MIRACLE AT THE HIGHER GROUNDS CAFE by Max Lucado

Chelsea Champers inherited the Higher Grounds Cafe when her mom died. She has great memories of the place - and a significant need of somewhere to put her energy - so she decides to run it on her own. But she discovers she owns a crazy amount of back taxes on it. How will she ever make that kind of money? Enter The God Blog. It's the only website her router gets and customers come from miles around to have a chance to ask one question and have God respond. What will The God Blog do for Chelsea's business? For her family? For herself?

This is a touching story of faith and family. Glimpses of angels and dark forces at work give this a little different tone at times. I enjoy stories which touch me emotionally and this did that. It's a fairly typical relationship story ("Can the main characters work out their history and problems?") with angels thrown in. The build up was a little slow, but once The God Blog became a factor, the story really got interesting.

4 out of 5 stars

* I received an electronic copy of this book from the publisher for free in the hope that I would review it honestly on my blog. Regardless, I only review books I enjoyed. I don’t believe in passing on negative reviews. 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.

THE LITTLE BOY AND THE SEA by Lazarus Infinity

Four short pieces (not illustrated), each one about a boy and his family (a mom in two stories, a dad in another and a grandmother in the fourth) and a life lesson (making others happy, believing in yourself, caring for others, being a loving person). Most of the stories lead back to a faith message about Jesus. The Jesus references do not mention the crucifixion but instead focus on Jesus as the Son of God, coming to teach us to "be good" and care for others so we can be with him in Heaven. E-book format only at this time.

* I received an electronic copy of this book from the author for free in the hope that I would review it honestly on my blog. Regardless, I only review books I enjoyed. I don’t believe in passing on negative reviews. 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.

FINDING RUBY STARLING by Karen Rivers

Ruth Quayle is playing around with pictures of herself online when she finds pictures of her face - but she knows she is not the girl in the pictures. That girl is Ruby Starling, and she lives in England. But why does she look exactly like Ruth?

I really enjoyed this story told through emails between these two girls and their families and friends. Emotions are expressed honestly about a confusing situation, although maybe more poetically and maturely expressed than you might expect from such young characters. Themes include identity, family, and truth. There is also a Buddhist aspect to the story.

4.5 out of 5 stars
No AR reading level at the time of this writing.

* I received an electronic copy of this book from the publisher for free in the hope that I would review it honestly on my blog. Regardless, I only review books I enjoyed. I don’t believe in passing on negative reviews. 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.

THE DEEPER LIFE by Daniel Henderson

Thought provoking stories and self-discovery questions help readers find purpose and satisfaction in life. The longings referenced in the subtitle include a longing to know who God is, a longing to know who we are, and a longing to find out why we are here. The book provides space to record thoughts and answers to the questions so that readers can clarify their values, passions and purposes, all with a goal of improving quality of life. For example, there are exercises to help a reader determine his or her theology and identity. There are examples from the author's own life and work with other people. There are other books and systems for examining your life that are similar to this one - ways to help you discover your purpose or develop a personal mission statement. This one is well-organized and easy to use and relate to. I think this would be good to use for a Sunday school class or a church or business small group.

Just in time for Easter! If your Lenten season or Easter preparations have left you looking for "more" in your spiritual life, considering reading The Deeper Life.

4 out of 5 stars

* I received a review copy of this book from the publisher, Bethany House, for free in the hope that I would review it honestly on my blog. Regardless, I only review books I enjoyed. I don’t believe in passing on negative reviews. 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.

THE DANIEL PLAN by Rick Warren, et al

Pastor Rick Warren tells the story of his realization that his physical health and well-being as well as that of his congregation was a spiritual issue that the church had not been addressing adequately. The Daniel Plan describes the program that the church put into place that led to a lot of positive change for the people of Saddleback Church. There are five principles that anchor the Plan: faith, food, fitness, focus and friends. I think the two important pieces are the first and the last. The faith piece asserts that we would all be healthy if it was something we could do under our own power. But since so many of us struggle with weight and healthy eating and lifestyle, we need to rely more on help from God to make positive and healthy changes in our lives. The friends piece piggybacks onto that idea of needing God by also saying we need each other. A community (a group or even a partner) can help with accountability and encouragement on the journey.

There are a slew of resources to go along with the book, including a cookbook and a journal, pictured below. If you are looking for a resource to help you tackle some health issues or to rejuvenate your New Year's resolutions, check out The Daniel Plan.

4 out of 5 stars

    

ASKING FOR TROUBLE by Sandra Byrd

Savvy Smith is a high school student transplanted by her family's move from the States to London, England. The whole family is struggling to find their place in this new community, especially Savvy who can't find a club where she fits or a group of friends to spend time with. Savvy knows that she belongs on the newspaper staff (something she would have been doing if she had stayed in the US at her old school), but she has no experience and the editor isn't looking to train anyone. As Savvy tries to find her place and sort out her faith in the face of her struggles, she gets a brilliant idea to get her foot in the door at the paper.

I struggle to find Christian fiction that I think will appeal to my students that also has an AR quiz so they can read it for credit at school This book covers both. I enjoyed Savvy's story - her faith struggles feel genuine as do her school and social struggles. I like the fact that her idea - and advice column for the paper - ties into the things she is learning in her faith. I think my students will enjoy this one.

4 out of 5 stars
AR reading level of 4.5

BLOG TOUR: He Knows Your Name AND The Power of an Ordinary Prayer

  

This summer I was given the opportunity to read and review these two beautiful books. Worthy Publishing provided review copies of the books and the press release text that you'll find at the bottom of this review.

He Knows Your Name - God knows your name, and Cottrell ties this to several aspects of the concept of worship - surrender, faith and trust, fear, forms of worship, etc. Cottrell says, "Worship is saying to God, 'You matter more than anything in my life.... I submit to what You are and what You are doing in my life." (pg 149) Points are made with Bible stories as well as personal stories. Extended introduction by Beth Moore. The book is lovely - hard cover, easily could be used as a gift book. Quotes, questions and prayers accompany each chapter. I had planned to give my copy away, but I couldn't keep myself from highlighting various points.  4 out of 5 stars.

The Power of an Ordinary Prayer - This book opens with a beautiful blessing that addresses family, spiritual victory, service, etc. Then each chapter addresses a part of the blessing with personal stories and Scriptures. Smith does a great job of clarifying that the blessing isn't some sort of "magic spell" that gets the speaker everything he/she wants. But it can connect readers to God's desire to love and bless his people. This, too, would make a great gift book for encouragement. There's space for readers to respond to the ideas in each chapter. I think the blessing itself is my favorite part. It would be beautiful on a book mark or plaque or other gift items. 3.5 out of 5 stars.

Thank you, Worthy Publishing, for the opportunity to review these books!!

GRAMMY AND DOVE AWARD-WINNING RECORDING ARTISTS

PEN TITLES WITH WORTHY PUBLISHING

 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – June 11th, 2013—The Worthy Publishing Group rounds out its Spring/Summer 2013 list with two gift titles penned by award-winning singer/songwriters Michael W. Smith and Travis Cottrell.

Smith’s book The Power of an Ordinary Prayer (Worthy Publishing, 9781617951923, July 2013, $14.99, hardcover) explores the heart of prayer and its power to transform your world. The beautifully-designed, hardcover gift book inspires readers to pray blessings over their loved ones, and in return discover the abundant joy and peace that can be theirs through the power of this simple blessing. 

Dove-award winning artist, Travis Cottrell’s 144-page gift book entitled He Knows Your Name (Worthy Publishing, 9781617951916, July 2013, $14.99, hardcover), looks at those surprising times and places when God proves his radical love. With a remarkable introduction by NewYork Times best-selling author Beth Moore, Cottrell reminds readers that God is the hope, strength, and deliverance they desperately need in every circumstance—especially those moments when it is least expected.

“These books, written by award-winning recording artists, come on the heels of our success with titles from contemporary Christian music artists Laura Story and Nichole Nordeman,” says Jeana Ledbetter, Vice President of Editorial.Within the past year Worthy Publishing has struck a chord with readers with the release of Grammy-award winning songwriter Laura Story’s devotional, What If Your Blessings Come Through Raindrops? (Freeman Smith, 9781605873220, March 2012, $11.99, trade paper) along with Dove-award winning artist Nichole Nordeman’s Love Story (Worthy, 9781617950513, August 2012, $16.99, hardcover). “It seems we have found a niche transforming best-selling recording artists into widely read authors,” Ledbetter continues.  Worthy is also scheduled to release Big Daddy Weave’s devotional Redeemed (Worthy, 9781605875224, August 2013, $11.99), based on the song recently awarded “Song of the Year” at the K-Love Fan Awards on June 1^st.

Michael W. Smith is a multiple-time Grammy and Dove Award-winning singer/songwriter, having recorded more than twenty-two albums and written numerous hit songs.Smith has written several best-selling books, including Old Enough to Know and Friends are Friends Forever. He and his wife, Debbie, have five children and live in Nashville.

Travis Cottrell is a Dove Award-winning recording artist and songwriter and has been the worship leader at Beth Moore’s Living Proof Live conferences for fifteen years. He also serves as the Worship Pastor at Englewood Baptist Church in Jackson, Tennessee, where he lives with his wife, Angela, and their three children.

Worthy Publishing Group (www.worthypublishing.com) is a privately held, independent voice in Christian and inspirational publishing, based in Nashville, Tennessee, comprised of three divisions. Worthy Books publishes a boutique list of trade titles across a broad spectrum of genres, including current events, biography, fiction, devotionals, spiritual and personal growth, and specialized Bibles. Ellie Claire is a line of gift and paper expressions, and Freeman-Smith is a value-priced, impulse book imprint.  

TIGER TALES - PICTURE BOOKS: What a Wonderful World AND Hands Off My Honey!

A celebration of God's creation with illustrations of a mother and baby bear enjoying the world - ladybugs, deer at a stream, a rainbow, and falling leaves.

Lovely illustrations and a sweet, quiet story. Would make a great bed time book or a shower gift for a new mom.

Four out of five stars
No AR information at this time.

Bear has a huge jar of honey and he's not sharing! But Mouse, Mole and the Rabbit Brothers want some, too. As Bear munches away, the friends sneak toward him - but Mole isn't a very quiet sneak-er. What will happen if Bear catches them trying to get his honey?

Cute story with a fun twist at the end. This was a good one to read part way through and then ask kids how they think it will end.

Four out of five stars
AR reading level of 2.6

PICTURE BOOKS: Psalm 23 illustrated by Richard Jesse Watson AND Emma Dilemma: Big Sister Poems by

The illustrations are what make this book amazing. This was one of the books in our school's spring Scholastic book fair. Several people were convinced to buy this one simply from looking at the full spread illustration that matches this cover picture. It would give you chills to see it in person.

The text of Psalm 23 is laid out throughout the book with these gorgeous illustrations that just beg you to pull up a chair and enjoy them over and over again.

4 out of 5 stars

Recommendations: This would make a lovely gift - for new parents, for a christening/baby dedication, for a friend struggling with an illness or other difficult life circumstances. There are also folks for whom this Psalm is especially significant - I think this presentation is one worth adding to a collection.

This is a delightful "story" of poems by the big sister about her littler sister - the little sister who can be a big pain and a big treasure to her older sibling.

I am an only child, but the emotions and the relationship reflected in the poems seems to fit the women around me with sisters and the stories I hear from them. The voice is great and the format makes it great for use in a school.

5 out of 5 stars
AR reading level of 3.3

Recommended for: sisters, classroom use for general reading as well as for poetry units.