Simple Short Christian Book Reviews

What makes a good Christian book review?  Simple Short Christian Book Reviews, after all, are just one person’s opinion.  I think it is important that we all realize that.  You may love science fiction and I love historical fiction.   We probably won’t read the same books.  Now let’s add the keyword here…Christian.  When we look at books from a Christian Worldview then we all have a commonality.  We still may choose different genres to read but we will be looking at and evaluating the books on the same criteria.  This month, I’m excited to offer a GIVEAWAY of Becoming His Masterpiece too!

That is my aim.  I try to evaluate each book I read from a Christian Worldview.  I also read books that I feel will encourage and equip the people who read my blog.  The Peaceful Haven is a Christian homemaking blog you will see books that will edify my readership and I like to throw in a few surprises each month just to keep things interesting.

 

Let’s get started!

 

Simple Short Christian Book Reviews

FICTION

I stumbled onto a new author this month.  Sarah Sundin, where have you been hiding?  I am recommending her three books.   A Memory Between Us, A Distant Melody, and Blue Skies Tomorrow, all in the Wings of Glory Series.  If you are interested in an accurately researched historical fiction book that is written with excellence, has character lessons intertwined with the story, and loves World War Two then you should really consider these books.  I am not alone in my wholehearted approval of the series, my 17-year-old daughter loved them too! Another idea, if your child is studying the time period in school, this would make a great supplement to their curriculum!

 

HOMEMAKING
Celebrate: A Year of Festivities for Families and Friends by Pippa Middleton is not the first book you would expect to see on my list of excellent homemaking books.  Let me say it here first…this book is FUN and your family will thank you for reading it.  The book is divided into seasons and (especially for Americans) gives you lots of fresh ideas for celebrating everything from birthdays and picnics to holidays and this book is filled with new and delicious recipes.  Celebrate is not written from a Christian perspective but still is a VERY WORTHWHILE book to keep in your homemaking library!

 

 

COOKBOOK

My Paleo Patisserie: An Artisan Approach to Grain-Free Baking is a masterpiece!  I could write my review using just one word.  YUM!  My daughter and I have thoroughly enjoyed testing these recipes and not a bad one yet.  Oh, and by the way…the chocolate cake is amazing, and well so are the baguettes and I could go on and on.  My Paleo Patisserie is a must-have for anyone who is gluten-free, dairy-free, sugar-free, and grain-free.

HOMESCHOOL 

You would think, by the title of this book, that it would not apply to everyone.  I disagree.  Anyone involved with any of the schooling options available will benefit from reading this superb book.  If you have a child with special needs you will be especially interested in this researched-based program to help your child.  However, any child or adult can benefit.  the book comes with the Brain Balance Home Program.  Disconnected Kids: The Groundbreaking Brain Balance Program for Children with Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, and Other Neurological Disorders is a breath of fresh air!

 

 

CHILDREN 

Nate the Great and all the books in this “great” series (for children ages 7-11)  will be loved and reread.  When I pick children’s books for my monthly reviews I use a bit of a different strategy in reviewing them.  One of the litmus tests I use is to simply ask my own six children what books were their favorites when they were little.   They are a big help!  You and your children will both love Nate the Great forevermore!

 

Baby Believer Set, yes you most definitely need to get all the primers designed to grow with children, from early infancy through elementary school. In addition to basic Bible theology, Baby Believer board books are filled with quotations from the Bible, creeds, hymns, church fathers, and other articles of faith to help reinforce the content and provide intellectual handholds for older children who possess a greater capacity for learning and memorization.

 

FINANCES

On Living Simply: The Golden Voice of John Chrysostom is actually a daily devotional.  I stumbled on this gem from another blogger as a book recommended for Lent.  Regrettably, I can not remember which blogger it was to say thank you!  I treasured every single short daily reading.  I felt the wisdom seep into my mind, body, and soul.  It turns out that the same things that are true today were true back in 368 AD.  A truly beautiful simple book!

 

GARDENING

The Beautiful Edible Garden: Design A Stylish Outdoor Space Using Vegetables, Fruits, and Herbs is a book that I have been waiting for.  For the record, in my heart, I am a flower gardener.  I do however also love to eat which is where vegetable gardening comes in for me.  This book combines both loves into an art form!  Vegetables can be quite lovely and when added to your borders can serve to highlight your flowers all the more.  It’s been a long time since I was this enthralled in a gardening book.

 

 

SPIRITUAL

Boundaries: When To Say Yes, How to Say No has been on my list of books to avoid for some time.  The first time I ever heard about Boundaries, my exact response was to exclaim   “How can Christians have boundaries?”   If that statement is not proof that I have needed to read this book for well over a decade I don’t know what is.  Boundaries has earned a high distinction.  It is now required reading for every member of our family.  This book will help you see the truth and the truth always sets you free!

 

Becoming His Masterpiece: Reflect and Pray Edition is a feast for the eyes and food for the soul. This unique devotional book pairs stunning abstract art with Christian devotionals providing readers with encouragement and spiritual sustenance along the lifelong discipleship journey. Author/artist, Sharon Collins shares the profound spiritual lessons God is teaching her as a painter and writer. She thinks of her devotionals as conversations with her readers, confiding the joys and blessings as well as failures and struggles along the path to becoming God’s masterpiece. Sharon writes with energy and refreshing candor. Her vivid paintings reflect the beauty, love, and grace that a relationship with Jesus Christ brings to believers. This Reflect and Pray Edition includes not only new arrangements of the same fifty-two devotional/painting pairings from Sharon’s original devotional book, Becoming His Masterpiece but also the opportunity for readers to dig deeper into each devotional with thought-provoking questions and space for journaling.

 

INTERIOR DESIGN

The Inspired Room: Simple Ideas to Love the Home You Have is a rare gem.  How many interior design books breed contentment?   Let me rephrase that, How many interior design books make you feel thankful to have the home you have?  Enough said.  Melissa Michaels has done it again with this utterly charming book you won’t be able to put down.  I carried it around for days being inspired by beautiful photography and inspiring home projects.

 

HANDMADE

French General: Handmade Soirees: Simple Projects for Special Occasions is chocked full of creative ideas for making every day special! Do you like to make charming projects for your home?  Handmade Soirees include easy-to-understand directions for a plethora of multi-level projects even the kids will love!   My favorite projects are the picnic carry cushion and the embroidered jam covers.

 

 

Interested in more Christian Book Reviews?

 

 

 

YOUR TURN…

What did you read this month?

 

Blessings,

 

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