Book Review: Adventure Bible Storybook Deluxe Edition

What a fun way to get children interested in stories of the Bible!  I just received a copy of the Adventure Bible Storybook by Catherine DeVries.  My children were so excited as I opened the package and immediately wanted to sit down and hear the book!  I loved that it came with two CDs which contain the contents of the entire book so that they can listen to it whenever they want if someone is not available to read it when they want to hear it.  I have to say that when I asked them to stop for lunch, they didn't want to put the book down!

There are over 50 stories that are narrated with wonderful sound effects in the background.  The full-page illustrations are very captivating with beautiful colors and details. The first half of the book contains stories from the Old Testament, and the second half of the book has stories that can be found in the New Testament.  Underneath the title of each story, you can find a reference to exactly what book, chapter, and verses the stories are taken from in the Bible.  I like how each short story ends with an "Adventure Discovery", a true Biblical fact that would interest children, and a "Words to Treasure" section which contains a special verse to go along with the story.

I foresee us using this as our next bedtime devotional with the kids after we finish up the book we are currently using!  In the meantime, they will enjoy listening to the stories with the CDs.  The only negative thing that I can say about this book is that it is hard for younger children to follow along because the CD does not have a sound/chime to let the children know when it is time to turn the page.  If your child is not reading independently yet, then they will need assistance in knowing when it is time to go to the next page of the story.  Other than that, this storybook is wonderful!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from BookSneeze to read and review.  All opinions expressed are my own.  I would highly recommend this book for children and would also recommend using this for Children's Church or Sunday School classes for children up to age 12. 

Book Review: Women Living Well: Finding Your Joy in God, Your Man, Your Kids, and Your Home by Courtney Joseph

 

 

Wow!  This book has been placed in my life at just the perfect time.  I know....  It's a God-thing!  ;)   I stumbled upon Courtney's posts from the website www.womenlivingwell.org while playing on Pinterest after my knee surgery this past spring.  One thing led to another, and I found myself bookmarking her blog and reading it each week.  Her posts were so uplifting and really encouraged me to be a better wife and mom.  When I found out that she was publishing a book to come out on October 1, 2013, I couldn't wait to get a copy! 

 

Women Living Well is such an inspiration to women in different walks of life!  It is divided up into four main sections:  Your Walk With the King, Your Marriage, Your Parenting, and Your Homemaking.  I love how she reminds us that first and foremost, God should be our number one priority.  Courtney shows us ways that we can make time to talk with God amidst the daily "chores" of life.  We can pray for members of our family as we fold their clothes.  We can also pray over our home as we make the beds, clean the bathrooms, pick up the stray toys, etc.  Her ideas, which may seem so simple, are ones that we can really use daily in our homes, and I love that!

 

In the second section on marriage, I love how Courtney ends with a two-week marriage challenge on "Completing Him".  I plan to read this whole book over again and actually commit to doing the daily challenges, and I am excited to see what affects this will have on my man!  These challenges are as simple as praying for your husband to fixing his favorite meal.  Would anyone like to join me?  :)

 

The last half of the book is on motherhood and homemaking.  I so desire to make our home a "haven"!  One day at a time, I am trying to change our routines into ones that will provide rest and family time together, taking out the "clutter" that has found its way into our lives.

 

The ladies at our church are planning on starting a book study of Women Living Well in a couple of weeks.  Oh how I can't wait to dive into this wonderful treasure with other women!  I encourage you to do the same with a group of women in your area.  We can learn so much from others! 

 

I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from Courtney for my Kindle as well as a paperback copy from BookSneeze to read and review.  All opinions shared are my own.  I highly recommend this book to any woman, whether single or married.  You won't be sorry that you picked it up, and I guarantee that you will have a hard time putting it down!  :)   Enjoy your walk with the King!!!