Armor Present Bible Keychains

12 MINI-BIBLES ON KEYCHAINS

~ What ~
This set of 12 keychains with large O-rings contain a miniature Holy Bible protected by a black or gold plastic cover and latch along with one magnifying glass. The Bible supposedly has both Old and New Testaments and measures 1.6 by 1.2 by 0.4 inches. The online picture shows 4 of each cover in silver, gold, and black with a black cross on the front, and each arrives individually wrapped in cellophane with a twist tie.

~ Why ~
Since I am a Christian, I enjoy reading the Bible daily and find these make wonderful little gifts for family and friends to be reminded to take the Word of God with them wherever they go. I like that it supposedly contains both Testaments. Having a latch closure keeps the papers inside from bending or tearing. Adding a free magnifying glass is a nice touch.

~ Why Not ~
Those who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ will not want or think they need this item. Others may find the print too minuscule to read as it cannot be read with the enclosed magnifier. I tried reading with a more powerful one and realized that books of the Bible like Genesis, Exodus, and Leviticus are duplicated throughout, and other books are missing. A few may worry that the book could get easily damaged or ruined if put on a keychain.

~ Wish ~
I wish it stated online what version of the Bible was used and that it really is not the complete Bible. The package I received had only 6 gold and 6 black with no silver so I was disappointed. It would be helpful showing a picture online of the magnifying glass.

~ Want ~
If you are looking for a set of a dozen keychains with tiny Bibles to give as gifts, this is a cute idea, but you should note that they are unreadable and do not contain the complete Word of God. These may be cute hand-out gifts for Sunday School or Awana clubs if the recipients only want it for show and not for reading or studying.

Thanks to Amor Present for this discounted item that I am under no obligation to review.

#RankBoosterReview #SponsoredbyVillapan #AmorPresent #BibleKeyChains #WordofGodKeychains

This product can be found at https://www.amazon.com/Amor-Present-Miniature-Religious-Magnifying/dp/B076ZTX7JY

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Switch on Your Brain Every Day

Title: Switch on Your Brain Every Day
Author: Dr. Caroline Leaf
Publisher: Baker Books
ISBN: 978-0-8010-9360-9

“Your choices, where you direct your thinking, and what you decide to meditate on, can change the world—for good or for ill,” Dr. Caroline Leaf writes in the introduction to her book, Switch on Your Brain Every Day: 365 Readings for Peak Happiness, Thinking, and Health.

~ What ~
At three-hundred-and-eighty-four pages, this small hardbound with a padded front cover targets those who want a daily devotional that promotes thinking deeply and dwelling on spiritual things to better their well-being. Using the New Revised Standard Version of The Holy Bible for Old Testament references, The Kingdom New Testament is used for the second half of the Bible. Ending with an epilogue, notes, author’s biography, and advertisements, the book comes with an attached yellow marker ribbon.

Each page in this book has a number day of a year with one or more written out Bible verses. A brainy tip to contemplate is highlighted in a gray-shaded box, followed by one to three paragraphs about the verse and an unstated topic. Using verses from all parts of the Bible, the devotionals concentrate on trusting in God while instilling practices for living a healthy, happy life daily.

~Why ~
So many devotions include a writer’s personal experiences, but this one does not. I am thankful that its focus is on God and thinking about Him. I like that I could relate to the topics and how the mind can be a powerful tool for personal and spiritual happiness. I appreciate that some of the topics may cover a few days or sometimes a verse is used on another day but with a different perspective.

One devotion I enjoyed is Day 18 about Psalm46:10: Be still, and know that I am God. The Brainy Tip is: If you are constantly in busy mode, your mental and physical health will suffer. The two paragraphs that follow remind the reader that it is acceptable to say no sometimes and allow God to control our time. If we take the time to rest and relax, we can be restored and renewed through Him.

~ Why Not ~
Those who do not believe in Jesus Christ as their savior may not enjoy this devotional. Some may not like that the paragraphs do not thoroughly dissect the Scripture or offer other verses to explore. Others may prefer only reading the Scriptures as their daily reading. It should not replace daily Bible reading.

~ Wish ~
While the author mentions to write thoughts about the day’s contents in a separate journal, the book’s pages often have plenty of space that could include lines for writing. I wish a short title, prayer at the bottom, and topical or Bible verse index were included.

~ Want ~
If you like devotionals that lightly cover a Bible verse with insights and concepts to help you think about things, this may be a good choice. It would make a thoughtful thank-you gift for a loved one.

Thanks to Baker Books for this complimentary book that I am under no obligation to review.

This book can be purchased at https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/switch-on-your-brain-every-day-dr-caroline-leaf/1128620142

 

The End Times Survival Guide

Title: The End Times Survival Guide
Author: Mark Hitchcock
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
ISBN: 978-1-4964-1409-7

“Are you awake, alert, active, and attentive, using what you’ve been given in the Lord’s service? Or are you dull and drowsy?” Mark Hitchcock asks in his book, The End Times Survival Guide: Ten Biblical Strategies for Faith and Hope in These Uncertain Days.

~ What ~
This two hundred-and-forty-page paperback targets Christians who want to focus on their spiritual walk with God as we prepare for Jesus’s return. Using mainly the New Living Translation of the Holy Bible, other versions referenced are the NASB, NIV, and KJV. After an introduction, there are ten chapters, ending with notes and the author’s biography.

Divided into ten chapters, the book contains spiritual tools to prepare for the Lord’s coming. Covered are to stop worrying, run the race to the end, be a part of the church, put on the whole armor of God, pray until something happens, be aware of spiritual gifts, consider Psalms 46, be spirit-filled with the Holy Spirit, tune into Jesus, and be awake and alert for His coming. Applicable Bible verses are written out.

~ Why ~
In the times we live, we all must learn to be survivors by following Christ above all else. I like the simplicity of this book in that it could pertain to any point in history, as we all should be looking up and expecting the Lord’s return at any second. Explaining the full armor of God from Ephesians, the Lord’s Prayer, Psalms 46, and other Bible verses helps us look to the Word for answers and comfort instead of dwelling on the world and current events.

~ Why Not ~
Those who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ may have no interest in this book or not want to consider thinking about end times and their own eternity. Some may not like the author’s personal references or many analogies that are unrelated to the end times or Bible. Since the book is on more spiritual matters, it does not contain much end-time, rapture, or tribulation information or discussion that is usually expected of the writer.

~ Wish ~
Although it was mentioned in the book, daily study in the Word and more attention to prayer could have been more emphasized. With the mentioning that Christians should be a part of current-day church, the book skims over the sad truth that many of us do not attend due to lack of Biblical direction, knowledge, and correct teaching in our local areas and must resort to online sermons and other believers for friendship and support. I prefer all pronouns of God capitalized for reverence.

~ Want ~
If you are looking for a read to hone in your spiritual outlook as we get closer to the Lord’s return, this book focuses on ten ways to get closer to Him. While I agree with the premise of the book,  I expected something more from it.

Thanks to Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. for this book that I am under no obligation to review.

This book can be purchased at https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-end-times-survival-guide-mark-hitchcock/1128198749

The Non-Prophet’s Guide to the End Times

Title: The Non-Prophet’s Guide to the End Times
Author: Todd Hampson
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers
ISBN: 978-0-7369-7279-6

“One of the main goals of this book is to address this confusion and to demonstrate that not only can Revelation and other prophetic texts be understood, but that by studying them, your faith will grow and your relationship with Jesus will deepen,” Todd Hampson writes at the beginning of his book, The Non-Prophet’s Guide to the End Times: Bible Prophecy for Everyone.

~ What ~
This two-hundred-and-twenty-four-page paperback targets those who want to learn more about the end times related to the prophecies found in the Bible. Using mainly the New International Version, other versions referenced are the NKJV, NLT, and ESV. With no introduction, there are twenty-one chapters, ending with notes.

In this quick read, the book is divided into four parts regarding Bible prophecy: its definition, nature, and importance including divine authorship and practical studying benefits; its key building blocks that cover interpretations with rapture and millennium views, important sections and categories regarding Daniel’s visions, the Olivet discourse, and John’s revelation; and signs of current events of Israel, geopolitics, nature, spirituality, culture, technology, convergence, and more. Dispersed throughout are highlighted charts, timelines, cartoon/comic strip illustrations, written-out Bible verses, quotes by pastors and evangelists, and quick facts.

~ Why ~
If you are a new Christian believer or are unsure about the timeline of the rapture, tribulation, millennium, and end times, this is an excellent learning tool, especially due to its easy-breezy layout geared toward the thirty-five-year-old and younger generations. I greatly appreciate the author’s firm stance in the pre-tribulation rapture and his explainable five-point reasons as well as his belief of the literal millennium beginning after the seven-year tribulation and dispensations. Correlating prophecies to both the Old and New Testament prove the validity of the upcoming, imminent world-altering events.

~ Why Not ~
Those who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ may not be interested in this read, but it could change their stance on eternity. Some may disagree on the writer’s conclusions on the topics, but they are well documented. There are some who are ardently looking for Christ’s return who may not learn anything new from this book, but I did as I was unaware the United Nations adopted The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in 2015.

~ Wish ~
While I totally agree with Hampson’s explanations, it would be ideal if he went a step further to explain more about what happens to believers after we are raptured and during the millennium and include information on the New Jerusalem. I wish the eternal plan of salvation was at the beginning of the book as it is pivotal to redemption and God’s grace. I prefer there was consistency with capitalizing all pronouns of God. Adding a topical index would be helpful.

~ Want ~
If you, like me, are looking up for our Savior to return at any minute, this is a great refresher book about future events controlled by God. It would be a perfect gift for a young new Christian or one who is unclear about the end times.

Thanks to Harvest House Publishers, Inc. for this book that I am under no obligation to review.

This book can be purchased at https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-non-prophets-guide-to-the-end-times-todd-hampson/1127629428

Cozy, Snowy Cuddles

Title: Cozy, Snowy Cuddles
Illustrator: Fransesca Pesci
Publisher: Tommy Nelson
ISBN: 978-1-4002-0978-1

“Thank God for cozy kisses!
And snowy cuddles too!
We snuggle up with good night
hugs and whisper, ‘I love you,’”
states the ending of Tommy Nelson children’s book, Cozy, Snowy Cuddles.

~ What ~
At ten pages, this square paperback with rounded corners targets children ages four to eight years old who enjoy winter animals. With no scary scenes, it is a story told in rhyme about a white baby polar bear that wants to snuggle with other animals during the cold winter. Including some complicated wording, it would be best read out loud to beginner readers.

Containing “touch and feel” sections on several pages, the rhymed tale has the bear cub be with whales, husky sled dogs, seals, moose, and the bear’s parents. Each of the animal scenes have a parent and baby animal with the bear. The touch-and-feel pertains to all of the animals’ skins and fur.

~Why ~
While winter can be cold and icy, this book reminds young readers that they can get warm by snuggling with others, especially parents. I like the cute depictions of the parent and child animals and expressions on the cub’s face. Mentioning God briefly is a thoughtful touch.

~ Why Not ~
Those who have no relationship with Jesus may not approve of the one time God is mentioned. New readers may find the two- and three-syllable words hard to pronounce.

~ Wish ~
While I appreciate the different animals shown, I wish there were more of them since the book is limited at ten pages.

~ Want ~
If you are looking for a book for young ones about snuggling on a cold day, this may be a good choice, but I wish it were more comprehensive.

Thanks to BookLookBloggers for this complimentary book that I am under no obligation to review.

This book can be purchased at https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/cozy-snowy-cuddles-touch-and-feel-thomas-nelson/1128128167

A Sparkle of Silver

Title: A Sparkle of Silver
Author: Liz Johnson
Publisher: Revell
ISBN: 978-0-8007-2962-2

“She kept saying that there was more than treasure buried at the Chateau. She said the truth would be there too,” Millie explains in Liz Johnson’s novel, A Sparkle of Silver.

~ What ~
The first in the Georgia Coast Romance series, this three-hundred-and-seventy-page book targets those who enjoy contemporary Christian romance, missing treasure, and relationship dynamics. With no profanity, adult topics of old-fashioned improprieties may not be appropriate for immature readers. The ending includes an excerpt of the next book, acknowledgments, and author’s biography.

Set on St. Simons Island in Georgia, this tale involves Millie Sullivan, a young woman who must work three jobs to make sure her aging and forgetful grandmother’s finances are covered at an assisted living facility. When her dear grandmom mentions a diary of her mother’s that was hidden ninety years ago at the once-famous local estate, she adds another job title of actress to the mansion’s tours to search for the book.

During her snooping and sleuthing, Ben Thornton, a history professor who is a security guard there and trying to pay off debts he never caused, finds he has no choice but to partner with her to help her locate the old diary that is supposed to include a treasure map.

As the two rush to find the answers, the clock of the past ticks on, explaining more than where the treasure is but also who Millie is and how Ben can be rid of his guilt.

~Why ~
With the theme of forgiveness, this is a romantic story of finding what is most important in life. Although money acquired by finding the treasure would pay the bills to take care of her grandmother, Millie initially wishes she was related to a rich man her great-grandmother met at the estate so long ago. Through sins of action and inaction of the past and present, the two protagonists learn God is the ultimate provider, not money. I like the descriptions of decades-old societal rules and ways.

~ Why Not ~
Those who do not like Christian romances will pass on this story that promotes God’s mercy and forgiveness while learning to forgive others. Although no eternal plan of salvation is discussed, it does have references to the Bible and sporadic prayers to God. With a twist at the end, the romances are predictable and some of the characters continually waver on their decisions. While I have read a prior book by this author, I found this one less engaging due to its stereotypical characters.

~ Wish ~
I found some of the instances of sneaking around to find the treasure, lying to others, and conversing to oneself for assurance handled flippantly by the characters, especially those who trusted God. I wish all pronouns of God were capitalized for reverence.

~ Want ~
If you like a mystery of a woman’s desire to not only take care of her grandmother but also learn about her lineage, this may be a good read, but I found myself often skimming pages that were bogged down, wanting to know the outcome of the story.

Thanks to Revell for furnishing this complimentary book in exchange for a review based on my honest opinion.

This book can be purchased at https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-sparkle-of-silver-liz-johnson/1127953156

Freedom’s Light

Title: Freedom’s Light
Author: Colleen Coble
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
ISBN: 978-0-7852-1938-5

“Your light led me to freedom, my love. What need have I of a lighthouse when you are by my side?” Hannah is told in Colleen Coble’s novel, Freedom’s Light.

~ What ~
This three-hundred-and-twenty-page paperback targets those interested in a historical Christian romance during the American Revolutionary War. With no profanity, the topics of fornication, physical abuse, war, and death may not be appropriate for immature readers. The ending includes a note from the author, acknowledgments, eight discussion questions, and the author’s biography.

Set mainly in Massachusetts in 1776, Hannah Thomas has fled from Galen Wright, a Tory who wants her only for his own, and is married to a lighthouse keeper. When her older husband joins the colonists to fight against Britain and is killed, her only option is to tend to the lights that keep the ships at sea safe. However, when injured Birch Meredith washes ashore, she nurses the captain with an agenda back to health, praying God will deal with the man’s bitterness and vengeance. More complications arrive when her younger sister becomes obsessed with Galen, not realizing how evil his intentions are.

~ Why ~
This story shows how both sides of the Revolutionary War had to deal with harassment, hatred, and hangings, while love lighted the darkness of loneliness, heartbreak, and guilt. I enjoyed seeing the struggle the characters faced when challenged with family problems, loyalty, and hiding secrets. There are unexpected twists of stubbornness and deceit as well as selflessness and tenderness. I appreciated the protagonist’s reliance on God when dealt with legalism, making major decisions, and helping others.

~ Why Not ~
Those who do not like wartime stories of romantic relationships may not enjoy this book. Others may feel uncomfortable reading about premarital sex, but there are no graphic descriptions, only repercussions and how society dealt with it in the colonies. Since spies were prevalent during the war, their chronic lying may be viewed as immoral to some readers.

~ Wish ~
Including a map and list of characters may help some readers.

~ Want ~
If you are fascinated with how Tories and Loyalists survived dealing with America becoming independent while including a love story with heartbreak, this is an engaging read. I found it to be one of my favorite Coble books.

Thanks to Book Look Bloggers for this complimentary book that I am under no obligation to review.

This book can be purchased at https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/freedoms-light-colleen-coble/1127455191

Everything She Didn’t Say

Title: Everything She Didn’t Say
Author: Jane Kirkpatrick
Publisher: Revell
ISBN: 978-0-8007-2701-7

“There is more than one way to tell a story …,” the back jacket declares in Jane Kirkpatrick’s novel, Everything She Didn’t Say.

~ What ~
Based on an actual person, this three-hundred-and-fifty-two-page paperback targets those interested in a pioneering woman’s viewpoint of the American West in the early 1900s. With no profanity, topics of illness and death may not be appropriate for immature readers. At the beginning are a map and character list while the ending includes author’s notes, acknowledgments, reader’s guide, author’s interview, biography, and advertisements.

In this story written in first person that spans almost fifty years, Carrie Strahorn documents her life of getting married to Robert, a writer and railroad promoter, and traveling the American West as partners to hopelessly wanting to own a home and have children. Being one of the first pioneering women, she has fierce determination to be a lady of dignity and class as she sleeps under the same roof with twenty-six men, rides a cowcatcher, scales down a gold mine, avoids black bears, and often spends time alone, without her man.

As Carrie portrays the wilderness, mountain ranges, train trips, town start-ups, and travelers she befriends, she shares her experiences and memories in a tainted sweet light while hiding the turmoil inside of wanting to settle down and become a mother. Always putting her husband first, she commits to being with him wherever he goes, even if it means giving up her dreams.

~ Why ~
With each chapter beginning with the author’s depiction of the heroine’s thoughts, it ends with actual excerpts from Strahorn’s memoir that are interesting. I like the descriptions of the towns the couple started as most are well-established and thriving today. The explanations of what a woman had to endure societally, physically, and with her husband to survive in the West were succinct and to the point.

~ Why Not ~
Those who do not like stories of a woman’s trek back and forth America to follow her husband when horses, wagons, and trains were the only forms of transportation will avoid this book. Some may think the marriage of the protagonists is stifled, showing little trust in each other as they each went about their own business, rarely sharing or divulging their wishes. With a vague plot, the ending drops abruptly, so one must read the notes to find out the real story of Robert and Carrie Strahorn. Although references of God are mentioned occasionally throughout the read, there is no plan of eternal salvation.

~ Wish
There may be more than one way to tell a story, but I did not care for this book’s way of writing a memoir of another’s memoir. I found it frustrating as the author may not know the true emotions or feelings that may never have happened as she read between the main character’s original words. I was easily irritated with the rendition of Robert as an often insensitive, selfish scoundrel while Carrie was superficial, always trying to be in her “happy lanes” by condescending to her husband’s demands. I wish all pronouns of God were capitalized for reverence.

~ Want ~
If you like historical fiction about a pioneering woman’s memoir that is rewritten with fictionalized personal inflection, this may be for you, but I struggled through it, often wondering what was real and what was not.

Thanks to Revell for this complimentary book that I am under no obligation to review.

This book can be purchased at https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/everything-she-didnt-say-jane-kirkpatrick/1127953154

White as Silence, Red as Song

Title: White as Silence, Red as Song
Author: Alessandro D’Avenia
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
ISBN: 978-0-7852-1706-0

“Yet it is Beatrice who opened my eyes, who made me see what I wasn’t seeing,” Leo realizes in Allesandro D’Avenia’s novel, White as Silence, Red as Song.

~ What ~
Originally written in Italian in 2010, this two-hundred-and-seventy-two-page hardbound targets those who appreciate heartbreaking teenage love stories. Using slang and curse words, topics about anger issues, illness, and death may not be appropriate for immature readers. The New International Version of the Holy Bible is referenced.

In this current-day tale that is written in first person, sixteen-year-old Leo is deeply infatuated with red-headed Beatrice, yet he has barely spoken to her. Through Silvia, a mutual and dear friend, he writes letters and texts that he never sends until he learns his love is terminally ill. After giving his blood that he is convinced will save her, he cherishes their relationship that teaches him about the meaning of life and tragedy of death. Observing colors including stark white and deep red, he befriends a substitute teacher who helps him realize his dreams. As his relationship with Beatrice comes to a close, he understands how to live in the moment and love those he has depended on over the years.

~ Why ~
Focusing on experiencing first-time love, this covers the gambit of the emotions, stress, turmoil, and joy that teens encounter growing up. I liked the author’s effort at the romanticizing colors, writing letters, walking his dog, competing at soccer, or studying frustrating school subjects as he pours his eclectic thoughts out on paper.

~ Why Not ~
Those who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ may not see the validity of believing in God, especially when someone they love is dying. Others who do not like romantic stories may think the read is predictable and unrealistic how a sixteen-year-old maturely handles heartbreak.

~ Wish ~
Although I liked Leo’s character, sometimes he comes across too wise for his tender age. Even with the Catholic teachings, the book does not contain the eternal plan of salvation. I prefer reading stories that do not include profanity and wish all pronouns of God were capitalized for reverence.

~ Want ~
If you like a spiritual coming-of-age story of one realizing life must involve loving others and having faith in God, you might enjoy this quick read that adults may relate to more than teens who have never been in love for the first time.

Thanks to Book Look Bloggers for this complimentary book that I am under no obligation to review.

This book can be purchased at https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/white-as-silence-red-as-song-alessandro-davenia/1127455170

Hidden Among the Stars

Title: Hidden Among the Stars
Author: Melanie Dobson
Publisher: Tyndale House
ISBN: 978-1-4964-1732-9

“Is it possible that Annika found treasure in one of these lakes or in a mine near Hallstatt? And if so, what happened to it?” Callie ponders in Melanie Dobson’s novel, Hidden Among the Stars.

~ What ~
At four-hundred-and-sixteen pages, this paperback targets those who enjoy historical fiction involving loyalty of friends, keeping secrets, and heartbreak. Topics of the Nazis, abuse, and death may not be appropriate for immature readers.

In this story told in chapters decades apart, thirty-year-old bookstore co-owner Callie Randall writes in first person as she tries to find the original owners of old books she now owns. When she reads cryptic notes in a famous children’s storybook, she is determined to find out who was the Annika who wrote it years ago and why, especially because it may involve hidden treasures Jewish Austrians buried during World War II.

Also told throughout the tale, chapters revert back to the 1930s near the Dornbach’s summer castle estate near Hallstatt, Austria, where young Annika Knopf, the caregiver’s daughter who lives on the property, is infatuated with Max Dornbach and would do anything for him, even if it meant giving up who she is.

As Annika realizes Max is in love with someone else, the Nazis are rounding up anyone Jewish, including Luzia Weiss, a young lady who happens to somehow be connected to Callie’s dear friend and prior owner of the bookstore. As the Germans march into Austria, not only does Annika, Max, and Luzia have secrets to keep, but the truth has to be uncovered years later by a fearful Callie.

~ Why ~
Although this story tenderly shows the turmoil and suffering the Jews faced as they were ripped away from their homes, it focuses on how love, loyalty, and forgiveness of others and oneself provide solace and peace from a tormented past. I like how the chapters jumped from the past to the present while writing one of them in first person. Including Bible verses and the eternal plan of salvation are appreciated.

~ Why Not ~
Some who do not like tragedies related to the Nazis during World War II and the horrific treatment of humans may not want to read this one. Those who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ may not understand how God is in control, even when we do not understand the hardships and devastation of life during the Holocaust.

~ Wish ~
With many characters who are threaded throughout the tale, it would be helpful if there were a brief list of names at the beginning of the book for reference.

~ Want ~
If you are looking for a historical fiction about how others tried to protect Jewish friends and neighbors in Austria when the Nazis were taking over, this one that includes romance, as well as self-sacrifice, will be cherished and remembered months later.

Thanks to Tyndale Blog for this complimentary book that I am freely reviewing.

This book can be purchased at https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hidden-among-the-stars-melanie-dobson/1128198731