February 13, 2015
Remember the Lilies by Liz Tolsma
A gripping World War II story, Remember the Lilies by Liz Tolsma will have you reading long into the night.
About Remember the Lilies
Interred by the Japanese, missionary Irene Reynolds comes across a mysterious note while working at the censor’s office. She memorizes the parts she must block out and delivers it to the wealthy nightclub owner, Rand Sterling. Before she knows what has happened, she is drawn into a web of secrets and danger.
Rand Sterling wants nothing more than to open his nightclubs once the war is over. But Frank Covey, a man not to be trusted, wants his hand in the till and will stop at nothing. More importantly, Rand will stop at nothing to ensure that Irene does not find out the information that Frank knows about Rand.
When Irene is attacked by a Japanese solider both of their secrets are exposed. Irene and Rand must learn the meaning of forgiveness if only they can fight off starvation until the American troops arrive.
My Thoughts
This is the second book I have read from Liz Tolsma and I fell in love with this book just as much as the first one! She has a way of writing that touches your heart and draws you right into the story.
Historical fiction has always been a personal favourite of mine. Liz draws you into the World War II setting in the Philippines and gives you a glimpse of life during those years for Americans living there. The starvation and death that surrounds them is almost unbearable but even in those moments they find God and their faith. It is God that brings them through the worst moments and helps them see the light.
The characters change as a person so much in this novel and in a completely positive light. They grow in faith and forgiveness. Rand becomes a whole different man from start to finish and it was a privilege to be part of this adventure with him.
This will definitely be a book you will not want to put down until it’s done and then re-read again!
You can find more reviews of Remember the Lilies on the Litfuse blog tour page here. You can purchase a copy of the book on Amazon.
Rating: 5/5
About the Author
Liz Tolsma is a New York Time’s bestseller and is the author of Daisies are Forever and and Snow on the Tulips. Liz lives in Wisconsin with her husband and adopted children. You can find her on Twitter and Facebook.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.
February 13, 2015
The Monster That Ate My Socks
Monsters, missing socks and homework awaits you in A.J. Cosmo’s The Monster That Ate My Socks!
About The Monster That Ate My Socks
Max is a young boy who is always getting in trouble for losing his socks! He does not know where they go but if he doesn’t solve the mystery quick his Mother will ground him for the whole summer.
Max discovers that a little green monster is sneaking into his room at night and eating his socks! His Mother doesn’t believe him no matter what he tells her. Max decides to call on his best friend for a sleepover in order to help him catch the monster.
Together the boys develop a plan to trap the monster. To their surprise the monster can speak! It had never meant to hurt the boys, the monster was just trying to feed his family. The monster takes the boys to meet his family and begs the boys not to turn them over to his parents because adults only want to destroy monsters.
The boys are left in a difficult decision. Turn the monsters over to their parents so they don’t get in trouble or let the monsters run free. Together they design a new plan for the monsters.
My Thoughts
I was so pleasantly surprised with this book! I had thought it would be a story of evil monsters who were stealing away poor Max’s socks! Instead A.J. puts together a story of compassion and understanding. When Max realizes that the monster is just like him, he can not help feel a connection to him. The monster talks and is remorseful but all he was doing was just trying to feed his family. Max is left with such a difficult decision – to either help or turn in the monster. His decision shows children that kindness and compassion will solve any problem.
The illustrations are just adorable and go along with the story perfectly! They really help to make the story come alive in your mind. I loved seeing the children monsters.
As a parent, I want the books my children to read to teach and guide them. The Monster That Ate My Socks is the perfect story for this! It teaches children kindness and compassion for everyone.
You can purchase a copy of the book on Amazon.
Rating: 4/5
About the Author
A.J.’s stories are designed to help parents teach their children everyday lessons in an easy to understand format for children. A.J. pairs artfully illustrations and language, children are challenged to explore his magical world. Connect with A.J. on his website, Twitter and Facebook.
The Giveaway!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Disclosure: I received a digital copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.
February 11, 2015
Becoming A Spiritually Healthy Family by Michelle Anthony
We all want the best for our children and our family. We want to watch our family grow in love and God. Life can get so busy that sometimes we step away from these values and beliefs. Becoming A Spiritually Healthy Family by Michelle Anthony brings family and God back into the forefront.
About Becoming A Spiritually Healthy Family
We all want to guide our children into the abundant life that Jesus offers. But when we as parents pursue the more, the better that life offers over the pursuit of Jesus we fall into dangerous parenting habits. In Becoming A Spiritually Healthy Family, Michelle Anthony breaks down six of the most common dysfunctional parenting styles that we may fall into because of habit, lack of attention or oversight due to busyness. If you long to show your children Jesus but unsure of how to do this practical guide is for you! This guide includes scripture passages, reflection questions and real life family examples.
My Thoughts
“This is the way God intended His family to respond to one another. God knew families would suffer loss and pain, and that no family would have the perfect life they anticipated. His provision was that we would, in His name, fill in the gaps for each other. No one family can provide for its needs in the powerful ways that the family of God can!” (Becoming a Spiritually Healthy Family, 123).
This is the perfect resource guide for busy families. The moment I picked up this book I could not put it down. I found so much of myself and those around me in the parenting styles Michelle highlights. Michelle breaks down parenting styles into six of the most common ones: the double minded parent, can’t say no parent, driver parent, micro manager parent, criticizing parent and the absentee parent. Instead of throwing blame at parents for their parenting styles she visits why we have come to this route of parenting style and how it can affect our family life and children. She then gives real examples from not only her own life but those around her. She ties in Bible scriptures breaking them down to help us see the bigger picture. At the end of each chapter she allows room for us to complete discussion questions and assessments.
It can be hard to guide our children in our faith – I am not going to lie I find this hard! I take them to our Church and try to teach them moral lessons but I know I can and should be doing more. I loved the real examples Michelle gives us – ideas that I would never have even thought of on my own! The passage that I started this section with is one of my favourite from the book. It truly exemplifies what God asks us to do when he says we are part of his Kingdom and one family.
You can purchase a copy of the book here. For more reviews you can visit the Litfuse Blog tour page.
Rating: 5/5
About Michelle Anthony
Michelle is the Vice President of the Learning Resources and Family Ministry Architect at David C. Cook. She is the author of Spiritual Parenting, Dreaming of More for the Next Generation, A Theology of Family Ministry and The Big God Story. She has over twenty-five years of church ministry experience as a children’s and family pastor. You can connect with her on Facebook and Twitter.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.
February 10, 2015
Happy (early) Valentine’s Day #WW w/linky
Wishing you a very Happy (early) Valentine’s Day!
Here is some of what we have been up to:
Lots of crafts!
What special activities or outings do you have planned for this weekend?
Make sure you link up below so that I can visit you!
February 9, 2015
The Dandelion Field by Kathryn Springer
The Dandelion Field is a story of strength, overcoming obstacles and finding faith.
About The Dandelion Field
After Raine’s Dad walks out on them, Ginevieve Lightly never lives in one place too long – a rambling lifestyle that defines her daughter’s youth. When their car dies in Banister Falls, Wisconsin, Gin promises Raine that they can stay until she finishes her senior year of high school. Gin will do anything to make sure her daughter has a bright future – a future that is compromised when Raine reveals she is pregnant.
Dan has only ever called Banister Falls home. After losing his best friend in a tragic accident, Dan devotes himself to fighting fires, rescuing the helpless and guiding Cody Bennett, his best friend’s son. This was always an easy job until Cody said “The baby is mine.”
Knowing gossip of the pregnancy will erupt sooner or later because of the small town nature, Gin’s reflex is to run. But with each passing day Gin finds herself rooted to this small town unable to leave and she falls more and more in love with Dan. Dan works hard to show her not all men are the same and not all men will run when the smoke starts.
As Gin and Dan do their best to guide the two young teenagers they discover that romance can bloom in the rockiest of situations.
My Thoughts
I fell in love with this book as it resonated strongly with me. I was a young Mother who also went through some of the same things Raine was forced to go through in her pregnancy. Those initial reactions Raine faced of anger, feeling the need to hide and facing negativity from others is difficult to overcome. When she turns to those she needs the most, Gin would do anything for her daughter. Gin sees an opportunity to protect her daughter from the terrible things that happened to herself when she was pregnant as a teen with Raine.
Raine’s pregnancy is only one small part of this story. Through Raine’s pregnancy we are introduced to Gin’s past and the hurt she has had to overcome when her boyfriend left her and family abandoned her. Gin finds it hard to believe in others and to trust. It was incredible to be able to watch her character grow and trust again all because of Dan. Dan also benefits from his relationship with Gin as he finds himself, forgives himself for his past and moves into the future.
A fantastic story of forgiveness, healing and moving forward. It does not disappoint! You can find more reviews on the Litfuse blog tour page here. You can purchase your own copy here.
Rating: 5/5
About the Author
Kathryn Springer is a USA Today best-selling author. She grew up in Wisconsin where her parents published a weekly newspaper. It is the time she spent with her parents writing and reading that gave her a deep passion for both areas. Kathryn has written nineteen books and close to two million copies sold.
Disclosure: I received a digital copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.