The Complete Jewish Study Bible

Title: The Complete Jewish Study Bible
Author: Barry A. Rubin
Translator: David H. Stern
Publisher: Hendrickson Bibles
ISBN: 978-1-610970-867-9

“In telling about God, his people Israel, and his Messiah Yeshua, the Bible’s constant theme is that human beings need to be saved and that God provides salvation,” the author writes in the introduction of his book,  The Complete Jewish Study Bible: Insights for Jews and Christians.

~ What ~
Updated from 1998, this seventeen-hundred-twenty-eight-page hardbound targets those who want to read the Scriptures from a Jewish perspective from the first page to its end. With the help of over two dozen contributors, the book for Jews and Christians alike establishes Yeshua as the Messiah. With a four-section table of contents and two introductions, the books of the Holy Bible are divided into seven sections, ending with an appendix with glossaries, Shabbat Scripture readings, topical and theme indexes, biographies, and maps to name a few.

Paraphrased from the 1917 Jewish Publication Society and not divided into the Old and New Testament but the Tanakh and B’rit Hadashah, this has the standardized books of the Bible separated into (from a Christian standpoint) the Law, Prophets, Writings, the Good News of Yeshua, Acts, Letters/Epistles, and the Revelation of Yeshua. Instead of using the common names, God is ADONAI, Christ is Messiah, Jesus is Yeshua, and Rauch HaKodesh is the Holy Spirit. Written mainly in paragraph form with verse numbers included, also are poems and poetry such as in Psalms, bolded quotes of prophecies, and minor footnotes. With additional quotes from the Talmud, also are over one hundred highlighted articles covering a dozen themes regarding customs, prophecy, names of God, et cetera plus topical articles and excerpts.

~ Why ~
Being a King James Version Christian who does not know Hebrew or Greek, I am interested in reading the most true-to-the-original context of the Bible. This Bible that often reads like a story and focuses on Jewish customs, festivals, places, and dialect brings to light how the Jews were and still are God’s chosen ones who need to know their Messiah personally. In briefly researching its pages, I like how the names have been changed to their Jewish roots and that Romans 1:16 states the Good News is “to the Jew especially, but equally to the Gentile” (unlike the KJV which states to the Jew first, and also to the Greek). Another appreciated aspect of this version is the word belief or believing is often changed to trust, trusting, or faith.

~ Why Not ~
Those who do not believe in God may not be interested in the Holy Bible written from a Jewish perspective. Some may not like the names, places, and way of writing in a Jewish-based format; but the intention of the book is to view it from a Jewish mind. Others may wonder if it is like other versions where the author could be interpreting instead of translating. Initially, I found it strange reading a non-traditional format of the Old and New Testament but could get used to it. Similar to many current-day versions of Scripture, the word “begotten” which means “only-born” in Strong’s Concordance in John 1:18 and 3:16 and I John 4:9 is eliminated in this edition and changed to “only and unique Son” which may not show its full meaning.  A questionable translation found in Romans 3:23 states, “all have sinned and come short of earning God’s praise” instead of the KJV’s “come short of the glory of God.” One would think older version would have a bigger impact on a Jew due to the Sh’khinah glory; stating we have the possibility of earning the Almighty’s praise may be misleading as it is His grace alone that saves us.

~ Who ~
A  rabbi of Emmanuel Messianic Jewish Congregation in Clarksville, Maryland, the author is the director of The Lederer Foundation (now Messianic Jewish Publishers and Resource). Interpreter Stern has authored several books including Jewish New Testament, which has been incorporated into this book.

~ Wish ~
I wish all pronouns of ADONAI and Yeshua were capitalized for reverence, but few Bibles use this concept to honor Him this way. There are some minor reference editing issues.

~ Want ~
If you are Jewish and seeking the true Messiah who will be coming to Earth again, this Bible that will give Christians a new perspective holds all the answers. Without reading this entire version and unaware of other possible discrepancies, my plan is to read this one next, Lord willing, after I finish a chronological one.

Thanks to the CWA Review Crew for this complimentary book, accepting my unbiased positive or negative opinion.

This review will be posted on DeeperShopping and Amazon with links on Bookfun.org, Godinterest, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Google+.

GRAMMARLY was used to check for errors in this review.

* CONTEST * Navigating Indieworld ~ 5 Print & 5 Ebook Giveaways!

WIN CAROLE P. ROMAN & JULIE A. GERBER’S
NAVIGATING INDIEWORLD:
A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO SELF-PUBLISHING
AND MARKETING YOUR BOOK!

5 WINNERS will be randomly selected to win FREE this PAPERBACK from the author this recently released book.
5 WINNERS will be randomly selected to win FREE this KINDLE EBOOK from the author this recently released book.

TEASER:  “We will approach the subject to educate, prepare, and enable any person to write, publish, and ultimately sell their books to the general public,” Julie A. Gerber and Carole P. Roman write in their book, Navigating Indieworld: A Beginner’s Guide to Self-Publishing and Marketing Your Book.

SIMPLE steps to enter this 3-day contest

1.  Follow my blog if you do not do so already.
2. Click on the headline ** CONTEST ** to be sure you are on the Reply page.
3. Post in the “LEAVE A REPLY” section below why you want to read this exciting book (could be funny, clever, serious, or the words “I want” since the winner is randomly chosen).
4. Like at least one of Carole P Roman’s sites on the internet.

http://caroleproman.blogspot.com/

https://www.facebook.com/CarolePRomanAwardWinningAuthorAndBooks

https://www.facebook.com/cnbbook

http://www.caroleproman.com/

5. If you are the winner, please post a review regarding what you thought of the book on at least 2 websites.

6. PLEASE BE SURE TO REQUEST PRINT OR EBOOK FORMAT WHEN ENTERING THE CONTEST!

This is a FAST CONTEST ending Sunday, September 25, 2016, after 5 PM PST so follow the requirements above and try for a chance to win a book that is mailed from the publisher directly to you! Winner’s shipping address must be in the U.S.A.

I edited this book so cannot review it as my opinion would be biased.
It is full of helpful information on self-publishing a book including chapter to-do lists and costs of each aspect to promoting your book.

All is Bright

Title: All is Bright
Author: Nancy Guthrie
Illustrator: Lizzie Preston
Publisher: Tyndale Publishing House
ISBN: 978-1-4964-1802-9

“The busyness of December can easily crowd out contemplation of the amazing reality of God’s coming to live among us as one of us,” Nancy Guthrie writes in the introduction of her book, All is Bright: A Devotional Journey to Color Your Way to Christmas.

~ What ~
Part of the Living Expressions collection, this ninety-page over-sized paperback targets both young and old who like a Christmas coloring book that also includes a thirty-day devotional plus family activities. With a short one page devotional on the left side of the page, the black and white full page drawing on the right side is for coloring as one reflects on the thirty-one days of December celebrating Christ’s birth. There are a dozen family activities that include a written out Bible verse, discussion starters, and prayers, followed by a dozen pages of less-complicated drawings to color that are geared for young ones. The ending has a list of the author’s books, biographies of the author and illustrator, and an advertisement. Using mainly the New Living Translation of the Holy Bible, the ESV, NASB, NIV, and NKJV are referenced.

While the devotionals cover topics such as God’s timing, getting and giving, Jesus’s name, birth, angels, honoring the King, and Christmas Scripture reading to name a few, the illustrations include simple to detailed pages to color that relate to the holiday as well as Bible verses, praises to God, and sayings.

~ Why ~
This is a multi-comprehensive coloring book devotional concentrating on Christmas that families can enjoy. The paper used is thick enough that colored pencils and felt tip markers would not bleed through to the following page.

~ Why Not ~
Those who do not care for coloring or doodling will pass on this type of book. Some may not like all the pictures, devotionals, or the added wordings and focus on Christ’s birth.

~ Who ~
An international speaker, Guthrie has written numerous books. She and her husband are cohosts of GriefShare videos and host a Respite Retreat for couples. Artist Preston is a designer, illustrator, and creative person who lives in the United Kingdom.

~ Wish ~
I wish all pronouns of God were capitalized for reverence. It would be helpful if the pages were perforated or printed further out from the binding so they could be cut and framed or given as gifts when completed.

~ Want ~
If you are looking for an adult coloring book for Christmas that includes a daily devotional for the month of December plus activities and a coloring section for children, this would be a thoughtful gift.

Thanks to Tyndale Publishing House for this book to read and review.

This review will be posted on the Tyndale Blog, Deeper Shopping, and Amazon with links on Bookfun.org, Pinterest, Godinterest, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Google+.

Grammarly was used to check for errors in this review.

The Berenstain Bears Bedtime Devotional

Title: The Berenstain Bears Bedtime Devotional
Author and Illustrator: Mike Berenstain
Publisher: Zonderkidz
ISBN: 978-0-310-75165-8

“Before you close your eyes tonight, think a little bit about friendship,” one of the “Carry On, Club!” paragraphs states in Mike Berenstain’s book, The Berenstain Bears Bedtime Devotional: Includes 90 Devotionals.

~ What ~
Part of the Berenstain Bears / Living Lights series, this numbered one-hundred-sixty-page hardbound targets child four to eight years old, especially those who like a bedtime devotional. With no profanity or scary scenes, it has ninety devotions that cover one page each with illustrations added every few pages. Due to some complicated wording, it would best be read out loud to beginner readers. The New International Version of the Holy Bible is used.

In this compact book, ninety devotions are dedicated to learning and trusting God via the portal of the famous bear family. Divided into ten chapters, topics are covered on prayer, God’s love, being kind, forgiving, thankful, courageous, a good friend, and joyful. Also mentioned are God’s gifts and blessings and having faith. Each page has a short written out Bible verse at the top of the page and one paragraph relating to the topic from the bears’ perspective. Sometimes added is an italicized “Carry On, Cub!” section that brings the topic closer to the young reader’s heart, reminding God is the answer. A one sentence bear child’s prayer is highlighted at the bottom of the page.

~ Why ~
Some children love to be read to at bedtime, especially a short devotional about God. With this one focusing on the Berenstain Bears, it also reiterates to pray to God, be kind, forgiving, thankful, brave, and joyful. I love the simple to follow format and gentle way to think about God and pray as one drifts off to sleep. As an adult, if I only read the italicized paragraphs, I would get something out of how I should relate to God.

~ Why Not ~
Those who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ will find no need to read a devotion to a young child. Others may not appreciate the Bible version used.

~ Who ~
Since Stan and Jan passed away years ago, their son Mike continues to follow in his parents’ footsteps with the Berenstain Bear series and products. He lives in Pennsylvania.

~ Wish ~
I wish the book used the King James Version as several of the written out verses from the NIV were not how I memorized them as a child.

~ Want ~
If you like the Berenstain Bears series and are looking for a thoughtful wind-down read at bedtime, this devotional will engage your children while teaching them about God and prayer.

Thanks to Z-Blog Squad for providing this book for reading and reviewing.

This review will be posted on DeeperShopping and Amazon with links on Bookfun.org, Pinterest, Godinterest, LinkedIn, and Google+.

Grammarly was used to check for errors in this review.

Goodnight, Manger

Title: Goodnight, Manger
Author: Laura Sassi
Illustrator: Jane Chapman
Publisher: Zonderkidz
ISBN: 978-0-310-75571-5

“Baby sleeps as
Stars on high,
Twinkle to the
Lullaby.
Goodnight, manger.
Goodnight, stall.
Time to sleep now,
One and all.
Laura Sassi rhymes in her children’s book,  Goodnight, Manger.

~ What ~
This unnumbered thirty-two-page board book with rounded corners and a padded front cover targets children ages four to eight years old who enjoy the story of Jesus’s birth. With expressive and colorful illustrations by Jane Chapman, short four to eight line rhymes are on almost all pages.

The simple story is told of Jesus as a baby in an animal stall. While the Christ child tries to rest, the animals, angels, and kings make so much racket, it is hard for Him to sleep. After Mary tells them to sing a soft song, Jesus and those nearby fall into a peaceful sleep.

~ Why ~
The artwork in this book is adorable, especially the chicken that offers her feathers for softness in the manger, jumps in alarm when the angels sing, or flies when the kings arrive.  With its well-written rhyming, it has a theme about the manger being the place for baby Jesus to sleep.

~ Why Not ~
Those who do not believe in Jesus or the true Christmas story will not approve of this book. I questioned having a young reader think Mary told the angels to be quiet when they were announcing our Savior’s birth and was frantic when the kings arrived as I cannot visualize or have not read either in Scripture. The story may promote that Jesus was a fussy baby who could not sleep and needed quietness.

~ Who ~
No information is offered regarding the author. Artist Chapman has illustrated over one hundred books and lives with her family in Southern England.

~ Wish ~
Although I loved the rhyming often written without proper sentence structure and the illustrations, I wish the story did not depict Jesus as a crying baby that needed a quiet song to fall asleep.

~ Want ~
If you are looking for a book about baby Jesus trying to sleep, this may work for you, but I did not care for its connotations.

Thanks to Z Blog Squad for this book to read and review.

This review will be posted on DeeperShopping and Amazon with links on Bookfun.org, Godinterest, Pinterest, Google+, and LinkedIn.

GRAMMARLY was used to check for errors in this review.

A Royal Christmas to Remember

Title: A Royal Christmas to Remember
Authors: Jeanna Young & Jacqueline Johnson
Illustrator: Omar Aranda
Publisher: Zondervan
ISBN: 978-0-310-74802-1

“Christmas means giving to others, not storing up for ourselves,” the princesses are reminded in Jeanna Young and Jaqueline Johnson’s children’s book, A Royal Christmas to Remember.

~ What ~
Part of the Princess Parables series, this thirty-two-page oversized hardbound with a glittery embossed front cover targets young girls ages four to eight years old. With no scary scenes except the girls being tied up by hoodlums, the book is about five sibling princesses who learn Christmas is not strictly about getting gifts. The ending includes verses from the New International Version of the Holy Bible.

With brightly colored drawings that are easy to understand, the tale is about five princesses who tell their father they need a larger storage house to hold all the Christmas decorations. When the king has to leave the castle due to a band of marauders in the village, the girls are frightened when several thieves break in and tie them up. Five young squires come to their rescue, and when their father returns, the girls offer to give gifts and decorations to the vandalized town.  The final two pages have a short story about the parable in the Bible of the rich ruler.

~ Why ~
Little girls who are into being or reading about princesses may like this book that concentrates on giving to others at Christmas time instead of receiving. I like how colorful and expressive the designs are that will keep a young reader’s attention.

~ Why Not ~
Those who do not believe Jesus birth is the main focus of Christmas will avoid this book. Some may not like that it is geared toward girls with all the princess connotations, but a group of males the same ages as the girls are included. Beginner readers may find the two- and three-syllable words hard to comprehend or understand.

~ Who ~
Author Young is a cancer survivor who has written over a dozen children’s books. She lives in California with her husband and four children. Also living in the sunshine state, author Johnson and her husband have seven grandchildren, and she is devoted to teaching young ones about God. Illustrator Aranda was born in Argentina and has produced artworks worldwide, focusing mainly on children’s products.

~ Wish ~
The mother in the story is referred to but not involved so if the reader does not know about her status from prior books in the series, there may be some confusion. This also applies to the young boys who are named; I did know if they are in prior books or not since I have read and reviewed only a few of them.

~ Want ~
If your young princess has enjoyed other books in this series, this may be a nice present for her under the Christmas tree this year.

Thanks to the Z Blog Squad for this complimentary book to read and review, accepting my unbiased positive or negative opinion.

This review will be posted on Deeper Shopping and Amazon with links on Bookfun.org, Godinterest, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.

GRAMMARLY was used to check for errors in this review.

* CONTEST * If You Were Me and Lived in … Viking Europe ~ 4 Books + 1 Full Set Giveaway!

WIN CAROLE P ROMAN’S CHILDREN’S CIVILIZATION BOOK SERIES
IF YOU WERE ME AND LIVED IN … VIKING EUROPE!

4 WINNERS will be randomly selected to win FREE from the author this recently released new series.
1 GRAND WINNER will be randomly selected to win FREE from the author a COMPLETE SET of all books in the series!

REVIEW  TEASER: “If you were me and lived during Viking times, you would be born sometime in the year 870 AD in the northern part of Europe over eleven hundred and forty years ago,” Carole P. Roman writes in her children’s book, If You Were Me and Lived In … Viking Europe.

SIMPLE steps to enter this 3-day contest

1.  Follow my blog if you do not do so already.
2. Click on the headline ** CONTEST ** to be sure you are on the Reply page.
3. Post in the “LEAVE A REPLY” section below why you want to read this exciting book (could be funny, clever, serious, or the words “I want” since the winner is randomly chosen).
4. Like at least one of Carole P Roman’s sites on the internet.

http://caroleproman.blogspot.com/

https://www.facebook.com/CarolePRomanAwardWinningAuthorAndBooks

https://www.facebook.com/CarolePRomanCulturalBooksForChildren

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=the%20crew%20goes%20coconuts&sprefix=the+crew+goes+coc%2Caps

https://www.facebook.com/cnbbook

http://www.caroleproman.com/

5. If you are the winner, please post a review regarding what you thought of the book on at least 2 websites.

This is a FAST CONTEST ending Friday, September 23, 2016, after 5 PM PST so follow the requirements above and try for a chance to win a brdook that is mailed from the publisher directly to you!Winner’s shipping address must be in the U.S.A.

I read & reviewed this book – it’s a 5 STAR!
Here is my review: https://connywithay.wordpress.com/2016/09/18/if-you-were-me-and-lived-in-viking-europe/

The Beginner’s Bible Holy Bible

Title: The Beginner’s Bible: Holy Bible
Publisher: ZonderKidz
ISBN: 978-0-310-75701-6

“Great! You’ll love how you can read this Bible all by yourself. The print is easy to read and The Beginner’s Bible art is fun and will help you better understand the stories in the Bible,” the back jacket states of this New International Reader’s Version of the Holy Bible.

~ What ~
Targeting children six to ten years old who want a Bible to call their own, this one has a sturdy hardbound cover. Containing violence and adult situations, some of the iconic contents may not be appropriate for immature readers. At 2,048 pages in length, the New International Readers Version is geared for more simplistic viewing.

Typical of the NIvR, this contains several pages about the particular version, both the Old and New Testaments, a dictionary, and a list of one hundred and fifty famous Bible stories by title and book location. In the verses, numbers are numerical, not written out, some key language is omitted, and antiquated pronouns such as thee and thou are changed.

Since it is part of The Beginner’s Bible series, the book has twenty full-color, full-page illustrations of stories in the Bible. The first two drawings are at the beginning on two presentation pages, with a place to write in the recipient’s name, giver, date given, age of the recipient, and reason given. Placed routinely throughout the pages and not near the stories’ locations, the artworks cover characters such as Noah, Abraham, Moses, Joshua, Samuel, Elijah, David, and Jonah from the Old Testament. The New Testament pictures are mostly about Jesus and His miracles, death on the cross, and resurrection.

~ Why ~
This book would be a nice first Bible for a young child who is enjoys reading and understands its well-known Biblical stories as he or she searches for more information. The print is decent sized so easy to read.

~ Why Not ~
Since the book is for first to fifth graders, the version may be advanced for some readers’ comprehension level based on its content. With the added illustrations inserted systematically instead of within the storyline, it may be frustrating for some readers to have to flip to the chapters mentioned. The paper is thin, so words bleed through the pages.

~ Wish ~
Not a fan of the NIV, I wish a King James Version for children were available in this series.

~ Want ~
This Bible is a reasonable progression for those who enjoy The Beginner’s Bible series products and are ready to read directly from the Word of God.

Thanks to Z Blog Squad for furnishing this complimentary book to read and review, accepting my unbiased positive or negative opinion.

This review will be posted on DeeperShopping and Amazon with links on Bookfun.org, Godinterest, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.

GRAMMARLY was used to check for errors in this review.

* CONTEST * If You Were Me and Lived in … Poland ~ 4 Books + 1 Full Set Giveaway!

WIN CAROLE P ROMAN’S A CHILD’S INTRODUCTION TO CULTURE AROUND THE WORLD BOOK SERIES
IF YOU WERE ME AND LIVED IN … POLAND!

4 WINNERS will be randomly selected to win FREE from the author this recently released new series.
1 GRAND WINNER will be randomly selected to win FREE from the author a COMPLETE SET of all books in the series!

REVIEW  TEASER: “If you were me and lived in Poland, you would find yourself in Central Europe (Ur-rup) in a country you called Pokska (Pol-ska),” Carole P. Roman writes in her children’s book, If You Were Me and Lived In … Poland – A Child’s Introduction to Culture Around the World.

SIMPLE steps to enter this 3-day contest

1.  Follow my blog if you do not do so already.
2. Click on the headline ** CONTEST ** to be sure you are on the Reply page.
3. Post in the “LEAVE A REPLY” section below why you want to read this exciting book (could be funny, clever, serious, or the words “I want” since the winner is randomly chosen).
4. Like at least one of Carole P Roman’s sites on the internet.

http://caroleproman.blogspot.com/

https://www.facebook.com/CarolePRomanAwardWinningAuthorAndBooks

https://www.facebook.com/CarolePRomanCulturalBooksForChildren

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=the%20crew%20goes%20coconuts&sprefix=the+crew+goes+coc%2Caps

https://www.facebook.com/cnbbook

http://www.caroleproman.com/

5. If you are the winner, please post a review regarding what you thought of the book on at least 2 websites.

This is a FAST CONTEST ending Wednesday, September 21st, 2016, after 5 PM PST so follow the requirements above and try for a chance to win a book that is mailed from the publisher directly to you! Winner’s shipping address must be in the U.S.A.

I read & reviewed this book – it’s a 5 STAR!
Here is my review: https://connywithay.wordpress.com/2016/09/17/if-you-were-me-and-lived-in-poland/

If You Were Me and Lived in … Viking Europe

Title: If You Were Me and Lived In … Viking Europe
Author: Carole P. Roman
Illustrator: Mateya Arkova
Publisher: CreateSpace
ISBN: 978-1-532875304

“If you were me and lived during Viking times, you would be born sometime in the year 870 AD in the northern part of Europe over eleven hundred and forty years ago,” Carole P. Roman writes in her children’s book, If You Were Me and Lived In … Viking Europe.

~ What ~
Sixth in An Introduction to Civilizations throughout Time series, this seventy-six-page paperback targets elementary to middle school-aged children and readers who like learning about historical eras. With no profanity, scary scenes, or violence, it would best be read to beginner readers based on some complicated words. Colorful pastel illustrations cover the pages with a nicely sized font wording, usually against a solid white background. At the ending, eight pages are dedicated to the gods and important people of the period, followed by a seven-page glossary that also includes pronunciation for each word.

In this book dedicated to the Vikings in ancient times, the history, religion, culture, clothing, and activities are explained. Readers can learn what their names would be, employment, town and home environment, food choices, necessary attire, monetary values, education, hobbies, and important people and what they accomplished.

~ Why ~
Not written as a fictional story, this educational and detailed account is a way for children to learn about another period in history and how it changed the world. As an adult, I appreciated the information on the explanation of people’s names, the three societal classes of Jarls, Karls, and Thralls, house layouts, wearing wimples and brooches, girls married at age fifteen, games of knattleikr and skaktafl, and the runic alphabet.

~ Why Not ~
While the book contains long paragraphs and three- to four-syllable words, it would have to be read out loud to new readers. Some may think its contents may be too advanced for young children, but the pictures are understandable and simplistic.

~ Who ~
Award-winning author, Roman has written several series for children of books based on countries, eras, and the pirate genre as well as adult non-fiction. She lives in New York with her husband and close to her children and grandchildren. Illustrator Arkova lives in Bulgaria and enjoys drawing bright pastels in funny cartoonish format.

~ Wish ~
I wish more creative books like this one were available that promoted historical events to be used as educational tools for teaching children.

~ Want ~
If you are looking for a new series that covers a gambit of historical places and people, this one will inspire and educate your children about the way a life being a Viking.

Thanks to the author for this complimentary book to read and review.

This review will be posted on Amazon with links on Bookfun.org, Godinterest, Pinterest, Google+, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

GRAMMARLY was used to check for errors in this review.