Unsinkable by Abby Sunderland and Lynn Vincent

Abby is not your usual 16 year old. She sails, travels the world, is home school from a boat, comes from a big family, and follows big dreams. Sunderland and Vincent give us a look into the brave, but often daunting, life of a sailor.

I would not say this is my favorite book, or that it is a gripping page turner, but it was good and I am glad I read it. The story itself and heart behind the story are moving. Abby has big dreams that your average 16 year olds cannot chase due to funding or skill. She is blessed to come from a great family who can provide for her and allow her to attempt to travel around the world. The book was a very quick read filled with many pages of sailing equipment details, which I know nothing of.

I hope that God will use her story to touch many lives and show the mighty hand of God!

Thanks Thomas Nelson!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

A Conversation with God

Gansky has written an interesting book of Biblical questions are answered from the perspective of Jesus, God, and other Biblical characters. Questions are divided into categories, centering on God, the Bible, the Future, Pain and Suffering, Jesus, the Kingdom of God, Heaven and Hell, Humanity, Christian Living, and Today's World (focusing on modern thinking, such as politics, abortion, homosexuals, etc).
This is a book that needs to be read with a grain of salt. As questions are answered, the Biblical passages are only footnoted, not directly referenced. I believe Biblical questions should be answered with direct scripture, and that any assumption or interpolations should not be discussed. Non-Biblical statements can be confusing and misleading. I think this book is a great reference to answer some Biblical questions, but you must hold this book in one hand and a Bible in the other. I do recommend this to others wanting to learn more about controversial or challenging points.

Thanks Thomas Nelson!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Good for Sunday School Classes Maybe? That's about it though.

Adventures in Boogabooga Land
Squid Sushi Loses His Marbles, Wally the Waiter, and The Flaming Monkey
Marty the Monkey and Gerard the Giraffee teach children valuable lessons in these cute, creative cartoons set in Boogabooga Land. In approximately 45 minutes there are three short animated adventures. I think these are great short clips that will keep kid's attention, although I don't see them being favorites that are watched over and over again.
The messages or underlying take home truth that the authors are trying to get across may be difficult for children? It is much easier for children to get the point of a show or book if the message is clearly stated. I don't have children yet and am 26 so I could be very wrong! Jesus or God is not specifically named, and neither is heaven or hell or other Biblical concepts, for better or worse.
Also, the script is a bit cheesy (as maybe it was designed to be). These are not professionally made cartoons, but they are a good option for churches or Sunday Schools (they would be great with discussion questions digging deeper into the messages!).


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

GREAT GIFT!

FamilyLife Marriage Bible: Equipping Couples for Life
By Dennis & Barbara Rainey
God needs to be at the center of every marriage. Dennis & Barbara Rainey have put out a great Bible to help all married couples have a God filled, put your spouse before yourself Bible. Devotions are so important in helping a couple talk about important issues and add intimacy to their marriage. If we follow God's rules for marriage, we are destined to have a happy, long marriage.
I think the best gift to give newlyweds is devotionals or Bibles, and this is no exception. My wife and I try to exalt God in every way, but without great study Bibles and resources, this would not be possible. I will recommend this Bible and other resources from Dennis & Barbara Rainey to married couples of any age!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Great Resource

Nelson's Biblical Cyclopedic Index
“Best Bible Subject Index Ever”
by Thomas Nelson

If you want to dive in and get to know the Bible, this is the tool. It is an unbiased Biblical resource broken down by subjects and points one to specific Biblical scriptures corresponding to the topics. I have not used many other concordances, but I am so glad to add this to my library.

This is a wonderful Bible resource. Lately I have been prompted to dive in to the Bible and study a topic that I previously did not have much Biblical knowledge on, namely Baptism. I grew up learning that Baptism is important but not essential, but was recently challenged on this belief. I used this index to search out scripture concerning Baptism, and this resource made that task simple and organized. For example, the topic of Baptism includes a Word Study (definition and use) and subtopics covering scripture where baptism is covered in the context of “commanded by, administered by, places, subjects of, characteristics of, and symbolism of”.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

God wrote the Bible - this is Lucado's version.

The Lucado Life Lessons Study Bible: Inspirational Applications for Living Your Faith
New King James Version

I love this Bible – Thank you so much Thomas Nelson! Book reviewing is the coolest program. This is a great New King James version of the Bible. It is hardcover with a book sleeve. The text is not written in columns, but just page width. The writing is black and the headings are maroon. On the outside margins of each page are Lucado's notes – titled Situation, Observation, Inspiration, Application, and Exploration. I will not hesitate to pass this book on to a friend. I already have a different study Bible, and although upgrading things we have is usually good, I disagree in this case. Keeping one Bible to take notes in over the years is so special (unless you want to compare various versions). Lucado is an amazing author and pastor – you will love this Bible.
Thanks Thomas Nelson.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Review from My Lovely Wife

I had to ask for a little help from my wife on this book!

An Amish Christmas
December in Lancaster County

Four Amish Christmas Novellas
Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller, Barbara Cameron & Kelly Long

Tucked away in this beautiful book are four short stories that take place in Amish country. Miriam and Seth find themselves in a relationship neither thought possible years before. Lydia finds true forgiveness and love for her past love. Sarah and Daniel “entertain” guests during a snowstorm. Anna is thankful for help from Asa just when needed.

Amish books are always so fun for me – the very different, simplistic lifestyle is so inviting! I really enjoyed reading about Christmas traditions & the friendships/families in Lancaster County. Each touching story made me cry.


Thanks Thomas Nelson!!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”