The Tutor's Daughter by Julie Klassen

Book - The Tutor's Daughter

Author - Julie Klassen

Publisher - Bethany House

Paperback, 412 pages



John Smallwood and his daughter Emma run a boarding school for boys.  The story focuses on Emma, who is a young lady.  When the family has trouble getting new students to enroll, they take up an offer to go live in a wealthy household to personally tutor 2 boys.  The home is a manor house in England.  It is fascinating to see how the family operates in such an environment. There are plenty of servants who work very hard.  The description of the different rooms and the meals is wonderful to read about. 

The story has mystery, and a little bit of suspense. There were also a few references to Gothic novels, which I didn't like.   The brief romantic descriptions did not interest me, but I enjoyed reading about the student's lessons.   Overall, it seems like a book that would do very well in the general/secular marketplace.


*Disclosure - I received this book for review purposes.*

Little Pilgrim's Progress from John Bunyan's Classic - Giveaway

Set of Books:

1. Little Pilgrim's Progress from John Bunyan's Classic by Helen L. Taylor (60th Anniversary Edition)

2. Little Pilgrims' Progress Adventure Guide by Deanna Conrad










The books are written for ages - 8 to 12.  They may certainly be read and understood by older children and adults as well. The vocabulary and style of writing is very clear, interesting and easy to understand.  John Bunyan's classic story, written in the 1600's, is difficult for modern readers.  Helen did a fantastic job, gently taking his masterpiece and bringing it to a younger audience of today.

Little Pilgrim's Progress was originally written 60 years ago. This book is an anniversary edition and contains a few pencil illustrations, which are lovely and help guide the story along.

The main character of "Little Christian" is a young boy who is tired from his burdens and is trying to get to the "Celestial City."  We read about the people he encounters along the way, the trials he faces, his confusion at times, and the help he receives from God's workers - like Evangelist. It is a beautiful story explaining our own journey to Heaven, in a marvelous way. 

This story will stay with children for many years.  As they grow into adulthood, remembrances of Christian's adventures will come back to them and help them in their own walk with the Lord.

As for the Adventure Guide, it is a valuable addition to this book.  Inside you will find a brief biography of John Bunyan.  For many this will be the very first introduction, to young readers, of who he was.   There are comprehension and discussion questions, vocabulary words, and little fun sections for readers to fill in, such as the "Character Chart," which has a two column chart to separate those in the story who had a positive influence on Christian and those who had a negative influence on him.  There is also an answer key in the back of the book. It is paperback and contains 79 pages.

The adventure guide is an incredible tool, particularly for homeschooling students. Both books are published by Moody.

The Giveaway

Would you like an opportunity to win your own set of these books?  This includes one copy of "Little Pilgrim's Progress," and one copy of the companion adventure guide. 

This contest is closed. The winner is:


Carolynn Stewart



*Disclosure - I received a set of these books for review purposes.*

To find out more about my commercial breaks, please see my disclosure page.

The Fiddler by Beverly Lewis

Book - "The Fiddler" by Beverly Lewis

Publisher - Bethany House

Paperback, 326 pages








Beverly Lewis is well known for her insightful portrayal of Amish living.  Her stories are always vivid, well written and fascinating.  In "The Fiddler," Englisher Amelia is a professional Concert fiddler. She has an exciting life and a loving family.  Somehow, she ends up in an out of the way area and meets an Old Order Amish man, Michael.   He is young and struggling with whether or not he wants to join the Amish church.  The two form a friendship.  We read about Amelia staying with the Amish for a time and seeing it all through her eyes.  We also learn about some of the antics of the Amish youth, during their time of deciding whether they will join the church, or leave it for the English world.  I was so saddened to read that some of the young people actually were using Facebook!  It shocked me.   There is something sweet, nostalgic, and precious about the Amish way of life - it is almost untouched and innocent.  It is a life that many crave. While reading this story, you  sense that you are there, living among them. There is a sense of peace that comes through which makes the story a delight to read.  Amelia's English life is also fascinating. Her classical music endeavors is calming and a nice contrast to Amish life.  Overall, it is a valuable, interesting story.


*Disclosure - I received this book for review purposes.*

To find out more about my commercial breaks, please see my disclosure page.

Book - Called to Controversy

Book - Called to Controversy

Author - Ruth Rosen

Publisher - Thomas Nelson

Hardcover, 320 pages


 

This is the biography of Moishe Rosen, written by his daughter, Ruth.  She did a phenomenal job describing his life and his ministry work.  

I loved reading about his growing up years, seeing the family portraits, and getting a glimpse into the time in which he lived. He was born in 1932. 

As he begins working in ministry, I was amazed to read how God worked in his life to perform miracles (often despite him).   He, like all people, had flaws but he was a tremendously dedicated worker! 

Ruth describes how "hecklers" would attack the street preachers.  Moishe experienced this and found a way to handle them peacefully.  He developed a training program for future street preachers so they were expecting these attacks and were able to continue their work without letting it get to them.  This was fascinating!

This book would be excellent for those working in ministry.  There are explanations of how the work was run, and how procedures were put into place to protect both the ministry itself, and trouble within.  Readers will also be greatly inspired by Moishe's dedication, energy, and work despite so many problems. We also get to read about his family, which is inspiring. His work and life will impact many people, and this book shares his story beautifully.




*Disclosure - I received this book for review purposes.*

To find out more about my commercial breaks, please see my disclosure page.

Managing God's Money by Randy Alcorn

 


Book - Managing God's Money

Author - Randy Alcorn

Publisher - Tyndale

Paperback,  272 pages







There are very few financial books that are so valuable, one wants to buy extra copies to give away.  This is one of those books. Randy does a fantastic job describing the purpose of money, our duties, and the importance of realizing it all belongs to God. 

There are 22 chapters, divided into six sections. The sections are:

1. Money and Possessions: Bible 101

2. Perspectives that Impede Money Management

3. Our Stewardship in Eternity's Light

4.  Giving and Sharing God's Money and Possessions

5.  Wisely Handling God's Money and Possessions

6.  Passing the Baton of Wise Stewardship


I will share a few quotes from the book:

p. 50  -  "If what you treasure most is deposited in the bank and the bank fails, your heart will fail with it."

p. 52  -  "Materialism obscures many of life's greatest blessings.  Ironically, those blessings are often far more appreciated by the poor, whose lives are less cluttered and distracted by  material wealth."


Managing God's Money: A Biblical Guide  has detailed explanations, wise and convicting advice, and will help teach and train the reader how to be successful with their finances.   I would consider this a sort of encyclopedia of financial training. It should be in every Christian home and given to every newly married couple.  If mistakes have been made, this book will educate us to turn it all around and start handling money God's way. This is when the true blessings will come.





*Disclosure - I received this book for review purposes.*

To find out more about my commercial breaks, please see my disclosure page.

Debt - Proof Your Christmas by Mary Hunt

 



Book - Debt - Proof Your Christmas - Celebrating the Holidays without Breaking the Bank

Author - Mary Hunt

Publisher - Revell

Paperback, 240 pages










In this difficult economy, it is wonderful to see a book focused on avoiding financial catastrophe at Christmas time.   Mary Hunt, a well-known Christian financial expert, helps us avoid the traps of consumer spending.  She knows the emotion and desperation of how much we want to buy presents, and lots of them, for our loved ones.    Somehow, she guides us away from this kind of destructive thinking. She makes us look at what overabundance does to our families and to our financial stability.

The book contains 18 chapters, covering topics about our shopping attitude, finding cash, giving gifts that cost little or nothing, traditions, and so much more.

At the end of each chapter, there is a sweet letter from a reader.  These are memories or ideas from their own homes of pleasant Christmas gifts or traditions that don't cost much money.

Some helpful quotes from the book:

p. 31 -   "Debt is the result of reacting impulsively."

p. 40  -  She encourages savings by talking about the old fashioned Christmas club accounts.  "As little as ten dollars a week would result in a check for five hundred dollars."


Debt - Proof Your Christmas is a tremendous tool for planning a peaceful, stress -free Christmas. It is a book you will pull out year after year, to keep you on track.



*Disclosure - I received this book for review purposes.*

To find out more about my commercial breaks, please see my disclosure page.

The Christmas Pony by Melody Carlson

 


Book - The Christmas Pony

Author - Melody Carlson

Publisher - Revell

Hardcover, 170 pages








This is a charming story, set during the difficult time of the 1930's. Money was very hard to come by.  The story is centered around young Lucy.  She lives in a boarding house, which is run by her mother and grandmother.

The family needs boarders to fill the three upstairs rooms. Lucy prays for this, and also prays for a pony one of the neighbors is selling. Her mother cannot afford to buy such a gift, but Lucy still longs for it. There is also some sadness in the house.  Lucy wants to see her Mother smile again.

The boarders that come to the house are great characters and keep things exciting in the small town.  I also love the daily chores, and the description of daily life - preparing meals, and maintaining the house. It was calming and pleasant to read.

Overall this is a sweet Christmas story that would be enjoyed by young girls and their mothers.




*Disclosure - I received this book for review purposes.*

To find out more about my commercial breaks, please see my disclosure page.

The Sparkle Box - Christmas Giveaway

Book - The Sparkle Box, 32 pages

Author - Jill Hardie

Illustrator - Christine Kornacki

Publisher - Ideals Children's books (A Guidepost Company)

Ages 4 - 8









This is a large hardcover book with beautiful paintings of family life.  Follow Sam and his parents as they get ready for Christmas.  There is a sparkle box on the mantle in the living room. Sam wonders about it.  As the days lead up to Christmas, the family donates to the less fortunate. Each of these sacrificial deeds is written on a piece of paper and placed in the sparkle box.  These are the Christmas gifts for Jesus.  The sparkle is a symbol of the light of the world.

This sweet story will delight children and encourage them to want their own sparkle box, which comes with the book!  This may very well help start an amazing tradition in many homes!

The Giveaway

How would you like a chance to win your very own copy of The Sparkle Box?  I have one available for a giveaway.

This contest is closed. The winner is -
Noelle the dreamer

*Disclosure -   This book was provided to me for review purposes. The giveaway copy will be shipped to the winner directly from the agency. *

To find out more about my commercial breaks, please see my disclosure page.

The Barber Who Wanted to Pray by R.C. Sproul

Book - The Barber Who Wanted to Pray

Author - R. C. Sproul

Publisher - Crossway

Hardcover, 30 pages.

Ages - 8 and up






The book contains gorgeous, inspiring paintings by T. Lively Fluharty.  These bring the story alive and make it delightful!

The very first page is of a father sitting at the kitchen table, with his six children, praying together and reading the Bible.  It is precious!

One of the sweet children asks her father to help her learn to pray.

He explains by telling the children a story that was passed down by his grandfather.   It is about a Barber, whose customer is a wanted man - an outlaw. This man is Martin Luther, the Reformer.   We learn some amazing things about the Christian faith and about deep and abiding prayers.

On the last page of the book, you will find, "The Ten Commandments,"  "The Lord's Prayer,"  and "The Apostles' Creed."

This is an inspiring book and would be a great blessing as a bedtime story for children.




*Disclosure - I received this book for review purposes.*

To find out more about my commercial breaks, please see my disclosure page.