The Ragamuffin Bible

Do you believe that God not only loves you, but that he also likes you?
It's just one of the soul-searching questions posed by bestselling author Brennan Manning who confesses he has been 'John the beloved, Peter the coward, and Thomas the doubter all before the waitress brought the check.'
The NIV Ragamuffin Bible offers a collection of Manning’s raw, painfully honest, yet grace-filled devotions, meditations, and reflections of his journey limping back to---like the prodigal son---his overjoyed father. When you journey through this Bible, you will likewise find yourself returning to your Heavenly Father, basking in the knowledge that God not only loves you, he delights in you.
Features:* Complete text of the world’s most popular modern-English Bible, the NIV* 104 Devotions guide you into a deeper connection to God and his Word * 250 Reflections help you understand what it means to be a child of God* 150 Quotes offer short but thoughtful insights into God’s kingdom.
You can visit HERE to see sample pages from the Ragamuffin Bible.

This Bible contains the trusted by many NIV version of God's Word along with devotional thoughts and quotes from Brennan Manning (1934-2013).  There is nothing fancy about this Bible - the printing is all in black with the thoughts from Manning set apart from the Biblical text in blocks that look like parchment pieces.  While there is nothing pretentious in the presentation of this Bible, the Word of God with the addition of Manning's timeless transparency in devotional encouragement will be a priceless treasure to those "bedraggled, bear-up and brokenhearted" sojourners who may come across it.  I'm holding on to my review copy and waiting to pass it along to someone in 2014 who needs to encounter the God of the Bible and the amazing grace He offers in abundance.

Get yours today and be ready to abide in God's Word in 2014!

Christian Book Store
Thank you B&B Media for sending a complimentary copy for the purpose of this review!

Blessings,
Jennifer

Bound To A Promise

Real, relatable, and refreshing are words often used to describe Bonnie Floyd.  Perhaps it is because she could easily be a next door neighbor to any of us.
Bonnie has taken her contagious zeal for the Lord and her authentic love for people to various conferences, retreats and churches throughout the U.S. and beyond.  Her powerful and dynamic messages bring the Scriptures to life for audiences of all ages and offer useful and practical ways to apply them to everyday living.
For several years Bonnie served in various capacities with Women of Faith and is currently an administrator for Barry and Sheila Walsh. More importantly, she has a deep love and respect for God's Word that is born our of her service as a teacher and small group leader for more than twenty three years.
Bonnie has been married to "her Donnie" since 1987.  Both California native, they now make their home in Celina, TX- a home that provides a perfect setting to share Bonnie's passion for cooking by entertaining family and friends.  They make their church home at Genesis Metro Church in Frisco, TX, where Bonnie, who was ordained as a minister of the gospel in 2010, is an active member in women's ministries.
Learn more about Bonnie and her ministry at her website found at www.bonniefloyd.com, Bonnie's Facebook page, and Twitter.

At six o'clock on a cold, foggy morning in Fresno, CA, Bonnie Floyd's horrific nightmare began...but she was wide awake!
This may sound like the beginning of a fiction thriller, but it isn't. This is a true story, and the nightmare was all too real.  Life as Bonnie had known it was over, and the future she faced was unimaginable...unspeakable.
Based on Scotland Yard's investigation, newspaper reports, court transcripts, and eyewitness accounts, Bonnie's story has it all - exotic settings, courtroom drama, real-life adventure, convicting testimony and puzzling mystery.
The key to this disturbing drama hangs on a very crucial and binding promise made to Bonnie.  Did the promise maker keep that promise or was there a chance it was broken?  The answer to that burning question had everlasting consequences both for the one who made the promise and to whom the promise was made.
Don't be surprised if this story captures your heart and you, too, become bound to a promise.
I enjoyed reading Bound To A Promise.  The book reads more like a fiction novel, but tells the very real story of the tragic murder of Bonnie's father and step-mother.  She expertly weaves the back story of her life into the book and her vivid descriptions of the people involved, emotions and places bring a palpable life to the book.  As I was reading, I could almost feel the emotion experienced by the players in the story as well as envision myself present with them.
Bonnie's writing clearly relays the transformative power of God's grace and the astounding love it causes to rise up in a life surrendered to it.  Read Bound To A Promise and be inspired to trust God more!
Thank you B&B Media for sending the complimentary copy for the purpose of review.
Happy Reading,
Jennifer

Modern Design

I am proud today to be partnering with Modern Design, Inc.   They were very generous in sending me one of the rings from their Tungsten collection to review for my readers.

Tungsten Bands, also known as Tungsten Carbide Rings and Bands, are becoming more popular due to the near indestructible nature of the ring.  Tungsten Bands are crafted from the already incredible characteristics of Tungsten metal, and combining Carbide powder, which when forged together make the most desirable polished ring on the market.


Modern Design, Inc. sent me the Polished Tungsten Ring with Fine Celtic Design.  Priced at $90, this ring is of exceptional quality.  The surface is smooth and while the ring is thicker metal, it is not heavy on my finger.  This would be considered a men's ring, but I have enjoyed trying it out myself.  The construction of this ring provides for a nearly scratch-free and indestructible piece of jewelry that a man would not have to worry about damaging.  The cross design adds character to the ring without taking away the "manliness" of this piece.

Modern Design has been providing exquisite custom jewelry at great prices since 1978 and has over 200 Tungsten designs to choose from as well as other fine pieces of jewelry.  For something eye catching and unique, visit Modern Design.  

Follow them on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Pinterest.  

They offer Free FedEx Two-Day Air on all orders...so it's not too late to grab that last minute thoughtful Christmas gift!

Merry Christmas,
Jennifer

A Forest of Doors: An Orphan's Quest

L.A. Muse devotes much of her time as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for children.  Her life and presence is representative of the best hopes of children thrown into the child welfare system by the actions of their parents.  L.A. continues her quest in her next work Carver Road.  As the mystery of her lost family unfolds, she explores the depths of her past and how her life continues to be shaped.  She currently lives in Edmond, Oklahoma.

A young child, orphaned by addiction and isolated from her siblings, dreams of reuniting her family after decades of separation.  She begins a quest and gains more than she ever dreamed possible along the way.  This is a powerful true story of loss, love, spirituality, coping and redemption.

Published by Innovo Publishing.





My Thoughts:
Reading about child abandonment and abuse is never easy and A Forest of Doors was no different.  The book is only 97 pages long, but tells the heartbreaking story of the abuse of author L.A. Muse and how she was abused again by the "system" supposedly in place to protect her.  The book reads like a disjointed journal with lots of gaps in the story.  The story Muse tells seems to skip a lot and moves really fast. However, I do appreciate her transparency in sharing her story in the hopes it will encourage others to put a voice to their own.  Instead of letting the horror of her childhood and much of her young adult life define her and determine her future, Muse now advocates for those who suffer some of the same things she suffered. I'll look forward to reading the "rest of the story" in her upcoming book Carver Road.

Happy Reading,
Jennifer

David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits, and The Art of Battling Giants

Appearing on the Time Magazine’s 100 most influential people, Malcolm Gladwell is a Canadian journalist based in New York. In addition to being a bestselling author of four books, Gladwell is also a speaker and has been on job as a staff writer for The New Yorker since 1996. His books, The Tipping Point: How Little Things Make a Big Difference (2000), Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking (2005), Outliers: The Story of Success (2008), and What the Dog Saw: And Other Adventures (2009) have all appeared on The New York Times bestsellers list. His works deal with research in the areas of psychology, social psychology and sociology. On June 30, 2011, Gladwell was appointed to the Order of Canada.

We all know that underdogs can win–that’s what the David versus Goliath legend tells us, and we’ve seen it with our own eyes. Or have we? In David and Goliath, Malcolm Gladwell, with his unparalleled ability to grasp connections others miss, uncovers the hidden rules that shape the balance between the weak and the mighty, the powerful and the dispossessed. Gladwell examines the battlefields of Northern Ireland and Vietnam, takes us into the minds of cancer researchers and civil rights leaders, and digs into the dynamics of successful and unsuccessful classrooms–all in an attempt to demonstrate how fundamentally we misunderstand the true meaning of advantages and disadvantages. When is a traumatic childhood a good thing? When does a disability leave someone better off? Do you really want your child to go to the best school he or she can get into? Why are the childhoods of people at the top of one profession after another marked by deprivation and struggle?

My Thoughts:

It has been quite some time since I read a book that I just did not care for...David and Goliath is one of them.  While the premise of the book is "okay", Malcolm desecrates the biblical story of David and his battle against Goliath.  He even refers to it as simply a "legend" and says, "the problem with that version of the events is that almost everything about it is wrong."  The book is nothing more than a collection of philosophical ideas and psychological assumptions about how to get the upper hand in any given situation.

David and Goliath is a man centered mantra about how to "fight your battles".  While the obligatory scripture is given at the beginning of each section of the book, not one time does Mr. Gladwell mention the name of Jesus or even entertain the idea that our strength is found in Christ and the good news of His gospel.  

I'm afraid I would have to suggest you pass on this one.

Thank you B&B Media for sending the complimentary copy of the book for the purpose of this review.

Happy Reading,

Jennifer

The God Puzzle

About the Author: Valerie Ackermann has a BA in Theology and has been a full time Children's Ministry Director at Parkwood Community Church in California for over 10 years. She is also a weekly Sunday school teacher, wife, and busy mom of two boys ages 9 and 11. She has hands-on experience as a children's ministry professional, teaching and leading children of all ages. Growing up in a Christian family in the small town of Saskatchewan Canada, she has wonderful memories of knowing God from an early age. She has a passion for kids to know the deep truths of God. 

Find out more at LeadMeToGod.com.

About the book: The God Puzzle is a colorful, easy to use tool to help you communicate to your child the rich truths about God, His ways, His will and His love. The God Puzzle will help you address doctrinal themes of the Christian faith in a kid friend ly way, present Bible lessons in an interactive way that will hold the child's attention and deliver quality teaching with no preparation needed. 75% of children leave the church when they leave home. Something isn't working. Sunday School isn't doing it all. Kids need answers, good ones. And they need them from you, the parent. This book enables you to give them simple, clear answers.

What makes The God Puzzle unique?

- ready made discussion questions for parent to ask their child in each lesson

- can be done at any pace that works with your 

family . . . every night, once a week, 10 minutes here, 30 minutes there . . . it fits into realistic family life

- puts the pieces together for a child to understand God, the Bible, and the Christian faith

- in each lesson the responds to the truth so they understand their relationship to God is personal and life transforming

- any parent, whether they know nothing, or a lot about God can start teaching their child today with no prep

- deep theology put into language a child can understand

- deeply Biblical, each lesson points to Christ

- put in an order that starts with creation, and teaches the Bible as one story that all points to Christ

- child stays engaged by filling in blanks, crosswords, drawing, matching and using their Bibles as they learn

My Thoughts:

The God Puzzle:  How The Bible Fits Together To Reveal God As Your Greatest Treasure is a workbook written for kids ages 7 - 12.  The book is colorful with eye catching graphics that will draw kids' attention.  The book does two things:  Presents the Bible as on seamless story and shares deep truths in a way kids will understand.  Using puzzles, word finds, art, question and answer as well as journaling and prayer, this solid resource teaches kids how to read, meditate on and study Scripture in order to know God and see how they fit into His story.  Ackermann has provided a solid Biblical picture of God's theme of grace and redemption that is woven throughout Scripture from Genesis to Revelation.  She helps kids to know and understand how all the stories of the Bible fit into God's big story...the gospel...the good news of Jesus Christ.

Some of the topics covered are:

• Who is God?
• What is sin?
• Why did they make sacrifices when they sinned in the Old Testament?
• What was God's relationship with people in the Old Testament?
• Who is Jesus?
• What is the new covenant?
• What are my old self and my new self?
• How does God change me to become more like him?
• What is worship?
• What is the church?
• What is missions?
• What are Spiritual gifts?
• How do I spend time with God?
• What are we looking forward to?

The workbook is easy to use giving parents, who are new in their own faith or ones who have been believers for a long time, a guide to discipling their kids that isn't overwhelming or complicated to figure out.  While this resource is colorful and fun, it is  biblicaly solid and strongly theological in content.  Don't miss out on this amazing resource by Higherlife Publishing.

Thank you Litfuse Publicity for sending a complimentary copy of the book for the purpose of this review!

You can order this resource at Deeper Shopping Christian Books and Bibles:

Christian Book Store

Blessings,

Jennifer

A Marriage in Middlebury

Meet the author: Best-selling and award-winning author, Anita Higman, has over thirty books published (several coauthored) for adults and children. She's been a Barnes & Noble "Author of the Month" for Houston and has a BA degree, combining speech communication, psychology, and art. Anita loves good movies, exotic teas, and brunch with her friends.

Connect with Anita at: http://anitahigman.com

One decision changed both their lives...but will love win in the end?

Charlotte Rose Hill enjoys a comfortable life serving up country delicacies, uniquely blended teas, and matchmaking advice for her quirky, devoted customers.  The only thing lacking is someone to share it with.
At eighteen she denied Sam Wilder's marriage proposal after his family convinced her to walk away from their relationship.  They both moved on...or so she thought.  When Sam walks back into her life more than a decade later, Charlotte is surprised that her heart still quickens.  But is it because of his presence?  Or because of the presence of Sam's new fiancee?

A second chance at love doesn't come often, but their past may keep them apart.  Is it too late for Sam and Charlotte?

My Thoughts:
I had the pleasure of reading Higman's A Winter in Full Bloom and being introduced to her during a live chat on The Book Club Network through the Reader's Only group.  Her writing has a "at home with a friend" feel to it.  She uniquely weaves life lessons and faith into the personal stories of her characters.  I appreciate that her characters aren't all "cookie cutter" Christians, but seem as if they could be your neighbor next door dealing with all sorts of life issues and at times struggling with matters of faith.
I absolutely loved Charlotte!  Higman tells her story in such a way that it seems as if you feel what Charlotte's feeling at each juncture in the story.  Charlotte's and Sam's back story is woven into the plot with such fluency that does not interrupt present day happenings in the novel.  While reading the book, I could almost picture myself sitting at a little table in the Rose Cottage Tearoom "people watching" this cast of characters.
I appreciated Higman sharing the "voice" of each character.  While maybe a little predictable, A Marriage in Middlebury is a beautifully told story of mistakes, loss, love, second chances and faith that overcomes any circumstance.

You can go HERE to see what others are saying about the book.

Don't miss your chance to win a Kindle for yourself and a friend and a chance to chat with Anita on Dec. 12th:
Enter Today | 11/18 - 12/12!


Thank you Litfuse Publicity for sending a copy of the book for the purpose of this review.

Happy Reading,
Jennifer