"The Big Picture Story Bible" by David Helm

From the Crossway site:


No child is too young to begin learning about the greatest love story of all—God’s love for his people, as portrayed in the Bible. David R. Helm and Gail Schoonmaker collaborate to create a beautifully illustrated book of Bible stories especially for children, written with simplicity. Rather than simply retelling the most familiar short scenes from the Bible, this book presents the “big picture”—the unified story running through the Old and New Testaments. This delightful book will help children learn the Bible’s whole story and begin to appreciate the fulfillment of God’s promise to his people.


The Big Picture Bible Story Book is perfect for parents to read to their children, and eventually, for children to read on their own. It is an excellent way to introduce them to a book that will guide them through all of life


My Opinion:


When this arrived in my mail box, my children and I were very excited! This is a huge hard cover Bible just for children with 456 pages and a 9 X 9 size, just right for little ones to enjoy looking at. Larger print will allow begining readers to more easily see and read the words and with larger type there aren't as many sentences per page so as not to overwhelm a child reading this. A good basic Bible story book for young children with short attention spans, each story can be read in 10 minutes or less of course follow your child's lead and come back to it later.


Large, vibrant colored illustrations done by Gail Schoonmaker are beautiful additions and hold children's attention from the minute they open The Big Picture Story Book. Even I enjoyed the illustrations - with simple detail for children but enough for an adult to enjoy while reading the story - it's a great balance.


Each story has a question weaved into the writing that can be asked nonchalantly and a pause after will allow children to give their thoughts. Such as in the account of Adam and Eve children will be asked what they might have done? and what did Adam and Eve do? This will increase their cognition of the Biblical accounts of those gone before us and well as help later when they need to recall these historical happenings. This Bible will have an honored place among the 'grown up' Bibles in your house for years to come and would make a great heirloom that your children's children can enjoy.


To purchase your own copy.


Visit the Crossway Blog for news and important book releases and other info.


**I was provided a copy of The Big Picture Story Bible through Crossway and Amy S. in exchange for my honest review - no other compensation was given.

A Bride in the Bargain by Deeanne Gist

Here is yet another author I hadn't heard of before reviewing this book for Bethany House blogger book reviews. I am sorry I haven't heard or read Dianne Gist before, the historical aspects she includes in her novels makes it seem so real.

Summary:

"In 1860s Seattle, a man with a wife could secure himself 640 acres of timberland. But because of his wife's untimely death, Joe Denton finds himself about to lose half of his claim. Still in mourning, his best solution is to buy one of those Mercer girls arriving from the East. A woman he'll marry in name but keep around mostly as a cook. Anna Ivey's journey west with Asa Mercer's girls is an escape from the griefs of her past. She's not supposed to be a bride, though, just a cook for the girls. But when they land, she's handed to Joe Denton and the two find themselves in a knotty situation. She refuses to wed him and he's about to lose his land. With only a few months left, can Joe convince this provoking--but beguiling--easterner to be his bride?"

I got very involved in this book very quickly, I think it was the historical basis surrounding the story, given that a lot of the facts given were actual true events made it very interesting. While I did enjoy this book and Deeanne's writing style - I didn't like the descriptions of how the male and female main characters would look at each other, to be honest it was lust. What would one expect though with two unmarried persons living under the same roof who were both lonely - this is why God doesn't allow for living together before marriage. Although the characters didn't actually live together - he slept in the barn and she slept in the house - they would occasionally see each other in various states of undress while bathing.

Like I said this was a quick read and very enjoyable but it's not a book that I would allow a young unmarried woman to read this. A married woman needs to be careful in reading this book to not stir up certain feelings or emotions that would undermine her marriage relationship. As in all books Christians need to guard their hearts and minds, if you're reading it for the purely historical aspects you'll be fine. Again it's a good read! It is available through Bethany House Publisher's website.

Timber Ridge Reflections 1 & 2 by Tamera Alexander

I had the privilege of reading the first two books in the Timber Ridge Reflections series by Tamera Alexander and published by Bethany House.

I was able to fully immerse myself in the historical aspects of the story lines as well as the characters, and seeming to walk in their boots. I felt like I really got to know the characters, their personalities and their families. It was a story that I fully enjoyed reading.

In the first book, "From A Distance", we meet Elizabeth Westbrook who comes to the Colorado Territory to photograph the wilderness and the mountains for a paper back East. She comes up against some competition but then realizes that maybe life isn't all about competing or all about working. She also helps break down some societal barriers that are put up from those of other ethnicities.

In the second book, "Beyond This Moment", we are introducted to Dr. Molly Whitcomb. She learns the hard way that even though she has a Dr. in front of her name, she still lives in a man's world, and travels out to Timber Ridge to escape after being given an ultimatum. As she lives her Faith begins to grow and she begins to rely on God to give her strength - strength to face the town, her friends and the man she loves - after her secrets come out.

These books seek to give God the glory, which I think the author accomplished - and isn't easy to do in this day and age with all the feel good junk that is passed around - Tamera Alexander succeeded. The weaving of the story with historical facts, Faith in God, love for our fellow humans - makes for an enjoyable and fast read. I read both books in a matter of days - no mere feat when you add in homeschooling, housekeeping, and three children!

I look forward to reading more books by Tamera Alexander and am eagerly awaiting the next book due out soon!