The Daily Question for You and Your Child by Waterbrook

ISBN: 9780525650928

Publisher's Synopsis:

A fun, thought-provoking 365-question guided journal and keepsake that sparks daily interaction with your child to create a memory book capturing your child's life, personality, and faith journey.

This interactive prompted journal allows a parent to create a keepsake of three years of their child's life. By answering each of the 365 questions together on the same date each year, readers will get a unique and precious picture into their child's feelings, development, and personality. Some of the questions focus on spirituality and the child's heart, while some are meant to capture their creativity, spirit, and sense of humor. All questions spark conversations and memories that span well beyond the pages of this book.

MrsK's Review:

My first thought as I opened the covers of this book, was... Goodness there isn't much for me to review. As any established, and seasoned reader... I took a closer look. Now I was pondering how would I ever provide a review that would give this collection its deserved value.

There is no better place to begin a collection of a child's thoughts, personality, interests, feelings, and spiritual insights than in a  journal. Every page is formatted for a three year period. As the adult, you can begin as the scribe and as the child gets older they can take over the writing. In our home, we are spending a few moments after dinner to jot down our answers to the daily question. We decided to use our initials followed with our thoughts. From the youngest to the oldest, we are discovering each other in a way that will not be lost in the passing of time.

Here are a few of the questions (remember each question has its own page for each day of the year and each page is divided into thirds for a three year documentation):

• Who do you think needs a hug today? (January 4)
• If you could live next door to anyone, who would it be? (May 14)
• What do you like to pretend? (July 19)
• If you were a pirate, what would be in your treasure chest? (November 10)
• What gift would you have given the baby Jesus? How can you give Jesus a gift now? (December 9)

It is with much applause, I have discovered how I could review a collection such as this...
Absolutely one of the best discoveries of the year!
Get one for your home, one for a family, one for a friend, and as a gift for any new parent,
MrsK

"Kids grow up fast! It can be hard to take time to stop

and remember all of the unique quirks and beautiful little

pieces of your child's personality...

The Daily Question for You and Your Child is meant to help you do just that."

A unique design,
Wonderful discussion tool,
Perfect family heirloom!

As a member of the launch team, #PRHpartner

 “@WaterBrookMultnomah #Partner” (Facebook/Instagram)

 “@WaterBrookPress #Partner” (Twitter)

My post is sponsored: #PRHpartner, #partner, #paid, #ad, #sponsored, or #spon.

Precious Moments: Little Book of Thanks by Jean Fischer

Jean Fischer

ISBN: 9780718098643

Publisher's Synopsis:

In the sweet, enduring art style of Precious Moments, this timeless book will help your children recognize all the wonderful things God has given them! Read along, and you will remember to enjoy the simple things, like singing silly songs, jumping in a pile of leaves, and watching the seasons change. The short, rhyming verses in this classic Precious Moments book don’t take much time to read at all, and they will create memories that last forever.

Precious Moments Little Book of Thanks offers you the chance to be thankful for all that you have and for the ones with whom you get to share every precious moment.

It happens every autumn. 

As soon as the leaves begin to turn bright, beautiful colors, the year sprints ahead on fast-forward! Take a few moments out of the hustle and bustle of the season

 to sink into a cozy chair with your little one and

 thank God for everything He’s given us with Precious Moments® Little Book of Thanks.

Thank You, God, for Wonderful Sounds:

Knock, knock, Ding-dong.

Tick-tock too!

Rumble, grumble, bump and thud,

Toot, squeak, moo!

Loud sounds, soft sounds, far and near.

Thank You, God, for giving me 

Ears that hear!

poem follows scripture passage: Jeremiah 33:11

MrsK's Review:

Are you one of the Precious Moments collectors? I remember back when my husband and I were dating, oh so long ago, and our local news paper would publish a Precious Moments box (in fact, I still have one of the first ones he cut out for me). As sweet and delightful as ever, this little board book immediately provides an endearing smile, a heartfelt inspiration, and "precious moments" of discussion for every reader and little one.

The seasonal theme provides snapshots of childhood discoveries leading up to Thanksgiving day. All poems and prayers are crafted in a praise format. Giving thanks to our Lord, to those who love us, as well as the special gifts we receive on a daily basis is delightfully crafted with illustrations which portrays the innocence of youth.

May we all have a sprinkling of love and hope on a daily basis,
MrsK

Thank You, God, for laughter:

Jiggle, Wiggle, Giggle!

I'm Thankful, God,

For everything jiggly

And all things wiggly

That make me giggly!

poem follows scripture passage: Job 8:21

A beautiful read aloud for those snuggling moments
of thankfulness... Delightful!

Meet the Author:
  Jean Fischer is a professional writer with a solid background in publishing. While an editor at Golden Books, she oversaw the creative development of activity books and award-winning audio and book products. As a freelance writer, she co-wrote books with Christian authors Thomas Kinkade, John MacArthur, and John C. Maxwell and created devotions for the popular children's series Adventures in Odyssey concepted by Dr. James Dobson.

Jean writes Christian literature for adults as well as children's picture books, board books, nonfiction books and K-6 Language Arts workbooks and textbooks. She also creates promotional material for a leading fast-food restaurant. Her recent books include four preteen novels in the Camp Club Girls series published by Barbour Books and A Charles Dickens Devotional by Thomas Nelson.

Jean holds degrees in elementary education and library science and an advanced certificate in technical communication.

Discover the Samuel J. Butcher Story

Precious Moments

 

Room on the Porch Swing by Amy Clipston

Amy Clipston

ISBN: 9780310349075

Publisher's Synopsis:

Ever since her best friend died six months ago, Laura Reihl has vowed to make each day count. And that means she should probably break off her relationship with Rudy. They’ve been together for so many years, and his friendship means the world to her. But she knows friendship doesn’t come close to the fireworks of true love, and she’s not really feeling the fireworks.

So when Savilla’s widower, Allen, asks her to help him take care of the baby Savilla left behind, Laura jumps at the chance. Maybe the change of scenery will help her gain perspective on her relationship with Rudy. And she’d do anything to help Allen out—he’s always been a good friend to her, and he’s Rudy’s best friend as well.

When she arrives at Allen’s house, though, she finds a man she barely recognizes. Allen is distraught over his wife’s death, blaming himself for not taking her to the doctor soon enough.

As Laura helps Allen work through his grief, she remembers just how easy he is to talk to. And she discovers an attraction she’s never felt with Rudy. She can’t be falling for Allen, can she? It would be a betrayal to the two people she’s care most about, Savilla and Rudy. But if she denies her feelings, is she betraying herself?

"The only sound he heard was his heart

shattering into a million pieces."

MrsK's Review:

"Allen!" It was at 2:12am when Allen heard his wife's voice. Nothing seemed impossible once the doctors had Savilla's fever down and ready to go home. Until the moment when he noticed all of the "flurry" outside of her hospital room. When grief strikes, not much matters. Allen will attempt his best every day for his little Mollie Faith, yet sometimes reality can come knocking at all hours of the day or night. If it wasn't for Savilla's best friend, Allen would not be slowly moving forward... nor would he be getting any sleep.

Laura was Savilla's best friend. Still in a process of grieving her mother's death, Laura must do something to help Allen and Mollie Faith. With a sequence of events, Laura realizes that Allen can not take care of a little one and continue his buggy/carriage business. As is custom, Laura asks her family about her plan to stay overnight at Allen's whenever Mollie Faith is unsettled. On faith, Laura proceeds forward with her plans. Laura is unprepared for Rudy's thoughtless accusations. Even though they have been "somewhat" courting for the last four years, something has changed. Does she need to take a step back and look to see how her decisions are impacting Rudy and their future?

Children are such a blessing. How should Laura guard her heart when it comes to Mollie Faith? Even though it has only been a few weeks time, Mollie Faith is beginning to toddle to her, sleeping through the night, and calling her "Lala." Yet, on the weekends when Laura is at her own home, Mollie Faith is crying out for her during the night. Laura knows she must begin to back away from Allen and Mollie Faith, yet how to do so when your heart is aching for them will take much strength and faith.

This realistic relationship is beautifully crafted. In so many ways, as a reader, you will want Laura to move forward and back away from Allen's needs. Allen is healing, yet Laura could get him stuck in a reliance on her. Mollie Faith is just as precious as any little one. There is no way not to fall under her sweetness. Family and friends are honest and supportive during a time of struggle. The truth involving a search for what our Lord would want is very poignant. This is a story crafted around the separation of  our will for His Will. Choices that we all make with every new season...
MrsK

"I've changed since Mamm died...

... I need more than youth groups and singing."

"Rejoice always,

pray continually,

give thanks in all circumstances;

for this is God's Will 

for you in Christ Jesus."

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

A friendship, a loss, a hope...
a second chance.

Meet the Author:

 Hi, I’m Amy Clipston. I am an author of Amish and Christian fiction with HarperCollins Christian Publishing. Most of my books focus on the Amish community, faith, and love. I also write romance novels and young adult inspirational stories.

"I received this book from the Fiction Guild for this review."

Ascent by Roland Smith

Roland Smith

ISBN: 9780544867598

Publisher's Synopsis:

A few months after returning from Afghanistan, Peak Marcello is in Myanmar visiting Alessia. Myanmar has been in the grips of a brutal military regime for more than fifty years, but recently the government has allowed more tourists to enter. While there, Peak is invited to climb Hkakabo Razi, one of the most isolated mountains in the world, to discover the exact elevation of the mountain. But getting to the mountain will involve a four-week trek through tropical rain forests rife with hazards—from venomous reptiles and leeches to corrupt police and military. In the end, summiting Hkakabo Razi may be the easiest thing Peak does.

"A Bedraggled group of mud-splattered soldiers came

marching into camp..."

MrsK's Review:
Peak has found himself in the tropical rainforest of Myanmar. Not exactly his favorite place given the extreme heat, dampness, bugs, and of course venomous reptiles. Even though he is on this trek with Alessia and her body guard Ethan, the alluring target is their planned climb of Hkakabo Razi. One would think that his past life and death climbs would cause Peak a few moments of indecision, but for Peak the planning of a dangerous climb is completely alluring. After all, hanging by a "rope" is just a normal experience for any serious mountaineer.

Can you say "extreme chaos!" Peak's adventures are never a calm experience. There are always risks, some are life threatening (mutated strain of malaria, militia, environmental degradation, dangerous wild animal attacks, avalanches, and death). Of course there are minor challenges (extreme weather, treacherous footing, harsh conditions, and the expected "stabs, slices, pokes, bites, and stings"). And yet, for Peak to turn down a climb is like a reader refusing to open a book. He just has to answer the call of the next mountain.

If you are an "on the edge" reading junkie, there is no greater thrill than continuing a saga with characters that have "stretched" your every day universe beyond endurance. When Peak was first introduced, I considered him "edgy" and completely ready for any "over the edge" experience. With continued climbing experiences, he has matured into a mountaineer who is now a respected leader.

With every carefully crafted "cliff-hanging" moment, this author never disappoints. Even though this is the third Peak novel, any reader can get started with this climb and go back to the first two novels. Roland Smith always gives just enough prior details to entice a new reader to experience the beginnings for each series he pens.
Be brave and enjoy another "Peak" experience,
MrsK 

"We can top the mountain, 
then drop down onto the roof of the world."

Click here for information: Hkakabo Razi

"Now you must go out

and do good things."

 A trekking experience that leaves you... 
"anchored" and "clipped" 
by your locking carabiner!

        
Click here to read MrsK's reviews
for the first two books in this series! 

Roland Smith has always been my "go to" author for every "on the edge" reading junkie. No title will disappoint, no character will leave you unchanged. No situation will be insurmountable. And... every plot will leave you wanting more.

Meet the Author:

Roland Smith is an American author of young adult fiction as well as nonfiction books for children.Smith was born in Portland, Oregon, and graduated from Portland State University and, following a part-time job at the Oregon Zoo in Portland, began a 20-year career as a zookeeper, both at the Oregon Zoo and the Point Defiance Zoo in Tacoma, Washington. After working to save wildlife following the Exxon Valdez oil spill, in 1990, he published his first book, Sea Otter Rescue, a non-fiction account of the process of animal rescue. Smith continued to draw upon his zoo experiences for other non-fiction titles, including Journey of the Red Wolf, which won an Oregon Book Award in 1996.

In 1997, Smith published his first novel, Thundercave. The book continues Smith's theme, as teenage protagonist Jacob Lansa follows his biologist father to Africa where the father is researching elephants. The Lansa character also appears in 1999's Jaguar and 2001's The Last Lobo. Other novels by Smith include The Captain's Dog: My Journey with the Lewis and Clark Tribe, Zach's Lie, Jack's Run, Cryptid Hunters, Sasquatch (novel), about a boy who searches for Bigfoot. Peak, the story of a teenage boy obsessed with climbing mountains, Elephant Run and Tentacles (novel). In 2008, Smith published the first book in the series IQ, titled Independence Hall. Smith's books have won "Book of the Year" awards in Colorado, Nevada, South Carolina, and Florida, as well as in his native Oregon. Smith lives in Tualatin, Oregon with his wife and stepchildren.

Click here to discover what is within the covers of the above titles.

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Blue Ridge Sunrise by Denise Hunter

Denise Hunter

ISBN: 97800718090500

Publisher's Synopsis:

Former free spirit Zoe Collins swore she’d never again set foot in Copper Creek or speak to the man who broke her heart. But return she must when her beloved Granny dies, leaving the family legacy to Zoe—a peach orchard nestled at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

When Zoe returns home with her daughter and boyfriend Kyle, she finds that she’s the only person in town who doesn’t expect her to give up the life she’s established far away from Copper Creek. Everyone believes she was born to run the orchard, but how can she make it her home after so many years?

Cruz Huntley never quite got over his first love, Zoe Collins, the little sister of his best friend Brady. Not when she cheated on him during their “break,” not when she took off to parts unknown with good-for-nothing Kyle Jenkins, and not even now—five years later.

As life-changing decisions and a history with Cruz hang over Zoe’s head, tensions rise between her and Kyle. Even as she comes to terms with the shifting relationships in her life, Zoe still isn’t sure if she can remain in Copper Creek with her new responsibilities . . . and her first love.

"... almost smell the peaches,

ripe to harvest. Feel the fuzzy skin and taste the sweet

juicy flesh. She'd spent every spare hour at 

the orchard..."

MrsK's Review:
Even though Zoe is trying to keep it together for Granny's funeral, everything seems so unreal. Coming back to Copper Creek isn't easy. With many thoughts coursing through her, Zoe must try to find a balance with all of those she once knew. Kyle had stayed at the hotel with her daughter Gracie. Even though Kyle was being some what supportive, Zoe knew that some things weren't exactly good between them. 

Cruz couldn't keep his eyes off of Zoe. When Zoe spotted him, his heart "seized up." How could she be going through this alone? Sometimes it takes only a moment to rekindle what once was. Unfortunately, that moment comes the minute Kyle chooses to hurt Zoe and scare Gracie. Now Cruz will find a way to protect both of them, whether Zoe accepts him back in her life or not.

Blessings can come in so many ways. Sometimes it can be someone having your back. Often times, it is a gesture of friendship. Many times it can be a "helping hand" when you are restarting your life. For Zoe, it all begins which Granny's leaving her the peach orchard. This will be her opportunity to walk away from her singing career, Kyle, and her past. Truth will be the only obstacle. As life unfolds, most of us must find the inner strength and determination to move forward. Zoe will need faith to take this leap.

With characters that are truly simple, yet, completely complex you will recognize the strength and the hope. Even when we take a leap of faith to begin again, we still face challenges. This story provides the promise that "faith" is the ingredient in which one finds their way home.
Enjoy,
MrsK 

"She'd made decisions that had changed the course of her life....

God specializes in recovery of the lost."

A story that is more real than fictional.
Proof that life can change and... 
all things lost can be found.

Meet the Author:

Denise Hunter is the award-winning author of more than 30 novels, including "The Convenient Groom" and "A December Bride", which have been made into Hallmark movies.
Denise writes heartwarming, small-town romances. Her readers enjoy the vicarious thrill of falling in love and the promise of a happily-ever-after sigh as they savor the final pages of her books.

Denise and her husband live in Indiana, where they raised three sons, and are currently enjoying an empty nest. In 1996, Denise began her first novel, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she's been writing ever since. Her books contain a strong romantic element, and her husband says he provides all her romantic material, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too!

"I received this book from the Fiction Guild for this review."

I Can Only Imagine for Little Ones by Bart Millard

Bart Millard

ISBN: 9781400322015

Publisher's Synopsis:

I Can Only Imagine asks questions a child might ask and invites families to wonder together: What is heaven like? What does God do? What would it be like to spend a day with Jesus? Children will see that although experiencing the glory of heaven may be far off, we can enjoy a friendship with Jesus every day - right here on earth.

"The more imagine, the more I wish I knew."

MrsK's Review:

Given the impact of the song, "I Can Only Imagine," I was very excited for the opportunity to review this sweet book. Any opportunity we have to plant the seeds of our Lord is a chance to discuss a faith that will model a lifetime of choices for our children.

This story is beautifully crafted with delightful illustrations in which the child is asking questions about his relationship with Jesus. Just what will it be like in Heaven? Will Jesus play with the children? What does God think is fun? 

With each page, you have the opportunity to "imagine" with your child. This book requires a perfect location for snuggling up. The discussions are only limited by the number of times you snuggle and read. Sweet moments of lovingly helping them know the Love of Jesus will be the best moments of your day or evening.

Blessings,
MrsK

 A gift of love.
A seed planted and watered with each reading.
A beautiful gift for every baby shower!

Meet the Author:

Bart Marshall Millard is an American singer and songwriter who is best known as the leader of the band MercyMe.