Home for Christmas - a book review

Recently, I was given a complimentary copy of Home for Christmas, Stories for the Young and Old by Plough Publishing. I was asked to review the book and share my review with my blog readers. I was excited to receive the book, especially since it is almost Christmas! As I began reading, I found the book to be cozy and comforting.

Inside the book are twenty different stories. Some of the stories are written by well known authors and some are from newly discovered authors. Some of the stories have been passed down from generation to generation and have become well known favorites, and then there are the new stories...the ones that will soon become old favorites.

One story I particularly enjoyed was The Christmas Lie by Dorothy Thomas. The story is told during pioneer days when things are hard and everyone works to make ends meet. The details in the story are filled with visual imagery and you can almost feel as if you're right there with the characters as the story unfolds. A tiny lie explodes and affects an entire family but in the process reconciliation comes. There are many other warm and interesting stories in the book, but this was one of my personal favorites.

I enjoyed reading this book immensely. I found that although there were many different authors from around the world, they all shared one sentiment, that Christmas is a time for sharing with those you love. I can imagine sitting around a fireplace reading this book, story after story, to my grandchildren as they conjure up images from the descriptive writings the authors have shared.

This book, Home for Christmas, Stories for the Young and Old, compiled by Miriam LeBlanc, would make a treasured edition to your family library.

©bonnie annis all rights reserved

Discipleship by J. Heinrich Arnold - a book review

Recently I was given a complimentary copy of the book, Discipleship by J. Heinrich Arnold, by Handlebar Central and asked to review the book. As I began reading it, I found that it was filled with practical, timely resources for living in today's modern world.

As a Christian, it is both challenging and rewarding to stand firm in your beliefs. Being a disciple of Christ calls for strong commitment and dedication. Amid the world's views, being a dedicated follower of Christ seems odd and laughable, but the book Discipleship offers practical helps to aid believers in managing awkward and difficult situations.

There are a wide range of topics covered in the book by J. Heinrich Arnold. Some of the subjects addressed are Purity, Trust, Surrender, Forgiveness, and Unity. Mr. Arnold takes these complicated subjects and helps shine light on the truth by revealing falsehoods.

This book is filled with tough love. It is love that reveals the heart of Christ and how we are to walk after Him in all we say and do. Mr. Arnold uses Scripture references to guide the reader along the path to truth. His words compliment but do not overpower the truth of God's Word. Mr. Arnold says "Discipleship is not a question of our own doing; it is a matter of making room for God so that he can live in us."

Discipleship would be a great addition to any believer's library. It would also make a wonderful and practical gift. Mr. Arnold writes in easy to understand words as he guides the reader into following after the footsteps of Christ.

I would like to thank Handlebar for giving me the opportunity to review this book. It was a joy to read and has enriched my understanding of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ.

©bonnie annis all rights reserved

I was given a complimentary copy of the book Precious Children of India by Life Sentence Publishing recently. As I read the book, I was filled with so much emotion. My emotions ranged from anger to disbelief to hope. Each child's story was unique and told with gentleness by the author.

This book helps readers understand more about the hardships and difficulty that people of India face on a daily basis, but more importantly, it focuses on the lives of the children. The beautiful stories portrayed resilience and optimism even under the most difficult of circumstances.

In America, we take our basic needs for granted - having clean water, access to fresh food, and good, safe shelter. In India, none of these needs are readily available and fighting for daily survival is the norm.The children learn to fend for themselves not only due to circumstances beyond their control, but in order to just live from one day to the next.

Precious Children of India allows the voices of the children to be heard. Their stories, though painful to read, give a clear picture of their reality. The children, most of them under the age of 8, have experienced and witnessed more than their little eyes should ever have seen.

To have a clear understanding of how blessed we are in America, please take time to read this book. Prepare your heart before you do read it though because you'll never be the same afterwards. I would like to thank Life Sentence Publishing for giving me the opportunity to review this book.


The blog tour page for Precious Children of India is at: http://www.lifesentencepublishing.com/precious-children-of-india/

©bonnie annis all rights reserved