My review of: NKJV, The Chronological Study Bible Thomas Nelson publishers

NKJV, The Chronological Study Bible
I am so excited about this beautiful Bible! I was amazed when I received this Bible from the publisher- Thomas Nelson- to review. With brown imitation leather in two tones and an embossed cover, it really is striking and appropriate for both men and women. Of course, I am writing this review simply concerning the asthetic appeal and quality as well as usefulness of this particular version. The Bible itself is worthy of more than 5 stars! Apart from the obvious value of the Bible, I do think this version- the New King James- is excellent and worthy of being read. Also, I love owning a chronological Bible; it really helps get things in perspective! This particular copy is a study Bible so it also has full-colour maps and notes on each page. This is the only NKJV study Bible in chronological order and I highly recommend you get a copy!


I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.


The Chronological Study Bible presents the text of the New King James Version in chronological order - the order in which the events actually happened - with notes, articles, and full-color graphics that connect the reader to the history and culture of Bible times. It is the only NKJV study Bible arranged in chronological order.


Features include:



The entire NKJV text with translators’ notes, arranged in chronological order, provides absorbing and effective Bible study
Full-color illustrations of places, artifacts, and cultural phenomena give the reader a dramatic, “you are there” experience
Fascinating articles connect the Bible text to world history and culture
Daily Life Notes explain how people lived in Bible times
Time Panels and Charts show the flow of Bible history
In-text and full-page color maps of the biblical world assist study
Part of the Signature Series line of Thomas Nelson Bibles


Chronological Study Bibles sold to date: More than 400,000


The New King James Version® - More than 60 million copies sold

Food with Friends: The Art of Simple Gatherings

Food with Friends: The Art of Simple Gatherings

by Leela Cyd

    As someone who not only loves cooking and creating but also delights in hosting informal and more elabourate meals and gatherings, this book really grabbed my attention.

It always helps when the cover of a book, especially a cookbook, is appealing and Food With Friends has a delightful cover! The quality of photography continues throughout the book, making this cookbook yet another from the publisher worthy of an honoured place on a coffee table. That is, if it's not constantly in use in your kitchen! You are sure to be delighted by all the treats and tasty nibbles in this book. This book will provide everything you need for a lovely spring or summer tea or picnic as well as fall and winter gatherings. One thing I loved about this book is how the author and creator of the recipes took basic picnic/ party fare and made it unique. For example, French toast with lavender syrup or purple cauliflower hummus! Of course, these are just a couple of the many amazing recipes in this medium-sized cookbook. This is a must for the hostess; it would also make a splendid gift for a friend!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

Small bites and treats to share

The best gatherings are simple, yet somehow special. They might begin with an impromptu picnic after shopping at the farmer’s market or a late lunch with neighbors that stretches into cocktails under the stars. Whatever the occasion, this picture-perfect cookbook shows how to turn any meal into a delectable affair. These effortless recipes for brunch, teatime, happy hours, picnics, potlucks, and dessert all include a whimsical twist: a few slices of French toast doused in lavender syrup, rainbow chard empanadas served with pistachio crema, or a vibrant purple cauliflower hummus. With tips on creating an inviting table, stocking a pantry to make last-minute nibbles, and packing delicious parting gifts for guests, Food with Friends will inspire any get-together, however large or small.  

I Said Yes: My Story of Heartbreak, Redemption, and True Love by Emily Maynard Johnson, A J Gregory (With)

I Said Yes: My Story of Heartbreak, Redemption, and True Love

by Emily Maynard Johnson with A J Gregory

As I begin this review, I want to make one thing very clear: I DO NOT/have never/will never watch the Bachelor or the Bachelorette! I also knew nothing about Emily Maynard Johnson prior to reading this new book. I requested this book to review because the topic of brokenness and the search for true love intrigued me. As a woman, I know the feeling of desiring romance and the search for peace and stability in this crazy life. What I loved about this book is that the author makes a very clear point that only JESUS can fulfill your desires and longings and loneliness! This book is an in-depth look at  Emily's life from the start, through her difficult single mom years and her stints on the Bachelor and the Bachelorette to final redemption and true love- both spiritual and human. Emily is very open and honest and I really couldn't put the book down! 
I appreciate how Emily doesn't condone the fact that she took part in both the Bachelor and the Bachelorette; in fact after reading more about those shows I would really question someones sanity if they thought it a good way to meet a true love! 
This book is a story of a girl who wasn't apposed to Christianity and its traditions but who did not have a personal relationship with Jesus. It is an account of seeking and brokenness and despair which finally culminates beautifully in repentance and a real relationship with Jesus! I love reading people's testimonies; I only wish there were more autobiographies like this! 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. Thanks!

When her high-profile search for romance led Emily Maynard to dead end after dead end, real love finally found her.

Millions know Emily Maynard Johnson from her unprecedented double appearances on The Bachelor and The Bachelorette. Millions also know that neither of the relationships from those shows lasted much longer than a commercial break.

Overcome with embarrassment following her nationally televised failures at romance, Emily finally committed her heart to the only one she knew would never leave her empty and alone. Abandoning her desire to be chosen by men and finding peace in the fact that she was already chosen by God, Emily found the joy she had been looking for in serving God.

In I Said Yes, Emily tells the story of her life before and after reality TV fame, describing the profound new reality she discovered when she forsook fame in favor of the Lord. At the end of a long, fruitless search for a man, this courageous young woman found the truest love of all waiting right in front of her. To that love, Emily said yes.

Review of Malibu Farm Cookbook: Recipes from the California Coast by Helene Henderson, Martin Lof (Photographs)

Malibu Farm Cookbook: Recipes from the California Coast

by Helene Henderson, Martin Lof (Photographs)

This is a large, beautiful cookbook from a farm on the sunny coast of California. All 304 pages are filled with tempting recipes and beautiful photographs. As I looked through this cookbook, I found myself not only fascinated by the recipes and menu options but also drawn into the life and passions of the author and creator of the delicious recipes. The photographs are interesting and include not only views of the meals one can create using this book but also candids and portraits of the author and her farm. This entire cookbook really presents the feel of the surrounding area near the California coast where Malibu farm is located. I highly recommend this new book for anyone who loves California or the sunny splendor of the coast. The recipes are for the most part extremely healthy as well as seeming quite delicious! I can't wait to add this book to my collection of favourite cookbooks! Parsnip and potato Latkes, Ricotta and pea frittata, butterfly beef tenderloin, grilled (yes! you read that right!) chocolate cake with caramel sauce and many other amazing recipes fill this book. Disclaimer: at least the dessert recipes do include brown sugar and sugar and canola oil in the ingredients. However, the author likewise includes coconut milk, kefir and other good foods. Hopefully we healthier people can keep the good stuff and substitute better ingredients for the sugar and canola oil as needed! 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. Thanks! 

Situated at the end of the pier, Malibu Farm is a restaurant beloved for its spectacular Pacific Ocean views, the freshly sourced ingredients on its ever-changing menu, and its warm vibe. Chef-owner Helene Henderson opened the space after the once-intimate dinners she hosted on the grounds of her home grew too large. Now, in Malibu Farm Cookbook, she invites you celebrate the coast and mountains of Southern California with dishes like Ricotta and Pea Frittata, Butterfly Beef Tenderloin with Horseradish, Seared Fava Beans, and Grilled Chocolate Cake with Caramel Sauce. Helene captures the spirit of her own farm with recipes using the morning’s fresh eggs, the catch of the day, the luscious vegetables that grow all around, honey harvested steps from where it’s enjoyed, and olive oil straight from her grove.  Punctuated with luscious, vibrant photography,Malibu Farm Cookbook is a stunning sensory experience that transports you right to the edge of the Pacific.

Review of Brave Girls Beautiful You: A 90-day Devotional

Brave Girls: Beautiful You: A 90-Day Devotional

by Jennifer Gerelds/ Thomas Nelson publishers

Sometimes it’s tough being a girl!

Whether you are outgoing or shy, a tomboy or a girly girl, silly or serious, it can be really hard to feel comfortable with yourself. This devotional is filled with stories and thoughts about how God created us to be healthy, strong, and confident—both with our bodies and our minds—because we are daughters of the great heavenly Father.

As a young woman who feels like she all too recently was an insecure little girl/teen, and who has several younger sisters, I was excited when I saw this book available for review from Thomas Nelson publishers. 
Brave Girls: Beautiful You comes from a division of said publishing company, called ''Tommy Nelson''.
As the title explains, this paperback book is meant to be a 90-day devotional. Of course I read it more quickly since I was reviewing it but I think it was very well planned and organized for daily reading. I loved how the book covered a variety of personality types- whether you (or your daughter) are more girly-girl, active/sportsy, or in between you will be able to relate to and learn from this book. 
I found the chapters full of wisdom and depth without being overwhelming or boring. I will point out that this book is directed towards Christian girls but of course will also be beneficial to girls who are not yet believers just as long as they understand that not all the wording or promises in the book are relevant to her. 

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. 

Review of Max Lucado's Pocket Prayers

About the books: 

Pocket Prayers (with various authors; Thomas Nelson, March 2016)

Bestselling author Max Lucado has teamed up with six authors to write the Pocket Prayers series for those in need of peace, renewal, rest, faith, hope, joy, direction, serenity, and courage.

Short, simple prayers are very effective, which is why each book in the series contains forty guided prayers and complementary scriptures for any situation, including for:

-Moms (written with daughter Andrea Lucado)
-Grads (written with daughter Andrea Lucado)
-Dads (written with Mark Mynheir)
-Military Life (written with Mark Mynheir)
-Teachers (written with blogger Jennifer Hale)
-Friends (written with Betsy St. Amant)

Purchase your copies: http://amzn.to/1VgCJqv

 

About the author: 

More than 120 million readers have found inspiration and encouragement in the writings of Max Lucado. He lives with his wife, Denalyn, and their mischievous mutt, Andy, in San Antonio, Texas, where he serves the people of Oak Hills Church.

I thought this set of books an excellent idea! A family could buy the entire set to add to their library; it would be great to refer to each of them as the need arose! Equally beneficial would be to purchase these books to give as gifts to mothers, fathers, graduates, people in the service, teachers, etc. There are six books in this Pocket Prayers series; each of the books are the perfect size for travel or giving as a gift. These hardback books have shiny covers and glossy pages. They are all easy to read and comprehend and will inspire the reader to open them every day. 

I especially liked the handy size and the quality of the publishing format. I am not a fan of Max Lucado and didn't agree with everything in these books but in this review I will not delve into that. 

I received a set of these books from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. I plan on giving away each of these volumes to appropriate people in my life! 

Cookbook review- Home Cooked: Essential Recipes for a New Way to Cookby Anya Fernald

Home Cooked: Essential Recipes for a New Way to Cook

by Anya Fernald, Jessica Battilana

I got this cookbook because I loved the cover! For one thing, I thought it looked perfect to add to a wedding gift basket! As I looked inside the book I was a little surprised by the style of recipes offered. They are more hearty and ''earthy'' than I expected. They are not as American as I expected from the vintage-style cover. After realizing that the author of this cookbook resides in California I understood better the style of cuisine. I would call it a mixture of Californian and Italian, actually. I was not a fan of all the recipes; there were too many charred vegetables and unusual meats and seafood. However, this style of cookbook is sure to please a variety of cooks! The recipes are certainly very healthy-looking. 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. 

A recipe collection and how-to guide for preparing base ingredients that can be used to make simple, weeknight meals, while also teaching skills like building and cooking over a fire, and preserving meat and produce, written by a sustainable food expert and founder of Belcampo Meat Co.

Anya Fernald’s approach to cooking is anything but timid; rich sauces, meaty ragus, perfectly charred vegetables. And her execution is unfussy, with the singular goal of making delicious, exuberantly flavored, unpretentious food with the best ingredients. Inspired by the humble traditions of cucina povera, the frugal cooking of Italian peasants, Anya brings a forgotten pragmatism to home cooking; making use of seasonal bounty by canning and preserving fruits and vegetables, salt curing fish, simmering flavorful broths with leftover bones, and transforming tough cuts of meat into supple stews and sauces with long cooking. These building blocks become the basis for a kitchen repertoire that is inspired, thrifty, environmentally sound, and most importantly, bursting with flavor. Recipes like Red Pepper and Walnut Crema, Green Tomato and Caper Salad, Chickpea Torte, Cracked Crab 
with Lemon-Chile Vinaigrette, Veal Meatballs, Anise-Seed Breakfast Cookies, and Ligurian Sangria will add dimension and excitement to both weeknight meals and parties. 

We all want to be better, more intuitive, more relaxed cooks—not just for the occasional dinner party, but every day. Punctuated by essays on the author’s approach to entertaining, cooking with cast-iron, and a primer on buying and cooking steak, Home Cooked is an antidote to the chef and restaurant books that leave you no roadmap for tonight’s dinner. WithHome Cooked, Anya gives you the confidence, and the recipes, to love cooking again.

Book review of Answering Jihad by Nabeel Qureshi

ANSWERING JIHAD by Nabeel Qureshi

After reading Nabeel Qureshi's first book Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus, I was very eager to read this his newest book! In Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus I found the author's writing comprehensive, deep and Biblically sound. I must admit that although I found that book a wonderful read and trusted the author to be a true believer, I had some doubts about Answering Jihad: A Better Way Forward! I need not to have feared; this book is amazingly sound! The author answers question after question one might have concerning this difficult topic. And of course Nabeel Qureshi is the most qualified to explain this topic since he comes from a Muslim background! Readers can trust all of this author's answers and explanations regarding the ins and outs of the Islam faith and Jihad. I learned so much from reading this book and look forward to reading this book more in depth in future studies!

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

From New York Times bestselling author and former Muslim Nabeel Qureshi comes this personal, challenging, and respectful answer to the many questions surrounding jihad, the rise of ISIS, and Islamic terrorism.

San Bernardino was the most lethal terror attack on American soil since 9/11, and it came on the heels of a coordinated assault on Paris. There is no question that innocents were slaughtered in the name of Allah and in the way of jihad, but do the terrorists’ actions actually reflect the religion of Islam? The answer to this question is more pressing than ever, as waves of Muslim refugees arrive in the West seeking shelter from the violent ideology of ISIS.

Setting aside speculations and competing voices, what really is jihad? How are we to understand jihad in relation to our Muslim neighbors and friends? Why is there such a surge of Islamist terrorism in the world today, and how are we to respond?


In Answering Jihad, bestselling author Nabeel Qureshi (Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus) answers these questions from the perspective of a former Muslim who is deeply concerned for both his Muslim family and his American homeland.