Book Review - "Higher Hope" by Robert Whitlow

“Higher Hope” by Robert Whitlow is the second book in his series “Tides of Truth.” This book follows the first book, “Deeper Water.” I have not read “Deeper Water,” however I still enjoyed this book and did not feel lost while reading it. I will definitely go and read the first book in the series now, as Whitlow drew me into Tami Taylor’s life. Whitlow’s style of writing is very enjoyable to read and allows the reader to feel as if s/he is actually experiencing the story with the characters and a part of their lives. This story ties in family, romance, suspense, uncertainty, and excitement making this book a great choice to read!

Book Review - "His Name is Jesus" by Max Lucado

I have just received “His Name is Jesus,” a hardcover book enclosed in a cardboard sleeve by Max Lucado. This book is beautiful! Lucado has filled this book with beautiful illustrations that really illuminate the accounts of Jesus adding so much to the words on the pages that it really allows you to imagine being there in the stories. Beginning with Jesus’ birth, you are taken to Bethlehem and ponder the innkeepers’ family’s thoughts about Mary and Joseph coming to the door and then staying in the stable. The other sections of the book include “His Mission,” “His Death,” “His Resurrection,” and “His Legacy,” allowing the reader to experience Jesus’ life and ministry including raising Lazarus from the dead and feeding five thousand people. This work from Max Lucado is a wonderful addition for your collection!

Review of "Read and Share DVD Bible Vol. #1

“Read and Share DVD Bible Vol. #1” is perfect for exposing young children to Bible stories. This volume includes stories about Adam and Eve, Noah, Jacob and Rebekah among others. Each story is about 3 minutes. Therefore, the stories are not really as detailed as they could be, but they are just right for the attention spans of young children. This would be a good conclusion to a Sunday School lesson or an addition to a lesson. The music and animation will engage children and yet provide wholesome lessons as well!

Review for "Skeeter and the Mystery of the Lost Mosquito Treasure" DVD

I received “Skeeter and the Mystery of the Lost Mosquito Treasure,” a Max Lucado’s Hermie and Friends DVD to review. This is the first DVD I have seen in this series. The animation is excellent and the time is just right to hold the attention of young children. Based upon the Bible passage Psalm 139:13-14 and using Skeeter, the main character with a crooked stinger and poor sense of direction, the message that everyone is created unique and has a purpose in life is shared. Skeeter has been jealous of his older brother and has grown up believing that his father preferred his brother. Working together on an adventure brings the two brothers together and they discover that they are both special.

Review for "Word of Promise Next Generation New Testament MP3 Set"

The “Word of Promise Next Generation New Testament MP3 Set” is a collection of three cds containing the New Testament. Sharing this dramatic interpretation of the New Testament are popular celebrities including Cody Linley, Jordin Sparks and Emily Osment, just to name a few. Although a Children’s Bible translation is used for this set so the text wording is different and simplified, it is a great collection for kids and even teenagers to listen to and hear these stories. The familiar voices will draw in the kids as they have heard these same voices on Hannah Montana, American Idol, and High School Musical and now they hear them portraying Jesus, Mary Magdalene, Paul and other “stars” of the New Testament. The music and sound effects are a nice addition to the readings and do not overpower them as is the case with some items such as this. I would recommend this as a great supplement for parents and/or youth workers wanting to share New Testament truths with their children.

Book Review - Rachel's Tears

Rachel’s Tears, written by Darrell Scott and Beth Nimmo, tells the story of Rachel Scott, one of the students killed in the Columbine tragedy. Being able to read about this horrific day from the viewpoint of people directly affected and having their lives changed forever makes the incident more real and personal to the reader as this is an issue of great concern in today’s society. Rachel, targeted for her Christian faith, stood for what she believed in and her physical life was taken although her eternal life could not be taken from her. This book is a powerful account of this tragedy from both of Rachel’s parents and interwoven throughout the book is sections of Rachel’s journal. This book is an encouragement for young people to stand for their faith in the midst of trials. School violence is constantly increasing and one must hope that something can be done about this. This is a great book for students to read along with parents and adults who not only work with students, but have the hope of school violence decreasing as well

Book Review - Kiss

I have just finished reading “Kiss” written by Ted Dekker and Erin Healy, and wow what an excellent book! Dekker and Healy tie in politics, family relationships and ethical issues to create a suspenseful story that that is hard to put down. The authors draw you into the story where you do not know who the “good guys” are and who the “bad guys” are. It is a book that keeps you engaged in the story which is filled with emotions and twists and turns and has your mind trying to figure out what really is going on. The main character is faced with not remembering part of her life and has to decide who she can really trust and turn to for help, along with guilt over an accident that she may be to blame for that handicaps her brother, who is the person who means the most to her. Unsure of who she can really trust, Shauna reveals her “special ability” to a wrong person who leads to herself being placed in even more danger of being killed along with people she knows although she cannot remember how she is really connected to these people. A must read for anyone who loves a good suspenseful book!