Tag Archive for Thomas Nelson

Sweeter than Birdsong

Posted by Theresa, Owner on February 17, 2012
in Books

Yes, I have been at it again and had a reading spree! Ha! Sweeter than Birdsong is written by Rosslyn Elliot. This book revealed the harsh realities of a behind the scenes look at one wealthy family’s home life in the 1800′s. Appearances are not always as they seem. 150 years ago the line between one’s pocket book and status in society was of much more importance than it is today. Though depending upon the place or people it can be very much alive today as well. The wealthy seem to have to put on airs and keep one’s appearance impeccable. God forbid there should be a tarnish on one’s image! That alone was a societal faux pas! One reason I am glad I did not live in that era of our history. I think the pressure would have stolen all my joy!

I admire people who take risks for the good of others even when it is not socially acceptable. Today those people would include midwives and God-fearing politicians going against their political party’s “norm”. That’s all I can think of off the top of my head. In Sweeter than Birdsong those individuals were a part of the Underground Railroad. They obviously took great risks and paid a huge price if they were caught or if word leaked to members of their community. And it grieved me to relive what the blacks had to go through to fight for their freedom.

I enjoyed the personal journey of the main character, Kate Winter. Her shyness and fear of public speaking is something that I can definitely relate to. I loved how Rosslyn used Kate’s experience with the Underground Railroad to propel her to take courage and speak up for what is right. She lost her fear and shyness when it came to defending the innocent. It took seeing the “under world” to realize that her problems were quite petty and insignificant compared to those of the fugitives.

There was one surprise that I loved in the book and that was what happened to Kate’s mother at the end of the book, but I don’t want to give away any spoilers so that is all I will say about it!

This book with all of its impossibilities gives hope for change and shows that when we use our God given talents for God’s glory we will find life more rewarding, no matter the monetary cost.

Read an excerpt here.

For more about Rosslyn, visit her website.

Link to buy the book.

Faith and Family Reviews received the following product in exchange for writing a review. While we consider it a privilege to receive free products to review, our reviews are our honest opinion and thoughts of the product.

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Revolve 2010

Posted by Theresa, Owner on February 20, 2010
in Books

I received a free copy of the following book from Book Sneeze in exchange for writing a review. While I consider it a privilege to receive free products to review, my review is my honest opinion and thoughts of the book.

Revolve

I didn’t realize that Resolve was a Bible until it arrived. I thought it was a magazine for young people, but it is the New Testament with a magazine look and design. It certainly brings our present cultural issues to the forefront and will appeal to the younger audience, although it almost seems sacrilegious. I think I understand the concept – the desire to make the Bible more relevant to the younger generation, but I cannot agree with this approach.

I cannot get excited about a New Testament that contains fashion, makeup and dating advice or that is sprinkled with celebrity news, interviews and mission and Bible tips. It saddens me, to be honest. It saddens me that I have to write a negative review and it saddens me that we, as Christians, think that we need to be like the world to reach out to the world with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Perhaps it is my age, but my oldest daughter liked what she saw, even though she admitted it was kind of weird. She likened it to the Seventeen magazine, except Revolve has the Bible in it. She hasn’t even read Seventeen, she’s only seen it in stores.

I can see young people just reading the newsy clips and sidebars and completely overlooking the New Testament. Although it may contain relevant content, we, as Christians are called to be different from the rest of the world around us. We are called to be in the world, but not of it. To me, Revolve is just another attempt to be like the world, but it’s seasoned with biblical content. It may be a hit with some, but not with me. Just make a teen magazine, no need to call it a New Testament Bible.

Revolve retails for $16.99, but Christian Book Distributors (CBD) has it for $11.99.

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