Jesus and the Beanstalk: Overcoming Your Giants and Living a Fruitful Life – Lori Stanley Roeleveld

Using the story of Jack and the Beanstalk as an allegorical starting point, Roeleveld explores 2 Peter in a conversational manner, and presents it as a guide for how to live in challenging times.  The questions for reflection at the end of each chapter were excellent and truly enhanced the text.

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

The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making – Catherynne M. Valente

The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making is the amazing first book in the Fairyland series.  Filled with magic and adventure, this story delights, and September is a heroine worthy of praise.  She is not only clever and fun but displays a great deal of heart.  After reading this book, we had to get the other two books in the series from the library as quickly as possible…It really is that good!

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate – Jacqueline Kelly

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate is a favorite at our home.  It is a beautifully written book that explores a scientific question (Why the yellow grasshoppers in her backyard are bigger than the green ones..) and the development of a close relationship between Calpurnia (Callie) and her grandfather.  Our daughter has read and re-read this one.  It is simply terrific!

What Does God Really Promise? – Carolyn Larsen

What Does God Really Promise? tackles a 101 questions about God’s promises, the church, and the future.  A response to each question as well as a relevant Bible verse are supplied.  Our family opted to use this text as part of morning devotional time with our daughter.  It is a nice addition and provides a good starting point for discussion.  The whimsical artwork throughout the book is a delight.  This little gem would make a lovely gift.

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

Uninvited: Living Loved When You Feel Less Than, Left Out, and Lonely – Lysa TerKeurst

I always enjoy Lysa TerKeurst’s books, and Uninvited did not disappoint.  Filled with personal stories and biblical truths, this one is a winner.  It will make you think and grow.  One of my favorite parts of the book was the bonus section in the back which included a listing of all of the scriptural references by chapter as well as key takeaways from each section.

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

Gratitude: A Prayer and Praise Coloring Journal

This lovely little hardback book is a combination prayer journal and coloring book.  It is filled with space to write as well as scripture, prayers, and beautiful artwork to personalize. Tyndale Press now has an entire collection of coloring/journaling products which make beautiful gifts. 

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

Queen Bees and Wannabes: Helping Your Daughter Survive Cliques, Gossip, Boys, and New Realities of Girl World – Rosalind Wiseman

I remember reading the first edition of this book many years ago as a single woman who taught middle school.  It was a helpful text at that time.  Now as a mother of a daughter, it made an even more significant impression.  Much of the original text remains and provides outstanding insights into the social world of girls. The third edition also includes a lot of information about the impact of technology including social networking and cyberbullying.  This book continues to be a “must read” for parents and teachers. 

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