My Favorite Books of 2014

I read a lot.  I have books every.  On my nightstand.  In my car.  In my purse.  In the kitchen.  In the living room.   My philosophy is if there is spare time then pick up a book.    I will not read just anything.   I believe that anything I read leaves an imprint of some kind.   So I am very choosy about what I read.  Fortunately, even though I am choosy (some say picky) there are so many wonderful things to read.

My favorites books in 2014 were:

Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus by Nabeel Qureshi

One night in our Life Group one of our friends mentioned this book.   I had heard of it and even read excerpts from it, but had never made the commitment to read it.  After he brought it up in our discussion, I finally sat down to read the entire thing.   It made such a huge impression on me.   Maybe it is because Muslims are so prevalent in the news or maybe it is because one of my sons was assigned to go to a Muslim mosque for school, but my heart very much open to know more.  I feel so much better equipped to pray and witness to this group of people.  My heart was definitely softened in a way I didn't now it needed to be.

The Best Yes by Lisa Tyrkerst

"Not every assignment is God's assignment for you."   I cannot tell you how life changing this sentence and so many others from this book were for me.   I did this book as a Bible study.   My book is marked up and written in because it came as just the right time for me.   I am still learning to say God's best yes for my life every single day.

Sheet Music by Kevin Leman

My sweet husband and I will celebrate 25 years this year.   Do you know what we gave each other for Christmas?  Date nights.   We love spending time together.   We have developed an intimacy over the years.   I loved reading this book again and being reminded of some of his date night "recipes". 

Praying God's Will For My Son by Lee Roberts

 I love this little book.   Anything that helps me pray more specifically for  my boys makes me happy.




Keepers of the Covenant (The Restoration Chronicles Book #2) by Lynn Austin

When Lynn Austin announces she is releases a book I go straight to Amazon and pre-order it.  Does that tell you how much I love her books?   Keepers of the Covenant is about the Old Testament story of Ezra.   One of my favorite parts was seeing the culture of this time.   It makes the Bible come alive for me like never before.   I cannot emphasize enough how good all of Lynn's books are. 


In the Field of Grace by Tessa Afshar

It was a win/win to have not only Lynn Austin, but Tessa Afshar put out a book in 2014.  Both Christian historical authors.    The only problem with reading these authors is that I read they too quickly.   In the Field of Grace is the story of Ruth, Naomi and Boaz.   I have read this three times because it has given me a new appreciation for Jesus as my kinsmen redeemer.   Read it.... you will understand!

Raptor 6 by Ronie Kendig

My husband and I both love books with story lines involving special forces/FBI/law enforcement.   We have read several series by Kendig including her recent Operation Zulu series (so good!).  I received Raptor 6 for review and now we can't wait to read the next two.   Raptor 6 involved national security and hackers.   I had a hard time putting it down to go to bed.

Poison Town and Sky Zone (Crittendon Files Book #2 and #3) by Creston Mapes

I finished the Crittendon Files series.   These books are edge of your seat, gripping, and never know what is going to happen next kind.   They are not predictable which I love.   He addresses issues which you would easily recognize with the help of Jack Crittendon, a journalist.  Never a boring moment! 

Firewall by Diann Mills

Like I said, I like FBI fiction.  This involves a bomb attack in an airport.   I really should not have read this right before my boys got on a plane heading to Belize, but other than that I loved this book!! 


I am always on the search for new books to read.  What are you reading?  What were your favorite books for 2014?

Used Book Love

While on vacation we ran across two AMAZING used book stores.  These were unlike anything we have here at home.   Oh why can't we have one of these here in Mississippi???


McKay Used Books & CDs
Located at..
7734 Lee Hwy, CHATTANOOGA, TN 37421
230 Papermill Place Way, KNOXVILLE, TN 37919
636 Old Hickory Blvd, NASHVILLE, TN 37209

I have never been in a bookstore like this.   It was a book lover's dream.   Everything was so organized and separated by category.   You can find a little of everything here.   

The Last Word
Charlotte, NC

We stopped in Charlotte to eat lunch and the boys asked to find a Redbox to rent a movie.   Big Guy noticed this bookstore in the little shopping area where the Redbox was located.    He asked if we could go in and look and I never discourage looking in a bookstore.   We wound up staying an hour which was a long time considering this was to be our quick lunch stop.     There was something for all of us. 

FREE Books for Your Kindle

Not only are they FREE books, but they are awesome FREE books!    If you have never read a book by Brandilyn Collins, you should go and grab these book now.   Don't wait!    Go now and download these books to your Kindle.     You will be hooked.

I hope you enjoy these books as much as I did.    I will try not to be too jealous of you getting FREE books AND having a Kindle!

Book Heaven!

I have found EVEN MORE books on sale at Christian Book Distributors! I am so happy. I am listing books I have found that are on sale and I have read. Some things were selling out as I was shopping!!

False Witness by Randy Singer ($2.99)
Cross Examination of Oliver Finney by Randy Singer ($2.99)
Sisterchicks in Sombreros by R. Gunn ($.99)
Sisterchicks Down Under by R. Gunn ($.99)
Treasures of the Deep by Alton Gansky ($1.99)
A Time To Dance by Karen Kingsbury ($2.99)
In The Twinkling Of An Eye ($1.49)
The Entire Yada Yada Prayer Group Series - 7 books (only $34.99) one of my favs!!
A Bride Most Begrudging by Deeanne Gist ($5.99)
The Measure of a Lady by Deeanne Gist ($5.99)


Kid's Books:
The Prophet's Kids (KidWitness Tales) ($.99)
Escape Underground (KidWitness Tales) ($.99)
The Worst Wish (KidWitness Tales) ($.99)
Crazy Jacob (KidWitness Tales) ($.99)
Liberty Letters: The Personal Correspondence of Hannah Brown and Sarah Smith-The Underground Railroad, 1858 ($2.99)
Liberty Letters: The Personal Correspondence of Elizabeth Walton and Abigail Matthews-The Story of Pocahontas, 1613 ($2.99)

Book Sale

You know I love to read. I also love to find books on sale. Here are some books which I have reviewed or simply have loved to read which are currently on sale at BookCloseouts.com. It is one of my favorite places to shop for books. Great prices! Sometimes there are limited quantities so shop quick!


A Constant Heart by Siri Mitchell ($5.99)
Home Another Way by Christa Parish ($5.99)
A Promise to Believe In by Tracie Peterson ($7.99)
Washington's Lady by Nancy Moser ($7.99)
The Great Galaxy (Book #1 of the Astro Kids Series) ($2.4) (They have all the books in this series. My boys have both loved this series.)
3:16 by Max Lucado - Student Edition (.99)
Adventures in Odyssey DVD Collection ($14.99 - 63% off)
The Applause of Heaven by Max Lucado ($2.99) This is my favorite Lucado book I have ever read.
Bibleman Legacy Vol. 3 ($12.99 - 70% off) My boys loved Bibleman. Boys need heroes and I fully approved of a hero that quoted Scripture!
Bibleman Legacy Vol. 2 ($7.99 - 60% off)
Covenant Child by Terri Blackstock ($2.99)
Deeper Water by Robert Whitlow ($6.99)
GiGi, God's Little Princess ($2.99)
God's Little Princess Devotional Bible ($5.99) I JUST reviewed this one!!
The Great Physicians Rx for Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia ($2.99)
Isle of Swords by Wayne Batson ($3.99) Middle School book - Who needs Pirates of the Caribbean?
Lord, Save Us From Your Followers by Dan Merchant ($5.99)
Love Starts With Elle by Rachel Hauck ($4.99)
Loving Your Spouse Through Prayer by Cheri Fuller ($3.99)
Max Lucado's Children's Treasury ($9.99) This would make a GREAT gift! Includes: The Crippled Lamb, Just in Case You Ever Wonder, The Way Home: A Princess Story, and Jacob's Gift.
Same Kind of Different As Me by Ron Hall ($6.99)
Speaking Mom-ese by Lisa Whelchel ($3.99)

If you love puzzles, crosswords, Sudoku, be sure and search "puzzles" for a huge list of options. We LOVE books like this. We keep them in our "car" box for traveling, restaurants and carpool waits. Here is what I ordered from that section:

Picture This! Mazes ($1.99)
The Brainiest Insaniest Ultimate Puzzle Book ($5.99)
Grid Play ($4.99) These are word, math, and board games played on crossword puzzle grids.
KenKen Volume 1 ($2.99) Like Sudoku, but uses addition and subtraction -- Little Guy is hooked.

Can you tell there are a books on this website? Go. Browse. Discover Treasures!!

Our Favorite Easter Books

I just pulled out my Easter box of books. One of my favorite books is no longer in print which is a shame because it is a day by day reader of the Lent, Easter and Passover season. It allows me to read the events and day to day happenings of Jesus' life on the days they were happening including the times coinciding with his crucifixion. It is a very powerful book. If I find anyone or anywhere that it is in print, I will definitely post it.

Benjamin's Box
This wonderful book is perfect to be used with the resurrection eggs
that you see sold at Christian bookstores.

Celebrate Jesus on Easter

A Tale of Three Trees

Easter Bunny, Are You For Real?

Easter A to Z: Every Letter Tells A Story

The First Easter
One of the most beautifully illustrated books you could ever buy on Easter.

Preparing My Heart for Easter: A Woman's Journey to the Cross

Celebrate Jesus at Easter (for Lent through Easter)

Our Favorite Valentine Books

You already know that I am a book addict. To further show you how bad my addiction is, I will tell you that I have containers divided into holidays where I store my children's books. There are Valentine's, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc.... boxes. When each holiday is approaching I pull out the boxes so we can read the holiday books. I thought I would share some of our favorite books from our Valentine box.

Robin Hill School: Too Many Valentines

Mr. Louie is Screwy
(My Boys LOVE this "Weird School" series.
In this one he puts a love potion in the water fountain.)
Froggy's First Kiss

I Love You, Stinky Face
I can't tell you how many times I have read this book.
It was Little Guy's FAVORITE book.

Mama, Do You Love Me?

Love You Forever
I cry every time I read this book. I admit it. Big Guy loved this book
and still says "Love you forever." when he leaves the house. *sniff*

Franklin's Valentine

Geronimo's Valentine

Ready Freddy: Super Secret Valentine

Happy Valentine's Day, Little Critter!

Junie B. Jones and the Mushy Gushy Valentine

The Night Before Valentine's Day



Roses are Pink, Your Feet Really Stink

The Valentine Bears
Mr. and Mrs. Bear always missed Valentine's Day because they were hibernating.
But this year they share a wonderful surprise.

In Case You Ever Wonder (By far one of my FAVORITES!)
Here's everything you'd like to say to your children about how much you love them and most of all how special they are to God. Just In Case You Ever Wonder wraps your children in its warm message of love, comfort, and protection.

Let's Show God's Love On Valentine's Day

Even though Valentine's Day is a special holiday that celebrates love,
God's love is something we can celebrate all year long.

Love this Website: Lookybook

I love feeding my book addiction by shopping online. The only drawback to shopping for picture books is that you can't look at them first. This new website I found lets you look at and read the books -- cover to cover. I love that! We have discovered some new books by some of our favorite authors as well as discovering some great new books.

The Best Mother's Day Book Ever

My Mother's Day Book
by Tanner Germany

Here is our family: Todd, Mom, Dad and me.
Here are our pets: Kit Kat.
Here is our home. (He drew a picture.)
I will never forget when my mom brought me to school.
My mom's favorite TV show is American Idol.
It's fun when my mom takes me to the park.
My mom is happy when I make her laugh.
My mom gets mad when I break something.
My mom always says "I love you."
My mom's favorite food is pasta.
The best food that my mom cooks is cookies.
My mom looks best when she wears a dress.
When I think of my mom, I think of love.
Every afternoon, my mom takes a nap.
I think my mom is the best mom in the world because she's my mom.

As you can imagine my heart melted when I opened up this Mother's Day gift from Tanner. It was a hard bound book that he made and illlustrated in school. I am going to keep this forever! You can't buy this book anywhere else. It is a one of a kind.

Hi! I'm Deanna and I'm Addicted To Books

I went on that much needed shopping trip yesterday. I ran to SAMS to stock on the things that seem best bought on a megawarehouse. Eggs, butter, toilet paper and chocolate syrup. While there the boys always want to browse the video games and I always want to look at the books.

One caught my eye and despite my normal policy, I bought it. (I figured standing there reading it for 10 minutes meant it was worth reading.) It is "Lord, Save Us From Your Followers". As the cover states, author Dan Merchant explored why the Gospel of Love is dividing America. He wanted to know when people moved from developing relationships to a bumper sticker mentality. He even has an entire chapter in the book on faith based bumper stickers.

"God spoke and Bang It Happened."

"Are you as close to Jesus as you are to my bumper?"

"God created Adam and Eve, Not Adam and Steve."

"This Fish Won't Fry. Will You?"

His question is this. Do the drivers of the cars think this absolves them of actual face to face witnessing and what real message does this send to the world?

The answers he puts forth in this book are really fascinating!!!

Curious About This Book: Reason For God by Timothy Keller

I visited the Family Christian book store. While having a discussion with one of the store employees, he mentioned a book that his men's Bible study group was working through. He brought it up after we were talking about someone I knew who had chosen not to go to church because of the experience she had had as a child with the church.

People don't get burned by God, they get burned by people who abuse the morals and integrity established by God. It is why establishing a relationship with God and not with the "church" is so important. A pastor I had once said that people become disappointed when they start putting people on a pedastal and taking their eyes off of God.

I think I am going to add this to my "want to read" list of books.

Summary of Book: The End of Faith. The God Delusion. God Is Not Great. Letter to a Christian Nation. Bestseller lists are filled with doubters. But what happens when you actually doubt your doubts?

Although a vocal minority continues to attack the Christian faith, for most Americans, faith is a large part of their lives: 86 percent of Americans refer to themselves as religious, and 75 percent of all Americans consider themselves Christians. So how should they respond to these passionate, learned, and persuasive books that promote science and secularism over religion and faith? For years, Tim Keller has compiled a list of the most frequently voiced “doubts” skeptics bring to his Manhattan church. And in The Reason for God, he single-handedly dismantles each of them. Written with atheists, agnostics, and skeptics in mind, Keller also provides an intelligent platform on which true believers can stand their ground when bombarded by the backlash. The Reason for God challenges such ideology at its core and points to the true path and purpose of Christianity.

Why is there suffering in the world? How could a loving God send people to Hell? Why isn’t Christianity more inclusive? Shouldn’t the Christian God be a god of love? How can one religion be “right” and the rest “wrong”? Why have so many wars been fought in the name of God? These are just a few of the questions even ardent believers wrestle with today. In this book, Tim Keller uses literature, philosophy, real-life conversations and reasoning, and even pop culture to explain how faith in a Christian God is a soundly rational belief, held by thoughtful people of intellectual integrity with a deep compassion for those who truly want to know the truth.

Just Finished Reading: Dead Don't Dance

My friend, Sheri, wrote me a note on Facebook and told me I had to read this book. Sheri has great taste in book so I immediately requested it from the library. I found a quiet evening, got a cup of coffee and started to read. After the first couple of pages, I was torn between writing Sheri an email or just calling her to fuss about recommending a book that began so sad. However, since I know Sheri I know that she has this weird habit. She reads the ending to books before she reads a book to know if she wants to read it. That would kill it for me, but her theory is she doesn't want to waste her time if the ending is bad. Sounds logical? So with that in mind I figured the book was going to get better. The writing was amazing! I am really glad Sheri told me to read this and I am going to look for more Charles Martin books.

Description: A sleepy rural town in South Carolina. The end of summer and a baby about to be born. But in the midst of hope and celebration comes unexpected tragedy, and Dylan Styles must come to terms with how much he’s lost. Will the music of his heart be stilled forever-or will he choose to dance with life once more, in spite of sorrow and heartbreak?

Just Finished Reading: False Witness (LOVED IT!)

I love finding book that both Donald and I can read. Randy Singer is one of Donald and my favorites. He has a Christian Grisham style. I think this book is definitely his best. I was gripped from the first page and could barely put it own... same thing for Donald.

Description: Staring into the eyes of a bulky car owner holding a gun, repossession artist and bounty hunter Clark Shealy doesn't think his day can get much worse. A few hours later he changes his mind when his dangerous bounty hunting quarry knocks him out and puts him back in his car with a cell phone. On that cell phone, Clark receives a message from the Chinese Mafia who have kidnapped his wife, Jessica. Unless Clark finds, within 48 hours, an elusive Chinese mathematical genius in Las Vegas who has created an encryption algorithm that would allow the takeover of the Internet, Jessica will be tortured and killed.Four years later, Jamie Brock thinks the worst problem in her life is putting up with archaic Professor Walter Snead in her Criminal Procedures class at Southeastern Law School. Words with talented and eloquent fellow-student, Isaiah Haywood, over his treatment of nineteen-year-old nerdy genius, Wellington "Casper" Farnsworth, don't help. After she meets David Hoffman at her legal aid clinic, Jamie's life deteriorates fast with David's disappearance from court minutes before his hearing on a minor charge during an automobile repossession. Within hours Jamie's black lab, Snowball, disappears. Jamie gets a call that someone has found him and she is kidnapped. Then the kidnappers threaten her and Snowball if she doesn't help them find David Hoffman. While trying to protect Hoffman, she, Isaiah, Casper, and Professor Snead are thrown into an unlikely alliance against the FBI, the Federal Marshals, the Witness Protection Program, and the Chinese Mafia. The Chinese Mafia wants the Abacus Algorithm so badly that they will kill to get it, but will the US government be just as ruthless to gain the algorithm? Is there anything the little people in the way can do to maintain their integrity and save their lives?

AR Wall of Famers

We are big readers. All four of us love to read. I am glad really glad because when I start a book I can become engrossed. It makes it a lot easier that we all love to read because when I find one of those books that sucks me in the boys completely understand.

The boys are part of the Accelerated Reader (AR) program at school. At Todd's school you have to read 40 points in a nine week period to achieve "Wall of Fame" status. Since he has been at Highland he has always been on the Wall which amazes me. That is a LOT of reading.

Now that Tanner has gotten old enough to take AR tests, he has set the goal of reading 40 points too. That is a pretty big goal for a 1st grader. Apparently not too big because this past nine weeks he read 70 points.

Here are our two Wall of Famers for the third nine weeks:

New Book for our (Crowded) Book Shelf

Tanner and I went to Yellow Dog Books today to meet a local author, Art Minton, and pick up a signed copy of his new book, Birding for Children. I was introduced to Art a few weeks ago and asked to write an article for the Herald about his new book. (If you want to know a little about why Art wrote the book, you can read his story on his website or even read my newspaper article.)

Tanner and I fell in love with his artwork and bird descriptions. Tanner picked up a birding journal while we were at Yellow Dog and he has already decided he wants to borrow his Daddy's binoculars. I think we may have discovered our summer project!!

You can pick up your signed copy of Art's book at:

Yellow Dog Books

100 Depot Drive

Madison, MS 39110

601-605-8955

Food for Thought

I found this quote while starting this book. If the rest of the book has more "food for thought" like this then it will be a really good book!!

"At the end of a materially rich day, Consumerism says, "Buy more."
At the end of a spiritually rich life, God says, "Well done, my good and faithful servant.""

-- SERVE GOD, SAVE THE PLANET
by J. Matthew Sleeth, MD