Book Review and Giveaway: Parable of the Brown Girl by Khristi Lauren Adams

Parable of the Brown Girl: The Sacred Lives of Girls of Color is a brand spanking new book by Khristi Lauren Adams. This is not a fictional book based upon a parable. Rather, it is a book that looks at real life girls whose personal stories teach us a lesson. The author, Khristi Lauren Adams is a chaplain and teacher who knows the subject well because she herself is a "brown girl".

February is Black History Month, a month that celebrates black women. I like that Adams uses the word brown to describe black skin color. After all, aren't we all some shade of brown - from the lightest person in the world to the darkest?

I have enjoyed reading Parable of the Brown Girl. Through the girls' stories, I felt the same thought hit me over and over. Women are the same inside. We all want to be loved. We all want to be accepted. We all want to know that we aren't the only ones dealing with "stuff" in our lives.

Adams does a great job of letting the reader know that listening to each other is key. God is using the brown girls of this world to make a difference. Let's listen to their voices and help them to know that they are a vital part of God's great story.

GIVEAWAY: I have a copy of Parable of the Brown Girl to give away to a Following31 reader. To enter, simply leave a comment on this post and be sure to include your email address so I can let you know if you win. I will randomly choose a winner on February 29.

In the meantime, be sure to check out the book with clever videos on YouTube. #parableofthebrowngirl

Book Review: Love Changes Everything by Micah Berteau

This past month, I read a book about love - God's love. I know there are a lot of books out there on this same subject, so I was not initially thrilled about reading yet another one. After all, this topic seems to have been overdone in Christian circles. My specific wariness was due to the increasing feel good, lukewarm church ideology that we must just love everyone to pieces and ignore sin. So, when I was asked if I would review Micah Berteau's book about love changing everything, my suspicions were up.

I am glad to report to you that this book is not just about God's love and acceptance but nothing of the need for repentance. I found that many times Pastor Berteau points the reader toward a faith that includes repentance without being legalistic or giving the impression that one can buy his or her way into heaven.

There is a world of fake out there and I think that everyone can agree that it's difficult to know who to believe and what to believe, even when news comes from what we first think is from a reliable source. I appreciate that Berteau points his readers to the only One who IS truth, who speaks only the truth, who really embodies what truth is all about. After all, Jesus Christ is God, right? And God is truth.

I read Love Changes Everything cover to cover. I didn't find anything that I feel is not Scriptural. And that is what keeps me reading a religious book about love. I can wholeheartedly say that I can recommend this book to others.

*I received a copy of Love Changes Everything in exchange for my honest opinion. My thoughts are my own.*

Book Review: Abiding Mercy by Ruth Reid

Abiding Mercy is written by Ruth Reid and is published by Thomas Nelson.

I have read several of Ruth Reid's Amish novels. This one does not disappoint. It has all of the elements of faith, simplicity, and some suspense that I have come to expect from Ms. Reid. To top that, the novel is set in Posen, Michigan, not far from where I live. So, I can relate.

Faith is a lovely young Amish girl who loves God and hopes to join the Amish church soon. She finds herself drawn more and more to her friend, Gideon, who is also drawn to Faith. Everything seems to be going great until a series of events leads Faith down a road she would rather not travel - one that involves secrets, betrayal, and mystery.

I found Abiding Mercy to be a great read and I especially enjoyed the fact that Ruth Reid included the angel element that is so prevalent in her previous novels. The book is as appropriate for a teenager as it is for an adult. I loved it and look forward to the next book.

*I received a copy of Abiding Mercy in exchange for my honest opinion. My thoughts are my own.*

Book Review: The Noble Servant by Melanie Dickerson

The Noble Servant is written by Melanie Dickerson and is published by Thomas Nelson.

I have to admit that I am hooked on Melanie Dickerson's books. This is another in her offering of fairy tale makeovers. This one is based on The Goose Girl by the Brothers Grimm. Keep in mind that the story is based on the tale, not a retelling of it.

While I was maybe not as enthralled by The Noble Servant as I was of some of the earlier stories in the series, I still loved it. It is a book that I can read and then hand over to my teenager without fear of her coming upon something she probably shouldn't. The story is an easy read, light and enjoyable. It's a sweet love story that does have a mild portion of suspense that keeps you wanting to turn the page until you reach the end.

I am eagerly awaiting the next book by Ms. Dickerson.

*I have received a copy of The Noble Servant in exchange for my honest opinion. My thoughts are my own.*

Book Review: Let's Be Real by Natasha Bure

Let's Be Real is written by Natasha Bure and is published by Zondervan.

Well, I have found two books, in a row, for young people that I absolutely love. This one by Natasha Bure, is a joy. Since receiving the book a couple of days ago, I have spent a great deal of time leafing through it and reading the great tips that she has for teenage girls. The tips range from beauty routine secrets to prayer journaling, to dealing with drama, to dealing with siblings.

The forward is written by Natasha's good friend, Sadie Robertson, and it is evident that the two girls share the same values. Those values are conservative enough for me to be comfortable passing this book to my 15 year old daughter. Let's face it. Living "in the world but not of it" is hard enough for an adult, let alone a teenage girl who just wants to fit in and be loved. I think this is a step in the right direction of arming our daughters with Biblical advice.

I especially like the chapter on boyfriends. Personally, I believe that a girl (guy too) should wait to date until she is of marrying age and is ready for that kind of a commitment. How many of us have dated someone only to break up and then leave a real piece of our heart with that guy? Too many of us, I'd dare to guess. Natasha doesn't discourage dating in the teen years, but she does give reasons to wait, as well as reasons to refuse another date with a guy who is doing or saying the wrong things. It's an important topic to address because not every teenager has parents who will ask her to wait until she's older to date.

This is a book that I like very well and will be passing to my daughter as a gift.

*I received a copy of Let's Be Real in exchange for my honest opinion. My thoughts are my own.*

Book Review: Kids' NIV Visual Study Bible by Zonderkidz

Kids' NIV Visual Study Bible is published by Zondervan.

I have had a lot of fun reading through the pages of this colorful Bible for kids. When I say that it is colorful, I mean just that. The pages are filled with a bright yellow color that grabs but doesn't overpower. There are tons of pictures and side notes that help the young reader understand just what the world of the Bible was - and is - all about. This is a study Bible meant for kids to understand and really use. The study notes are on the sides of the pages rather than at the bottom. That might not sound that important, but it really is. If kids don't know where to look, they just won't.

I found something really nice for me - a map of The Seven Churches of Revelation. It's on page 1890, if you're interested. It shows just where the churches were located. 

Page 689 tells a lot about King Hezekiah and his reign. I love it because I can even find a tidbit that I didn't previously know, or even forgot about.

The bottom line is that I love this study Bible. It has the readability of the NIV as well as powerful colors, pictures, and information that is relevant to children. I recommend it highly.

*I received a copy of Kids' NIV Visual Study Bible in exchange for my honest opinion. My thoughts are my own.*

Book Review: An Outlaw and a Lady by Jessi Colter

An Outlaw and a Lady is written by Jessi Colter and is published by Nelson Books.

This is one of the most touching love stories I think I've read in a long time. Mirriam Jennings, a.k.a. Jessi Colter, grew up in Arizona with a preacher mother and a mining father. Young Mirriam sang in church and loved the things of the Lord. But, as it sometimes happens to young believers, she fell away as she grew up. It was with a failed marriage and a young daughter that Mirriam met Waylon Jennings and fell in love.

That love lasted through thick and thin, through Waylon's infidelity and drug use, and through Jessi's own searching for something meaningful. As she became a country music star in her own right, she never failed to back Waylon as he shot ever higher to stardom.

This is a story filled with promise for those who feel that they just can't go on living with an unbeliever. Jessi's story is one that reminds people that if they will pray and encourage their unbelieving spouses without preaching to them, they might be able to one day witness a conversion to Christ that only the Holy Spirit can bring about.

This book started out a little slow for me but I was unable to put it down once I got to Part Two. This is a great insight into Waylon Jennings' life as told from the person he most cherished - Jessi Colter. Great story and worth the read.

*I received a copy of An Outlaw and a Lady in exchange for my honest opinion. My thoughts are my own.*

Book Review: Hello Stars by Alena Pitts

Hello Stars is written by Alena Pitts (with Wynter Pitts) and is published by Zondervan.

Lena Daniels is the oldest of four children who, with her trusty dog beside her, desires to become an actress. In order to become the big star she feels she was meant to be, she at first has to jump through the hoops, so to speak. This wears on her as she has to make choices between faith, family, and career. Ring a bell, adults?

Life is not easy, and in this darling story, Lena learns that valuable lesson. However, the road to that revelation is quite the rocky way.

I found the story sweet yet realistic. It is written in a story form with some of those appetizing diary pieces scattered throughout the chapters. I guess the reason Alena can pull it off is because she is a bit of a star herself. You might recognize her as one of the actresses in the movie, War Room. It is clear that she has a great talent and can go somewhere in this world of influencing others for Christ through media. I'm recommending this title to all of the tweens out there.

*I received a copy of Hello Stars in exchange for my honest opinion. My thoughts are my own.*

Book Review - The Angels' Share by James Markert

The Angels' Share is written by James Markert and is published by Thomas Nelson.

Well, I did not exactly know what to expect upon reading this book, in spite of what the back cover said. My first thought was, "This is a book about whiskey." My first thought was partially correct. Whiskey does play a part in the story and, for those of you who do not drink alcohol - myself included - it can be a stumbling block.

As I got further into the book, I realized that the protagonist (William) and his family were not your normal Christian family. Barley (the father), in particular, was pretty bad. So ... of course I then thought that the booze that was taking such a large part of the storyline would get the bad rap that I thought it deserved.

It did not, per se. However, all of the drinking aside, I have to tell you that the story is a compelling one that grabs the reader from the get go. There is that mystery of who Asher Keating really was and that mystery is a thread that starts at the beginning and winds throughout to the end, where it is pretty much tied up. And that Asher Keating thing got me confused - and worried - because I did not want to read another The Shack type of story.

It does sort of read like The Shack. Bummer. However, The Angels' Share is not an allegorical type of book. Does Markert make Asher Keating into Jesus Christ? You'll have to read it for yourself to know that answer. For me, I was not totally in love with that whole part of it.

When Jesus Christ returns, He's not going to come as another baby human who grows up - and a very flawed and imperfect one at that. If you will recall, Christ has always been perfect and Holy. Though His first coming was in the form of a human baby who grew up and died on a cross, and resurrected on the third day, He will return as the King that He is.

I hope that people will not read The Angels' Share and become confused about who Jesus really is. I hope they will not come away with the thought that salvation is not dependent upon their repentance and trust in the only One perfect enough to become a sacrifice for the sins of others. If all one wants is a fun and interesting read, the book is great. If folks are looking for a truthful look at redemption, they will want to look to the Bible.

*I received a copy of The Angels' Share in exchange for my honest opinion. My thoughts are my own.*

Book Review: God Bless our Baby by Hannah C. Hall

God Bless our Baby is written by Hannah C. Hall and illustrated by Steve Whitlow. It is published by Tommy Nelson.

God Bless our Baby is a beautiful board book with a super soft cover. The premise of the "storyline" is that different animal families have new babies. The first one, a squirrel family, is expecting a baby. The child squirrel feels the mother squirrel's belly, lovingly awaiting the birth of a new brother or sister.

The story is set to rhyme and is wonderfully done. All of gives God credit for bringing another baby into the world, as well as reminds the readers to ask God to bless the new babies in their homes.

Throughout the book, the families are diverse. I love how the bear family claims that they do not look the same but they all share love. For those children who have a diverse family (such as in the cases of some adopted children), that can be a very pertinent point.

The illustrations in the book are gorgeous and sure to keep a very young child turning the pages.

I love God Bless our Baby. It carries with it a strong message of love and family that we, as Christians, never want to lose.

*I received a copy of God Bless our Family in exchange for my honest review. My opinions are my own.*

Book Review - The Daniel Code by O. S. Hawkins

The Daniel Code is written by O. S. Hawkins and is published by Thomas Nelson.

This a beautiful book - on the outside and within the pages. Hawkins identifies the elements of our culture that is "losing its way" very well. We'd have to be blind not to notice that something is amiss in our society.

That something is what Daniel and his friends DID have. They had convictions from which they did not waver for anything, including the threat of death.

What Hawkins does in The Daniel Code is tie the strength Daniel had in uncertain and difficult times to the strength current believers MUST have in order to turn the cultural tide around.

And they can't do that without the Holy Spirit.

I love how well Hawkins delivers the message. Everyone should read this.

*I received a copy of The Daniel Code in exchange for my honest opinion. My thoughts are my own.*

Book Review: The Dog who was There by Ron Marasco

The Dog who was There is written by Ron Marasco and published by Thomas Nelson.

I was originally drawn to this novel when I saw who wrote it. Ron Marasco is an accomplished writer and actor (Lost, West Wing, etc.). He is also very well educated, holding degrees from Fordham at Lincoln Center and UCLA. Even better than his long list of accomplishments is that he has written a great Christian book with The Dog who was There.

This is a book about an event in Christian history that is like none other - the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The story is told through a dog's viewpoint - Barley, the ragtag orphan who was fortunate to even be alive. It is a book about redemption, of course, but it is also an entertaining story with a different perspective of an event that truly happened and that means everything to every believer.

I absolutely devoured every page of this masterfully written novel. Every page read kept me moving ahead to "see what happens next". I have passed my copy down to my teenage daughter. She loves animals and she loves Jesus. There is nothing in the book to which I object but everything to which I think she needs to read.

It doesn't replace the Biblical account. It simply adds a dimension to it that helps it to become more personal. We all need the reminder of what Jesus did for us.

*I received a copy of The Dog who was There in exchange for my honest opinion. My thoughts are my own.*

Book Review: You Carried Me by Melissa Ohden

You Carried Me: A Daughter's Memoir is written by Melissa Ohden and is published by Plough.

Wow, is this a powerful story! Melissa Ohden was delivered in the form of an abortion. She was born in a hospital but was supposed to die during the saline abortion. However, she was delivered alive. If not for a nurse who heard her crying and saved her from being left to die on a table, she would not be here today to tell her story. What is her story? She speaks out for the voiceless today: those who have been murdered by abortion.

As a pro-life believer in Jesus, I resonate with this message. No, I have never had an abortion. I'm not sure if I personally know anyone who has - nobody has ever told me that they had one. Still, I feel for those mothers who have aborted their children. According to Melissa Ohden, those moms and dads and other family members often feel pressured into abortions and carry their pain for the rest of their lives.

There are other abortion survivors; abortions don't always end in the deaths of the babies. I found that to be amazing - and sad. In fact, learning more about the abortion industry and lives it touches was a real bonus for me. Before reading this book, I only knew the basics. It hurt to learn more, but it was necessary. As a pro-life Christian, shouldn't I back up my beliefs with facts?

I found the book to be well written and very informative. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to know more or who simply wants to read a compelling true story.

*I received a copy of You Carried Me: A Daughter's Memoir in exchange for my honest opinion. My thoughts are my own.*

Book Review: My Holy Bible for Girls, Journal Edition by Zondervan

We have lots of Bibles in our household and the majority of them are read, at least I hope they are! Although my daughter already has a Bible of her own, I was drawn to this one. I am a writer and I have instilled in my children the necessity of writing well. With that in mind, "Journal Edition" jumped out.

This beautiful hardcover NIV edition by Zondervan contains the complete NIV text. What is different about this one, however, is that there are nicely lined margins on each page of Scripture on which girls can journal their thoughts. As they read a passage, those thoughts, and possible sermon notes, get put on the page as they see fit. When they have read and re-read this Bible, hopefully they will notice how their own maturity and wisdom concerning the Scriptures developed over time. I love it.

I gave this Bible to my daughter (15 years old, so not exactly just for tweens) for Christmas. She loves it and I notice that she has begun bringing this edition to church with her. She is a great journal believer so I believe it was the right thing for her.

As for me, I have Bibles in different translations, the NIV being one of them. I am glad that my daughter has a copy that she can understand and that she WANTS to read. As an aside, I love the elastic that keeps this particular edition closed and looking cute.

*I received My Holy Bible for Girls, Journal Edition in exchange for my honest review. My opinions are my own.*

Book Review: Chocolate-Covered Cashews by Wiley Baxter

Chocolate-Covered Cashews is written by Wiley Baxter and is published by Westbow Press.

This book is not excessively long but it took me a long time to read. I guess I didn't find it really going anywhere and it was easy to stop at any point without being tempted to read further. The premise of the book is that Wiley Baxter was married early in his life. The marriage didn't work out and his wife left him. What she didn't tell him is that she was pregnant with twin daughters at the time. In fact, this remained a secret for more than 36 years. When he was 57, he found out that he had the daughters and that those daughters were now married with their own children.

The book chronicles Baxter's life pretty much before he met the daughters. He talks some of how his faith turned toward Christ and about his marriage to the woman who has become his helpmeet.

I did not care a whole lot for this book though I did read it all. It isn't very long and it is an easy read. If you want to read a true story that is all that, go for this one. If you are looking for a meatier book, you might want to pass.

*I received a copy of Chocolate-Covered Cashews in exchange for my honest opinion. My thoughts are my own.*

Book Review - Lots of Love by Kim Washburn

Lots of Love is written by Kim Washburn, illustrated by Jacqueline East, and published by Zondervan.

This board book is a very colorful and heartfelt book for youngsters. Each page takes the reader through events and people (animals too), that show how much that child is loved. The illustrations are gorgeous and the words especially meaningful. I know a special little girl who is going to be the recipient of this book for Christmas.

Every child needs to hear the affirming message that he or she is loved, not only by others but by God. This book gives that message in a fun, easy to grasp and easy to keep from tearing book. Every page is well-done and I love it.

*I received a copy of Lots of Love in exchange for my honest opinion. My thoughts are my own.*

Book Review - Of Stillness and Storm by Michele Phoenix

Of Stillness and Storm is written by Michele Phoenix and published by Thomas Nelson.

I have finally been getting caught up with my reading lists this month. I know, I know, most people are so busy with the holidays that reading, for them, takes a backseat. However, I need that calm in the mornings and evenings to get me prepped for my busy days. I have been hard at work on a new book by Michele Phoenix.

I had not heard of Michele Phoenix before so I had to do a little investigative work to "get to know her". She was born in France to a Canadian father and an American mother. She worked in Germany as a teacher for 20 years, then joined with Global Outreach Mission. She obviously has a heart for missions.

In Of Stillness and Storm, Phoenix paints what I think is probably a fair picture of missionary families. The husband is called to serve in another part of the world and the wife and child(ren), though they might not feel as called, end up following suit. The husband adjusts well because he is doing what he feels God has led him to do while the wife and child(ren) struggle.

The husband in this book, Sam, is a strong believer who has always known that his desire for world missions is at the heart of God's will for his life. However, his wife, Lauren, is not so sure. She does love the Lord and she's always done "the right thing". However, doing the right thing includes taking their son, Ryan, halfway around the world to Kathmandu, Nepal. Sam is gone for weeks a time, ministering to remote villages in the mountains while Lauren and Ryan stay in a hot, dingy apartment that has basically none of the amenities that they were used to back home.

Ryan struggles and, through his struggles, Lauren struggles as well. That's a lot of struggles. And it makes for an interesting read. Rejoicing, aching, working hard to overcome - it all comes together and we get to come along for the ride.

I enjoyed this book for its rawness and good writing. Phoenix paints a vivid picture of what world missions can be like for those who give up almost everything in order to reach the lost for Christ. It's not as glamarous as some of us might think. It's sacrifice, and that is portrayed very well in this book. I recommend it highly for those who want to read fiction with a boost of realism.

*I received this book in exchange for my honest review. My thoughts are my own.*

Book Review: The Silent Songbird by Melanie Dickerson

 The Silent Songbird is written by Melanie Dickerson and is published by Thomas Nelson.

In The Silent Songbird, the main character (Evangeline) and the antagonist (Lord Shiveley) have a really bad relationship. Okay, so Lord Shively convinces the king to betroth to him the king's cousin, Evangeline. This beautiful, illegitimate daughter of a former king has a tremendously lovely singing voice. She keeps that voice silent, however, when she and her maid run away to escape the betrothal. Pretending to be mute, Evangeline hides among peasants and "normal people" with the hope to someday marry a handsome man for love. As it turns out, Evangeline's "protector" is handsome ... and he turns out to be the man she could really love and marry. Now, if only she can keep Lord Shiveley and the king from finding her and bringing her back to the castle and an unwanted marriage, all will be well. Then there is that tickly problem of the lies she has presented to the people she loves the most - that of being a servant, not being able to speak, etc.

This story that Dickerson has so masterfully told kept me on my seat and turning my Kindle pages faster than I originally wanted. I read it in only a few days whereas I normally take a couple of weeks to read a book (I am busy with so much else, though I'd readily admit that I would love nothing more than to read, read, read all day long). The story is filled with action, love, and faith. It is a great princess story and one that I can heartily recommend. My 15-year-old daughter gives it a 5 stars.

*I received a copy of The Silent Songbird in exchange for my honest review. My opinions are my own.*

Book Review - Child of the River by Irma Joubert

Child of the River is written by Irma Joubert and is published by Thomas Nelson.

Persomie is a young girl at the beginning of this story. She is living in her native South Africa, a child of the Bushveld. Her family is the poorest of the poor, sharecroppers for the Fourie family farm. Throughout the novel, we watch Persomie grow up during World War II and the age of apartheid. She watches her stepfather tear the family apart and yearns for a better life with "real people". During this time, she yearns to know her roots, who her "real" father is. Her mother won't tell.

This is a story of a girl who pulls herself up in spite of everything being against her. I find the tale to be marvelously woven together and rich with history. I couldn't seem to pull myself apart from the story and often read when I should have been doing something else. The story is that good. It should become a classic piece of literature.

I cried with Persomie. I rooted for her when the odds were against her. She became very real to me as I thought about all of the legitimate poor in our own country today. But there is hope. The message, in the end, is very inspiring. I recommend this book very highly. It will enlighten you if you know very little about the 1940s and the rest of the world beyond the United States.

*I received a copy of Child of the River in exchange for my honest opinion. My thoughts are my own.*

Book Review: Moments with the Savior by Ken Gire

Moments with the Savior is written by Ken Gire and is published by Zondervan.

I was very excited to review this beautifully done hardcover devotional by Ken Gire. From front cover to back, it is a quality book. Not only is it beautiful in itself, with a bookmark ribbon and sturdy gift book pages, but it is beautiful in the words and devotional material inside.

The devotions are a tad on the long side compared to many that you will find today, yet they are biblically sound and well worth the reading. Also, each devotion is preceded by Scripture and then followed by a written prayer. ALL of the devotions follow the life of Jesus, from His conception to the cross and then some. They are wonderful read aloud, which is what we are doing in our family devotion time.

We are finding that the devotions contained in this book are deep and make us think a bit. Great discussion sometimes follows. Ken Gire wrote this book in a conversational style that helps our teens to relate.

I recommend this book highly for those looking for something different that helps to put one's eyes upon Jesus a bit more.

*I received Moments with the Savior in exchange for my honest review. My opinions are my own.*