It's Your Kid Not a Gerbil- book review and GIVEAWAY

I just love the title of this book!  It's Your Kid Not a Gerbil was written by Dr. Kevin Leman.  Dr. Leman has written many books on children and parents.  He has a way with words and it was a fun book to read.  Obviously from the title you can figure out what the book is going to deal with and I think most families will find the book a help. 

Do you sometimes feel like a gerbil running on a wheel inside a cage as you scurry from place to place, chauffeuring your children from one endless activity to another? What if, for one moment, you could just step off of the wheel . . . and relax? How would you feel then? And what if that single moment could stretch into an hour, or even a whole day? It’s Your Kid, Not a Gerbil will provide practical solutions and helpful insight to get off the activity wheel so that you can put your time and energies where they really count: in establishing strong character and a love for home and family that will serve your kids well for a lifetime.

I know most people who have kids have felt at one time or another that they are just running from activity to activity with no real purpose- I felt that way last school year, even though we homeschool it's still easy to get caught up in every activity under the sun.  This year we are not doing as much running around!  Most times my kids would rather stay home and play than run and do errands anyway.

I recommend this book for everyone.  It's well written and has many helps throughout the book.

Giveaway

One reader is going to win a gift certificate to receive a free copy of the book It's Your Kid Not a Gerbil.  All you have to do is comment.  Tell me why you would like to read this book.  One comment per person.  I will choose a winner using Random.org.  The winner will be notified by email.  The giveaway will run through September 15th and end at 11:00 p.m. est.  Open to USA residents only.

 

***Disclaimer*** I was not paid for this review.  I was given a free copy in exchange for review.  I was also sent a free gift certificate to give to a reader.  Thanks to Tyndale!

Horse Dreams- Book Review

Horse Dreams was written by Dandi Daley Mackall, who is the author of the bestselling Winnie the Horse Gentler series.

Fourth-grader Ellie James has a great imagination. She spends a lot of time daydreaming of owning a black stallion show horse and winning trophies in the horse show. But when the answer to all her dreams and prayers gallops into her life, will Ellie be able to recognize it? Join Ellie and her quirky family in their exciting, horse-loving adventures.
I gave this book to my 5th grade daughter to read.  She easily read it in one day.  With 16 chapters it's a quick and easy read for most kids.  She liked the book and would like to read more books from the author.
I also read the book.  I know it's a book for kids, but still it seemed a bit silly. I didn't care for how silly and dumb the adults were made to be in the books.  I did like the sign language that was used in the book, which made it more educational.  There is also a section in the back with horse terms.  Overall, it's a book for kids and there was nothing bad or wrong with the book, just nothing substantial in it.  It would be good for a child that loves horse stories.

**Disclaimer** I was not paid for this review.  I was given the book free of charge in exchange for my review.  Thanks to the Tyndale blog program.

Courageous- Book Review

I had the wonderful opportunity to read the book Courageous, before it comes out in theaters this September.  The book Courageous, was written by Randy Alcorn.  About twenty percent of the book is based from the movie, and the rest is the authors invention of the story.

From the back cover From the creators of Fireproof comes an inspiring new story about everyday heroes who long to be the kinds of dads that make a lifelong impact on their children. As law enforcement officers, Adam Mitchell, Nathan Hayes, and their partners willingly stand up to the worst the world can offer. Yet at the end of the day, they face a challenge that none of them are truly prepared to tackle: fatherhood. While they consistently give their best on the job, good enough seems to be all they can muster as dads. But they’re quickly discovering that their standard is missing the mark.
They know that God desires to turn the hearts of fathers to their children, but their children are beginning to drift farther and farther away from them. Will they be able to find a way to serve and protect those who are most dear to them? When tragedy hits home, these men are left wrestling with their hopes, their fears, their faith, and their fathering. Can a newfound urgency help these dads draw closer to God . . . and to their children?
The story plays out as each man must come to terms with his job, fatherhood, and his duty to God.  There is tragedy and there is triumph in this book.  Just a warning :there is reference to drugs and their is gang violence. 
I think it will be a great hit once the movie comes out, and I can't wait to see the movie version.  The book was good, a few parts are a bit corny.  Overall, I would recommend the book, and hope that the book will touch many lives.

*Disclaimer*  I was not paid for this post.  I was sent a free copy of the book thanks to Tyndale publishers.

The Boy Who Came Back from Heaven- Book Review

In 2004, Kevin Malarkey and his six-year-old son, Alex, suffered an horrific car accident. The impact from the crash paralyzed Alex—and medically speaking, it was unlikely that he could survive. “I think Alex has gone to be with Jesus,” a friend told the stricken dad. But two months later, Alex awoke from a coma with an incredible story to share. Of events at the accident scene and in the hospital while he was unconscious. Of the angels that took him through the gates of heaven itself. Of the unearthly music that sounded just terrible to a six-year-old. And, most amazing of all . . . Of meeting and talking to Jesus. The Boy Who Came Back from Heaven is the true story of an ordinary boy’s most extraordinary journey. As you see heaven and earth through Alex’s eyes, you’ll come away with new insights on miracles, life beyond this world, and the power of a father’s love.

 

The Boy Who Came Back from Heaven was written by Kevin Malarkey.  A terrible, tragic story of one man's car accident that changed the life of his son, Alex for ever.  For me personally, it took me a while to read the book, mostly because I did not enjoy it, but needed to finish it for the review.

I tried to read this book with an open mind, but I will be honest, I don't believe the story.  This is my personal opinion.  I found the book fascinating, but very hard to believe.  While I feel horrible for the family and all that they have gone through, the book to me feels like a way to make a profit out of terrible tragedy.  I will let you read the book for yourself to decide, as we are all entitled to our own opinions.  I recommend reading it merely for the debate, about whether or not you believe Alex's story.

 

* Disclaimer* I was given a copy of this book for review purposes.  I was not paid for this review.  Thanks to Tyndale Publishers for making this review possible.

Journey to Riverbend - book review

Michael Archer is nothing if not a man of his word. Though he was unable to save Ben Carstairs, Michael is determined to carry out Ben’s dying wish: to be reconciled with his father. Unfortunately, Sam Carstairs, one of the most ruthless businessmen on the frontier, has no use for his own son, much less a man of God seeking reconciliation.

Soon after arriving in Riverbend, Michael meets and falls for the stunning Rachel Stone while waiting for Sam to return from a business trip. Beautiful yet guarded, Rachel seems to be running from a past as dark as Michael’s.
When word reaches town that Sam has been kidnapped on the stagecoach home, Michael offers to join the search party formed by the local sheriff. With a budding romance behind him and a dangerous rescue ahead of him, he sets out on the trail, determined to complete his journey no matter the cost.

Henry McLaughlin is the 2009 winner of the Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writer's Guild Operation First Novel Contest.  He has written an amazing story with Journey to Riverbend.  You will find yourself out in the old west, awaiting action from the cowboys of days long gone.  This book shows God's amazing grace and how forgiveness is the key to relationships.  I thoroughly enjoyed this book and really hope that the author left the ending the way he did so that there will be a second book. 

*Disclaimer* I was not paid for this review. I was sent a free book in exchange for my review.  Thank you to Tyndale publishers for the book.

Beneath The Night Tree - book review

Beneath the Night Tree was written by Nicole Baart.  This is the third book in a series about the life of Julia DeSmit.  The preface of the book is:

Do I have a child? Julia DeSmit knew she would face the question eventually, but she didn’t expect it now. At twenty-four, she is finally content with the way her life has unfolded. A single mother to her son and young brother, she works at the local grocery store while chipping away at a two-year degree. All her free time is spent with her unorthodox family—her boys, her grandmother, and her boyfriend of five years. It’s not perfect, but Julia is happier than ever.

So when she receives the cryptic e-mail from her son’s father, Julia’s world is turned upside down. She hasn’t heard from Parker since he left her in a college parking lot nearly six years ago. But one look at her son—the spitting image of his father—is enough to convince her that, for better or worse, Parker is a part of their story. Faced with this new reality and an unexpected tragedy, Julia begins a tightrope walk between what was and what is, what she hopes for and what will be.
 
I wish I had read the first two books so I knew the whole back story.  It isn't necessary to read the previous two books, it is still easy to follow along, just reading the first two books would have helped me make a connection to the characters.
While this is a christian themed book, I felt it lacked in christian content.  The whole book is about an unmarried girl raising a child, and other than a few "prayers" there didn't seem to be much about Christ in the book.  Overall it was a quick read, but the plot was pretty easy to pick out, and was like most other books.
 
*Disclaimer* I was sent a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.  Thank you to Tyndale for the book.

The Devil in Pew Number Seven- book review

I chose this book to read and review based on the title, and this book did not disappoint.  The Devil in Pew Number Seven is a true life story.  The terror and horror that one family went through as well as a story of true forgiveness, no matter what.

Rebecca Nichols Alonzo shares the unimaginable story that her family went through in  The Devil in Pew Number Seven, and she shares a truly remarkable lesson in forgiveness.

When Rebecca was just a small child her family moved Sellerstown, North Carolina so that her father could be a Pastor.  Most of the town gladly accepted the family, except for the man in pew number seven, Mr. Watts.  The story that is told is one of hatred, by Mr. Watts, and love and forgiveness, by the Nichols family.   As the family is threatened day after day, they continue to show love and forgiveness, and as the family is destroyed right before Rebecca's young eyes she continues to show love and forgiveness to those that have taken the ones she loves the most.

A true story of one families undeniable faith and the ability to show true forgiveness no matter what the price.
I really enjoyed the whole story and couldn't put it down.  I don't know that I would ever be able to do what Rebecca did, as she truly shows the love of Jesus in her abililty to forgive those that took so much away from her.

**Disclaimer** I was not paid for this review.  I was given a free copy to read from Tyndale publishers in exchange for my review.

Ransomed Dreams - Book Review

In just a matter of seconds Sheridan Montgomery's life is turned upside down. 

Sheridan Montgomery leads a charmed life as the wife of Eliot, U.S. ambassador to Venezuela. But an attack on their lives cripples Eliot, and they retreat to a remote Mexican village. As Sheridan quietly cares for her husband, she sees her dreams slipping away. Luke Traynor shatters their reverie when he arrives to tell Sheridan of her father’s heart attack and the evidence implicating him in a conspiracy. Sheridan returns to Chicago to untangle the web of her father’s past and is forced to confront her feelings for Luke, a trail of deceit, and the truth about her marriage.
Written by Sally John, Ransomed Dreams takes you on an adventure of deceit, betrayal and the ultimate sacrifice.   What would you do if everything you ever knew about your family, your husband and your life was a lie?  The story of Sheridan and Eliot Montgomery could be the story of any of us. What would you do if your life were changed in an instance by tragedy? How would you cope?
Overall the book is well written, and a good read.  I enjoyed the story even if some of it seemed a little far fetched.   The message of love comes shining through and teaches us to love one another "till death do us part".  

***Disclaimer*** I was not paid for this post. I was given a copy for review purposes and this in no way influenced my review.  All statements are my opinion and yours may differ.  Thank you to Tyndale for the review copy.

I love God's Green Earth -Review

I was sent a copy of I love God's Green Earth by Michael and Caroline Carrol to review as a part of a blog tour.  This great new book is a devotion book for kids who love God's Earth and want to take care of it. The devotion book is filled with fun facts, jokes, Scripture lessons and activities all designed to help kids learn how to take care of God's Green Earth.   The book is broken down into 90 days. Each day has a section that has a lesson, a connection, a fun fact, and what you can do. For the blog tour I was asked to review the lesson from day 18.

Day 18 The Strongest Storms on Earth

This lesson is about Hurricanes.  The Scripture for the day is Job 37:15-16  It talks about how God is in control of everything including storms like hurricanes.  This particular story was about Hurricane Katrina and the effects it had on earth.  It also talked about what happened to the wildlife and how the pelicans were affected by the storm.

The Connection: It connects hurricanes and other natural forces and shows how God is mighty and powerful in everything. Proverbs 30:4 is the verse used.

What Can I Do?  Reflect on God's Power

Fun Fact: This part was interesting it shared how meteorologists name the storms.

The Joke: What did one hurricane say to the other hurricane? - you will have to read the book to find the answer!

Our Action Step- 

One of the chapters was on taking care of God's creation.  So we filled a bunch of bird feeders to feed all the birds that have come back for the spring.

***Disclosure*** I was not paid for this post.  I was sent a copy of the book for review purposes.  Thank you to Tyndale for the book.

Take It from the Top -Adventures in Odyssey - Review

We had the great opportunity to review the new Adventures in Odyssey CD series called Take It from the Top.  This is the long-anticipated 51st album of Adventures in Odyssey! 
For those who don't know what Adventures in Odyssey is, it's a great series produced by Focus on the Family.  Alot of Christian radio stations play the stories on their stations.  And it's been around for along  time because I used to listen to it when I was a kid! And now my kids are listening to the stories too!
About the new album
Enter Whit’s new invention, the Inspiration Station, and find out why Connie wants to spend so much time in it. Solve mysteries with local sleuth Emily Jones, and learn why 10-year-old Matthew Parker doesn’t think being “target of the week” is such a good thing.
Catch up with Whit, Connie, Eugene, and Wooton, and meet two new families, as they learn lessons about responsibility, revenge, and God-given inspiration. Whether on a baseball field, at home, or at Whit’s End, there’s never a dull moment in the town of Odyssey
I love the Adventures in Odyssey series because it makes my kids use their immagination, and they are learing a Bible lesson too.  My kids are enjoying listening to these and have asked repeatedly for me to "play it again"!
You can purchase this new series of CD's  here,  plus they are currently on sale!  There are four CD's with over 5 hours of stories.
***Disclaimer*** I was not paid for this review.  The CD's were sent to me for review purposes, free of charge.  This in no way influenced my opinion of the product.  Thank you to Tyndale Publishers for sending me a copy.

What's In The Bible? Review

Presenting a 13-DVD series from the creator of VeggieTales, Phil Vischer! Each DVD is filled with original music, animation, puppets, and creative writing that will teach kids about God and his Word. The first DVD introduces kids to the Bible and the book of beginnings, Genesis. Kids will learn about the key people in Genesis and the important lessons their stories teach us. Approximately 45 minutes.-from their website


I was recently sent a trailer to the new dvd series by Phil Vischer, called What's In The Bible.  Volume 1 in called - Genesis: In the Beginning, and volume 2 is called - Exodus: Let My People Go.  Each video will be in stores starting March 2010 and will retail at christian retailers for $14.99 each.

My older girls and I sat down to watch this together.  I can't wait to see the whole thing!  It looks like a really fun way for children to learn more about what is in the Bible.  The trailer is very short, but what we saw was fun puppets, and singing, along with questions about the Bible.  Phil Vischer was the creative mind behind Veggie Tales, and my kids love Veggie Tales, so I know they are going to enjoy these videos as well.

Look for the first two videos of the series starting in March!

***Disclaimer*** I was not paid for this post, I was sent a dvd trailer to preview.  All comments made are my own opinion, your opinion may be different.  Thanks to Tyndale for sending me this copy.

Tyndale's 30 Day Celebration

Tyndale is launching a new website, starting today, February 1st.
To celebrate the launch of this new site, Tyndale is giving away four books a day in the following categories: Fiction, Non-Fiction, Bibles, and Kids.
All you have to do is visit the site to sign up. If you don’t win one day, keep coming back to sign up!

The One Year Did You Know Devotions 2 - Book Review and Giveaway CLOSED

The One Year Did You Know Devotions 2 was written by Nancy S.Hill. This book is for ages 6-10. The book has interesting facts and trivia for each day of the year. Each day has a Bible verse and a biblical truth to go along with each fact. Some of the types of facts are:
Did you know that snakes smell with their tongues?
Did you know that the first rubber band was made from a bottle?
You get 365 of these type of interesting facts in this book.
The book starts with Januuary 1st and runs all the way through December 31st. This makes it very easy for kids to be able to do devotions on their own. I like this book because my children would be able to do this on their own, and I love all the trivia in the book. The only thing I did not like, and this is a personal preference, is that it uses different scripture versions than what we use. Overall if you are looking for a great devotion book for your children with lots of interesting trivia this book would be great for you. Since  we are not going to use it I am going to GIVEAWAY our copy that we were sent to review.  

You can win a copy of The One Year Did You Know Devotions 2

~Only One Way to win~

Become a follower of my blog!

That's all you have to do~ become a follower and leave me a comment telling me you did!

This contest is open to US residents only and will end on December 12 at 11:59 EST  Winner will be chosen using Random.org Winner will be contacted by email.

*** Disclaimer*** I received a copy of this book free of charge from Tyndale.  I was not paid in anyway for my review.  This was sent to me because of my membership with Tyndale.