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Christian, finance

God and Money

Bergers Book Reviews


Authors: John Cortines and Gregory Baumer
Publisher: Rose Publishing
Genre: Christian / Finance
ISBN: 978-1628624076
Pages: 224
Price: $24.99

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Jesus cautioned his followers against the accumulation of riches. While He never preached that money in itself is evil, the excessive love of possessions can lead to a host of problems. So how does the average person handle this teaching? God and Money provides some ideas on this conundrum that the authors have attempted to implement in their own lives.

While many use the standard tithe (10%) as a guideline for giving, Cortines and Baumer suggest we can do much better than that. In fact, they recommend people set a baseline spending amount and a reasonable and prudent savings plan, so they can give away the excess. For those in the authors’ social class, this sounds like a wonderful philanthropic goal. But for the many middle to lower class Americans just struggling to survive, this is simply not helpful or feasible.

Those in the wealthiest segment of society who are active in their church and community will find this an interesting and informative read. The rest of us will need to look elsewhere for a book that speaks to our needs.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children

Figley’s Little White Lie

Bergers Book Reviews


Authors: Suzanne Cotsakos & Ryan McCulloch
Illustrator: Ryan McCulloch
Publisher: Mutasian Entertainment
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-0985600204
Pages: 48
Price: $15.99

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Author’s website

Figley has broken Chadwick’s invention. But he doesn’t want to admit it to his friend, so he invents a lie, telling him a monster broke it instead. Rather than just accepting this information, Chadwick becomes really excited, since Figley has perfectly described the mythical Slop Mess Monster. Chadwick is determined to track down this monster and confirm it really exists.

Now that he’s backed himself into a corner, Figley continues to build on his lie as he gets caught up in Chadwick’s adventure. With every new lie, his predicament gets worse and worse, until he finally can’t take it anymore. Exhausted and miserable, he admits what he’s done, hoping for forgiveness. Chadwick is a good friend, and willingly accepts Figley’s apology with a hug.

Figley’s Little White Lie is a humorous story of how telling tales can really get a person into trouble. Cute illustrations and a hilarious sequence of events will have kids giggling, while vowing to never let something like this ever happen to them!

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Suzanne and Ryan stopped by Bergers Book Reviews for an interview. Please be sure to check it out here!

romance

The Lost Letter

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Mimi Matthews
Publisher: Perfectly Proper Press
Genre: Victorian Romance
ISBN: 978-0-9990364-1-9
Pages: 206
Price: $2.99 (Kindle)

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Sylvia Stafford has accepted her reduced circumstances and enjoys her new position as a governess. Life has dealt the society beauty some cruel blows, but she’s a strong woman and has chosen to make the best of things.

Colonel Sebastian Conrad is Sylvia’s one true love, but circumstances drove them apart years ago. Now he’s injured and living alone, convinced that Sylvia spurned his attentions. When his meddling sister insists Sylvia visit the home to cheer him up, he’s not at all pleased.

The Lost Letter is a sweet Victorian romance with a delightful array of twists. Unlike the simpering Victorian heroines of the past, Sylvia is spunky, with a mind of her own and the daring to take matters into her own hands. And Sebastian is the kind of hero who can melt a woman’s heart. I really enjoyed this novel and I look forward to seeing many more Victorian romances from this talented author.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children

Maurice the Unbeastly

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Amy Dixon
Illustrator: Karl James Mountford
Publisher: Sterling Children’s Books
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-1-4549-1953-7
Pages: 32
Price: $16.95

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Maurice’s parents are concerned that he’s much too civilized, so they enroll him in the Abominable Academy for Brutish Beasts. But no matter how hard he tries, Maurice simply can’t seem to fit in. He’s convinced he will be a gargantuan failure.

But one day a mysterious creature arrives in the classroom, and none of the other students know what to do. Drawing on his own natural abilities, Maurice catches the creature and subdues it, immediately earning the respect of everyone in the school.

Maurice is different from the other students, and he believes his differences are bad. But when he discovers his hidden talent, he realizes that being different is okay, and he’s grateful. Children will love Maurice the Unbeastly.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

fiction, history

The Ringmaster’s Wife

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Kristy Cambron
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Genre: Historical Fiction
ISBN: 978-0-7180-4154-0
Pages: 368
Price: $15.99

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Lady Rosamund Easling of Yorkshire, England has a secret passion – riding bareback on her Arabian mare. So when Colin Keary arrives with the intention of purchasing her beloved horse, Rosamund is understandably upset. But what she doesn’t expect is Colin’s enticing invitation to run off to America and join the circus.

Mable Burton is living the simple farm life in Ohio, but the excitement of the city is calling her. A chance meeting in Chicago introduces her to John Ringling, but they won’t meet again until several years later in Atlantic City. John has never forgotten her, and they are soon married. Now she, too, is joined to the circus, but only peripherally.

The Ringmaster’s Wife alternates between these two women’s perspectives, as a circus season progresses. Rosamund’s career begins on a shaky note, but as she gains confidence, she has to handle the rivalry that develops between her and the former star. Mable is a strong and steady force in Rosamund’s life, as she cheers for the young lady to be successful. And Colin is an enigma to Rosamund, as she tries to determine if he is interested in her as a woman or simply a circus performer.

Faith and courage in the midst of overwhelming circumstances are the hallmark themes in this beautifully written historical novel. I highly recommend it.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Christian, meditation

The Listening Day Vol. 1

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Paul J. Pastor
Publisher: Zeal Books
Genre: Christian / Meditation
ISBN: 978-0-9970669-6-8
Pages: 112
Price: $8.99

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God’s voice comes to us through sacred Scripture, but many of us long to hear Him speak directly to us in our circumstances. Drawing on Bible quotes, Paul J. Pastor provides a simulated dialogue between God and the reader in a series of meditations.

These one page meditations resemble prayer, where the reader asks God questions and God responds. But rather than the harsh responses many expect, God reassures us of his love and care. Visiting topics such as pain and suffering, sin and repentance, relationships, and many others, Pastor shares the words God might say to us. The reader can enjoy them sequentially, or thumb through the book for the topic that speaks to him most in that moment.

In The Listening Day, God’s perspective is limited by our human understanding, as interpreted by Pastor. But these words are powerful and full of meaning for all of us. I highly recommend this innovative and inspirational meditation book.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children

It’s Good to Be Kind

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Lauren DuBois Rosemond
Illustrator: Marco Cutrone
Publisher: CreateSpace
ISBN: 978-1541040540
Pages: 32
Price: $9.95

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Leonard the Lion has just celebrated his first birthday by opening a magical box. Inside is a crown, a cape, and instructions for how he should behave, now that he has become King. Rather than using his powers to hurt, he’s instructed to help others instead.

Lex the Leopard watches closely as Leonard changes his ways, going about his business in the jungle. Leonard is now kind to all the animals he meets, helping them whenever he is able. Lex is puzzled until Leonard explains the power of the cape.

It’s Good to Be Kind shows kids kindness in action. Leonard is not only the King of the jungle, but he’s also becoming very popular as he helps his friends. Leonard has learned it’s good to be King, but it’s even better to be kind. And by the power of example, Lex has learned this lesson, also. This cute story has a great message without being preachy.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children, humor

Mary Had a Little Jam: And Other Silly Rhymes

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Bruce Lansky
Illustrator: Stephen Carpenter
Publisher: Meadowbrook Press
ISBN: 978-1-4814-9278-2
Pages: 80
Price: $8.95

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Old nursery rhymes have met their match, as Bruce Lansky and other talented poets give them a totally modern spin. Humorous illustrations accompany these creative and silly poems. This new edition has been kid-tested, and only the most giggle-worthy poems are included.

The original edition of Mary Had a Little Jam sold over 800,000 copies, making it the most popular book of funny, contemporary nursery rhymes in the English language. Kids are sure to love this expanded version.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

birds, cats, children

Max and Bird

Bergers Book Reviews


Author & Illustrator: Ed Vere
Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-1-4926-3558-1
Pages: 32
Price: $17.99

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Max, a black kitten, meets Bird, and would like to be friends. Bird is very young and doesn’t know how to fly, but Max thinks Bird might be fun to chase and will make a tasty snack. Bird thinks otherwise, and decides Max can help him learn to fly before chasing him. Max agrees and they begin to research the art of flying.

Finally, Bird achieves his goal with Max’s full support and encouragement. And in the process of teaching Bird to fly, Max realizes that it simply wouldn’t be very nice to eat Bird, now that they are good friends.

Max and Bird are adorably illustrated in a minimalistic style with big, bold eyes and expressive appearances that kids will love. This cute story will appeal to everyone, and parents won’t get tired of reading it over and over again, as it quickly becomes a family favorite.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Christian, marriage

Created for Connection: The “Hold Me Tight” Guide for Christian Couples

Bergers Book Reviews


Authors: Dr. Sue Johnson with Kenneth Sanderfer
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Genre: Christian / Marriage
ISBN: 978-0-316-30741-3
Pages: 336
Price: $26.00

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Couples in thriving marriages have learned how to communicate in ways that are loving and constructive. Rather than tearing each other down in arguments, they know how to address issues without attacking the other person. But for many of us, this skill isn’t something we know intuitively – we need to learn how to communicate with our partner.

In Created for Connection, Dr. Sue Johnson explores the conversations a couple can have that are designed to bring them closer together, rather than pulling them apart. When troubled times arrive – and they always do – these conversations will guide the couple through them in a way that will not only leave their relationship intact, but also strengthen it. In recognizing old communication patterns that aren’t working, they can then move to sharing their old hurts and expressing forgiveness, bringing them closer. Physical intimacy is also a key form of communication in keeping marriages healthy and vibrant.

Johnson provides numerous examples of couples’ conversations that take place over a variety of difficulties, and the reader gets a good sense of how to apply these ideas to his or her own situation. Even if your marriage is not struggling, this book can help you make it even better. I highly recommend Created for Connection.