I Don't Get It - My Review of Where Does Love Hide?

Published by: Tyndale Kids

Written by: Mary Manz Simon

Illustrated by: Hannah Wood

I enjoy checking out all kinds of children's books, and I was excited to have the chance to read and review Where Does Love Hide? I was hoping to like this book and I wanted to share it with my nieces and nephews, but I found it a little disappointing.

Who the book is for:

This book is for babies and toddlers through about age five.

What I liked:

There are flaps to be lifted in the book, allowing children to interact with it.

The book is colorful and fun.

What I didn’t like:

I don't really get the point of the book. I thought that the question of "where does love hide?" would be answered in the end.

My conclusion:

Overall, I'm not really a fan of this book.

I give Where Does Love Hide? 2 out of 5 stars.

I received this book free to review from Tyndale Blog Network. The opinions expressed in this review are my true thoughts and feeling regarding this book. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

I Like the Characters, the Family - My Review of Home on the Range

Published by: Multnomah
Written by: Ruth Logan Herne

I enjoy reading fiction books that are a part of a series, getting to know a family and having the chance to read about each member. I read the previous book in the Double S Ranch series, and I was happy to have the chance to read and review Home on the Range.

This book tells about a single father and his struggle to support his hurting little girls. It tells about a woman who is haunted by her past. This book shares the story of a multi-generational family and ranch life.



What I liked:

The characters in this book are fun to read about, and I feel like I have had the chance to get to know them through this book and the first in the series.

The story was different from some.

There were many touching moments in the book.

What I didn’t like:

The chapters in this book are really long, which bothered me at times.

My conclusion:

Overall, I enjoyed this book more than the first in the series.

I give Home on the Range 5 out of 5 stars.

I received this book free to review from Blogging for Books. The opinions expressed in this review are my true thoughts and feeling regarding this book. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Fun Activity Book - My Review of The Berenstain Bears Hugs and Kisses

Published by: ZonderKidz

By: Jan and Mike Berenstain

I love The Berenstain Bears and all of their different stories, and I was excited to have the chance to read and review The Berenstain Bears Hugs and Kisses and to share it with my nieces and nephews.

This book contains all kinds of activities for kids, and it is all focused on love. I think that it would be a fun Valentines gift.

The illustrations:

The pictures in this book are classic for The Berenstain Bears. They are fun to look at and they are detailed.

Who the book is for:

I guess that this would be a good book for families with many different ages of children in them, because it is not really for one particular age. There are coloring pictures that would be good for preschoolers and toddlers, but there are also word searches and puzzles that are for older children. (The back of the book lists it as being for ages 4 through 8, but I'm not sure children that young would be able to handle some of it, and younger children might enjoy it, too.)

What I liked:

I like all of the stickers and the fact that this book contains that "bonus". I know that my nieces will have fun with them.

I like that there are a variety of activities in the book.

I like the pictures.

What I didn’t like:

I think that this book could be made better if it was geared toward one particular age of children.

My conclusion:

Overall, I found this to be a fun book.

I give The Berenstain Bears Hugs and Kisses 4 out of 5 stars.

I received this book free to review from BookLook Bloggers. The opinions expressed in this review are my true thoughts and feeling regarding this book. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Loved the Whole Thing - My Review of A Portrait of Emily Price

Published by: Thomas Nelson

Written by: Katherine Reay

I love reading all different types of novels, and I love it when I have the chance to read one that is different from others in some way. I was excited to have the chance to read and review A Portrait of Emily Price because it sounded like it would be different from other books and I knew that it was set in Italy.

This book tells the story of a young woman who falls in love with an Italian while he is spending time in the U.S. The woman follows the man home to Italy and finds that his family life is dramatic, that his family members are each facing their own ghosts.

Who the book is for:

Those who are looking for a book that is a bit different from the average romance will find this one to be enjoyable. This is good for older teens and adults.

What I liked:

The characters in this book are very likable - even the more minor characters.

The story is interesting and different.

This book is heartfelt and touching.

What I didn’t like:

There is nothing in this book that I did not like.

My conclusion:

Overall, I enjoyed this book and all that it is.

I give A Portrait of Emily Price 5 out of 5 stars.

I received this book free to review from BookLook Bloggers. The opinions expressed in this review are my true thoughts and feeling regarding this book. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Sweet Book of God's Love - My Review of the Precious Moments Little Book of God's Love

Published by: Tommy Nelson

Written by: Jean Fischer

I loved a certain Precious Moments movie when I was little, so I was happy to have the chance to read and review a Precious Moments book as an adult - and to share that with a niece or nephew, too.

Little Book of God's Love shares poems and Bible verses that tell of God's love in a simple and special way.

The illustrations:

The pictures in this book are gentle and sweet, the classic Precious Moments type.

Who the book is for:

This is good for babies and toddlers. Would make a good gift at a baby shower or birth.

What I liked:

I like the fact that the book is focused on God's love.

I like the simple poems and verses.

I like the sweet pictures.

I like the padded cover.

What I didn’t like:

There is nothing in particular that I didn't like in this book.

My conclusion:

Overall, I think that this is a simple and sweet book.

I give Precious Moments Little Book of God's Love 4 out of 5 stars.

I received this book free to review from BookLook Bloggers. The opinions expressed in this review are my true thoughts and feeling regarding this book. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Touching Story of Forgiveness - My Review of Long Way Gone

Published by: Thomas Nelson

Written by: Charles Martin

I love reading a variety of fiction books, and I was excited to have the chance to check out Long Way Gone. As I was getting ready to read this book and shortly after I started reading it, I heard person after person say about how great it is and I grew more excited about it.

This book tells the story of a man who leaves his father to follow after his own dreams. Hardship befalls the man and he has a hard time going back home.

Who the book is for:

Anyone who feels that they are beyond forgiveness or too far gone to go home. Anyone looking for a touching story of family, life, and forgiveness.

What I liked:

There are parts of this story that are really touching, and I almost started crying while reading part of it.

The message is one that is needed and a great one.

The story is written in a special, deep way.

The character is likable.

What I didn’t like:

Parts of the book are a little boring.

I don't know how I feel about the whole "angel" character kind of thing.

My conclusion:

Overall, I found this to be a special book.

I give Long Way Gone 5 out of 5 stars.

I received this book free to review from BookLook Bloggers. The opinions expressed in this review are my true thoughts and feeling regarding this book. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Fun, Interactive Bible Storybook for Kids - My Review of Read and Share Look, I'm Reading Bible Storybook

Published by: Tommy Nelson

Written by: Gwen Ellis

Illustrated by: Steve Smallman

There are a variety of children's Bibles out there, and each one seems to have something different to offer. I was excited to have the chance to read and review the Read and Share Look, I'm Reading Bible Storybook.

The illustrations:

The pictures in this book are kind of cute. Not my favorite, but still fine enough.

Who the book is for:

This is good for those about three through six, I think. Some younger/older children might enjoy it.

What I liked:

I like the fact that children can interact with the book and "read" along.

I like the simple stories.

I like the variety of stories - some that are not included in the average children's Bible.

What I didn’t like:

There is nothing in particular that I didn't like in this book.

My conclusion:

Overall, as far as children's Bibles go, I thought this one was pretty good.

I give the Read and Share Look, I'm Reading Bible 5 out of 5 stars.

I received this book free to review from BookLook Bloggers. The opinions expressed in this review are my true thoughts and feeling regarding this book. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Love the Focus on Germany - My Review of Classic German Baking

Published by: Ten Speed Press
Written by: Luisa Weiss

My grandmother came to America from Germany when she was a little girl. She shared a few recipes with our family through the years that may have been German in origin, but not as many as I would have liked to have had the chance to try out and taste. Now that she is gone, I think that it would be interesting to try out some of the recipes that my ancestors enjoyed back in the day.



What I liked:

I love that there is a mix of recipes included in this book.

I like the simple cover design.

I like that this is focused on a single country and the foods eaten there.

What I didn’t like:

I always long for a cookbook to be full of pictures, so I was a little disappointed to find that this one does not have many included in it.

My conclusion:

Overall, I think that this is a fun book to check out and have around, and the recipes will be interesting to create.

I give Classic German Baking 4 out of 5 stars.

I received this book free to review from Blogging for Books. The opinions expressed in this review are my true thoughts and feeling regarding this book. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

A Cute and Fun Read - My Review of Bedtime Read and Rhyme Bible Stories

Published by: Tommy Nelson

Written by: Bonnie Rickner Jensen

Illustrated by: Robert Dunn

I love all of the little children's Bibles that are ou there, and there are so many available. I was excited about having the chance to read and review Bedtime Read and Rhyme Bible Stories.

The illustrations:

The pictures in this book are really cute, gentle, and fun.

Who the book is for:

This book is something that will be enjoyed by babies, toddlers, and other young children. I think it would be best for two to five year old kids or so.

What I liked:

I like the pictures. As I said, they are cute.

I like the rhyming and fun stories.

This is fun to read.

The stories are pretty true to the Bible.

There are a lot of stories in this book.

What I didn’t like:

There is nothing in particular that I didn't like in this book.

My conclusion:

Overall, I thought that this book was cute and fun.

I give Bedtime Read and Rhyme Bible Stories 5 out of 5 stars.

I received this book free to review from BookLook Bloggers. The opinions expressed in this review are my true thoughts and feeling regarding this book. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Not Sure What to Think - My Review of Love Letters from God

Published by: ZonderKidz

Written by: Glenys Nellist

Illustrated by: Rachel Clowes

I enjoy having the chance to read and review various children's books, and I am excited to have the opportunity to share another Christmas one with you. Christmas Love Letters from God is a book that shares Bible stories related to Christmas and that also includes "letters" that are supposed to be from God to the child who is listening to the stories.

The illustrations:

The pictures in this book remind me of paper dolls. I don't dislike them, but they are not as cute as some books out there.

Who the book is for:

I think that babies and toddlers can listen to this book along with their families and that school-aged kids will enjoy it, too.

What I liked:

I like that this book starts with a story of Isaiah. Most children's Christmas stories do not start that far back.

I like the way that the stories are written very true to the Bible.

I like the "letters" that are supposed to come from God for their positive messages...

What I didn’t like:

...and yet I don't like them because they are written by humans who are trying to think in the way that God thinks and who are trying to write their own version of his word. I am torn in regard to this book because of those letters.

My conclusion:

Overall, I'm not sure what I think of this book.  There is much good here and yet I don't really like the letter idea.

I give Christmas Love Letters from God 3 out of 5 stars.

I received this book free to review from BookLook Bloggers. The opinions expressed in this review are my true thoughts and feeling regarding this book. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

A Princess Read for Christmas Time - My Review of A Royal Christmas to Remember

Published by: ZonderKidz

Written by: Jeanna Young and Jacqueline Johnson

Illustrated by: Omar Aranda

I enjoy reading children's books and then passing them on to my nieces and nephews, and I know that one niece is going to especially love A Royal Christmas to Remember.

The illustrations:

I like the glitter and the beauty. I like the princess-themed, fairytale kind of pictures.

Who the book is for:

I would say that this book is probably appropriate for those aged five through eight or so, but parents would need to determine if it is good for their own child or not because of some mild scariness that is included. Some younger children might do fine with it.

What I liked:

I like the sparkly, fun cover.

I like the images.

I like the way that this book shares a story of princesses while also including a message.

This book is written well.

What I didn’t like:

Parts of this book might be a bit scary for very young children.

Some of the words in the book will not be understood by young children.

My conclusion:

Overall, I think that this is a great book for princess fans.

I give A Royal Christmas to Remember 5 out of 5 stars.

I received this book free to review from BookLook Bloggers. The opinions expressed in this review are my true thoughts and feeling regarding this book. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

An Interesting and Enjoyable Read - My Review of Fraying at the Edge

Published by: Waterbrook
Written by: Cindy Woodsmall

I have never been too interested in Amish fiction, but I thought that the story of Fraying at the Edge sounded like something that would be interesting. And I was right.

In this book, two young women have to switch lives as it has been found out that they were switched at birth. One girl must move from living with the Amish to living a life completely different from the one that she has known, and the other must move in with the Amish.



What I liked:

The story in this book is very interesting and different.

The characters are all either likable or fun to read about.

The story has some very touching moments.

I enjoyed reading a more realistic take on the Amish life, one that did not glamorize it as much as some books do.

What I didn’t like:

The whole story is a little bit far-fetched, but I still enjoyed it.

The author seems to find the Amish belief that families should be as large as God wants them to be to be the biggest fault with their faith, and I, on the other hand, find that to be one thing that they believe that is truly good.

My conclusion:

Overall, I found this book enjoyable to read.

I give Fraying at the Edge 5 out of 5 stars.

I received this book free to review from Blogging for Books. The opinions expressed in this review are my true thoughts and feeling regarding this book. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Fun Christmas Book - My Review of Ready, Set, Find Christmas

Published by: ZonderKidz

I love having the chance to check out new children's books, so I was happy to have the chance to read and review Ready, Set, Find Christmas.

The illustrations:

The pictures in this book are pretty cute. Not my favorite style, but still colorful and cute.

Who the book is for:

This is a boardbook, but I know that my five-year-old niece and six-year-old nephew will enjoy searching for the various objects in it along with their younger siblings. This is good for babies through school-aged kids.

What I liked:

I love the opportunity for kids to interact with the book and find the various pictures on each page.

I like the tabs on the pages that make it easy to flip through the book.

The story is short and cute.

What I didn’t like:

There is nothing in this book that I did not like.

My conclusion:

Overall, I like this book.

I give Ready, Set, Find Christmas 5 out of 5 stars.

I received this book free to review from BookLook Bloggers. The opinions expressed in this review are my true thoughts and feeling regarding this book. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Enjoyable Read with Heart - My Review of Just a Kiss

Published by: Thomas Nelson
Written by: Denise Hunter

I have loved many books by Denise Hunter, so I was excited to have the chance to read and review Just a Kiss.

This book tells the story of a man who was injured while serving his country and who comes home a different person than he was when he left. This man has loved one particular woman since he was a teen, and this is the story of the two of them falling in love.



Who the book is for:

This book is good for anyone who loves a story that has heart. Those who are looking for a romance that has a story to it will enjoy this book.

What I liked:

The characters in this book are interesting and the kind of people that I like to read about.

I like the relationship that is shown between various characters and the way that the book is focused on the whole family.

This book made me smile and laugh.

The chapters are short, and I thought that worked well for this book.

What I didn’t like:

There is nothing in particular that I didn't like.

My conclusion:

Overall, I enjoyed this book.

I give Just a Kiss 5 out of 5 stars.

I received this book free to review from BookLook Bloggers. The opinions expressed in this review are my true thoughts and feeling regarding this book. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Fun Christmas Coloring Book for Adults - My Review of All is Bright

Published by: Tyndale Momentum

Written by: Nancy Guthrie

Illustrated by: Lizzie Preston

I really like all of the adult coloring books that are coming out, and I love the fact that All is Bright is a special Christmas one. I think that this would be really fun for use at Christmastime.

Who the book is for:

I think that this would be something that would be great for families with school-aged children, but it would also be great for individuals and couples.

What I liked:

There are insightful devotions included in the book.

The cover is pretty.

The pictures are detailed and designed well.

What I didn’t like:

There is nothing in particular that I did not like in regard to this book.

My conclusion:

Overall, I think that this is a cool adult coloring book option for Christmastime.

I give All is Bright 5 out of 5 stars.

I received this book free to review from Tyndale Blog Network. The opinions expressed in this review are my true thoughts and feeling regarding this book. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Not My Favorite Christmas Book - My Review of One Small Donkey

Published by: Tommy Nelson

By: Dandi Daley Mackall

Illustrated by: Marta Alvarez Miguens

I am always eager to check out new children's books in general, and I especially love checking out the various Christmas books that come out. I like to give my nieces and nephews Christmas books for Christmas, so I was happy to have the chance to read and review One Small Donkey.

The illustrations:

The pictures in this book are simple but fun. They are cute and I think that kids will really like them.

Who the book is for:

This is a boardbook, but I think that some of words will be hard for little ones to understand. I think that babies and toddlers might enjoy this book, but they won't necessarily "get" it.

What I liked:

I like the foiled title and the look of the cover, overall.

I like the repetitious text.

I like the Christmas story being told in a different way.

What I didn’t like:

I think that some of the words and way of wording things are a bit unusual for use in a children's book.

My conclusion:

Overall, I think that this is an okay book.

I give One Small Donkey 4 out of 5 stars.

I received this book free to review from BookLook Bloggers. The opinions expressed in this review are my true thoughts and feeling regarding this book. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Edgy Adult Coloring Book - My Review of Marked in Ink

Published by: Watson-Guptill Publications
Written by: Megan Massacre

I enjoy coloring in adult coloring books, and I was excited to have an "edgier" option available in that regard. I enjoy the books that have Bible verses and pictures of flowers, but I thought that Marked in Ink would be something that would be fun to use, too.



What I liked:

The pictures in this book are very unique. They are dark and edgy and cool.

I like that the back of each page is blank so that you do not mess up one coloring page by coloring another.

I like the designs and the variety of options that are available in that regard in the book.

I like that the pictures are tattoo designs.

What I didn’t like:

Some of the pictures are a bit "sensual" and might bother some.

My conclusion:

Overall, I think that this is a pretty cool book.

I give Marked in Ink 4 out of 5 stars.

I received this book free to review from Blogging for Books. The opinions expressed in this review are my true thoughts and feeling regarding this book. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.