Book Review: Your Life Without Limits

Your Life Without Limits by Nick Vujicic is an inspiring read to say the least.  I actually read the digital review copy on my ipad.  This is the first book that I have read digitally so that was pretty unique and fun for me and I felt pretty technologically savvy.

For those unfamiliar with Nick's story, he was born without arms or legs - something his parents and the doctors were not expecting.  He had numerous tests done as a baby and no one could figure out why he was born without limbs.  I am so impressed with Nick and his story.  I appreciate that he is willing to go deep and share his thoughts and very intense struggles - and how one can overcome them!  I am inspired by his attitude, his zeal for life and his remarkable faith.  This book is a true inspiration and really encourages everyone to live their life to the fullest.

You can check out Nick's website here.   Want a sneak peek of this book, go here to download the first chapter!


Disclosure: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.  All opinions expressed are 100% mine.

Book Review: To Heaven and Back

To Heaven and Back by Mary C. Neal, MD is a gem!  Here is the first-hand true-life account of modern day miracles, experienced by an orthopedic surgeon.  I really appreciate that she is super intelligent and yet, down to earth and really "real" at the same time.  Dr. Neal writes with authenticity, and I found it easy to relate to her as a wife, as a mother, and just as a person.

The headline event is a tragic accident.  While kayaking in South America in 1999, Dr. Neal became pinned under her kayak at the bottom of a waterfall.  Underwater for 14 minutes, Mary experienced something far greater than just resuscitation.  She accounts her time in Heaven, angels she was with and ultimately how she was informed that it was not her time and returned to her body.

Dr. Neal does a great job of chronicling her accident and her experiences prior and afterwards.  I love that she does even more than that though.  She writes with a level of honesty and vulnerability that I really appreciate it.  She discussed her spiritual journey throughout her life.

Be sure to check out Dr. Mary Neal's website here.   There you can learn more about Dr. Neal, watch her recent interviews and share your own miracles as well.



Disclosure: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.  All opinions expressed are 100% mine.

Book Review: Fierce Beauty

Fierce Beauty (Choosing to Stand for What Matters Most) by Kim Meeder Shepherd is an encouragement for Christian women not to conform to the things of this world but to be rooted in the Lord and know you purpose!  It made me think - am I really rooted in the Lord and do I know my purpose and act on it??  Meeder weaves in true stories of her own life.  She challenges the idea that how women look is more important than who they are.

This book is not just about stories, it is also a call to action - a call to pick up your own sword of encouragement and fight!  Questions are raised - What are you living for?  Do you know God?  If not, you can.  Are you answering God's call on your life?  I love the Scripture that is sprinkled within.  I enjoyed this book and would recommend it!

This book is divided into three parts and at the end of the book there are discussion questions for each part for those who are reading it as a study or want to dive in a little deeper.

Want a sneak peek of this book?  Click here to read an excerpt of Fierce Beauty or Read Chapter One. 

 
Disclosure: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.  All opinions expressed are 100% mine.

Book Review: God Gave Us Two

God Gave Us Two by Lisa Tawn Bergren and illustrated by Laura J. Bryant is cute.  The story is about adding a new baby to your family.

(SPOILER ALERT: or in this case twins - you learn at the end.  Although if you've read Bergren's other "God Gave Us .." books, you already know Little Cub's
family.)

In essence, it is about Little Cub becoming a big sister.  Little Cub is trying to understand why her parents "need a new baby" and they answer that they do not need a new baby but that they want one and what a blessing it is.  Little Cub also questions sending the baby back if she does not like them or moving out if the baby cries too much.  Her parents reassure her that although there will be changes her position in the family is secure.

Mama and Papa encourage Little Cub with fun things she will be able to do with the baby when he/she arrives like playing, helping them with their manners, and making snow angels just to name a few.  I really like that Mama and Papa do not know the gender of their new addition as I do not peek either.

This cute story also addresses the lack of room on Mama's lap near the end of her pregnancy.  Little Cub has less and less room until finally she has to sit near Mama while she reads.  And one of the best concepts addressed is the fact that every child is uniquely made by God. 

Another thing worth mentioning is that Mama tells Little Cub that the new baby is still in her tummy.  For whatever reason, that bothers me.  Babies are not in their mother's tummies or stomachs, they are in the womb which is a completely different location.  Enough said.

With a newborn in the house, my older children (7, 6, 4 and 2) have all experienced Mommy being pregnant; while I don't think they've had exactly the same questions that Little Cub expresses, they all enjoy this book.

Disclosure: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Book Review: His Mighty Warrior

His Mighty Warrior (A Treasure Map from Your King) by Sheri Rose Shepherd is a treasure indeed.  This Christian book is filled with short letters written by the King (God) to His sons (His mighty warriors).  So yes, as one might think from the title, it is geared specifically toward boys!  Each excerpt has a letter, followed by a scripture verse, and then ends in a prayer.  It is not meant to be read at one sitting but rather enjoyed as a daily prayer or possible bedtime story/prayer.

There are fifty letters in total and they include topics such as courage, respect, honor, money, disappointment, anger, love, honesty, faith, obedience and even death - in each instance Shepherd encourages life application from the Bible.  The final page explains the "treasure map" analogy, but I won't spoil it for you here!

I love that this book is easy to engage my 4-year-old boy, and that it also has such depth and truth in it.  There are several illustration layouts that repeat themselves throughout the book: nautical, treasure seeking, desert island theme.  My son thought the pictures were fun so I find that worth mentioning.

I wouldn't consider this an early/beginner reader book in my opinion.  I'm using it as a read-aloud for my preschooler, but if you'd like it to be self-read material I would recommend third grade, or advanced second grade as a minimum.

I highly recommend this book if you have sons!  I love books that incorporate Christian values and that invest the Bible into my children.

Want a sneak peek of this book?  Click here to read an excerpt of His Mighty Warrior.

Disclosure: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Book Review: The Christmas Singing

The Christmas Singing by Cindy Woodsmall takes you right into the heart of the Amish community.  It is a story of love, romance, loss, heartbreak and healing.  Mattie and Gideon were childhood sweethearts until he suddenly ended their courtship under hurtful circumstances, or were they?  Their breakup was definitely not what it seemed to be but Mattie wouldn't learn that until years later - three to be exact.  Gideon was trying to protect the one he loved the most and wasn't completely truthful to Mattie with everything that was going on.  She left the relationship thinking that he was a liar and a cheat but he was very much faithful to her.  Will their love stand the test of time and another man?  You will have to read the book to find out that question!

I am a huge fan of Amish romance novels and this one did not disappoint.  It is a sweet story and a fast read.  It is not overly heavy but it does bring up serious illnesses and the question, "Is it ever okay to lie?".  Mattie is a baker and cake decorator and I also really enjoyed reading about that aspect of her life.  I would highly recommend reading this book and with Christmas right around the corner (just a few months away) now would be a great time to dive in.

Want a sneak peek of this book?  Click here to read an excerpt of The Christmas Singing.

Disclosure: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Book Review: Out Of A Far Country

Out Of A Far Country by Christopher Yuan & Angela Yuan makes you really think.  It is the true story, told by both mother and son, of Christopher's journey from a destructive life of homosexuality and drugs to his redemption and life now as a follower of Christ.  It is raw and sometimes extremely painful to read (no holds barred).  It also highlights Angela's journey toward following Christ and learning to let go as a mother and trust that God is in control, even of her family.  By the end of the book, both mother and son are extremely different people.  This book offers a lot of hope for those struggling with homosexuality or those wanting to minister to the gay community.

Included in the back of the book is a discussion guide for personal reflection and group use.  I personally did not go through this study.

Want a sneak peek of this book?  Click here to read an excerpt of Out Of A Far Country.

Disclosure: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Book Review: As Silver Refined

As Silver Refined by Kay Arthur is truly inspirational.  I love the imagery of the refiner of metals right from the beginning.  The one who takes his lump of ore and creates "choice" silver.  We are the silver and God is our Refiner.

Arthur addresses that when you live for God, warfare is inevitable.  You mind is the battlefield and in order to combat the strategies of the enemy you must understand the principles of warfare and be able to fight.  The major strategies that are used by the enemy against us are distraction, deception and what Arthur refers to as the 5 other Deadly D's: disappointment, discouragement, dejection, despair and demoralization.  One can go on a downward spiral to the lowest point beginning with disappointment.  However, all is not lost!  Handling disappointment both according to scripture and quickly in the battleground of your mind before you slip into the Deadly D's is imperative.  Your first response should be of obedience.  You must believe God over your feelings, thoughts and circumstances.  Every disappointment becomes a trial of your faith.  Arthur shows us how to see our disappointments as His appointments.

I love that Arthur includes many stories and testimonies that are practical examples of how to walk out hard situations.  Some examples come straight from the Bible and some come from ordinary people today.  This book is a great tool for learning victory over discouragement and I would highly recommend it.  It challenges the way you view life and respond to every day situations. 

Included in the back of the book is a 13-week companion Bible study.  I personally did not go through this study but it looks really good.  It looks like a study that would work both individually or in a group setting.

Want a sneak peek of this book?  Click here to read an excerpt of As Silver Refined.

Disclosure: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Book Review: God Gave Us You

God Gave Us You by Lisa Tawn Bergren and illustrated by Laura J. Bryant is adorable.  In this board book, Little Cub is interacting with her mama right before bedtime.  She asks her Mom where she came from and her Mom replies, "From God."  Little Cub is told the story of prior to her existence, the joy experienced when her parents found out about her, and the story of her Mom's pregnancy.  She is told that she is special and loved and experiences this.  I think it is a really cute story.

I would also like to add that the book goes on at length trying to explain the medical process for prenatal care leading to a hospital birth.  Not everyone chooses the hospital experience and this book does not really explore alternative options such as homebirth.  Had Bergren trimmed the details about one style of birth experience, it would be more relatable to families who choose alternative birthing plans, slightly easier for the little ones to take in, and have a stronger focus on the core message - that God gives children to parents.

As with other Little Cub books, I think the artwork is great!  My children are 7, 5, 4 and 1 and I believe they all enjoyed it.  I personally have had 4 hospital births so it was easy to relate this to my own children.  I love that it is a board book because my one-year old is a lot easier on board books.  In short, cute story and I would recommend this book, especially if you have had a hospital birth.

Want a sneak peek of this book?  Click here to read an excerpt of God Gave Us You.

Disclosure: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Book Review: The Canary List

The Canary List by Sigmund Brouwer is intense.  There are definitely some controversial topics tackled within this novel.  I like that Brouwer did not shy away from that.

There is definitely a dark presence of evil within this story and while there is a presence of goodness as well, I wish Brouwer had concentrated more on that aspect.  I would highly recommend reading the Prologue to see if you can handle the rest of the story.  Some of the dark things within this book are child abuse, occult practices, and demon possession.  It is not hard for me to believe or even be aware of many of the dark things in our own society but it can be hard to stomach at times, especially when children are involved.

This story is about a twelve-year old girl, Jaimie, who has bounced around in different foster homes.  Evil is hunting her and she can detect it.  You are thrown into her life - her present, her past and even future.  You are on her journey with her and all those around her.  The madness goes from her home all the way to the Vatican.  I loved that the story was suspenseful and not easily predictable but again it was darker than what I was anticipating.  This is not a flip though book.  They chapters are many and they are short, things happen quickly at a fast pace.


I also felt that there was a slight undertone of anti-Catholicism.  I grew up in the Catholic church as a small girl so this might be my own sensitivity but I wanted to mention it.

In short, Brouwer's novel is well written and suspenseful just not my cup of tea.

Want a sneak peek of this book?  Click here to read an excerpt of The Canary List.

Disclosure: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Book Review: Life, In Spite of Me

Life, In Spite of Me is the story of Kristen Jane Anderson told by Kristen herself and Tricia Goyer.  At seventeen, Kristen had enough of life.  Family struggles, loss of loved ones, date rape all took their toll on her and one night she was ready to end it all.  She layed down on a railroad track and waited for her pain to end.  However, after 33 freight cars had passed over her body she found that she was not dead.  She found herself in a new place, a life without legs.  By the grace of God, Kristen survived and this is her story.

This book is heart-wrenching and inspirational at the same time.  I have never personally struggled with depression but Kristen has a way of taking you into her life and I think everyone can relate to at least some of her story on some level.  This book becomes a gripping read as Kristen lays out her life and experiences with brutal honesty.

This is not only the story of Kristen's failed suicide attempt but also her faith and hope in Christ afterward.  She went from despair to hope in spite of losing both of her legs. This did not happen overnight but was more of a process of transformation.  I love that she has new purpose and is being used mightily by God to reach out to those who are/have been struggling with depression.  I would highly recommend this book.

Want a sneak peek of this book?  Click here to download Chapter 1 of Life, In Spite of Me. 

Disclosure: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.



If you read this review and would like a chance at winning your own copy of Life, In Spite of Me please rank my review. You will automatically be entered in the giveaway (WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group will contact you if you are a winner).

Book Review #3: Secure Daughters Confident Sons

For my third installment for the blogging for books program I will review Secure Daughters Confident Sons (How Parents Guide Their Children into Authentic Masculinity and Femininity) by Glenn T. Stanton.

I love the title and I love the topic!  As a mom of four, and one on the way, it is important to me to teach my children security and confidence.

First, Stanton explains the importance of difference between males and females.  He explains that there are extremes one way or the other (those that believe that sex differences are merely minor plumbing issues vs those that are Macho Joes and Pretty-in-Pinks).  This book focuses on the middle ground between those two extremes for each gender.

Stanton goes on to describe the qualities that make a good man: they are explorative, determined to deliever the goods, need to know what's next, are opportunists, initiators, active and aggressive, must take chances, and are competitive and dominant.  Followed by qualities that make a good woman: confidently enticing, seek intimacy over action, wisely receptive, seek security, prefer modesty, they care, use words, desire equity and submission, wield soft power which shapes humanity, and are about connecting.

The book continues with what you need to know about boys.  First, a boy is a young male on his way to manhood.  Secondly, a boy is God's creation.  Thirdly, boys need to know that what they do can make a difference, they need big missions, need to be innovative, disciplined, have good called out of them, need to be honorable, accepted and respected.  This section is then followed by what you need to know about girls.  A girl is a female on her way to womanhood.  Secondly, she too is a creation of God's image - she bears God's image in a way a man never will.  Thirdly, she needs to see herself as capable, she needs intimacy, community, modesty, wants to talk, heard and affirmed, and a sense of security.

Stanton also makes a point to talk about the different parenting styles between mothers and fathers and how they are both important.

I love that their are Q&A sections after the chapters.  I really enjoyed this book.  I think it has some great insight into raising boys and girls and lots of practical tips as well.

Book Review #2: Lioness Arising

 

Alright, my second review for the blogging for books program. I read Lioness Arising by Lisa Bevere, which I would classify as Christian inspirational.

Bevere challenges women to wake up and change their world. This book is a call and challenge to Christian women to pursue more! Bevere had a vision years ago when she was pregnant with her 4th son. In her vision she came face to face with a lioness and was never the same. Throughout this book Bevere compares Christian women to the lioness. One who is powerful, passionate, and purposed.

I think this could be a really good book for a women's Bible study. Reading it on my own I found it difficult to really stay engaged all the way through to the end. There is a lot of "meat" in this book to be devoured and some controversial topics come up like women's roles in the church and submission. While I don't agree with everything Bevere says I did really enjoy this book and would recommend it.

Book Review #1: God Gave Us So Much

I am so excited to do my first book review for the blogging for books program!!!  Woohoo, I received a free copy of God Gave Us So Much: A Limited-edition three-book treasury by Lisa Tawn Bergren and the art was by Laura J. Bryant.

The three stories within this book are God Gave Us The World, God Gave Us Love, and God Gave Us Heaven.

Each of these are written as a conversation with the child polar bear, Little Cub.  I really like that Bergren includes scripture into the text; she is clearly building on a strong Biblical foundation.  The conversational format is sometimes choppy, especially in God Gave Us Heaven where the question-and-answer dialog doesn't always have a natural continuity.  In several places in these stories, the response, or answer is so conclusive that my kids thought the story was over.
 
In God Gave Us the World, Little Cub is interacting with her mama.  It is basically one conversation discussing  topics like God's creativity and taking care of the world.  Little cub learns about the different bears in the world and that she is unique and special.  It is doctrinally sound.  I love that it has scripture embedded into it - God made the world and everything in it!

In God Gave Us Love, Little Cub is interacting with her grandpa.  This story discusses the different ways we can love one another: the love between mamas and papas, friends, family, and others.  We may not always want to show love to others but God always gives us love to show.  It is great illustration for kids in being nice.

In God Gave Us Heaven, Little Cub is interacting with her papa.  It is set up as question and answer format and dicusses the possibilities of heaven.
 
I think the artwork is great and these books are engaging to children!  I would recommend this book!!