The Revolution that Changed the World by Dr. David Jeremiah

"The Revolution that Changed the World" by Dr. David Jeremiah is an easy-to-read and -understand account of the end of Jesus' ministry and the beginning of the Christian Church after Jesus' death, resurrection, and ascension. 

Dr. Jeremiah gives great insight to what the new believers faced at the time and focuses on Peter's ministry as well as briefly on Paul's. 

A great resource for new believers or those questioning the Christian faith, but would also be appreciated by life-long followers as well. 

Although I was unaware of the "television event", it it is half as good as the book, it would be well worth watching.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a free copy of this book by Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion.

All You Want to Know About the Bible in Pop Culture by Kevin Harvey

"All You Want to Know About the Bible in Pop Culture: Finding Our Creator in Superheroes, Prince Charming, and Other Modern Marvels" by Kevin Harvey is an interesting and entertaining book  filled with parallels in movies, television shows, and music to the Bible.

I must admit, I'm not much of a TV watcher (unlike Mr. Harvey), so a lot of his analogies were lost on me, but not entirely.  The author definitely has done his homework and the amount of effort and research put into this book must have been considerable.  For the reader, though, it was a fun and sometimes fascinating ride.

Not only are there similarities in pop culture to the Bible given, there are great Bible quizzes throughout the book (multiple choice... yet some tough questions) as well as the last 50 pages or so are mazes, crosswords and other puzzles that make you dive deeper into your Bible.  Very cool.



Great book for those who really enjoy movies and TV, like puzzles, and/or are fascinated by what is going on in pop culture today.
 
Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a free copy of this book by Book Look Bloggers in exchange for my honest opinion.

Sex Matters by Jonathan McKee

"Sex Matters" by Jonathan McKee is a great read for both parents and teens.  It is honest and doesn't hold anything back, all backed by Scripture.

A great companion to "More than Just the Talk" by Jonathan McKee as well, this book gives answers and sound advice that we can share with our children.  I love how easy the author makes it and the priceless courage he imparts with his experience as a youth minister.

If you have kids, you need this book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a free copy of this book by Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion. 

"More than Just the Talk" by Jonathan McKee

"More than Just the Talk" by Jonathan McKee is an encouraging book that speaks directly and bluntly to parents about the importance of having open communication with our teens about sex.

How our kids feel about sex as adults will be directly influenced by how we talk about sex and/or react to the topic when "presented" via their friends, television, movies, music, etc.

Great book to help you get your head on straight about this important subject.  I enjoyed this easy-to-read book and yet felt the burden of the responsibility to get out of my own shell to help my children have healthy and accurate views about this wonderful gift from God.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a free copy of this book by Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion.

"Yogurt: Sweet & Savory Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner" by Janet Fletcher

"Yogurt: Sweet & Savory Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner" by Janet Fletcher explores this subject more than I could have ever imagined. 

To me, the best part of the book is the beginning where the author shares how to make your own yogurt at home to and tips how to make it the best it can be.  Next are a plethora of ethnic savory dishes, most of which, I must admit, would be a hard-sell in my home.  The book ends with a very few desserts and beverages.  

While the photography in the book makes every recipe pictured look beautiful and appetizing, Regrettably I must admit that if I had not received this book for free to review, I most likely would not purchase it myself.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a free copy of this book by Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest opinion.  

Against the Grain by Nancy Cain

We recently found a connection between gluten and my teenage daughter's cystic acne.  During Lent, she gave up gluten and her complexion has so incredibly cleared, that there is no denying it.  What we have found, though, is a challenge finding quality gluten-free recipes that taste good that have real food ingredients.  To me, xanthum gum is not a real food ingredient.

Thanks to Blogging for Books, I had an opportunity to review "Against the Grain", a gluten-free cookbook written by Nancy Cain who is the owner of a gluten-free bakery. I was excited to receive the book because I knew that there would be great recipes in it... after all, the author bakes gluten-free foods for a living, right?  But what I was concerned about was how many of the ingredients were specialty ingredients that I wouldn't ever consider to use or could easily substitute with ingredients acceptable to me?

I was pleasantly surprised to find that Ms. Cain uses primarily light buckwheat flour and tapioca flour (aka tapioca starch) in her recipes... both of which I have no "philosophical" problem with.  She gives some great instruction on the fundamentals of gluten-free baking, and introduces us to concepts like sourdough starter made with buckwheat or quinoa flours which I find to be absolute genius.  And there are recipes for everything from breads and muffins, to cookies, cakes, and pies.

I am thrilled to have this cookbook in my collection and now have a way to make foods my daughter loves that literally won't scar her for life.  Thank you, Ms. Cain!

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a free copy of this book by Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest opinion.