Love Letter from God: Bible Stories for a Girl's Heart

Love Letters from God: Bible Stories for a Girl's Heart is a heart-warming lift-the-flap picture book designed for girls. Written by Glenys Nellist, the book is filled with simple stories from the Bible with the focus on notable women ranging from the well-known Eve, Esther, and Mary, to the unnamed, yet important, servant girl of Naaman, the widow with the mite, and the Samaritan woman at the well. Lovely illustrations by Rachel Clowes present "snapshots" from the lives of these women that help to tell the story of each. And, of course, there are the 'lift-the-flap' Love Letters that lets children open and read special messages from God, just for them.

Naturally, these are a very simplified version of each woman's story, but a good basic introduction. I do like that Scripture references are given for more in-depth study as a child grows. There is also a simple Bible verse to go along with each story that can be easily memorized by even a younger child. The book is recommended for 4-8 year-olds, and I certainly would be cautious about letting a younger child handle the book. (I had to rescue my copy from the clutches of a one-year-old who really wanted to pull out a couple of letters). The letters from God are an affirmative reminder of God's love and that He wants to have a relationship with us.

I received a complimentary copy of this product from Handlebar Marketing in exchange for this review.

Sisters of Lazarus: Beauty Unveiled

Sisters of Lazarus: Beauty Unveiled  by Paula K. Parker is more than just a story about the two sisters, Mary and Martha, we know from the Bible. Anyone who has been raised on "Christianese" has heard someone described as a Mary or a Martha and made assumptions on their work ethic based solely on one word. This book goes beyond the few facts we know from Scripture and weaves a spellbinding tale that is sure to change the readers perspective.

Author Paula K. Parker was curious about why the sisters were so different and has told a story that infuses life into these women, their family, and their friends. The elder sister, Martha, is described as a plain woman who believes her only value is in her accomplishments. She is a hard-worker and takes pride in all she does. Mary has no apparent skills, and believes that her beauty is all she has to offer. When their brother, Lazarus, offers hospitality to Jesus and his disciples, the sisters learn that neither works nor outward beauty is the reason they are valuable to God.


  
 This beautifully told story quickly draws you in and the characters spring to life in a way that makes a familiar story fresh. I have even taken part in Bible studies on these 2 women, but have never considered them through much more than the 'working for God' vs 'listening to God' angle. More than just a photograph of their lives though, Paula creates a rich tapestry that is beautiful and functional. The research put into the time period and the characteristics of the people portrayed is outstanding. The veil truly is lifted to enable the reader to see the beauty of both women as well as the failures and faults. Seeing the transformations in their lives through the encounters they have with Jesus not only caused me to have a richer understanding of what life was possibly like for these two women, but to also think about what I consider of value in me and how God sees me.

Although historical fiction is not always my favorite genre, this story was told within the realm of possibility without attempting to distort facts that are found in Scripture. Fact and fiction were interwoven in a manner that highlight what was happening through characters you care about. Several things made me pause and think, which is a sign of a good book (or film) for me. But the line that hit me the most forcibly was said by one of the people whom Jesus healed . When others were celebrating him and his healing, he said, "I did nothing except look for Jesus". Wow! That is a simple, but profound statement that reminded me that only one thing is truly important...and, for the first time, I gained a better understanding of Jesus' words about Mary. I definitely recommend Sisters of Lazarus: Beauty Unveiled. 

Disclaimer: I did receive a free download of the book from the publisher, through NetGalley.com in order to write this review. I was only asked for a fair and honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Sisters of Lazarus Q & A
PaulaKParker.com
Paula Parker: Christian Entertainment Examiner
Paula K. Parker on Facebook

Working Women of the Bible by Susan Dimickle

Working Women of the Bible is a look at some of the women we know from the Bible and how we can use them as role models for today's working woman. The idea of being Superwoman isn't as prevalent today as it was in the past, but most working women are trying to find a balance in their life. Does the Bible really have women who are culturally relevant?

Working Women of the Bible asks these questions and answers them in a manner that is both candid and with a touch of humor. These women and their lives may be surprisingly more like yours than you imagined.

Very good look at the lives of  women we are familiar with in the pages of Scripture, but takes a closer look at their lives. Too many people, even today, tend to overlook the contributions made by women who are featured in the Bible (except for feeling intimidated by the standards of the Proverbs 31 Woman), and I do like this fresh look at some who don't necessarily get the recognition they deserve. Looking at them from the perspective of a working woman, along with the discussion questions at the end of each chapter, gives us a new respect for their accomplishments and a new way for us to apply these principles to our own lives.

I must admit that I did not agree with the author on everything. There were a couple of comments that led me into my Bible to see if a point was valid. For example, she called Eve the first woman to hold twin boys. I have not seen any Scriptural reference to back up that claim...but it is not a deal-breaker for me. On others, I either agreed after further research or still felt it was a reach to draw that conclusion. Bottom line was that none of them were fundamental issues I will not budge on, and I am certainly not going to complain because someone said something to make me read my Bible! After all, isn't that the point of a Bible Study?

Susan DiMickele blog
Leafwood Publishers website
ACU Press  on Facebook
ACU Press website
ACU Press on Twitter

About the Author:
SUSAN DIMICKELE has been a trial lawyer for nearly 18 years and a mother for 12 years. Susan is the author of Chasing Superwoman: A Working Mom's Adventures in Life and Faith (David C. Cook, 2010). She has authored articles in both secular and faith-based publications, including, ''War of the Worlds,'' a recent article in Home Life Magazine (February 2011) that candidly discusses the need for common ground between stay-at home mothers and mothers who work outside the home. While Susan strives to be at the top of her profession, her greatest desire is to use her God-given gifts to be the woman he created.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Leafwood Publishers as part of their book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

As working women struggle to find mentors in today's society, Working Women of the Bible asks, what if the women of Scripture are the very mentors we've been looking for?
Most working women today understand they can never be Superwoman. But if Superwoman is unattainable, whom are we trying to emulate? Is the Bible completely outdated, or does it offer a blueprint, full of real-life, culturally relevant examples for the twenty-first century working woman? Can we actually find female mentors in the Bible--women who defied cultural norms and held positions of power and influence?
Working Women of the Bible confronts these questions with heart and humor, and offers surprisingly simple yet potentially life-altering answers.
- See more at: http://www.bible.acu.edu/leafwood/pg.asp?ID=196#sthash.YY7mTWm4.dpuf

As working women struggle to find mentors in today's society, Working Women of the Bible asks, what if the women of Scripture are the very mentors we've been looking for?
Most working women today understand they can never be Superwoman. But if Superwoman is unattainable, whom are we trying to emulate? Is the Bible completely outdated, or does it offer a blueprint, full of real-life, culturally relevant examples for the twenty-first century working woman? Can we actually find female mentors in the Bible--women who defied cultural norms and held positions of power and influence?
Working Women of the Bible confronts these questions with heart and humor, and offers surprisingly simple yet potentially life-altering answers.
- See more at: http://www.bible.acu.edu/leafwood/pg.asp?ID=196#sthash.YY7mTWm4.dpuf