Monday, December 11, 2017

Review of "Out of the Ordinary" by Jen Turano

Jen Turano is such an interesting author! She takes a historical era and beautifully illustrates the time period (you can easily picture how it was to live then) - but then, the twist! She writes with a more modern viewpoint, with sparkling characters and witty dialogue. This book is legitimately laugh out loud funny! It also includes a mystery, intrigue, and a sweet romance.

Gertrude Cadwalader is a paid companion to Mrs. Davenport, a society lady who has a penchant for "borrowing" things that Gertrude is all too regularly required to return. No one can say Gertrude has not taken one for the team about 47 times too many, but it's pushes her over the top when it occurs at her dear friend's engagement party.

Harrison Sinclair has long valued Gertrude's friendship and admired her character. Now, as she is in trouble and needs his assistance he realizes just how deep his feelings have become. The supporting cast is delightful, and this book is well written. This book is a stand alone novel but your reading experience will be enhanced by enjoying Apart From the Crowd Book #1 first.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

Out of the Ordinary by Jen Turano

Review of "When God Made You" by Matthew Paul Turner

I'm really not sure if this book could be any cuter! Written by Matthew Paul Turner and illustrated beautifully by David Catrow, this book almost makes me wish I had a toddler to read it to! However, I've decided this story is actually relevant and important for all ages, and here's why:

It tells an important (but largely sidelined) truth, that when you learn to see yourself through God's eyes - how He made you, who you were designed and thought about and dreamed about to be - your life will be transformed.

I've decided this is going to be my new "baby shower gift", but maybe I'll give it to my teenage daughter this year, too. It's a message she needs to hear. I strongly recommend this book.

This book was provided to me by Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.

When God Made You

Review of "Picturing Heaven" by Randy Alcorn

This beautiful devotional includes 40 "points" of things we will experience in Heaven. Each devotional is combined with a matching coloring page. The author has done extensive research (see his book, "Heaven") and these 40 curated devotions, along with Illustrator Lizzie Preston's pictures are gorgeous.

The book is beautiful as is, and it is easy to see how lovely it will be when the pages are colored in, too. It is intended to inspire your imagination as you think on the devotion and take time to color the pages. The fonts are beautiful, and so are the illustrations. This would also be a lovely gift at any time of year!

This book was provided to me by Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

Cover: Picturing Heaven