I Am Hutterite: The Fascinating True Story of a Young Woman's Journey to reclaim Her Heritage by Mary-Ann Kirkby

Book description from the Book Sneeze website:


A fascinating journey into the heart and culture of a reclusive religious community.


I Am Hutterite takes readers into the hidden heart of the little-known Hutterite colony where author Mary-Ann Kirkby spent her childhood. When she was ten, her parents packed up their seven children and a handful of possessions and left the colony to start a new life. Overnight they were thrust into a world they didn't understand, a world that did not understand them.


With great humor, Kirkby describes how she adapted to popular culture, and with raw honesty she describes her family's deep sense of loss for their community. More than a history lesson, I Am Hutterite is a powerful tale of retracing steps and understanding how our beginnings often define us.


My Opinion:


I was impressed with this book, since I am into studying the Anabaptist faith and cultures this book caught my eye when I requested to review it. The author, Mary-Ann Kirkby was raised Hutterite, which is a segment of the Anabaptists like Amish, Mennonite, etc however they live communal life, sharing all they have.


Mary-Ann made you feel as if you were sharing her journey of her life in Canada as part of a Hutterite colony as well as living apart from them. The hardships both in colony life and regular society is felt in her words, I could feel the taunts from school mates and the feelings of her first love. She realizes that the world was not as safe outside the colony but her parents along with her siblings made a safe haven at home.


Gripping from the first page Mary-Ann Kirkby weaves a fascinating story, all of it true, of life in a communal setting which provided for the needs of all including safety and a way to worship God. If you'd like to know more about the Hutterities then this book will give a great glimpse into this seemingly secret way of life and religion - however as you read you'll also see how friendly these people can be, but also see how human they are and that even they have bad days.


**I received this book through Book Sneeze in exchange for my honest review. To see my full disclosure see the above tab.

Friendship for Grown-Ups: What I Missed and Learned Along the Way by Lisa Whelchel

From the Book Sneeze website:


Former Facts of Life star Lisa Whelchel shares her experiences of growing up without true friends and how she learned to find and develop them as an adult through God's grace.


Not many people can say they lived their most crucial developmental years on the sound stage of a wildly popular TV show. But that's exactly what happened in Lisa Whelchel's life. As a child, she learned to guard her heart so tightly to avoid true hurt that she found herself unable to form lasting friendships as an adult.


Friendship for Grown-Ups details her experiences of learning to come out of her shell, to trust, risk, and become vulnerable by God's grace and find meaningful friendships. Readers encounter her captivating story and refreshing perspective on life's most precious gift—and they find practical tips for their own friendships along the way.


My Opinion:


I've read one of Lisa's books before and so with this new one I just had to request it, because while I have friends and am a friend, I know I can always improve in that area. She built up walls to protect herself and I have done that as well - however she has been working at overcoming those walls so that she can be more transparent with her friends.


With this book I didn't feel lectured at, like some self help books do, I felt as if I was having a chat with a friend while having a cup of coffee, legs curled up under me and sitting on a couch. With both practical and Scriptural basis for how she went about healing this book is a must have for those who have erected walls, for those who don't know that they have or for those who are friends with 'walls'. Many resources are included in this book to help make you a friend or a better friend, depending on what end of the spectrum you fall on.


I like the fact that there are questions for discussion or reflection, if you wanted to turn this into a woman's study then this would be perfect or if you need to privately reflect - it'll work for that as well. Lisa Whelchel also gives some steps for developing and growing friendships - things that are practical (she's knows moms are busy, she has three and homeschooled them!) and easy for a mom to do. One way she even suggests is Facebook - for some reason it's easy to be transparent on Facebook. The other one that really sticks out is keeping cards (assorted occasion and blank) to be mailed out as needed or thought of.


This wonderful book should be a resource for every woman who wants to be a friend or become a better friend. A quick read, this is perfect for moms to read that don't have a lot of time between raising children, caring for husband and house and educating at home. I felt so good after I read this book and want to go through it again just to glean more and go through the discussion questions.


**I received a copy of this book through Book Sneeze (Thomas Nelson Publishers) in exchange for my honest review.

"How Should a Christian Live?" devotional and journal by Brenda Noel

Information from the BookSneeze (Thomas Nelson) site:

Going deep into The Word of Promise Next Generation . . . the audio Bible for the "wired generation!" You've heard the dramatized New Testament featuring the voice talents of many of today's top young Hollywood stars. Now dig deeper and embrace the truths and knowledge of the Bible like never before. This new devotional study guide series is available in four volumes. Each volume includes an MP3 CD, a devotional guide, and journaling section. The devotional guide is presented in 13 lessons with topical articles, exciting and fun 2-color graphic design, and creative interactive games and activities for youth to enjoy! Also included is a journaling section at the end of each lesson of the each book.

Volume Three – the "How" focuses on the study of how Jesus' continued presence can and should impact our lives. It is based on the books of 1-2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1-2 Thessalonians, 1-2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon.

Features include: GET-IT (help to understand difficult concepts); GRAB-IT (how does this look in your own life); HOLD-IT (how to maintain in everyday life); GIVE-IT (how does this affect others in your life); DEFINE-IT (in-depth look at key words); and LIVE-IT (presentation of ideas, questions, challenges to support each session's content).

My Opinion:

I was impressed with this devotional and journal set, this is something that I can would bring teens to God and closer to Him. This softcover book with a MP3 CD has 176 pages and it is chock full of how to live a Christian life without compromising the Bible. Topics include Promised by God, All Good Things, Live in His Love, Enjoy Expectant Life and much more - there are a total of 12 sessions. The MP3 CD has the book of the Bible that correlates to the respective reading. Sean Astin, Jordin Sparks, Corbin Bleu and Emily Osment are just a few names that will be easily recognizable to the teens today. I can't say I agree with what goes on in each lives but I will say the audio recordings are well done and makes for a wonderful listening experience.

The format of the book will be enticing for a teen to journey into God's Word and learn more about Him and how He says we should live as His followers. There are define it sections throughout each session which gives definitions of words that some may not know as they read. Games in each session helps to retain the information read and listened to such as word finds, unscrambles and cross words are just a few of what games will be found. Each session also includes an 8 page lined spread for the teen to journal in, perfect for a teen who wants a place to record their thoughts as they go through the study and not have to remember a separate notebook or journal each time.

I'm even thinking of letting my 8 year old daughter use this, she would get a lot of great information and it be a great learning tool for both parents and children to share God's love with each other and keep lines of communication open. While this does teach how a Christian should live I didn't notice a lot of study regarding other aspects such as things I hold dear as a Christian wife and mom such as modest, feminine clothing or head covering (I say this since I Corinthians is studied) but I do think this is a good starting point for teens who feel distanced from God by their church or children who are unchurched and want to find more out on their own about this awesome God!

**I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review through BookSneeze, no other compensation was given. For full disclosure see my right side bar.

Gigi's Hugest Announcement (DVD)

About the DVD from the Thomas Nelson's reviewer site:


The Royal Tea Party finds Gigi with a dilemma. She has important news to share with her best friend, Frances, but how best to make such a grand announcement? This slice-of-life peek into the life of God’s little princess reinforces the vital message that each child is royally important to God.


In The Pink Ballerina, Gigi and Frances take their first dance lesson. With reluctant practice and awkward help from Tiara (her new dog) and Lord Fluffy (her not-so-cooperative cat), Gigi struggles to dance perfectly to make God proud of her. But she unexpectedly learns that God is most proud when we show love to others.


My Opinion:


My girls were thrilled to get this DVD from Thomas Nelson - they really enjoy the God's Little Princess items from Sheila Walsh so this was sort of like icing on the cake. Pink and frilly Gigi is God's little princess and wants to share the news with her friend and neighbor but things keep falling apart. She is finally able to do what she knows God would want her to do. In the second title Gigi leans about God wanting us to show love to others.


I'll admit I was a bit bored with this movie but my girls were very much into it - par for the course in this house. I will say neither I, my husband or my oldest daughter thought the use of lord toward Gigi's cat was correct - considering the nature of the DVD - God. This did lead to us discussing the fact that we don't call others lords and there is only one Lord, the Lord Jesus Christ, even though Sarah did call Abraham lord in the Old Testament.


Overall, I thought this was a neat way to introduce children to aspects of the Bible, I did think my 8 year old was a bit old for it but my 5 1/2 year old enjoyed it. The DVD sells for $14.99 and can be purchased at Thomas Nelson's website.


**I was given a copy of this DVD from Thomas Nelson in exchange for my honest review, no other compensation was given.

Christian Encounters Series: John Bunyan by Kevin Belmonte

Book Description from the Book Sneeze site:


Christian Encounters, a series of biographies from Thomas Nelson Publishers, highlights important lives from all ages and areas of the Church. Some are familiar faces. Others are unexpected guests. But all, through their relationships, struggles, prayers, and desires, uniquely illuminate our shared experience.


John Bunyan’s world was a turbulent age of regicide, civil war, and revolution. Against this backdrop emerged a man whose matchless literary gifts were burnished amidst suffering and who profoundly influenced western culture. This Christian Encounters biography presents the life story you’ve never heard—how, amidst the crucible of repeated imprisonments, civil war, and violent persecution, John Bunyan crafted The Pilgrim’s Progress, a testament unlike any other to the triumph of the human spirit.




My Opinion:


As a Christian and homeschooling parent I'm always on the look out for books that are safe for my children to read and that show great Christian character and morals. I'm glad that Thomas Nelson has put these book on the market in the form of the new series, Christian Encounters, as they are perfect for an adult or a child to read about upstanding Christians from the past but that can still be learned from today.


The book is short, 170 pages and that includes the end notes, acknowledgements, about the author and epilogue and while some may find this disappointing I thought it a great size for a short look into John Bunyan's life. Although there are 21 chapters and we get to glimpse into the life of the man who gave us Pilgrim's Progress . His exact date of birth is not known but he was in 1628 on November 30th and spent time in prison, a wonderful timeline in the back of the book gives more details and when they happened.


I enjoyed this book and will be using it in our school so that my children can learn about Christians who lived their faith and can be a good role model. The book is purse size and can easily travel for reading aloud times in the car while stopped at trains or in the doctor's office. I think this is a great addition to any family's library that wants good Christian books that focus on the person's faith and devotion to God.


I was given a copy of this through Thomas Nelson's Book Sneeze book review program.

Christian Encounters Series: Jane Austen by Peter Leithart

Book description from Thomas Nelson's website:


Christian Encounters, a series of biographies from Thomas Nelson Publishers, highlights important lives from all ages and areas of the Church. Some are familiar faces. Others are unexpected guests. But all, through their relationships, struggles, prayers, and desires, uniquely illuminate our shared experience.


Some may know Jane Austen simply as the English novelist whose books are required reading in high school and college. Perhaps it wasn’t until the BBC’s extremely successful TV miniseries of Pride and Prejudice or Emma Thompson’s film Sense and Sensibility that many became entranced. Now younger readers are flocking to Austen with a unique twist in the bestselling Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: The Classic Regency Romance, by Seth Grahame-Smith. In this Christian Encounters biography, fans of Jane Austen will discover the Christian faith that was in the weft and weave of her character and how it influenced her writing and her life.




My Opinion:


Whether you are an avid Jane fan or just want to know more about her then this book from the Christian Encounters series is a must read. As soon as I received the book I began reading it and it's a quick read and a fascinating one at that! I have never read Jane Austen before, I take that back I read one page of one book that I can't remember now which it was but I just couldn't find myself engaged by the book. I'm not sure if because it'd been so hyped up or that that the amount of characters were hard to keep straight, whatever the reason I'm not ready to tackle some Jane Austen novels.


For a history buff, this book really provides a historical background on Miss Austen (that's right she never married although she did have her share of suitors). This history isn't overwhelming and actually takes on a fun aspect when put in the context surrounding Jane Austen. The author has done a wonderful job on giving readers the real Jane, not some Hollywood starlet - for instance she was a Preacher's Kid and was a Christian all her life. We're also introduced to many family and friends which got an ugly portrayal in a movie (I've never seen it but I know the truth now), this aspect makes Jane feel real and not some untouchable author, as authors seems to be nowadays.


I cannot stress enough this book is well worth reading. If you're looking for something for you child to read as an autobiography/biography (yes it's listed as both) or just for a relaxing read on history or your favorite author this is definitely the way to go. A fast read as well as 'exposing' Jane Austen's Christian heritage will make for an inspirational and knowledgeable read. Especially good for a family read aloud - which if you're a homeschooler, like me, this is an added bonus in the literature department.


**This book was provided to me through Thomas Nelson's Book Sneeze program in exchange for my honest review, no other compensation was given.**

Green by Ted Dekker

Book Description from Thomas Nelson's website:

At Last . . . The Circle Reborn

The story of how Thomas Hunter first entered the Black Forest and forever changed our history began at a time when armies were gathered for a final battle in the valley of Migdon. Green is a story of love, betrayal, and sweeping reversals set within the apocalypse. It is the beginning: the truth behind a saga that has captured the imagination of more than a million readers with the Books of History Chronicles.

But even more, Green brings full meaning to the Circle Series as a whole, reading as both prequel to Black and sequel to White, completing a full circle. This is Book Zero, the Circle Reborn, both the beginning and the end. The preferred starting point for new readers . . . and the perfect climax for the countless fans who’ve experienced Black, Red, and White.

My Opinion:

Like Ted Dekker's other books, Green, pulls you in to the story as soon as you begin reading. The characters will be remembered from the previous books and some new ones which keeps the storyline going and progressing. Mr. Dekker has a great ability for storytelling and weaving in Christian values and beliefs into his book, including Green. I will admit that while the book does pull you in, it took me longer to actually read this one since I had to re-aquaint myself with the characters and plot, it had been awhile since I last read Black, Red and White, but it wasn't hard to get back into the storyline.

It has always amazed me at how an author can weave so many genre's and still make it flow smoothly with any weird or unusual plot lines. This is what I think makes Green so great, is that the flow at reading this book from the others just goes seemlessly together making it a great read that will lead you on twists with the suspense, love for Elyon and even hatred. I truly feel this book encompasses a lot of themes that fit well for Ted Dekker's usual writing style.

**I was provided a copy of this book through Thomas Nelson's review program in exchange for my honest review.

Fearless: Imagine Your Life Without Fear by Max Lucado

I had the chance to read Max Lucado's newest release, Fearless , and I must say I am impressed. I've never actually read a Max Lucado book for adults but my children enjoy his Hermie series so I wanted to give it a chance and am glad that I did. I received the book through Thomas Nelson's Book Review Blogger Program.

As humans, we can usually let fear get the best of us, even Christians can let fear overwhelm them and Max wants people to know that we don't have to let fear control us. He covers a lot of ground in the things that can bring fear on our hearts and minds, and a lot really hit home. Some of the topics he covers are fear of not mattering, fear of disappointing God, fear of not protecting my kids, fear of violence, fear of what's next and several other areas. In each area Max Lucado uses Scripture references relating our fear to something that happened to Jesus, the disciples or some other pivotal person from the Bible. I liked how he showed me how even the greatest men of God had fears and related that back to my life!

I will say that Mr. Lucado does use multiple Bible translations and/or paraphrases such as the Message, Amplified Bible, Contemporary English Version, New American Standard Bible and several others. He does not use any KJV or NKJV in this book, so if that is an issue then I wanted to let you know up front. Even though I am not partial to these translations/paraphrases I still gained a lot in reading this book and would not let myself be put off by the choice of Bible version. If I had let that bother me then I wouldn't have garnished what I did from Fearless. You can use your own Bible in whatever version you prefer to look up the Scripture and just skip the version's he has used.

At the end of the book are discussion questions that can be used either in a group or individual setting to gain deeper insight. The questions will make you delve into your fear issues and you may find yourself letting go of that fear - which can be scary in itself. In a way fear can protect us, keeping us from going down that dark alley alone or making sure our children don't go out of our site in our neighborhoods, but fear can also cause you to not live life to it's fullest. God doesn't want us consumed by fear and that is the point that Max Lucado is trying to make in his newest release, Fearless.

A Man of His Word by Kathleen Fuller

I recieved A Man of His Word by Kathleen Fuller through the Thomas Nelson Book Review Blogger program and am so happy that I requested this book. Kathleen Fuller has written many books but this was the first time I had heard of her - suprising since I enjoy Amish fiction and enjoy their way of life.

About the book (taken from Thomas Nelson Publishing website): "Moriah's heart will only be safe with a man of his word.In just a few short months, Moriah Miller's perfect life unravels. Newly wed and newly pregnant, Moriah is abandoned by her husband, Levi. He's left her, his family, and their faith without a backward glance. The community, stunned, rushes to the young woman's aid.But there is someone who feels more than just sympathy for Moriah. Gabriel Miller--Levi's twin--longs for an intimate commitment that might someday bind them to one another. Convinced of the impossibility of his dream, Gabriel settles for a mere friendship with the woman he loves.Moriah bravely goes on with her life, adjusting to her new role in their tight knit Amish community and preparing for the birth of her child. She is unaware that her brief marriage--once idealized as the happiest time in her life--may have been merely a shadow of the kind of love God has created her for. A love that can mend the soul, renew her heart, and give her a future filled with hope...if only she'll let it."


I really enjoyed this book. I liked the fact that the author really did a great job in truthfully representing the Amish community in Ohio. If you ever have a chance to visit Middlefield, Ohio or Holmes County in general and see the Amish in the area in action, you will understand why I say that about Kathleen Fuller. While the Amish are humans and capable of human emotions - as Kathleen Fuller fully discloses, she also shows the reader of how much the Amish care for everyone - Amish or not. There is heartbreak in this book, one that could be felt through the characters while reading of their lives.

The romance in this book isn't anything untoward and would be able to be read by young, unmarried women. There are feelings that are brought up between Moriah and Gabriel but are dealt with utilizing much prayer and also seperation. Eventually though God does work in His way to bring the two together so that His work can be seen. Love of God, love of family and love of community comes through loud and clear in this book which really sums up what the Amish are all about, loving God. This book was a fast, wonderful read and I would recommend it to those who are looking for anything from a light read to Amish inspirational fiction.

100 Bible Stories 100 Bible Songs created by Stephen Elkins

100 Bible Stories 100 Bible Songs was created by Stephen Elkins and illustrated by Tim O'Connor and published by Thomas Nelson. A wonderful book for driving home Biblical stories and having children remember them for years to come.

It has been proven before that children learn faster when the things they are supposed to be learning are put to song. So, why is it, that when we teach our children Bible stories we tend to make it too dry for them to comprehend and remember? I realize not every child learns better when stories are put to music but most do, so it's great to have this resource, all three of my children from the 7 year old down to my soon to be 3 years old enjoyed it.

There are 100 Bible songs to go along with the 100 Bible stories. The songs are professionally recorded with children singing the songs. Some songs are familiar Sunday school favorites while other ones are not so familiar but are fun and easy to sing along to. There is over 2 hours worth of music on the two included Cd's. Some of the songs are In the Beginning, Noah's Arky Arky, When the Saints Go Marching In, Who Did Swallow Jonah, What A Mighty Friend We Have In Jesus, J-E-S-U-S, Deep and Wide and many, many more.

The book is a hardcover but has soft, puffy feeling to it, which I think serves to help protect the Cd's which can be stored in the book. The stories are short which is good for little ones who have short attention spans. Each story is accompanied with the Scripture verse that it is taken from, so that the story can be elaborated on for the older child who needs more details. The illustrations are beautiful, in a child sense, they are colorful and not to cartoon looking but enough that a child won't loose interest while looking at them.

This is a wonderful book for families who want their children to learn Bible stories at a young age and continue to grown in the Word. Also, any Christian denomination could use this without fear of it contradicting their church's teaching - just basic straight forward Bible stories. Older children can read it to younger children and it allows bonding time for families as they indulge in God's Word.

The Wackiest Wildest Weirdest Animals in the World by Jack Hanna

I had the chance to review The Wackiest Wildest Weirdest Animals in the World by Jack Hanna and published by Thomas Nelson.

My children love animals, any animals, particularly hippos, penguins, lions, bunnies and horses. So this book was a big hit in our house and as soon as I unpacked it they were devouring it! My oldest began reading it right away to my younger children. I love how a book that has a theme which all children love can bring peace into a house!

I was impressed with this book as well. I particularly like books that don't focus on millions of years or evolution - none of which I found in this book. Educational is also one of my goals for books, and this hit the nail on the head. There are over 20 different animals listed in this book and you can learn about what they eat, where they live, how big they get, what makes them wild, weird or wacky and a few other neat facts about the animal. For instance did you know that the Great White Shark's skin looks rubbery but it actually feels like sandpaper? Neither did I, nor do I want to get close enough to check it out personally!

The book is a hardback with a colorful cover and animals on it, which will grab your and your children's attention immediately. The pages are wonderfully thick, just right for the little ones in the house to be able to enjoy the book without risking ripping the pages. The pages are also very colorful, with huge pictures of the animals so you can get up close and personal to the animal. The book is not overly difficult to read so that the youngest reader with a good knowledge of phonics can grasp the words. My 7 year old read it just fine, with some help sounding out some words or names, like Chameleon.

Also included in the book, is a DVD full of bloopers from Jack Hanna. This didn't interest my younger two as much as it did my oldest and I. There were some funny moments that made me laugh out loud. The DVD is secured in the front of the book in a plastic case that can be removed. If you order this book on a hot summer day though be prepared for the gluey tape that holds it together to become very sticky! I had to put some packing tape over the area where the DVD was secured to cover up the glue factor from the DVD. Overall though it wasn't a major drawback.

I do recommend this book w/DVD to any parent who has children who enjoys animals or just wants their children to learn more about animals. So if your child would like to know what animal can lick it's own ears, eats regurgitated food for dinner or smells like popcorn then I suggest you get this book written by Jack Hanna, the Director Emeritus of the Columbus (Ohio) Zoo.

You can purchase this book directly through Thomas Nelson.

God's Little Princess Devotional Bible by Sheila Walsh

My oldest daughter who is 7 has been asking for this Bible for some time so we were excited to see it come up for a review opportunity on Thomas Nelson's blogger review program.

I am so happy to finally be the owner of God's Little Princess Devotional Bible the hardbound cover is beautiful in pink with sparkles and a crown complete with 'jewels'. The binding looks like it will hold up to years of use and with two daughters that is something is a big plus in our family. You can learn more about Sheila Walsh by visiting her website.

• The devotional Bible has the following features: Down in my Heart, Beauty Secrets, Bible Princesses, My Hero, Take A Bow, I Adore You!, Princess Charming, Worthy of Love and Royal Truths.

I will admit at first I was kind of leery about Beauty Secrets because we don't use makeup and jewelry is limited to special occassions, one pair of earrings and play dress up. That isn't what is though so I am very happy with that. Beauty secrets is letting your real beauty, the inside and the way God made you to shine through. She writes as how it relates to the girl today, talking about glasses and other relevant life happenings.

There is a section for parents that tell you how each section is supposed to work. Down in my Heart promotes Scripture memory, Take a Bow is a way for girls and their moms to put on a play that is Biblically sound, Princess Charming gives the girl insight into manners, poise and charm. Everything is Biblically sound and written for easy understanding for a child aged 4-7. Scripture and Bible stories come from the International Children's Bible for easier understanding. This is an excellent Bible tool for getting a girl digging deep into the Bible and relating it to everyday life.

If you'd like a chance to purchase God's Little Princess Devotional Bible visit the Thomas Nelson website.

Nelson's Illustrated Guide to Religions by James A. Beverly

Nelson's Illustrated Guide to Religions by James A. Beverly is a voluminous tome that takes time to digest but is an excellent source of well researched material on religions of the world. Mr. Beverly does admit that he is not all knowing and any negative opinions are not done in malice or in any hating of any individual or religion.

In the Introduction Mr. Beverly ten things that he feels are a Christian way to respond to different religions that are not Christian and outlining the basics of the Christian Faith. He also gives ten tests for truth in religion:

1. The God Test
2. The Christological Test
3. The Biblical Test
4. The Love Test
5. The Spirit Test
6. The Freedom Test
7. The Psychological Test
8. The Social/Political Test
9. The Prophetic Test
10. The Rational Test

I won't go into much detail about each test, suffice to say this provides a good starting ground in determining wether a religion is truly Christian grounded in the Truth. He also describes cults and what constitutes a cult - sometimes the lines are not so clearly drawn in regards to some.

The religions discussed in this book are Baha'i, Branch Davidians, Buddhism, Christian Science, Hinduism, Islam, Jehovah's Witnesses, Judaism, Mormonism, The New Age, Orthodoxy, Protestantism, Roman Catholicism, Satanism, Sikhism, Unification Church and Witchcraft. Within each religion such as Protestantism there are subdivisions discussed like Adventism, Anabaptists, Anglicans, Baptists, Charismatics, Church of Christ, Emergent Church, Florida Outpouring, Fundamentalism, Kansas City Prophets, Seventh-Day Adventist, Methodists and other denomations within the Protestantism belief system.

Within each is given time lines of that particular religion, websites for further research and learning and other recommended reading. The full colored pictures are accompanied with short descriptions of the picture of the place or person the picture is of. The pictures are a wondeful addition to a book that would feel extra large without them. There are four appendices as well which provide more information:

1. Religions as Family Traditions
2. Taoism and Taoism Chart
3. Introduction to Brainwashing and Deprogramming
4. Resources on World and New Religions.

This book is a must read for anyone who enjoys theology, study of other religions or just to know why other religions think the way they do. While I am sure this is not all encompassing, as religions constantly shift and change the information contained in this book will enable the Christian to see other religions and understand even if not in agreement with them. I do suggest young children not see this book as there other dieties and images dealing with Satanism which could be scary to some children.

You can find out how to purchase this book by visiting Thomas Nelson's product page.

The American Patriot's Bible NKJV

The American Patriot's Bible is a wonderful, hard back New King James Version of the Bible. This Bible is "The Word of God and the Shaping of America". Thomas Nelson has put out a Bible that is great reading neither taking away or adding to Scripture.

In the front of the Bible are beautiful, full color pages for a marriage record between a man and wife, areas for the husband's family and the wife's family, children, grandchildren, church records, family history, ancestor's of interest, map of the United States of America, the fifty states and dates when they became a state, military and public service and deaths of family members.

Also in the front are The Seven Principles of the Judeo-Christian Ethic:

• Principle 1: The Dignity of Human Life (all human life not just the born but the pre-born and elderly, everyone)
• Principle 2: The Traditional Monogamous Family
• Principle 3: A National Work Ethic
• Principle 4: The Right to a God-Centered Education
• Principle 5: The Abrahamic Covenant
• Principle 6: Common Decency
• Principle 7: Our Personal Accountability to God

This Bible is NOT saying that Jesus is only for Americans. This Bible is NOT saying that God's Word is only for Americans. In fact this Bible states that the Bible is for everyone who will receive it. What makes this Bible nice is that it includes American HIStory within His Word to drive home facts. While some things I did learn in my mediocre public school education - there were gaping holes when it came to things like why the Pilgrims really came to America or the fact that our founding fathers were in fact Christians although there were some deists as well. This could very well be written for the British, Africans, Indians, any nationality that wants to incorporate their nations history with God's written Word.

I will say I don't think that every Christian is called to vote. While this Bible has a full page of quotes on why American Christians should vote there also seems to be an unwritten understanding that Christians who don't vote aren't doing their duty to God and country. I beg to disagree. While I do vote, I haven't been convicted by God to not vote, but if I ever do it wouldn't be the end of the world. Not voting doesn't mean you don't care about your country, those who don't vote can do other things to direct how laws are made without getting involved in politics - like praying.

The other aspect of this Bible is the picture of Obama in it. He is quoted saying how change has come to America. I don't believe a picture of our current President belongs in a Bible although I know the editor and publisher were making a point about equality for the races, but I think it could have been done in a better way. I must add as well, I don't think that God is behind wars. men start wars and then seek God's guidance, rarely have I seen or heard of a war started with a man first seeking God's will. I mean no disrespect to anyone in the Armed Forces (I myself am a Navy veteran) and while God can be with those serving I hesitate to say that He supports the act of war.

Overall, The American Patriot's Bible, is a great Bible for those desiring to add a little more history to the readings of Scripture. You can view a YouTube video about this new Bible published by Thomas Nelson. I would say give it a chance and take a look at it, you may be genuinely surprised.

A Tides of Truth Book 2 (Higher Hope) by Robert Whitlow

Tami Taylor is a law clerk during the summer and there is something that differentiates her from the other clerks and attorneys. I wasn't sure at first when I first started reading this book but am so glad that I continued on with it.

Tami comes from a family who values their Christian faith, through the way they dress, act, talk, work and school - their faith in God comes through loud and clear. This shows in Tami's work at the law firm especially when the lines between God and the law can become blurred.

Tami is put to work on a case that proves to hit close to home when the firm is hired to a libel case against a female preacher. Some fear that Tami's beliefs will be the firm's downfall. I won't say what happens so I don't spoil the read for you, but it wasn't what I thought was going to happen! I love twists and turns in plots that keep me guessing and keep me alert.

There is romance in the form of courtship! It's great to see an author taking this old fashioned way of finding a spouse and making it so it is a good thing and not a horrible, fuddy duddy frame of mind. While Tami's fellow law clerk alludes to less than moral standards with her boyfriend, nothing is said in detail. Also fellow homeschoolers will enjoy reading this because there is something about Tami's and the man she is courting lives that will surprise you especially when it's a topic that is usually made fun of or put down.

This is a great read and very enjoyable. I would suggest that you visit Thomas Nelson and purchase a copy of this book for yourself to see just how enjoyable Mr. Whitlow's books are.

The Noticer by Andy Andrews

I must say I was a bit put off at first to read this newly released book by Andy Andrews titled The Noticer especially since three words sum it as a fictional, allegorical and inspirational but based on a true story. I am not much of one for allegories, but I was so happy that I read this.

The story really did touch my heart and made me think. The story was extremely well written and flowed beautifully. I could picture the character, Jones, carrying his well worn suitcase along the California side walks and board walks trying to help those in need.

While it was a quick read, it isn't quick to get it out of your head. I think on it at different times of the day and hope that I too will make a difference in life of someone because of this book. Getting to know Jones' simple way of life really makes on put things in their live into perspective, wether you are working too hard, not working enough, skipping out on your family. We all need a Jones in our life, someone who notices us and helps us when the going gets tough and I think this book will do wonders to help us notice each other more.

Mr. Andrews does a wonderful in weaving together this story and while one may wonder what parts are true, that isn't the point. The point is NOTICING. Notice those who have helped you and in turn try to help others and make ammends when you can. Mr. Andrews also has a project called The Noticer Project which wants us to take the time to notice the 5 most influential people in our lives NOW, not at a funeral, a birth, death, graduation or wedding, but now. It goes along with the book to notice others.

Also you can check out several videos on YouTube about the book: Why Am I the Wayward, Why Am I the Lover Lost, Why Am I the Worrier, Why Am I the Lustful Youth, Why Am I the Workaholic, Why Am I the Useless. These are some great videos and a little "perspective" on each of these. Watch them for a little more information on the book and then go buy it and read it and make sure to savor it and then when you are done go to The Noticer Project and notice your 5 most influential people in your life.

Read and Share DVD Bible Volume I

I love anything that anything that drives home Biblical truths, and when it's done with little one's short attention span and understanding in mind, it's even better. I had the chance to review Thomas Nelson's Read and Share DVD Bible Volume I (you can view it http://www.thomasnelson.com/consumer/product_detail.asp?sku=1400313031 )

I was very impressed from the time I put in the DVD until the time that it ended. The short Bible stories begin with Adam and Eve and go through 12 more stories culminating in The Lost Sheep (the wayward son parable). The cartoon style movie was very colorful and allowed for easy focusing for the child, even a child whose focus isn't maintained for long will enjoy it. The narrator spoke slowly and carefully for the child to understand the story and along with titles before each 3 minute story, it was easily understood what the story was about.

The total running time for the DVD is 60 minutes - not including the special features. With each story a length of 3 minutes, a family can watch one and then read the corresponding story from the Bible for even more Biblical applications, or allow the child to watch the whole DVD at a time. If you choose to let your child watch the whole DVD at a time, there are no worries about inappropriate language, behavior or costuming - so it is okay to use it while you get the laundry done or was the dishes.

Like every DVD there are bonus materials: dolby surround sound, widescreen/fullscreen, interviews with "real kids", "behind the scenes", trailers, coloring pages and auto-start. We didn't view much of the bonus materials but from what I did view, it was much like other materials on other DVD's. I must say the best bonus material is by far the coloring pages and auto start. Pop the DVD into your computer and follow the easy directions to get a 10 page coloring book. The images are big and will allow the youngest to the oldest child to enjoy coloring the images. The auto-start allows you (or your child) to put in the DVD into the player and off it goes - no need to press play or other buttons - it's made this way so that children can watch it by themselves.

My children insisted on watching it immediately after me removing it from the package and we were not dissapointed. They were all enthralled, my oldest at 7 years, my middle child at 4 1/2 and my youngest at 2 1/2 years old. Overall, this is a truly well made and Biblically correct DVD that children can enjoy and parents don't have to worry over letting their children watch it. I even learned part of a Bible story that hadn't been told to me in all my years of Sunday school.

Next Generation: New Testament

I recieved Word of Promise Next Generation New Testament (http://www.thomasnelson.com/consumer/product_detail.asp?dept_id=230170&sku=1400313309) from Thomas Nelson, on 3 MP3 CDs. There is over 23 hours of dramatic audios of the Bible. There is an all star cast reading this, such as Annasohphia Robb, Corbin Bleu, Emily Osment and others.

I wasn't sure how I would like this since I am not big on today's Hollywood actresses or actors even the ones that claim Christianity, but I thought it would be neat for the children. I was very impressed and am praying that by doing this that there hearts are more open to the Lord, if they weren't before.

My children were very intuned to this as we listened to it while we cleaned and I sewed. The dramatic pace of the CDs made it enjoyable and the children were able to understand the stories as they were portrayed. I didn't get the sense that any Biblical truths were compromised in the dramatic reading of Scriptures either. The version used is called the ICB New Testament. I have no knowledge of this version of the Bible, but like I said I didn't hear anything that I would say misconstrued the Word of God and it was written.

There are sound effects which aren't overpowering and do not take over the performance being read. You can definitely hear and understand what is being read. That is a good thing when you have children who if not kept occupied will loose interest very quickly.

There is a 40 day listening plan, which would come in handy if you are not doing a review and I will likely use this during our school time according to the 40 day plan. The soundtrack is done by an award winning composer and there over 100 actors.

I would definitely recommend this set of CDs to accompany your Bible studies or even for a child or teen who would like to understand more Biblical truths.