Raising Passionate Jesus Followers

I received a copy of RAISING PASSIONATE JESUS FOLLOWERS: THE POWER OF INTENTIONAL PARENTING from Zondervan in exchange for an honest review.  It is written by Phil and Diane Comer, with a foreword by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs.

I was excited to read this because I have a toddler.  I want to ensure he grows up to be a good Christian.  I was a little worried this book would start off about teenagers, and by the time he is a teenager, I would forget what I read or it would be too late.  Luckily, that’s not the case.

The book teaches about teaching your kids through every age.  I can see this being a helpful read for expectant parents as well as current parents. 

RAISING PASSIONATE JESUS FOLLOWERS is a fast read with each chapter broken up into short sections and Bible quotes.  The book goes in-depth and provides fascinating insights about things I hadn’t thought of before.

The Rescue

I received a copy of THE RESCUE: SEVEN PEOPLE< SEVEN AMAZING STORIES by Jim Cymbala with Ann Sprangler from Zondervan via handlebar in exchange for an honest review.

Going into this, I was prepared for stories told by seven different people, stories that would stick with me and inspire.  I thought to relate to them and hopefully share them with others.  All this is true, now that I’ve read the book, but it was so much more. 

Each story will make you think.  I love collections like this, because the stories are true, and they tug at you.  They make you question the world around you.  Once you’re done reading, you’ll feel a deep connection to each of the seven people.  The people are at their lowest points and you are able to see how they are rescued.  It goes to show that there is always hope, even if you can’t see it at the time.

I recommend this to anyone who is going through a dark period, or to anyone who wants to read about lost souls being saved.

DWARVES OF CALCUS by Katie Hamstead

This is the third book in the “Fairytale Galaxy Chronicles.”  It works as a standalone. 

I’ve come to expect unique fairytale retellings when it comes to this series, and book three didn’t disappoint in the least.  This is one of the best Snow White retellings I have ever read.  Not only was it comical in places, dark in others, but I couldn’t stop reading until I discovered what happened next. 

Definite 5 stars!

MYTHS OF MISH by Katie Hamstead

This is the second book in the “Fairytale Galaxy Chronicles.”  It works as a standalone.  This is Hansel and Gretel as you’ve never read it.  I love stories that put a brand new spin on fairy tales.  This is one of the best.  It is unique and imaginative.  There was so much in it that just made me go, “Wow!”  Quite often I shared a bit with my husband.  If you’re looking for a creative spin on a classic fairy tale, check out MYTHS OF MISH.

PRINCESS OF TYRONE by Katie Hamstead

This is the first book in the series Fairytale Galaxy.  This is an enchanting book, and I don’t just mean it from the fairytale aspect.  As fairytale retellings go, this one is quite original.  The setting and characters are well thought-out and described.  The world especially is captivating.  It reminded me a lot of Firefly. 

My favorite part about this book was that the romance wasn’t insta-love or ridiculous.  I truly felt for them and it left me going “aww.” 

Beneath the Surface

I received a copy of BENEATH THE SURFACE by Lynn H. Blackburn from Revell in exchange for an honest review.  It is the first book in the series “Dive Team Investigations.”

I love a good mystery.  There’s nothing like getting lost in a who done it.  The mystery portion of this takes a back seat to the action.  There is action after action after action.  The characters are believable, with a strong female lead.  There is some romance, but it isn’t the central point.

If you love books with plenty of suspense, the kind of suspense that keeps you reading, you cannot miss out on BENEATH THE SURFACE.  This is Christian fiction, so the faith is strong, but it isn’t all the book is about.  Instead, it is woven seamlessly into the adventure.  Don’t start reading this if you don’t have a lot of time to devote to getting lost in chapters.

CELESTE by Ann Evans

I am all about books that switch time periods.  Its one of my favorite styles to write, but I don’t see it a lot in young adult fiction, so I was thrilled that CELESTE did that.  The transitions were smooth and I found myself easily absorbed in both worlds.  I was never confused about time periods, and the voices were distinctive. 

I couldn’t wait to keep reading.  There are plenty of creepy moments mixed in with action.  Great story!