“The NIV Quest Study Bible” by Zondervan & Christianity Today

Posted on September 27, 2019 by Becky

Comfort Print: The Only Q and A Study Bible

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Word that Goes On and On….

This very readable book proclaims that it is the only study Bible that also answers thousands of questions about itself.  The layout is riveting with the NIV scripture in a single column of text that is easy on the eyes, while the 9.9 font makes it effortless to read.  A blue-colored column is on the side which contain lots of interesting questions and answers, such as, what does it mean to be stiff-necked (see 2 Chronicles 36:13)?  Or, what was “the Way” (see Acts 19:23)?

Sometimes more in-depth questions appear at the bottom.  Many hot topics are covered there such as, was the world created in a literal six days?  Was Noah’s flood worldwide, or just the localized world of the people involved?  If you are conservative, you may find the answers are not strong enough.  On the other hand, if you aren’t conservative, you may want the answers to more powerfully support your point of view.

It must be remembered that the added answers or commentaries in Bibles are not the inerrant words of God.  Rather, they are the written opinions of other people that have been added for clarification.

What does God really think? Knowing His word will help you with that, and reading this study Bible will make it easy for you.  You can then decide if you agree with the commentaries. This format is one of the most helpful I have seen, and I personally enjoyed reading it.   I recommend this 5-star Bible to all who want to know God’s word.

Bible Gateway Blogger Grid has provided bookreadingtic as a member of #BibleGatewayPartner with a complimentary copy of the NIV Quest Study Bible, 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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“Pick a Pumpkin” by Patricia Toht

Posted on September 23, 2019 by Becky

Illustrated by Jarvis

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Great Pumpkin!

Join the good times this family has as they take part in fall activities.  It begins by visiting a pumpkin patch and selecting their favorite squash.  Friends and family gather as the kids learn to scoop out the insides while deciding what to carve on it. Later on, the family dresses in costumes as together they go house to house getting treats.  But the most exciting thing is seeing their carved pumpkin with a light inside glowing in the night.

Children will enjoy seeing the transformation of the pumpkin, along with all the merry making the family has along the way.  Besides the pumpkin shining, this story shines, too.  That is because everything about this tale involves family, along with the fun everyone has doing things with each other.  Jarvis provided eye-catching, colorful illustrations on every page that captures all the festivity–including the glow of the many pumpkins sprinkled across the pages. This over-sized, hardbacked, 5-star book will be a favorite of children all year long.

Candlewick Press has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of Pick a Pumpkin, 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 Twitter:  https://twitter.com/patriciatoht?lang=en

The Author’s Website:  http://www.patriciatoht.com

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“The Gryphon Heist” by James R. Hannibal

Posted on September 23, 2019 by Becky

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Scamming the Bad Guy!

Tailia Inger along with her friend, Eddie Gupta, have just become CIA operatives.  They are supposed to be sent on an easy job in eastern Europe.  Instead the job morphs into a huge race against time to stop the Gryphon, a radical defense technology, before it used to kill thousands.  In order to do that, the two will get in league with Adam Tyler.  This man is trying to con the person with the Gryphon into believing Adam is really Lukon, a notorious assassin turned business man.  A team is gathered of experts in different clandestine fields to help pull off the deception.  But is it all really a con?

This fast-moving story has it all:  intrigue, mystery, thrills, as this group covers the far corners of world in an attempt to stop the Gryphon.   Surprising truths are uncovered, including startling clues that surface about Adam, along with a high-ranking CIA member.  There is also an amazing story-line about unforgiveness in Talia’s life and what it has done to her, even physically.

I would match this book against any action/thriller out there and say this tale will hold its own, or beat it.  Additionally, it is done without cursing, sexual situations or excessive descriptions of violence—all told from a Christian point of view that flows naturally into the story.  This author is very, very good, and you will not put his book down once it is picked up!  I highly recommend this 5+ star book to anyone who likes edge of their seat, very well-written stories.

Revell Publishing has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of, The Gryphon Heist, 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/JamesRHannibal/

The Author’s Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/JamesRHannibal/

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

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

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“Great & Small Prayers for Babies” by B&H Kids Editorial Staff, Pamela Kennedy

Posted on September 20, 2019 by Becky

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Illustrated by Anna Abramskaya

Charming for a Little One!This darling board book by Pamela Kennedy features a surprise with every turn.  Each pair of pages in this cute little volume features a picture of an animal along with a short prayer of thankfulness.  The prayers are no more than three lines, usually two, and surrounded by a decorative indentation.  There is also a delightful extra when the prayer in the indentation folds out to reveal another picture that will be sure to bring a smile and a giggle!The prayers are simple, in an easy flowing style that will be pleasant to little ears.  For instance, one page says:

“Thanks for the birds and bumble bees.”Followed by another that says:

“Thanks for the rocks and grass and trees.”Do not think that the book’s economical price means this volume is cheaply made.  It is just the opposite, the pages are sturdy with a nice, smooth covering over them.  Even the indentations are smooth, so there are no worries about little fingers being hurt when tracing or touching this volume. The illustrations by Anna Abramskaya are adorable, making this a sweet book for a baby or small child.  I highly recommend this 5+ star book to add to your collection, or give it as a gift!

B & H Kids Publishing has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of Great & Small Prayers for Babies, 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/

 

 

 

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Harvest Time 3 Bean Salad, Gluten-Free

Posted on September 16, 2019 by Becky

 

 

 

 

 

1 can wax beans, drained

1 can green beans, drained

1 can kidney beans, drained

1 cup apple juice or cider

½ cup water

2/3 cup Swerve

½ teaspoon chopped garlic, if desired

Combine everything in a saucepan and bring to a boil.  Lower heat, and stir for 3 minutes.  Remove from heat.  Chill 3 hours or overnight, serve.

We love this salad.  It is an easy alternative to lettuce salads, and is good year round!

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“Snuggle Time Fall Blessings” by Glenys Nellist

Posted on September 10, 2019 by Becky

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Illustrated by Cee Biscoe

Fall is in the Air!

As the autumn weather gets crispy, this is an excellent time to snuggle with a little one, and this book is a perfect addition.  When you settle down with your child, you will both enjoy the ear tickling, enchanting verses that are sprinkled throughout the book’s pages.  While saying goodbye to summer, adorable illustrations show fun things about fall.  From getting out warmer clothes, to enjoying a bonfire, to the delightful colors the leaves change into, this book will cause you and your child to enjoy the marvels of this period.Autumn itself is a thankful time with Thanksgiving celebrated during this season–making this a timely tale.  But this cute board book will be fun for children throughout the year, and its nicely padded cover will feel great in little and big hands alike.This playful book is based on Psalm 9:1 “Lord I will give thanks to you with all my heart.” There are plenty of things to be gleeful about throughout the pages of this tale, leaving a smile on the faces of both the reader and the child.  You may even want to roast some marshmallows or go leaf hunting!  I highly recommend this 5+ star book to anyone who wants to enjoy this time of year. Zonderkidz and the author have provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of Snuggle Time Fall Blessings 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://www.glenysnellist.com/

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

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

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Hello Autumn, Goodbye Summer!

Posted on September 9, 2019 by Becky

My dad grew up on a farm that had been in his family for three generations, located in northeastern Kansas.  In addition to all the normal crops and livestock, the area was full of apple orchards.  The autumn time was special because that was when the apples were harvested, and apple products abounded.  Even though I was raised in the city, in the fall, my parents and I often traveled to dad’s old hometown along with the orchard areas.  Not only did we enjoy fresh apples, we picked out pumpkins, and sometimes got cornstalks for fall displays in our yard.

As the calendar has turned to September, fall is on its way while summer is bidding us goodbye.  My thoughts turn to the fall activities of my youth, and the fun I had with simple pleasures.  I hope you can enjoy visiting apple orchards, seeing the colorful leaves that begin to appear before our eyes, or indulge in tasty treats of the season—pumpkin pie, squash casseroles, or apple cider—to name just a few.

Whatever you do, may God bring you blessings during this wonderful time of the year!

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“NIrV Illustrated Holy Bible for Kids” from Zondervan

Posted on August 29, 2019 by Becky

The New International Reader’s Version (NIrV)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words!

Pictures, lots of pictures!  That’s what I always wanted in my children’s Bible, but there were just a tiny number.  Not so with this new one from Zondervan.  The cover promises over 750 images, and there surely are that many, some pages even feature two!  With all the colors, and fun fonts, it is a pleasure to look through this volume.  Additionally, there is a bright, hardback cover with padding, that feels good in your hands.  The pages are thicker than thin Bible ones—making it more durable for sometimes rough little fingers.  When all the pages are viewed from the side, there will be found handy, color coordinated edges that makes locating the books easier.

Since this is an introduction to the Bible for young readers, lots was done to make this easy to read and understand.  The book’s format was created just for kids, and written on a third-grade reading level.  However, I think it will be enjoyed by older ages as well.  Chapter and verse numbers, along with foot notes were left out to make the text less confusing for kids.  The fonts and pictures use lots of bright colors making this very appealing and inviting. This children’s Bible is sure to be a hit with kids, give it a try! The only change I would make would be to make the font one point bigger. I highly recommend this five-plus-star children’s Bible. 

Bible Gateway Blogger Grid has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of NIrV Illustrated Holy Bible for Kids, 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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German Apple Pork Chops, Gluten Free

Posted on August 29, 2019 by Becky

 

 

 

 

5 boneless pork chops

3 apples, peeled, cored and cut into small pieces

1 cut-up onion

1/2 quart gluten-free chicken broth

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 1/2 Tablespoons Swerve, or sweetener of choice

1/4 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon chopped garlic

1/2 teaspoon McIlhenny Co. TABASCO Brand Buffalo Style Hot Sauce

1/4 cup water

1 heaping Tablespoon of cornstarch

In a large skillet over medium heat, lightly brown pork chops each side.  Add chopped onion, sauté until soft; next, add apples and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes.  Add the rest of the ingredients, and cook at least 1 hour, or longer, until the chops are very tender, and test done with a meat thermometer.  Whisk cornstarch into 1/4 cup water until mixed and well blended.  Remove pork chops.  Turn heat to low, and whisk cornstarch mixture into skillet.  Once it is thoroughly blended, add pork chops back into skillet, making sure they are all covered with sauce.   Cover and turn off heat, keeping skillet on hot burner, and let sit 5 minutes.  Serve. 

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“The Great Lemonade Stand Standoff” by Art Rainer

Posted on August 27, 2019 by Becky

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Making Lemonade from Life’s Lemons!

Life changes when three friends Jake, Sophia and Brody, sniff a bad smell at school.  Through the mysterious Agent G. B., they discover they are in danger of being taken over by the Albatross and turned into Albies.  Besides being selfish and not wanting to help others, Albies also smell bad!  The three friends can save themselves if they become secret agents and complete a mission to help their classmate, Drew, before the Albies get him.

This spy tale will tickle children’s imaginations with lots of action including the secret world at the end of the rocket slide, along with the many ways the Albies try to stop the mission from being successful.

In addition to being a cute story, this book also teaches money management using the principles of Give, Save, and Live–all on a child’s level.  Questions at the end of the volume help kids think about real life ways to put these ideas to work.  On his blog,  https://www.artrainer.com/the author has lots of great information about this topic for children and adults alike.

This is book one in the Secret Slide Money Club series, with more adventures, and lessons to learn in upcoming stories—all from a Christian point of view.  This 5-star story would be enjoyed by children who can read through tweens.

B & H Kids Publishing has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of The Great Lemonade Stand Standoff, 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 Blog:  https://www.artrainer.com/?fbclid=IwAR1BJBdPdhsGhFZU0_OoukMgLrmkGdilQMzRrB8CKS9JA4M_T95FMwkL1_A

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

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