A Place Called Hope by Philip Gulley {Book Review}

A Place Called Hope

Hope Series, Book 1

Philip Gulley

Fiction

When Quaker Pastor Sam Gardner is asked by the ill Unitarian minister to oversee a wedding in his place, Sam naturally agrees. It's not until the couple stand before him that he realizes change has come to Harmony. The wedding stirs up a tempest of strong opinions and misunderstandings, and Sam soon finds himself facing possible unemployment.

Deeply discouraged, he wonders if his pastoral usefulness has come to an end. Perhaps it's time for a change. His wife has found a new job at the library, his elder son is off to college, and the younger has decided to join the military once he graduates high school. Sam contemplates a future selling used cars, until he receives a call from a woman in the suburban town of Hope, Indiana. It seems Hope Friends Meeting is in desperate need of a pastor. Though they have only twelve members, they also have a beautiful meetinghouse and a pie committee. Sam is quite fond of pie. But can he really leave his beloved hometown of Harmony?

My Thoughts
After reading A Place Called Hope I found myself longing for the simplicity of the original Harmony series. I fell in love with the quirky characters that felt very familiar to me. I'm pretty sure every congregation has a member like Dale Hinshaw who always comes up with wacko ideas like Scripture eggs. Thankfully there is usually a Miriam Hodge to balance out the craziness. 
Dale, Miriam, Fern, and the rest of the gang return in this series. And in fact it starts out pretty funny but quickly takes a turn that it didn't come out of until the very end. I'm pretty sure that Mr. Gulley expected the reader to sympathize with the dilemma that Sam found himself in the midst of but I just didn't. In fact it was Sam that I was the most disappointed in. 
So, am I ready to write off the rest of the series? No, for two reasons. The first is because I already have a copy of the second book. The second reason is I'm hopeful about the new community that Sam and Barbara have moved to. We've already been introduced to some very interesting characters and I'm looking forward to getting to know them better. It's also my hope that we'll still get to check in with the people at Harmony Friends Meeting now and again. 
My recommendation would be to read at your own discretion knowing that it is going to be a bit preachy about being accepting of gay marriage. If you can look past that and just enjoy catching up with some beloved characters then you should be able to at least partly enjoy the book.
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Teaching Toddlers: Begin At The Beginning {plus a GIVEAWAY}

by @Fitzysmom

We’ve all heard about the terrible twos. I’m here to tell you that it’s not the second year that will have you begging for mercy but rather years three and four. By then your little darlings will have developed the skills of a master manipulator with a killer smile to boot.

So what’s a worn out momma to do? Begin at the beginning.

For me during those turbulent years it meant running straight into the arms of Jesus. Every. Single. Day. The days I missed were the days I would sink. I love the popular advice of getting up before the kiddos to have a quiet time . . . a little bit of coffee and a whole lotta Jesus. (Cold can of Coke for me thank you very much!) The problem was that I was blessed with a boy that woke up with the first rays of light. And this night owl momma had usually gone to bed just a few hours before. Guilt was my cloak of choice. Why couldn’t I love early mornings? Why did I need an hour or so of just being before I could coherently function?

Here’s where I’m going to urge you to loosen those chains that hinder your morning meeting with Jesus. Do what you have to do to make it happen even if it is mid-morning rather than the crack of dawn. Just like you should put on your oxygen first in an airline emergency, you should also equip yourself first to face what is ahead of you. So put a DVD on, plop your little cherub in front of it and then run to Jesus. Grab your Bible and coffee and absorb His words of life-giving power.

After that mountain top experience you get the privilege of doing what you were called to do . . . train up a child!

So where should you start? Begin at the beginning.

The wonderful thing about toddlers is their insatiable curiosity. The most taxing part of a toddler is their insatiable curiosity. (And the tantrums . . . oh the tantrums!) Toddlers love to discover how things are made and how they work. Encourage that curiosity by teaching them the creation story in Genesis.

There are literally thousands of resources of books and music and coloring sheets that you can use to teach your little one what happened on those first seven days. Make it fun and enjoyable for both of you. I happen to be a brand ambassador for Zonderkidz so I have had the privilege of scouring a ton of their toddler books. One of my favorite new books is the Read With Me Bible for Little Ones. It does a nice overview of some of the main themes in the Bible.

Once you’ve conquered the creation story you can move on to many other stories that reside in the Old and New Testaments. My favorite teaching outline comes from Hebrews 11:1-39. We affectionately refer to it as the great Hall of Faith. Spend time teaching your children about each of these great men and women. It is perfectly acceptable to leave out the gruesome parts at this point. A three-year-old is probably not ready to learn about Cain killing his brother Able. But they can begin to learn about obedience to God by presenting acceptable offerings. And above all else begin teaching them about Jesus.

I’m so excited for each of you mommas as you journey this path with your little ones. You are called to this and our faithful God is equipping you for it. You can do this. There’s a great cloud of witnesses surrounding you and cheering you on. And all the grannies said . . . AMEN!

Now . . . how about a GIVEAWAY?!! We loved Read With Me Bible For Little Ones so much that we wanted to make a way for one of our readers to get their own copy. To do that we have partnered with Zonderkidz to give one of our readers a copy of the book.

The giveaway is open to U.S. residents and will run through midnight on Tuesday, May 10, 2016. You must be at least 18 years old to enter. The winner will be contacted by email and will have forty-eight hours to claim the prize. If unclaimed, a new winner will be drawn. The winners’ entries will be verified. Please enter the contest using the Giveaway Tools form below. All entries are optional.

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Snuggle Time Prayers by Glenys Nellist {Children's Book Review}

Snuggle Time Prayers

Glenys Nellist

Illustrated by Cee Biscoe

Juvenile Nonfiction (ages 2-5)

Time to snuggle in my bed,

Time to climb the stairs, 

Time to thank God for this day,

Time to say my prayers.

It's bedtime. A time to settle down and draw closer to God. This collection of fifteen prayers will remind children of their blessings as they drift off to sleep.

My Thoughts
I love children's bedtime for all the obvious reasons but also because it is such a wonderful time of snuggling and breathing in the aroma of freshly bathed little ones. In our home we always read a book or two before tucking our kiddos in. I'm careful about selecting what we will read. Just as I want them to begin their day with a story about Jesus I also want them to end their day that way.
When you see the name Glenys Nellist on the cover you can be assured that the words contained within will point you to Jesus. In Snuggle Time Prayers Glenys gives us fifteen prayers to share with our kids. Each section begins with a verse of Scripture and then has a rhyming prayer. Just think you're already beginning to teach your little one how to pray back the words of God! That's a lifelong benefit that you are instilling. 
The book itself is beautifully illustrated by the talented Cee Biscoe. All of the sweet little animals pictured are absolutely adorable. So soft and cuddly! The book is a padded board book that is sturdy enough to stand up to multiple readings from little hands.
If you are looking for a new bedtime book for your nightly routine I highly recommend this one. The words are ones that are sure to be remembered and the pictures are a treat as well.
Other Reviews For The Author
Love Letters From God Little Love Letters From God
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Annabel Lee (Coffey & Hill, #1) by Mike Nappa {Suspense Book Review}

Annabel Lee

Coffey & Hill, #1

Mike Nappa

Suspense

Fourteen miles east of Peachtree, Alabama, a secret is hidden.

THE SECRET'S NAME IS ANNABEL LEE.

She doesn't know why her enigmatic uncle has stowed her deep underground in a military-style bunker. He's left her with a few German words, a barely controlled guard dog, and a single command: "Don't open that door for anybody, you got it? Not even me."

Miles away in Atlanta, private investigator Trudi Coffey is visited by a mysterious older man calling himself Dr. Smith. He's been trailing a man for a decade--a man she met through her ex-partner Samuel Hill--and the trail has led him to her office. The last thing Trudi wants to do is to contact Samuel. But it will take both of them to unravel this mystery--before it's too late.

READ AN EXCERPT

My Thoughts

If you enjoy a good suspense novel then I suggest you go ahead and pick this one up. Annabel Lee is the first book in the new Coffey & Hill series. I expected it to be slow in parts because it would need to introduce us to the characters and set the stage. I was completely wrong. Instead the reader is just thrown into the midst of the plot and left to figure things out as they come to light.

There are some gruesome parts that just seem downright evil. And in fact they are. But there are other parts that aren't what they appear to be at all. At the beginning of the story Annabel Lee's uncle locks her in a hidden underground shelter with a barely controlled guard dog. Why? What craziness is this? As the story unfolds the unknown comes to light and even though you will understand the reasons they are still scary.

Trudi Coffey and Samuel Hill are former business and marriage partners. They've got a complicated history that just adds to the tension in this novel. I really like their characters and look forward to watching their story unfold in the coming books.

I don't give away endings but this one is a doozy! Take a bathroom break and get yourself a snack because you're not going to be able to put this book down as the story line comes to a climax. The epilogue will be a soothing balm to all the crazy of the previous chapters. Read the preview of the next book, The Raven, at your own peril. I say that because it doesn't come out until September and you will be left wanting to read it NOW. On a final note the acknowledgements were the best I've ever read. (Yes I read those and you should too! Gives you insight into who the author really is.)

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www.NappaLand.com

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A Dolphin Wish (Glimmer Girls, #2) by Natalie Grant {Children's Book Review}

A Dolphin Wish

Glimmer Girls, #2

Natalie Grant

Juvenile Fiction

JOIN TWINS MIA AND MADDIE and their little sister, Lulu, as they travel the country finding adventure, mystery, and mischief along the way. Together with their father, their famous mother, singer Gloria Glimmer, and their slightly wacky nanny, Miss Julia, the smart and sassy sisters learn lessons about being good friends, telling the truth, and a whole lot more.

Sun, sights, and a watery mystery

A stay in the city of San Diego seems like it might be just the break the girls need--lovely weather and great sights to see. That is until they hear some animal handlers at Captain Swashbuckler's Adventure Park talking about the trouble they've been having keeping all the animals in their habitats. Mia and her sisters cannot resist a challenge, and they talk Miss Julia and their parents into another visit to the educational amusement park to search for clues as to what or who is helping the animals escape.

Can Mia save the day and help keep the beloved animals safe?

My Thoughts
If you follow my reviews you already know that I had mixed feelings about the first book, London Art Chase. There was so much that I liked about the adorable sisters and their world travels. I liked all of the details about London and I appreciated the very apparent faith of the entire family. But there was that one little detail that just nagged at me. And truthfully even after the second book it still nags at me.
Let me just insert here that I'm assuming that you're reading this review wanting to know details about the book and series. The rest of my review is going to contain spoilers but I'm writing this from one momma to another in order to give you a heads up. If you don't want to know . . . stop reading now!
The little detail was that TEN-YEAR-OLD Maddie snuck out of her hotel BY HERSELF and wandered the streets of LONDON chasing after a thief. Everything turned out fine in the end but I was not thrilled with the situation and then the fact that the book ended without any consequences being addressed. 
Fast forward to book two, A Dolphin Wish. The family has left London and flown to San Diego for a few days of rest and then a concert. They are staying in a beach house and planning their outings for the coming days. Eventually (chapter 3) the wrong doing by Maddie comes up and we find out what her punishment was. 

Good thing the night was dark, because Mia knew she'd made a face. It wasn't fair that Maddie had become the detective of the family. Maybe she'd solved the mystery in London, but she'd done it by breaking the rules. Her consequence for rule breaking had been no movie-watching on the flight to San Diego. To Mia, the consequence didn't seem big enough at all, especially since everyone was also treating Maddie like a hero.

"Let's admit, it wasn't a good thing for Maddie to sneak out," Mom said. "But I'm also so proud of Maddie for being brave and speaking up when she knew that something was wrong." (pg. 20)

I'm going to restrain myself from expounding on my true feelings. Let's just say that my version would be a bit different. I think one of the reasons that this disturbs me so much is that Natalie Grant is one of the prominent voices in the end human trafficking movement. Ten-year-old little girls alone on the streets of London are prime targets.

Okay on to the rest of the story. Again for the most part I liked it. The mystery was clever and fun to watch the girls work together to solve. I even want to go to Captain Swashbuckler's Adventure Park. I liked how the reader actually gets to learn some interesting facts about the sea life without it seeming like a lesson.

My only other concern is less intense. The story contains a 13-year-old boy named Jackson. Jackson is allowed to wander around the park by himself day after day. His father is in management at the theme park so presumably it's thought that the workers kind of look out for him I guess. Truthfully without the previous situation with Maddie I might not have even been sensitive to this. But can I just say, whatever happened to the buddy system? Kids really shouldn't just be allowed to wander around by themselves. We no longer live in that world.

So . . . would I recommend this book and series? Yes, but if I were the momma I would read the books for myself before I handed them off. Then I would use them as a springboard for some serious conversations with my kiddo.

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Explore The Amazing World Of Microscopics

One of my beloved grand girls is just crazy about all things science. She just can't get enough of the stuff. She constantly wants to know how things work and grow. I was so thrilled when the Science X Smartscope arrived so we could explore the amazing world of microscopics together.

The Science X Smartscope is designed to be used with any smartphone or tablet. It uses the camera function so no other app is required! I have to say that I was thrilled by that because I need another app on my phone like I need another hole in my head.

The Smartscope comes disassembled but we managed to put it together in no time at all. The only extras that it needed were 3 AAA batteries.

Getting started is as easy as collecting microscopic samples. Things like water drops from different sources, bugs, leaves, flowers, etc. I must give a shout out to Ravensburger for including the following note on the box: Only use creatures that are already dead when found.

Yes! Yes! Yes! I may have said, "Sorry baby we can't use that creepy crawly thing because it's not dead. It says so right here." Dead bugs I can handle live crawling ones . . . not so much!

After you collect your microscopics and put them on slides you're ready to turn on the camera app on your smartphone or tablet. We thought that it was easy to line up the camera lens. With a few adjustments we were able to maneuver things pretty easily. One of the nice additions is the light source. This really helps with things like water or other items that have very small objects.

Not only was my grand girl impressed but I was too. I thought this would be fun but I wasn't expecting it to be as detailed and able to capture such tiny aspects of the subject. (The Smartscope is plastic after all.) The only draw back was in the way my phone works. We had to remember to touch the screen every little bit so it wouldn't go black.

I know this is probably a foregone conclusion but since you are using your phone's camera you can actually take pictures of your microscopics. Ours turned out amazing. We were all completely in awe of how detailed the different specimens were. According to some of the other things we have read we can also send these images to our big screen TV via our Google Chromecast. (Other ways are available too, that's just what we already have.)

If you've got a curious kiddo in your house the Science X Smartscope is a great investment. It's lightweight and has a travel pouch so you can take it along with you as you go out exploring nature. We plan on taking it to our local Nature Center soon. 

Urban Legends of the New Testament: 40 Common Misconceptions by David A. Croteau {Book Review}

Urban Legends of the New Testament

40 Common Misconceptions

David A. Croteau

Nonfiction / Biblical Studies

Urban Legends of the New Testament surveys forty of the most commonly misinterpreted passages in the New Testament. These "urban legends" often arise because interpreters neglect a passage's context, misuse historical background information, or misunderstand the Greek language.

With examples from the Gospels, Acts, the Epistles, and Revelation, Urban Legends of the New Testament will not only help readers avoid missteps in these texts but also provide a model for engaging in correct interpretation of other New Testament passages. In addition, QR codes are placed throughout the book so the reader can watch David Croteau carefully navigate through ten urban legends to arrive at the true meaning of each text.

My Thoughts
Urban Legends of the New Testament is absolutely fascinating and left me feeling quite sheepish. Before reading this book if you would have asked me if I thought I knew my Bible well I would have pretty confidently said yes. I've been to Bible College and sat through class after class learning a hermeneutical approach to understanding the text. 
The very first urban legend bowled me over. The title of the chapter is There Was No Room at the Inn and it covers the Scriptures from Luke 2:1-7. A very familiar passage. So familiar in fact that I would hazard a guess that most of us can recite it from memory. After reading Croteau's chapter on it I have to laugh at not only my preconceptions but also those of the vast majority. As a credit to him I can honestly say that I will never again read that portion of Scripture in the same way. 
The second urban legend was entitled We Three Kings of Orient Are. By the end of the chapter I was cheering because I actually already knew the misconceptions. A big thanks goes out to Dr. Sherman for that one! Of course I didn't have long before I was once again astounded at my lack of understanding. But sure enough when I compared Croteau's notes with Scripture it came out just the way he said it would. 
This book is designed to be a pseudo text book, but I'm here to tell you that it doesn't read like one. It is quite reader friendly and I think that anyone who reads their Bible would enjoy reading this book as well. Croteau has a way of presenting complicated scenarios and facts so that even the non Bible student can grasp and retain. In fact his whole approach is one of discovery rather than shaming for not knowing in the first place. It's a very refreshing way of teaching. 
I wholeheartedly recommend this book to any Christian whether a lay-person or a church staff member. Even if you know each of the forty passages and completely understand their meaning I am sure you will be able to take away some nuggets that will enhance your walk with Christ.

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Bride of a Distant Isle (Daughters of Hampshire, #2) by Sandra Byrd {Gothic Romance Review}

Bride of a Distant Isle

Daughters of Hampshire, #2

Sandra Byrd

Gothic Romance

MISS ANNABEL ASHTON is a teacher at the Rogers Day School for Young Ladies in Winchester when she makes a brief visit to her family home, Highcliffe Hall, at Milford on Sea. She believes her stay will be short but soon learns that she will not be returning to the safety of the school. Instead, she remains at Highcliffe, at the mercy of her cousin, Edward Everedge.

Annabel protests, but as the illegitimate daughter of a woman who died in an insane asylum she has little say. Edward is running out of money and puts the house up for sale to avoid financial ruin. He insists that Annabel marry, promising her to a sinister, frightening man. But as the house is readied for sale, disquieting secrets are revealed. Jewelry, artifacts, and portraits mysteriously appear, suggesting that Annabel may be the true heir of Highcliffe.

She has only a few months to prove her legitimacy, perhaps with assistance from the handsome but troubled Maltese Captain Dell'Acqua. But does he have Annabel's best interests at heart?

Will Annabel regain her life and property--and trust her heart--before it's too late?

My Thoughts

If I had to pick only one fiction genre to read for the rest of the year it would have to be Gothic Romance. And if I had to narrow it down to only one author it would be Sandra Byrd. Her newest series, Daughters of Hampshire showcases her unbelievable talent. 

Mist of Midnight was the first book and it introduced us to the exotic land of India. Now the series continues with Bride of a Distant Isle and takes the reader to the mysterious isle of Malta. Our damsel in distress this time around is Annabel Ashton. When we meet her she is about to have a huge curve ball thrown at her but she doesn't have a clue. She thinks she's off for a nice little family visit and then she'll return to her quiet yet satisfying life.

But this is Gothic romance my friend so there's not a chance that things will go as planned. Annabel's slimy cousin Edward has plans for Annabel. He in essence is asking Annabel to take one for the team but the only team member that is going to benefit is Edward himself. 

While Annabel may seem to be trapped in a horrible situation, there's always hope. Enter the Maltese Captain Dell'Acqua. Mmmmm . . . let the swoons begin! But the more you get to know him the more you wonder if he can in fact be trusted. There's something about him that just seems a bit shady. 

When Annabel is put in an inescapable place it feels like all is lost. But Annabel isn't some shrinking violet, she's got spunk with brains to back it up. I refuse to give any spoilers, but let me just say THE COFFIN . . . yes the coffin. When you get to it you'll know what I'm talking about! Total and complete Gothic creepiness at it's finest.

I read this delicious book curled up in my bed with a storm going on outside and a small bedside lamp casting barely enough light to read by. My recommendation is that you do the same. The atmosphere is the perfect compliment to this dark romance. I must say I'm jealous of you the new reader. You are in for a wild ride. I'd love to go back and read the story again not knowing what was coming.

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A Daring Sacrifice by Jody Hedlund {Teen Fiction Review}

A Daring Sacrifice

An Uncertain Choice, #2

Jody Hedlund

Teen Fiction

The only thing harder than 

fighting for what's right . . . is fighting their

feelings for each other

For three years, the Cloaked Bandit has terrorized Wessex, robbing the nobility by knifepoint and a well-placed arrow. But little does anyone know, this bandit is in fact Juliana Wessex, the rightful ruler of the land and a girl her tyrannical uncle--the current Lord Wessex--believes was killed along with her father.

Juliana has become skilled at hiding from Lord Wessex in the forest, using her stolen goods to provide food and shelter to the peasants her uncle has taxed into poverty. But when she robs Collin Goodrich, her red hair betrays her true identity. Lord Collin remembers Juliana from their childhood--and challenges her to stay on his estate for a week in hopes she will leave her thieving ways and become a proper lady once more. Juliana is intrigued by Collin and his charms, but only time will tell if he can overcome her distaste of the nobility--as well as win her heart.

My Thoughts
I really love a good fairy tale. Such a nice escape from reality. But I have to say that I never really enjoyed the story of Robin Hood. The whole stealing from the rich to give to the poor just went against my ingrained two wrongs don't make a right. 
Then along came  A Daring Scrifice by Jody Hedlund. It's a retelling of the Robin Hood story with several twists. I couldn't resist reading it because, well . . . Jody Hedlund! I'm so glad that I did. Jody used what I don't like about the original to bring about a tension that would ultimately lead to a crisis of conscious. 
The story of Juliana Wessex is one of turning tragedy into triumph. She learns as we all must that our salvation isn't within ourselves, it comes from a higher source. The character of Lord Collin Goodrich is what we all want in a man--daring yet disciplined, loyal and devoted, brave and trustworthy. If his name seems familiar it is because you may have met him in An Uncertain Choice. (By the way, if you haven't read that one . . . treat yourself!) The tension between the two make a wonderful story of yearning for something that is seemingly in contrast to the duties they are bound to.
I would recommend this book for teen girls age thirteen and above. It has scenes of torture (it is set in medieval times) and it has two people falling in love and outward expressions of that. There's absolutely nothing scandalous but you may not want your ten-year-old avid reader consuming it. (That would have been me!) If you're on the fence about it I say read it for yourself. You'll probably love it like I did and that makes a nice treat for the momma!
In the back of the book there is a group of discussion questions. I'm thinking about using it for a mother/daughter read for my book club. Doesn't that sound like fun?!!
Other Reviews For This Author
Unending Devotion A Noble Groom Love Unexpected An Uncertain Choice Hearts Made Whole
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