CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW: JULIETTE & RYO by Peter Philipp

In my opinion JULIETTE & RYO by Peter Philipp is a girl book, of course in this politically correct world many will argue “There is no such thing!”. As with most children’s books I read this one with my eight year old grandson, by the second page he was tired of reading it and by the time I finished the book he was half-listening to the story. (Truth is I don’t think he was listening at all.)
This book has dreams and dragons and fairies there are caves and rescues and all the excitement a good story should have. As I read it I kept thinking of the children’s game “Candy Land”
Overall the story is well written and for little girls (and some boys) who like fairy stories this will be a good read.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

BELIEVE STORYBOOK by Randy Frazee

When a writer puts a lot of thought into a book it is very apparent from page one, this is the case with BELIEVE STORYBOOK by Randy Frazee with Laurie Lassaro Knowlton and illustrated by Steve Adams.I started reading this book to my eight year old grandson as soon as the book arrived and we were instantly lost in the pages.

BELIEVE STORYBOOK Think, Act, Be Like Jesus is the Bible explained on a level young children can not only understand but learn from. Beginning with the story of creation the stories of the Bible are presented to help children see the Trinity from the Old Testament to the New without neglecting the Trinity.

I like this book because it does explain the reason why we are Christians and does not over simplify Scripture.  BELIEVE agrees with what he has been taught at home, what  is taught in church and what the Bible says, I did not find any major issues with Bible interpretation. My grandson loved this book and instantly declared “It’s mine!”

I only read a few pages with him but went through the book independently. In terms of Bible study this is an excellent book to use for home and church. Each chapter begins with something to “THINK” about presented in the form of a question. There is an Old Testament story which is linked to a New Testament story by a section on “The Jump to Jesus”. The chapter concludes with “The Jesus Answer” with another age appropriate question and discussion. Finally the reader is asked to “Believe” as a Key Idea and a Key Verse is given.

This book is a definite must buy! I recommend it. Buy it as a gift. Marsha L Randolph

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

THE FINE ART OF SELF PUBLISHING by Mark Levine

Before you are forced to eat humble pie and before you publish that book do some research. Start with the book THE FINE ART OF SELF PUBLISHING by Mark Levine. Don’t take my word for it, even though I have published a print book and a few ebooks and have made numerous of mistakes. This is the FIFTH edition which should tell you that a lot of people have read it and there is a demand for it.
THE FINE PRINT OF SELF PUBLISHING is an easy to read, much easier than some of the other books I have (and have given away), book on what it means to be a published author.
There are a lot of things you need to know about publishing. For example: this book explains the difference between: self-publishing, vanity publishing and traditional publishing as well as the pros and cons of each. Do yourself a favor and read this prior to finishing your manuscript. It is also important to know: not all self publishing companies are created equal.
Based on what I did a few people I know decided to self-publish but do it there way- for them the humble pie is ready but they have yet to admit that despite spending thousands of dollars their way was not better. Though I read quite a few books, attended a few webinars and talked to quite a few people before publishing I wish I had purchased THE FINE PRINT OF SELF PUBLISHING prior to writing The Truth About Vashtai or the 3 published ebooks. I will, however, be using this book as a reference from this moment forward,

Even if you have self-published before I recommend this book and if your plan is to submit your book for publishing you really need to read this book. Get it, read it and get a copy for a friend.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW: THE BEHEMOTH DINOSAUR IN THE LAND OF UZ by Maryluz Guerrero Salas

Children’s books have to capture instantly the eye catcher for this book was the dinosaur. Boys love dinosaurs and some girls do to thus the expectations of the book were high. But then there is the title THE BEHEMOTH DINOSAUR IN THE LAND OF UZ, say that three times real fast!  But there was something I did not see at first glance because other than the dinosaur I did not like the cover and that was the other title of the book.
This book is bi-lingual which does not make sense to me. As an English speaker I purchase books written in English, I know my Spanish speaking friends can obtain the same book translated and vice-versa. The fact that I was reading an ebook eliminates the excuse of saving trees, the publishers could have very easily produced an English version, a Spanish version and any other translation. The problem is having to skip over the other language interrupts the flow of reading, for a children's book this is even more of a problem.
This is not a book conducive to learning how to read English or Spanish thus even though the plot, about sharing and helping each other may be a good one, it really gets’ lost in the multiple translations.

 I did not enjoy this book, my eight year old grandson showed absolutely no interest in this book. This is one of those books in which you can judge by it’s cover. I don’t recommend

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Project Vigil: D-Day 2014, The saluting boy on Omaha beach

THE ART OF WINNING by Jeffrey Rachmat

Before I even tell you about this book I have to thank Pastor Mathias Grehn of VISION CHURCH -Miami Florida for this great gift of wisdom. I must also say: This is one of the most fabulous book covers I have seen since “The Truth About Vastai.” {Yes, this is a cheap plug for my book!}
It does not take a lot of words when the ones chosen are succinct which is what you will find in THE ART OF WINNING by Jeffrey Rachmat. This book takes the reader from precept to precept for those whose goal it is to live according to God’s purpose using Biblical principles. One hundred ten pages is really all it took and yet by the time the reader is finished it is as if he or she has read more.
THE ART OF WINNING by Jeffrey Rachmat presents the biblical definition of and principles associated with success applicable for anyone no matter what the life path is. There are so many nuggets of wisdom found through out this book that I could not choose one; however, I have underlined an entire paragraph and put an asterisk by the section entitled: “[transforming abilities into expertise]” this section concludes with “Excellence has its price and people of excellence are highly paid in these and other fields.”
This book was published in 2004 and a second edition in 2010 a quick search revealed that it is only available on Amazon in eBook format.  If you are in business or ministry this book is definitely worth looking for in print if possible but at least the ebook is available. I recommend and encourage you purchase this book  

HOW TO ENJOY READING YOUR BIBLE by Keith Ferrin

I have always enjoyed reading my Bible (note, I said “my” Bible because it has always been a personal experience for me).In choosing to review HOW TO ENJOY READING YOUR BIBLE by Keith Ferrin my goal was to see if he agreed with me; failure to do so would result in a bad review. 

I am pleased to say I enjoyed reading this book, Keith Ferrin put in writing, and then some, what I share with people as encourage them to take their time and study God’s word. HOW TO ENJOY READING YOUR BIBLE delivers exactly what the title implies. There are 10 tips that are very helpful and easy to implement when reading the Bible. 

More than just a book on how to read a Bible HOW TO ENJOY READING YOUR BIBLE (emphasis on your)takes away the negative feelings, apprehensions and perhaps even fear many people may associate with reading the Bible. Reading God’s Word no longer becomes a chore but becomes a time of fellowship with God.

I particularly appreciated Tip #2 “Set Your Expectations Really High” often I think we approach Bible reading in reverse. Other people may appreciate Tip 9 “Go On A 60 Day Adventure.”  But it is good to know there are choices as Tip #7 “Read Alone” and Tim #9 “Don’t Read Alone” point out. 

Because each tip “Study Guide Tips” questions that can be used as part of a group HOW TO ENJOY READING YOUR BIBLE is great as a Bible Study tool for people who have never read the Bible. It can also be used for people who have tried to read it but gave up or people who read it all the way through once and have yet to do it again. There are so many people who read the Bible in a year as part of their routine but don’t really enjoy the process, this is an excellent book for them.

I recommend this book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BETHANY book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

CHILDRENS' BOOK REVIEW: CHANNING O'BANNING AND THE TURQUOISE TRAIL by Angela Spady

At 55 years old it would be foolish of me to recommend a children’s book purely based on what I think thus I have commissioned my 7 year old grandson. My grandson and I began reading CHANNING O’BANNING AND THE TURQUOISE TRAIL by Angela Spady together. This is a chapter book and though my grandson enjoyed our time together and he showed a lot of interest in the book his attention decreased by chapter four. My ten year old granddaughter, on the other hand, seemed to find something to do in the room I was reading to her brother.  
CHANNING O’BANNING AND THE TURQUOISE TRAIL is a very enjoyable read appropriate for both girls and boys who are ready for chapter books. The author gradually introduces Native American history which adds to the value of the book.
The story line reads very well. The reader is introduced to friends digging in the school grounds and like a puzzle gradually develops chapter by chapter.
Of course my grandson wanted me to hear more. Of course my granddaughter kept finding reasons to be in the room as I read. The truth is I could not wait to read the next chapter, the book is good.
I recommend this book, though I am not versed in Native American history there is also 7 facts on Native Americans at the end of the book which adds even more value.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”