Book Review: The Struggle is Real

I was excited to read and review my latest book, "The Struggle is Real" by Nicole Unice.  I was blessed to discover bible teacher and author Nicole Unice a few years ago.  I was a part of a book review program, and I saw a book titled, "She's Got Issues", and immediately requested to review it. That book is one of the best books I have ever read!  So, when I had the chance to help Nicole promote and get the word out about her latest book, I jumped at the opportunity.

 I love Nicole's style of writing, and the fact that she has a background of counseling elevates her books/teachings.  I feel as if Nicole gives her readers practical things they can do in real life...things that bring true change.  "The Struggle is Real" also has a companion bible study (with DVD teachings) that goes with it.   Her first book, "She's Got Issues" had a bible study, and it was one of the best studies I have ever done. 

    I was engaged totally as I started reading,"The Struggle is Real".  I felt like Nicole was writing my story.  I believe God was encouraging me through her book.  In the early part of the book, Nicole shares a personal story from her past.  A story that she had not shared very openly, until this book. A story of great pain.  Nicole is authentic and vulnerable, and those qualities allow a reader to develop a strong connection with an author.

  I love that this book tells it like it is...the struggles we face in life are REAL.  Real hard, real painful, real long, real _____ (blank).  This is not a book that gives you 5 ways to eliminate all your struggles, but Nicole encourages her readers that we can learn from our struggles.  We can bring Jesus into our struggles and grow more than we ever imagined.

 After reading this book, you will feel hopeful!  As stated above, one of my favorite things about Nicole is that she will leave you with practical things you can do to find freedom... freedom in Jesus. 

Thanks Nicole for writing another book that will help so many women (and men, if they read it)!  Thanks to for the delicious ice-cream cone on the cover, that make me so hungry :)

  Go get a copy of this book and the companion bible study...you will be so glad you did!

 

Book Review: God Bless You and Good Night

 My latest review is of the book, God Bless You & Good Night (a touch and feel book).  I received a complimentary book from BookLook Bloggers, and in turn agreed to write this unbiased review.  I do not have little children at this stage, but I am a Preschool teacher and wanted to read this book to my class. 

 The board book is adorable and super colorful.  The book is about 9 different animal families, and their routines before they go to bed.  On every page, there is touch element for the kids to feel.  Basically, the book is about how kids get ready to go to bed, and all the special things they do before they go to sleep.  From getting a snack, to saying nighttime prayers. 

 This book would be wonderful to read to a young child before they go to bed.  The child could go through the same routines that the animals perform.  I would definitely recommend this book to parents of young children, 5 and under.  Thank you BookLook Bloggers!

Book Review: ThoughtFull

 My latest review is of the book, "Thoughtfull (Discovering the Unique Gifts in Each of Us)".  I received a complimentary copy of this book from B&H Publisher, and in turn agreed to write this review. 

"Thoughtfull" is a children's book about a boy named Ahanu, and his friend, Joshua.  Ahanu is a boy with Down Syndrome who wins an award for being "thoughtful".  In the story, Joshua overhears a couple boys making fun of Ahanu.  This troubles Joshua, and he finds a way to help the boys understand how special, and very thoughtful, Ahanu really is. 

 I love that this book is about a boy with special needs.  As a mother of a special needs child, I think it is important for children to read books about children with all different kinds of abilities.  I think this book would be great for Preschool and Elementary age children.  I believe this book can generate some very good conversations in the home and school.

 I highly recommend this book if you have young children.  I enjoyed reading it as an adult too!

Book Review: God's Blessings Day by Day

BookLook Bloggers sent me a complimentary copy of God's Blessings Day by Day Devotional, and I in turn agreed to write this review.  It is a 52 week (daily) devotional for young children. I feel it would be good for Preschool age children to about age 10 (although younger and older children may enjoy reading it as well).  Tommy Nelson publishing released it, and it is a collaboration of devotions from pastors, children ministers, and other church leaders.

 The book is adorably illustrated with the cutest little animals on every other page.  Children will be drawn to the pictures in the book. However, I think the parent, or whomever is reading the devotion with the child will love that the devotions are short and to the point.  Each devotional contains a bible verse, short devotion, a prayer, and a take-away point.  In today's world it is hard to hold the attention of children for a long time, and this devotion can easily be done in 5 mins or less.  In saying that, a parent (or another adult) could easily expand on this devotional for as long as they wish.

 This is definitely a resource that can be used over and over, as the lessons and topics covered in the devotional are ones that children (and adults) need to hear repeatedly. I would recommend this devotional to parents of young children.  I love that it was written from pastors and ministers that work with children.