“Why God?” by Dan Dewitt Illustrated by Christine Grove

Posted on June 4, 2019 by Becky

Illustrated by Christine Grove

Hard Questions, Simple Answers!

How do you respond to a child that asks, “how do we know God is real?”  Or, “what is sin?”  This book has those explanations, and they are given in the way small children will understand.  When a mom is asked those questions by her two children, she explains that God has left clues to his existence all over the world, “he didn’t leave them without a clue” (Acts 14:16-18) that point to His existence.   Clues can even be found in our hearts—“you will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13).

Another clue the mom tells them about is the precise distance our world is located from the sun.  If it were just a bit closer, it would be too hot for us to live, but if the world were a little bit father, we would all freeze.  She talks of how the world is broken, and that it became that way because of Adam and Eve disobeying God (sin).

This book does a very good job of making hard thing easily understood for children.  It is never too soon for your kids to get answers for why they should believe in God.  This book is a very useful tool for that.  This oversized, hard-backed volume, contains bright, illustrations on every page—making it both fun to look at and read.  At the end of the book, there is a Parent Connect page that contains more good information for parents about the subject.

The book is geared toward children aged four to eight, but I think it would work for older and younger kids.  I encourage parents to use this 5-star book to talk to their children about faith, and the existence of God.

B & H Publishing, has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of Why God? 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/dandewitt

The Author’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/dandewitt?lang=en

The Author’s Website:  https://www.theolatte.com/dandewitt/

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Whose Waves These Are by Amanda Dykes

Posted on May 31, 2019 by Becky

An Amazing Story, Don’t Miss It!

 

As a child, Annie Bliss was allowed to spend one idyllic summer with her great uncle Bob in his small village in Maine.  The little girl and crusty fisherman bonded completely, but because of the mysterious rift between Bob and her father, Annie was never allowed to visit him again. Now an adult, she is suddenly summoned back to Bob’s side where Annie finds him languishing in a coma.  As she spends days hoping and praying for him to awaken, she stumbles across some interesting clues that may point to how Bob has spent his life.  As Annie tries to discover what these puzzling items mean, she uncovers an amazing story of love, loss, grief, and renewal.  Besides the incredible life she learns Bob has lived, she finds the unbelievable way past actions can link to our, as well as other’s, futures–and those links can even impact love relationships.  Annie may have even unearthed the mystery involving her dad and Bob.

This is an amazing story that will grab your heart and won’t let go.  Bob is almost bigger than life because of the way he has lived, even to the end, regardless of incredible limitations.  However, this is a believable story.  Having personally been brought up by parents who were part of the Greatest Generation, I can attest to many of them living life the same as Bob.  Despite the hardships of the Great Depression and the losses of  a World War, that group kept going without losing their “never give up” attitude.  Amanda Dykes has written a terrific story that is entertaining and a real page turner, but it is also a love story to the Greatest Generation.  This may be the first novel this author has written, but I predict we will be hearing more from her.  This story will quickly draw you in and leave you wanting more.  It shows how today’s choices can end up crossing paths with others’ lives, even in generations to come.  This tale has it all and is told from a Christian point of view.  I highly recommend this 5+ star book to anyone who enjoys well-written fiction.

Bethany House Publishing has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of Whose Waves These Are, 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/authoramandadykes

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

The Author’s Website:  www.amandadykes.com

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Our Unsolved Memorial Day Mystery!

Posted on May 27, 2019 by Becky

For those of you who know me, you may have already heard this true story, if so I apologize.

Today is Memorial Day, and because of that, I remember the long-standing tradition my family had of yearly taking flowers to our relative’s graves to decorate them (my older relatives would call it Decoration Day).  Because of that, we noticed when an unusual mystery began that involved two of our family’s grave sites, along with one single, long-stemmed rose.   For years, the rose would alternate on one grave or the other, but never on both graves the same year.  We had a small family, so there weren’t too many suspects, and they swore they were not bringing it.   And that is how the real-life mystery in our family proceeded for many decades, and has never been solved.

These are the facts:

The red rose was obviously from a florist and wrapped in tissue paper.  There were no markings on the paper to explain what store it came from.

The rose first appeared on my cousin’s grave after his death in 1968, and was on it exclusively until 1974.  After that time and the deaths of my aunt and uncle, the rose alternated between my cousin’s grave and my aunt & uncle’s.

My aunt and uncle did not have children, so my cousin was not their child.

Although they were all buried in the same huge cemetery, their graves were so far apart we often drove to each because of the distance.  The graves were not close enough for the flower to inadvertently be left on one or the other monuments, the rose had to be purposely taken where it was found.

The rose continued to appear every Memorial Day on one of the graves until it stopped suddenly around 2005.  It was always a fresh red rose from the florist until the last couple of years when it was replaced by a single, red silk rose.

We visited the graves at Christmas, and other times throughout the year, but the rose never came then.  The red rose only appeared on Memorial Day.

Over the years, there were relatives or friends we suspected might be responsible for it.  But they passed away, and the rose kept coming.  We know of no one with connections to both my cousin–along with my aunt and uncle–who passed away when the rose quit appearing, that would explain why it stopped coming.  Nor did any relatives, the few we had left, pass away at that time either.

So, who was bringing the rose?  We never did know, and that is the puzzle…if anyone has an idea, I would welcome your comments!

Hope your Memorial Day was happy, and not mysterious!

God bless you all!!

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Giveaway! Let Your Imagination Soar!!

Posted on May 24, 2019 by Becky

Fairy Princesses, Sparkling Parties & You!!

Once upon a time, did you like imagining, dressing up and pretending?  As a child, I certainly did.  Going hand in hand with that was the idea of a party with my stuffed animal friends–or even human ones. Why not consider throwing a get together with a little one in your life?  Make a child’s dreams come alive by having a party filled with Snow Queen Punch, Unicorn Calzones, or Angel Cloud Cakes.  Barbara Beery has written the Pink Princess Cookbook, and the Fairies Cookbook which contain all the information to make all those items and more.   The recipes are easy with short ingredient lists and simple instructions.  Color pictures illustrate each item making recreating them a breeze.

Before you know it, your shindig will be ready to go.  With the addition of glitter, tiaras, tulle or fairy wings you can make it fancy and shiny.  Or keep it as simple as you want, with one or more little guests.   Any way you choose to do it will make it an event to remember.

I am happy to say that I have a copy of Barbara Beery’s Pink Princess & Fairies Cookbooks to give away to one lucky winner!

How do you win the Let Your Imagination Soar Package?  First, you must follow my blog.   Go to the upper right hand side of this page, and follow my blog.  Then note in the Rafflecopter your email address, and that you have followed me, or you already are a follower.  I will use your email address to contact you if you win, and will not pass it on.  The best of luck to you.  You must be a resident in the continental USA and 18 or older to enter.  No purchase necessary! *

Only one entrant is allowed per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from Walking with Jesus in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.   Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

Giveaways only valid in continental USA.

*See Disclaimer Section in above drop-down heading under picture.

This giveaway is now over.

Thanks to everyone who entered!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

THE BEST OF LUCK TO ALL OF YOU!

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Bear’s Book by Claire Freedman

Posted on May 23, 2019 by Becky

Illustrations by Alison Friend

Friends, Love & Surprises!

Bear sets out for a walk in a lovely forest to solve a problem, but at every turn, his plans are changed.  First, he runs into his friend mouse, then friend rabbit, followed by his fiends the owls—and they all need his help.  Bear returns home discouraged since he never had time to work on his own troubles.  The ending contains a surprise along with the benefits that comes from putting the needs of others ahead of your own.

Bear learns that by not putting himself first, he comes out ahead.  In addition to that valuable lesson, the book can also be used to encourage a child’s creativity.

The enchanting illustrations that appear on every page of this tale really hit a home run, and bring this story to life.   They are warm, eye-catching, and sure to bring happy giggles to the little ones looking at this 5-star book.  This hard-backed, over-sized volume is geared towards three to seven-year-olds, although I think children a few years older will also like the book.  Bear’s Book will be enjoyed by children who are fond of stories that involve animals or imagination.

Candlewick Press has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of Bear’s Book, 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:  http://www.clairefreedman.co.uk/

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

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The Unexpected Champion by Mary Connealy

Posted on May 17, 2019 by Becky

Hold on for a Thrilling Tale!

Get ready to face kidnappers, murderers, and danger as Penny Scott and John McCall run for their lives while trying to figure out who is after them.  Penny is a tough wilderness woman who can find food and survive in any wilderness. John is a city-dwelling Pinkerton agent who can disguise his identity instantly, and is the master of undercover methods.  The two of them can’t stand each other but will need all of their talents to discover who is behind the plot to get rid of them.  What follows is a wild romp in the 1860’s through the Lake Tahoe area.

Can Penny and John quit bickering with each other long enough to discover who is trying to kill them?  Will the two of them be able to figure out the clues left by a dead man?  If they uncover who their dangerous adversary is, will he be too strong and powerful for them to stop?

This thriller is full of action, excitement, a dash of romance, and a sprinkling of humor–all told in a clean story from a Christian perspective.  The Unexpected Champion is the third installment in the High Sierra Sweethearts Series, but the story stands alone without reading the others.  However, after enjoying this tale, you will want to get the rest of the series to discover the adventures these characters have had.  I recommend this 5-star story to anyone who likes to be entertained, enjoys 1800’s stories, or well-written fiction.

Bethany House Publishing through NetGalley has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of The Unexpected Champion, 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.

Author’s Website:  http://maryconnealy.com/

Author’s Website:  http://petticoatsandpistols.com/

Author’s Blog:  http://mconnealy.blogspot.com/

Author’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/MaryConnealy

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The Tinder Box by Beverly Lewis

Posted on May 13, 2019 by Becky

Surprising Consequences!

It is very unusual for someone who did not grow up Amish to give up modern conveniences, and join the plain people.  But that is exactly what young adult Earnest Miller did.  After the passing of twenty years, he has built up a successful business.  During that time, a loving marriage to Rhoda took place, and together they have had many children.   Earnest has become a well-respected member of his adopted Amish society.  But he has also been keeping a secret.

Earnest has always kept a locked tinder box on a tall shelf in his clock shop.  Unknown to him, his daughter Sylvia has always thought the life he led before becoming Amish a fascinating mystery—and would like to know more about it.  She has been equally curious about what is inside the tinder box.  It has drawn her for years.  The day it was mistakenly left unlocked, she gave into temptation to look inside.   By her opening it, Sylvia sets into motion a sequence of events that not only change all their lives, but may very well be their undoing.

 Amish life can have lots of twists and turns, and this story is no exception.  While the entire family is reeling from the consequences of opening the box, another surprise lands in their lap–the arrival of a stranger.  This outsider, Adeline Pelham, has an unbelievable story that she says involves them.

Will Sylvia see what kind of guy her fiancé really is, along with the control his mother has over him?  Can Rhoda ever get back the loving relationship she once had with Earnest?  Could it be possible the story Adeline tells them is true?  The book ends on a cliff hanger, so the answers to all those questions will have to wait for the conclusion in The Timepiece. I was disappointed to have to wait for The Timepiece, to answer the above questions, but this is a well-written book.  Because of that, it is easy for the readers to understand how the characters feel in different situations they face—and it will keep you turning the pages for more.  In life, secrets have a way of finding their way out, and The Tinder Box is proof of that.  This non-offensive, 5-star story is told from a Christian viewpoint, and it will be enjoyed by fans of Amish, or well-written fiction.

Bethany House Publishing has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of The Tinder Box, 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:  http://www.beverlylewis.com/

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

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Flight of the Raven by Morgan L. Busse

Posted on May 3, 2019 by Becky

Exciting Times!

Lady Selene has just married Lord Damien, but it was not a love match.  Instead, it was done out of desperation to save her life.  She yearns to know Damien’s real feelings towards her.  Kindness and fairness abound in her new husband’s life, as well as, in the treatment of his people.  It is very different from the cold House of Ravenwood where she grew up.

The Great Light is often spoken of in her new home.  Damien actively believes in and worships the Light, but Selene is unsure.  Her dreams are haunted by the Dark Lady, causing her to be exhausted and tense.  Shockingly, things she sees in her dreams begin taking place in real life.  She urgently wants to bring it to an end, and spends lots of time pouring over ancient texts hoping to find an answer.

Unknown to Selene, her sister, Lady Amara, pursues Selene to rain destruction on Damien and his kingdom.  Spurred on by their mother’s order not to return unless she is successful, and coupled with Amara’s jealousy of Selene, she will go to any lengths to be victorious.

Damien and Selene gently begin to get to know each other, talk of their amazing gifts, and consider what all their future’s may be.  At the same time, storm clouds of war are gathering, and a clash among the houses seems destined to take place with the spring thaw.

There is much good versus evil in this tale.  Selene is torn between what she has known her entire existence, and the life she is exposed to in her new home.  Excitement in this story builds, leaving the reader on the edge of their seat wanting to know what happens next.  Flight of the Raven is the second story in the Ravenwood Saga, and has enough backstory to be read on its own–but the tale would be much richer if the first book is read.  I highly recommend this 5-star book to all who enjoy fantasy and adventure with a Christian point of view.

Bethany House Publishing through NetGalley has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of Flight of the Raven, 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:   www.morganlbusse.com

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

The Author’s Twitter:   https://twitter.com/morganlbusse?lang=en

The Author’s Ten Favorite Characters from Flight of the Raven:  https://morganlbusse.com/2019/04/09/ten-favorite-characters-from-flight-of-the-raven/

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A Quick Giveaway of God Made Mommy Special by Glenys Nellist

Posted on May 1, 2019 by Becky

The Love of Mommy!

This is one of the cutest children’s books I have ever seen.

A group of adorable baby animals want the reader to meet their mommies so they can explain why she’s wonderful.  Invitations to get to know their mommy come from a dolphin, an owl, and a squirrel along with others, each cuter than the last.  They all offer reasons why their mommy is the greatest.  They share the special times each one has had with their mommy, along with the incredible way God made her for each one of them.  Each mom teaches her child something important.

The story concludes with a child who wants the reader to meet their mommy.  The child speaks lovingly of her, and tells of the special things she does and teaches—along with how much love they have for each other.

A child’s hands will love the feel of the nicely padded cover of this board book, and the brightly colored illustrations on every page will surely catch their eye.  Every mom and her child will love to read this together.  With Mother’s Day coming up, this would be a perfect gift for a mother and child in your life!  I highly recommend this 5+ star book, it is a treat for all who read it.

 

The giveaway!

If you act fast, the author is running a giveaway on her site:  https://www.glenysnellist.com/a-three-book-giveaway-of-god-made-mommy-special-just-in-time-for-mothers-day/#more-4620.  The Instagram winner will be announced on Thursday May 2nd. Facebook & website winners announced Saturday, May 4th, 2019, so hurry over!!

The Author’s Giveaway Website:  https://www.glenysnellist.com/a-three-book-giveaway-of-god-made-mommy-special-just-in-time-for-mothers-day/#more-4620

The Author’s Website:   https://www.glenysnellist.com/god-made-mommy-special-god-made-daddy-special/

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

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

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Book Review “Open Door Living” by Jen Schmidt

Posted on April 30, 2019 by Becky

Easy Ways to Share the Gift of Hospitality

Welcome!

This thin hard-backed volume has a beautiful embossed cover, contains lots of lovely pictures, and is easy to read through in one sitting.  But it is more than just a nice-looking book.

Inside its pages are suggestions for hosting guests in your home, no matter if you are young, old, single or married.  There are ideas to have a gathering even if you don’t have much material wealth or many possessions.  A list of possible conversation starters is included in case conversation lags.  The author has added a few recipes along with ideas of how to entertain in formal or informal ways.  The recommendations given can be adapted to a gathering of your own, or it can be a good jumping off point to tailor a shindig to your taste.

Open Door Living emphasizes that no matter what, welcoming someone into your home is a rewarding experience.  Friendships can be started or strengthened by having people in, memories can be made that will warm your heart for years.  The old adage that it is better to give than receive will be experienced by the adventure you will get by inviting others into your home.

Lots of encouraging sayings pepper the pages of this volume, as well as, some real-life examples of hosting that have taken place.  Follow this book’s advice, and socialize with others.  Our Lord, in the book of Hebrews, doesn’t tell us to meet together just to make extra work for us. We are instructed to do so because we will be blessed by it.  We will have a richer, fuller life when we reach out to others.

Have a get together, host it in your home—don’t find reasons not to do it.  This little volume will give ideas to get you started entertaining, and avoid getting side tracked by making it unnecessarily hard.  I recommend this 5-star book to anyone wanting to add fun to their life.

B & H Publishing has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of Open-Door Living, 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.

Click here to find the book.

About the Author:  For the last decade, Jen Schmidt has been encouraging, challenging, and cheering on women to embrace both the beauty and bedlam of their everyday lives on her popular lifestyle blog, Balancing Beauty and Bedlam. With a variety of topics—from easy dinner ideas and personal finance to leaving a legacy—Jen equips others to live life to its fullest, reminding them it’s the little things that really are the big things in life. A popular speaker, worship leader and founder/host of the annual Becoming Conference, Jen shares with humor and authenticity as she invites others to join her on this bumpy, beautiful life journey. She lives in North Carolina with her husband, five children, a few too many animals, and an available sofa for anyone who needs it.

The Author’s Websites:  https://www.incourage.me/author/jennifer-schmidt

https://beautyandbedlam.com/?fbclid=IwAR2gvPVrxbS1eqXnHlAvjXeesY4fT8ZpKcPtSp5oD-a9yObmpGTsxn-nZ1E

The Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/beautyandbedlam/photos/jen-schmidt-author-of-just-open-the-door-how-one-invitation-can-change-a-generat/10151043939379995/

The Author’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/beautyandbedlam?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

 

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