The Gift for All People: Thoughts on God's Great Grace by Max Lucado

The Gift for All People:
Thoughts on God's Great Grace 

The Gift for All People is a celebration of God's gift of salvation wrapped in a collection of inspirational stories. These stories will help Christians comprehend and treasure the assurance of their salvation and will help non-Christians realize and embrace the gift of abundant, eternal life in Jesus Christ. The concluding story, written especially for this book, urges readers to give their lives to Jesus Christ and shows them how to do so. This book will provide Christians with a unique, warm, and attractive presentation of the gospel to give to non-Christian family or friends.

More than anything, God wants you to be with Him. The God who designed your world, the God who placed you on the planet, simply wants you home with Him. And to bring you home, He offers you a gift...the gift of eternal salvation.

My prayer is that through the pages of this book you'll see his gift like you've never seen it.

If you've already accepted it, you'll thank Him again. And if you've never accepted it, I pray that you will. For it's the gift of a lifetime. A gift for all people.


My Review

Salvation through Jesus Christ is a gift to all people. And that is what this book is about. This is a little book with a whole lot of profound meaning! If you have read books by Max Lucado before, you know the simple, understanding way he writes so that everyone can understand what he is saying. But there is nothing simple about the message of this book. These stories told my Mr. Lucado are heartwarming, and tells each person about Jesus, and his Saving Grace. In the last chapter, Max Lucado explains Salvation in a way that anyone can understand and receive Jesus as their Savior.

Max Lucado is one of my favorite non-fiction authors. He lays everything out on the pages that even the simplest minded man or woman can understand, yet he makes it interesting enough for those who have been a Christian for years and are seasoned in the Word of God. I love reading his books, and this one is a very special one, because it tells a person exactly what they need to do in order to go to Heaven. And I love that this is a gift book, because it is short, and can be read in a few hours, and it is beautiful inside and out. If you have a friend or family member that does not know the Lord, then this is a perfect little book to get for them. They just might read it and find Jesus!

I rec'd a copy of this book from Blogging for Book to read and write a review. I only wrote my opinion here.

NKJV Study Bible, Personal Size, Paperback

NKJV Study Bible, Personal Size, Paperback

Book Description
The NKJV Study Bible, the most comprehensive study Bible available, now available in a handy personal size with words of Christ in red! The acclaimed NKJV Study Bible is the most complete study system for all who desire accurate study in God’s Word. The Second Edition includes more features to make it the best all-purpose study Bible. Using the trusted New King James Version, The NKJV Study Bible has “the mind of a scholar and the heart of a pastor.” Nelson's skilled team of scholars has produced the system to reach for when study in God’s Word is the goal.
Features include: • NEW attractive new full-color page design • NEW stunning Bible-land photos and graphics • NEW in-text maps and charts • Full cross-references with textual notes • Word studies and indexes • Bible Times and Culture Notes • Book introductions, outlines, and timelines • Reader-friendly notes and articles ideal for extended study • Deluxe NKJV Concordance including proper names
Part of the Signature Series line of Thomas Nelson Bibles
NKJV Study Bibles sold to date: More than 1.3 million
The New King James Version®—More than 60 million copies sold

 

My Review 

 

I enjoy reviewing different Bibles, because I enjoy the different versions, study tools, and other features each one has. Some of the different features in this unique Bible is that it is a personal size, meaning that it is smaller and easier to carry around than a full size, this one that I am reviewing is paperback. Also in this Bible you will stunning Bible-land photos and graphics, new full color page design, in text maps and charts, cross-references with textual notes, word studies and indexes, Bible Times and Culture notes, book intros with outlines and timelines included, notes and so much more.

I found this little Bible full of features that will be awesome tools when studying the Bible, though its not so little, its about 2400 pages. The full color pages are beautiful and make reading more enjoyable. Each of the different features will amaze you. You really don't have to use each one every time you read the Bible but they are there for you when you need them. I love the maps being on the pages. Overall, this is a wonderful study Bible. There is also a hardcover of this Bible if you would rather have a larger one. Either one would be a great addition to your library.

I received this book from BookLook Bloggers to read and post a review. The opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.

An Unbroken Heart by Kathleen Fuller

An Unbroken Heart

By Kathleen Fuller

 

About this book

An argument. A crash. In an instant, Joanna’s world is changed forever.

One minute, Joanna Schrock was arguing with her parents, and the next, her parents’ lives were claimed in a hit-and-run buggy accident. Her body is broken, but her heart is in even deeper pain— after all, how do you cope with your parents’ deaths when your last words were spoken in anger?

After an extended stint in a physical rehabilitation center, Joanna re-enters her Amish life. But nothing is the same—not even her feelings for Andrew Beiler.

Joanna has loved Andrew since the age of twelve, and her feelings have not changed throughout the years. She is thrilled when Andrew wants to get married, but she wonders whether it’s love he’s feeling, or pity. As the couple’s wedding date approaches, Joanna isn’t overcome with the deep joy she was hoping to feel; instead, she’s wracked with anxiety and guilt.

Joanna hears God whispering to her, Be strong and courageous, but she’s afraid that courage looks a lot like walking away from her dreams and into the plan of her Heavenly Father.


My Review

Arguments with parents happen often, but Joanna Schrock never dreamed this argument would be her last. The accident that happened after the argument changed Joanna's life forever, in ways she never expected. Andrew, her beau since childhood draws closer
to Joanna, knowing her could have lost her in the accident. But is his marriage offer truly because of his love for her?

This was a most enjoyable story. I do not read a lot of Amish stories, but this one captured my attention, with the horrific accident and the heartbreaking happenings after. The story gets intense while Joanna is recovering, with Andrew hovering over her, and Joanna wondering if it was his love or his pity for him that he was acting in such a way.

This story was interesting enough to keep me reading. If you enjoy Amish stories, you will enjoy this one.

I received a free copy of this book from ,…….. to read and review. I expressed my own opinion in this review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.

About Kathleen

 
 
 
 
Ink on paper is as beautiful to me as flowers on the mountains; God composes, why shouldn’t we? ~Audra Foveo-Alba
Just the facts…I was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, grew up in Little Rock, Arkansas, and now make my home in beautiful Geneva, Ohio. I’ve been married to James for 15 wonderful years (really, they have been wonderful!)  We have three terrific children, three dogs, and an overwhelmed cat. We have also raised cattle, pigs, and chickens at various times over the years. We would have gone into the goat business, but I had to draw the line somewhere. I started writing in 2000, and published my first short story a year later. Since then I have authored several short stories, novellas, novels, and have done a lot of freelance non-fiction work. I have also worked as an editor. I have a Masters degree in Special Education, emphasis on teaching the blind and visually impaired, and a Bachelors in Early Childhood/Elementary Education. I have taught all age groups ranging from age 4 to age 18. A few of my favorite things: my relationship with Christ, chocolate (of course!), autumn, a satisfying book, good friends, a sense of humor, people who don’t take themselves seriously, haunting melodies, NFL football, and did I mention chocolate?

Amish Christmas at North Star: Four Stories of Love and Family

Amish Christmas at North Star:
Four Stories of Love and Family

One night four lives entered the world by the hands of an Amish midwife, just outside North Star, Pennsylvania.
Rebekah’s Babies, as they are called, are now grown adults and in four heartwarming novellas each young person experiences a journey of discovery, a possibility of love, and the wonder of Christmas.

Guiding Star by Katie Ganshert
Curiosity gets the best of Englischer Chase Wellington when he investigates the twenty-five-year-old disappearance of an Amish baby. When he finds adventurous Elle McAllister in Iowa will his discoveries upend her world?

Mourning Star by Amanda Flower
Eden Hochstetler slips from her parents’ fudge shop to investigate the death of her friend Isaac.  Who is guilty? Isaac’s handsome great nephew Jesse, an angry Englischer, or someone else?

In the Stars by Cindy Woodsmall
Heartbroken Kore Detweiler avoids North Star after Savilla Beiler rejects his love.  But when he is unexpectedly called to return home, he and Savilla must join forces to keep a family together.

Star of Grace by Mindy Starns Clark and Emily Clark
Andy Danner left North Star to join a new Amish settlement in Mississippi. His little brother devises a scheme to bring Andy home for Christmas and unwittingly unleashes the power of forgiveness in a reclusive widower’s life.

My Review

Amish Christmas at North Star is four short stories; Guiding Star, by Katie Ganshert, Morning Star, by Amanda Flower, In the Stars, by Cindy Woodsmall and Star of Grace by Mindy Starns Clark  and Emily Clark. One snowy night in November 1990 was a night Rebekah Schlaback would never forget. Four young ladies gave birth that night, and Rebekah's only help were the nervous father's to be. Each of these four stories are about these babies that were born, 25 years ago. As you read these stories, you will find many twists and turns, secrets, disappointments and happiness in the lives of these four people and their parents. This is a great book, one that can be read around the Holiday's but can also be enjoyed at anytime during the year. My favorite time to read it was on a snowy night here where I live. It just made the story more interesting!

I received this book from Blogging for Books to read and review. I expressed my own opinion in this review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.

An Amish Market by Amy Clipston, Kathleen Fuller, Kelly Irvin, and Vannetta Chapman

An Amish Market by Amy Clipston, Kathleen Fuller, Kelly Irvin, and Vannetta Chapman

 

Description

 

All the color and variety of a quaint Amish shop in a charming collection of novellas by four of your favorite authors. Feel free to come in and browse!

Love Birds by Amy Clipston
While Ellie Lapp and her mother are still mourning the loss of her brother, Seth, Ellie starts working at one of the gift shops in town. Seth’s friend Lloyd is talented at carving wooden birds, but his father disapproves and expects him to take over the family farm someday. Ellie sees the beauty in Lloyd’s creations and insists Lloyd sell the birds in the gift shop where she works. As Ellie and Lloyd spend more time together, they begin to develop feelings for one another, but she accidentally betrays his trust. Will she lose any hope of a future with him?
 
A Bid for Love by Kathleen Fuller
Every week, Hannah Lynne brings her home-churned butter to the local market. And every week Ezra stops by to purchase some. Hannah Lynne knows not to read too much into it—Ezra is a confirmed bachelor and barely even glances her way, despite any hope to the contrary. But when Ezra bids an exorbitant amount to win the quilt she had her heart set on, Hannah Lynne can’t stop her heart from taking over her mind. Could Ezra finally be in the market for love?
 
Sweeter Than Honey by Kelly Irvin
Shattering a jar of pickled beets wasn’t the impression Isabella hoped to make on her first trip to the local Combination Store of Bee County, Texas. But as embarrassed as she was by the accident, she didn’t think it warranted the frosty reaction from the handsome manager of the store, Will Glick. As she soon learns, though, Will’s heart has been broken one too many times. And now, for some reason, Isabella finds herself determined to be the one to repair that broken heart and renew his faith in love.
 
Love in Store by Vannetta Chapman
Stella Schrock works at the Old Mill in Nappanee, Indiana, with new employee David Stoltzfus, a recent widower. When strange happenings begin occurring around town, it appears as if someone wants to close the mill. Stella and David have to work together to solve the mystery of what is happening at the Old Amish Mill, and in the process they might just find that God has more in store for their future than they would ever have dreamed possible.

My Review

An Amish Market is four Novella's by four great authors, chunked full of the Amish lifestyle, love in an Amish community and character that you will attach yourself to. Each of these stories are contemporary romances Amish style. The stories in An Amish Market is; Love Birds by Amy Clipston, A Bid for Love by Kathleen Fuller, Sweeter Than Honey by Kelly Irvin and Love in Store by Vannetta Chapman. Each story was fun and entertaining, the characters are believable, you will find a glossary of German words to help understand the story better, and group study questions to talk about in your book club. Books like An Amish Market are good for anyone who don't have the time to read full size books. Each of these stories can be read in a few hours. I recommend this book of Amish Novella's to anyone who loves to read!!

I received this book from BookLook Bloggers to read and review. I expressed my own opinion in this review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.

I received this book from BookLook Bloggers to read and review. 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 55.

Double Cross by Diann Mills

Double Cross
by Diann Mills
from Tyndale House

ABOUT THIS BOOK

FBI Agent Laurel Evertson’s investigation into a scam targeting the elderly takes an unexpected twist when key evidence leads her to Morton Wilmington, a felon she arrested five years ago on her first undercover assignment. That case has haunted her since, and though she’s vowed to forget Wilmington—and what she sacrificed to put him away—he is now her best lead.

Houston Police Officer Daniel Hilton fears his grandparents may be the scammer’s next targets, and he’ll do anything to protect his family—even force interagency cooperation. But he’s quickly drawn to Laurel’s empathy and zeal and agrees to follow her lead . . . even if it means teaming up with a felon.

As the unlikely trio uncovers evidence suggesting the scam is more extensive and deadly than they imagined, both Laurel and Daniel find themselves in the crosshairs of a killer. Together they must decide if they can trust Wilmington’s claims of redemption, or if he’s leading them straight into a double cross.

MY Review

This is a book for those who enjoy a good clean suspense, and full of thrills, chills, murder, and well, just a fast pace thriller that you will not want to put down until you read the last page. Scammers are on the loose, and they are targeting the elderly. FBI Agent Laurel Evertson and Houston Police Officer Daniel Hilton join forces to track down who the guilty scammers are, leading them straight into the crosshairs of a killer. Can they trust this Wilmington who was arrested for a felon years before?

Double Cross is the kind of book I enjoy snuggling up to when I have lots of time to read, because I couldn't put the book down once I started reading. Following Agent Evertson and Officer Hilton on this journey to find out who is scamming the elderly people in the community will sure have you on the edge of your seats many times throughout the book. A lot of twists and turns happening in the story that keeps you wondering what is going to happen next! The characters were so realistic, and well developed, I begin to think of them as real people! Don't let this awesome suspense thriller get by you. Go out and pick up a copy of Double Cross today!

I received this book from …….. to read and post a review. The opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.

When Love Returns by Kim Vogel Sawyer

When Love Returns 
by Kim Vogel Sawyer


It wasn’t easy to move back to the Old Order Mennonite community from which quiet, responsible Suzanne Zimmerman was shamefully sent away as a pregnant teen. Returning twenty years later to take care of her mother, Suzanne and Alexa—the daughter she raised as her own—have spent months rebuilding relationships with her family.

Now with the upcoming wedding of their biological daughter,  Suzanne and Paul find themselves drawn to one another once again—but with new challenges to face. They have been single parents with painful pasts. Can Paul and Suzanne find the strength to rebuild the loving relationship that was torn apart by their teen pregnancy so long ago?

Suzanne must also let go of Alexa as she heads back to Indianapolis to visit friends--and as her chance to find her birth parents. Leaving the bed-and-breakfast in Suzanne’s apprehensive hands, Alexa embarks on a journey that will certainly change her life completely. Can mother and daughter trust God to restore all things in His timing?


My Review

This third book in The Zimmerman Restoration Trilogy was just so very good. I loved the entire series, but this book just pulled everything together. Suzanne makes peace with letting Alexa be her own person and do what she feels she must, and just maybe Suzanne and Paul can find new life between then that once was.
Kim Vogel Sawyer does a really good job of developing the characters even stronger and keeping the plot flowing with intensity and just enough questions to keep us reading. I couldn't put this book down because I had to find out the ending of this great series. I strongly suggest that you pick up a copy of When Love Returns, and check out the first two books in this series as well.

I received this book from Blogging for Books to read and post a review. The opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.

NIrV Beginner’s Bible Devotional Pack

 NIrV Beginner’s Bible Devotional Pack

Published by Zondervan

Book Description

Bestselling The Beginner’s Bible brand pack for young readers that includes the complete New International Reader’s Version Holy Bible, and 365-day devotional.
This pack contains a hardcover full-text Bible and a softcover 365-day devotional.
Based on The Beginner’s Bible brand, the NIrV Beginner’s Bible, Holy Bible is a perfect first Bible for a child. With easy-to-read print and full-page illustrations, children will better understand stories in Scripture. Using the complete text of the New International Reader’s Version (NIrV), this Bible pairs beautifully with The Beginner’s Bible: Kid-Sized Devotions to encourage lifelong Bible reading habits. Simple connections to Scripture make the content relevant and understandable for young readers. Each of the 365 devotions has a theme to which the Bible passage, story and art relate. The NIrV Beginner’s Bible Devotional Pack is a perfect starting point for children as they develop a stronger relationship with God, to cuddle-up with parents or enjoy at church or daycare.

My Review

My first thoughts when I saw this Bible/Devotional set for children was Wow! This Bible is a full test and the devotional is short and sweet, just the right length for kids. And I like that older kids can read this for themselves. The Devotional is 365 days of the year, so its a good way to teach your child to read the Bible and Devotional every day. Its simple yet very effective.
If you are looking for a new Bible and Devotional for your child, this is the one to check out.  I received this book from BookLook BLoggers to read and review.The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55

Lazarus Awakening DVD Study Pack: by Joanna Weaver

Lazarus Awakening DVD Study Pack:

 

by Joanna Weaver

Journey to the Tomb of Lazarus…and Hear Jesus Call Your Name
Mary worshiped. Martha served. But what did Lazarus do to experience Jesus’s lavish love?
Filmed in the Holy Land, this DVD companion to Joanna Weaver’s book Lazarus Awakening explores the incredible truth that Jesus loves us apart from our works or our worthiness. He wants to call us out of our tombs and into friendship with Him.
Designed for use with the book and companion study guide, this three-disc DVD Bible study is formatted for both individual and group use, with content suitable for both men and women.
·         In-depth Bible study: Features eight 15- to 17-minute video sessions.
·         Bonus “Israel Moment” videos explore the life of Christ and the Holy Land.
·         Designed for use with the study guide and book.
·         Leader’s guide, promotional material, and retreat format included.

MY REVIEW

If you are looking for a really good Bible study, look no more. This study based on the life of Lazarus is one of the best I have gone through in a while. Joanna Weaver clearly does a lot of detailed research before writing this study, bringing a study system that will not only teach you Biblical principles in a unique and easy way, but you have the benefit of a DVD, one that is filmed in Israel, taking you to another Land to enjoy during this study.

I received this book from Bogging for Books to read and review. The opinions here are mind, I am giving my honest thoughts on this DVD set. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.

A Reluctant Bride by Kathleen Fuller

A Reluctant Bride  by Kathleen Fuller

Book Description

When tragedy strikes an independent Amish woman, she must accept a marriage proposal from the man she vowed never to marry.
As the oldest daughter in an Amish family, Sadie's life was mapped out since the day she was born. She would join the church, marry an Amish man, and eventually she and her husband would take over her family's store. But when her parents unexpectedly die in a buggy accident, her life goes into a tailspin. Determined to keep her parents' legacy alive, Sadie works harder than ever to provide for herself and her younger sisters.
However, the bishop is unwilling to let a young woman manage the property and business all on her own. He gives Sadie two choices: marry his son, Aden, or relinquish the business and land to the community. Not willing to give up on her dream, she weds Aden, resigning herself to a loveless marriage.
But while working with Aden at the store, Sadie realizes he isn't the same boy who had betrayed her in the past. In fact, she begins to look forward to the time they spend together, getting to know the man with a kind heart and gentle smile. Just when Sadie starts to let her guard down and perhaps develop feelings for her new husband, several dangerous secrets are revealed. Now everything Sadie has worked so hard to protect is threatened, and she must find a way to save her family-and herself.


My Review

I enjoyed this Amish fiction. I had to feel sorry for Sadie because she was forced to marry someone she didn't love because of the strict rules of the Bishop. Kathleen Fuller does another wonderful job writing a wonderful book full of excitement and twists and turns. The tension with Sadie and her difficult decision grips the hearts of readers because of the situation she has had to face. In a heartbeat, her parents were taken from her, changing her life. Marrying Aden is not what she wants to do, but working with him in the story was not as bad as she expected. Ms. Fuller handles the situations well, she has a way of keeping readers interested and coming back for more. I highly recommend this book, and especially if you enjoy Amish.
I rec'd a copy of this book from BookLook Bloggers for my honest review. The opinions here are only mine.

NIV Faithgirlz Bible By General Editor Nancy N. Rue by Zondervan

NIV Faithgirlz Bible 

By General Editor Nancy N. Rue

from Zondervan

Book Description

Bestselling NIV Faithgirlz! Bible with a fun, new magnetic closure binding.
This special binding of the NIV Faithgirlz! Bible offers a trendy and unique magnetic closure. Packed with exciting features that help tween girls better understand themselves and Scripture, the NIV Faithgirlz! Bible teaches girls that the Bible is real, relevant, and, best of all, that the story of God and his people is also their story. With in-text features written by tween expert Nancy Rue, the NIV Faithgirlz! Bible uses the bestselling New International Version (NIV).
Features include:
Book introductions-Read about the who, when, where, and what of each book Dream Girl-Use your imagination to put yourself in the story Bring It On!-Take quizzes to really get to know yourself Is There a Little (Eve, Ruth, Isaiah) in You?-See for yourself what you have in common Words to Live By-Check out these Bible verses that are great for memorizing What Happens Next?-Create a list of events to tell a Bible story in your own words Oh, I Get It!-Find answers to Bible questions you've wondered about The complete New International Version (NIV) Features written by bestselling author and tween expert Nancy Rue.


My Review

This is a beautiful Bible, inside and out, and any young lady would love and appreciate having this Bible to carry around. I love the bright purple and blue colors, and the little owl is adorable. The magnetic flap is a really nice addition, because it helps to protect the outside pages. There are several neat things in this Bible, the Bring it own helps by giving quizzes to help understand what you have read, and other features that help young ladies with their spiritual life. How fun to be able to compare your own self to characters in the Bible. This is an adorable feature that I really love. This Bible has a lot of features that will help teen girls study their Bibles, find help in their Christian lives, helping them grow as they read their Bible.

A copy of this book was provided to me free for my honest opinion. The opinions here are mine only.