Our Favorite Easter Book

This review was originally posted on April 1, 2015.

Reading this book has become a special Easter tradition for our family.

The Flowering Cross was a very quick favorite for our daughter.  It is a touching Easter story which focuses on the transformational power of God’s love.

Katie is a six year old little girl who truly loves God.  She displays her unconditional love and kindness to her neighbor Jack who is known throughout the neighborhood for being “mean”.  Soon her kindness not only brings out kindness and gentleness in Jack but also a willingness to accept God’s love.

The illustrations in this book are amazing.  They bring the story to life with the use of vivid color and detail.  They truly enhance the story for the reader.

Bible verses as well as faith imprints which include discussion starters are found throughout the book and provide a terrific addition to the story.  Additionally, directions on how to create a flowering cross are also included at the end of the story.  This was particularly appreciated by this reader since our daughter has become keenly interested in the idea of our family making a flowering cross!

While this complimentary book was provided for review by Thomas Nelson Publishers, no other compensation was given.  All remarks are my personal and honest opinions.

The Flowering Cross Book Cover

A Bethlehem Christmas: Celebrating the Joyful Season – Chuck Swindoll

A Bethlehem Christmas is a wonderful reminder of the true wonder of Christmas.  The book presents the Christmas story from three separate points of view. Mary, Joseph, and the Angel Gabrielle each share their unique insights in this volume which includes beautiful artwork.  A new Christmas favorite for our family.

A Bethlehem Christmas Book Cover A Bethlehem Christmas
Charles Swindoll
August 31, 2010
100

Take Heart: Daily Devotions to Deepen Your Faith – David Powlison

Take Heart is a devotional which includes a scripture passage and brief devotional for each day of of the year.  Filled with encouragement and a call to grow closer to God through fully relying on his sovereignty, this devotional provides powerful insights.

While this complimentary book was provided for review by New Growth Press, no other compensation was given.  All remarks are my personal and honest opinions.

Take Heart Book Cover Take Heart
David Powlison
Devotional calendars
2022
416

Anxious about Decisions: Finding Freedom in the Peace of God (Ask the Christian Counselor) – Michael Gembola

The Ask the Christian Counselor Series provides keen insights that are shared in an easy to understand manner.  Anxious about Decisions tackles the issue of anxiety related to decision making.  The warm encouragement and biblical truth shared empowers the reader to move forward with greater wisdom and discernment.

While this complimentary book was provided for review by New Growth Press, no other compensation was given.  All remarks are my personal and honest opinions.

Anxious about Decisions Book Cover Anxious about Decisions
Michael Gembola
September 26, 2022
144

You Are Sent: Finding Your Place in God’s Global Mission – Nathan Sloan

You Are Sent is a nine week Bible Study that focuses on sharing the gospel message locally as well as globally.  The reflection questions coupled with scripture memory and and mission-based activities bring the book to life.  This would be a great resource to use for a church-wide study.

While this complimentary book was provided for review by New Growth Press, no other compensation was given.  All remarks are my personal and honest opinions.

You Are Sent Book Cover You Are Sent
Nathan Sloan
August 22, 2022
176

Alongside Jesus: Devotions for Teenagers – Drew Hill

Alongside Jesus is terrific devotional firmly rooted in scripture and specifically designed for teenagers.  It provides four daily devotions each week focusing on a specific truth about Jesus.  Unique to this devotional is the element of including an “alongsider”.  An “alongsider” is a parent/mentor that you process the devotionals with using questions that are included in the text on a weekly basis.

While this complimentary book was provided for review by New Growth Press, no other compensation was given.  All remarks are my personal and honest opinions.

The Alongside Devotional Book Cover The Alongside Devotional
Drew Hill
August 29, 2022
128

1 Peter: Life as an Outsider (The Gospel-Centered Life in the Bible) – Robert Thune

Another great option from the Gospel-Centered Life in the Bible Series is our focus today.  1 Peter: Life as an Outsider is perfect for small groups.  The topic for this particular study is living a gospel based life.  There are ten in-depth lessons that explore the primary theme of the book –Living a life of hope and joy no matter the circumstances.  These easy to follow guides require no homework for the participants and are packed with solid Bible teaching.

While this complimentary book was provided for review by New Growth Press, no other compensation was given.  All remarks are my personal and honest opinion.

1 Peter Book Cover 1 Peter
Bob Thune, Robert H Thune,
August 15, 2022
128

Isaiah: Good News for the Wayward and Wandering (The Gospel-Centered Life in the Bible) – Jonathan Gibson

Another study from the Gospel-Centered Life in the Bible Series is our focus today.  Isaiah: Good News for the Wayward and Wandering  is perfect for small groups.  The topic for this particular study is our need for God.  There are ten in-depth lessons that explore the primary theme of the book – God saves sinners.  These easy to follow guides require no homework for the participants and are packed with solid Bible teaching.

While this complimentary book was provided for review by New Growth Press, no other compensation was given.  All remarks are my personal and honest opinion.

Isaiah Book Cover Isaiah
Jonathan Gibson
August 15, 2022
128

Ezra and Nehemiah: Rebuild What’s Ruined (The Gospel-Centered Life in the Bible) – Iain M. Duguid

The Gospel-Centered Life in the Bible Series provides Bible Study guides that are perfect for small groups.  The topic for this particular study is restoration as evidenced by the Old Testament books – Ezra and Nehemiah.  There are ten in-depth lessons that explore the primary theme of the book – Rebuilding What’s Ruined.  These easy to follow guides require no homework for the participants and are packed with solid Bible teaching.

While this complimentary book was provided for review by New Growth Press, no other compensation was given.  All remarks are my personal and honest opinion.

Ezra and Nehemiah: Rebuilding What's Ruined, Study Guide with Leader's Notes (The Gospel-Centered Life in the Bible) by [Iain M. Duguid]

Who is Jesus?: Forty Pictures to Share with Your Family – Kate Hox

Who is Jesus? is a beautifully illustrated family devotional book that would be perfect for the the Season of Lent.  The promise of salvation that is woven throughout scripture is highlighted in each daily reading.  Additionally, each reading is followed by a robust number of questions that are outstanding for family discussion as well as key scriptures from both the Old Testament and the New Testament.  This one is a winner!

While this complimentary book was provided for review by New Growth Press, no other compensation was given.  All remarks are my personal and honest opinions.

Who Is Jesus? Book Cover Who Is Jesus?
Joe Hox, Kate Hox,
January 31, 2022