Wednesday, February 27, 2013

"Humble Heart (a book of virtues)" by Amy Meyer Allen

ISBN: 978-1-4143-8069-8
What an adorable book about Christian virtues.  The author, Amy Meyer Allen, begins with a message to the adults who will be sharing this book giving a brief explanation of how the book grew out of the “depths of my soul.” 

It is a story of various whimsically and beautifully illustrated animal characters and the struggles they have due to their own flawed character.  Yet, as they focus upon God’s character, they see their own flaws changing more and more to be like Jesus Christ in thoughts, words, and actions. 

The stories focus on humility, love thoughtfulness, faithfulness, mercy, encouragement, comfort, courage, and joy.  I found the story a delight to read and was encouraged by the many scripture passages woven throughout its pages.  I recommend this book for any young child to enjoy having read to him or by using early reading skills to enjoy reading for himself. (rev. J.LaTour)
For MORE about the Humble Bumbles, click HERE!
DISCLOSURE: A complimentary copy was provided by Tyndale Blog Network on behalf of the publisher, Tyndale Kids, and the author, Amy Meyer Allen, in exchange for my honest review. Opinions expressed are solely my own.

Monday, February 25, 2013

"Profiles in Sports Courage" by Ken Rappoport

Review:  “Profiles in Sports Courage” by Ken Rappoport gives short glimpses into the lives of some very well known as well as some lesser known athletes.  Each chapter captures a moment in the history of sports and gives insight into the lives of the athletes including obstacles that they needed to overcome in order to achieve their success.

The author uses language that is easy to read yet intriguing to draw the reader in and maintain their interest in each athlete’s story.  This book is a good read for boys or girls interested in sports.  The information is perfect for students that are learning to write their first book reports.   I would recommend this for young readers from third grade up through junior high.  (rev. C.Delorge)

DISCLOSURE:  A complimentary copy of Profiles in Sports Courage was provided by Peachtree Publishers in exchange for our honest review. Opinions expressed are solely those of the reviewer.

Enter to win a Nook HD via "Shattered" by Dani Pettrey

Dani Pettrey is celebrating the release of Shattered with a Nook HD giveaway and a Facebook Author Chat Party {3/14}. 


Shattered Pettrey

One winner will receive:
  • A brand new Nook HD
  • Submerged and Shattered by Dani Pettrey {Be caught up in this riveting series.}
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 13th. Winner will be announced at the "Shattered" Author Chat Party on 3/14. Connect with Dani for an evening of book chat, trivia, and a chance to win gift certificates, books, and other fun prizes!

So grab your copy of Shattered and join Dani on the evening of the March 14th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book - don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP todayTell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 14th!

WATCH FOR ACS's REVIEW OF SHATTERED ON MARCH 3!

"Congo Dawn" by Jeanette Windle

Review:  I must admit that when I began reading this book I found it overloaded with details and very difficult vocabulary.  Had I not promised to do a book review, I would not have continued reading.  But, as a result of a promise, I did continue reading and around page 65 began to find it difficult to put the book down.  As the book opens, the author Jeanette Windle, informs the reader of a great deal of the history of Africa and the Congo in particular.  She also introduces many characters and locations.  When the story began to take on a plot, what emerged was a wonderful tale of failed dreams, disappointment and misunderstandings, forgiveness and eventually peace that accompanies trusting in our sovereign Creator who is working all things together for good.

Robin Duncan, an ex-Marine lieutenant, has been hired to serve as translator on an assignment to a mining camp in the Congo which is owned and operated by Ares Solutions and its CEO Trevor Mulroney.  Rather quickly, Robin finds herself in the midst of untold corruption and conspiracy that has spread its ugly reach far beyond the local villagers to many in high ranking levels of government both in Africa and other parts of the world.  This story weaves throughout its pages the dangers of making hasty judgments, stooping to all kinds of evil just to secure more of the “mighty dollar,” holding damaging grudges; and then, as the light of the gospel is spread, the story of truth, forgiveness, and trust in almighty God who is sovereign over all and uses all (both good and evil) to accomplish His will.  It doesn’t hurt that a love story is also woven through the pages.  I can recommend this book to be read by an upper level reader who is willing to persevere through its detailed beginning to find a delightful, informative read. (rev. J. La Tour)

More about the book from Tyndale:
  While former Marine lieutenant Robin Duncan is no stranger to corruption or conspiracy, she has always been able to tell the good guys from the bad, and the Congo jungle at first seems no different. But as her security team tries to track down an insurgent killer, Robin has to face a man who broke her trust years ago, and she discovers the gray areas extend farther in this jungle wilderness than she anticipated.

A ruthless global conspiracy begins to surface, run by powerful men who can’t afford to leave any witnesses. Her life at stake, Robin doesn’t know who to trust and wonders how she can help protect innocent people. Why is God silent amid all the pain and injustice? And how do these people of faith continue to rejoice in their suffering?

About the author:  Jeanette Windle, as the child of missionary parents, award-winning author and journalist, grew up in the rural villages, jungles, and mountains of Colombia, now guerrilla hot zones. Her detailed research and writing is so realistic that it has prompted government agencies to question her to determine if she has received classified information. Currently based in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Jeanette has lived in six countries and traveled in more than twenty. She has more than a dozen books in print, including Betrayed, Veiled Freedom and Freedom's Stand, as well as, the political/suspense best seller CrossFire. Visit the author's website
DISCLOSURE: A complimentary copy was provided by Tyndale Blog Network on behalf of the author and publisher in exchange for our honest review. Opinions expressed are solely those of the reviewer.

Friday, February 22, 2013

"The Dogs of Winter" by Bobbie Pyron


Based on a true story, "The Dogs of Winter" is targeted for 6th grade readers and older.  

Ivan is a 5-year old boy who has been abandoned on the streets of Russia.  He encounters gangs of children who have been abandoned and they try to draw him to work for them.  These gangs often are cruel and mistreat each other, as well as Ivan.  Eventually Ivan ends up on his own and discovers a pack of dogs who help take care of him.  The dogs become his family and Ivan even begins to look and act like his family.   

They travel the city during the winter looking for food and shelter and move to the country during the warmer months and live in the woods near a fairground.  The bond that develops between boy and dog is strong.  They protect, defend, and provide for each other.

When I first started reading this book, I thought it was entirely fiction.  I did not realize that it was based on a true story.  I was over a fourth of the way through the book when I discovered this simple fact.   

I enjoyed this story, found it very easy to read and actually read it in one day.  While this story focuses on one young boy who is homeless, it does a good job of raising our awareness that there are homeless children all over the world, even here in our own small spot in the United States.  It does this without being overbearing.  

The Dogs of Winter is a simple story about a boy and his dogs, but it is a wonderful story about a boy and his dogs! (rev. P.Howard)
Fun Stuff About the Author:
  • I once stuck a piece of popcorn up my nose (because I didn't like the babysitter) and never got it out!
  • My sister, mother, and I lived for two weeks on The Queen Elizabeth II, a very famous and historic ocean liner.
  • My great-great-great aunt is Harriot Beecher Stowe, the author of Uncle Tom's Cabin.
  • My favorite word is “wilderness”
  • I've never ridden a roller coaster
  • Given a choice, I'd rather have popcorn than chocolate
  • I cannot for the life of me whistle
  • The town where I live, Park City, is at an elevation of 7,000 feet!
  • Some of the more unusual jobs I've had are: dog trainer, gladiola harvester, wilderness education instructor
DISCLOSURE:  A complimentary copy was given to us in exchange for our honest review. Opinions expressed are solely those of the reviewer.

"3 Below: A Floors Novel" by Patrick Carman


Review:  Fantastic, creative, wonderfully descriptive and  suspenseful!!!  Leo and his friend Remi manage the wacky Whippet Hotel.  The hotel, with its many floors of great fun, also contains mystery floors that Leo and Remi have not yet discovered.  When Merganzer Whippet, the owner of the Whippet Hotel, discovers that the Whippet Hotel is dangerously in debt because "taxes have not been paid," he enlists the help of Leo & Remi to help "save the hotel."  He gives them a list of items they must find and put in place before the deadline.  Along the way, Leo & Remi encounter puzzles that need solving and come across floors within the hotel they didn't know existed.  

"3 Below" is the second in the "Floors" series by Patrick Carman and is absolutely a great book.   Targeted for the reading age of 4th-6th graders. It is a fantasy book without "the dark side" that comes with so many adventure/fantasy books.  With all its very descriptive narratives, it helps the reader visualize the hotel and its wacky characters and mysterious floors easily. (rev. P.Howard)

About the author:  Patrick Carman is the award-winning author of many books for young adults and children. He grew up in Salem, Oregon, and graduated from Willamette University. His birthday is February 27th, 1966. He spent a decade living in Portland, where he worked in advertising, game design, and technology.
Patrick Carman has been a life long writer and storyteller. He writes books for young adults and children for Scholastic and Little Brown Books For Young Readers. His bestselling series work includes The Land of Elyon, Atherton, Elliot’s Park, 39 Clues, and Skeleton Creek. Mr. Carman’s books have been translated into approximately two dozen languages.

DISCLOSURE: A complimentary copy of "3 Below" was given to us in exchange for our honest review. Opinions expressed are solely those of the reviewer.

Thursday, February 21, 2013

"Damascus Countdown" by New York Times Best Selling author, Joel C. Rosenberg

ISBN:  978-1-4143-1970-4
Hardcover - $26.99
Pages: 480
When I saw the opportunity to participate in the early review of Joel C. Rosenberg's newest novel, Damascus Count I was was elated and grabbed at the opportunity.  Rosenberg is one of today's more exciting authors because he writes exciting stories based on timely matters and he is right on target with events.  It is almost as though he can see through the glass into what is about to happen.  So let's look at this newest book of his that is due for release March 2013. 


About the book:  All eyes are on the Middle East. Israel has successfully launched a first strike on Iran, taking out all of their nuclear sites and six of their nuclear warheads—and causing The Twelfth Imam to order a full-scale retaliation. US President William Jackson threatens to support a UN Security Council resolution condemning the Jewish State for unprovoked and unwarranted acts of aggression.

Meanwhile, CIA operative David Shirazi has infiltrated the Iranian regime and intercepted information indicating that two Iranian nuclear warheads survived the attack and have been moved to a secure and undisclosed location. In danger not only from the ongoing missile strikes on Iran but also from the increasingly hostile and suspicious governments of multiple countries, David and his team are in a race against time to find the remaining nuclear warheads before disaster strikes.

My thoughts:  Damascus is known as probably the oldest continuously settled or occupied city in existence.  But is the clock ticking down? Are we now counting down the moments or days before the demise of Damascus or the world's demise?  In Damascus Countdown, Joel C. Rosenberg take us deep into Syria and Iran and among the heads of state both politically, militarily, and spiritually.  The Twelth Imam is foretold to be the "Messiah" of the Islamic faith and the one who will lead them into world dominion.
Just like the morning news reports of today, this story unfolds with tension over nuclear arms in Syria and Iran and those armaments being pointed at Israel. Joel Rosenberg is a recognized authority on the Middle East and also on Biblical understanding of that area.

In Damascus Countdown Mr. Rosenberg takes us through passages in Isaiah that point to the fate of Syria and Iran.  We see the story unfolding with a CIA deep cover operative and team leader, David Shirazi, alias Reza Tabrizi, who is also Iranian by birth.  The book begins with a bang and each page you turn brings scenes of intrigue, of explosive events, of political adversaries on both sides of the ocean, and of spiritual emboldenment by converts from Islam to Christianity.

If you're expecting a sweet little romance, this is not the book for you.  If you're expecting a feel-good story - even with a bit of adventure, this is not the book for you.  This book is long at 480 pages.  It is dramatic. It is intense.  It gives long interpretive discourses of Scripture.  But it is not boring. It is not dry.  It is not a "tear-jerker."  This book will capture your attention and hold it until you turn page 479.

In Rosenberg's fiction you will discover finely tuned and developed characters.  You will visualize the scenes he so aptly describes and almost feel the intensity the characters feel. And you will discover individuals who have willingly and joyfully counted the cost, and counted it very small indeed, to convert to Christianity. (rev. V.Godley)

Read an Excerpt!
About the author:  Joel C. Rosenberg is the New York Times bestselling author of seven novels—The Last Jihad, The Last Days, The Ezekiel Option, The Copper Scroll, Dead Heat, The Twelfth Imam, and The Tehran Initiative—and five nonfiction books, Epicenter, Inside the Revolution, Implosion,Israel at War, and The Invested Life, with nearly 3 million copies sold. The Ezekiel Option received the Gold Medallion award as the "Best Novel of 2006" from the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association. Joel is the producer of two documentary films based on his nonfiction books. He is also the founder of The Joshua Fund, a nonprofit educational and charitable organization to mobilize Christians to "bless Israel and her neighbors in the name of Jesus" with food, clothing, medical supplies, and other humanitarian relief.

As a communications advisor, Joel has worked with a number of U.S. and Israeli leaders, including Steve Forbes, Rush Limbaugh, Natan Sharansky, and Benjamin Netanyahu. As an author, he has been interviewed on hundreds of radio and TV programs, including ABC's Nightline, CNN Headline News, FOX News Channel, The History Channel, MSNBC, The Rush Limbaugh Show, The Sean Hannity Show, and The Glenn Beck Show. He has been profiled by the New York Times, the Washington Times, the Jerusalem Post, and World magazine. He has addressed audiences all over the world, including those in Israel, Iraq, Jordan, Egypt, Turkey, Russia, and the Philippines. He has also spoken at the White House, the Pentagon, and to members of Congress.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Tyndale Blog Network on behalf of the publisher and author in exchange for my honest review. Opinions expressed are solely my own. i received no compensation for this review.

Sunday, February 17, 2013

"When the Heart Heals" by Ann Shorey


ISBN: 978-0-8007-2073-5
$14.99 - Paperback
About the book: Readers are invited to travel back to 1867, to the town of Noble Springs, Missouri, for an engrossing story of love's tentative first steps and fragile future in the face of opposition. With tenderness and grace, Ann Shorey tells the story of Rosemary, a sympathetic but strong woman determined to thrive in a world that doesn't always understand.

Courageous and unconventional, Rosemary Saxon served as a nurse during the Civil War, a service that has caused most women in town to regard her as unfeminine and downright vulgar. Although she would like to put her experiences as a nurse behind her, she must support herself. She takes a position with Dr. Elijah Stewart and a mutual attraction begins to develop. But when a sophisticated woman arrives in town claiming to be Elijah's fiancée, a heartbroken Rosemary decides to leave Noble Springs and start fresh. Can Elijah convince her of the mystery woman's deception before he loses her forever?

Review: This book grabbed my attention right from the very beginning. I found it difficult to put down until the very end. Rosemary Saxon, the main heroine of the story, served as a nurse during the civil war. When she settles in the town of Noble Springs, many people look down upon her because of her service. But she asks for and accepts the position of nurse with the new town doctor, Dr. Elijah Stewart, in hopes of using the skills she developed during the war. Rosemary's mother also showed her how to make "remedies" using herbs and she shares them with the people of the town and ultimately Dr. Stewart as well.

However, someone in the town doesn't like Rosemary's herbal remedies and they threaten her and hope to run her out of town. Dr. Stewart has also developed feelings for Rosemary and is very concerned about the threats against Rosemary. Will Rosemary & Dr. Stewart be able to overcome this threat and also the memories of the war?

A wonderful book. This is a great book that takes us back to a more simple time. I highly recommend this book. (rev. P.Howard)
Enter the TEA WITH ROSEMARY Giveaway!“Available February 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”
Author Contest! 
Click on link/image!
About the author: Ann Shorey is the author of Where Wildflowers Bloom, The Edge of Light, The Promise of Morning, and The Dawn of a Dream. She has also published selections in the Cup of Comfort series and in Chicken Soup for the Grandma's Soul. Ann and her husband make their home in southwestern Oregon.

DISCLOSURE: A complimentary copy of When the Heart Heals was provided in exchange for our honest review by Revell a division of Baker Publishing on behalf of the author. Opinions expressed are solely those of the reviewer.

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

"Baby Come Home" by Elizabeth Kail Arnita (Review & giveaway)

Review: This children's picture book is an allegorical story of a little bird that wants to get out of his cage and scale over the garden wall to the big world outside.  The story is about the protection Sam (the human) offers the birds in the garden and especially "Baby."

A story of protection from the evils and dangers that lurk in the outside world.  We can easily see that the imagery is that of a child leaving the confines, rules, and protection of home.  But the bigger picture is that of the child of God straying from the protection of God or the shelter a Christian has in the fellowship of believers.

The story, though brought down to children's level, is a bit heavy for a child's comprehension; but I do  believe a "seed" can be planted via the reading of this story that a child can learn that he or she must not stray from his place of protection.  The lesson can also be learned that someone will care enough to come pick up the pieces of our brokenness and restore us. 

All proceeds from book sales support Welcome the Children, a nonprofit helping children in poverty. Find out more about Welcome the Children at http://welcomethechildren.org/
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ GIVEAWAY ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 
Just enter via the Rafflecopter links below.  (Please be patient as Rafflecopter is sometimes a bit slow to load.) This giveaway only open to USA addresses. Begins Feb. 12, 2013 - ENDS February 28 at 12:01 a.m. EST
a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE: A complimentary review copy and a giveaway copy were both provided by World Of Ink on behalf of the author to facilitate this review and prize. The giveaway prize will be mailed directly to the winner.

Monday, February 11, 2013

"Rebekah" by Jill Eileen Smith

ISBN: 9780800734305
Paperback - $14.99
About the book:  Bestselling author, Jill Eileen Smith, weaves together a story of heartache and the power of forgiveness in Rebekah, the second of the Wives of the Patriarchs series.  Using in-depth research and creative storytelling, Smith tells the unique story of Rebekah and Isaac, and brings these biblical characters to life in a way that will transport the reader back to biblical times.

When her father dies and she is left in the care of her conniving brother Laban, Rebekah knows her life has changed forever. Her hope for the future is restored when she falls in love with her cousin Isaac, and their relationship starts strong. But marital bliss cannot last forever, and the birth of their twin sons marks the beginning of years of misunderstanding, disagreement, and betrayal. The rift between them grows wider and wider until it is surely too deep to be mended. And yet, with God all things are possible.
 

Review: Jill Eileen Smith has woven a wonderful story, based on scripture, about the lives of Rebekah and Isaac. I enjoyed this book and the author's perspective and details about how possibly Rebekah felt during her marriage to Isaac and motherhood to Easu & Jacob.

Many times we treat the scripture as just stories to teach our children and not actual people. The author has done a really good job of helping us see both the faithfulness of Rebekah and Isaac during difficult times and also showed us their "human side" as well.

I believe the author truly loves the "women of the Bible" and has taken great pains to be as accurate as possible. I look forward to reading other her other books on the wives of David. (rev. P.Howard)

SPECIAL VIDEO AUTHOR CHAT: Jill Smith will be the featured guest on a Live interactive Video Chat Session sponsored by “Shindig” on Tuesday February 19th at 7:00 pm EST!! It’s free to attend, and you can meet Jill and ask any questions you have for her! Go here to RSVP and find out more details about this event.
http://shindig.com/event/jilleileensmith

Join best-selling author Jill Eileen Smith as she presents ten facts and/or possibilities you might not know about the Patriarch Isaac's wife Rebekah. Do you have a question about the people in the Bible you've always wanted to ask? Jill will take questions about biblical characters, biblical fiction, and about any of her books in the Wives of the Patriarchs or Wives of King David series. So please, plan to join us!

“Available February 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”
About the author: Jill Eileen Smith is the author of the bestselling Michal, Abigail, and Bathsheba, all part of The Wives of King David series, and of Sarai, book 1 in the Wives of the Patriarchs series. Her writing has garnered acclaim in several contests. Her research into the lives of biblical women has taken her from the Bible to Israel, and she particularly enjoys learning how women lived in Old Testament times. Jill lives with her family in southeast Michigan.

DISCLOSURE: A complimentary review copy was given to us in exchange for our honest review by Revell a Division of Baker Publishing Group on behalf of the author. Opinions expressed are solely those of the reviewer.

"A New Home for Lily" By Suzanne Woods Fisher & Mary Ann Kinsinger

The second novel in the charming Adventures of Lily Lapp series, A New Home for Lily gives children ages 8-12 a fascinating glimpse into the life of the Amish with lots of fun and laughter along the way. It combines the real-life stories of growing up Amish from Mary Ann Kinsinger and the bestselling writing of Amish fiction and nonfiction author Suzanne Woods Fisher. With line illustrations throughout, this series is sure to capture the hearts of readers young and old.

Lily Lapp is moving with her family to Pennsylvania to join a new Amish community. In this small town where changes – and newcomers – are greeted with suspicion, Lily must adjust to a new school, new friends and Aaron Yoder, an annoying boy who teases her relentlessly. Still, there are exciting new developments, including an attic full of adventure and a new baby brother. But why, Lily wonders, can't God bring her just one sister?
 
Review:  This is a wonderful book about a young Amish girl named Lily, whose family has moved New York to Pennsylvania to join a new Amish community.  This book has 36 chapters which actually turn out to be 36 wonderful short stories about Lily's daily life and her family and friends.  Lily finds herself in many "fun" situations which are very enjoyable to read.  Because the chapters seem more like a group of short stories, this makes it easy to read and I recommend it for 4th grade or older.(rev. P.Howard)
“Available February 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”
Authors bios:
Mary Ann Kinsinger was raised Old Order Amish in Somerset County, Pennsylvania. She met and married her husband, whom she knew from school days and started a family. After they chose to leave the Amish church, Mary Ann began a blog, A Joyful Chaos, as a way to capture her warm memories of her childhood for her own children. From the start, this blog found a ready audience and even captured the attention of key media players, such as the influential blog AmishAmerica and The New York Times. She lives in Pennsylvania.
 
Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling author of The Choice, The Waiting, The Search, The Keeper and The Haven, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace. Her interest in the Anabaptist cultures can be directly traced to her grandfather, who was raised in the Old Order German Baptist Brethren Church in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Suzanne is a Christy Award finalist and a Carol Award finalist. She is the host of internet radio show Amish Wisdom and a columnist for Christian Post and Cooking & Such magazines. She lives in California. For more information, please visit www.suzannewoodsfisher.com and connect with her on Twitter @suzannewfisher.
DISCLOSURE: We received a complimentary copy of A New Home for Lily for the purpose of providing our honest review from Revell a division of Baker Publishing Group on behalf of the authors. Opinions expressed are solely those of the reviewer.

Friday, February 8, 2013

"Pepper Parrot's Problem with Patience (A Captain No Beard Story)" by Cariole P. Roman

This brightly illustrated children's book begins with a delightful title featuring alliteration.  "Pepper Parrot's Problem with Patience" and throughout the book the letter "P" is prominent.

Captain No Beard is the imagination character of young Alexander when he is in his bedroom.  This time the story features Pepper Parrot's problem with anger and patience over his failure to distinguish his right hand and his left hand sides (dyslexia).  

His friends (his mateys) help him "batten down the hatches" on his patience and to also learn how to know right from left through a coping mechanism.  (rev. VG)

DISCLOSURE: A complimentary copy of Pepper Parrot's Problem with Patience was given to us in exchange for our honest review. Opinions expressed are solely those of the reviewer.

Another Captain No Beard book reviewed here on Reader's Haven Reviews.

"The First Easter Day" by Jill Roman Lord & illustrated by Michelle Henninger

"The First Easter Day" is a delightful "touch-and-feel" board book for the very young child.  It is a light hearted introduction to the resurrection of Christ for younger children.

The child wonders "what I would have done if I had lived back then."  Written in rhyme each page features a critter - insect, frog, bunny, etc.  And each critter has a "touch-and-feel" spot on the page that engages the attention of the child.
"And if I'd been a bunny,
I'd have hopped with all my might,
rejoicing in the risen Lord
and showing my delight."
Author Jill Roman Lord has touched the heart of a child with sweet rhymes, and the illustrations by Michelle Henninger are soft, finely drawn, and very cheerful and pleasant.  Sure to capture the attention of the child. (rev. V.Godley)

DISCLOSURE: A complimentary copy of "The First Easter Day" was provided by CandyCane Press an imprint of Ideals Publications, A Guidepost Company in exchange of our honest review.  Opinions expressed are solely those of the reviewer.

Thursday, February 7, 2013

"Nowhere to Run" by Amy Wallace


ISBN: 978-0-7369-4733-6
Review: Nowhere to Run by Amy Wallace begins with police officer Ashley Walters planning her wedding.  Among all the excitement, she cannot seem to shake the feeling that she is being watched.  She begins to receive gifts from an admirer.  At first she believes them to be from her fiancé, Patrick.  She finally realizes that they are from her stalker. 

Patrick and her best friend Margo come up with a plan to have her join friends in a small Mennonite community.  Ashley fights them but after Patrick is attacked she gives in to their request.  The police investigate many different leads but cannot find the stalker.  Ashley begins to believe that it is a fellow police officer.  She even feels threatened in the Indiana community that should be a safe haven. 

Ashley must face many fears.  She questions if God is able to protect her and her family and if she will ever be able to marry Patrick.  Nowhere to Run is an exciting book.  If you like thrillers, you will enjoy trying to figure out who the stalker could be.  This book is the second in the Place of Refuge series.  I look forward to the next book in this series. (rev. C.Ingram)
About the author: Amy Wallace is the author of the Place of Refuge series and the Defenders of Hope series. She is a homeschool mom, speaker, and self-confessed chocoholic. Amy is also a graduate of the Gwinnett County Citizens Police Academy and a contributing author of several books, including A Novel Idea: Best Advice on Writing Inspirational Fiction and God Answers Moms’ Prayers. She lives in Georgia. Amy Wallace's Website

DISCLOSURE:  A complimentary copy of Nowhere to Hide was provided by Harvest House Publishers in exchange for our honest review. Opinions are solely those of the reviewer.

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

"Exploring the Evidence for Creation" by Dr. Henry Morris III

ISBN: 978-0-7369-4721-3
$13.99 - Paperback
About the book:  In response to the growing number of Christians who attempt to wed evolutionary theories with the biblical account of creation, Morris ably demonstrates the two worldviews are entirely incompatible. In this survey of the evidence for creation he answers these crucial questions:
  •     What does the natural world teach us about creation?
  •     Can we observe evolution happening today?
  •     Can we believe in a Creator and still be true to science?
Morris lays out evidence that is rational, scientific, and biblical. Readers will marvel as they discover the many ways that scientific research points, with stunning clarity, to a Creator and Designer whose glory is very much on display in the cosmos.
 
Review:  Although the book, Exploring the Evidence for Creation by Henry Morris III, can get tedious due to the
technical nature of the subjects covered, it contains excellent information on the creation-evolution
debate from a variety of sources. Dr. Morris compiles evidence gleaned from nearly four decades of
research by staff members of the Institute for Creation Research in the disciplines of Physical, Earth and Life Science. He begins the journey of Exploring the Evidence for Creation by offering evidences for God and evidence for absolute truth as the necessary foundation for science. Dr. Morris then highlights the complexities and dependencies of life on earth, and makes a reasoned argument that the unique location and suitability of our planet to sustain life could not possibly be a matter of chance happening. Like a trial lawyer, he presents a sound case for design by God and gives the reader ample resources to come to the conclusion that evolution could not have brought about life as we know it. He concludes the first part of the book by citing evidence for creation from the Scriptures themselves, highlighting the reliability and the historical and scientific accuracy of the Bible, and how the principles of God’s Word impact the wide-ranching functions of stewardship through God’s dominion mandate given to mankind.

The second half of the book focuses upon the critical nature of embracing recent creation as opposed to “old earth” theories that attempt to wed creation and evolution. Morris addresses suggested
alternatives to a six-day creation such as Theistic Evolution, Progressive Creation, The Day-Age Theory and The Gap Theory, and tells why Christians must take a stand on a literal interpretation of the inspired account of creation recorded in the book of Genesis. He then makes the case that science has not observed evolution of one kind into another kind in the past, nor does it observe this in the present even with the intervention of intentional, intelligent human manipulation. The concluding chapters of his book emphasize God’s character and purpose for all things and the critical nature of a biblical view of origin as it impacts all other Bible doctrine.

This book could serve as an excellent resource for students doing research on the hotly debated topic of creation/intelligent design/evolution. It gives a logical, objective defense of creation from a clearly
biblical worldview. (rev. B.La Tour)

About the author: Dr. Henry Morris III holds a DMin degree from Luther Rice Seminary and an MBA from Pepperdine University. A former college professor, business executive, and senior pastor, he is the author of seven books and a popular speaker. He serves as chief executive officer of the Institute for Creation Research in Dallas, Texas.

DISCLOSURE:  A complimentary review copy of Exploring the Evidence for Creation was provided to us by Harvest House Publishers for the purpose of our honest review. Opinions expressed are solely those of the reviewer.

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

"The Scarecrow's Hat" Written & Illustrated by Ken Brown

ISBN:  9781561452408
$15.94 Hardcover
About the book: A resourceful chicken seeks the help of her farm animal friends to solve a problem, while giving something of herself along the way.

Chicken really admires Scarecrow's hat. Scarecrow would gladly trade his hat for a walking stick to rest his tired arms. Chicken doesn't have a walking stick to trade—but she knows someone who does. This begins her quest to find items to trade among her farm friends, all to obtain a walking stick to swap for Scarecrow's hat. But why does Chicken want an old straw hat?

This clever story written and illustrated by Ken Brown poses a problem and offers a creative solution that young children will delight in discovering. Brown's bright watercolors and gentle tone will keep readers captivated.

Review:  I love the illustrations in this book, especially the owl!  The details on these pages are beautiful. You have to look at them a couple of times to see everything  they encompass such as the spider web and the owl's hat.

Likewise, each time an item is mentioned, you look for it and aren't disappointed.  The eye-catching watercolors are beautifully done. (rev. M.Free, ACS Art Instructor)

I envision children sitting with their "reader" who reads bits of this delightful story about chicken needing/wanting the straw hat.  Each step of the story is page turning and will involve the child as the "reader" engages them to look for specifics on each page.  Good children's books involve the child in searching as well as listening to the story.  The child will search for delights on the pages as chicken continues to search for something to exchange for the straw hat. (rev. VG)

About the author: Ken Brown studied illustration at Birmingham Art College in England. Brown has served both as writer-illustrator and as illustrator for numerous children’s books, among them The Scarecrow's Hat; What's the Time, Grandma Wolf?; The Wolf Is Coming!; and Mucky Pup, which was short-listed for the Kate Greenaway Medal in England. He lives with his wife, Ruth Brown, also a well-known children's illustrator, in England.

DISCLOSURE: A complimentary review copy of The Scarecrow's Hat was provided by Peachtree Publishers in exchange for our honest review. Opinions expressed are solely those of the reviews.

Monday, February 4, 2013

"Dad, Jackie, and Me" by Myron Uhlberg and illustrated by Colin Bootman

  • Hardcover: $16.95
  • ISBN: 978-1-56145-329-0
Review: “Dad, Jackie, and Me”, written by Myron Uhlberg, weaves the story of Jackie Robinson with the story of a young boy with a Deaf father. I love the scrapbook pages that are reproduced as part of the inside cover. The story told through the eyes of the young boy reveal his excitement for the game of baseball and the history made by Jackie Robinson.

In the telling of the story the boy also reveals a small peek into the life of living with a Deaf father and how that impacts his life. At the end of the book there is an Author’s Note that sheds light on what parts of the story are factual.

The illustrations capture the action of the game as well as depicting the time period of the story. A study of the illustrations make you feel like you are involved in the story itself. This would make a good read aloud story for younger children as well as a read on your own for children interested in the life of Black Americans that made an impact in American History. (rev. C.Delorge)

Two awards have been given for this book.  "Teachers' Choices" An International Rading Association Project and "Schneider Family Book Award."

Author Myron Uhlberg is also author of the Printer which is in the ACS library, Flying Over Brooklyn, and Lemuel the Fool.

DISCLOSURE: A complimentary review copy of Dad, Jackie, and Me was provided to us by Peachtree Publishers for the purpose of review. All opinions are solely those of the reviewer.