book review: Nathan's Story

Hello, my dear friends!  

I once again have the wonderful opportunity to share a lovely little children's book with you...

Name of book: Nathan's Story

Author:  Michael J. McHugh
Format:  Hard Cover
Ages: 1+
Overall Rating: 5 stars

 This book, Nathan's Story, is a sweet and simple to understand retelling of the story which the prophet Nathan came and told King David illustrating the error of the king's way.  The story of the rich man and his abundance of wealth- his fields of sheep, his grand house, and many servants- in contrast to the story of the poor man- a widower with his two little sons barely getting enough to eat- but whose delight was the little lamb that he and his sons cherished as a pet.  
 The opposite lives of the two men collide when the rich man is visited by a traveling friend and he wants to feed him a good meal- the problem is, he doesn't want the expense...


 The tale woven is one of greed and envy- but ultimately resulting in brokenness and redemption. 


The book is divided up into six short chapters, each with their own teaching guide- a type of devotional with scripture passages to think about concerning what was read.

-Worldview: Christian.

-Character Qualities: Contentment, Brokenness 

Final thoughts or comments:

  I was thrilled reading this book as I saw the sweet illustrations, the simple language, and the ratio of words to page- it was sheer brilliance!  As you all know, I have 8 younger siblings and have quite a frustration when the 3-year-old gets bored looking at the same illustration for 5 minutes as I'm trying to get through the second or third paragraph on the page! What a pleasant surprise to see that Mr. McHugh did a fabulous job capturing the perfect balance for those sweet little attention spans. 

  The devotionals in the back of the book are good and biblical- helping to reach into the Word and reveal what God says about the problems that arise for the characters in each chapter. My only apprehension with them is that they may be a bit tiresome for younger children- but definitely a blessed resource for children (and adults!) that can understand.

Click here to purchase!

Book Review: Loresmen

Name of book:  Loresmen (Peleg Chronicles: Book Three)

Series: The Peleg Chronicles

Author:  Matthew Christian Harding

Format:  Soft Cover

Ages: 10+

Overall Rating: 5 stars

   The Peleg Chronicles takes place in the historical time setting of “the days of Peleg” a few generations after Noah and the Flood.  During this time of dragons, dwarves, heathen priests, giants and the like, adventure is bound to be discovered!

  

 Here the trilogy comes gracefully to a close...  After the nearly mind wracking cliff-hanger that left us at the last book, we find our heroes a midst a battle with three giants.  Can five mere men really defeat a force such as they?

Meanwhile, Thiery finds himself caught in the middle of a council- the trial of a friend that is being persecuted for his belief in Noah's God.  When Thiery stands up for him, testifying to the truths of his story, Thiery gets whirled into battle between the gods- a contest, if you will, to see who's God is true- the multiples of the heathens, or the God of Noah.  Will Thiery survive the cruel challenge?

-Worldview: Thoroughly Christian.  Even though this book is set in a time before Christ and before most scripture (save the book of Job) has been written, many Biblical passages are quoted by the characters as their own thoughts of God.

-Character Qualities: Loyalty, Perseverance, Trust,  Faith, Redemption, God's Love

-Romance:  None- until the epilogue in which two characters get married.

-Blasphemy/Profanity(Exodus 20:7):  None

-Era (historical time period):  2200-2000 BC

-Genre:  Historical Fiction

-Gospel Given:  Yes.  As well as it could be without mentioning Jesus- He hadn’t been born at that time.

Final thoughts or comments:

  While it is sad that the chronicles have come to a close- what a beautiful ending it had!  As in the previous book, the theme of redemption- the idea of grace for the worst of sinners, is glorified and exampled in this book.  

  I shouldn't say any more- I don't want to spoil it for anyone!

If you are unfamiliar with The Peleg Chronicles, click here to see the review of Book One: The Foundlings.

Book Review: Paladins

Name of book:  Paladins (Peleg Chronicles: Book Two)

Series: The Peleg Chronicles

Author:  Matthew Christian Harding

Format:  Soft Cover

Ages: 10+

Overall Rating: 5 stars

   The Peleg Chronicles takes place in the historical time setting of “the days of Peleg” a few generations after Noah and the Flood.  During this time of dragons, dwarves, heathen priests, giants, and the like, adventure is bound to be discovered!

  

  Springing right back into the action after the cliff-hanger ending of the previous book The Foundlings, Lord McDougal, Fergus Leatherhead, Igi Forkbeard, and Lady Mercy find themselves caught up in the seemingly suicidal "Death Hunt" fighting for their lives.

  But soon after their escape, Fergus has a run-in with Rush, an angry young man, seeking revenge for the humiliation that Fergus caused him one day in the past.  Rush lays a trap for Fergus, causing him to be pulled into a duel of honor the next day.

  Meanwhile, Gimcrack, Thiery, and Suzie settle into their new "home" and meet some new friends. When Thiery goes looking for a job he meets the "sneak" Pip, and his little brother, Percival, two orphaned boys.   Thiery invites them to come over for a "dinner party" and they become fast friends.  

  But when Thiery is met with persecution in his interview at Master Squilby's (his potential employer) will he be able to pass the test and get the job?

-Worldview: Thoroughly Christian.  Even though this book is set in a time before Christ and before most scripture (save the book of Job) has been written, many Biblical passages are quoted by the characters as their own thoughts of God.

-Character Qualities:  Loyalty, Perseverance, Trust, Faith, Redemption, God's Love

-Romance:  None.

-Blasphemy/Profanity(Exodus 20:7):  None

-Era (historical time period):  2200-2000 BC

-Genre:  Historical Fiction

-Gospel Given:  Yes.  As well as it could be without mentioning Jesus- He hadn’t been born at that time.

Final thoughts or comments:

  This book was just as wonderful, if not more, than the first in this series. The fast-paced paced scenes, and ever developing characters, continued to keep me turning pages.  I really enjoyed getting to know the character of Fergus more in this book- he seems to take more of a lead role. 

  The theme of redemption, God's love, resounds through this book- especially at the climax toward the ending which I would like to share but I must refrain so as to not spoil the book for you!

 Again, what a blessing it is to have such God-glorifying literature that I can hand to my younger brothers and sisters- or even my friends with no worries!

If you are unfamiliar with The Peleg Chronicles, click here to see the review of Book One: The Foundlings.