The Duck Commander Faith & Family Bible

The stars of the hit TV show Duck Dynasty are committed to upholding five core values both on and off the screen: faith, family, fellowship, forgiveness, and freedom.The Duck Commander® Faith and Family Bible features new stories and testimonials by Phil, the Robertson family patriarch, and his son Al, a pastor with more than 22 years of experience. Together they offer fresh wisdom on biblical values and how everyday people can apply them to their lives.Powered by relentless dedication to sharing the gospel and celebrating Christ’s kingdom, the Robertson family has become influential to contemporary evangelism and discipleship. The Duck Commander® Faith and Family Bibleunleashes the power of their practical insight into critical faith issues, founded on God’s Word.Features include:

• Full text of the New King James Version Bible

• A personal welcome note from Phil and Al Robertson

• 125 articles on the top 24 most-searched topics on BibleGateway

• Life application and scripture references supplement each article

• 30 days of life-changing testimonials

• Topical index and reading plans

What am amazing translation (NKJV) doesn't vary too far from what I'm used to but also a bit easierto understand than the KJV. Some great insight from the duckman himself (Phil Robertson) as well as his Pastoral son, Al. I really love the 52 days with Phil & the 52 days with Al reading. Such great devotional wrapped up in the word of God. There is also some Set Your Sights sections discussing common things asked like wisdom, forgiveness and repentance and also Bible verses that correlate with the subject. The indexes are great for finding things in a hurry and love the topical index at the end. Great sturdy hardcover to last many years. Love this Bible.

Book provided free by http://www.booklookbloggers.com in exchange for an honest review

The Legend of St. Nicholas By Dandi Daley Mackall, illustrated Richard Cowdrey

In The Legend of St. Nicholas, the new artwork, created by Marley and Me illustrator, Richard Cowdrey, captivates audiences and tells the story of a young man named Nicholas, who was moved by the plight of the poor and needy. Nicholas spent his life secretly helping the poor all over the world, giving gifts on Christmas Eve to remind people of the greatest Gift of all, Jesus Christ. This gentle Christmas book introduces the original St. Nicholas and offers inspiration for readers to become cheerful givers themselves. The final pages in the book include fun Father Christmas traditions in other lands.

I've been looking for a way to explain this to my son and I think I've found it. I want him to believe in the good and also about Christs birth without destroying the belief in Santa Claus as such. I've read it myself but I think I will wait 'til Christmas to read it to my son. It is very bright and colorful and has lovely illustrations. It tells the story of a boy named Nick in modern day who is a bit self centered, like most kids these days, who overhears a story of the famous St. Nicholas. It teaches children to be kind and giving to those less fortunate. I love the story and the meaning behind it. Still shows the magic of Christmas!

I received this in exchange for an honest review

Conrad and the Cowgirl Next Door By Denette Fretz, illustrated by Gene Barretta

“I hear that becoming a cowboy can be dangerous. Especially if you don't know the rules.

I don’t know the rules.”

It’s a good thing Conrad brought his Mega Ultimate Extreme First Aid Kit to Uncle Clint’s ranch because learning how to be a cowboy turns out to be a lot harder—and more painful—than he thought. Conrad has a lot to learn – including don’t squat with spurs on and never wave your red sweatshirt at a bull. But the biggest challenge of all is dealing with Imogene Louise Lathrup, the know-it-all-cowgirl next door. When Imogene shows up, she is all too happy to point out Conrad’s shortcomings. In this follow-up to their debut hit Pirates on the Farm, author Denette Fretz and illustrator Gene Barretta team up once again to tell a humorous tale about what it means to love your neighbor.

Read this book to my little 4 year old before bed and he loved it! It was definitely a hit for us. He kept comparing the characters in the book to him and his friends in real life. Even though Imogene is a know it all and focuses on things Conrad CAN'T do, Conrad is quick to forgive and is very kind. The message is very clear about being kind, helping and forgiveness. I love the vibrat colored illustrations and the cowboy slag, sure made it alot more believable!

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Goodnight Ark By Laura Sassi

Beds are ready. Food is stored. Noah hollers, “All aboard!” It’s bedtime on Noah’s ark, but the animals can’t sleep because of the storm. Two by two, they crowd into Noah’s bed, creating a sticky situation. Will Noah ever get them back to their own beds? Climb aboard the ark for this rollicking, yet ultimately restful bedtime story as Noah finds a way to make things calm and cozy, even in the midst of a storm.

Let me tell you, my son absolutely LOVED this book! The illustrations and artwork we're phenomenal and appeals to the child and adult alike. The nice rhyming helped my son remember the story and he can almost read it back to you at 3 years old. The silliness also is appealing and makes it a nice lighthearted read adding a twist to the classic Bible story without taking away from the truth. I loved it and so did the rest of my family and friends. Actually, some of them even went in search of their own copy!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Jonah & The Great Big Fish

"God told Jonah to obey, said, 'Go to Nineveh this day.' But, stubborn Jonah fled instead. Didn’t do just what God said." Jonah’s disobedience landed him inside a big fish! And there he had time to think and pray. Children will feel the waves and hear the splash as Jonah sinks “down and down and down” into the belly of the fish. This story serves as an excellent reminder of how important it is to listen to God.

 

My son absolutely loved this book! He understood the story completely at 3 years old, better than if I read it from scripture to him. The rhyming words were so simple and easy for him to understand. The illustrations were so colorful and vibrant. Great job throughout. I will be looking for more books by this author for sure!

 

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

NIV Fast Facts Bible

A Bible that points out interesting facts and challenges the reader to dig deeper into God’s Word.

The NIV Fast Facts Bible is designed to creatively engage Bible readers who have a passion for finding out interesting facts about the Bible. It features unique Bible book introductions that point to fascinating details that can be found in each of the Bible's 66 books. At the end of each book is a full page of intriguing questions that will drive readers back into the text to discover the answers for themselves. Includes the complete text of the NIV, the world's bestselling modern English translation.

Love the facts at the beginning of each chapter and the questions at the end! I lent my Mother this Bible to prepare lessons for her Sunday School class. The questions and answers taught me things I never knew about the Bible. If you are a factoid person I highly recommend this version of the Bible. Although I found the Book & Binding to be flimsy and I feel because this will be referred back to often, it's not durable. But other than that, well put together. Some people have said the facts are useless but it's definitely a conversation starter. Really, how man people know how many words are in Genesis? 

Provided by book look bloggers in exchange for an honest review

Plain Faith A True Story of Tragedy, Loss and Leaving the Amish By Ora-Jay and Irene Eash

This is the true story of Ora-Jay and Irene Eash, Amish farmers from northwest Montana whose lives changed in an instant when a semi-truck struck the family buggy, killing their two young daughters.

After the accident, the couple turned to their Amish community for comfort, but they remained haunted by the thought that they might not see their girls again in heaven. Would their deeds be good enough? Eventually Ora-Jay and Irene learned that grace—not works—was enough to ensure their place in eternity. But with that knowledge came the realization that they could no longer live in an Amish community that didn’t share this precious belief. Could they sever their connection to the Amish family they loved?

This is the story of their journey to the hope that is heaven, a hope stronger than the loss of children, family, and a way of life. Fans of Amish fiction will appreciate such a real-life look into the Amish community, co-written by bestselling author Tricia Goyer, and readers of all kinds will resonate with this tale of courage, resilience, and the redemption found in the grace of Jesus.

I never knew there was so much difference between the Amish and Christian Faith.  This book is one families question of their beliefs, after tragedy strikes. I love how as a reader we get to look closely in on the amish lifestyle, I never thought they could be swayed from their beliefs, but when God is calling your heart to something else, this is one story of tragedy, heartbreak, families torn. 

I did enjoy this book, but it seemed this family endured so much and I never knew the Amish could be so negative and shun their own because they didn't do exactly as they said. Seems a hard road to trod

Book provided by Book Look Bloggers in exchange for an honest review

It's A God Thing

Some things in life have no earthly explanation.

Miracles are not reserved for the characters in the Old and New Testaments; they happen to everyday people.

Series creator Don Jacobson and K-LOVE Radio have joined together to produce one of the most remarkable collections of modern-day miracles ever compiled. From angel appearances in hospital rooms to a mother saved from a would-be assailant in Hyde Park, from a young autistic girl becoming a beautiful ballerina overnight to a young backpacker who walked away from a terrorist attack, It's a God Thing presents some of the most amazing stories of God's hand on our lives.

Be motivated as never before to look for and witness the incredible ways that God is interacting in your life and the lives of those around you.

Love short stories, especially ones that have a big impact with such little words. I loved this book from beginning to end and even though it was all separate short stories I found I couldn't put it down because I wanted to see what God was up to next in lives of everyday people! Such a good read!!

Book provided in exchange for an honest review

The Sinners Garden By William Sirls

In the small Lake Erie township of Benning, someone is at work cultivating a supernatural garden …
Andy Kemp’s young life has been as ravaged as his scarred face. Disfigured by an abusive father, the teenager hides behind his books and an impenetrable wall of cynicism and anger.
As Andy’s mother struggles to reconnect with him, his Uncle Rip returns transformed from a stint in prison and wants to be a mentor to the reclusive boy, doing everything he can to help end Andy’s pain. When Andy begins hearing strange music through his iPod and making near-prophetic announcements, Rip is convinced that what Andy is hearing is the voice of God.
Elsewhere, police officer Heather Gerisch responds to a late-night breaking and entering in one of the poorest homes in town. She soon realizes that the masked prowler has left thousands of dollars in gift cards from a local grocery store.
As the bizarre break-ins continue and Heather pursues the elusive “Summer Santa,” Andy and Rip discover an enormous and well-kept garden of wildflowers that seems to have grown overnight at an abandoned steel mill.
Soon, they realize who the gardener is, and a spree of miracles transfigures this small town from a place of hopelessness into a place of healing and beauty.

This book sucked me in right from the beginning. The suspense, mystery and action started right out of the gate. The prologue adds much to the story as a whole and we see why Andy is the way he is. Although I felt like slapping Andy several times, my heart also ached for everything he had to go through. This book is a fine example of God's grace and mercy and we see from someone such as Rip that God is no respector of persons. Sirls incorporates great Christian values on forgiveness. Great read!

Once-A-Day Country Faith 56 Reflections from Today's Leading Country Music Stars

Pour yourself a fresh, cold glass of sweet tea and ease into your favorite chair with a copy of the Once-A-Day Country Faith. You’ll enjoy a front row seat to an intimate look at your favorite country stars as they discuss the personal significance of their favorite Bible passage. With contributions from 56 of today’s top country artists, the Once-A-Day Country Faith includes the Bible passage that tops each of their charts as well as the reasons why this part of scripture is so valuable to them. After reading Country Faith, you’ll be inspired to identify the Bible passage that’s most meaningful to you. You’ll also listen to your favorite country artists in a whole new way.

 

I love God & country music! So there was no doubt in my mind that I would love this book. Great reflections on scriptures from the word of God and what particular passages means to different people. First I was a little taken aback that they would re reference the same verses over and over but then reading the different individuals take on the verse, I understand more clearly now that each verse meant something different to each person.

Great read!

 

I got this from Booksneeze in exchange for an honest review