Top Ten Reads of 2014!

It was another fun year of reading!  Here are Once Upon a Storyville’s top ten reads of 2014:

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Discipleship: Living for Christ in the Daily Grind – J. Heinrich Arnold

Discipleship: Living for Christ in the Daily Grind is an interesting reference book.   The text is divided into three categories – The Disciple, The Church, and The Kingdom of God with a variety of entries for each category.  Scripture begins each section followed by commentary.  This text is really meant to be used as a a tool for deeper Biblical study.

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

Way Back Wednesday – Christmas Style #4

God Gave Us Christmas begins with Little Cub asking his Mama about who “invented” Christmas.  The Little Cub wonders if it might be Santa.  Mama Bear explains that God invented Christmas and ultimately takes a journey with Little Cub in order to let him see that God is everywhere and how He gave us Christmas.

I really appreciate how this book directly addresses why we celebrate Christmas but also includes an explanation about Santa:

“Did God give us Santa?”

“Santa Claus reminds us about many good things like generosity and care.  But it is God and Jesus that we celebrate most come Christmas.”

God Gave Us Christmas is a sweet and wonderful Christmas book which includes beautiful illustrations.

Home for Christmas: Stories for Young and Old

Home for Christmas: Stories for Young and Old is an enjoyable collection of engaging short stories.  The volume includes twenty tales.  Some are well know and other are not, but all those included are well written and uplifting.  This is collection would make a lovely gift.

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

It Will Be Okay: Trusting God Through Fear and Change – Lysa Terkeurst

Another “bonus” post this week ~ Lots of  books arriving from publishers that need to be reviewed!

It Will Be Okay: Trusting God Through Fear and Change is a terrific book.  The friendship that develops between little seed and little fox is a sweet one.  Their adventures together ultimately help them realize that although things around them may change – God is always there.

For little ones who tend to be anxious and worry, this book is a must have!

While this complimentary book was provided for review by Harper Collins Publishing, no other compensation was given.  All remarks are my personal and honest opinions.

Way Back Wednesday – Christmas Style #3

A Magical Christmas is a lovely story written in rhyme.  Little Mouse wants to know what exactly is the magic of Christmas.  In order to find the answer he goes and asks each member of his family, but each family member has a different answer.  Finally on Christmas Day Mommy Mouse shares with Little Mouse that all the answers were correct because…”The magic is love, Little Mouse.”

The illustrations in this book are particularly noteworthy.  They are simply beautiful.  Each page includes sections that are gently enhanced with glitter which truly bring the illustrations to life.

Watch for the Light: Readings for Advent and Christmas

Watch for the Light: Readings for Advent and Christmas is an outstanding devotional to use in order to prepare your heart and mind for Advent and Christmas.  The daily entries are excerpts from a variety of works from many scholarly writers.  This is a volume of depth that requires thought and reflection.

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

Evening Prayers:For Every Day of the Year – Christoph Friedrich Blumbardt

Evening Prayers: For Every Day of the Year provides a scripture and a meaningful prayer for each and every day of the year.  Each entry focuses on the hope that is available thru a relationship with Christ.  This is a wonderful text to aid in the development of a richer prayer life.

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