Duck Commander Devotions for Kids by Korie Robertson and Chrys Howard

This week I was able to review the newest book in the Duck Dynasty "Duck Commander" Collection! My family has always been a big fan of Duck Dynasty. We love watching the show since it has wholesome family values and crazy antics by the brothers and Uncle Si! So naturally, my girls were also super excited to see this book arrive in the mail!

Duck Commander Devotions for Kids by Korie Robertson and Chrys Howard has definitely got to be my favorite kids devotional yet. I really have a hard time finding devotions that are age appropriate, have stories to go along with the Bible verses and are something my children are interested in. This book were 100% perfect on every level. My girls and I both loved it.

Each devotional contains a Bible verse, a short story about Willy, Korie, Phil, Miss Kay, John Luke, Bella, Sadie, Will, Missy, Mia, or someone else from the Robertson Clan. It's followed by a prayer and a "Duck Commander in Action" which pretty much breaks down the story you just read. I absolutely loved the stories in this book! Our girls love snuggling up next to me listening to the story and prayer. Sometimes our oldest will even take charge and read to her two younger sisters. Since the devotional is not marked by dates or numbers, it is really not necessary to read the devotions in order. But if you choose to, the book contains a handy built-in bookmark to keep track of what day you are on.

This book is by far, the best children's devotional I have ever seen and it's something that our entire family enjoys reading and listening to! I would highly recommend this devotional to families with children of all ages. Our 8 year old enjoys it, but then our 3 year old also loves hearing the stories. And our 9 month old even enjoys looking at the colorful pictures! So it's a win for the whole family!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Miracle on Voodoo Mountain by Megan Boudreaux

It all began under a Tamerind tree on a mountainside in Haiti. At 24 years old, Megan had no idea where she was going in Haiti or what she would be doing there, but she did know one thing. God was calling her there for a purpose. After she sold all of her belongings, Megan stepped off a tiny airplane and ended up on Bellevue Mountain where she began feeding hungry children and started a school.

At night, she heard the beating of voodoo drums on the mountaintop. She wondered why God would send her to this place? This place where she would meet her adopted daughter, who was desperately hungry and being used as a slave. This place where she would build a school for poor children who had nowhere else to go. This place where a pastor and his wife prayed for years for God to send someone to minister to the children there. It all began under that Tamarind tree.

I absolutely loved this book! I loved reading Megan's story about how God called her into a place that she knew nothing about. The way she speaks about the orphans living in Haiti is sure to tug on your heart strings. I guess what surprised me most was finding out how widespread child slavery is in Haiti. Oftentimes, if a child is an orphan or if the parents cannot afford to keep a child, they sell him or her into slavery. This is done with some children as young as 4 years old. It breaks my heart to know that this kind of thing takes place all around the world with children who cannot defend themselves.

I really enjoyed reading Megan's story. It gave me a good insight to what life is like in Haiti and how I can better pray for her and others there. I rate this book as 5 stars. To find out more about Megan's organization please visit www.respirehaiti.org

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

"Food: A love Story" by Jim Gaffigan

"Food: A Love Story" is the most recent book out by famous comedian, Jim Gaffigan. This book is basically Jim's memoir to what he knows best- food! Travel all around the country with Jim as he shares his favorite eateries and cuisines! If you love comedy and food, you will love this book!

This is the second book I have read by Jim Gaffigan, with the first being "Dad is Fat" which was absolutely hilarious. I thought this book was pretty good as far as comedy goes, but to me, it fell a little short. He had quite a few "bits" that were from previous books and dvds. Still hilarious, but not exactly what you would expect from a brand new book.

What I really do appreciate about Jim Gaffigan is that for the most part, he is a clean comedian. He steers away from inappropriate content and for that reason, I will give this book 4 stars!

I received this book for free from Blogging For Books in exchange for my honest unbiased opinion.

My Princesses "Learn to be Brave" and "Learn to Share"

To my three year old's delight, I was able to review these two lovely books this week! "My Princesses: Learn to be Brave" by Stephanie Rische and "My Princesses: Learn to Share by Amie Carlson". Both are equally adorable and perfect for any toddler who loves princesses!

In "My Princesses: Learn to be Brave" Princess Grace learns what it means to be brave. Grace and her friend Hope are playing at the park when a little boy says some mean words to them. Grace is reminded of a Bible story about a girl named Esther who was just a regular girl until one day when she married the King! Queen Esther learned to be brave even though a mean man named Haman was trying to hurt her people. She asked God for help, and because Esther was so brave, her people were saved!

In "My Princesses: Learn to Share", Princess Hope learns what it means to share when Grace and Hope get in an argument over a dress they both want to wear. The dress gets ripped and Hope's mom reminds the girls of a story in the Bible where a little boy shares his lunch with Jesus. Jesus used the little boy's lunch to perform a miracle and feed a huge crowd of people with only five loaves of bread and two fish!

I think these two books are adorable! The stories are easy to understand and each of them presents an excellent moral appropriate to toddler age children. The stories are also relatively short, so my 3 year old has no problem sitting through one of them. (Or even two sometimes!) The illustrations are also super cute! As a family of three small girls, we really enjoyed this series! I rate these books as 5 stars each and would highly recommend them!

I received this book for free from Tyndale in exchange for my honest unbiased opinion.

Review of The Duck Commander Faith and Family Bible

Like many families across America, my family loves to watch Duck Dynasty. Each episode is full of faith, family and hilarious antics by the Robertson brothers. What's not to love? So I was thrilled when I requested "The Duck Commander Faith and Family Bible" for review!

Featured in this Bible:

• 125 Articles by Phil and Al Robertson
• Topical Index
• Reading Plans
• Supplementary Scripture References
• Free online study download from Thomas Nelson Publishing

What I really liked about this Bible is that it's great for such a diverse group of people. First of all, I loved the setup. Articles by Phil and Al Robertson are set up so that you can read one article a week for 52 weeks. You can choose between Al's articles or Phil's, or read both together.

There is also a section called "Lifechangers Index", which is 30 days of stories with examples of how God has transformed people's lives.  These stories also alternate between Phil and Al.

I especially liked the way the Bible is illustrated. The articles are few and far between and do not become a problem with me searching for the correct Bible reference that I need.

This is a Bible our family will use for many years to come. I rate it as 5 stars.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Quilted by Christmas by Jodie Bailey

Quilted by Christmas by Jodie Bailey is the newest book in the Quilts of Love series.

Taryn has felt a lot of hardship in her life. Abandoned by her parents as a young child, and left behind by her highschool sweetheart, she feels as if she's gotten over all of those things. But it's not until Taryn's first love returns to town, that she realizes that she really has not gotten over all of those heartaches. Seeing Justin again is like opening a fresh wound.

Taryn's grandmother, Jemma is like the parent she never had. She has always taken care of her. After all of these years, Jemma is in bad health, and Taryn worries that the secret that Jemma has held onto for so long will suddenly come to the surface.

I have read multiple Quilts of Love books and so far I have not read one that I didn't like! Quilted by Christmas is a heartwarming story of love, and forgiveness. The end of the book emphasizes that love is not something you earn but must be something that is freely given and accepted. If you are looking for a nice book to curl up with this winter season, Quilted by Christmas is a great choice! This book is sure to become a Christmas favorite!

I received this book for free from Litfuse in exchange for my honest unbiased opinion. I rate it as 4 stars.

Expectant Parents by Suzanne Hadley Gosselin

When I saw Expectant Parents by Suzanne Hadley Gosselin was available for review, it sounded super interesting to me. There are thousands of books on the market for Expectant Parents, but most of those have more to do with the development and care of the baby before and after it is born. Expectant Parents does touch on that subject, but focuses more on the key issues related to the arrival of a new child in the home.

This book provides parents with a way to write their own practical instruction manual for their children. Gosselin explains the importance of strengthening your marriage relationship, setting expectations for parenthood, increasing communication and preparing for this new stage of life.

I thought this book was a refreshing change from most child care/parenting books. Considering I have three girls, I have read a lot of parenting books with subjects ranging from maternity care, to potty training, to building lasting relationships with your children. I think this is a wonderful book and is mostly aimed at first time parents (although I think there is something in it for any expecting parent).

I rate this book as 5 stars. I received thsi book for free from Litfuse in exchange for my honest unbiased opinion.

"Willie's Redneck Time Machine" Giveaway!

I am very happy to announce the winner of my "Willie's Redneck Time Machine" Giveaway! 

The winner is Nicole H.! I will get your book to you soon! 

Thanks everyone for participating and keep checking back for more giveaways in the future!

Tamales: Fast and Delicious Mexican Meals by Alice Guadalupe Tapp

In Tamales: Fast and Delicious Mexican Meals by Alice Guadalupe Tapp, there's a little something for everyone. Whether you're a expert chef or just a beginner, there are recipes for Masa, Sauces and Salsas, Inside-Out Tamales, Meat Tamales, Nose-to-Tail Tamales, Vegetarian and Vegan Tamales and Dessert Tamales.

I have enjoyed Mexican food for a majority of my life and I have always wanted to make Tamales. The task always seemed too daunting and time-consuming. I was sure I would mess something up it would turn out disgusting. This book gives me hope that I can actually create a delicious tamale that my family will love. Sure there are a few recipes included that take me out of my comfort zone, but I guess that's half the fun.

The beginning of the book gives a bit of an introduction to Tamales. It also includes a chart on how to save a little time on preparation, such as using canned foods and frozen ready-to-use condiments. The author thoroughly describes how to assemble, wrap and freeze tamales. Most of the recipes include a picture of the ready-made dish and they all look amazing! There are recipes for more traditional tamales, and some that are less common, but they all look equally appetizing and delicious. I think my first attempt will probably be the Chicken and Chorizo Tamales or the Red Chile Beef Tamales as they look fairly simple.

I would definitely recommend this book to other Mexican food lovers! I rate it as 5 stars! I received this book for free from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest unbiased opinion.

Willie's Redneck Time Machine by John Luke Robertson

If your family enjoys Duck Dynasty as much as mine, they will love this Duck Commander book series by John Luke Robertson and Travis Thrasher! It even has all of your favorite Duck Dynasty characters!

Willie finds a mysterious "outhouse" in the middle of the warehouse and thinks someone is playing a big joke on him. Little does he know, the "outhouse" is actually a time machine that can transport him to the past or future!

There are a myriad of different places Willie can visit because as the title of this book states, you can be your own Duck Commander! Once you reach the end of the chapter you have a choice. Whatever path you choose has a corresponding page number to go along with it. You go to that page number to find out what happens next. If you don't like the way the story ended, no problem! Go back and read it a different way!

I thought this book was pretty cute for a first try at writing. I wouldn't say that it is one of the best children's books I have read, but I am a fan of Duck Dynasty and I did enjoy it quite a bit.  I would say it is aimed at children from second to third grade depending on their reading level. I think younger audiences would also enjoy it if they were being read to. It's not a terribly long book. My third grader could probably read through one of the stories in a half hour or so, but I imagine she would probably want to go back and read other versions of this story.

I have no complaints about this book, and I look forward to reading more books by John Luke Robertson in the future! I rate this book as 4 stars!

I received two copies of this book for free from Tyndale Publishers in exchange for my honest unbiased opinion.

For your chance to win a copy of this book, comment below with your favorite  Duck Dynasty character! :)