Wonderful art work!

When God Created My Toes by Dandi Mackall and illustrated by David Hohn is full of beautiful, colorful, and fun art work!  I was immediately drawn to the adorable main character and eagerly anticipated what each new page might bring. 

The book is not really a story--but more of a collection of little poems from the perspective of a little child.  With each new page, the little girl wonders about when God created different parts of her...and the reader gets a sense of awe and wonder about this loving God who made her special..

The book seems to be written for toddlers--maybe 2 or 3 years old.  However, when I read it to my four-year old book-lover, his first words upon completion were "Will you read it to me again, please!"  I guess I'm not the only one drawn to this book!!

Thanks Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers for providing a copy of this book to me for free for purpose of review!

Wonderful Daddy Dates

Daddy Dates, by Greg Wright, is easy to read, easy to enjoy, and easy to be inspired by.  The author, father of four girls, shares his experiences with "dating" his daughters--and provides insight as to how the reader might do the same.  Wright provides reason for the dating idea, and practical examples.  I enjoyed his flowing, conversational style and his humor throughout the book.  I also appreciated his encouragement to intentionally know one's children (whether you're the mother or the father) and to parent with a purpose rather than simply coexisting with one's offspring. 

The book has a mildly Christian flavor (certainly some biblical principles!) yet is not explicitly about God or His Word. 

Thanks, Booksneeze, for providing this complimentary copy for purpose of review.  It has inspired me, a mom, to wisely use the brief time I have with my childrren, as children.

Lilies in Moonlight by Allison Pittman

Fairly predictable, but still enjoyable.  Pittman is writing a series of "baseball" books and this is the third.  However, it's not a chronological series, from  what I gather, so the characters are independent in each book (although some overlap.) 

I enjoyed the 1920's setting--flappers, prohibition, baseball.  The heroine is an emotionally damaged young lady who meets an exceptional, yet mentally failing, older woman.  That relationship transforms her inside.  The son of the older woman becomes a key character, as well. 

I appreciated the themes of forgiveness, redemption, and grace throughout the book.  These are clearly spelled out and the salvation plan is given, as well.  Encouraging for a Christian and perhaps an  invitation for a non-Christian.

I didn't like that the author uses quite a bit of sensual imagery in the story.  While it certainly fit the characters and sometimes was recognized by the characters as sinful, it is not always treated so...sometimes the character's indiscretions are left open to be judged by the reader as appropriate or not--or the author may present the actions as cute or fun, while in reality, they are flirting with sexual immorality and lust.  I'd love to see the author develop her characters without leading the reader to this point.

Overall, it was a fun book.  Not greatly moving, but a fun and relaxing read!  Thanks for providing it for me for free, Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers!

1-877-We-Be-Big

We Be Big: The Mostly True Story of How Two Kids from Calhoun County, Alabama, Became Rich & Bubba   By Rick Burgess and Bill "Bubba" Bussey with Don Keith

It took me a little bit to get into it, but once I caught the drift of these authors, the book was non-stop reading for me!  I laughed so often.  I cried.  And I was inspired!  God has used these two men for extraordinary things--and their story makes me want to avail myself more fully to the Lord, too!

The paths of Rick and Bubba seemed to cross several times in their lives before they eventually ended up doing a radio show together.  God clearly orchestrated the details of each of their lives to bring them to that point (even as it seemed they attempted to avoid His hand, at times...)  The impact their growth in their relationships with Christ had as they shared it with their audience is incredible!  In a society that media portrays as "godless" and uninterested in Christianity, God certainly showed up in a way that the secular media would not likely care to share.  Their testimonies encourage the reader to share Christ boldly, and gracefully, at whatever platform He provides.  Rick and Bubba did that.

I enjoyed the back and forth narration between chapters.  And the first person accounts were interesting and certainly bring the reader into the story. 

This is a great read and I'd recommend it!  Thanks, Booksneeze, for the free copy you sent for purposes of review!