Book Review - Heaven Meets Earth by Josh Nadeau

My Review

Heaven Meets Earth: A 40 Day Journey of Transformation Through the Nicene Creed is a unique devotional book.  It begins with the text of the Nicene Creed.  There are several short chapters about the history of this book, the Nicene Creed, and the role of art in devotional reading.  The author emphasizes the Lectio Divina and Visio Divina.  

There are 40 days of devotions in this book.  Each has a beautiful illustration inspired by the Nicene Creed, a short devotional message, and a Reflect and Meditate section.

I especially love the illustrations - which are exceptionally lovely! - and the Reflect and Meditate messages in this book.  For instance:

"Reflection upon how this confession unites you with brothers and sisters across time, how we might be a living echo of God's unity" (p. 03).

and

"Consider His joy, and ponder what it might take to become as a child and enjoy His beauty" (p. 11).

This is such a thoughtful, substantive devotional book.  I find it truly exceptional and unique!  I recommend it highly to other readers who are looking for a beautiful, thought provoking contemplative journey for 40 days.

Book Synopsis

Discover deeper faith as you explore the richness of Christian belief and tradition with a visually inspired journey through the Nicene Creed.

“We believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth….”

And so the Nicene Creed begins with these powerful words of declaration and belief, words handed down through history for Christians across the centuries to affirm and to hold, to repeat and to remind. The Creed has bolstered the faith of many and still speaks to us today. When our footing fails or our faith needs a refresh, these ancient words can tether us to foundational truths.

In Heaven Meets Earth, philosopher-artist Josh Nadeau, creator of Sword and Pencil, invites you to explore the Nicene Creed in this 40-day devotional journey of transformation for everyday saints. With his iconographic-style art and his insightful words, Josh brings the traditional to the present day in this visually inspired exploration of the faith.

Each daily entry of this spiritual journey includes:

• A short phrase from the Creed to meditate on
• Thoughtful reflections on what the words still mean today
• A beautiful piece of full-color art inspired by the Creed
• A dedicated prayer to bring your thoughts to God

Whether during the Lent season or any time of the year, step into an ancient, living faith with Heaven Meets Earth, and embrace the beauty of belief with Josh’s stunning visual art alongside this historic Christian confession of faith. Prepare your heart and your mind for transformation as you follow in the footsteps of the faithful multitude who have gone before.

Author Bio

Josh Nadeau is an artist and author from the West Coast of Canada. Beauty is his apologetic and his work seeks to translate ancient ideas of embodying the Transcendent for a modern time. His art and writing are invitations to reimagine the holy ordinary of every day life under the Beauty of Jesus.

He has appeared on numerous podcasts, written articles for magazines and websites, and has created art for Jordan Peterson’s History of Western Civilization, as well as churches, musicians, and other organizations, like The Chosen, Searock, Vuvivo, and the Daily Wire.

He has his Undergrad in Physics, a Master’s in Theological Studies, and a doctorate from the School of Hard Knocks. He is a husband to Aislinn and a father to Ransom. He spends his days reading, writing, bouldering, and trying to enjoy every good and perfect Gift. Josh is the founder of Sword and Pencil and Every Day Saints.

Book Review - Uncomplicate It by Hosanna Wong

My Review

Uncomplicate It is a book about breaking down barriers that keep believers from growing close to God.  I love the line in the book synopsis:  "A real relationship with God is not one-size-fits-all."  Yes!  That is a perfect tagline for this book.

I wanted to read this book because it sounded so inspiring.  I had never read Hosanna Wong before and was interested in her writing.

Uncomplicate It is divided into four parts:

1. This Is Your Permission Slip
2. Roadblocks
3. Shortcuts
4. The Great Uncomplicating

I love how down to earth Hosanna Wong's writing is, with stories and examples involving real people.  For example:

"I had no idea how important beauty could be to some people's walks with God until I heard from one specific group of friends - painters, writers, photographers - all bonded by their love for art. ... My new friend who is a watercolor artist talked about the beauty of a specific flower.  A friend who is a graphic designer talked about the beauty of certain paintings he'd seen that week.  And a jewelry maker shared some of the most poetic prose about a small pond surrounded by flowers that she's passed - how it reminded her of certain scriptures and pointed her toward God" (p. 138).

This is a great book to read, to re-read, and to share.  I intend to recommend it to several friends!

Book Synopsis

What if enjoying life with God is simpler than you’ve heard? What if your personality, the way you learn, the things you enjoy, your season of life, and your many roles aren’t roadblocks to overcome but instead shortcuts to real connection with your Creator? International speaker Hosanna Wong offers you a permission slip to uncomplicate your relationship with God and enjoy Him in your own unique way.

She will help you:

• break free from unrealistic expectations that do not come from God;
• overcome 6 roadblocks that keep you from enjoying your life and relationship with God;
• unlock 6 shortcuts to enjoying God in your current season;
• learn from interviews with over one thousand believers about their unique ways of encountering God; and
• drop the guilt, shame, and comparison that comes from the lie that your relationship with Jesus must look one certain way, or else.

A real relationship with God is not one-size-fits all. Your relationship with God does not have to look like anyone else’s. And it doesn’t have to look the same way it did years ago. You can uncomplicate it. This is your permission slip to embrace the unique way God has made you, in this specific stage of life you’re in, so that you can fully receive all the good that God has for you right now.

Author Bio

Hosanna Wong is an international speaker, bestselling author, and spoken-word artist helping everyday people experience God for real. Widely known for her spoken word piece, “I Have a New Name,” Hosanna shares in churches, conferences, prisons, and other events around the world, reaching across various denominations, backgrounds, and cultures.

Born and raised in an urban ministry on the streets of San Francisco, Hosanna later packed her life into suitcases and traveled to churches and other ministries throughout the United States to share about Jesus through spoken-word poetry. During those years without a permanent home, she began speaking and creating resources to serve the local and global church.

Hosanna currently travels and speaks year-round and serves on teaching teams at churches throughout the United States. She and her husband, Guy, serve together in various ministries equipping people to experience and share God’s love in their real lives.

Hosanna is the bestselling author of How (Not) to Save the World and You Are More Than You’ve Been Told.

Book Review - Rebuilding Beautiful by Kayla Stoecklein

My Review

Rebuilding Beautiful: Welcome What Is, Dare to Dream Again, and Step Bravely Into What Could Be is Kayla Stoecklein's story of how she rebuilt her life after her husband's suicide. There are elements of the memoir here but this book is also an inspirational guide to moving forward after loss.

I wanted to read this book because I have had a difficult personal loss this past year and Rebuilding Beautiful looked like an inspiring read. It is.

I really like the way the author organized the book in short themed chapters like Cultivating Community, A New Narrative, I'm So Proud of You for Trying, Habits of Self-Compassion, and Defiant Joy.

The writing is fresh and real.  The author illustrates each chapter with stories from her own life. She also gives practical suggestions (i.e. in the Cultivating Community chapter) and sometimes addresses the reader directly for truths.

I recommend Rebuilding Beautiful for anyone who is rebuilding their life after a loss of any type. I found it reassuring, comforting, and thought provoking. I think you will too.

Book Synopsis

Speaker and author Kayla Stoecklein delivers an inspiring message of how she came face-to-face with crushing personal loss and discovered how to rebuild a beautiful life. 

Kayla Stoecklein became an unexpected widow in August 2018 when her husband, Andrew, the pastor of their large church in California, died by suicide. With three young boys also grieving and a heart full of pain, it became her mission to bring hope and help to others who have faced unexpected hardships. Rebuilding Beautiful shows people that they not only have a purpose, but that they can build a beautiful life once again.

In Rebuilding Beautiful,Kayla shares the life experiences that have turned into lessons, including

• acknowledging the pain;
• making the choice to start healing;
• finding courage in uncertainty;
• embracing God’s constant presence; and
• exploring a new path and falling in love with life all over again.

Sometimes, the journey from agony to awe takes time. Rebuilding Beautiful is the perfect roadmap for anyone who’s on the path from heartache to a life that is a new kind of beautiful.

Author Bio

Speaker and author Kayla Stoecklein delivers an inspiring message of how she came face-to-face with crushing personal loss and discovered how to rebuild a beautiful life. 

Kayla Stoecklein became an unexpected widow in August 2018 when her husband, Andrew, the pastor of their large church in California, died by suicide. With three young boys also grieving and a heart full of pain, it became her mission to bring hope and help to others who have faced unexpected hardships. Rebuilding Beautiful shows people that they not only have a purpose, but that they can build a beautiful life once again.

In Rebuilding Beautiful, Kayla shares the life experiences that have turned into lessons, including

• acknowledging the pain;
• making the choice to start healing;
• finding courage in uncertainty;
• embracing God’s constant presence; and
• exploring a new path and falling in love with life all over again.

Sometimes, the journey from agony to awe takes time. Rebuilding Beautiful is the perfect roadmap for anyone who’s on the path from heartache to a life that is a new kind of beautiful.

 

 

 

Book Review - The Weekly Gratitude Project by Zondervan

My Review

The subtitle for The Weekly Gratitude Project is "A Challenge to Journal, Reflect, and Grow a Grateful Heart." That is exactly what this book is about - mindful journaling to become more grateful.  

I found this book appealing because I love to journal, like devotional books, and found the idea of a weekly gratitude project appealing!  Years ago I wrote a gratitude list at the end of every day and it really changed my outlook. I realized that even on the worst days there were still blessings to be grateful for.

This is a beautifully designed book - a hardcover with sewn-in ribbon bookmark. The book is divided into themes and then weeks under each theme. The book's themes are: 

Purposeful

Motivations

Promises

Gifts

Applications

I love the format of each week.  It begins with a Bible verse, then a short paragraph about the week's theme, and then several journaling questions with room to write. The writing sections are lined, and the pages are illustrated with beautiful leaves and plants.

I am putting this book aside for the new year and look forward to going through and journaling in it. The Weekly Gratitude Project is a lovely book and it would be a great gift - or a purchase to prepare for a year of mindful journaling and gratitude!

Book Synopsis

Publisher: Zondervan; Illustrated edition (November 10, 2020)

Hardcover: 144 pages

It’s time to start a project that will grow a grateful heart. The Weekly Gratitude Project is a 52-week guided gratitude journal that offers a life-changing journey through reflection prompts and inviting questions to guide you into a deeper relationship with God. This yearly gratitude journal features beautifully illustrated journaling pages that will help you discover more intimacy and joy in your spiritual life.

The Weekly Gratitude Project is:

• Perfect for a beginner in faith and practicing gratitude, but strong and thought provoking enough for someone who already has a solid foundation
• An easy-to-use journaling format designed to help you focus on adding more gratefulness into your day
• A helpful companion for individual worship, Bible studies, and small groups

Each week includes:

• A biblical theme to focus on
• A short but impactful Bible verse to help you reflect and meditate
• Inspirational insight to guide your thoughts and jumpstart your gratitude project
• Journaling prompts and lines to help you reflect and grow a grateful heart

This 12-month journal:

• Showcases beautiful photography and calming colors
• Has a pretty ribbon marker, so you never lose your place
• Provides a ton of journaling space, but easily fits on your nightstand, tote bag, or a gift basket
• Is perfect for a self-purchase, Mother’s Day, National Best Friend Day, a welcoming gift for Bible study groups, birthdays, and holidays

Check out the rest of the series, The Weekly Prayer Project and The Weekly Faith Project.

Book Review and Giveaway - Fierce, Free, and Full of Fire by Jen Hatmaker

My Review
Fierce, Free and Full of Fire is an inspirational self help book about finding (or rediscovering) your true self.

I wanted to read this book because the description was very appealing. I tend to be a people-pleaser and liked that this book addresses that.  I also liked the emphasis on choosing your own path.

Fierce, Free and Full of Fire is divided into five sections:

Who I Am
What I Need
What I Want
What I Believe
How I Connect

The book starts out with an instantly relateable sentence:  "I grew up around well-behaved women." The author then goes on to explain how being well behaved and people pleasing often subverts our own goals and plans.  She writes:

"Understanding and embracing who we are, how we've been created, is the launching pad for living a fearlessly genuine life, where we're no longer pretending or trying to be something other than what we are on the inside" (Kindle location 133).

She talks about labels that we all have -- sometimes from parents, or teachers, or even from ourselves in the past.  I found this a very eye opening discussion.  I think we all (and most especially women) have some of these labels.

I found the idea of seeking our authentic self and doing what we really want to - our goals, our plans - very exciting and liberating.

I especially loved some of her writing about dealing with other people.  "I Want To Connect Without Drama" was something I really related to and appreciated.

I recommend Fierce, Free, and Full of Fire to anyone who is looking for a fresh, unique Christian self help book about living an authentic life and choosing your own dream.

The author has a fresh, sassy voice.  This is my first book by Jen Hatfield, but she has a unique style that makes for a compelling, thoughtful, and fun read!

Book Synopsis

New York Times bestselling author Jen Hatmaker, with cheeky candor and fearlessness, guides readers to a deep dive into how they are wired and provides them with the tools to walk in that identity with freedom and guts.

Stuck in people-pleasing or fear, many women hide and pretend, then end up sidelined in their own lives. But what they want is to be brave, to claim every gift, dream, quirk, and emotion inside, to stop performing and start living.

Beloved New York Times bestselling author Jen Hatmaker understands the struggle to find firm footing in a culture that operates from stereotypes and often unreachable expectations. In this new book, she offers women encouragement, challenge, and humor as she helps them identify everything that makes them tick and gain the confidence to live it all out. She leads them through five self-reflective categories—who I am, what I need, what I want, what I believe, and how I connect—and helps them:

• identify the exact ways they pretend, and learn instead how to be genuine at all times, in all ways, in all contexts;
• be empowered to say yes and no without guilt;
• learn to voice both their spiritual questions and convictions; and
• opt out of drama and into healthy adult relationships.

With wry humor, earnest passion, and been-there insight, Jen calls women to the life-giving freedom of leaning into the identity, convictions, and community they’ve been given.

Purchase Links

Amazon |Books-A-Million | Barnes & Noble | Thomas Nelson

Author Bio

Jen Hatmaker is the author of the New York Times bestseller Of Mess and Moxie (plus twelve other books) and the host of the For the Love! with Jen Hatmaker podcast. She and her husband, Brandon, founded the Legacy Collective and also starred in the popular series My Big Family Renovation on HGTV. Jen is a mom to five, a sought-after speaker, and a delighted resident of Austin, Texas, where she and her family are helping keep Austin weird.

Connect with Jen

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Giveaway

Two lucky winners will win a copy of Fierce, Free and Full of Fire. Enter through the Rafflecopter form (below). The giveaway ends at midnight May 7. Winners will be contacted by email and need to respond within 48 hours, or another winner will be chosen. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Review - NIV, Journal the Word Bible for Women, Comfort Print

Synopsis 

A reflective journey through the Bible 

Do you seek stillness and inspiration in your quiet time? The NIV Journal the Word™ Bible for Women guides you through God’s precious Word with reflections and thought-provoking questions placed beside Scripture. 

Explore God’s Word for you and express your heart in the wide margins with room for responses, journaling, and artistic expression. 

Features: 
Over 500 reflective journaling prompts carefully crafted to equip you to contemplate Scripture 
Full-text of the (NIV) 
Presentation page for personalizing and gift giving 
Beautiful page design 
Satin ribbon markers 
Subject index of journaling prompts 
Exclusive Zondervan NIV Comfort Print® typeface 9-point print size 

My Review 
This is a beautiful New International Version (NIV) Bible!  It comes in a paper slipcase, which would be very nice for gift giving.  

The Bible itself is cloth with a red and gold flower design on the cover along with the words:  "My soul finds rest in God" (Psalm 62:1).  There is a presentation page on the front endpaper (again, great for a gift).  Then there is a Table of Contents and an Alphabetical Order of the Books of the Bible.  This is a unique feature that you don't see often in Bibles, but I find it very helpful. 

As you read the Bible, you will find journaling prompts in the margins, along with ruled lines where you can journal and respond to the prompts.  There is ample room to write and journal at length. The text size is good for reading (not too small), and this is a Red Letter edition of the Bible, with Christ's words in red. 

At the back of the Bible there is a Table of Weights and Measures as well as a Subject Index and some ruled pages for notes. 

I find the format of this Bible, with the emphasis on journaling, very unique and helpful.  I think journaling as you go along with reading will bring new insights and prompt deeper thought on God's Word. 

I recommend this lovely edition of the Bible for personal study or for a special gift. 

I received a copy of this Bible from Booklook Bloggers.  

Book Review - Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice Coloring Book By Thomas Nelson Gift Books

Book Synopsis
If you rush to Starbucks at the first hint of cool weather . . . If Pumpkin Spice Latte is your fall drink of choice . . . If you need a way to recover from a busy summer and take a breath before a busy holiday season, this book is for you. Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice Coloring Book includes gorgeous illustrations featuring your favorite images of autumn. This one-of-a-kind adult coloring book has classic fall quotes, fun sayings, and Bible verses featured alongside detailed coloring pages. 

Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice Coloring Book offers hours of enjoyment and reflection and makes the perfect gift for anyone who loves fall. 

So settle in by a crackling fire for an evening of relaxation, rest, and pumpkin spice! 

My Review
I was interested in this adult coloring book from just hearing the title alone.  I love fall, love all things pumpkin spice, and find coloring very relaxing!

Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice surpassed my expectations.  This is a big book (10" x 10").  The pages are thick and suitable for coloring with pencil or markers.  I colored a page with markers and there was no "bleed through" on the other side of the page.

The pages are also perforated so you can remove them to frame or display.  

The illustrations in this book are by Julianne St. Clair and her designs are really lovely.   There are 90 designs to color.  Some are quotes or Bible verses.   There are some very intricate patterns to color and there are also some simple pages to color.  I really like the variety of coloring patterns in this book, as it gives a lot of variety.   The quotes and simpler designs are nice to color when time is short.  

My favorite quote about fall is included:  "I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers"  (Lucy Maud Montgomery).   Designs in this book include:  pumpkins, fall leaves, Thanksgiving dinner, fresh baked pies, harvest corn, mittens, campfire, farm, hayride, fireplace, apples, warm mugs with cocoa (or maybe pumpkin spice latte!), and more.

As always, I find coloring to be very relaxing and pleasant.  I especially enjoy coloring while listening to favorite music.  Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice is an very well made coloring book, and I look forward to enjoying more coloring in this book through this fall!   

I received a copy of this book from Booklook Bloggers.

Book Review - A Prairie Girl's Faith: The Spiritual Legacy of Laura Ingalls Wilder by Stephen W. Hines

Book Synopsis
The beloved author of the Little House books was not only one of America's great pioneer storytellers but a woman of vibrant faith.

A Prairie Girl's Faith provides the first extended, in depth discussion of the Christian faith of one of America's most beloved pioneer women--Laura Ingalls Wilder. Although the faith of the Ingalls' family pervades books in the Little House series, the more specific details of Laura's faith have never been fully explored. It took extraordinary pluck for anyone to survive the harshness of frontier life--from the heartbreak of sudden crop losses to murderous storms to unrelenting loneliness. This book reveals how in surviving, the brave Laura drew not just on her character, but found encouragement, strength, and hope in her relationship with God.

My Review
A Prairie Girl's Faith: The Spiritual Legacy of Laura Ingalls Wilder has a unique focus on the faith of Laura Ingalls Wilder, as a person and a writer.  The book also looks at faith as it is presented in the beloved Little House on the Prairie book series. 

I have been a great fan of the Little House series since childhood, and was intrigued by this book from first mention.  It far surpassed my expectations.  The writing by Stephen Hines is lively and engaging, with many anecdotes I have not read before -- and specific examples of faith from the books.

Topics covered in this book include the Ingalls family, the relationship of Laura and her husband Almanzo, Laura and her daughter Rose, the writing of the Little House books, and more.

Stephen Hines posits:  "Throughout the eight original titles there are, in the foreground, references to Scripture, hymns, and prayer -- to a daily life that experienced the reality of God" (p. 5).  He then gives many detailed and fascinating examples of faith in the books.

One example is songs in the books.  There are at least 126 songs mentioned in the Little House books, and a number of these are hymns and spirituals.  This book looks at music in the Little House books in detail.

The Ingalls family originally belonged to a Congregational church, but since that denomination was not as prevalent on the frontier, the family (who moved several times) also actively attended a Methodist congregation. As someone who believes in ecumenical Christianity, I loved this passage:  "There was a great spirit of ecumenicism in those days, and the Congregationalists generously shared their building with the Methodists and the Baptists until they could build their own houses of worship.  Once they did, Episcopal services were sometimes held at the Baptist church.  And when the Catholic church burned down, it received help and the offer of a meeting place from other churches in town" (p. 172).

There was a good deal of information about Laura Ingalls Wilder's early writing in The Ruralist and other publications.  I found this fascinating, especially as it tied into her development as a writer.   

The author does discuss the sometimes delicate relationship between Laura and Rose, and their work together.  He directly addresses Rose's involvement in the writing process.

There is a lovely section about Christmas stories in the Little House books, and the Christmas music featured in these stories.  I found the details about Christmas music over the years very interesting.

A Prairie Girl's Faith also has a section of The Church Potluck.  This section features a number of recipes from friends of the Ingalls family.  Anyone who has an interest in food history, as I do, will love this section of the book.

There are a couple of Appendixes in the book.  One featured a fascinating interview with Laura's friend Neta Seal.  I loved the glimpse of Laura's later life that was shown in this interview.  There is a lovely anecdote about Laura and Almanzo's dog Ben:

"They always had bulldogs after I got acquainted with them . . .

Here's a funny little story about the dog.  He had a boil on his jaw; and when it went to hurting him so bad, he'd come in and lay his head in her lap and look up as if he was saying, 'Can you do anything for me?'  Then she would get some salve and rub it on his jaw.  When that was done, he would go back and lay down.  Finally, it was healed.

Mrs. Wilder - I always called her Mrs. Wilder - didn't even have a dog after he [Almanzo] went away" (p. 177).

I highly recommend A Prairie Girl's Faith for anyone who has an interest in Laura Ingalls Wilder's life and work. It is a richly rewarding read.

Author Bio
Stephen Hines is a recognized authority on Laura Ingalls Wilder and has authored several best-selling volumes on her life, including Little House in the Ozarks. He grew up in the midwest in an area where Wilder once lived. Hines was the founding Director of Communications for the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services and has held several editorial positions in magazine, newspaper, and book publishing. The author is a contributor to www.littlehouseontheprairie.com. He lives with his wife, Gwen, in Nashville, Tennessee.

I received a copy of this book from Blogging for Books.

Book Review and Giveaway - NKJV The Woman's Study Bible

You're invited to receive God's truth for balance, hope, and transformation in the fully revised and redesigned The NKJV Woman's Study Bible. The new edition features a beautiful, full-color redesign and poignantly reveals the Word of God with Scripture insights and the contributions of more than eighty women from a wide variety of ethnic, denominational, educational, and occupational backgrounds. Special features designed to speak to a woman's heart appear throughout the Bible text, revealing Scripture-based insights about how godly womanhood grows from a woman's identity as a Christ-follower and a child of the Kingdom.

My Review
When I first saw The Woman's Study Bible, I knew it was a very special Bible.  It is big and beautifully designed, with a lovely cloth floral cover.  The floral motif continues on the first few presentation pages, and at the top of each book of the Bible.

There are several special pages at the beginning of the Bible, including a Ketubah Marriage contract (traditional Jewish marriage contract), Family History to fill out, Special Family Memories, and page to list My Spiritual Mothers.

There are several articles about women and the Bible after the preface.  The contributors are women from diverse backgrounds.

This is truly a study Bible.  There is fascinating information to study at the beginning of each book of the Bible:  title, author, date, background, themes, outline.  Pages have footnotes with more information.  There are also short sections within each book of the Bible for more detailed reading.  For instance, in Genesis there are sections on Sarah, Hagar, Rebekah, Dinah, and more.

Between the Old and New Testaments there is a section with fascinating information like Flowers of the Bible, Vegetables of the Bible, Bitter Herbs of the Bible, etc.

The New Testament is red letter, with the words of Christ in red.  This is the NKJV (New King James Version) translation, which is very readable and also preserves a lot of the poetic language of the traditional KJV translation.  The font is 11 point, which I find easy to read.  The Bible lays flat as you open it, so you can set it on a desk or table and read it easily.

There is a substantial appendix including Money and Measurements of the Bible, Index, Concordance, and Maps.  I particularly like the Index, where you can look up people, places, or topics (i.e. Peter's Mother-in-Law, Pentecost, Prayer, Praise).

The Woman's Study Bible would be a perfect Bible for daily studies, and it also would be a really special gift.  I am very impressed with the beautiful quality of this book and the loving scholarship that is included for study.

This spring, cultivate your heart's spiritual roots and enter to win the Grow in the Word Giveaway!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of The NKJV Woman's Study Bible (winner's choice of design)
• A decorative plaque
• A rose gold Tree of Life necklace

Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on April 27. The winner will be announced April 28 on the Litfuse blog.

I received a copy of this book from Litfuse.

Book Review - The Wonders of Creation Holy Bible (NIV): Illustrations to Color and Inspire

Book Description

The NIV Wonders of Creation Holy Bible explores the wonders of our created world though detailed black-and-white illustrations—each one ready to be filled with the hues of your imagination. From amazing Eden-esque gardens to the creatures God made, this Bible features over 50 ready-to-color pages alongside the full text of the New International Version (NIV) translation.

My Review

The Wonders of Creation Holy Bible is a beautiful book.  It is a lovely hardcover Bible with the New International Version translation.  I really love the cover art, which features both black and white patterns and bold splashes of color.

What makes this Bible very unique are 50 pages of illustrations to be colored.  Each page features a key Bible verse.  The illustrations are detailed, and anyone who enjoys coloring will find them both relaxing and a good way to meditate on the featured Bible verses.

The book opens flat, for ease of reading and for coloring.   It also has a presentation page, and would make a great gift!   It has a ribbon bookmark.

Highly recommended for anyone who wants to combine Bible reading and creativity!

I received this book from BookLook Bloggers.

Book Review and Giveaway - Trust My Heart by Carol J. Post

Book Synopsis
Will an unplanned detour finally guide Grant home and find love with an honest, funny, and undeniably appealing reporter named Jami? Find out in a heartwarming romance by Carol J. Post, Trust My Heart. Grant McAllister arrives in Murphy, North Carolina, with one aim: to sell his inherited property and leave as quickly as possible. After breaking up with her safe-but-smothering boyfriend, Jami is determined to ace her first big assignment. A story about the McAllister estate is too intriguing to ignore—but as the two draw closer as they share their dreams, misread signals and misunderstandings begin to test their trust.

My Review 
Trust My Heart is a heartwarming small town novel.  It begins with Jami breaking up with her overbearing boyfriend and starting her career as a small town reporter.  Her work leads her to Grant, who has returned home to liquidate his grandparents' estate.  Jami wants to write about the estate, and sparks fly as the two get acquainted, and sort out what they are looking for individually ... and maybe together as well.

This is such a charming novel.  Trust My Heart has so many elements I love.  It has a small town setting in the Smoky Mountains.  There is an old, abandoned family mansion to explore.  It has truly likable, relatable characters in Jami and Grant.  It has a heartwarming romance.  And it even has two adorable rescued dachshunds!  It would make a perfect Hallmark movie. 

Trust My Heart was a perfect weekend read.  I enjoyed it so much that I am already sure I will reread it again in the future.   Make some cocoa, find a warm blanket, and curl up for a delightful visit with characters and a town you will enjoy.

Giveaway
Join Carol in celebrating the release of Trust My Heart by entering to win her $75 Cozy Cash Giveaway.

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of Trust My Heart
• A $75 Visa cash card
• A basket full of goodies made in North Carolina to keep you cozy in the cooler fall weather

 

Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on November 23. The winner will be announced November 28 on Carol's blog.

I received a copy of this book from Litfuse.

Book Review - Pumpkin Patch Blessings by Kim Washburn

Book Synopsis
It’s fall and there are blessings all around us, especially in the pumpkin patch! Children will love the sweet rhyming text by Kim Washburn and the whimsical illustrations by Jacqueline East as they take in the fun of the fall season and remember how much they have to be grateful for.

My Review
Pumpkin Patch Blessings by Kim Washburn is a very cute board book for young children.  It is die cut with a colorful cover featuring bunny rabbits playing on pumpkins.

The story is told in rhyme, and would make such a good read aloud for young children at home or in a classroom.   Readers of Pumpkin Patch Blessings will find much to be thankful for in fall including sweater weather, colorful leaves, roasting corn, a hay ride, and of course pumpkins!

An example of the upbeat read aloud quality of this book:

"This time of year
the trees are so bold,
exploding with colors,
red, orange, and gold.

The green leaves turn crispy
and then start to fall.
They crunch as you step
and kick through them all."   

The illustrations by Jacqueline East are colorful and appealing.  They show young children enjoying all the aspects of autumn.

The book is sturdy and well made, with board book pages -- great to read again and again.  I recommend it for a home or preschool library.  It is perfect for a fun fall read!

I received a copy of this book from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review - The Word Of Promise New Testament (Audiobook)

Overview
Hear the Bible Come Alive in Dramatic Audio Theater™!

This multi-voiced, scripted dramatization of the New King James Version (NKJV) features a star-studded cast of actors, an original music score, and incredible feature film quality sound effects. This world-class production creates a dramatic audio theater experience that makes you feel like you’re really there with Jesus and His disciples. Listen in your car, on your MP3 player, or with your family or small group to gain a new perspective of the Bible.

The Word of Promise® New Testament Audio Bible is a 20-CD set and includes a bonus “Behind-the-Scenes” DVD.
Cast Includes:

• Jim Caviezel (The Passion of The Christ, Déjà vu) - Jesus 
• Academy Award winner Richard Dreyfuss (Mr. Holland's Opus, The Goodbye Girl) - Quotes from Moses 
• Academy Award winner Marisa Tomei (My Cousin Vinny, What Women Want) - Mary Magdalene 
• Golden Globe winner Stacy Keach (Prison Break, Hemingway) - Paul 
• Academy Award and Golden Globe winner Louis Gossett, Jr. (An Officer and a Gentleman, Roots) - John 
• Kimberly Williams-Paisley (According to Jim, Father of the Bride) - Mary, Mother of Jesus 
• And many others 

My Review
This is my first experience listening to a Bible audiobook. I am so impressed with the quality and production values of the Word of Promise New Testament!

The voice actors include well known names like Jim Caviezel, Michael York, Richard Dreyfuss, Marissa Tomei, Stacy Keach, Louis Gossett Jr., John Heard, and more. Their readings are beautifully done, with much emotion.

The production also features sound effects (i.e. the sounds of a marketplace, a storm, a door closing) and music. The music by Stefano Mainetti is a subtle and powerful addition to the audiobook.

The varied voices, sound effects, and music give this production a more theatrical feel than a standard audiobook. I found myself absorbed in listening as I worked, and often realized that many chapters had gone by.

The Bible translation is NKJV (New King James Version). I grew up with the KJV translation. I am not familiar with all the nuances of difference between the NKJV and the KJV, but this Bible translation really read beautifully, with familiar language.

I enjoy reading the Bible, but there is something really unique about experiencing the Bible in audio format. I have already recommended this audiobook highly to my mother. I intend to keep this Word of Promise New Testament by my bedside to listen to when I need comfort or encouragement. I truly cannot recommend it highly enough.

I received a copy of this book from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for an honest review.