Children's book review: When God Made You

This book, When God Made You, is one which made me smile from the time I saw the cover until I turned the last page. Matthew Paul Turner created a book full of sing-song rhyme which will make children realize how special they are to God. The illustrations by David Catrow are as creative and beautiful as the verses inside. Just hearing someone read the ways that God has shown he loves you helps to draw the reader and child closer to God and each other. I cannot say enough good things about this book.

I highly recommend this book to parents, grandparents, anyone that would like to encourage a young one with God's love.

I was given this book by Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review. I would like to say a special thank you to them for allowing me to read and review this beautiful book.

Book Review: Thinner in 30

Jenna Wolfe is a very inspirational health and wellness expert. In addition she is a certified personal trainer and a mom.

This book, Thinner in 30, is her lifestyle in written format. The diet seems straight forward as does the activities. It is full of tips, such as how to stop carbs after 5. I feel like this book is a good resource for those who are interested in better health and fitness.

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

Book Review: Louisa: The Extraordinary Live of Mrs. Adams

Louisa, by Louisa Thomas, is a detailed telling of the life of Louisa Adams, John Quincy Adams wife.

I practically absorb books with a historical view. However, I kept putting this one off, I suppose because I really do not know much about this couple in the first place. When I did pick it up I found it very interesting.

She was born in London right before the Revolutionary War. Her father was an American, while her mother was British. She and John Quincy Adams had a very close marriage and they were able to live in many interesting places. However, she was never sure who or what she was, so she had to create a sense of self and a voice.

I felt like this was a well-researched book about the former First Lady and I would recommend it to anyone who has an interest in history, especially early American history.

I was given this book by NetGalley and Penguin Group Press in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review: 101 Simple Ways to Show Your Husband You Love Him

I love books by Kathi Lipp and this one is my latest favorite. Before she does anything else she begins with a husband personality test. As all wives know, each hubby or couple is different. That makes a big difference between this book and others which I have read in the past. Each of the ideas are very easy to do and they are fun. I love to find new ways of surprising my hubby in new ways and Kathi Lipp's tips will help me to be creative.

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

Book Review: Ava XOX

Ava XOX is part of the Ava and Pip series by Carol Weston. In this book Valentine's Day is coming soon, but Ava really doesn't care until Kelli, a new girl, asks out Chuck, Ava's friend. More than that, he says yes. Ava doesn't know how she feels about this and this whole new world of going out.....in fifth grade?

Another story in this book centers around bullying when Tanya, a friend of Ava, is the victim because of her size. Ava tries to find ways to help her.

Written in diary form, this is a good book covering many different topics. It is written for children between the ages of 10 and 12. I believe it would help to introduce them to these topics which they may be encountering around this time.

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

Book Review: Good Morning, Yoga

This is a lovely book for a parent and child to share together. It is more than a story, it is also a way to introduce a child to the ways that yoga can help them to begin their day. I feel like this is a wonderful book to have on hand. The movements and the illustrations are both soothing and beautiful.

I was given this book by NetGalley and Sounds True Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review: Abingdon Press Christian Living Preview Sampler

This sampler has a variety of readings, including some on organization, animal stories, devotions and more.

I enjoy reading samplers so I can get an idea of the works that will be coming out in the next season. Abingdon Press is one of my favorites. They always seem to know the topics that I need at the time I need them.

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

Book Review: The Cat Who Came in off the Roof

This book, The Cat Who Came in off the Roof, is based on a Dutch folk tale. It tells the story of a woman, Minou, who had been a cat. Mr. Tibbles is the human who cares for her. He worked for the local paper and his one wish is to only write about cats. Minou can talk to cats so she gets stories from other cats who want to help him. The stories they give are news stories. This is so much better for Mr. Tibbles than just writing about cats.

This is a cute book and the author has won the Hans Christian Anderson Award. It is aimed for readers in the third to sixth grade and I believe they would enjoy it.

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

Book Review: the Chilbury Ladies' Choir

Set during World War II, The Chilbury Ladies' Choir shares the story of quiet English town. When the men are sent to war the vicar decides that the choir should be discontinued. However, a few of the women fought to keep the choir for the women. It is seen as a way to help raise spirits, share emotions and provide support and development. Throughout the story we meet the different women through letters, journal entries and diaries.

The author, Jennifer Ryan, uses these entries to show the warmth, schemes, wit, romance and adventures the women are in the midst.

Each of the characters were portrayed in such a way that I could understand the pressures each of them felt. There were the role models, those looking for love or financial security, and those that are looking for ways to set themselves up for a better life. I felt like this novel gives a good look at what women's lives were like at this time, including the challenges and how music and the choir became inspirations, a way to handle grief and more to each of the characters.

I feel like this book would be enjoyable to anyone who reads it.

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

Historical and Theological Foundations of Law consists of three volumes of history. These are Volume 1: Ancient History; Volume 2: Classical and Medieval; Volume 3: Reformation and Colonial. These amazing books clearly show how the Bible laid the foundations of our laws. The books are thoroughly and thoughtfully researched by John Eidsmoe, a retired Lt. Colonel in the Air Force and a Colonel in the Alabama State Defense Force. He is also an Adjunct Professor at Oak Brook College of Law and Government Policy, the Handong International Law School in South Korea and the Institute of Lutheran Theology. 

I had my doubts that this subject could be covered in a manner that would maintain my interest, as the law can be a bit dry for me at times. However, from the first page of Volume I through the last I have highlighted and notated almost each and every page. 

I can honestly say that I have enjoyed these books and would highly recommend anyone with an interest in law, history or the Bible.

I was given these books by bookfun.org and Nordskog Publishing in exchange for my honest review. 

Book Review: The Glory of the Messiah

This is a unique Christian coloring book. Through the 21 entries of The Glory of the Messiah we are introduced to a key word written in Hebrew, along with passages which use the word. Then on the following page is a detailed illustration for the reader to color. Each page is as stunning as the cover. The pages do not allow coloring media to bleed and the variety of scenes are plentiful. I thoroughly enjoyed this coloring/worship book.

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

Book Review: King's Blood

King's Blood is the second installment of the Kinsman Chronicles. Jill Williamson, the author is so talented, she leaves you sitting on the edge of your seat waiting for each part of the series. I will let you know that it is a good idea to read the first book, The King's Folly first to really connect with the characters.

Wilek and Trevn, brothers, as well as their people are trying to survive on the seas, looking for a place to land. As they are doing this they are being attacked by those that are against the royal members.

This thick book is a book to get lost in. There is adventure, fantasy, romance, fighting. A little something for every adult. I would recommend that only adults read this. There are parts of it that, even though well-written, are for the more mature audience.

Overall, I fell like I can give this book all the starts there are. I loved it.

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

Book Review: How English Became English

How English Became English, fascinated me. This book explains how the English language has been transformed over the centuries and it is done in a manner that kept my attention throughout. I never felt like I was in a classroom but instead I was taking part in a discussion with someone who has a love for the language. Horobin was able to do this by intermingling humor with the topic. It is a short book but the amount of research that was done in the writing of this book is astounding.

I highly recommend this to anyone who speaks the English language.

I was given this book by NetGalley and Oxford University Press in exchange for my honest review.