Children's Board Book Review: Counting Blessings by Eileen Spinelli, illustrated by Lee Holland

Book Description:
Children count along from 1 to 10, following the sweet rhyming text by beloved author Eileen Spinelli and the cute and cuddly illustrations by Lee Holland. Along with counting, this padded cover board book teaches children to see the blessings in life. With whimsy and joy, Counting Blessings captures the attention of young children, filling their minds with numbers and their hearts with happiness.

My Review:
I can count on Eileen Spinelli to deliver an enjoyable rhyming text that's fun to read to my grandchildren. In Counting Blessings, which is more than a counting book, she leads the child through numbers 1 to 10 then goes on to name many blessings like, "snow to dance in and songs to sing." My favorite blessing in the story is, "Six books beside your chair." What reviewer wouldn't love that. The bunny in the story is adorable thanks to Lee Holland's delightful illustrations. They're the kind of drawings that make me go ahhh— charming and colorful. The sturdy board book pages, simple text, and bright illustrations make this a perfect book for little ones. I received this book in exchange for a fair review.

Purchase a copy at Amazon.

Children's Book Review: Adventure Bible, Wild About the Bible: Sticker & Activity Book

Book Description
The Adventure Bible comes to life with puzzles, activity pages, and 50 reusable stickers in the new Wild About the Bible Sticker and Activity Book. Featuring Bible time heroes and their adventures, activities are fun and engaging and will entertain as well as teach young children about familiar stories in the Bible.

Heroes and adventures include Creation, Noah, Moses, Esther, and the parable of the Lost Son.

My Review:
Adventure Bible, Wild About the Bible is a great way for children to learn about the stories and people who lived during Bible times. The book is full of puzzles and pictures to color. David Miles drawings are inviting and enjoyable. Two pages of stickers come with the book. This would be a great book for car rides, quiet time, or learning more about Bible stories. I received this book in exchange for a fair review.

Buy a copy from Zonderkidz.

Poem: Pink Dogwood in the Cemetery©

Nonfiction Book Review: Wonders of Creation : Illustrations to Color and Inspire

Book Description:

Wonders of Creation explores the wonders of our created world though detailed black-and-white illustrations—each one ready to be filled with the hues of your imagination. From amazing Eden-esque gardens to the creatures God made that still ramble through our world, this ninety-six-page book offers hours of coloring inspiration and relaxation for any age.

Book Review:

Wonders of Creation is a beautiful book that offers hours of coloring fun. Cindy Wilde and Pimlada Phuapradit created lovely renditions of God's glorious creation. I love the charming and whimsical details of the drawings. Coloring pencils, markers, and crayons can be used on the high quality paper. No doubt coloring these delightful pages will give hours of relaxation. I also like that the artists included some less commonly seen animals. The only drawback are the double-sided pages if you want to frame the pictures. This would be a great book for a family to share or a gift for someone who loves nature. I received this book in exchange for a fair review.

Purchase your copy from Zondervan.

Nonfiction Book Review: The Mother Letters : Sharing the Laughter, Joy, Struggle, and Hope

Book Description:

Mothering isn't easy. Some days you second-guess every decision. Some nights you fall into bed in a haze of exhaustion. Yet even if you feel alone in the struggle, there are mothers who have been there--right where you are now--and they want you to know you are not alone. That's where The Mother Letters comes in.

The Mother Letters began as a gift of encouragement. After Amber Haines had given birth to three boys in three years, her husband Seth realized the day-to-day details and drama of child rearing were overwhelming her. He secretly began collecting letters from other mothers across the world and gave these "mother letters" to her as a gift.

Amber and Seth have compiled these wise, honest, and sometimes hilarious letters into a beautiful book of hope and encouragement for moms everywhere. Their desire is that these words speak to you as they did to Amber, and that you hear "Me too. We can do this."

My Review:

The Mother Letters is a beautiful book written with honesty and insight. A variety of moms contributed to Steve's efforts to bring together a lovely compilation of instruction, compassion, and wisdom. I wish I'd had a book like this when I was a young mother. Many of the moms talk about feeling discouraged and maybe not being the best mom. Yet each mom's words, in the end, are encouraging and uplifting. A wisdom I noticed repeated through the book— we learn so much from our children. I can attest to that. I'm still learning from my thirty-somethings. The Mother Letters would make an excellent gift for Mother's Day, especially to moms who still have children at home. Kudos to Seth Haines for recognizing how stressful mothering can be at times. I received this book in exchange for a fair review.

Buy your copy at Revell books.

He Made Beauty from my Mess

James 1:2-4
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.  Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

On the way through town the other day, I noticed a beautiful pink dogwood blooming. As I turned onto the street where I live, vibrant purple and yellow pansies brightened the entry. Irises bloomed along the highway and phlox spilled over rock walls and across flower beds. Each plant weathered another winter. Leaves fell off, blossoms died, and the frost shriveled the plants to nothing. Yet, the green sprouted through the dirt again and produced beauty. They didn't give up.

James, Jesus' brother, speaks about what happens when we go through trials and our faith is tested. 2015 was a tough year. I suffered through some illness and diagnosis I wasn't particularly happy about. I have chronic pain and feel flat out terrible, at times. But as much as I wanted to give up at times, my faith didn't failed. Please understand, I've been discouraged. I've even been angry, but because I know beyond a doubt that Jesus is real, the Bible is true, the Holy Spirit works in me, and God loves me— I have faith that God is using my circumstances to make me a stronger more faithful follower.

As much as I dislike pain, I find joy in my circumstances and pray God uses me to help the people in my path. As a work in progress the challenges will keep coming. My prayer is to find the beauty and hang onto James 1:2-4. Praise God for creating beauty out of my mess.

Fiction Book Review: Song of Silence by Cynthia Ruchti

Book Description:

Lucy and Charlie Tuttle agree on one thing: they’re committed to each other for life. Trouble is, neither of them expected life to look like this. While Charlie retired early, Lucy is devoted to a long-term career . . . until the day she has no choice.

Forced to retire from her position as music educator in a small Midwestern K-8 school, Lucy can only watch helplessly as the program her father started years ago disintegrates before her eyes. As the music fades and a chasm separates her from the passion of her heart, Lucy wonders if her faith’s song has gone silent, too. The musical score of her life seems to be missing all the notes.

When a simple misstep threatens to silence Lucy forever, a young boy and his soundless mother change the way she sees—and hears—everything.

My Review:
I've read several of Cynthia Ruchti's books and enjoyed them so much. Song of Silence has a good story line, but it just didn't resonate with me. I had a hard time feeling sorry for Lucy because she whines so much. Charlie, bless his heart, tries to help but just seems to get in the way. He's a bit distracted, although he's a very kind and loving man. Their children are a little too perfect, although it was good to see children who care for their parents. The kids seemed to save the day more than once. I liked what Cynthia was trying to do with the story, but felt there were too many coincidences. However I was happy to see the characters rely on God throughout the story. If you love music, or you're a musician, you'll probably relate to Lucy better than I. Although I enjoy listening to music I don't have the heart of a musician. Cynthia does paint pictures with her writing which, for me, made the book more palatable. I received this book in exchange for a fair review.

Click to enter a $150 prize package Music-Themed Giveaway with Cynthia Ruchti