Category Archives: Reviews

A fair and honest opinion about someone else’s work.

Family, Reviews

Book Review: The Great Lemonade Stand Standoff

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The Great Lemonade Stand Standoff

The Great Lemonade Stand Standoff highlights what happens when cool agents Jake, Sophia and Brody face off against Albatross agents in their quest to foil cool agent plans. The misadventures of the lemonade brigade turn sour and send the agents scampering for a back-up plan.

Author and dad, Art Rainer is the Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Art is a self-proclaimed Albatross fighter who helps people make good money choices.

Right off the bat, we’re introduced to characters with secret intel given from the narrator to the reader. In that conspiratorial tone, we watch from a front row seat as Jake, Sophia, and Brody become cool agents with sunglasses and black suits. The trio take off to solve their first challenge and we hang on to the side of their rocket car for the adventure.

Art Rainer has managed to bring an entertaining element to learning about money management. A fun read for ages 8 – 12, this early-reader fiction provides math problems to solve and giving lessons to learn. It gives parents a solid foundation for talking about money principles and things kids like to be grossed out about, like used chewing gum and stinky body odor. Rainer even congratulates readers halfway through and rewards with unusual money facts.

An excellent book, The Great Lemonade Stand Standoff is one I can’t wait to share with my grands. I know it will bring laughter as the agents race to save their friend from the stinky Albies, agents of Albatross. You can get a copy, too. Hang on for the ride as you set out on your quest to learn how to Give, Save & Live God’s way!

Sally

Disclaimer:  I received a copy of this book from B & H Bloggers in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Faith, Reviews

Book Review & a Giveaway: Fresh Start Bible

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Do you ever need a reset button, and a chance for a do-over? The Fresh Start Bible is the perfect fit! “With over 500 discipleship articles and studies, Fresh Start Bible will help you find God’s direction for every day.”

Fresh Start is published by Gateway Church in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Provided in the New Living Translation, features include:

“Fresh Start Journey: 52 important questions about the foundations of faith

Intersections: 59 key Bible characters and events

Road Signs: Practical teachings that illuminate Scripture and inspire spiritual growth

Worship Way: Discusses the What, Whom, Why, and How of worship

Freedom Path: Explores the spiritual freedom available to every believer

Bible Reading Breakthrough: Explains the importance of reading God’s Word every day”

As a teacher of God’s Word, I appreciate the leader’s guide, including keys to a dynamic small group. As a reader of God’s Word, I appreciate the breakdown of a daily reading plan, to apply a practical method of study. And, as a student of God’s Word, I appreciate the study resources, including in-depth teachings, Bible studies and message notes. Each book of the Bible has an introduction, sidebars, footnotes and articles to pursue a better understanding of the material in the context and intent.

When I think about receiving my first study Bible, I remember the joy I found in the pages of notes. The cross-references became a delightful jigsaw puzzle and helped me piece together an understanding of who God is and who He wants to be in my life. The notes throughout gave insight to difficult passages and provide an “ah-ha” to God’s code book.

Today, that Bible is a cherished friend; the notes I scribbled in the margin became signposts for direction. Underlined portions of Scripture jump out every time I turn the page. My desire to share God’s Word in reviews, is that others would also find the thrill of discovery within its pages. God wants to be known by you, and He gifts so many translations, so that we can know Him. Fresh Start will delight, disciple and direct you, as you dig into daily deciphering!

I am giving away a copy of the Fresh Start Bible to one reader in the continental United States. Leave a comment on my blog (at the top of this post, under the title) about tools you use to study God’s Word and you will be entered into the drawing, to be held in three days, December 18.

Sally

Disclosure of Material: I received a complimentary copy of this Bible from the publisher through The Blog About Network book review program in exchange for a fair and honest review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR Title 16, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

http://theblythedanielagency.com/the-blog-spot/
Reviews

Book Review & a Giveaway: Soothing Rain

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Soothing rain

Soothing Rain: Living Water to Refresh Your Soul is a treasure of 52 devotions with study questions that can be used alone or as a weekly guide for small group discussion.

Author Tonya Jewel Blessing speaks from experiences across the globe and the impact of ministry in a third-world country. She brings insight with a flavor of international travel and perspectives, using illustrations that connect the Word of God with current events.

Author Sue Summers asks about your life’s experiences as you flesh out the devotional, and brings insights into why you look at the Bible the way you do. She helps you see what triggers from your past equip you for the future.

Written for women, topics include:

  • Measuring life through God’s eyes.
  • The fragrance of influence.
  • Our emotional make-up.
  • Letting the Lord use us to enhance, flavor, and illuminate our world.
  • What does the music of your life sound like?
  • The symbolism of water.
  • The shoe-tying anointing.
  • How God’s truths speak to our present situation.
  • Sharing the beautiful name of Jesus.
  • Making our footprints plain and easy to follow.
  • Letting God weave His dream into our lives.
  • Being women of second chances.

Whether used daily or weekly, the devotional generates thoughts to dig deeper into Scripture and its application. What I like best about it is the international flavor Tonya brings from her life as a missionary in South Africa. Sue compliments the whole picture, with reflection questions to shed a different light when processing Scripture. They make a good team, and collectively bring refreshment to dry souls. Soothing Rain will not disappoint!

I am giving away a copy of Soothing Rain to one reader in the continental United States. Leave a comment on my blog (at the top of this post, under the title). Tell me your favorite Bible passage and why it is special. You will be entered into the drawing to be held on Thursday evening, December 5. Share on social media to get an extra entry in the drawing (let me know where you shared).

I can’t wait to hear your stories!

Sally

Disclosure of Material: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookCrash.com book review program, which requires an honest, though not necessarily positive, review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR Title 16, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Reviews

Book Review: The Promises of God

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The Promises of God

What are the promises of God? Charles Spurgeon highlights one each day for 365 days. He says, “A promise from God is like a check payable to order… We are to take the promise and endorse it with our own name by personally receiving it as true.”

Who is Charles Spurgeon? A Reformed Baptist pastor, Charles Haddon Spurgeon lived 1834-1892 and was called “the Prince of Preachers.” He wrote The Promises of God to comfort our hearts. He says, “God is good. He will not forsake you. He will bear you through. There is a promise prepared for your present emergencies. And if you will believe it and plead it at the mercy seat through Jesus Christ, you will see the hand of the Lord stretched out to help you. Everything else will fail, but his Word never will. He has been so faithful to me in countless instances that I must encourage you to trust him. I should be ungrateful to God and unkind to you if I did not do so.”

Who is Tim Chester? Also a Reformed Baptist pastor, Tim Chester translates his love for the writings of Charles Spurgeon into a journey to communicate Spurgeon’s works for today’s audience.

Written in first person, Spurgeon offers humble insights to his own ponderings of God’s promises. His depth of understanding offers page after page of reassurance that God’s promises will never fail, but will surely come to pass. He reminds us of our blessed inheritance in Christ (Genesis 28:13), of purposeful lives (John 1:50), that we will never be refused (John 6:37), and of God’s presence (Exodus 3:12).

The Promises of God is a classic daily devotional. Spurgeon says, “The more we study the words of grace, the more grace we will receive from the words.”

Get a copy for yourself and one for a friend. As you look at God’s Word through the eyes of Charles Haddon Spurgeon, you’ll see Gods’ promises come to life for you!

Sally

Disclaimer: Crossway provided a complimentary copy of this book through the Blog Review Program.

Reviews

Book Review and a Giveaway: Take Back Your Time

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Take Back Your Time by Morgan Tyree

Maybe you’ve heard enough about time management, and think one more book can’t be any different than what you’ve already read? Maybe you’ve tried goal setting and been overwhelmed by your list? Or, maybe you have extra time on your hands and don’t think you want to hear another reason why you need to be busy? Morgan Tyree yearns to help you embrace the season you’re in, with questions to process and worksheets to create self-awareness surrounding the things that occupy your days.

Morgan Tyree is a professional organizer, writer, and fitness instructor. Her passion to inspire intentionality shines in Take Back Your Time.

Take Back Your Time begins with a look at our accumulation of “stuff.” Morgan says, “Clutter is at the core of each and every one of our time management challenges.”

But, the look at clutter goes beyond, to dig deeper into our purposes, in order to better line up with the priorities we most value. So, a book on time management just went past organizing, to evaluating lifestyles. As someone who struggles with paper clutter, I feel like Morgan talked me away from panic and gave me permission to breathe. Her tone resembles a pep talk and a reminder of the value of one person. One person can make a difference. One person can have the moxie needed to tackle tough assignments. And, one person can experience the wonderful sensation of a job accomplished. Yes, that person is you!

Through setting up productive work spaces, setting aside time zones for optimal productivity, and advocating self-care, or restful activity, Morgan guides the reader to see time as a responsibility, privilege, and a gift. Take Back Your Time will help you realize your best self and equip you to make the most of your days!

I am giving away a copy of Take Back Your Time to a reader in the continental United States. Leave a comment on my blog (at the top of this post, under the title), and tell me how you stay motivated to tackle your goals, and you will be entered into the drawing, to be held in three days, on November 3.

Sally

Disclosure of Material: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through The Blog About Network book review program in exchange for a fair and honest review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR Title 16, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Reviews, Writing

Book Review: Sleeping Near the Ark

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Sleeping Near the Ark

How does a writer deal with doubts and writer’s block? Michael Gantt and Barbara Haley contend, it’s by Sleeping Near the Ark.

Pastor and author, Michael Gantt travels extensively to declare God’s truth in compelling forms. Michael organized The Kenya Development Fund in support of the students of the Immanuel Christian School for the Deaf. Michael is the author of five books.

Barbara E. Haley, a retired elementary teacher and Reading Interventionist, seeks to remind her readers of God’s great love and encourage them to grow closer each day in their level of intimacy with Him. Barbara has authored and contributed to six books.

Sleeping Near the Ark is a delightful gem, shining light from all angles on how a writer can reflect God’s heart to readers. The premise of the book is from 1 Samuel, where the boy received his calling from God. The Ark of the Covenant represents Jesus, the presence of God among us. And, the call of the book is, Lord, let me sleep near Jesus, “so close to the presence of God that it rubs off on everything I write.”

The authors pose purposes for writing, with the ultimate goal for writers being “to encourage, to inspire, to challenge, and to heal.”

Get a copy of this book for the writers in your life, but especially for yourself. Writer or not, we all need the inspiration of God at work in our lives, and this treasure guides through positioning ourselves to hear from God, to pondering in focused ways the things He is speaking to us. This is one book you’ll want to glean from, again and again.

Sally

Faith, Reviews

Book Review: Vulnerable by Raleigh Sadler

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Vulnerable by Raleigh Sadler

In a crucial conversation about what it means to be Vulnerable, in order to help those who are Vulnerable, Raleigh Sadler peels back layers of misinformation about combating the trafficking industry. Yes, “according to the Global Slavery Index, there are as many as 40.3 million people held in what amounts to modern-day slavery.”

And yes, there is something you and I can do about it.

Raleigh Sadler left his dream job as a college pastor, sold everything he owned and moved to New York City to save the world. He later came to realize, the world is not ours to save, but to fight for the justice of those without a voice. He says, “Part of (God’s) calling requires us to face our fears and trust God with the results.”

The book, Vulnerable, takes us into that journey of learning to be vulnerable, in order to share the pain of others. Raleigh founded the organization, Let My People Go, to equip churches to identify and reach the vulnerable in their communities.

One of the most important topics in the book is that we cannot plan to rescue people without reaffirming their dignity. A transactional gift of helping the poor has to be balanced by allowing them to give back into our lives. Otherwise, we are “re-exploiting the people we are trying to help.”

Read Vulnerable. It is an excellent book that equips with an understanding of the trafficking industry, but it also reaffirms our need to link arms in reaching our communities. None of us can aid others without the mutual aid we need for our own healing. Raleigh reminds us we can only work in tandem in order to partner in the fight for life.

Is there something an ordinary person can do? See the Appendix for 100 ways you can fight trafficking!

Sally

Disclaimer:  I received a copy of Vulnerable from B & H Bloggers in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Reviews

Book Review and a Giveaway: Heaven Intended Series

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Heaven Intended Series

A country embroiled in Civil War has to come to terms with loss of life on the battlefield. The Heaven Intended Series tackles the questions that must have plagued soldiers and civilians alike, as they tended to the wounded, mourned loss, and considered life after turmoil.

Amanda Lauer has penned three books covering intricate details of Union and Confederate sides of the United States conflict. A World Such as Heaven Intended, A Life Such as Heaven Intended, and A Love Such as Heaven Intended. “Wisconsin resident Amanda Lauer has published nearly 1,500 articles in newspapers and magazines throughout the United States, plus she is the co-writer of the movie The Islands, scheduled for nationwide release this summer. Lauer has been offered a contract from an LA movie studio for her book A World Such as Heaven Intended for a major motion picture. In addition to her proofreading, copy-editing and writing career, Lauer is an actress and is involved in the health and wellness industry. She and her husband John have been married 38 years, have four grown children and five grandchildren.”

The books are in the Young Adult fiction genre, and provide insight to life in the 1800’s. Amanda’s immense research and detail provides intricate scenes on the battlefield and off. She helps the reader see both sides of the conflict and ask questions about life in turmoil.

“What would cause people to change sides?”

 “How would families be divided in wartime?”

“How would politics turn neighbor against neighbor?”

Those with a Catholic background will resonate with the regiments of sacraments and praying to the saints. As a Protestant, I found the references difficult to follow. However, the first two books have earned the Catholic Writers Guild Seal of Approval. Though some of the details between books are inconsistent, the story line is interesting and imaginative.

I am giving away two sets of the Heaven Intended series, courtesy of FQ Publishing (a “Catholic-friendly resource”), to two readers in the continental United States. Leave a comment on my blog (at the top of this post, under the title) about ways you encourage the teens in your life, and you will be entered into the drawing, to be held in three days, August 25.

Sally

Disclosure of Material: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through The Blog Spot Network book review program in exchange for a fair and honest review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR Title 16, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

http://theblythedanielagency.com/the-blog-spot/
Encouragement, Reviews

Book Review: In Her Shoes: Dancing in the Shadow of Cancer

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In Her Shoes by Joanie Shawhan

In Her Shoes is a celebration of life. Yes, it is a cancer journey, but it is also a tribute to courage, tenacity and to the team of so many who come alongside the one with cancer, even if just to celebrate with scarves!

With riveting, engaging, real talk, Joanie Shawhan shares the account of her walk with ovarian cancer, and will wrap you in the wonder of illness and of our God who is bigger than any diagnosis. She uses her experiences to encourage others and to train medical students in the Survivors Teaching Students program.

I’ve walked through chemo with three friends, yet found I had no clue as to what they really experienced. Joanie shares the reality of prognosis and the emotional rollercoaster of treatment. Included are the stories of other women, facing Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, ovarian and breast cancer, Leukemia and one with a brain tumor. Their stories are heart-wrenching, yet heart-warming, in their struggle for survival.

A registered nurse, Joanie also includes helpful hints for prevention of blood clots, care of the bald head, dealing with chemo day, fatigue, hair loss, wigs, managing constipation, diarrhea, mouth sores, nausea and nutrition. Her attention to the care of the whole person is even evident in the “12 Steps to Spiritual Wellness.”

I found in Joanie a sister with a heart for missions and the gift of encouragement. She adds verses that perfectly illustrate God’s faithfulness and prayers that voice heartfelt cries. I wholeheartedly recommend this book for anyone going through cancer or caring for a loved one in the middle of their storm. Whether coping with brain fog or going through clinical trials, there’s reassurance in knowing you’re not alone!

Sally

Disclaimer:  I received a copy of In Her Shoes from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Missions, Reviews

Book Review: A Company of Heroes

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A Company of Heroes

A Company of Heroes is Tim Keesee’s account of men and women who have taken their faith into the world and shared the love of God in phenomenal ways. It takes place in real time, so the reader becomes a traveling companion on streets across the globe. And the stories are current events, providing insights to the daily activities of our worldwide brothers and sisters.

“Tim Keesee is the founder and executive director of Frontline Missions International, which has served to advance the Gospel in some of the world’s most difficult places for over twenty-five years. He has traveled to more than ninety countries, reporting on the church from the former Iron Curtain countries to war-torn Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Keesee is also the executive producer and writer of the documentary film series, Dispatches from the Front.”

Often, we hold missionaries up to super-hero status. But Tim says heroes “don’t overanalyze or overestimate what can’t be done. Rather, they focus on what can be done- and do it.”

In Morocco, they receive thousands of requests for Bibles each year. And, it’s a lesson for all of us, there are people everywhere, even in countries we thought were closed to the gospel, who are hungry for God’s Word.

In China, Tim observed the ministrations of a support group for autistic children and their parents. He said, “I haven’t met any experts. The Christians here aren’t experts in helping autistic children, or counseling their parents, or in vocational training for the blind; but a person who is drowning can’t wait for a boat to be built to save him. These believers are just diving in, knowing that while they don’t have all the answers, they do have the ultimate answer – it’s the radical rescue work of the gospel!”

I love Tim’s heart for missions and the Word of God. He doesn’t sugarcoat the difficulty of the work, but emphasizes the need for workers. I dare you to pick up a copy of A Company of Heroes and walk away unchallenged. Tim’s call to join the battle shakes you to the core and provides ammo for your prayers. It’s a thrilling showcase of God’s grace!

Sally

Disclaimer: Crossway provided a complimentary copy of this book through the Blog Review Program.

“All God’s giants have been weak men, who did great things for God because they reckoned on His being with them.” ~ Hudson Taylor