Another Way Home by Deborah Raney

Deborah Raney has written a series that I have thoroughly enjoyed from book 1. I love how the Chicory Inn has remained a center piece through each book, although it changes roles throughout each book. For example, in this book it is mostly featured as the place where the family gets together for Tuesday meals. It is where announcements are made and tears are shed and joys are shared.

Danae and Dallas are the central characters in this book. Their situation is one that so many can relate to so easily. Danae desperately wants to have a child, but she isn't able to get pregnant month after month. It's all her heart wants and it's so hard for her to focus on much else. Add to that having a sister that can have baby after baby whether she wanted to have one or not. Those announcements just never get easier because Danae can't help but wonder when it'll be her turn to announce baby news, or if it'll even ever happen.

I loved how Danae chose to pour her heart into a new passion--volunteering at a women's shelter. My heart broke over the children, though. Just knowing that many of the kids in these situations have experienced what was written or even so much more is heartbreaking.

I felt like so many issues were incorporated into this book. Difficulty getting pregnant, marriage issues, abuse, adoption and that's just to name a few. Even with all of the heavier topics brought up, the book was an interesting one and it didn't feel so weighty that I didn't enjoy it. In fact, it was extremely hard for me to put this book down. I'm looking forward to the next book coming out soon!

Read more reviews on this book at http://litfusegroup.com/author/draney.

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About the Book

Another Way Home (Abingdon Press, October 2015)
Sometimes God’s ways are not at all what we expect . . . and exactly what we need.
Grant and Audrey are adding grandchildren to their family left and right, but middle daughter, Danae, and her husband, Dallas Brooks, have been trying for years with no baby in sight.
Though Danae is ready to consider adoption, Dallas will not even discuss it. Despairing of ever having a family of her own, Danae decides to pour her passion and energies into volunteer work with a newly opened women’s shelter in town. Looking for a good cause to fill her lonely days, she never expects to give her heart to the hurting women she meets there. She’s finally learning to live her life with gratitude, but then heart-wrenching events on Thanksgiving weekend threaten to pull the entire Whitman clan into turmoil—and leave them all forever changed.
Learn more and purchase a copy.

Deborah Raney

Deborah Raney’s books have won numerous awards, including the RITA, National Readers Choice Award, HOLT Medallion, and the Carol Award, and have twice been Christy Award finalists. She and her husband, Ken, recently traded small-town life in Kansas—the setting of many of Deborah’s novels—for life in the (relatively) big city of Wichita, where they enjoy gardening, antiquing, movies, and traveling to visit four children and a growing brood of grandchildren who all live much too far away.

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I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group and Abingdon Press in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

The Ology by Marty Machowski

When I saw this book was about to be released, I knew this was one I wanted for my own children. I had read some great reviews on it from some authors that I trust and they had so many good things to say. In fact, the reviews in the front of the book are from some well-known theologians, pastors, and authors.

Many people hesitate to teach their children theology, thinking that it is too deep for them to understand. I have long held the idea that it's not too deep because even as adults we are still learning theology and will never fully grasp all of it in our finite minds.

The book has a parent guide that in the very front of the book. I appreciated this because as a homeschooling family, we are easily able to incorporate this book into our daily studies. It's tailored for elementary students, children ages 6-12. However, my 5 year old has learned a lot from it. It does say that teens and adults can use it to help lay a solid biblical worldview. For that matter, adults will find this book very enjoyable to read. I also really appreciate how it encourages the readers to check out a few more books as your child ages. I definitely want to get the companion album that goes with this book. How neat to be able to teach theology with music.

The sections of the book are:
1. The Ology of God
2. The Ology of People
3. The Ology of Sin
4. The Ology of the Promise and the Law
5. The Ology of Christ
6. The Ology of the Holy Spirit
7. The Ology of Adoption into God's Family
8. The Ology of Change
9. The Ology of the Church
10. The Ology of the End Times
11. The Ology of God's Word

The chapters are short in each section and the author highly recommends you take the book one chapter at a time and really discuss the chapter throughout the day. There is Scripture included on the pages that you can memorize, but surrounding the pictures on the opposite page is extra Scripture verses that you can use to go deeper into the subject.

Another thing that I found extremely helpful for my children is the Glossary. It tweaks some important Bible Words and some big words we hear most often and it explains them in a way for children to understand.

Following that page is a Think Theology, Talk Theology page. Each chapter has two questions that you can ask your child to help clarify any concepts they may be confused on or have difficulty understanding.

This book will be one that we will be using in our family for many years and I will definitely be purchasing this to give to others for gifts. It is especially important for our children to know what they believe and why and I'm so thankful for this book written for children.

Read more reviews on this book at
When I saw this book was about to be released, I knew this was one I wanted for my own children. I had read some great reviews on it from some authors that I trust and they had so many good things to say. In fact, the reviews in the front of the book are from some well-known theologians, pastors, and authors.

Many people hesitate to teach their children theology, thinking that it is too deep for them to understand. I have long held the idea that it's not too deep because even as adults we are still learning theology and will never fully grasp all of it in our finite minds.
Read more reviews on this book at http://litfusegroup.com/books/the-ology.

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About the Book

The Ology: Ancient Truths Ever New (New Growth Press, October 2015)
A page-turning storybook of theology for kids
In the cellar of the old stone cathedral, Carla and Timothy uncover a life-changing treasure, a carefully wrapped ancient book known as The Ology. What adults might describe as a beautifully illustrated storybook of systematic theology, the kids discover to be a story of adventure, mystery, and wonder that leads them to the truth about God, themselves, and the world around them.
Truth is for kids, not just for adults! So The Ology gives kids of all ages a beginner’s theology book to help them understand who God is and how we, as his children, relate to him. Arranged within a traditional systematic theological framework, each truth in The Ology is also connected to the larger redemptive story of Scripture. The doctrine of God, for example, is presented in the larger framework of creation, where the attributes of God are more clearly on display. The Ology takes abstract theological concepts and makes them easier to understand with the use of creative examples, illustrations, and analogies. The goal is not to say everything that could be said about a theological topic, but rather to share the key thoughts behind a theological concept. The Ology is a starting point to learning theology and aims to create a hunger and desire in children to learn more as they grow older.
Designed for six-year-olds through preteens, this flexible resource includes built-in adaptations for use with younger or older children, so that entire families can enjoy it together. Read The Ology to preschoolers, read it with grade-school kids, and let older kids discover the “hidden” truths by reading the corresponding Scripture passages for each section. However you read it, The Ology will give your children a gift that will last a lifetime—a solid foundation of life-changing biblical truth that will point them to the God who loves them and gave himself for them.
Check out this preview!
A companion The Ology CD from Bob Kauflin and Sovereign Music is also available.
Learn more and purchase a copy.

 

Marty Machowski

Marty Machowski is a Family Life Pastor at Covenant Fellowship Church in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania, where he has served on the pastoral staff for over twenty years. He is the author of the Gospel Story for Kids series, which includes "The Gospel Story Bible," "Long Story Short," "Old Story New," and the "Gospel Story Curriculum," as well as the Advent devotional and curriculum "Prepare Him Room." He and his wife, Lois, and their six children reside in West Chester, Pennsylvania.

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I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group and New Growth Press in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Saturate by Jeff Vanderstelt

I have been very excited to read this book ever since I saw the title of this book. I knew it would be one that was challenging and would help challenge me to be intentional in my every day life. It's so easy to go into the mundane tasks of the day as a checklist and to forget the intentional relationships I need to continue to pursue that are all around me.

Jeff does a great job at starting with the basics and explaining how being a disciple of Jesus is as simple as investing in the lives of others. The story Jeff shares about his mom and dad and how they used their home has stuck with me. I had just been in that situation in thinking that maybe I needed to do more, when in fact, I had been doing it all along. I appreciated that personal story because it was easy to relate to and a good picture of what it means to be intentional.

Growing up in the Bible belt (although it's becoming less and less that), many people say they love Jesus and they go to church, but then they act anything but Christ-like on the other 6-1/2 days of the week. Jesus gets put into a box in the lives of many people, and it's quite easy to do if we're not intentional. Jeff reminds us that Jesus needs to be in everything. We are to saturate our lives with Jesus. It doesn't mean we jam Him down the throats of people or anything, but that our own lives are so saturate with Jesus that His characteristics flow out of us.

Throughout the book, Jeff gives some wonderful examples of things to consider in our own lives. I was challenged to really meditate and be honest with myself about what areas I've boxed in and what areas I need to be more intentional about in being sure Jesus is seen in even the mundane tasks I perform.

When I first got this book, I decided I would read it at night. Then I learned that would be impossible because it is definitely one that I needed to read alert and really soak in all that he was sharing in these pages. I love books that challenge me and encourage me and this one did it.

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I received this book free from Crossway in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

A Chameleon, a Boy, and a Quest by J. A. Myhre

I was looking forward to reading this book to my children. We have been studying Africa in school and I knew this book would be a great one to add to our reading list. Needless to say, this book has been stolen off my shelf countless times by my son who has decided that he wants to read it again by himself. That says a lot if a 7-year-old has fallen in love with this! I'm always looking for a book to grab his attention, and this book had it all... full of adventure and a great book for the imagination. I even found myself going back into a childhood imagination as I was reading this story.

Mu was a little difficult to hear about for my kids as he is orphaned. My children felt so bad for him and it led to them asking a lot of questions. The book lender itself to deeper questions with the imagination anyway. There was a lot of thoughts about choices and the need to be watchful because it's so easy to follow others into a path that isn't good.

Another attractive thing about this book is it has pictures! This is another plus for a mother who is reading to her children. And since the story is set in Africa, what child doesn't like to see pictures or hear stories of African animals?!

I love how this book was write by J. A. Myhre to her four children as a special story to give to them for Christmas. How beautiful a gift that is to your children. With Christmas coming and so many parents looking for books to read for the 24 days of Christmas book list, this should be added. It'll take longer than a day to read it with your kids probably, but the conversation and the trip you all will take in your imaginations together will be some wonderful memories.

Read more reviews on this book at http://litfusegroup.com/author/jamyhre.

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About the Book

                       A Chameleon, a Boy, and a Quest (New Growth Press, October 2015)
A Boy Named Mu, an African Journey, and You
Mu, a ten-year-old orphan, has lived his entire life in the heart of Africa. For as long as he can remember he has served in the household of a great-uncle where he is unloved and ignored. In his drudgery-filled life, Mu has little hope of happiness, and little hope that anything will ever change.
But one day, everything does change. On his way to draw water one morning, Mu is astonished when a chameleon greets him by name and announces that they will embark on a quest together. And what a quest it turns out to be! Mu faces danger and finds unexpected allies as they journey through a fascinating and ever-changing landscape.
A Chameleon, a Boy, and a Quest blends magical realism with a compelling story. The exciting story line combines an orphan’s journey to find a home with the plight of child soldiers and the dangers of the Ebola virus and, along the way, highlights universal themes of integrity, loyalty, faith, and love. Written by long-time medical missionary J. A. Myrhe, the artful story is laced with subtle gospel themes and handles cross-cultural issues with grace and sensitivity. Kids will encounter good and evil and learn the truth about hope, happiness, and what it means to be human in this page-turning first book in a new series.
—A page-turning children’s action and adventure story set in a fictional African land
—Blends magical realism and compelling storytelling with gospel themes to draw kids gently into the truth
—Deals with real-life but (seemingly) faraway themes like the plight of orphans, the duties of child soldiers, and the reality of the Ebola virus
—Written by a long-time medical missionary to Africa who handles cross-cultural issues with grace, sensitivity, and love
Learn more and purchase a copy.

J.A. Myhre

J. A. Myhre serves as a doctor with Serge in East Africa where she has worked for over two decades. She is passionate about health care for the poor, training local doctors and nurses, promoting childhood nutrition and development, and being the hands of Jesus in the hardest places. She is married to her best friend and colleague Scott, and together they have raised four children for whom many of her stories were written as Christmas presents.

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I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group and New Growth Press in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

The Photograph by Beverly Lewis

I have never read a book by Beverly Lewis that I haven't anticipated or disliked! Sometimes authors who have written many books fall into a rut and don't improve after their first couple of books. Beverly Lewis is quite the opposite, in my opinion. She seems to keep building on her previous books and each book that I read I say is my "new favorite."

I could not imagine the heart-wrenching pain when Eva looses her sister because she has chosen to run away. The pain is very easy to relate to as a reader because we all have experienced something similar in our own families, I'd be willing to guess. I'll be honest... Eva's brother got on my bad side at the start because of how he talked to Eva and his sisters and how he made them make choices they shouldn't have had to make.

I absolutely love Jed and how he is introduced to Eva for the first time. That was such a wonderful idea to write into the story. It was beautiful!

As always, I didn't want to see this book end. I finished the last page already anxious to start another book by Beverly Lewis. They just never seem to last long enough!

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I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Blessed, Blessed, Blessed by Missy Robertson

I really enjoy Duck Dynasty and respect the Robertson family a lot. They are such a strong, Christian family who have been through the fire and been refined and have given so much glory to God for their lives and the journey they have walked.

Missy and Jase faced some major decisions when it came to the birth of their daughter Mia. She had a cleft lip and palate and needed surgery. This surgery would not just occur once at 3 months old, but would continue at different stages of her development. This wasn't a one-time fix. It was going to be a long journey. Missy did an excellent job explaining the problems it causes, the possible problems that I didn't know could occur with a child who has cleft problems, and even how the entire family had to adjust to the new family normal. Even the boys took on a few responsibilities and I loved it! Sometimes I wonder if I expect too much from my older two kids and this book showed me I didn't.

I love how all of the books the Robertson have written with such honesty and transparency. Missy shares about her thoughts and where her heart truly was throughout the different stages in the journey. She also shares how Jase struggled and how he felt through the different surgeries and doctor appointments. It was sweet to see a daddy's heart and his love for his daughter.

This book really shows how God took what was a bad situation and how God has used it for good and for his glory. Mia is going to do great things as she grows up! Thank you for sharing her story and for raising awareness about the challenges kids with cleft lips and palates face.

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I received this book free from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

American Hunter by Willie Robertson and William Doyle

My 7-year-old son was absolutely excited to open the package that revealed this book. He wanted to take it with him everywhere to read. It is a book that is a bit beyond his reading skills because of the length, but he has trudged through with such diligence and has read several pages in this book to his sisters and to his dad and grandpa. He loves being outdoors and target shooting and can't wait for his first hunting expedition. He loves Duck Dynasty and has watched almost every episode and has read their books for kids where you choose your own journey.

I was really impressed by this book. I read a few chapters to my son and enjoyed the stories so much that I would read it to myself if I missed any chapters. There is so much information in the book, but I absolutely loved the stories of some famous American people. I really had no idea a few of them hunted! They never seemed like the type of person to hunt.

This book is definitely written for older kids and adults, but if you have a son who loves the outdoors, then you will create some wonderful memories with them by reading this book out loud. My 5-year-old daughter even sits in and listens. At first she wasn't as enthused because she thought it was more of a boy book. Now she asks to read it every night and loves the stories just as much as my son!

With Christmas coming up, American Hunter would make a great gift to put under the tree or to put in a stocking.

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I received this book free from Howard Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.