Picture Book Review: A Night of Great Joy by Mary Engelbreit

Book Description:

Mary Engelbreit presents A Night of Great Joy, a delightful picture book that celebrates the joyful season of Christmas. This book tells the story of the nativity through the performance of a children’s Christmas pageant. With adorable illustrations and simple storytelling, Engelbreit paints a wonderful picture of the night that Jesus was born.

A Night of Great Joy recalls that fateful night with wonder and awe. From the arrival of Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem to the gathering of many before the baby Jesus, this holiday treasure leads children through the tale of the birth of Jesus, guiding them with the star of Bethlehem.

Mary Engelbreit, New York Times bestselling illustrator of the blockbuster Christmas classic The Night Before Christmas, brings readers a new holiday picture book that’s sure to become a family favorite.

My Thoughts:
Who doesn't love a Christmas pageant?

I've long been a fan of Mary Engelbreit's illustrations and of Christmas pageants. A Night of Great Joy embraces the colorful whimsy of her art with the sweet, often amusing joy of a children's play. Mary's simple telling of Jesus birth pairs beautifully with her wonderful illustrations. I love the expressions on the faces of the diverse cast of children as they participate in the most important holiday story. And the shepherds and angels are a hoot. Parents and children will have a lot of fun reading this version of the Christmas story. I see this becoming a classic in years to come. If I could only buy one Christmas book for the children in my life this year, I'd choose this one. I received this book for free from Zonderkidz.

Children's Book Review: Ready, Set, Find Christmas

Book Description:

Get ready to follow Mary and Joseph on their way to Bethlehem. They are in a hurry! Mary is expecting the baby Jesus and they need your help to find many things along the way. This holiday board book is perfect for young children who will love finding the 48 objects hidden on the pages while reading the classic story of Christmas, accurately retold and with scripture references. On your mark, Ready-Set-Find!

My Thoughts:
Ready, Set, Find Christmas is a sweet book for preschoolers. I think children will have fun searching for the objects pictured on each spread. The drawings are charming, especially the animals. Scriptures are used to tell the story of Jesus birth. The book ends with the wise men visiting Jesus at the manger. I'm not sure how accurate that is, but it is a cute book and would be a great way to share Jesus' birth with a child.  Also, the book has nice sturdy tabs that make it easy for little fingers. I received this book for free.

Autumn Mistflower

Fiction Book Review: Finding Riley by Dan Walsh

Book Description:

An unexpected surprise brings the Mitchell family of Savannah a chance to experience the Christmas trip of their dreams. An unexpected disappointment threatens to turn it into the worst Christmas of their lives. John Finch and his friend Alfred live in the woods. Been doing it for decades. He likes wintering in Florida, but this year’s been particularly harsh. Between the cold, freezing rain and terrifying lightning storms, John’s starting to wonder how much more of this lifestyle he can take. A new friend enters the picture and changes everything. Kim Harper, the dog trainer introduced in Rescuing Finley, is contacted by a billionaire philanthropist seeking her help with a new dog training project that will help the homeless. Is he for real? And is her co-worker right? Does this rich, handsome man’s interest in Kim go much deeper than her dog-training skills?

My Thoughts:
Dan Walsh has written many wonderful books, of them all the Forever Home series are my favorite. Finding Riley is the second book of the series. One of the things I like most about these stories are the chapters where we get to hear the voice of Riley. Written in a realistic way, I could easily imagine the dog having the exact thoughts that Dan portrayed. In the story we are introduced to a homeless camp. I learned from and appreciated Dan's presentation of this. He also does an excellent job of portraying the animal shelter and the role they play. And I loved Jeff, a sweet, sweet boy. And of course I enjoyed the twist of romance lightly threaded through the story. If you love dogs, need a pleasant, uplifting read, or want to escape into a sweet Christmas story, read Finding Riley. I received this book for free.

All Other Ground is Sinking Sand

Psalm 62:5-8
Yes, my soul, find rest in God;
    my hope comes from him.
Truly he is my rock and my salvation;
    he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
My salvation and my honor depend on God;
    he is my mighty rock, my refuge.
 Trust in him at all times, you people;
    pour out your hearts to him,
    for God is our refuge.

Does anyone else remember singing or still sing "My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus' blood and righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, But wholly lean on Jesus' name. On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; All other ground is sinking sand..." a hymn written by Edward Mote in 1834. And 182 years later this song still comes to mind. As the chaos of the world swirls around me I need the reassurance that God is my fortress. 

Sin is alive and well. Satan is attacking. But rather than hide under a rock, I'm taking refuge on the Rock.

My hope rests in Jesus. I trust him with everything. Yes, everything. If you feel the weight of the world, the chaos of life, fear for our country—seek Jesus. He's the calm in the storm. He's the one who brings comfort and peace in the midst of mayhem. He is the solid Rock.

Praise God for peace in turmoil that comes only through him.

Nonfiction Book Review: Experiencing God Through His Names by Sheryl Giesbrecht

About the book: 

What's in a name?

Names are more than groups of letters that represent a person or identify objects. Names are powerful. A person's character and destiny can be influenced by his or her name. God's attributes and personality support His unique and distinct names. If we comprehend the meanings of His titles, we can know God more intimately. In Experiencing God Through His Names, Sheryl Giesbrecht walks with you on an exciting journey to discover and absorb the truth about God's character. In the next 31 days, God wants you to get to know Him. Are you ready?

My Thoughts:
I've been reading Experiencing God Through His Name each morning in my quiet time. I love this little book. Sheryl does a beautiful job relating the many names for God to our needs. I've enjoyed learning and worshipping God through reading his names. God has so much to give his followers, and I believe understanding the various characteristics of his nature has helped me to comprehend his vastness. I also like the structure of the writing. She gives an example, a biblical instance, and a prayer with each name. If you'd like to get to know God better, this is a great book that takes an intimate look at our God. I received this book for free.

Enter to win a copy: Experiencing God Through His Names

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/2cLBOPE

About the author:
Sheryl Giesbrecht has written three books, hundreds of articles, blogs, and columns. A nationally syndicated radio host, Sheryl is a sought after inspirational speaker who facilitates leadership training for thousands internationally.

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Autumn Evening