All of us endure hard times at some point in our lives. There is not a question of if, but of when; the biggest differences between people, rather, are how we handle those challenges upon their arrival. In her Memoir, One Call Away Answering Life’s Challenges with Unshakeable Faith, Brenda Warner details some of the difficulties she has faced.

In her book Warner chronicles her childhood in Iowa, time spent in her dream career field of the Marines, marriage, injury of a child, the subsequent downfall of her marriage, single parenthood, meeting her future husband, NFL all star Kurt Warner followed by the ups and downs of their life together today. She does so with such honesty of emotion that it is difficult to put down.

This book was an amazing testament to what God can do with a life that is surrendered to Him. Through her dependence on the Lord, Warner triumphs through some of the most heart wrenching experiences, coming through intact and stronger from the struggle, not because of her strength but because of her source. It is an excellent reminder to anyone who is currently struggling and is an inspiration to those who are not and is an example for everyone on where to turn when the going gets tough. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and promptly passed it along to my sister who was anxiously awaiting its arrival!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Most of us could point out someone we have encountered who has adopted. Adoption has certainly become more and more prevalent and even accepted in our society, but is still somewhat shrouded in mystery, largely misunderstood; the trials an adoptive family faces unlike any other.

Love You More: The Divine Surprise of Adopting My Daughter is the story of the author, Jennifer Grant, and her family as they adopt a baby girl from Guatemala. In it, Grant details her feelings regarding many of the hurdles that adoptive families face, from the mounds of paperwork, the inquisitions into their personal lives through the home study process, and even the strenuous time of waiting for that beloved and much anticipated child to be found and cleared to come “home”.  She also deals with post adoption struggles such as blending your family, helping the child adjust to their new environment and the emotional encounter that adoption sometimes is.

Being that my husband and I are in the process of adopting, I found this book very poignant and refreshing. I loved her openness and honesty about adoption, and especially her sensitivity towards those, who like me have chosen adoption after battling infertility. Even in the early stages of our adoption process, and in spite of the fact that we are adopting from the foster system rather than internationally, I can certainly echo her sentiments on many points, even reading parts to my husband, declaring this book one of my new favorites. Thanks Thomas Nelson for the opportunity to read this book for free through the Booksneeze blogger program! 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

     Conquering our fears is a big step in every child’s life, especially when that fear involves exploration and adventure. Children love adventure but are sometimes afraid of what that journey may hold, which is exactly where we find Padraig and Roger of The Dragon and the Turtle Go on Safari.

     Padraig and Roger are brave explorers who are determined to spend their evening camping, munching on their favorite snacks and most of all, staying outside all night. As the evening wears on, however, several noises distract them and even incite fear into the hearts of our courageous friends. As they work together they learn that as a team, and with God’s help, they can conquer their fears and have fun at the same time, even fears that seem bigger at night.

     This book, geared for children aged 4-8 by Donita K. Paul and Evangeline Denmark is an excellent segue into dealing with childhood feelings of fear. Children learn in a fun way how to constructively deal with the issues that scare them, all the while learning that God is always by their side, just as Padraig and Roger were there for each other.  As a children’s pastor, I certainly recommend this well written story- it even entertained me! 

Fantasy and imagination are the things that children thrive on. The world they live in is full of wonder and exploration, which is exactly where we find Padraig the dragon and Roger the turtle, the title characters in The Dragon and the Turtle by Donita K. Paul and Evangeline Denmark.

Roger and Padraig become fast friends as they explore the world masquerading as pirates on the hunt for home after Roger’s “ship” was blown off course by a ferocious storm. Padraig uses his flying abilities to scope out different possibilities, and finally the pair reaches their desired location, finding chocolate chip snappers fresh from the oven waiting in the hands of the “cook” also known as Roger’s mom.

I loved this simple story and how the characters worked together to accomplish their task in spite of their differences. While reading the book together, my husband also pointed out that the vocabulary choices in the book are at points lofty (which we like!), however unfamiliar concepts are not left unexplained. It is an excellent story for children ages 4-8 and even includes discussion starters and a bonus recipe for chocolate chip snappers! 

The teenage years are notorious for being a tumultuous time for most individuals. Parents often groan when they think of their child getting older and anxiously await the day when their child has passed those somewhat chaotic years full of change.

What Your Son Isn’t Telling You by Michael Ross and Susie Shellenberger is designed to give parents in introductory look at what teenage boys face during their adolescent years. It is filled with comments from teens themselves, giving parents, and even youth leaders an idea of what goes on inside their children and students. Solid Biblical advice is the staple, covering hot topics such as dating, spirituality, relationships, anger and depression, porn, and even how to deal with every day teenage life.

This book piqued my interest when Bethany House presented it as part of their blogger program because of Susie Shellenberger’s input; a long time Brio subscriber, I am familiar with her work and find it enjoyable. This book was much the same. Personally, I would recommend this book to parents of preteens the most. It offers good council and is an excellent starting place for dealing with teens, but is definitely best when covered before entering the teen years. It is also geared more towards mothers and how to effectively mother sons through the teenage years. I looked for the father/son connection, but more time and attention is given to  moms, which I think is a detriment to this book. I do think it is worth the read, however, and will certainly read it when I have children that age, just as a reminder.  

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Blogging for Books http://www.waterbrookmultnomah.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 

Everyone wishes to be someone or something different at one point or another, wanting something better for themselves or even just wanting the life that an acquaintance has, thinking that the grass is greener on the other side.

In Masquerade by Nancy Moser several old classics meet to create a fanciful story full of what ifs. Charlotte Gleason has lived a privileged life in 1880’s England. Now her parents have arranged a marriage for her with one of America’s wealthiest families, much to her chagrin. Unbeknownst to her, her family has fallen on hard times due to some bad decisions and her life is about to drastically change one way or another. Due to illness, Dora, longtime lady’s maid, is given the chance of a lifetime traveling to America as Charlotte’s companion. While on their journey, new friends are made and a plan is hatched that will alter the lives of both of these young women forever.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. A longtime fan of Nancy Moser’s writing, I anticipated its arrival and was entertained by the story itself. The only downside I think I could give it is that the story itself is not entirely original, considering the similarities it has to so many others already published. Altogether however it was an easy, enjoyable tale that I read in an afternoon.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Bethany House http://www.bethanyhouse.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 

Most people love a good story, which is exactly what Susan Meissner delivers in Lady in Waiting. History is intertwined with modern day life as the stories of two individuals named Jane explore who they are and what their God given potential is.

Jane Lindsay is a modern day woman whose marriage is on the rocks. Her husband Brad has separated from her after 22 years of marriage and Jane doesn’t know what do. Through a miraculous find in new inventory for her antiques business and the help of her friends and family, Jane embarks on a journey of self discovery.

Jane Grey is a young lady of royal blood, whose parents are deciding the course of her life through the arrangement of her betrothal and subsequent marriage. As Jane matures and makes peace with her status and fate in spite of the tumultuous political climate, she discovers that she has more strength than she thought as she relies on God.

When I first received this book I was curious but doubted that my interest would be piqued. I was wrong. From the very beginning I was captivated by the storyline and how the two stories were masterfully connected. Susan Meissner does an amazing job, and I am happy to have had the opportunity to review this book for Waterbrook/Multnomah press as part of their blogger review program.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Blogging for Books http://www.waterbrookmultnomah.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 

Reading the Bible is an essential aspect of Christian life, a habit which starts from one’s earliest days. The Beginning Reader’s Bible illustrated by Marijke ten Cate makes this possible and even enjoyable for the youngest of readers, providing a solid foundation for a maturing faith.

This Bible uses the International Children’s Bible to tell well known stories of the Bible such as creation, Noah, Moses, David, Jesus, the early church and Heaven. Its illustrations create an interest in the stories, and give various resources to apply what the child has learned to their daily life. A Bible reading plan, a memorization schedule, and resources with core knowledge of the Bible are also included.

The illustrations are engaging and entertaining. A child could easily spend hours looking at the pictures. I also loved that the Bible uses selections from a real translation as opposed to paraphrasing the stories. The application aspect of this Bible is fantastic. Through the Pray God’s Word, Do God’s Word and Remember God’s Word features children are encouraged to make the Bible part of their daily life.

As a children’s pastor and foster/adoptive parent in training, I am extremely pleased with this Bible as a resource for children in my church as well as for my future family. Thanks Thomas Nelson for the amazing opportunity to review this book for free!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://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 

This is Your Brain in Love: New Scientific Breakthroughs for a More Passionate and Emotionally Healthy Marriage  by Dr. Earl Henslin is a very interesting read. I received this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their blogger review program, BookSneeze, and originally picked it up just out of curiosity.

My curiosity was not disappointed. It was fascinating to me to read why my husband and I react towards each other at times, to see the why behind our behaviors. The real life stories are heartwarming, and encourage couples to draw closer together in their relationships and to work through troubles together, realizing that there is a scientific reason behind each individual’s behavior.

Overall, I would say this is an interesting read, although I don’t know that I would pick it up again. However, if you are curious like I am, it is certainly worth the effort and time to read, and certainly clarifies certain behaviors of love.