Little Red Book of Wisdom

"Little Red Book of Wisdom" by Mark DeMoss is a book all about practical wisdoms and stories of the application of those wisdoms in everyday life. While the premise of the book is interesting, I found it to be really a tedious read. The book does offer up tidbits of wisdom about such topics as integrity, technology, honesty, and integrity. The chapters are very long, so it's hard to actually get through them if you are a busy mom, like I am. I found it hard to actually enjoy the reading, and even harder to remember what I had read when I sat down to continue the book. Mostly, it is just a compilation of stories about people that DeMoss picked who exemplify the general wisdoms that he offers up. 



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements

December 1941

"December 1941" by Craig Shirley is an absolutely fascinating book. I have always been interested in history, and have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed this particular book. The book is broken up into chapters, with each chapter retelling the story of one day of the month. What I found to be fascinating is the way that the book not only tells the stories of what is happening in the war, and overseas, but it tells so much of what the mindset of the American people at home was. Nearly every book I've ever picked up about World War II focuses mainly on the events overseas, with regard to battle. This is one of very few books that truly delves into the atmosphere and happenings of the people who were left here to hold down the fort while husbands, fathers, and sons went to war. 



I loved this book, and how uniquely it is written. I found it fascinating how the atmosphere of Americans shifted so drastically from the start of December, 1941 through the end of that same month. I would highly recommend this book to anyone shopping for a gift for a history lover - it's truly a one of a kind read. Highly interesting. 


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements

His Mighty Warrior

"His Mighty Warrior" by Sheri Rose Shepherd is a super cute book for boys. This book is almost like a devotional for young boys, in that each "devotional" is two pages - on the first page, there is a short letter to the reader from God, as well as a Bible verse that correlates to the letter. On the second page, there is  short prayer for the boy that also ties into the message of the letter from God. This book covers ares such as life, death, family, and money, and does so in a way that is encouraging to the child.

The theme of the book is very boy-ish, with pirates gracing the front cover, and that theme follows through the illustrations of the entire book. I think this would be a great book for any young boy - it's easy to read with simple language and very easy to follow and understand. I would highly recommend this book - it would make a wonderful stocking stuffer for a son or grandson at Christmas!

 FTC DISCLAIMER: “I received this book for free from Multnomah Publishing Group for this review”.

Three Cups

"Three Cups" is a children's book by Tony Townsley and Mark St. Germain. This book tells the story of a little boy who receives a gift of three cups for his birthday. The cups are meant to help the boy with saving, spending, and giving. The book walks through each of the three cups, explaining how each cup had a purpose, and how each could be used. I think that this would be a great book to help a young child get started with saving and giving a portion of their allowance or other money they receive. The illustrations are simple, and the actual text of the book is easy to understand, and is ideal for young children.

I was really interested in the concept of the "three cups", and will definitely be implementing this idea in my own home when my daughter gets a little bit older. I think that the idea of having three cups, each one with a purpose helps a young child understand the concept of saving and putting money away to help others, as well as allowing them a budget for spending their money on things they want to save for. This system is much easier for children to understand than just putting money in the bank, and not actually seeing how their money is growing.

This book also comes with a short, helpful guide for parents on the last page of the book, which gives some good tips on how to introduce and follow through on this system. I would recommend this book for anyone with young children who you want to start understanding the concept of putting money away for saving and for helping others.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements

Lucado Inspirational Reader

"The Lucado Inspirational Reader: Hope and Encouragement for Your Everyday Life" is a compilation of Max Lucado's most popular and inspirational words of wisdom from his writings. The book itself is pretty long - nearly 500 pages. The book is broken up into 11 chapters, and the quotes and stories are categorized by subject among those 11 chapters, so it is relatively easy to find inspiration on a particular subject or topic. There is a wide variety of stories and quotes in this book, ranging from one sentence quotes to 1 or 2 page stories.

Max Lucado has been such a big name is Christian writing, and although I don't have every one of his books, I have to admit that this is nearly as good! It has some of Lucado's most inspirational, encouraging words to help us live in hope and faith in our everyday lives. I really like this, and think it is a great resource when you are looking for a little bit of encouragement from day to day. It's easy to pick it up, find the subject you're searching for, and find hope within the pages.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who could use a little reassurance or encouragement in their daily life - loved this book!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements 

40 Ways To Get Closer to God

"40 Ways to Get Closer to God" by Jerry MacGregor is essentially a devotional. There are, obviously, 40 days worth of devotional material, each focusing on a specific way to connect with God. Each day starts with a quote, and is followed by a short devotional, usually suggesting one specific way to further your walk with God. After the devotional, there is the "challenge", which gives you one thing to try to bring you closer to God. There is also a bible verse, as well as a place for your own notes.

MacGregor uses his own personal experience as well as the experiences of others to form these necessary components of a close walk with God. He discusses fasting, friendships, and age, among other topics in this devotional. I liked the challenges - although I didn't like doing a few of them (such as fasting), I think that MacGregor has a strong basis for adding each challenge to this book. I also think that this book helps make you aware that a relationship with God has to be a two way street - not just asking him for help when things go wrong, but praising and connecting with him on a daily basis by making a conscious effort to do so.

Overall, a great read. I give it 4/5!

FTC DISCLAIMER: “I received this book for free from Bethany House Publishing Group for this review”.

Torn

"Torn" by Jud Wilhite is a book about learning to have faith in God, even when it feels like He is failing you. Personally, I can relate to the topic of this book - after all, who among us hasn't felt disappointment and despair? Wilhite uses biblical references, as well as personal experiences to show us how, even in our darkest moments, God will never desert us. I think that this book is reassuring, but unless you have actually been through the dark times, and come out on the other side, it is hard to really relate. Most of us are reading this book in the midst of turmoil, and while it is reassuring, and a reminder that God is still here, it's hard to really relate to the book. I liked it, and thought it was very well written. But, it isn't full of the answers to why God lets us suffer or endure pain. So, if that is what you are seeking, keep looking. I would give this a 3/5.
 FTC DISCLAIMER: “I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review”.

A Year With Jesus

"A Year With Jesus" is a 365 day devotional reading by R.P. Nettelhorst. This devotional is unique to others that I have read and reviewed in that each devotional is centered around Jesus' words in the Bible. I liked that the verses for each devotional were quotes from Jesus, and it almost gives the sense that Jesus is talking to you, which helps to feel like you are actually in a time of communication with Jesus, rather than just reading. The devotionals themselves are relatively short - each one is only one page long. The devotional starts out with the quote from the Scripture, and is followed by a brief explanation or analysis of the verses. The explanation is easy to understand, and really ties in well with the verses, and are relevant to everday living. This is a great devotional for a busy on the go mom or businessman, because it only requires a small amount of time to read every day. I really enjoyed this devotional, and would highly recommend it. 5/5!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements