If He Had Not Come By David Nicholson

This is an amazing book! Especially around Christmas! This is one of our family favorite Christmas stories that we will read year after year. It's a tradition now for us.
This book gives the question what would happen if Jesus hadn't come? And there are some amazing discussion questions to explore that more.
It is a great book to read as a family, to read in church to a Sunday school class, etc. The message is fantastic, the story flows so well.
A little boy is getting ready for Christmas and looking forward to the presents he hopes to get. He reads the bible before bed with his father, and goes to bed thinking of what they read. Then he wakes up and there is no Christmas, there are no places to help people in need, and there are rude people all around. He is so lost in this new world and cannot understand what happened?
This story shows so many great points about Christmas and Jesus, and the NEED for Jesus. A few great points are that Christmas isn't just about presents, what would happen to our world if there was no Jesus and no forgiveness for our sins? It really got my children thinking on this, and thinking how the entire world would be if things were changed like this. This story captured their attention and had them asking all sorts of questions throughout. They didn't once lose interest, and fully enjoyed this story. I highly recommend it to families, and to put it on your Christmas book list.


I rate this book:: 5/5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟


This book is available on Amazon.


Click here to see my review on Goodreads.



::Product Description::

• Age Range: 4 - 12 years
• Grade Level: 1 - 2
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Westbow Press (May 16, 2014)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1490818103
• ISBN-13: 978-1490818108
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 0.4 x 11 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book as a BookLook member in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

Before I Saw You

::From the back of the book::
Folks are dying fast as the ash trees in the southern Indiana town ravaged by the heroin epidemic, where Jaycee Givens lives with nothing more than a thread of hope and a quirky neighbor, Sudie, who rescues injured wildlife. After a tragedy leaves her mother in prison, Jaycee is carrying grief and an unplanned pregnancy she conceals because she trusts no one, including the kind and handsome Gabe, who is new to town and to the local diner where she works.

Dividing her time between the diner and Sudie’s place, Jaycee nurses her broken heart among a collection of unlikely friends who are the closest thing to family that she has. Eventually, she realizes she can’t hide her pregnancy any longer―not even from the baby’s abusive father, who is furious when he finds out. The choices she must make for the safety of her unborn child threaten to derail any chance she ever had for hope and redemption. Ultimately, Jaycee must decide whether the truest form of love means hanging on or letting go.


::My Thoughts::
Gripping, heart wrenching, emotional, angry, happy, breathless...
Those were just a few descriptions of how you will feel when reading this book. Honestly this book took me on an emotional roller coaster.
This book came in the perfect year because things like drugs, abuse, poverty, etc., that is all here and now. Right in our day and age. I think readers will definitely be able to appreciate that this book describes very real life in some areas!
Drugs are a very real epidemic in the world today. Sadly there are also women living within these worlds unable to get out even if they do not do the drugs themselves. Children living with parents who put drugs first, unimaginable tragedies happening because drugs are coming before children, young men and women that live in drug filled neighborhoods and cannot move due to income issues, and it is a sad but harsh truth in the world today.
Jaycee is an extremely strong character. I felt her pain so much while reading this book. At times my heart felt so heavy for her. Even though Jaycee is a fictional character the author brings her to life, and I believe there are probably some women out there today that can relate to Jaycee. Jaycee led a very hard life and seen nothing much but tragedy. She forged ahead on her own and did everything she could to keep on the right path. Growing up with a mother who put drugs ahead of her own children, losing a brother whom she loved with all her heart, getting into a relationship to feel love but only getting abuse in turn, and then having her life turned upside down when she realizes she is pregnant by a highly dangerous man.
Thank goodness for Gabe. I believe he balanced this book out nicely, and honestly it shows that sometimes people come into our lives who may help us tremendously. People we wouldn't expect to have, but that are really God sent. They come into our lives for a reason. I believe Gabe was definitely that person to Jaycee. I also love the fact that Gabe and Jaycee are two totally different people with completely different backgrounds and it shows that you cannot judge someones character by their looks or upbringing.
This is truly a book about redemption, salvation, and honestly TRUST in God. I could not figure out what would happen in this novel next. This is not an easy read honestly. It was hard to get through some parts because at times I wanted to leap into the pages and shake some sense into some of these characters, and ask what was wrong with them??? There are other times I wanted to just wrap some of the characters in a hug. That's how well written these characters are. They come to life within the pages.
And despite everything Jaycee had been through she showed amazing courage and selfless love.
I highly recommend this book, and I appreciate the raw honesty this book brings. Even though this is a fictional book it deals with very real issues in the world today.




::My Rating::
5/5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟



This book is available on Amazon


Click here to see my review on Goodreads



::Product Details::

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (June 5, 2018)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1496409566
• ISBN-13: 978-1496409560
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.9 x 8.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

Lone Witness - Atlanta Justice by Rachel Dylan

::From the back cover of the book::
She's the Only Witness to a Brutal Crime. Now She Can't Outrun the Target on Her Back.
Prosecutor Sophie Dawson has taken a new role at the Fulton County DA's office, and her first case involves a local bank employee who may be cheating customers. She's determined to bring justice to those who've lost their savings . . . but her life is turned upside down when she becomes the only witness to a double homicide involving a vengeful gang. 

With her life at risk, friends and family convince her that she needs protection, and private security guard Cooper Knight is hired as a bodyguard. But as threats escalate, neither Cooper nor Sophie knows whom they can trust. 

Unwilling to back down on either case, Sophie pursues the truth at any cost. But her bank litigation gets more complicated by the day, and the gang will stop at nothing to keep her from taking the stand. With all sides closing in, steadfast Cooper is the only man she can lean on. But drawing close may be the distraction that costs both of their lives. 


::My Thoughts::
I love the legal suspense in this book. It was gripping, and very interesting. I love how Sophie is ready to make a difference and dive right into work. However, when she finds herself in a situation where she can no longer safely carry out her own daily tasks she gets a body guard named Cooper. After witnessing a double homicide she has to be prepared to carry out her job as needed, but also be prepared as a witness.
I would definitely say that this book is a fast paced suspenseful novel. There is romance, but the suspense will have to turning the pages faster than you can read them to find out what will happen next. If you like suspense books with romance thrown in then you should definitely give this book a try. You won't regret it. I will definitely be looking into other books in this series, and looking for more from this author.



::My Rating:: 5/5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟


This book is available on Amazon


Click here to see my review on Goodreads



::Product Details::

• Series: Atlanta Justice (Book 2)
• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (May 1, 2018)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764219812
• ISBN-13: 978-0764219818
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.8 x 8.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.1 ounces

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

Blind Betrayal

::From the back cover of the book::
Deputy U.S. Marshal Casey Sloane has worked at the St. Louis Marshals office for two years and is given a routine assignment to help transport a reporter to D.C. to testify before a grand jury. Valerie, the reporter, was writing a story about an up-and-coming environmentalist who suddenly disappeared and, she later discovered, whose backers purportedly have ties to a terrorist.

When the seemingly ordinary assignment suddenly takes a shocking turn, Casey is forced to put aside her own feelings about the unexpected reappearance of a man from her past as she and two other Marshals take Valerie on the run. And as it becomes dangerously clear Valerie's testimony has even bigger implications than they knew, they'll do whatever it takes to make it out alive.



::My Thoughts::
I actually haven't had the pleasure to read a really suspenseful book in a little while, and this one definitely did not disappoint! I really enjoyed every bit of this book, and to say it had me on the edge of my seat would be an understatement. Many times throughout the story I was actually holding my breath wondering what would happen next!
This is my first Nancy Mehl novel, but I honestly cannot wait to read more of her books. The characters are captivating and very well done. The scenes that took place were just simply riveting! There are other books in this series, and unfortunately I did not get to read those. However, I wouldn't let that deter you from giving this book a read. It can definitely be a stand alone read. If you want more insight into the characters though then I would possibly go back and read the other books. But honestly it isn't necessary to enjoy this book.
My favorite thing about this book is that it definitely keeps you guessing. I can usually predict a books outcome, but there were so many surprises that I just didn't see coming!


My rating:: 5/5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟


This book is also available on Amazon


Click here to see my review on Goodreads



::Product Details::

• Series: Defenders of Justice (Book 3)
• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (April 17, 2018)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764217798
• ISBN-13: 978-0764217791
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.8 x 8.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.1 ounces

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

A Most Noble Heir

::From the back cover::
Will Gaining the World Cost Him Everything He Holds Most Dear?
When stable hand Nolan Price learns from his dying mother that he is actually the son of the Earl of Stainsby, his plans for a future with kitchen maid Hannah Burnham are shattered. Once he is officially acknowledged as the earl's heir, Nolan will be forbidden to marry beneath his station.

Unwilling to give up the girl he loves, he devises a plan to elope--believing once their marriage is sanctioned by God that Lord Stainsby will be forced to accept their union. However, as Nolan struggles to learn the ways of the aristocracy, he finds himself caught between his dreams for tomorrow and his father's demanding expectations.

Forces work to keep the couple apart at every turn, and a solution to remain together seems farther and farther away. With Nolan's new life pulling him irrevocably away from Hannah, it seems only a miracle will bring them back together.


::My Thoughts::
What an excellent read! A lot of times with historical fiction, especially when talking romance novels certain aspects can blend together. It's very easy to go the stereotypical route, but thankfully this book did not. This book was out of the norm which made things completely unexpected. There were twists, turns, etc. I love books that take me by surprise, and I was glad that I could not guess what would happen in the next chapter throughout the book. It made the book that much more fun to read.
The main characters came to life right on the pages! While reading it was almost like I was right in the room with them! Nolan and Hannah had so much misfortune in their lives. Multiple obstacles were repeatedly thrown in their path, and still they persevered! It was a huge relief even though I kept expected this or that unfortunate event to rock them out of their element they held fast. It made everything that much more exciting to read. The characters definitely have depth to them, the story has many layers and will take you by surprise. There are a lot of other characters also that had me intrigued within the story. I would love to see more books about some of them. Especially Iris, Hannah's aunt. All in all I greatly enjoyed this story. It was romantic, it was heartbreaking, it was shocking, it was surprising. I think a lot of my blog readers will enjoy this novel. This one will definitely be going on my favorites shelf, and I can't wait to read more from this author.



::Product Details::

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (March 6, 2018)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764230875
• ISBN-13: 978-0764230875
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.9 x 8.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounce

Click Here for my Goodreads Review

You can order this book today on Amazon

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

Raising Passionate Jesus Followers: The Power of Intentional Parenting

::Book Description::

For Christian parents, there is no greater joy than seeing their children learn to walk with the Lord. And there is no greater fear than that their children will walk away from God.

After serving together in pastoral ministry for forty years, Phil and Diane Comer know those hopes and fears well. Thirty-seven years ago, they became parents themselves. And like all new parents, they were intimidated and unsure about how to take on the task of spiritually training their young children.

Now, with all four of their children grown and establishing their own households of faith, Phil and Diane have embarked on a quest to help the next generation of parents raise passionate Jesus followers. Drawing on years of pastoral counseling, teaching, leading, and decades of watching families from the perspective of pastors and leaders in ministry, Phil and Diane instruct, guide, encourage, and offer hope and practical help to Christian parents.

Raising Passionate Jesus Followersis a manual full of practical, biblically based guidelines that parents will be able to turn to again and again through each stage of their children’s development. Starting at birth, into grade school, through the daunting teenage years, to launching them into college, and finally letting go, this book contains the why’s and the how’s parents need. This book will serve as an invaluable resource for any parent whose greatest longing is to shepherd their children into a vibrant faith in God.

::My Thoughts::
I am always interested in discovering new parenting books and getting new parenting advice. In a world that is ever changing, it's always good to get all the advice you can. Especially when it comes to Christian parenting.
This book has a lot of relatable stories throughout, and a lot of tips. There are even various sections with advice on ages which I appreciated because methods differs with each age group. I believe this can be a great instructional book for new Christian parents who may not have been raised in a Christian home as well. Those that don't know where to start with their children's faith and Christianity.
This is basically a reference book, but I did enjoy it. It definitely will work best as a sort of handbook where you can go back and look at it whenever you need it. Definitely a good option to keep on your book shelf.


I rate this book:: 4/5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟

This book is available on Amazon.

Click here to check out my review on Goodreads.



::Product Description::

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan (March 6, 2018)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310347777
• ISBN-13: 978-0310347774
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.8 x 8.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.4 ounces

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Handlebar in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

Surviving Death by Leslie Kean

::Book Description::
While exploring the evidence for an afterlife, I witnessed some unbelievable things that are not supposed to be possible in our material world. Yet they were unavoidably and undeniably real. Despite my initial doubt, I came to realize that there are still aspects of Nature which are neither understood or accepted, even though their reality has profound implications for understanding the true breadth of the human psyche and its possible continuity after death.” 
  
So begins Leslie Kean’s impeccably researched, page-turning investigation, revealing stunning and wide-ranging evidence suggesting that consciousness survives death. In her groundbreaking second book, she continues her examination of unexplained phenomena that began with her provocative New York Times bestsellerUFOs: Generals, Pilots, and Government Officials Go on the Record. 

Kean explores the most compelling case studies of young children reporting verifiable details from past lives, contemporary mediums who seem to defy the boundaries of the brain and of the physical world, apparitions providing information about their lives on earth, and people who die and then come back to report journeys into another dimension. Based on facts and scientific studies, Surviving Death includes fascinating chapters by medical doctors, psychiatrists, and PhDs from four countries. 

As a seasoned journalist whose work transcends belief systems and ideology, Kean enriches the narrative by including her own unexpected, confounding experiences encountered while she probed the question concerning all of us: Do we survive death?


::My Thoughts::
This was a very well written book. It captivated me. This book is well researched, well written, and very insightful. The stories in the book are very compelling and some gave me chills!
As this is a very controversial topic I won't speak much on it other than:
While I am still not one hundred percent sold on reincarnation I do believe there is life after death with God. I also believe we do not have all the answers and anything is possible.
I have read a lot of stories about people coming back from death, and there are things I have witnessed that are unexplainable. But this book gives even more than just those stories. There are chapters about children remembering past lives, psychic and physical mediums, etc. It definitely would make a great read for those who seek to know more about such topics. Definitely don't pass this book up as there are some powerful stories in it.
I would rate this book a 5 out of 5.



Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.