Light From Distant Stars

The fascinating book, Light From Distant Stars, is the first I've read by Shawn Smucker. I found it rather interesting that as you read, you go through several thrilling journeys in one week of Cohen's life. One week reflecting on his childhood, his father's impending death, his sister's upcoming birth to his niece and nephew and many hurts from his past.  You will witness the journey of the childhood trauma he experienced.

As I was reading, I was intrigued. I couldn't put the book down, but yet as I went to explain the plot to someone I realized it was so complicated.  There are flashbacks in every other chapter (or there about) so it can be difficult to follow.

I think for me personally, it was the genre that threw me off. Not something I would normally pick up.  I've read other reviews of Light From Distant Stars and some loved it. Others were thrown off. I would say I am somewhere in the middle!  I would encourage you to read it and see what you think!

I was given a free copy of Light From Distant Stars from the publisher for my honest review, which I was happy to do!

Teen to Teen 2019-2020 Academic Planner

The Teen to Teen Academic Planner is a fantastic student planner just in time for the school year.I especially like the lay flat design of the 2019-2020 planner. There is a full year calendar, dates to remember for the entire school year, goals for each month, weekly schedule, semester planner, a calendar for the month, and finally weekly pages to write down assignments for each day. I especially like that each week there is a gratitude area to share what you are grateful for! In addition there is a scripture verse or an inspirational quote from a student on each page. 

My 15-year-old happened to see the planner and grabbed it right away and plans on using it this year.  This planner provides a great way for students to be inspired and have all of their assignments in one place. This journal is part of the Teen to Teen line from B & H Publishing. This planner will help to inspire students and help to keep them organized.

I was given aI was given a free Teen to Teen Academic Planner from  the publisher for my honest review. I was happy to just provide that.

Raise Them Up Praying God's Word Over Your Kids

I had the awesome opportunity to read Raise Them Up Praying God's Word Over Your Kids by Sally Burke and Cyndie Claypool De Neve.

First, a disclaimer. Sally Burke is president of Moms in Prayer International. I am involved in Moms in Prayer.

Second,  I LOVED this book! It offers great insight into praying for your kids. But not only that, it offers practical insight!  This book is for moms yet-to-be, moms of toddlers, moms of preschoolers, moms of elementary school children, moms of high school and middle school students, moms of college students and moms of children who are no longer in school. It also is for moms who home school!  This book will also resonate with anyone who works with children and wants to learn how to pray for them!

Sally and Cyndie review a practical method to use when praying and then launch into prayers for children. (Note: these can be used to pray for family members, co-workers, friends, etc.)

In Raise Them Up, you will read practical prayers for praying for Christian character, salvation, schoolwork, protection, praying through suffering, peace, for freedom from addiction, relationships, purity, boldness in faith, their future, for teachers, coaches, and mentors, and praying this generation will impact others for Christ. Cyndie and Sally also share how to teach your children to pray, the importance of praying with others, and praying God's Word.

This book offers fresh new content. This would make a great gift for yourself and a great gift to any mom!

I was given a free copy of Raise Them Up from the publisher for my honest review which I was happy to do. (And plan on purchasing some to give away to friends!)

When You Need to Move A Mountain by Linda Evans Shepherd

I had the opportunity to learn more about prayer by reading When You Need to Move a Mountain by Linda Evans Shepherd. This book offers great strategies and new insights on prayer. As one involved in a prayer ministry, I found new content in this book that offered fresh ideas.

Linda weaves her story along with the stories of others throughout When You Need to Move A Mountain.  There are helpful tools and tips to encourage and help develop your prayer time.  I enjoyed When You Need to Move a Mountain and would recommend this book. It is a great resource.

I was given a complimentary copy of When You Need to Move A Mountain for my honest review,  which I was happy to do!

The Jesus Who Surprises Bible Study ~ Review!

The Jesus Who Surprises is an excellent Bible study by Dee Brestin. This book takes an in-depth look at Old Testament scripture {specifically Genesis, Psalms, and Isaiah} and how it is relevant to the gospel of Jesus. This book is designed for a group to participate in together, however it can be done by an individual. Readers would first start by reading a chapter, answering five days worth of Bible study questions, and then coming together as a group to share their responses to the questions. There is an optional “kick off chapter”, and thirteen chapters for the Bible study.

I did enjoy The Jesus Who Surprises by Dee Brestin. I did not do the Bible study as intended, but found that reading the chapters and her insight and wisdom were invaluable. I appreciated all that she had to share and as she weaved the Old Testament through the gospel of Jesus.  This Bible study book will open eyes to Jesus and His gospel through all of scripture. I would recommend The Jesus Who Surprises by Dee Brestin as a personal Bible study or a group Bible study.

I was given a complimentary copy of The Jesus Who Surprises by Dee Brestin by the publisher for my honest review. I am happy to give a positive review for this study.

Yours Truly, Thomas by Rachel Fordham

I LOVED Yours Truly, Thomas by Rachel Fordham! (In other words, I couldn't put it down and read it in 3 days!!!!! This is excellent historical fiction!

Penny works in the dead letter office.  This is the office where letters that cannot be delivered end up. It is up to those in the dead letter office to either find the intended recipient, or dispose of the letter. One day Penny reads a touching letter from Thomas to his love, Clara. She knows she must find Clara and even attempts to deliver the letter in person.  However...

No spoilers here.

I throughly enjoyed Yours Truly, Thomas by Rachel Fordham  It is the first book I read by Rachel Fordham, but I will be on the lookout for more!  It is an enjoyable historical fiction that captures the readers attention!

I would HIGHLY recommend Yours Truly, Thomas by Rachel Fordham!!!  Beach reading, weekend reading, waiting for appointments reading, etc!

I was given a free copy by the publisher for my honest review. I am more than trilled to do just that!

Why I Like Being a Baker Books Blogger

Why I Like Love Being a Baker Books Blogger!

I was asked to use this blog title, but had to change it because I do LOVE being a Baker Books Blogger.

What does a Baker Books Blogger do? Glad you asked! You sign up for books that you are interested in when you get an email. Generally the emails are once a month. You can request a hard copy or a digital copy.

You then read the book (in it's entirety!) and have a set date that you need to submit your review. For your review, you need to blog about it and then post it at several book retailers. (This old school book report!!! So much fun!) I like to do more than just one retailer. You also need to be fair in your book review. And honest. I always try to be honest, even though I know authors pour a lot into their work!

Finally, you need to let your readers know that you did receive a free book from the publisher for your honest review. 

I have been so blessed to participate in the Baker Books Blogger program! I enjoy reading new books and being exposed to different authors, some I would have never read!

To sign up go here.