Book Review: NIV Bible for Teen Girls

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From The Back:

An all-new inspirational daily reading Bible designed specifically for girls 13-18, in the popular NIV translation.
The NIV Bible for Teen Girls, designed specifically for girls ages 13 to 18, is for real teenage girls with real lives. Packed with daily readings, highlighted promises of God, challenging insights, smart advice, and open discussion about the realities of life, this Bible is designed to help teen girls grow in faith, hope, and love.
The NIV Bible for Teen Girls is as sincere about your walk with God as you are, helping you discover his will for all areas of your life, including relating to your family, dealing with friends, work, sports, guys, and so much more.
Features include:
Daily readings for teen girls by popular Christian female authors Character profiles of women in the Bible Book introductions for each book of the Bible Highlighted promises of God: verses worth remembering A concordance for help in finding verses The complete text of the bestselling New International Version (NIV) of the Bible

My Reflections:

In looking for a Bible for Teen girls I usually look for something fun, pretty and current with the times. The NIV Bible for Teen Girls is just that, a beautifully packaged, current and trendy Bible steeped in the traditional NIV formatting.  I have reviewed a few Bibles lately looking for just the right blend in design not too old, not too young. My goal is to find a Bible that my girl will want to read, memorize and LOVE!

Things I really fell in love with in this Bible were that it has inspirational bios by popular Christian woman in our society. Getting advice from your mom is one thing but when you hear it again from another woman (who is much trendier than this country mom) it seems to resonate with our youth.
I also enjoyed the layout. how very helpful to have the introduction to the book right there, even I thought this was something I would love in a Bible! Our morning Bible studies will be way more informed and insightful because of this awesome feature.

I love to study the women of the Bible, so having the "Women of the Bible" section is something I personally found to be very enlightening. Not to mention the beautifully designed pages filled with a pleasing pink background and funky edging, what's not to love about this edition?

This bible will make a wonderful edition for any 13- 18 year old on your list. This is not a "Study Bible" but a wonderful every day bible, sturdy with its hard cover and durable pages. All in all I would highly recommend this Bible for your teen girls.

 The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book  through BookLook Bloggers, in exchange for my honest review. Thank you Book Look!

Book Review: The Photograph

From the Back:

He studied the picture more closely, finding it curious that the young woman looked so boldly into the camera while wearing a white prayer Kapp shaped like a heart--the characteristic head covering for the Lancaster County Old Order Amish. 
Why would a devout girl have her picture taken?

When her sister Lily disappears only months after their widowed mother's passing, Eva Esch fears she has been wooed away from the People. Yet Lily's disappearance isn't Eva's only concern: She and her sisters must relocate once their older brother takes over the family farmhouse. Then Jed Stutzman, an Amish buggy maker from Ohio, shows up in Eden Valley with a photo of a Plain young woman. Eva feels powerfully drawn to the charming stranger--but the woman in the forbidden photograph is no stranger at all. . . .

My Reflections:

Beverly Lewis's newest novel the Photograph is a story that centers around tragedy, misunderstandings, uncertainty and strife. Although this is the nucleolus of the story the real structure seems to be resolution and reconciliation. 

This book flows and ebbs seamlessly allowing for intricate character development, so much so that I didn't want this novel to ever end. The characters have the ability to embed themselves into your life and you feel like they are good friends. This was exacerbated by the fact that I sped through this book at a accelerated rate, from the sheer fact that I could't put it down. 

Set in the 1980's in Lancaster County Pennsylvania, Eva Eschand and her sisters Frona and Lily reside on their family homestead. Their parents have passed on leaving the farm to the youngest son, Menno who decides to move in with his family in turn giving the ultimatum that one of the sisters may stay as long as she is willing to help with his children as a nanny of sorts.  

After this revelation the youngest sister Lily runs away leaving a mere note in her absence.

Jeb Stutzman having recently lost his fiance, is an apprentice who travels to Pennsylvania to learn how to build the Pennsylvania style buggy on his trip over he comes across the book "Little Women" inside is a picture of a beautiful young lady. Jeb is intrigued by the personal notes written in the margins and the simple beauty of the woman.

The Photograph was a pleasure to read and I found the characters to be real to life, if not a tad perfect they were however easy to relate to. I was so  dissapointed when this story came to its conclusion. I love all of Beverly Lewis's novels, but this one has been one of my favorites thus far. If you also love Amish fiction I am sure you will be thrilled to purchase this one for your book shelves.

I received this book free of charge from Graf-Martin Communications in exchange for my honest review. Thank you so much Graf -Martin!

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About THE AUTHOR

1. 

   Photo courtesy of Gene Photography

   Beverly Lewis

   Beverly Lewis, born in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, has more than 17 million books in print. Her stories have been published in eleven languages and have regularly appeared on numerous bestseller lists, including the New York Times and...

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Book Review: Bathsheba Reluctant Beauty

 
From the Back:

After sending his army to besiege another king's capital, King David forces himself on Bathsheba, a loyal soldier's wife. When her resulting pregnancy forces the king to murder her husband and add her to his harem, Bathsheba struggles to protect her son while dealing with the effects of a dark prophecy and deadly curse on the king's household.

Combining historical facts with detailed fiction, Angela Hunt paints a realistic portrait of the beautiful woman who struggled to survive the dire results of divine judgment on a king with a divided heart.

My Reflections: 

Bathsheba is Angela Hunts second book in the series, Dangerous Beauty. I have had the pleasure of reading both books now and can tell you I loved every minute of my reading experience! 

To take a biblical story and turn it into a fictional account is not for the faint of heart. Most of my friends won't read biblical fiction as it takes the bible and well, fictionalizes it.
 I however enjoy reading these books, being the creative thinker I absolutely love to imagine what details behind the story are not told. Also reading these books encourages me to dig deeper into the bible stories and truly flesh out the facts from fiction.

Hunt did an amazing job of researching her characters and staying fairly true to the biblical account. She has brought the stories of David and Bathsheba to life, filling in the emotion and details masterfully. 

Like Hunts last book Esther (which I let my 13 year old read) Bathsheba is another one for the library shelves, I can't wait for Hunts third book Delilah to join this collection and form a masterful trio. well done Angela Hunt!

I received this book free of charge in return for my honest review from Graf-Martin Communications. thank you so much Graf-Martin.

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The Author

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   Angela Hunt

   The author of more than 100 published books and with nearly 5 million copies of her books sold worldwide, Angela Hunt is the New York Times bestselling author of The Note, The Nativity Story, and Esther: Royal Beauty.
   

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Book Review: Discovering the 5 Love Languages At School

Discovering the 5 Love Languages at School (Grades 1-6)

Lessons that Promote Academic Excellence and Connections for Life

Gary D Chapman

Finally, a curriculum that promotes academic excellence and personal safety, while giving students the skills to make connections that matter!
Based on the #1 New York Times bestseller The 5 Love Languages®, this curriculum uses research-based techniques that will help teachers and students establish both human and academic connections. Inside you'll find:

• Eight easy-to-use lessons written in both scripted and abbreviated formats (average time per lesson: 35 minutes)
• Curriculum that reaches all elementary-aged students, including trauma-sensitive, complex, and highly capable learners
• Instruction that connects students with their teachers, educational staff, peers, and family at the deepest levels of understanding
• Academic Focus Pages™ written at age-appropriate levels. Students can use them during the lesson and the classroom teacher can reproduce them year after year
• Tools and ideas for all staff members to create an overall school climate of acceptance and break down walls of diversity

Thoroughly field-tested, this material has been taught in many classrooms-public and private-with outstanding results. It reads like a book, with interesting stories and insights that dive deep into what it means to truly connect with students.

My Reflections:

I ordered this book as a resource for my home schooled children.
I thought finally a book to teach these children about their own special love languages, and how to fill their love tanks. Having read quite a few of Gary Chapman's books, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to use this one as a hands on curriculum with my students.

I loved the introduction! 
Silly right, but it so affirmed my decision to stay home and educate our children. It spoke to me, and I sat up and listened. Connectedness we all crave it and what Chapman is saying makes perfect sense, children need to feel connected to their teachers, peers, family and community to be able to learn and thrive. This resonates with me, and makes me glad I am blessed to connect with my children daily, to teach them and bring in teachers who love them and care about them. So right off the start I was already sold!

This book just got better and better as we worked through it. I love how God brings things all together. In church before we started this book the Pastor spoke on gifts and gave us a tool to go home and use. Between these two resources it has been so much fun to see where our family can improve on, and how we can serve the world around us.

We are not completely done all the lessons as it is recommended to take 7 weeks, and my review is due..but I have previewed the book and am happy to say this curriculum is by far a fabulous tool to help students connect and learn about the five love languages: Words of Affirmation, Quality time, Acts of service, receiving gifts, and safe touch.

So if you are a homeschooling family, a public school teacher, a counselor, or a church leader this book is for you. What a wonderful way to start out our year! 

I received this book free of charge from Moody Publishers in exchange for my honest review, Thank you Moody Publishers!

Book Review: Blossoms on the Roof

From the Back:

The year 1894 brings hard times to the Yoders. 

When Father reads that free land is available in faraway North Dakota, the family packs up, says goodbye to family and friends, and boards the train for what they believe will be a better life out West. 

As soon as they step from the train onto the windswept prairie, however, they realize they have much to learn about homesteading. They hurry to build their thatched-roof, sod house even as they plant a garden and till the fields. 

With each new experience—including the wildfire and long cold winter—they learn to trust God, embrace the pioneer spirit, and watch hardship turn into valuable life lessons.

Based on actual events from a time long ago, this unforgettable story from The Amish Frontier Series, perfect for ages 8 to 12, brings to life the Yoder family’s move from a close-knit community to a pioneer life where they quickly discover how God is faithful to help in every situation. - See more at: https://www.harvesthousepublishers.com/books/blossoms-on-the-roof#sthash.YqRnepFP.dpuf

My Reflections:

My Daughter and I loved to read Rebecca Martin's book Blossoms on The Roof. What a wonderful way to bond and connect with your daughter, cuddled up taking turns reading a treasured story. Every time I brought out the book her eyes lit up and a smile graced her face. Oh the joys of childhood!
 
This story is filled with imaginative literature suitable for children 8-12. My 7 year old loved the character of eight year old Polly and the adventures she had. This book opened up a bevvy of conversations regarding pioneers, the realities of homesteading and valuable life skill discussions. 

I would absolutely recommend Blossoms on The Roof to anyone wishing to read a wholesome novel. I have the other books on order already! 

I received this book free of charge in return for my honest review from Harvest House. Thank you Harvest House!

About the Author:

REBECCA MARTIN

Rebecca Martin is a mother of four children, wife of Cleon, and author of numerous books. She and Cleon are members of the Old Order Mennonite Church, semi-retired, and together they enjoy helping their married children. Rebecca also enjoys quilting as a pastime.

Home School Confessions Of A Summer Loving Mama

The summer has flown by. I am sitting here procrastinating over getting all the books organized, the school space cleaned up, and the kids prepared. Ever feel like digging in your heels and saying NOOOOO?

Quite frankly I love summer vacation just as much as the kids do. I mean I'm just getting into the groove of this summer gig of sleeping later, making big country breakfasts, taking river swims during the day and gleaning our meals from our weed and grass invaded garden. Do I really have to go back to the routine?

Think about it friends, endless driving of kids from here to there, school meltdowns over assignments, endless cries of I'm hungry when is break time?
Ugh I cringe just thinking of it.

But alas the time has come.

So in my vain attempt to make this exciting we go shopping for a few new clothes. Did I mention Home-schooled kids generally aren't all that fashionable? OK perhaps it is just my kids.

You would think I was asking them to give up there left kidney (I stole that saying form Andrea, hey thanks.)
The effort to find a few shirts and some matching pants was enough to make me wither. No wonder I don't shop with them! Who cares if they wear pants three inches too short and stained hoodies every day, is it integral to their learning adventures?

Um yes, because I have to look at them and even though we learn in our home I would like them to be well presented, well dressed, OK just dressed is dandy, teeth brushed and hair, ah forget the hair. We are not even going to talk about the hair.

So friends there you have it my confession is noted. I don't want summer to end, I don't want routine to crowd out our time together and I don't want miserable kids. What am I going to do about it? NOTHING. I am going to paste on my smile, and make the traditional Welcome back to School pancake breakfast, take the beginning of the year picture and jump in with both feet.

Why? Because I love my kids and know even though I may not love all that routine and business, this is life and life must go on. I will however decide on what activities are important and say no to unnecessary commitments and protect our time with God, family and friends with a fierce intensity.

Life's rush to have the bigger house, the newer car the successful business, the smartest kids is just not worth missing out on the opportunity's God blesses us with every day.
~The kind words to the Tim Horton's cashier, the continued prayer for the prostitute on the street corner, the shared laughter of good friends

...Really, lets not let September steal the joy and the opportunities given each and every day. I refuse to buy into the rat race belief society touts as the norm. Dinner in the car on the way to Cadet's is not "family time".
I just really want to remember to carve out enough time every day; time to look at each person in the eye and really see them, hug them and know them.

Do I hear a Amen sister?

Happy September friends Blessings to a new school year!

Book Review: Not By Sight

From the Back:

"Downton Abbey meets The Scarlet Pimpernel in Kate Breslin's wonderful historical novel set amidst the drama of England's World War I home front."--award-winning author Elizabeth CamdenIn the spring of 1917, all of Britain's attention is on the WWI war front and the thousands of young men serving their country on the front lines. Jack Benningham, dashing heir to the Earl of Stonebrooke, is young and able-bodied but refuses to enlist despite the contempt of his peers.

A wealthy young suffragette, Grace Mabry will do anything to assist her country's cause. Men like Jack infuriate her when she thinks of her own brother fighting in the trenches of France, so she has no reservations about handing him a white feather of cowardice at a posh masquerade ball.

But Grace could not anticipate the danger and betrayal set into motion by her actions, and soon she and Jack are forced to learn the true meaning of courage when the war raging overseas suddenly strikes much closer to home and their fervent beliefs become a matter of life and death.

My Reflections:

Downton Abbey is one of my favourite TV series, so when I saw the synopsis on Kate Breslin's newest book I was sold right away. Her last book "For Such a Time" remains to be one of the most recommended on my book shelf, so needless to say I was intrigued.

I must admit it took awhile for me to really sink my teeth into this book, I was annoyed by Grace's lack of insight. Her awareness is limited and  her attitude is very self centered and self righteous, she was unable to see others situations and circumstances.
That kind of rubbed me the wrong way for the first half of the novel. Perhaps this was part of Breslin's master plan, because my patience was rewarded by a book filled with espionage, romance, danger and coming of age wisdom.

Grace Mabry an idealistic patriot who yearns to do what she must for the cause, misguidedly hands Jack Benningham a wealthy Heir a white feather. Her simple action opens up Pandora's box and sets off a chain of events that unleash life and death consequences.

Breslin doses a exquisite job of entwining history with fiction fusing together a beautifully mastered story. After my initial response I was extremely thankful to have read this book, and would recommend it to others, with a twee bit of caution if you have issues with snobby characters :-)

I received this book free of charge from Gaf Martin Communications in exchange for my honest review. Thank you Graf Martin!

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About The Author

1. 

   ©Samantha Panzera Photography

   Kate Breslin

   A Florida girl who migrated to the Pacific Northwest, Kate Breslin was a bookseller for many years. She is the author of For Such a Time and lives with her husband in Seattle, Washington. Find her online at www.katebreslin.com.
   

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