite dvd series for kids - I think I like it even better than the Veggie Tales series by the same person. Maybe because it is so literally dealing with the bible.
My kids vary in ages 1 to 13 years and all of them enjoy sitting down to watch it. Phil Vischer has created a series that grabs the kids attention and passes on biblical truth in a fun interactive way. This is a bible based muppets or Sesame Street.
Jesus is pointed at as the only way to salvation and thus the main thrust of the video is great. This is an excellent resource for personal use but is also easily adaptable to multiple curriculum in Children's Church, AWANA, and Sunday School situations. Children will love the characters and the interactive feel of the videos.
You may even find as an adult that you learn a bit of bible trivia that you did not know before you watched the video. You may also find that it motivates your children to learn the books of the bible and seek out more information regarding the topics discussed.
Thanks to the publisher and FlyBY Promotions for this review copy.
Abbie Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01963518453560661181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6470339780834117586.post-28904855353235671122014-12-06T14:47:00.001-08:002014-12-06T14:47:19.497-08:00Your Life Still Counts, Tracie MilesMills has written a book that will touch every woman's heart. Each of us has been called to walk through hard times at one time or another. Tracie shares her own story in an honest, open way that draws the reader to the Lord of redemption. She shows that God's love and grace far out reaches the things that we have done, gone through or the pain we experience.
I would highly recommend this book for anyone who has found themselves or is currently finding themselves in a place of hardship and pain. The personal stories and testimonies will uplift the down trodden, give hope to the hopeless and be a light in the valley of shadows and darkness. God is a God who works through the lives of his people to accomplish great things. He speaks to his children through his children - and this is a book that reflects this very personal love of God.
Thanks to the publisher and FLYBY Promotions for this review copy.Abbie Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01963518453560661181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6470339780834117586.post-69091554608750007212014-12-02T18:54:00.000-08:002014-12-02T18:54:18.085-08:00Small Talk: Learning From Kids What Matters Most, Amy Julia BeckerThis is one of those books that is just plain enjoyable to read. In fact it is one that you will probably picked up over and over again. I know that as a mom of six it was encouraging to read Becker's honest account of motherhood and the profound effect it has on a person.
I barely finished this book when a friend saw it laying on my desk and picked it up. She only read the first page then asked if she could take it home. So it is already making its rounds among my friends. There is a set of books that I think should be put in a basket with diapers, teething tablets, teething beads, onsies and burp cloths and given as a baby shower gift...this is one of those books.
Motherhood is not always easy, not always fun, and sometimes just downright overwhelming. But amidst late nights, snotty noses, poopy diapers, scraped knees and tantrums there are the cuddle down moments, the sweet sticky kisses and the smell of kids after they have played out doors.
Truly as Becker shows, if you open your eyes to the wonder of motherhood through the eyes of your children you can not help but be blessed.
This is a keeper - and a sharer - and a gifter.
Thanks to the publisher for this review copy.Abbie Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01963518453560661181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6470339780834117586.post-34229872075286252162014-11-26T13:08:00.001-08:002014-11-28T15:53:59.889-08:0052 Little Lessons from Les Miserables, Bob Welch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2igArt3RiJOANO5Ox_vBCnu0PqOzfQOf4wKKqyZq-p3i6dmQOujFaEy652vNFWJ4PwUvggW6vcMSlVA3FMSOijKp3kOZJrC3y305skwu_lXvUxQvHHkKK2-mQat_c1tDAuz9roTWDFk/s1600/1m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2igArt3RiJOANO5Ox_vBCnu0PqOzfQOf4wKKqyZq-p3i6dmQOujFaEy652vNFWJ4PwUvggW6vcMSlVA3FMSOijKp3kOZJrC3y305skwu_lXvUxQvHHkKK2-mQat_c1tDAuz9roTWDFk/s320/1m.jpg" /></a></div>
Victor Hugo's timeless classic is now a time less devotional. I remember the first time I picked up that huge unabridged monstrosity of a book. I remember turning it over in my hands thinking, "I will never be able to finish this; cliff notes here I come". That was as a Junior in High school and I read the book from front cover to back cover in a matter of days. I was hooked from the first page, drawn into a story about Jean Valjean that offered hope. Grace was so poured out in the actions of the priest that a life was changed for ever. Desperation turned to hope, darkness was parted by light, shame was replaced by the covering of forgiveness. My copy was dogged-eared, marked, high lighted and and I remember crying as I typed my reflective paper over the themes and symbolism of this book.
Bob Welch has taken the spiritual lessons, the golden bits of truth tucked into this beloved classic and turned it into a daily devotional. As I read it of course I thought; "this is what I should have done with my dog-eared copy". For when I read the book the first, second, third and fourth time that is what it was like for a me a huge devotional. Only now I have Welch's much easier to handle smaller version of a great classic. Welch successfully took the poignant points of the book and organized them into a weekly devotional that is sure to bless anybody who picks it up.
Thanks to the publisher for this free review copy.Abbie Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01963518453560661181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6470339780834117586.post-21474062664453887242014-11-10T15:30:00.000-08:002014-11-10T15:30:13.256-08:00Christmas at Rose Hill Farm, Suzanne Woods FisherAn Amish love story in the sweetest sense; one that will have you crying and laughing and fill your heart with that warm feeling. Bill Lapp left his Amish life behind for something sweeter or different. However, that meant walking away from a woman that he loved but that he felt did not love him in return. His heart was drawn to hers and he never quite forgot her or the way she made him feel. Surrounded by rare roses, in charge of making sure they bloom and live to produce another plant. He spends his days with beauty that echoes his long lost love.
Bess thinks that she has moved on from Bill. She is sure that she has found a man that truly loves her. After years of waiting, wishing, hoping she has packed up the dreams of seeing Bill. She has picked up the pieces of her heart and mended them back and now she is planning a wedding.
This sets the stage, of course, for the twist that brings three worlds to a halting stop. Love, always finds a way to come back to the place it started and hearts always seem to remember the ones they first loved.
Curl up on the coach, grab a soft and cozy blanket, some tissues and get ready for a heart-warming story that will make you fall in love.
Thanks Revell for this review copy.Abbie Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01963518453560661181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6470339780834117586.post-78538910983263835702014-11-10T15:03:00.001-08:002014-11-10T15:03:14.350-08:00Trading Secrets, Melody CarlsonAwww....Melody Carlson has done it again. Our family is huge Carlson fans! Her young adult fiction is just as awesome as her adult fiction. She just has a way of weaving words into a story that is heart warming and real. My daughter has her own collection of Carlson books and this one quickly made it onto her shelf as well. Within the first pages she was already giggling as she anticipated the end and the story in between.
In the fifth grade Micah Knight is given a pen pal. The problem: well when you have a name like Micah it's hard to tell if the writer is a boy or a girl so she is paired up with an Amish boy named Zach. Years pass and the two have traded letters, secrets, hopes and dreams. They have become the best of friends through pages of mail. The problem now is that it is time to meet and Micah is a little worried that the one secret she failed to "trade" with Zach might be the undoing of years of pen-pal friendship. Or at the very least it will drastically change the dynamics of the relationship.
So the real story begins as the two meet for the first time and Micah is introduced for the beautiful and witty young lady she really is. So, you will have to go pick up a copy to see how this sweet story of friendship unfolds and what exciting times await these two childhood pen pals.
Thanks to Revell for this review copy.
Abbie Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01963518453560661181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6470339780834117586.post-25100788447718533722014-11-08T15:51:00.000-08:002014-11-08T15:51:37.446-08:00At Bluebonnet Lake, Amanda CabotAmanda Cabot has a gift for telling a story rich in details that bring the characters to life. Their story becomes almost apart of your story. The reader is invited to step across time into a place where they have never been and walk roads that are sometimes hard to walk. Her stories are great for cold days snuggle beneath a warm blanket.
This is the first of her stories that I have read that are not historical fiction but my hopes were high and I was not in the least disappointed in the results. Kate has a life with fast-paced action, lots of opportunities to climb success ladders and go somewhere. But her grandmother makes a request that Kate can not deny, a request to visit a resort that she and her husband had stayed at years and years ago. Kate is shocked as she arrives at a resort in the middle of no-where. A place where life is slow as the tumble-weed and dull as the dusty ground beneath your feet. That is until the handy-man appears on the scene and sparks start to fly.
How will Kate react to this seemingly strange and down home man who threatens to steal her heart with his warmth and smile.
Thanks Revell for this review copy.Abbie Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01963518453560661181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6470339780834117586.post-50466628228938458852014-11-08T15:28:00.000-08:002014-11-08T15:28:12.198-08:00Surprised by Love, Julie LessmanJulie Lessman is a masterful weaver of words and imagery. Her novels leap from the pages with lively, likeable characters. Her stories twist and turn allowing the reader to be drawn deeply into a story that becomes almost too real to be just a book. I have always been a fan of Lessman and this book only leads me to be a bigger fan, a more avid supporter of her work.
Returning home from studying in Paris Megan is ready to experience life. The once plain girl that easily blended into the world is suddenly a beautiful woman. Suddenly she is no longer easily over-looked, satisfied with life hidden behind the cover of a book. She is eager to accept an internship until she finds out that she will be working with the one boy that made life miserable for her as a young girl. How can she work with the person that made life awful that made her feel ugly and unwanted.
So, Megan does what Megan has always done she turns to her best friend and "big brother" - the one person who has always been there for her. The boy that stood in the gap, protected her, and counted her as his best friend. But things have changed, the dynamics of the relationship are no longer the same. Though Megan still counts Bram as her best friend he sees her for the first time for the beautiful, attractive young lady she is. His struggle becomes a desire to have her for himself and giving good counsel to forgive the other man.
The heart strings of the reader are certainly pulled taut in this story of love, forgiveness, and growing up. What will Megan do, how will her life be changed by these two men. Who will she choose to love.
Thanks to Revell for this review copy.Abbie Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01963518453560661181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6470339780834117586.post-5505802244787400662014-11-05T20:42:00.001-08:002014-11-05T20:42:13.164-08:00The Christmas Cat, Melody CarlsonThis is a book that will make the holiday season a heart-warming one! Uniquely this book is written from the male perspective that makes is a great read!
The Christmas Cat is not just for cat-lovers. I can say this because I enjoyed it and I can honestly say that I am not a cat-lover. The story is a wonderful story about a man that has been gone. He comes to his deceased grandmother's home to take care of her cats. She has left very specific instructions on how to find new homes for the cats.
Inter-woven in this story are faith love and the work of the Lord. This book is a short read but well-worth the time to read it. It is a great book to read in pajamas with a big cup of hot cocoa.
Thanks to Revell for this review copy.Abbie Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01963518453560661181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6470339780834117586.post-25872447550582009442014-11-05T20:30:00.000-08:002014-11-05T20:30:44.397-08:00Their Name is Today, Johann Christoph Arnold I am a mother of six wonderful children who mean the world to me. I even stay at home and home school all of them. They are with me 24-hours a day 7 days a week. Protecting them is of my highest priority. Within the pages of this book the reader will find encouragement and a challenge to protect their children. This world is filled with heart-warming stories that will offer hope. But it is also filled with fact and truth about the dangers of this time and age. This book brings to the forefront all the challenges that children face today.
I can think of no other book that is such need today as this one. At any point children have access to some electronic device or unrestricted access to internet sites. They are pushed from every side to have academic and social success. The constant pressure affects children adversely and therefor they need our protection.
Be encouraged. Be uplifted. Have your eyes opened up.
Thanks to the publisher and author for this review copy.Abbie Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01963518453560661181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6470339780834117586.post-86867315669990589492014-11-05T20:05:00.001-08:002014-11-05T20:05:22.935-08:00A Lifelong Love, Gary Thomas Do you long to see your marriage grow? I am not talking about merely surviving marriage. Nor am I talking about saving a marriage in trouble. I am talking about making a marriage thrive, grow in the Lord and become a shining testament of His goodness.
This book is a wonderful book for couples looking to enhance their marriage. I enjoyed studying it and can not wait to recommend it to other couples I know. Several years back my husband and I read and did the bible study Sacred Marriage. This bible study and book was beneficial to both of us and everyone that came to the study. I am hoping to see this book impact many couples who are seeking to better their existing marriages.
An added benefit to this book is the discussion and reflection questions for couples. This will provide an opportunity to talk with your spouse and discover more about their thoughts on marriage and the current season you are in.
Thanks to the publisher for this review copy.Abbie Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01963518453560661181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6470339780834117586.post-52329091870720073262014-10-28T16:41:00.003-07:002014-10-28T16:45:24.032-07:00BUGS: Big & Small God Made Them All, Will Zinke<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrIWkNLncBZVTXf8rSbkECBueWmiN7FImsELih-hiuuQRtLRo5uuRB3I7X3GlCmRjIFfcK-GO2HU6_c0ysuwkKKrmMMC8jbTXVmL3QVi3DJG_733EwueNdeXl0_Y1rg97oCpwh-xbXFxo/s1600/bugs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrIWkNLncBZVTXf8rSbkECBueWmiN7FImsELih-hiuuQRtLRo5uuRB3I7X3GlCmRjIFfcK-GO2HU6_c0ysuwkKKrmMMC8jbTXVmL3QVi3DJG_733EwueNdeXl0_Y1rg97oCpwh-xbXFxo/s640/bugs.jpg" /></a></div>
WOW! One word that sums up this book....just wow! I am surprised that it has even survived our house the first month of it being here. My children passed it around, sat and looked at it, and even took it outside to help identify books. I even found a helpless stick bug smashed in its pages next to the explanation of the bug. Ughhhh....yeah that is what it is like with 4 boys and two girls though.
I would highly, highly recommend this book to everyone who has kids! Again, Masterbooks at created a book that is interactive and fun for the entire family. We even got it out on Sunday night during a fellowship with friends to settle a debate on whether stick bugs spit in your eye or not. That was when our little insect friend was found smashed right next to the picture of his distant cousin.
I love, love, love books that spark my children's interest and imagination. This is just one of those books that is a must have book for all families.
Thanks MasterBooks for this review book!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrIWkNLncBZVTXf8rSbkECBueWmiN7FImsELih-hiuuQRtLRo5uuRB3I7X3GlCmRjIFfcK-GO2HU6_c0ysuwkKKrmMMC8jbTXVmL3QVi3DJG_733EwueNdeXl0_Y1rg97oCpwh-xbXFxo/s1600/bugs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrIWkNLncBZVTXf8rSbkECBueWmiN7FImsELih-hiuuQRtLRo5uuRB3I7X3GlCmRjIFfcK-GO2HU6_c0ysuwkKKrmMMC8jbTXVmL3QVi3DJG_733EwueNdeXl0_Y1rg97oCpwh-xbXFxo/s640/bugs.jpg" /></a></div>Abbie Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01963518453560661181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6470339780834117586.post-17313367467960135932014-10-20T13:05:00.000-07:002014-10-20T13:05:17.138-07:00A Promise To Protect, Patricia BradleyExciting. Terrifying. Breath-taking. Frightening. Filled with twists and turns that will leave you on edge and turning pages as quickly as you can finish one. This is a book that you will stay up late trying to finish and will have to be pulled away from when it is time to put it down.
Bradley has expertly written a book that draws the reader in. There is enough action in buildings blowing up, cars exploding and other things to keep a man's attention and to keep a woman's heart racing. Sheriff Ben Logan is the hero of dreams. Quick, strong, attractive and kind, he is just the knight in shining armor you would want on your side fight for you. Stunned by a call from Leigh to protect her brother Ben finds himself reliving a past romance that ended in heart ache and pain. However, he soon finds himself protecting Leigh and her young son. Little does he know that the secret Leigh wants so desperately to protect will change both of their lives and the dreams that they had in place.
This book will keep you quickly turning each page. Anxious to figure out the next twist and turn.
Thanks Revell for this review copy.Abbie Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01963518453560661181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6470339780834117586.post-82567423802264421372014-10-20T12:46:00.001-07:002014-10-20T12:46:36.808-07:00Lights Out: Living in a Sightless World, Travis Freeman and Rebeca DeBoard SeitzI was so excited to get this review copy. The movie did not come to a theater near us in North East Texas so I am anxiously awaiting the time when it comes out on DVD. This book is the story of the man whose life and accomplishments inspired the movie 23 Blast.
The story begins in the present time and goes backward to tell about Travis' miraculous birth and childhood. Eventually bringing the reader to the time a vibrant, active boy loses his sight. This book is filled with the evidence of God's amazing grace and His wonderful plan inter-woven in pain, discouragement and ultimate victory. This will inspire those who face obstacles in life to hold on to the promises that God has given us.
Take a moment to study a book that will forever change your life. You will be inspired to reach further, dream bigger, and fall into the amazing promises of God.
Thank you to Glass Road Media for this review copy.
Abbie Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01963518453560661181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6470339780834117586.post-30900293779189881522014-10-20T12:18:00.000-07:002014-10-20T12:18:57.669-07:00Playing by Heart, Anne MateerThis was my first Mateer book to read. I have to say I enjoyed the simplicity of the story. This book is written in the first person, alternating between Lul Bowman and Chett. Following her dreams Lulu is set to continue her college education and do something great. However, one phone call changes everything. With one call she packs up her dreams for a while and heads to Oklahoma to help her sister Jewel.
When she gets to Oklahoma she finds that the only teaching position is for art and basketball two things that she does not even deem to be subjects of study. Her only hope of learning the new game of basketball is to turn to the boys basketball coach Chett. The only problem is that Chett is handsome, single and very likable.
So the stage is set for romance and love. What will happen between these two?
Thanks to Bethany House for this review copy.Abbie Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01963518453560661181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6470339780834117586.post-38713278983691394792014-10-06T13:19:00.001-07:002014-10-06T13:19:25.432-07:00Stolen, Katarina Rosenblatt, PhDOh wow. This is a harrowing tale of pain and redemption. I had to remind myself to stay calm when I think about my children. I am like most people, I want to leave this problem to foreign countries, big cities, and far places from my East Texas home. But the truth is that it is every where. The fact that we live in a highly technological world makes it all the more real for every one.
I would like to thank this author for writing this book. Though the truth of this painful thing is hard to swallow it is something that must be acknowledged.
Thanks to Revell for this review copy.Abbie Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01963518453560661181noreply@blogger.com0