Let There Be Light By: Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Illustrated by Nancy Tillman

God is good and all that He has made is good.  Let me tell you that this book, Let There Be Light, written by Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Illustrated by Nancy Tillman is certainly good.  The Creation story has been told many times in many ways, but never with such joy, acceptance, and vibrant visuals.

The story line is obvious; a retelling of the Biblical account of the Creation of the world and all that is in it.  The descriptive words used by Desmond Tutu place us in a new world that is wondrous, dazzling, glorious, and joyous.  I love his word choice when he says, “And on the seventh day, God laughed, and rested, and enjoyed his glorious creation.”  What a wonderful image of a God who is well pleased with His Creation.

Now don’t get me started on these illustrations.  Each page is a work of art.  Nancy Tillman captures the beauty and newness of the world and its inhabitants.  The images are bright and filled with color and light. Even the animals look like they are smiling.  There is also an overriding theme of diversity of cultures.  I was delighted by this book and honored to read both its words and images.   

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Book Review: Country Faith

Country Faith: 56 reflections from Country Music Stars is a wonderful celebration of faith and country music.  It’s a devotional packaged in an eye catching way.  It’s filled with beautiful photographs of country music’s biggest and newest stars.  I love the look of the book.  It is visually very appealing, artistic and draws you in. The photographs are creatively “framed” and look ready to hang on a wall or place on the mantel of a fireplace. 

Each country star selects a favorite Bible verse and shares how it is meaningful to them.  It is refreshing to hear successful musicians who are willing to share their faith.  These devotions are inspiring and uplifting.  In a world where we ache for good role models, this book points us in the right direction.

This devotional would be a great gift to give.  I plan to purchase another copy to give to my daughter.  She is a college senior who not only loves country music but will also be moving to Nashville this year to start her career in the field of accounting.  I hope this book inspires her to live out her faith. 

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Book Review: Sweet Olive

Sweet Olive, by Judy Chrisie, is a story that showcases the lifestyle of a quaint town in Louisiana.  The author does a wonderful job developing the characters in this book.  I had the privilege of reading it while away on a vacation in Hawaii.  I began reading it on the airplane during the long flight and then picked it up pool side, anxious to find out how it would all turn out for the people I was becoming attached to.

Sweet Olive is a small town community in Louisiana that is in the midst of a controversy among the residents around the selling of their mineral rights to an oil company.  The book gives the reader a peek into this “artsy” community that is filled with good folk who care about their art, their neighbors, and even come to love and appreciate this outsider who brings disorder into their orderly world.

If you, as the reader, live a hectic lifestyle or feel the rush of a big city, you will enjoy escaping in the pages of this book.  The pace of the story, as it unfolds, is refreshing.  The characters are diverse and you will find yourself hoping for a positive outcome for all that you meet.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Kashi Hummus Crisps

I recently had the opportunity to try out a new product by Kashi: Sea Salt & Olive Oil Hummus Crisps.  They are delicious!  They have just the right amount of crunch and are loaded with flavor.  The Sea Salt & Olive Oil flavor had a good balance of flavor and saltiness.  The crisps can stand alone, no need to use dips.  Finally a snack with "grown up" flavors.  I can't wait to try Sundried Tomato Basil & Feta and the Caramelized Onion. These crisps are also a healthier snack choice.  No more boring, greasy potato chips for me.  I love how these stayed together in the bag; very few broken crisps. 

I participated as a BzzAgent and received this free product as part of the campaign.  I am sharing my own honest opinion.

Book Review: Encouragement for Today

Encouragement for Today by Renee Swope, Lysa Terkeurst,  Samantha Evilsizer and the Proverbs 31 Team has been a great way to begin my day.  I agree with the subtitle … these are devotions for everyday living.   I enjoy starting my day with a cup of tea, my Bible, and a devotion before heading off to work to face the day. Not all devotionals are created equal.  Some can be too long, or too academic, or not relatable.  In the case of Encouragement for Today, I found each devotion to be just about the right length, plus I could relate to the topics.   

Each daily devotion ends with a challenge to remember, reflect, and respond.  It also lists power verses for those readers who want to delve more deeply into the devotional text as time or interest allows. Since it includes these additional power verses, I think this devotional could also being used for a more in depth Bible study. You can expand the way it's used or simply use it for a quick read as you head out the door.  A great way to customize it day to day.

I also enjoy the fact that different writers contribute to the devotional; it adds a variety of styles that I find refreshing.  In today’s world where there are so many devotional books to choose from, I would definitely place this one near the top of the list.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Sherlock Holmes and the Needle's Eye by: Len Bailey

Sherlock Holmes and the Needle’s Eye by Len Bailey was not what I had hoped for. The idea of Dr. Watson and Sherlock Holmes solving Bible based mysteries is a great concept.  I was hoping to be able to learn Biblical truths while enjoying a book filled with mystery and intrigue. Unfortunately, I found the book awkward, the time travel disjointed, and the choice of Biblical stories obscure. 

The end of the book has study questions; perhaps that would appeal to some readers. I just don't think there was enough depth of content to challenge the reader. 

 

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Simply Delicious Amish Cooking by: Sherry Gore

Many of us are intrigued by the simple lifestyle of the Amish.  In this hectic life we lead, there seems to be a movement to slow down, spend time with family, and maybe even hone those home cooking skills. Simply Delicious Amish Cooking by Sherry Gore is a good start.

The pleasantly illustrated cookbook is filled with some delicious creations that can be made with simple ingredients, stuff you already have in your pantry. As most cook books, it’s divided by basic categories like breads, soups, salads, side dishes, seafood, pies, and even a category called “This and That”.

There are some black and white photos that begin each section and two small sections of color photos of the finished products.  The “Final Exam Brownies” look especially gooey.  Intermixed throughout the cookbook are tips and “diary like” journal entries.  These are meant to give the reader a peek into the life of those living in an Amish Mennonite community in Florida.  Although that added a bit of charm, I did not feel it really enhanced the overall enjoyment of the cookbook.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.