“My First Veggie Bible Stories” by Pamela Kennedy and Anne Kennedy Brady

Illustrator Jerry Pittenger

Bible Stories Veggie Style!

The mother-daughter author team bring to life the popular VeggieTales characters telling kid-sized versions of Bible stories. Join them as they share events from both the Old and New Testaments.

Some of the things covered include Moses and the Red Sea, Queen Esther, and Jesus feeding the thousands. The book ends with the story of Jesus and Resurrection Sunday, Easter.

None of the stories are longer than one page, and are written with a small child in mind, so they can clearly understand them. Despite the book having fun with the VeggieTales friends, and being abbreviated for little ones, the stories’ integrity remains.

Everything is in a sturdy board book with bright colors used in all the illustrations. The nicely padded cover will feel good for little fingers. Children two to six-years-old will enjoy this five-star collection of Bible stories.

Thank you, Worthy Kids, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “My First Veggie Bible Stories,” for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

The Author’s Website:  https://pamelakennedy.net/about

 

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“My First Pop-Up Endangered Animals” by Owen Davey

Animals that Need Help

Some animals have such small numbers that they may disappear without help.  This book has pop-ups of fifteen such animals.  Because they are so beautifully done, each one will be memorable to little ones.  Additionally, the names and the world locations are given of every animal.

Once a year, we recognize this planet and our responsibility to take care of it.  This book is both adorable and gives a message to little ones about the fragile state animals are in. This is a  good choice to make that point.  Every page contains a pop-up animal.  I liked them all, but my favorite is the North American Rusty Patched Bumble Bee.

Hard-backed and well-made, this five-star book will be enjoyed by children ages three to seven.  Younger ones would like it, too, if they are supervised!

Thank you, Candlewick Publishing, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “My First Pop-Up Endangered Animals,” or the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

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“Sunday Fun Day: An Activity for Every Weekend of the Year” by Katherine Halligan

Jesus Verona, Illustrator

THIS is What You can Do!

How many parents have ever heard these words, “I’m bored, what can I do?”  Despite having lots of toys, movies, discs, and more, children can truly think there is nothing to do.

That is when the smart parent is ready, and has this book on hand.  It is brimming with things for a child to do.  Although it is geared for the weekends, many of these ideas can be used any day of the week.

Activities are divided into seasons.  For instance, in the spring, learn to dye eggs, make carrot cake, or learn to do leaf rubbings.

In the summer, create a window box, make sandcastles, or paint a pet rock.

When fall arrives, learn to bake a dessert, make an obstacle course, or create a memory jar.

In the winter, make twig stars, create your own wrapping paper, or grow a flowering amaryllis bulb in a pot you decorated—to keep for yourself or as a thoughtful gift.

You will find all these ideas and more in this over-sized, hardbacked book.  It is full of easy directions and colorful illustrations.  Never again will you dread hearing a child say they don’t have anything to do. With your help, now they do.  Children aged six to twelve-years-old will enjoy this five-star book.

Thank you, Nosy Crow, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Sunday Fun Day: An Activity for Every Weekend of the Year,” for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

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“Letters of Trust” by Wanda E. Brunstetter

For a Season…..

Eleanor is an Amish newlywed who has left all her family and friends to live in her husband Vic’s farming community. Although her parents had reservations about the marriage, Eleanor was in love, and disregarded their concerns. After the first few months of marriage, tragedy strikes Vic’s family, and he feels responsible for it.

Because of that, along with the constant urging of his friend, Vic begins drinking. He really likes the way alcohol makes him feel.

Soon, he needs to drink more and more to get that feeling. When Eleanor finds out, he is very penitent, and promises to never drink again. Unfortunately, he does not quit for long, and Eleanor discovers it. Once more, Vic says he is sorry, and he will stop drinking for good this time.

As time goes on, Vic’s drinking, lying, and temper get worse. Eleanor is sure Vic is an alcoholic, and must unburden herself of it all, so writes to her friend back home for support. She also reaches out to their church bishop.

Will any of these people help her? After all Eleanor has been through with Vic, should she just call it quits, and go back to her family?

This-five-star book is honest and transparent about what alcohol can do to a person, along with the tragic results the family must deal with. If faced with this situation in real life, much of the advice Eleanor receives would be worth following.

I recommend this story to those who like real-life tales.

Thank you, Barbour Publishing, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Letters of Trust,” or the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

The Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/WandaBrunstetterFans/

The Author’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/WBrunstetter

The Author’s Website:  https://wandabrunstetter.com/

 

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“Windswept Way” by Irene Hannon

More Than Skin Deep

Ashley is definitely out of her comfort zone. After being dumped by her boyfriend, and losing her job, she contacts a stranger, Rose, with a proposal. She wants the two to become partners and turn Rose’s large, historic home into a venue for weddings, speakers, and many other things she has in mind.

With Rose’s go ahead for the project, Ashley begins working with Jonathan and his company to bring the grounds up to date. Curiously, he keeps himself covered with a scarf, clothing and a mask.

Ashley learns Jonathan is a former model who was badly hurt while in combat, leaving him blind in one eye, missing some fingers, and his face and body covered with scars. As she tries to encourage him to quit hiding himself from the world, she finds herself caring more and more for him.

Despite Jonathan feeling the same way for Ashley, he does not think they can have a future together. He believes she will grow tired of how he looks, or weary of the revulsion seen in the faces around him.

Can love be based on what can’t be seen? When Ashley sees how bad his injuries are, will she think he is hideous, as others have? Will Jonathan’s severely scarred body prevent Ashley from seeing the good man he is?

This modern-day Beauty and the Beast story will touch your heart as obstacles arise to keep the two apart, and keep the house project from finishing. Do not let the word haunted turn you away from this tale, it is not one of ghosts, or the occult. In fact, faith is a factor in the character’s lives. This five-star book will be enjoyed by fans of impossible romances or underdog tales.

Thank you, Library Thing & Revell Books, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Windswept Way, or the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

The Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100050942934639

The Author’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/IreneHannon

The Author’s Website:  https://www.irenehannon.com/

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“The Metropolitan Affair” by Jocelyn Green

All That Glitters…..

Lauren has an unusual profession for a woman in the 1920’s because she works as an assistant curator at a famous museum. All her life, her father used his work on Egyptian archeological digs as an excuse to keep away from her mother and herself. Christmas and birthdays were ignored by him. Even when her mother was dying, he didn’t make time for them.

Suddenly, her past pops up in her life, first in the form of Joe. Although he had been her constant companion when they were children, they have not seen each other for years. Now he is a busy police detective trying to find out why his best friend and work partner went bad. He also needs to identify Egyptian forgeries, and asks Lauren for help.

The second part of her past to resurface is her father. He wants to have a relationship with her, and invites her to go on an Egyptian dig. As Lauren slowly allows her dad back in her life, red flags start appearing about him. When Lauren confronts her dad, he always has a good excuse.

In the meantime, things have started heating up in the forgery search, and with her relationship with Joe. Just as they are closing in on the ones involved, her dad’s name starts coming up. He can’t be involved, can he? That would mean he had used Lauren to further himself. Can he be that cold and calculating? Will they find the real person behind it all and clear her dad?

I enjoyed reading about the character’s faith. This exciting story has lots of red herrings, and will make you will feel like it is the 1920’s, and part of the Egyptian craze sweeping the nation–it was so far reaching that my midwestern mom, a child then, named her dog King Tut!

I recommend this five-star book to those who like mysteries, Egyptian history, or good clean stories.

Thank you, Bethany House for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, The Metropolitan Affair, for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

The Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/jocelyngreenauthor

The Author’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/jocelyngreen77

The Author’s Website:  https://www.jocelyngreen.com

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“Day by Day Guided Journal: 100 Ways to Capture Memories & Create Your Own Story” by Jess Conte

Who Am I? Now, You Know!

Do not let the word, “journal,” make you think this is just another attractive book to write thoughts in. It is far from that, because it is a guided journal. That means within these pages will be found instructions to follow that will tell your story, it will capture the real you.

Write down the people who are family to you–what are their names and a little about them. What kind of phone do you have, and who was the last person you contacted? Fill out a list of firsts, such as: what was your first pet, friend, home, or job?

There are places to express yourself creatively, as well as, space to tell how you feel about yourself from the perspective of your mind, body, or heart.

Some things will really make you think, some will make you laugh, and some will touch your soul. Despite you being the one filling this out, the end result may surprise you!

The journal itself is a lovely, hard-backed book with a beautiful canvas cover that has a light, floral theme.  It is sturdy, pleasant to the touch, and well-made.  The pages can handle lots of writing, and anything else chosen to put inside it.


Whether you get this for yourself or someone else, it is sure to become a very treasured keepsake. It is both uplifting and encouraging. I recommend this five-star journal to anyone wanting to create a one-of-a-kind jewel–you will be so glad you did!

Thank you, Ellie Claire, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Day by Day Guided Journal: 100 Ways to Capture Memories & Create Your Own Story, for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

 

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“God Heals: Eight Keys to Defeat Sickness and Receive Divine Healing” by Steve Austin

Please Heal Me!

This uplifting book offers assistance when asking God for healing. The author has eight principles that he believes will help you. Over the years, using them, he has seen many healed. Included are some of the healings that took place in the Bible along with examples he has witnessed. Lots of encouragements will keep your spirits up.

In the section of Prayers that Avail Much, the author supplies prayers for things like: the healing of yourself and your family, guidance for your healthcare workers, good sleep, finances, and freedom from worry, depression, doubt, and anxiety.

Although the author states that he has seen many people healed, some have not been, and he doesn’t know the answer to that. He wrote this book about healing despite that his mother fought hard against an illness, but did not survive. His advice is to follow the points in this book for healing, but to put everything in God’s hands to work it out. Remember that ultimately, God is in control, and we do not always understand His ways.

Whether healing comes or not, the book’s suggestions will bring your spirit peace. Things like listening to praise music and praising God, listing your blessings, and being thankful to God despite your circumstances will strengthen you, and build you up.

Included is a helpful list of some of the names of God, including: Jehovah Rapha, The God Who Heals You; Jehovah Baal Perazim, The God of the Breakthrough; and El Roi, The God Who Sees.

I really appreciate that the author admits that in the end, there will be those that do not receive a healing. But despite that, keep the faith, and trust God. This positive, five-star book will be an asset to anyone who longs to be made whole.

Thank you, Chosen Books, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “God Heals,” for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

The Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/LivingHopeChaplaincy/

The Author’s YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqRFLlOdp4Y_qDwQSCOziMg

The Author’s Website:  https://livinghopechaplaincy.com/home

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“After the Shadows” by Amanda Cabot

All is Not What it Seems!

Emily has returned home, a widow, after a year of a harrowing marriage to a monster. She discovers her husband never mailed any of the letters she sent to her family, and he destroyed the ones her family had sent her. Only when going through her dead husband’s things did she discover her mother had died.

Her sister, Louisa, despises her, and does not believe her protests that she did not know their mom had died. Additionally, she discovers her father, the town’s minster, dead and hanging in the barn. She is the only one who will not accept that he killed himself.

After their father’s death, the town treats the sisters like pariahs.

To try to save their home, and provide an income for them, Emily takes in borders, which infuriates Louisa even more.

The new schoolmaster, Craig, and his little son, Noah, along with a local widow move in with her. Some of the people boarding with her add to her life, while others are torture. As she gets involved with the lives of her guests, she finds herself standing up for a Down Syndrome child, helping with Noah, and renewing friendships. But all the while, she is wondering what really happened to her father.

Why are so many people dying in this small town? Will Emily ever get over the scars from her bad marriage, and be comfortable in the same room with a man? Can Emily find proof that her dad did not kill himself?

This five-star tale is clean, and has lots of red herrings. You will not want to put it down because it is such a good story. I recommend it to those who enjoy mysteries, stories in the 1800’s, and Christian fiction.

Thank you, Library Thing, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “After the Shadows,” for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

The Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/amanda.j.cabot

The Author’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/AmandaJoyCabot

The Author’s Website:  www.amandacabot.com

 

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“God’s Word for Me: 365 Daily Devotions for Girls” by VeggieTales

Best Children’s Devotional Ever with VeggieTales!

This book contains a short devotion for every day of the year that features the VeggieTales characters. Each one fills up just one little page, but what it contains really packs a punch. Each devotion covers a topic that will relate to kids such as: kindness from and to others; all kinds of friends, and feeling afraid.

Also included is a prayer, a Bible verse, a thought for the day and the devotion. A brightly colored VeggieTale character makes an appearance on each page, too.

There is a pink version for girls and a blue one for boys.

This is the best devotional book I have seen for children. It gets to the point, is easy to read, has topics that will appeal to kids, has small pages, and the bright colors will draw you in. This five-star book will appeal to grades first through sixth.

Thank you, Worthy Kids, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “God’s Word for Me: 365 Daily Devotions for Girls,” for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

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