Book Review: A Sherlock Holmes Devotional

I enjoy reading Sherlock Holmes mysteries so when I came across this devotional I thought that I would try it. My husband, who shares my love for all things Sherlock, would sit with me as we read the readings which came directly from the characters, stories and more of the books. Then there would be the way that these readings relate with our journey with God, and His mysterious ways.

I loved this way of looking at the Scriptures and Sherlock. How ingenious.

I was given this book by NetGalley and Barbour Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review: Extraordinary Women of Christian History

Women such as Joan of Arc, Anne Hutchinson, Ann Judson, Harriet Tubman, Hannah Whitehall Smith, Corrie ten Boom and Mother Teresa are more than women's names from history. Each one of these women, and more, had such an impact on our Christian world. They did with faith, forgiveness, strength and patience. Ruth A. Tucker tells each of their stories in Extraordinary Women of Christian History. Through this book, many discussions can be opened up between family members, friends or even in a small group. 

I found this book touching when I think each woman was one working in the world, yet look at the changes that were made through them.  

I was given this book by NetGalley and Baker Books in exchange for my honest review. 

Book Review: Coffee with C.C.

I went to the mailbox yesterday and I saw a beautiful pink envelope and I became so excited. It was my copy of Coffee With C.C. by C.C. Almon. I cam across C.C. via podcast where she and her daughter host Geeky Girls Knit. I loved their chemistry and I could tell both have talent. So when I found out that C.C. was publishing a book with her sock patterns along with a shawl, I had to be placed on the list to receive it. 

I picked it up yesterday and when I thumbed through it I was making a mental list of which socks to make first. I have decided to start at the beginning and just have fun. I will be sharing this adventure on my podcast "Naturally, Kim's Knitting."

Each of the sock designs and scarf are based on her love of coffee which can be told by the names...French Vanilla Cappuccino, Peppermint mocha, Espresso Macchiato, caramel latte, strawberries and cream, I love you more than pumpkin spice socks and the Coffee Date Shawl.

For any of my friends and followers who also happen to be knitters, check this book out and you will not be disappointed.

The Imitation of Christ: Classic Devotions in Today's Language

The Imitation of Christ: Classic Devotions in Today's Language, is an updated version of the classic devotion by Thomas a Kempis.James N. Watkins has paraphrased this work to make it more understandable by today's readers. Its main focus is to help the reader look at their own relationship with Christ. There are several topics throughout to help us with our journey with Christ. The sections are Imitating Christ, then Imitating Christ's Character. Included in the second section are wise, trusting, self-sacrificing, humble, peaceful and so much more.

I was given this book by Worthy Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review: An Insider's Guide to Praying for the World

This book, An Insider's Guide to Praying for the World, is a wonderful resource for those who pray for others. I found this was informative, although I would have liked to have more information on each country mentioned.

Brian C. Stiller covers 52 prayer areas in 273 pages. Each country includes religious persecution, innovative work, mission and more. He does include his own knowledge as part of Global Ambassador of the World Evangelical Alliance throughout the book.

Included in each section are maps with the country's location, general information such as the population and religion statistics. Then there is a dispatch about the country, Bible reading and Items for Prayer. Then there is a prayer that can be prayed for the country

This is a good book for those that are beginning a global prayer ministry, but I felt like I wanted so much more.

I was given this book by Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.

Children's book review: Feel the Wind

Feel the Wind is a Look Around Book which helps children look at the world around them. The words and illustrations are so rich they pull children in easily. The lilting words shared the role of clouds in weather. It also talks about things like turbines and the role of wind in each of these things.

This is a great way to introduce children to some of the concepts of weather. I loved it.

I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Cookbook review: Healthy Fats, Low-Cholesterol Cookbook

Some books come to your attention at just the right time. I had just been to the Doctor's office and he told me that there was a chance that I had diabetes and high cholesterol. I came home and Blogging for Books had Healthy Fats, Low-Cholesterol Cookbook available to review.

I was a bit skeptical because I had seen book similar to this where I would never make or eat any of the food suggested. This one is not like that at all. I was drawn by it being an American Heart Association book and then by the cover.

When I received this book, I flipped through it and saw recipes such as Banana Mini Snack Cakes, Seafood Pasta Salad, quite a few salmon recipes (one of my favorite foods), quite a few yummy desserts. In addition where they talk about healthy shopping and cooking strategies, dining out, and so much more.

Whether diagnosed with a heart disease or wanting to cook in a more healthy way, this book is one that I would highly recommend.

OK. This is a Christmas story, but the language throughout made it very difficult to read. I usually enjoy works by this author but not this time.

Book Review: The Seakeeper's Daughters

In The Seakeeper's Daughters, Whitney Monroe has decided to expand her restaurant to a new place. The local business people are not happy with their decision, so they have been doing whatever they can to prevent the new location from happening. While this is going on, Whitney finds out that her stepfather has hurt himself and spent four days in pain before anyone found him.

Whitney has never gotten along with her stepfather or his family. Her mother requested that Whitney go to the hotel, which is now hers, and to check on her stepfather, who is living there. While there she discovers family secrets.

I love the way that Lisa Wingate is able to tell two stories at the same time without losing the reader. I loved both stories and felt happy with their conclusions.

I was given this book by NetGalley and Tyndale House in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review: Beautiful Star of Bethlehem

I loved this book. From the cover to the story itself, Beautiful Star of Bethlehem, made me happy to be reading it.
Arlene Santana has had a traumatic brain injury and she has lost her husband all in a flash. Due to her injury, she does not have any memories of previous days, other than those from before the brain injury. This creates a homesickness in her, so that each Christmas she just wants to go home.

Lori Copeland has such a gift with words. Even though the subject matter can bring one down, she includes moments that make you chuckle as they are read. I felt like this is a touching, unique Christmas story. 

I was given this book by Barbour Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. 

Book Review: God and Churchill

This interesting view of this great statesman made for an interesting read. He was not a perfect man but he did strive to seek God.

There are four sections to this book which cover the differences between Churchill and other leaders. Included in the book: his preparation for his rol of leadership, family and personal adversity,destiny, and his mission to save Christian Civilization.

http://www.amazon.com/God-Churchill-Leaders-Destiny-Troubled/dp/1496406028When wondering about the credentials of the book's authors, the reader only needs to realize that Jonathan Sandys is the grandson of Winston Churchill.

This book was given to me by NetGalley and Tyndale House in exchange for my honest review.

Naturally, Kim's Knitting - Episode four

Book Review: The Water-Saving Garden

With the water-shortages, due to drought, throughout the western parts of the U.S. this book is very timely.

I have a daughter who lives out west and I know the difficulty she has had in finding just the right plants to use that do not require a lot of watering, yet can help the house look beautiful.

The introduction gives different examples of attractive yard arrangements with landscaping and furniture arrangements.

The next chapters, in part two, shares ways to make the garden a water saver, including the type of soil and mulch are best.

Part three talks about choosing native plants and timing planting. Part four is about making the garden look like it has plenty and finally the last section gives a list of over 100 plants that can be used to help create this kind of garden.

This is an excellent resource book for anyone that is interested in water conservation while gardening.

I was given this book by blogging for books in exchange for my honest review.

Children's Book Review: All Things Bright and Beautiful

When I was a child, I remember at Sunday School we would have a music time. The teacher taught us this song using a big book with beautiful illustrations throughout. This is an updated version of this. The illustrations will appeal to children, as well as adults. Each page takes a line or two of the beloved song and create colorful, child-friendly illustrations.

I cannot wait to take this book out to my grandchildren so they can begin to learn this song, just as I did many years ago.

I was given this book by Worthy Publishing in exchange for my honest review. Thank you so much.

Book Review: Divine Collision

This is a book to pick up when you have time to read it from cover-to-cover. Jim Gash is a Californian law professor who went to Uganda, East Africa. He did not know what would be facing him there or what he would be asked to do.

This is an honest, up-front telling of the pros and cons of Uganda from this man's eyes. He saw how the criminal court system left a lot to be desired, yet he still developed a deep care for the country and the culture.

Divine Collision does not hold back when talking about the country but shows the reader how to see God love everywhere and to not be afraid to accept God's challenges.

I was given this book by Worthy Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review: Healthy and Free

 This a good book to look at how good health is important not only for our body, but our soul and spirit. The author, Beni Johnson, shares her own tale about health and the journey she has taken. Johnson also reminds us that the body we have was given to us by God, so we should take care of it.

Through easy-to-follow steps the reader is able to see how to take control of their own health. The chapters, or Tools for Health, include: Hydration; sleep; exercise; eating clean; detoxing and supplements.

This book is an important book for everyone and I cannot recommend it any higher than I do.

I was given this book by bookfun.org in exchange for my honest review.