Review - The Woman's Study Bible

Thanks to Shelton Interactive, I was given an opportunity to review The Woman's Study Bible, New International Version, Signature Series.  Excerpts from the back cover: 'The Woman's Study Bible is a priceless treasure, poignantly delivering the Word of God to a woman's heart.  Dig deeper into God's Word, gain new insights into Scripture, and explore the Bible witha  topical index to Scriptures and special features'.

My thoughts: The Woman's Study Bible is not your basic Bible with just the Old Testament and New Testament in it.  Starting with a beautiful cover, the beginning pages include a "Ketubab Marriage Contract", a place to write Special Family Memories and a page for "My Spiritual Mothers."  There is also information provided about each book of the Bible such as the author, historical background, and what the primary theme of the chapter is.  This Bible is also filled with teachings, short stories and has a very detailed index at the back.  Since I love maps, the beautiful ones in the back of the book are another highlight of this Bible for me.  I have just finished Genesis, but I am looking forward to reading and learning much more as I go along.  I would recommend this Bible to everyone.

Disclosure: I received this Bible in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Book review - A Clearing in the Wild

A Clearing in the Wild is a novel written by Jane Kirkpatrick.  Based on a true story, it is about a teenage girl named Emma Wagner who is part of a religious community that is based in Bethel, Missouri in the 1850s.   Emma is independent and questions some of the ways of the community and the rules that Wilhelm the community leader has made. She ends up marrying the man of her dreams (Christian) against the wishes of Wilhelm.  Christian is a scout leader and Wilhelm feels that Emma will keep Christian from committing fully to his job.  Eventually Emma is given permission by Wilhelm to go with her husband Christian to Oregon to establish a new community. Through various trials that Emma experiences in Oregon, she grows in her faith and becomes closer to her husband.

My thoughts: I really enjoyed reading this book especially knowing that it was based on a true story. The author did a great job of blending what she knew about the real-life Emma and events with fictional events.  There is also an interview with the author at the end of the book where she gives information about the real-life characters the book is based on.  A Clearing in the Wild is the first book in the Change and Cherish Historical Series.  I am looking forward to reading the next book and following Emma's adventures.

I received this book from Waterbrook Press in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review - Damascus Countdown

Damascus Countdown is a novel (third in a series), written by best-selling author Joel C. Rosenberg.  In this book CIA operative David Shirazi and his team race against the clock to hunt down Iranian nuclear warheads to keep them from being launched at Israel.  The book is action packed and while I was reading, I was hoping this would eventually be made into a movie.  It is hard to believe this book is a work of fiction as I can easily imagine these events happening, given the tensions in the Middle East.  Another thing I liked about the book is that it is very suspenseful but there are scriptural elements in it also, as one of the characters (Dr. Birjandi), is a secret Christian convert and frequently refers to scripture as he talks to David and fellowships with two newly converted men.  There is also a romantic element as well and you will need to read to the end to see how that relationship turns out. The action continues all the way to the end.  I really enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it to anyone.

Disclosure: I was given a copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Book Review - Jesus The One and Only

Jesus the One and Only is written by Beth Moore and thanks to Shelton Interactive, I was given the opportunity to review it.  From the back cover: "In Jesus, the One and Only, best-selling author and Bible teacher Beth Moore invites you to know Christ personally.  Watch and listen as He breaks up a funeral by raising the dead, confronts conniving religious leaders of His day, teaches on a Galilean hillside, or walks on the waves and calms the storm.  Like a ragtag band of followers two thousand years ago, you will never be the same again after such an up close and personal encounter."

My thoughts: I'm still reading the book but am learning more about the life of Jesus (and the other people in the book of Luke) and how they might have been feeling and what they went through.  Although this book is a study with a focus on the Gospel of Luke, to me it feels like a friend is teaching/sharing because Beth Moore also includes her thoughts and feelings and includes some personal experiences in each chapter. This is a book that I will be referring to again (and again).  I would highly recommend it to others.

Disclosure:  I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

it's Mother's Day!

Sending love and hugs to all the Moms out there!

Hope you're enjoying your day!

Agnetha Fältskog of ABBA releases new song, "Bubble"

A little early (Mother's Day) gift for all of you - the new music video by Agnetha of ABBA:

MISSION SOUTH EP REVIEW

Thanks to Big Picture Media, I was given the opportunity to review the new EP by Mission South titled Migration, Vol. 2.   First, a little information about the band from their website: "Washington DC-based soul rock trio, Mission South, is a band with roots planted firmly in both past and present.  Members Dan Miller (guitar/vocals), John Beck (bass/vocals) and Max Harwood (drums) met in the fourth grade and grew up within walking distance of each other's homes."

Now the band's second EP is out and here is the tracklisting:

1. Mission South - (Introduction to Vol. 2)
2. Mission South - Free
3. Mission South - Peaches
4. Mission South - Saint
5. Mission South - Photographs & Fables
6. Mission South - thriller

To be honest I had never heard of the band before but now I am a new fan of their music.  I really can't compare them to any other band because they have their own sound, which to me is like a mix of rock, blues, jazz, reggae - all the good sounds.  Interesting lyrics and great vocals too.  Track 1 is a (very) short instrumental which leads into the other five songs.  I like all of the songs but I would have to say my favorite is track 6 (thriller).  If you want to listen to some great new music, check them out - visit their website and become a fan on Facebook. The only complaint I have about Migration Vol 2 is that there were only 6 tracks. I want more!
 
P.S. Have a great weekend!


Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post - I just really like Mission South and wanted to let you know about them!