Like A River From Its Course by Kelli Stuart

Like A River From Its Course by Kelli Stuart tells the painful accounts of suffering and survival using the intertwined stories of the Holocaust victims. Although this book is considered to be historical Christian fiction, the accounts have an element of realism that makes these stories seem vivid and real.  The chapters jumps from character to character: although the lives and the families portrayed are unique, their paths intersect in the context of the Holocaust atrocities.  The vivid depictions are told from the unique point of view of a selection of featured lives: a young Jewish girl, distraught families torn apart, and even a Nazi soldier.  Stuart depicts the pain and anguish of parents as they embrace their children for the final time  moments before they are murdered.  The reader helplessly follows the account of a young girl as she watches her parents fall lifelessly into the ditch heaped with the bodies of the murdered victims.  With empathy, the author portrays the humiliation and the shame of a young girl forced to undress  before she is to murdered.  The grief and heroism of an ordinary father is depicted in a story that unfolds before the reader.  These accounts are so true to life, and told with such emotion and description that it is painful to read.  The author gets inside the minds and the thoughts of those lives she writes about as if she had first hand knowledge of the horrific events and experiences.  This is a story that needs to be told, and read, despite how painful it is.  Kelli Stuart is a versatile writer who can adapt to light hearted entertaining fiction  for young girls to intense works of historical fiction. Stuart proves herself as a gifted writer with an uncanny ability to get into the mind of those who no longer have a voice in order to tell their story.  Through Kelli Stuart, the lives of those who suffered cruelly under Hitler continues to live. Most readers are familiar with account of a young  Holocaust victim from the book "Number the Stars" from their literature classes. Stuart's book ranks on the same level and I believe this would be a good book for students to read in their own history or literature classes as well.   As a blogger for Litfuse publicity I received a copy of this book published by Kregel Publications for the purpose of this review.

NIV, Lifehacks Bible, Hardcover Practical Tools for Successful Spiritual Habits By Joe Carter, editor

NIV, Lifehacks Bible, Hardcover Practical Tools for Successful Spiritual Habits By Joe Carter, editor is a new themed bible published by Zondervan. this well rounded bible is created for all believers, from those new to the bible to those who have been reading the bible for years.  This bible is perfect for anyone who wished to really live their faith and beliefs.  The short, informative articles and excerpts help the reader apply the bible to real life.  Although this plain text bible may not be as visually appealing as the new full color bibles on the market- it makes up by its utility and its application.  The bible is certain to jump out at the reader and come alive.

The book introductions are informative and give additional insight.  They are short and to the point without extraneous detail. There are relevant short articles throughout the bible to allow readers to literally connect what they read to their own lives.

The only thing about this bible is that some readers might find it too basic if comparing it to other more fancy or visually focused bibles.  The text is standard and the font is a bit washed out or faded in appearance.  I would have preferred a more readable black font rather than a lighter toned brownish gray font.

I was looking forward to this bible; visually  it just was not what I was expecting, and not very impressive.  Nevertheless the quality of content and its applicability to real every day life makes up for the lack of visual appeal.

The binding is very high quality, and the cover will stand up to years of use.  Overall this bible is a satisfactory choice.  Of all the bibles on the market it isn't the most impressive.  Perhaps I have been spoiled by the full color study bibles adorned with full color photographs, which are also published by Zondervan and available in the NIV.  Nevertheless this Lifehacks NIV bible is a solid choice for any series bible reader.  As a blogger for Booklook I received a copy of this bible for the purpose of writing this review.

Food with Friends by Leela Cyd

Food with Friends by Leela Cyd is a beautiful new full color cook book. Beautiful photography of a variety of unique recipes are spread throughout this book.  This book would make a great gift for any chef.  Unique dishes include Bananas on Fire, Avocado & Coconut Tartlets, Cotija, Apricot & Rosemay Crisps and Whiskey- Pepper Magic Shell.  If you are throwing a party or hosting a special even, these recipes will be certain to impress your guests.  These fancy gourmet treats, desserts and meals are unique- and will tests the skills of any chef.  Each dish is accompanied by a full color photo, a brief background as well as a step by step guide to creating the meal. Also included are the author's notes which are additional helpful hints to guide the chef through the recipe.  Be sure to plan ahead to make sure you are stocked with the fancy, gourmet ingredients needed for these recipes before you try it out.  Once completed, posting photos of the finished product on Instagram or Facebook is certain to impress your friends and draw a lot of likes.  As a blogger I received a copy of this book published by Potter for the purpose of writing this review. 

Africa Study Bible- NLT

The Africa Study Bible is a new idea for a bible in the easy to understand modern NLT New Living Translation.  Written specifically as an outreach for readers in Africa, this new bible was created to increase the understanding of God's word for the African culture.  The format of this bible is easy to read and inviting.  Rather than a plain text bible, this bible features special graphics and commentary to draw in the reader, bringing God's message to life.  A better translation for this special bible could not have been chosen- the NLT is perfectly suited for this bible project. This project brings a new voice to those who are often underrepresented and in need of an outreach.  This outreach mission truly fulfills the Great Commission of sharing the word of God far and wide.  In the tradition of the Apostles, the mission continues, and you, the reader are also invited.

According to the publishers: 

"Hundreds of millions of Africans know and love Christ. However, most Bible resources come from a Western perspective—cultures far removed from the reality of life in Africa. In order to help meet this urgent need, the Africa Study Bible was created."

To learn more about Oasis International, the Kickstarter campaign and about the African Bible you may visit the link below:

http://oasisint.net/africa-study-bible/

For more information about the Kickstarter campaign for the African Bible project please click the link below:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1816907898/launching-the-africa-study-bible

If You Were Me and Lived In...... Elizabethan England by Carole P. Roman

If You Were Me and Lived In...... Elizabethan England by
Carole P. Roman, illustrated by Paula Tabor is a new illustrated historical book-
of Roman's  newly created picture book series featuring a variety of  historical time periods.  This illustrated book features Elizabethan England of the 1600s with Queen Elizabeth I.  Traditionally styled  cartoons mixed with a touch of texture and mixed media details are used to introduce the student to the life and times of this time period.  The authentic styled art looks as if it was created in the 1600s. Unlike the dry accounts of this period from Western Civilization textbooks, the lively cartoons and fast paced narrative make this time period in England memorable-  life and culture is entertaining as well as informative.   This full color book provides an in-depth glimpse into the
historical details of co daily life, culture, art, economics, as well as politics. The solemnity of the culture is respectfully captured with dignity by Roman as well as through Tabor's art.

 Students of all age groups will find something to love about this book. Younger children will enjoy the illustrations while older history students will enjoy the rich historical content and the attention to detail.  The author incorporates many authentic historical details in creating this volume.   The end of the book features mini- biographies of well known figures such as Francis Bacon, Sir Francis Drake as well as William Shakespear.   Also included is a thorough glossary of historical terminology that is common to the time period .  This book would make a great resource for any history curriculum.  History enthusiasts and fans of this time period will also enjoy this book.  Roman delivers a story with accuracy
and authenticity.  Her books represent painstaking research with meticulous attention to each and every authentic detail.  Additional

books in this series include Colonial America, Renaissance Italy, and Ancient Greece. I am looking forward to reading more from this series.

If You Were Me and Lived In...... Colonial America by Carole P. Roman,

If You Were Me and Lived In...... Colonial America by
Carole P. Roman, illustrated by Sara Wright is a new picture book-
of Roman's  newly created picture book series featuring a variety of  historical time periods.  This picture book features the story of the pilgrims in Colonial America.  Bold cartoons mixed with a touch of texture and mixed media details are used to introduce the young reader to the life and times of colonial America.  Unlike the dry account of the early colonial settlers from a traditional history textbook, the lively cartoons and fast paced narrative make the early colonial life and culture entertaining as well as informative.   This full color book provides an in-depth glimpse into the historical details of colonial daily life, their religious beliefs, as well as their political beliefs. The solemnity of the pilgrims is respectfully captured by Roman as well as through Wright's art.

 Students of all age groups will find something to love about this book. Younger children will enjoy the bold comic book cartoon characters while older students will enjoy the rich historical content and the attention to detail. Parents as well as educators will enjoy this book too.  The author incorporates many authentic historical details in creating this book about colonial times  The end of the book features mini- biographies of well known figures such as Captain John Smith, William Pennand Ann Hutchinson.   Also included is a thorough glossary of historical terminology that is common to the time period .  This book would make a great resource for any history curriculum.  This book would be great for any elementary school or middle school library.  Additional

books in this series include Elizabethan England, Renaissance Italy, and Ancient Greece.

f You Were Me and Lived In...... Ancient Greece by Carole P. Roman, illustrated by Mateya Arkova

If You Were Me and Lived In...... Ancient Greece by
Carole P. Roman, illustrated by Mateya Arkova is part of
a newly created picture book series featuring a variety of time periods.  This picture book features softly painted water color styled art, depicting the culture, philosophy, art, and history of ancient Greece.   This book provides an in-depth glimpse into the historical details of time period- daily life as well as well known historical moments, bringing history to life.

 Students of all age groups will find something to love about this book. Younger children will enjoy the lively art while older students will enjoy the rich historical content and the attention to detail. Parents as well as educators will enjoy this book too.  The author incorporates many authentic historical details in creating this book about Ancient Greece such as City States, ancient coinage, philosophers such as Plato and literature.  The end of the book features short biographies of well known mythical gods and goddesses including Apollo, Demeter and Hades.   Also included is a glossary of historical terms including "underworld" and "lentils" .  This book would make a great resource for any history curriculum.  This book would be great for any elementary school or middle school library.  Additional

books in this series include Elizabethan England, Renaissance Italy, and Colonial America.

If You Were Me and Lived In...... Renaissance Italy by Carole P. Roman

If You Were Me and Lived In...... Renaissance Italy by
Carole P. Roman, illustrated by Silvia Brunetti is part of
a newly created picture book series featuring a variety of time periods.  This picture book features beautiful mixed media illustrations, combining full color photography with beautiful art.  There is a particular poignant spread featuring a cloaked farm worker with a panoramic styled scene of farmland and a castle in the backdrop. There is also a diagram of a traditional home- including the floor plan which incorporated details such as the servant's room, annd "papa's Business room".  This book provides an in-depth glimpse into the Renaissance time period- bringing history to life. Students of all ages will enjoy this book. Younger children will enjoy the lively art while older students will enjoy the rich historical content and the attention to detail. The end of the book features well know Renaissance art including Donatello's David and sculpture by Michelangelo.  There is an appendix of notable figures such as Leonardo Da Vinci, Galileo, and Machiavelli.  Also included is a glossary of terms.  This book would make a great resource for any history curriculum.  This book would be great for any elementary school or middle school library.  Additional books in this series include Elizabethan England, Ancient Greece, and Colonial America.

How to Weep in Public: Feeble Offerings on Depression from One Who Knows by Jacqueline Novak

How to Weep in Public: Feeble Offerings on Depression from One Who Knows by Jacqueline Novak is new book that provides a satire on depression.  Depression is a common mood disorder, but is often considered to be a taboo subject.  Almost everyone at some point has experienced at least a transient episode of depression once in their lives. This lighthearted book speaks truths about depression uaing satire and humor.  Intended for the clinically depressed individual who may need some bit of comic relief- this offers simple advice and insight for the reader.This book does not take much effort to read as it is simply written.  Nevertheless as the author acknowledges, the truly depressed may not have the stamina to read a full book- but even that is okay as this book can be read in short bursts or snippets.  This book is written so that the reader may skip to a particular chapter if he or she does not want to start from the beginning.  The author discusses relationships, pets and even medication.  There probably isn't a topic that is not discussed.  Novak has a lot to share with the reader in her new unique and insightful book.  As a blogger I received a copy of this book published by Three Rivers Press for the purpose of writing this review.

Hunting Hope, Dig Through the Darhness to Find the Light by Nika Maples

From the very first page, Nika Maples, in her new book, Hunting Hope, Dig Through the Darkness to Find the Light, reaches out to the reader during times of great despair and grief. This highly readable book is just what a hurting, offended or grieving soul needs. Mapels knows how to turn pain into purpose; her book's easy to digest message is for the overworked and overburdened, in order to give hope.

Nika Maples brings scripture to life relating it to the modern day reader.  Her vivid writing reaches out to the reader  allowing the reader to relate their personal circumstances to biblical truths.  She invites the reader behind the scenes of the gospel stories that are used to relate how God heals those who are in pain and broken-hearted. She doesn't describe pain and opposition as a bad thing, but as something to seek out and to use for growth.  The author puts an inspirational focus on times of trial and failure.  She is a gifted writer offering inspiration to those in need with the power to help even the most hopeless and apathetic of readers.  This book delivers hope, purpose and empowerment with her words.   The Holy Spirit has used this woman, through her book, to reach out to those who are burdened and hurting. Hunting Hope  book is written personally for the reader- in a conversational tone- simple, yet vibrant and real.  Her gift of writing is reminiscent of one of my favorite authors, Max Lucado. This is a book worthy of the bedside, to be read and re-read and to be passed to a grieving friend or family member. I plan on reading this book a second time, and passing it on to someone in spiritual need.  I hope more readers will discover  Nika Maples and benefit from her inspiration.  As a blogger for Litfuse publicity I received a copy of this book for the purpose of writing this review.  This book is published by Worthy Inspired publishers.


Hunting Hope - enter the Giveaway

Girls Slimline Bible NLT, published by Tyndale

Girls Slimline Bible NLT,  published by Tyndale is the perfect sized bible to take with you or to read while at home.  This slim sized bible features an attractive retro styled hard cover with a bold contrast of silver trim stitch contrasting with a bold, bright fur textured cover print.  While this book is marketed for teen-aged or tween girls. Other than the beautifully styled cover, nothing in the interior is specific to young girls.  It would be a stretch, but this bible has appeal even for use by a  middle aged adult - it is a bit bright and bold for anything other than my own personal use. Even so, I found this quality made, sturdy and retro design appealing.  This design has universal appeal for a wide contemporary youthful audience with its modern minimalist design.  The text is a standard sized, and the ultra thin pages keep this bible slim and light.  This plain text bible does not feature any extra articles or devotionals- which is fine if you are looking for a light weight bible.  I do not feel that young readers will be able to absorb the small font and may be overwhelmed by this bible.  Therefore I feel it is more appropriate for teens and older. The New Living Translation is a great translation- true and faithful as well as easy to understand. For those who read their bibles a lot- this will be an advantage as it is easy to hold for extended periods of time.  As a blogger I received a copy of this bible for the purpose of writing this review.

Long May She Wave boxed Set of Post Cards

Long May She Wave is a beautiful boxed set of full color postcards featuring the history of the American flag.  The nostalgic gift set is the perfect gift for any historian or historical enthusiast.  It would also make a great patriotic gift set for the 4th of July.  The beautifully designed box contains a stack of beautifully created postcards featuring  beautiful reproductions of antique patriotic art chronicling the history of the American flag.  This boxed set crosses the boundary between stationary and American history.  The are duplicates of each design so that you can use them as postcards and keep copies for yourself as well. Even if you use all the cards and give them away the sturdy patriotic  box can be kept to hold trinkets or other mementos. This packaged set of cards is certain to be a unique and treasured gift. This boxed would be perfect product for an antique store for tourists.  As a blogger I received a copy of this gift set published by Potter Style/ Ten Speed Press for the purpose of writing this review.