Return to Bella Terra by MaryAnn Diorio is a Sweet, Faith-Based Read!

It’s 1905 and Maria Landro Tonetta has been living with her husband and three children in America for the previous eight years. She and her family left Italy to make a better life for themselves in the States, but it hasn’t been easy. When Maria receives a telegram from Italy, saying that her mother is terminally ill, Maria heads back to her homeland with her adult son Nico. When Maria begins questioning her return to America, she finds herself facing some very difficult challenges.

This is a lovely story of love, redemption and forgiveness. The author’s writing is charming, descriptive and compelling. I enjoyed how the characters were portrayed realistically, with faults they needed to overcome.

From the blurb description, I didn’t know the story takes place so long ago. The beginning goes into the poor treatment of Italians in New York at the turn of century. As the great granddaughter of Irish immigrants I know all too well what this was like for our ancestors. But I did find that the author was just a little too heavy handed when talking about America in those days. Just my personal observation.

I can recommend this sweet faith-based book to readers. Thanks to Book Crash and the publisher for a complimentary copy of this book!

God's Love is the Message of Kristie Wilde's So Great a Love Children's Book

So Great a Love answers the question of whether or not God really loves us. Written in a manner that even very young children will grasp, this book explores the animal world and points out the many examples of God’s love for us all.

What a sweet and lovely children’s book this is. Although it’s short (perfect for young children), it’s filled with charming illustrations and positive messages for youngsters. In my experience, children are drawn to animal picture books. So Great a Love uses the animal kingdom as a way to show children just how much God loves us, and it works perfectly. I read this to a group of preschoolers and they were captivated.

I can highly recommend this book to parents, grandparents and caregivers of toddlers, preschoolers and early readers. So Great a Love is well worth adding to any children’s book library. Thanks to the publisher, Book Crash and the author for providing a complimentary copy!

5 of 5 Stars, Review by Susan Barton, DIY Mom Blog

Interview with Children's Book Author Lee Ann Mancini

We're welcoming children's author Lee Ann Mancini to the DIY Mom Blog today. Lee Ann is the award-winning author of several faith-based kids books. She's currently on the virtual road with My Book Tour. Welcome, Lee Ann! 

In your own words, please tell us about your book:

The story starts on a lovely Easter day at Sunday school! God’s Easter Miracles highlights God’s love and provision to His children. The lessons learned are not only about Jesus’s resurrection, but also awareness of treating children with Autism with love and respect, taking care of God’s creations, and most importantly, accepting Jesus Christ as your savior.

Have you always known you wanted to be a writer?

No, this was an acquired desire later in my adult life. I saw the need for children’s material that taught children how to have a strong relationship with Jesus, not just hearing stories about Him. My writing path began when I started writing these stories for my children.

Do you remember the first thing you ever wrote?

I’ve been a volunteer most of my adult life and wrote several little articles for various volunteer associations. However, the first published book was Fast Freddy, which I wrote 20 years ago, when my children were little.

Where do your story ideas come from?

When my children were little, I observed different situations and conflicts among them and their friends, which motivated me to write stories that address these issues in a loving, compassionate way, according to connecting them with our Lord and Savior.

What do you think makes a good story?

For Christian children’s stories, it’s establishing characters the children can relate to that help to capture their imagination and touch their hearts in a loving way. Also, making the stories fun and endearing. They really like finding the hidden symbols that we placed upon each page.

What kinds of things do you like to do when you’re not writing?

I enjoy reading and walking. Also, preparing for my classes that I teach at South Florida Bible College and Theological Seminary in addition to volunteering at different venues and spending time with my lovely family!

Who would you say has been a major influence in your life?

 First of all, my mother, who taught me Godly morals at an early age. Also, Dr. Warren Gage, who has been a mentor in my Biblical studies and a source of guidance in my personal life as well. Both are examples of the Gospel.

What types of books do you like to read?

I love to read books that inspire, encourage and are uplifting. In addition to any books that educate me in the word of God.  

What would readers be surprised to know about you?

 I received my BA in Religious Studies, and my two Master’s in my 50’s!

What are you currently working on?

Our seventh book in our series, God’s Creation, deals with teaching children to be good stewards regarding God’s wonderful ocean creatures. Again, they are faced with a dilemma, but relying on Jesus and His guidance, they learn how to be loving and caring for not only God’s creatures, but also their friends and family. 

How can readers connect with you?

Readers can go to my website, GLMPublishing.net, our Facebook page is Adventures of the Sea Kids, and our Twitter is @GLMPublishing.

What advice would you give aspiring authors?

I wrote these stories 20 years ago, with hopes of publishing them one day. After receiving rejection upon rejection, it wasn’t until the Holy Spirit prompted me many years after, to bring these stories out and work diligently to get them published. It was all God’s perfect timing. So, never give up, if it’s God’s will, it will be done!

An Inspiring and Uplifting Novella by Rosemary Hines - "From the Heart" is a 5 Star Read

Eighty-six year old Joan Walker has loved only one man throughout her life. Phil was a pastor and a wonderful, loving husband. Unfortunately, cancer has taken Phil away from Joan and she’s left to go on without him. Although Joan has her own pastor and his wife to help her when necessary, Joan struggles to find her way in her new life without Phil.

From the Heart is probably one of the sweetest stories I’ve read in a long time. Rosemary Hines does a wonderful job of expressing the heartbreak experienced by a grieving widow. This is a lovely story, filled with positive affirmations that many of us can learn from. Even when something as traumatic as the death of a spouse occurs, we can still find solace in helping others. Ms. Hines turns a painful tale of loss into one of hope and comfort.

I would highly recommend reading this book and grabbing the series. I’ve already downloaded Book 1 and intend to do just that!

5 of 5 Stars, Review by Susan Barton

The Kids' Quest Study Bible by Zondervan is An Excellent Resource for Teaching Children About the Bible

If you're looking for a book that will get kids excited about studying the Bible, the Kids' Quest Study Bible is a valuable resource!

Book Features Include:

• Over 500 questions and answers for kids

• Book introductions help explain what each book of the Bible is about

• A dictionary and subject guide help kids find what they’re looking for

• Fresh, colorful design makes the Bible fun to look at and use

• The complete NIrV translation, the steppingstone to the NIV!

Purchase on Amazon

DIY Mom Book Review:

This is the New International Reader’s Version (NIrV) edition of the Bible. The Kids’ Quest Study Bible has been reprinted since 2005. This is a review of the 2016 edition.

When I saw that this book was available to read and review I was excited. I’m all about encouraging children to read, learn and strengthen their faith. There’s tons of information included in addition to your standard Bible passages. Children can browse through 500 answers to questions they might have about biblical scripture.

The answers are detailed explanations, located at the bottom of the page. They never talk down to children, yet are explained in terms that children can easily understand. There are also cute illustrations that go along with each boxed answer. Each answer has a coinciding Bible verse to research further.

The dictionary is thorough and comprehensive, which makes this an excellent resource for children to look up unfamiliar words. The topical index creates a quick way to easily find what you’re looking for.

This would make an excellent gift for children of all ages. The “Presented To” page at the beginning of the book makes it a lovely keepsake. Kids’ Quest Study Bible is definitely a book that children can grow up with. Parents and grandparents can use Kids’ Quest as a family time/bonding tool to read to even the smallest child. Sunday School and VBS teachers can certainly use this for lesson-planning purposes. This should also appeal to older children, who should have no problem reading this on their own.

5 of 5 Stars, Review by Susan Barton

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. 

Book Review of "Forever My Little Girl" by Karen Kingsbury

Forever My Little Girl is written from a couple’s perspective. If follows the birth and growth of their little girl and all the milestones they enjoy along with her. From holding their baby girl, to first steps, playing sports, boys, joys and sadness, Forever My Little Girl will certainly tug at any parent’s heartstrings.

The illustrations in this book are lovely. They’re colorful and sweet. The short accompanying prayers sprinkled throughout the book are wonderful additions to the stories within.

This book would make a welcome gift to new parents or for parents to give to their daughter. The one issue I had was that it doesn’t take into account that not all little girls are the product of a two-parent home. I get that this is a Christian book, which is usually geared toward marriage and commitment, but not all children are raised by both parents. As a single mother, I would have loved to have been able to give this book to my daughter, but it definitely does not fit our circumstances. I mention this because judging from the title I wasn’t expecting a two-parent perspective. I think it would have been more appropriate to have titled this book Forever Our Little Girl.

4 of 5 Stars, Review by Susan Barton

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. 

I Can Learn to Pray by Holly Hawkins Shivers is an Excellent 52-Week Devotional for Children and Their Families

I Can Learn to Pray is designed and written as a 52-week guide for children and their families to strengthen their relationship with God through prayer. The book is divided into seven comprehensive sections, with individual weeks within.

There’s a lovely foreword at the beginning of the book, written by the author’s father, author O.S. Hawkins. Ms. Shivers begins by chatting conversationally with parents to reinforce the importance of praying with our children. From there we go into the process of actually learning to pray.

There’s a wealth of valuable information packed into to this beautiful book. The author is gifted with the ability to explain prayer in terms that even the smallest child can relate to. Yet, she never talks down to her readers. She explains prayer in a variety of kid-friendly ways and uses examples to make her point beautifully. For example, what child doesn’t understand the different ways of communicating – texting, phone calls, sign language, walkie-talkies, etc.? The author uses this concept to explain that prayer is communicating with God.

The accompanying illustrations are adorable and colorful, and are actual prayers in themselves. The book is sturdy and I love that the pages are of excellent, glossy quality. This ensures that I Can Learn to Pray will last a long time. I also appreciate the “To_____ From____” page at the beginning of the book. Perfect for gift giving!

I would highly recommend I Can Learn to Pray to parents, grandparents and others. It would make a wonderful gift for Baptism, First Holy Communion, birthday or just because. At not even $15 it's well worth the money spent! Beautiful!

5 of 5 Stars, Review by Susan Barton

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. 

Snuggle Time Prayers by Glenys Nellist is a Sweet and Sturdy Board Book To Teach Even Very Young Children About Prayer

Snuggle Time Prayers is a sturdy mid-sized board book for little ones. Each page has a lovely inspirational poem with accompanying illustrations that are generously sized, detailed and colorful. There are fifteen poems in all and each is based on Bible scripture.

I absolutely love children’s books that reinforce the idea that each of us has the ability to form a close connection with God by simply talking to Him. Bringing up children to recognize that God hears and listens to us when we speak to Him is so important, as it builds a firm foundation for a lifelong relationship with Him. Snuggle Time Prayers supports this concept. Although board books are usually geared towards younger children, this book will remain a useful tool as children grow older, since it can easily be used to expand upon scripture.

The only thing I would have liked to see was a signature (This Book Belongs To) page at the beginning of the book for gift-giving purposes. Even so, Snuggle Time Prayers would make an excellent baby shower or baptism gift for new parents. I would be happy to give this to one of my grandchildren. This is a book that should be well-loved for many years to come.

5 of 5 Stars, Review by Susan Barton

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.


 

I Will Follow Jesus Bible Storybook by Judah and Chelsea Smith Is A Wonderful Book for Children

There are plenty of children’s Bible storybooks available, but I’ve found that many of them have a tendency to speak down to children. Oversimplifying the Bible and the story of Jesus in particular, can easily be chosen when teaching children. The “I Will Follow Jesus Bible Storybook” doesn’t do this.

Even when discussing the true reason Jesus was born – to die for our sins – the authors don’t sugarcoat it. Yes, dying is a difficult subject to broach with any child, but the authors do not attempt to skirt around the issue and I found it an important and honest approach.

Clearly many of the passages call for further discussion between parents and children. But this is what’s so wonderful about well-written children’s books – they should provide the opportunity for an open dialogue with our children. And this book certainly does that.

There are scripture verses and prayers scattered throughout the book as well. These make a lovely accompaniment to the stories of Jesus’ life. The illustrations are simple, yet beautifully colorful and eye-catching. The book is sturdy and should last for many years to come even when used daily.

This book would make an excellent gift for even the smallest child. I would certainly be happy to give this to my grandchildren. I highly recommend “I Will Follow Jesus Bible Storybook”!

5 of 5 Stars, Review by Susan Barton

I received a complimentary ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. *this book is scheduled for release Feb. 9, 2016.

What Life Lessons Can We Learn from A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens?

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens has always been one of my favorite stories of all time. Who wouldn’t like to be comforted by the notion that anyone can change at any point in their life? Even a grumpy curmudgeon like Ebenezer Scrooge is capable of seeing the error of his ways and of making a miraculous transition with the assistance of four sage and caring spirits.

Bob Welch has taken the basis of A Christmas Carol to insightfully list 52 inspirational lessons readers can learn from this charming classic. There’s something for everyone in the pages of this book. Regardless of what you might be struggling with in your life at any given moment, I’m certain just about anyone will find value in Mr. Welch’s “lessons”.

52 Little Lessons from A Christmas Carol is most definitely a faith-based book. The author refers to Biblical scripture throughout, when laying out his lessons. Therefore, I would consider this book a Christian devotional, suitable for anyone looking to get closer to God, and to live a happier and more Christian-based life. It would make for wonderful church group literature, to be used by adults and children. Families should appreciate reading this together during the Christmas season or at anytime throughout the year. Highly recommended!

5 of 5 Stars, Review by Susan Barton

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review of Semi Serious by Charlotte Stone

Charlotte Stone had been a teacher for almost two decades when she decided to make a sudden and dramatic career change. After a casual conversation with her truck driver son-in-law, Charlotte spontaneously decided to go into the trucking business as well. After enrolling in training school and getting hired on by a company, Charlotte found that her new life provided a great deal of quiet time – time that she used to reflect on life, and to get closer to God and her faith. In Semi Serious, Ms. Stone talks about just some of what she learned while out on the road.

Semi Serious is a short book, yet it’s packed with a variety of uplifting, engaging and encouraging content. The author tells of her life on the road in a practical and easygoing style, which I enjoyed. She adds a great deal of interesting information about what it’s like to be a female long-haul trucker in a male-dominated industry. Ms. Stone also adds some lovely poetry, photos, scripture and devotionals. But at the heart of this book is the importance of finding and keeping one’s faith, regardless of the roadblocks that might be put in front of us.

It’s clear that Charlotte Stone is a devout woman of faith. However, I didn’t find Semi Serious to be preachy or overly “religious” at all. Ms. Stone reminds us of the importance of keeping our hearts and minds open to God daily, no matter how challenging and unexpected things may seem at the time. It’s all part of His individual plan for us.

Some of the stories included in this book touched my heart and spoke to me and for that, I’m grateful that I had the opportunity to read it. Semi Serious is a beautiful testimony of one woman’s strong faith and personal walk with Jesus, but with a definite unique twist to be sure. I highly recommend it!

5 of 5 Stars, Review by Susan Barton