Growing Up Amish

I enjoy books on the Amish - I see I am not alone, as even Wagler, in this book, mentions that people are intrigued by this group of people. But this book was FAR better than any Amish Fiction read! Ira Wagler LIVED Amish - he was born into this people, he struggled to be one of these people, and he tells his story in Growing Up Amish. It really is a story that caught me from the first page - how they live, what they believe, and how some people find it very hard to live in that culture. Wagler is honest and yet tender toward the people he shared much of his life with. I enjoyed every part of this book - his story is sad and still real. This memoir is one I will passing along to friends and encouraging them to read - it gives new insight into these people that intrigue the rest of us - and shows us the reality of "growing up Amish."

*I was sent this book by Tyndale and asked to give a review.

Pottermore

I say VERY interesting.....

Pottermore

Field of Vision

I am going to tell you to watch your TV's this coming Saturday - June 11 at 8/7c on NBC. Now, I don't often push tv-watching - but this really is something worth watching! "Field of Vision" is from the Family Movie Night group and is quality. It focuses on bullying - but more than that - challenges our teens (and ourselves) to think what we would do in the same circumstance. I love the side themes of foster care, sibling relationships, being popular, etc. There really is SO much in this film that it is sure to please many types of viewers. The topic of football is sure to catch some as well - do not miss this chance to gather as a family and watch some quality tv - that does not have the opportunity to happen very often!

Visit their Facebook page or these other sites:

Mom's for Family TV

Dove Foundation Review

"Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Branded

I am always looking for a non-fiction read that will challenge me and I have found one!! Tim Sinclair's Branded has pushed me to think in new ways and I have been telling people - DO NOT miss this book! Branded: Sharing Jesus with a Consumer Culture will challenge you to get outside of your box and think about how you not only represent Jesus to the world, but how you COULD be representing Him - and maybe SHOULD be. The chapters are short and very easy to read - Sinclair is funny and yet poignant - his years in marketing bring a whole new set of things to consider to us as readers. We, as Believers, need to think about how to share Christ with others in ways that are authentic, and honest and effective. I am excited about this book and truly have been already telling others to get their hands on this and read it!

About Tim Sinclair:

Tim Sinclair is a radio personality on one of the top Christian morning shows in the country, Mornings with Tim and Pam. For over a decade, he has been helping radio stations and various other businesses creatively and effectively market themselves. His award-winning productions have been heard on more than 2,000 radio stations worldwide and recent clients include McDonald's, Word Records, Moody Press, and the country's most-listened to Christian nonprofit radio station KSBJ/Houston. Tim has written for CCM Magazine and the Huntsville Times. For more about Tim, please visit his website, http://www.tim-sinclair.com.

About Branded from the Publisher:

The church spends $1.5 million for every one new follower of Jesus. Apple sells 26 iPads every minute. What is it that makes Apple so exciting and Jesus so boring? What is it that compels someone to bring their iPod everywhere and their Bible nowhere? In a word: marketing. Jesus is a life-changing product with lousy salespeople-people who are intimidated and embarrassed by the word "evangelism" and who show more enthusiasm for their gadgets than their God.

What would life look like if we stopped mass-marketing Jesus and started marketing our faith like Nike and Apple market their products--sharing relationally, from person to person? Using examples from these and other successful companies, author Tim Sinclair challenges Christians to throw out their casual attitudes toward faith and sign on for a marketing campaign for the Savior.

Written with the wit and wisdom of an experienced marketer, Branded peels away the feelings of fear and encourages readers how to share their faith in ways that are honest, authentic, and, most importantly, effective.

**To read what others are saying about this book - visit the BLOG TOUR.

This book has a great contest going on right now too!

Kregel Publications is sponsoring a $50 Amazon.com giveaway open to all readers!

About the Giveaway!
To enter all you have to do is send a tweet (using #litfuse) about Branded or share about it on Facebook!

If you tweet we'll capture your entry when you use @litfuse. If you share it on Facebook or your blog, just email us and let us know (info@litfusegroup.com). Easy.

Not sure what to tweet/post? Here's an idea.

TWEET THIS: Branded by @timjsinclair - Jesus is a life-changing product with lousy sales-people! @litfuse http://ow.ly/566nr

FACEBOOK THIS: Branded by Tim Sinclair is a compelling look at what Christians can learn from companies like Apple & Starbucks about sharing their faith! Jesus is a life-changing product with lousy sales-people! http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/text/13338985

**I was provided a copy of this book for review purposes.

Rocket Town

Rocket Town is a board book I wished I'd had YEARS ago when my boys were little! Bob Logan's book is sure to delight our littlest readers! It is a fun read that teaches opposites and shows off that love for rockets of all kinds. The illustrations are whimsical and engaging - I am looking through it again and finding new things on every page! With a countdown at the end - your little readers will not be able to help but love this new book!


*I was sent a copy for review purposes by the publisher.

How To Be God's Little Princess

Sheila Walsh has written a book on royal tips for manners, etiquette, and true beauty called How to Be God's Little Princess. It is non-fiction so that makes it hard to read aloud to a child, but I do think that any little girl who can read on her own, would find this a fun read! Walsh covers fun things like clothing, hair and fashion, friendship, manners, planning a party, writing thank you notes, how to be a princess at home, and even how to handle the internet. There are so many topics in here, and covered in such an appealing way, that I think little girls will love this. There are quizzes and puzzles tucked in amongst the reading and that helps break it up a bit. The illustrations are fun as well. It's a fun manual and one our young girls will be excited about!


*I was sent a copy of this book for review purposes.

The Scent of Rain and Lightning

Nancy Pickard's The Scent of Rain and Lightning was quite a ride. It took me a bit to get into but once I was in - I was surprised at the mystery that unravelled. Pickard is an excellent storyteller and her story of young Jody being left with no parents and the whole town unsure as to who took their lives - creates suspense that continues to the very end. I was convinced it was one person - as was most of the town, and then I had that all ripped out from under me when the author took me for a shocking surprise! I was stunned at the turn of events that takes place and that's just how I like it! Great story that will keep you guessing.

Definitely for mature readers - not one I'd suggest for teens as there were adult themes present.