Book Review: Jesus Always

Jesus Always: 365 Devotions for Kids, by Sarah Young is a joyful daily devotional book that's geared towards third to seventh graders. 

It's ideal to start this devotional on January 1, yet readers may start reading at any time throughout the year. Each daily devotion features a title, scripture verse, devotional text, and Read on Your Own additional scripture reading. 

According the back cover: "Each daily devotion is based on Scripture and is written as though Jesus is speaking directly to your children, opening His arms and inviting them into an amazing life of Joy for all who put their trust in Him. Adapted from the bestselling Jesus Always, with the same themes and scriptures as the adult version, this devotional is a great choice for families to read and discuss together." 

Jesus Always is geared towards younger readers, particularly third to seventh graders. With one devotional per page, this book may easily be added to personal or family devotional time, as well as a great way to start setting aside time each day to spend with God. 


Note: I received this book from Book Look Bloggers, which is a program designed for bloggers to write book reviews in exchange for books, yet the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Book Review: Open the Suitcase

Open the Suitcase, by Ruth Wielockx is an entertaining children's book.

Each animal character has a different job, which correlates to the belongings in their suitcases. As an interactive lift-the-flap book, it spans thirty-two pages and features easy-to-read text and adorable illustrations.

Open the Suitcase is geared towards young readers, particularly ages three and older.


Note: I received this book from NetGalley, which is a program designed for bloggers tow write book reviews in exchange for books, yet the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Book Review: The Yes Effect

The Yes Effect: Accepting God's Invitation to Transform the World Around You, by Luis Bush with Darcy Wiley is focused saying yes to God.

After spending decades in global missions work, the author shares his own story, as well as the stories of various individuals and organizations saying yes to God. It's an inspirational and inspiring book, which encourages readers to share the gospel message.

In the Foreword, Wess Stafford shared, "You will take a joyful journey into the lives of amazing people across the globe who have realized their potential and God's will by saying yest to the right things at the right time for the right reasons.... Knowing Luis [the author] as the mastermind of the 10/40 Window missions strategy, I have been fascinated to discover his own story as, yes by yes, he has introduced the oppressed and hopeless to a life-giving relationship with Jesus."

It's divided into eight main chapters, including Invitation 1: Follow Your Leaders, Invitation 2: Open Your Heart, Invitation 3: Fix Your Eyes, Invitation 4: Move Your Feet, Invitation 5: Find Your People, Invitation: 6: Stand Your Ground, Invitation 7: Celebrate Your Chain Reaction, and Invitation 8: Lead Your Followers. Also, there are additional sections, which include the Foreword, Conclusion: Choose Your Adventure, Notes, and Acknowledgments.

The Yes Effect is geared towards church leaders, short-term and long-term missionaries, and individuals and small groups interested in global missions.

Note: I received this book from Moody Newsroom, which is a program designed for bloggers to write book reviews in exchange for books, yet the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Book Review: A Record of My Vinyl

A Record of My Vinyl: A Collector's Catalog is a practical and unique journal that features a modern focus on vintage vinyl records.

 

According to the back cover sticker text: "This autobiographical companion to your analog collection includes: space for cataloging your vinyl, tips for maintaining a collection, information on rating discs, and wish lists to tear out and take with you."

The majority of this book is a journal with pages of entries that include the following categories: artist, album, catalog no., label, country, year, grade, and liner notes. In the back of the book, there are sections titled as Care for Your Collection, How to Value Your Vinyl, and Understanding Record Speeds, as well as My Most-Wanted Vinyl with tear out pages featuring entries for artist, album, year, and catalogue no.

A Record of My Vinyl is geared towards serious vinyl collectors and causal collectors.


Note: I received this book from Blogging for Books, which is a program designed for bloggers to write book reviews in exchange for books, yet the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Book Review: The Beautiful Word for Christmas

The Beautiful Word for Christmas to Bring the Joy of Advent to Your Heart, by Mary DeMuth is an insightful illustrated devotional book that focuses on the biblical story of Christ's birth and strives to refocus our mindset during the modern Christmas holiday season.

According to this book: "This collection of devotions was written to help you navigate the wonder-filled--but often stress-filled--season of Advent. In these devotions, one for each day of December, you will meet women much like yourself, each of whom finds joy and peace or receives answers from God just in time for the holidays."

The introduction consists of biblical scriptures that are illustrated in full-color. Also, there are thirty-one devotions, and each of these devotionals include a scripture verse, devotional text, and an activity suggestions regarding the holiday season.

The Beautiful Word for Christmas is geared towards women of all ages, from young adults to older generations. It's easily incorporated into personal devotional time or utilized to start spending quiet time with God each day. I look forward to re-reading this Advent devotional during the upcoming holiday season.

Note: I received this book from Book Look Bloggers, which is a program designed for bloggers to write book reviews in exchange for books, yet the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Book Review: Holiday Spice

Holiday Spice, by Samantha Chase is an entertaining contemporary holiday romance that seems to wrap up The Shaughnessy Brothers series.

Darcy Shaughnessy is the youngest in her family, as well as the only daughter. When she arrives in a snowy mountainous area to help organize an artist's debut book, Darcy is surprised to be attracted to Benjamin Tanner.

Benjamin and Darcy have different personalities and perspectives about life, especially Christmas, and both have dealt with family tragedies in their pasts. Their new professional situation is founded upon miscommunication and misconceptions, which continues to shade their personal relationship and romance.

Also, this story begins with a intriguing flashback to Darcy as a precious six-year-old with her family celebrating Christmas, as told from her father's point-of-view. 

This book provides an entertaining story that wraps up The Shaughnessy Brothers series. Even though it's the sixth book in series, it's still reads as a stand-alone story. However, it's recommend to read the whole series, starting with the first book: Made for Us. Previously, I reviewed another book called A Sky Full of Stars, which is the fifth book in the series.

Holiday Spice is geared towards those who enjoy reading modern holiday romances.

Note: I received this book from NetGalley, which is a program designed for bloggers to write book reviews in exchange for books, yet the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Book Review: Slap Shot

Slap Shot, by Kelly Jamieson is a captivating contemporary romance, and the fifth book in the Aces Hockey series.

Due to a family tragedy, Max Hall stepped away from his career as a pro-hockey player. Now, he's preparing, training, and ready to play hockey professionally...as long as the Chicago Aces team officials approve him.

Even though Max doesn't want another relationship, he's interested in a fling with Kendra Armstrong, while she is temporarily visiting from New York. However, their weekend fling is extended and they develop a friendship with benefits. Kendra wants a real relationship, yet Max is dealing with his past and hesitant to accept a new relationship. With both characters dealing with past tragedies and current issues, it's an emotional and intriguing story. 

Also, this story is told from only the man's perspective and readers only know Max's point-of-view. It's a unique method, especially for the romance genre. After several chapters of waiting for Kendra's perspective, I settled into the story.

Even though it's the fifth book in the Aces Hockey series, it's easily read as a standalone. I've not read the other books in the series, yet I've already added the previous four books to my reading list.

Slap Shot is geared towards those who enjoy reading contemporary romances, particularly with only one point-of-view (as mentioned previously). Even though there's a focus on hockey, romance is the main theme, so both hockey fans and non-athletic individuals will enjoy this book.

Note: I received this book from NetGalley, which is a program designed for bloggers to write book reviews in exchange for books, yet the opinions expressed in this review are my own.