Books | Faith and Family Reviews

Archive for Books

A Surprise for Lily

Posted by html404 on September 19, 2013
in Books, Family Stuff, Girl Stuff, Kids Stuff, Reviews, Uncategorized

Faith and Family Reviews received the following product in exchange for writing a review. While we consider it a privilege to receive products to review, our reviews are our honest opinion and thoughts of the product.

This review was written by my second oldest, “B”.

A Surprise for Lily is another great book. The fourth in the series written by Mary Ann Kinsinger and Suzanne Woods Fisher. I really like the Lily Lapp books. Lily has grown and matured so much throughout the series. A lot happens in this installment.

Lily’s cousin, Hannah, and her family moves away and her grandpa passes away. I really felt bad about it for Lily because Hannah was her best friend. Lily misses them very much. Lily’s brother, Joseph, finds/gets a dog which he names Dozer, short for Bulldozer. Joseph loves his pup and makes excuses for every naughty puppy thing he does, such as: stealing boots, pulling clothes off the line and digging in the garden. Lily does not quite appreciate Dozer’s talent for getting into mischief. I like Dozer, but could understand why Lily found him annoying. He caused Lily and Mrs. Lapp an awful lot of extra work.

The long awaited baby “sister” arrives and turns out to be a new brother, much to Lily’s disappointment. Poor Lily, she waited so long for a sister.

Other news, Danny started going to school with Lily and Joseph, a new family comes to town, the Hershbergers, who have six children (3 boys and 3 girls). One of the boys, Harvey, who is nine and a bit of a trouble maker…..until Lily’s mother helped the new teacher (Teacher Judith) with English classes and outwits him. He suddenly never acts up again. I don’t think I could have treated Harvey the way Mrs. Lapp did. She did an amazing job.

Aaron Yoder still plagues Lily but she, Aaron, and Harvey actually became friends in this book, after the boys helped Lily in two incidents – both involving Dozer, who she learned to appreciate and love. I loved the fact that Harvey, Aaron and Lily became friends, it showed how much Lily had grown up.

Two thumbs up from “B”!

“Available August 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

Share and Enjoy

{12 comments}

Book Review ~ Love to Stay

Posted by Professor on September 6, 2013
in Books, Uncategorized

Faith and Family Reviews received the following product in exchange for writing a review. While we consider it a privilege to receive free products to review, our reviews are our honest opinion and thoughts of the product.

Falling in love is easy, but staying in love takes courage, hard work, and lots of grace.

In this book, Adam Hamilton explores how, with God’s help, we can make love last. Drawing upon a survey of thousands of couples and singles, interviews with relationship and marriage therapists, the latest research in the field, and wisdom from the Bible, Hamilton looks at what it takes to create and sustain healthy, meaningful romantic relationships across the course of a lifetime. Contents include: More Than a Piece of Paper; What She Wants; What He Wants; The Significance of Sexual Intimacy; Habits That Hurt, Habits That Heal; Clothe, Bear With, and Forgive; A Love That Lasts a Lifetime.

About the Author:

Adam Hamilton is senior pastor of the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas, one of the fastest growing, most highly visible churches in the country. The Church Report named Hamilton’s congregation the most influential mainline church in America, and he preached at the National Prayer Service as part of the presidential inauguration festivities in 2013. Hamilton is the best-selling and award-winning author of Why? Making Sense of God’s Will, 24 Hours that Changed the World, The Journey, The Way, Enough, When Christians Get It Wrong and Seeing Gray in a World of Black and White, all published by Abingdon Press. Learn more about Hamilton at AdamHamilton.org.

OUR REVIEW:

I must admit to you that I was very hesitant to accept this review. I am Catholic and was very hesitant to read a book from an author of a different faith. The author is a senior pastor fro the United Methodist Church. But let me tell you this book will resonate REGARDLESS of your faith! This is a wonderful book… and I am VERY PLEASED to have had a chance to review the text!

Author Adam Hamilton has done much research in the compilation of his text…it is very biblical and practical at the same time. I wish I could give each of my blog readers a copy of this book because the information within its pages is very relevant to those who are in a relationship. I mean the title of the book says everything about the inner text… LOVE TO STAY: Sex, Grace, and Commitment.

The text goes through the good times and bad times of a relationship and gives little tidbits on how to help or strengthen a relationship. If your relationship is currently strong or currently faltering I think that this is a good read. The author gives many different aspects of a relationship…ANYONE can benefit from his words and findings.

Each of the chapters resonates with a part of a relationship that each person deals with and sometimes struggles with…for example chapter 2 “what she wants, what he wants” … this chapter delineates what men and women of different ages want in a mate and a relationship. To tell you the truth I never thought that what people want would be broken down into age categories… but it makes sense! This chapter is very relevant for everyone it even includes honest answers from real people.

Perhaps that is what I enjoyed the most from the book is that its pages are laden with thoughts and comments from people that the author surveyed …it is not just random thoughts that the author was thinking but real people based!

My favorite chapter is the very last portion of the book… Appendix B: Advice from Couples Married 50+ years. I think this is a great addendum to the book. I always LOVE to read what couples have to say that have made it so long in a relationship!

This is definitely a book that everyone in a committed relationship should read. I enjoyed reading the text and hope you will too.

To find out about this book or other books by the same author please visit www.abingdonpress.com

Share and Enjoy

{23 comments}

Trapped by Irene Hannon

Posted by html404 on September 5, 2013
in Books, Gift Ideas, Products for Mom, Reviews, Uncategorized

Trapped by Irene Hannon is the second book in the Private Justice series. It is a romantic suspense novel about a woman named Laura Griffith and her half sister, Darcy, who runs away because her sister’s rules are too much for her to live with. When Darcy goes missing Laura not only contacted the police but also hired a PI (Private Investigator) named Devlin, to find her and bring her home.

I always enjoy Irene Hannon’s books. I like how she keeps me hanging and wanting to read more to find out what happens. I like that there are usually a few elements of surprise and suspense in her storylines.

However, the romantic interest always seems way too predictable. In Trapped and Vanished it seems that the main characters fall in love at first sight as much as they try to fight their attraction. I’m not one for love at first sight, neither is my husband, who says he believes in infatuation at first sight, I tend to agree with him. It must start out as attraction and infatuation, not love. How can you fall in love with someone you don’t even know anything about?

I do like that Dev maintains his professional relationship and does not pursue romance until his work on the case is complete. That is an example of professional integrity, something the real world is lacking.

Nevertheless, because Trapped kept me on my toes I give it two thumbs up.

For more information visit http://www.bakerpublishinggroup.com/books/trapped/338190

Irene Hannon’s website, twitter and facebook:

http://www.irenehannon.com/

https://twitter.com/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Irene-Hannon/426433004084567

“Available August 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

Share and Enjoy

{12 comments}

Another Book Series from Carole P Roman

Posted by Professor on September 1, 2013
in Books, Reviews, Uncategorized

Another great series from author Carole P Roman! The Captain No Beard series stresses valuable life lessons and topics such as sharing, teamwork, loyalty, and cooperation.

Our review:

We reviewed four books in Carole P. Roman’s pirate series

Captain No Beard: An Imaginary Tale of a Pirates Life

Captain No Beard and his pirate ship The Flying Dragon, set sail for a voyage of the imagination with his fearless crew of four: First Mate Hallie, Mongo the Monkey, Linus the Loudmouthed Lion, and Fribbet the Floppy Frog. Normally, a young boy named Alexander, his cousin Hallie, and three stuffed animals, once they board his bed their world is transformed into a magical vessel sailing the seven seas on dangerous and exciting adventures!

Captain No Beard: Pepper Parrot’s Problem with Patience

Captain No Beard, his First Mate Hallie, and the crew of the Flying Dragon pirate ship are excited to welcome a new crew member. Pepper the Parrot, today! But the drills are a major problem for Pepper the Parrot to complete correctly, since she doesn’t know her left from her right. Her new friends show her some understanding, patience, and a special trick that encourages her to have confidence and to become a real crew member. Her new discovery makes her look at herself in a more positive, confident way.

Captain No Beard: Stuck in the Doldrums, a Lesson in Sharing

Captain No Beard and his crew are at it again, but when the wind stops blowing, the Flying Dragon gets stranded on a desert island! With his First Mate, Hallie; Linus the Lion; Fribbet the Frog; Mongo the Monkey; and Polly the Parrot, Captain No Beard has to find a way to use teamwork and understanding to get through the problem at hand. However when Captain No Beard gets bossy and makes playtime miserable for the crew, he soon finds himself alone and helpless when a giant squid attacks. Just when it seems like the captain is in over his head, his faithful crew reunites and teaches him an important lesson.

Captain No Beard: Strangers on the High Seas

When the Flying Dragon gets a new crew member, Captain No Beard soon discovers that every person is valuable in his or her own way. Responsible for his new crew member and baby sister, the Captain becomes unhappy with his situation and begins to think that being a captain is hard work. However, when the dreaded Barnabus the Scurvey Dog begins to chase the Flying Dragon, the fearless Captain has to put aside his problems and keep everyone safe. In their race to escape, the Captain, his loyal First Mate Hallie, mongo the Monkey, Linus the Lion, Fribbet the Frog, and Polly the Parrot soon find out that help can come from the most unlikely of places.

This is a wonderful series of books! My children were engaged throughout the reading of each book. We loved the colorful illustrations that each book had to offer. I as a mom enjoyed that the books provided entertainment, while providing a life lesson for my children. That fact alone makes this an important series to read! We also loved that the book is full of imagination and even after we read the books we could imagine our own adventures! We LOVED the entire series… we could not pick a favorite!

For more information about the author or her books please visit www.carolproman.com

This book can be found on Amazon.com

Share and Enjoy

{11 comments}

On Distant Shores by Sarah Sundin

Posted by html404 on August 31, 2013
in Books, Girl Stuff, Products for Mom, Reviews, Uncategorized

On Distant Shores is the second book in the Wings of the Nightingale series written by Sarah Sundin. It is a historical romance set during WWII at a time in which pharmacists were not taken as serious on the battle field or at home for that matter, as their profession is today. This book is about the fear, indecisiveness and timidity of a flight nurse named Georgina and the pride of an enlisted pharmacist, named Hutch. It is also about their struggles within the system.

Did you know pharmacists were not respected by many during WWII? Did you know a pharmacist could not be an officer in the army, therefore could not fraternize with officers? I learned a lot in this book.

Georgina and Hutch were put in many crisis situations and had to know how to deal with them. Like anyone tested under extreme pressure, each of them struggled yet grew in character.

I liked how Georgina found a “new you”. She learned how to make decisions for herself and be the best she could be despite the opinions of close friends and family, which were quite the opposite of what God wanted her to become during her time as a flight nurse. She was able to face her fears and insecurities and actually conquer them. Ever have people you love doubt you and your decisions? Were you strong enough to advance forward in spite of their doubts? It takes a lot of strength and trust in God to do so, after all loved ones are people we trust and usually know us best. However, God knows us even better than they do.

Hutch also discovered a “new” person within himself, but he had to put away an uglier side of himself before he could fully become the “new” Hutch. God had to humble him to the point of a servant in order for Hutch to realize being in the Pharmacy Corps was a worthy goal but did not define who he was as a person. He had to learn to be all he could be in the position he was in and be content not to be in the Pharmacy Corps if that is what God deemed best for that time.

I liked the growth of the characters and learning more about the professions of flight nurses and pharmacists…but I found myself a little bored, whether that was because I didn’t get to read the book at a leisurely pace and felt rushed to get it read to get my review done on time or if it’s because I have read too many novels and am bored with the same old same old. I will say there were a couple of surprises in the storyline and overall it was a decent read but I’m not sure it’s a book I’d read it again. For that reason I only give it a thumbs up.

“Available August 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

Share and Enjoy

{7 comments}

Carole P. Roman Book Series

Posted by Professor on August 30, 2013
in Books, Reviews, Uncategorized

IF YOU WERE ME AND LIVED IN … : A Child’s Introduction to Cultures Around the World, is the latest exciting new children’s series of children’s books from Carole P. Roman. Roman takes young readers all over the globe to explore different countries and cultures. With each book covering a different nation, Roman opens up a world of wonder while highlighting the fact that underneath it all we are far more alike than we might have imagined. Focusing on what life would be like for children if they were to live in another city or country, she examines the diversity around the world and the value possessed by each different culture. Think of the series as a children’s version of the travel Channel that is filled with entertaining and educational facts.

Our review:

We reviewed three books in Carole P. Roman’s series

IF YOU WERE ME AND LIVED IN … MEXICO

IF YOU WERE ME AND LIVED IN … SOUTH KOREA

IF YOU WERE ME AND LIVED IN … FRANCE

In short we are in love with the idea of this new series! What a wonderful way to introduce young children to cultural diversity. The text of the books are simple yet powerful. We liked that the book was written for children … I did not have to summarize or paraphrase information because the text was outside of their knowledge grasp…what a plus! The vibrant illustrations were also a plus. My children not only loved listening and learning but took the book after we were done reading just to look at the pictures.

On a cultural note… one of the books really hit home for us. We have a very diverse neighborhood and a handful of our neighbors are from Mexico. I thought this was very poignant for our family because it let the children learn about our neighbors’ cultural identity.

The book is geared toward Pre-K through age eight… well… my 5, 7, and 9 year old all LOVED the books! Love of literature and cultural awareness is a must in our household, so this series was a hit!

Wow! What an excellent read! This is such a lovely book and we look forward to the next installment of the series!

For more information about the author or her books please visit www.carolproman.com

This book can be found on Amazon.com

Share and Enjoy

{2 comments}

Stillwell: A Haunting on Long Island

Posted by Professor on August 23, 2013
in Books, Uncategorized

Stillwell: A Haunting on Long Island

Book Review

Summary of the text:

Paul Russo’s wife just died. While trying to get his family’s life back in order, Paul is being tormented by a daemon who is holding his wife’s spirit hostage on the other side. His fate is intertwined with an old haunted mansion on the north shore of Long Island called Stillwell Manor. Paul must find clues dating back hundreds of years to set his wife’s soul free.

About the Author:

Born and raised in Long Island, Michael has always had a fascination with ghosts and horror writing. Earning a degree in English and an MBA, he has worked various jobs before settling into being a full-time author. He currently resides on Long Island with his wife and children. Stillwell is his second novel.

OUR REVIEW:

I was pleased to read Michael Phillip Cash’s second novel. I LOVED his first book, Brood X, and am just as delighted after reading Stillwell. I am now a fan of Mr. Cash’s writing.

Again I am a fast reader … so like the other novel it was only a day read. However with that said being a fast reader did not ruin the story for me only left me wanting more out of this author!

I loved the interwoven details of the story so much that I wished the book read lasted longer. However with that said… I am just a fast reader because Cash does not leave anything unsaid or anyone dangling in the end asking questions… everything is resolved. I love resolution in a book … I hate it when the author lets you draw your own conclusions or lets the book just end…it really irritates me…so thank you Mr. Cash for delighting my reading fancy!

For our readers concerned with content… this is not a children’s book. There is some adult language within the pages and it is a scarier subject… with the suspense and thrill of ghostly encounters and other scary tidbits that I will let you discover on your own!

Overall, I really enjoyed this book! It was a thrilling read. I am currently lobbying for my library to carry this title as well… and have a few copies out to family members to get them on the “Cash Train”!

You can purchase the book on Amazon.com or at the authors personal website

www.micahelphillipcash.com

Giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Share and Enjoy

{4 comments}

Brood X: A First Hand Account of the Great Cicada Invasion

Posted by Professor on August 21, 2013
in Books, Uncategorized

Brood X: A First Hand Account of the Great Cicada Invasion Book Review

Summary of the text:

Seth is laid off from work. His wife Lara just found out they are expecting a baby this summer. Set plans on documenting the entire pregnancy with his brand new camcorder. During an evening home watching television, the news reports that a swarm of cicada (Brood Ten) are expected to overwhelm the entire Northeast. Brood Ten is vicious and ready to invade. During a sweltering summer night, Brood Ten emerges and wreaks havoc with the electric grid, phone and cell service, Wi-Fi, food and water supply. Civilization as they know it is gone. Seth and Lara are thrown back to the stone age in their own home with trillions of cicada trying to deposit their eggs and breed.

About the Author:

Born and raised in Long Island, Michael has always had a fascination with horror writing and found footage films. He wanted to incorporate both with his debut novel, Brood X. Earning a degree in English and an MBA, he has worked various jobs before settling into being a full-time author. He currently resides on Long Island with his wife and children.

OUR REVIEW:

At first I was hesitant to read a book from a horror/suspense/thriller author. My taste in literature is usually much more tame. However, I thoroughly enjoyed this book! So much so that I have been lobbying my local library to get the text for avid readers. I have also been passing on the text to family and friends.

I must say that you should not let the genre of the book scare you away… this is more suspense/thriller than horror…unless you have an aversion to bugs then I can see many sleepless nights in your future after reading this text!

This book is reminiscent of the cicada summers we have had in recent years… the big ugly bugs that number in the thousands… with their incandescent wings and shrill chirp. Just the thought of the bugs are icky and to read a book with trillions really makes you crazy…so crazy that you cannot put it down!

I must admit that I am a fast reader… so this book was only a day read for me… I wish it was longer…but alas the author did a wonderful job of weaving his tale with enough suspense and drama for me.

For our readers concerned with content… this is not a children’s book. There is some adult language within the pages and it is a scarier subject… with the suspense and thrill of millions of cicada enveloping a community.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book! It was a completely wonderful surprise!

You can purchase the book on Amazon.com or at the authors personal website

www.micahelphillipcash.com

Share and Enjoy

{15 comments}

Bookboard Review and Free Trial!

Posted by Brande on August 7, 2013
in Blog Stuff, Books, Deals, Downloads, Ebooks, Education, Family Stuff, Free Stuff, Fun Stuff, Parenting, Reviews, Saving Money, School, Shopping, Technology/Electronics, Uncategorized

Mechanimals, Me and My Dragon, The Lucky Day Picnic, Doors in the Air are only a few of the wonderful books available through Bookboard.com. This app has over 400 books available to unlock with up to 4 children’s accounts (up to the age of 12). Once the books are downloaded, they can be read offline. Currently, Bookboard is available for iPads with iOS 5.x or higher. Bookboard recommends using and iPad2 or later version. However, they do work on an original iPad they are just slower. Bookboard says on their website that are adding other devices and platforms in the future.

Bookboard sets goals for your children and parents can check their progress through the app as well. Once a goal is reached, your child is rewarded with more books unlocked to continue their reading.

Bookboard Review and Free Trial

Head to Bookboard’s website for a FREE TRIAL! If you and your children enjoy it you can purchase a subscription for only $8.99 if you pay per month or if you choose the 6 month subscription its $29.94 or $4.99 a month! In the aspect of things if you purchase one book will cost $4.99. Here you have unlimited reading at your fingertips!

Here are a few on the many subjects that can be found on Bookboard: Smithsonian Series, Berenstain Bears and The Boxcar Children!!

My daughter is just learning to read and just loves the iPad. For us this is a great learning tool and we really enjoyed our books. You can join today to get your FREE TRIAL too!!

Share and Enjoy

{No comments}

The Letters by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Posted by html404 on August 4, 2013
in Books, Gift Ideas, Products for Mom, Quotes, Reviews, Uncategorized

I enjoyed another book last month titled, The Letters by Suzanne Woods Fisher. This book is about an Amish widow seeking a way to provide for her family after her husband passes away. It is inspired by a true story.

Within the first few pages I could relate to Rose’s life. Her rambunctious-work-avoiding boys, her weariness with her responsibilities (page 10) and struggles and worries over how to provide for her family.

I admired Rose’s ability to give her anger, lack of forgiveness and faith over to God. Amidst difficulty she always seemed to choose the high road. I had to ask myself if I do the same when facing difficult circumstances.

It wasn’t until the end of the book I discovered this book is a part of a new series, The Inn at Eagle Hill. The thought of existence of such a place in real life was refreshing and how invigorating it would be to visit.

I fear in places the storyline was predictable, which always lets me down. Nevertheless, it was nice to put my feet up and enjoy a good book. I admit I wondered at the miracles happening. We are a the point in our lives where we need a miracle vocationally and I can’t help but wonder if it will happen in the time it needs to.

Here are a couple quotes from the book I enjoyed:

Faith is the bird that feels the light and sings when the dawn is still dark. (page 9)

Rose Schrock had been raised not to complain, so she didn’t, but the truth of the matter was, the last seven months had been the hardest stretch of her life: so many things had gone wrong that it was hard to know which trouble to pay attention to at any given time. (page 10)

I need more faith to guide us through dark times and while I try not to complain, I don’t think I am the example Rose was and have tons of room for improvement.

As always, I love Suzanne Woods Fisher’s books, she combines all the emotions for a great read. So of course I give The Letters two thumbs up.

“Available August 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”