How would you live your life differently today if you knew that no matter what happened, everything would be okay, even wonderful, in the end?

Todd and Sonja Burpo's almost-four-year-old son Colton made an unforgettabel trip to heaven and back during the darkest, most-stressed-out days of their lives. Times were tough, money was scarce, and the bills, frustrations, and fears were piled high.

The story of Colton's visit to heaven changed their lives-and the book they wrote about it, "Heaven Is for Real," gave new hope to millions of readers.

Now, in more than forty unique inspirational readings based on excerpts from their story, Todd, and for the first ever Sonja, from her perspective as a mom, share what happened next-in their lives and in millions of others. Through their own experiences, and based on the stories hundreds of readers have shared, they show you how believing heaven is for real helps us survive hardships here on earth, including the death of a loved one or the loss of a child through tragedy, miscarriage, and even abortion.

The daily readings provide a powerful reminder that, beyond the hardships we may face in this life, God's incredible gift of heaven awaits us. Imagine being completely fearless on earth because you know that after this life you're going to heaven, and you know, really know, you're going to love it there. That's the promise heaven holds for us.

Heaven is God's last word-and believing it's real changes everything.

My thoughts

This devotional book is a follow up to HEAVEN IS FOR REAL.  You don't have to read the first to appreciate the second.  This is a wonderful book. There are small bits from the first book, followed by a The Burpo's views on their son's visit to Heaven.  There are 42 devotional messages.   This book is very well written and easy to read.  The passages and messages will make you stop an think about your own faith and how it impacts your life.  I learned so much from the first book, this was like the icing on the cake.  

I received this book from BookSneeze (Thomas Nelson publishers) for an honest opinion.  I was not paid for my opinion, nor required to provide a positive one.  

Iscariot

by 

TOSCA LEE

about the book

In Jesus, Judas believes he has found the One—a miracle-worker. The promised Messiah and future king of the Jews, destined to overthrow Roman rule. Galvanized, Judas joins the Nazarene’s followers, ready to enact the change he has waited for all his life.

But Judas’ vision of a nation free from Roman rule is crushed by the inexplicable actions of the Nazarene himself, who will not bow to social or religious convention—who seems in the end to even turn against his own people. At last, Judas must confront the fact that the master he loves is not the liberator he hoped for, but a man bent on a drastically different agenda.

Iscariot is the story of Judas—from his tumultuous childhood and tenuous entry into a career and family life as a devout Jew, to a man known to the world as the betrayer of Jesus. But even more, it is a singular and surprising view into the life of Jesus himself that forces us all to reexamine everything we thought we knew about the most famous—and infamous—religious icons in history

My thoughts

I am a huge fan of Tosca Lee.  I haven't read a book by this author I haven't liked.  This book is no exception.  Fabulous!!!

This book is a masterpiece.  It will change the way you think about a much maligned individual. 

Judas Iscariot has been demonized throughout history.  This book will humanize him.  I felt pity for the poor soul.  I do realize this is a work of fiction, but I was completely immersed in the life of the characters, all the characters.  The interactions between Judas and Jesus were just magical.  I can't say enough about this novel.  

If you've never read anything by Tosca Lee, this is a perfect book to start with,  if you have read her works, this book is the best one yet!

I just want to take a moment to answer a quick question.  Several people have asked me why I mainly read and review children's and young adult novels.  Well,  primarily because they are usually better written.  They are unique stories that are fun and entertaining.  I enjoy them.  Secondly, my son (age 12) and I share a Kindle.  I have the actual Kindle and he has the app on his IPad.  This means he has access to all books available on my Kindle.  I DO NOT want him gaining access to books I would not normally read with him.  I have over 1500 books in my Kindle library. Many are classics but most are children's and YA novels.  We share a common love of the works of Rick Riordan, J.K. Rowling, Brandon Mull and other novelists.  I truly enjoy watching the magic of reading become a part of his life.  A journey to another land, another time, has opened new worlds we can share together.   

Well, don't mean to ramble on, just wanted to answer the question I'm most asked from friends, family and followers.

Have a fantastic holiday season.

and

Today we welcome author
LARS GUIGNARD

about the book

Zoe Guire just talked to an elephant. Well, technically speaking, the elephant spoke to her, but either way it was weird and, as a rule, Zoe doesn't do weird. Except the thing is, when Zoe goes along on her mom's business trip to India, things get very weird, very quickly. Soon after she arrives, Zoe finds herself tagging alongside a kid named Zak, lost in a crazy city, with no money and no way home.

And those are the least of Zoe's troubles. Because if she's to believe the scary-looking snake charmer guy sitting in the corner, she and Zak have been chosen -- chosen to protect some kind of mythical animal called the Ghost Leopard from who knows what.

Now, the further they get into the mountains, the more crazily impossible things get. Carpets fly and statues talk and if either Zoe or Zak want to make it back to their parents, or the sixth grade, or anything even close to normal, they're going to have to make some new friends, learn some new tricks, and listen, really listen to that talking elephant. Because if they don't, nothing will ever be the same again.

My review

Read this book with my son, age 12.  He loved it.  There are not a lot of good 'boy' books (as he calls them) available.   He enjoyed this story.

It is a story full of magic, adventure and fun.  The kids get into some rocky patches along the way, but it adds to the excitement.  The book has a slow start, but I recommend hanging around, it picks up speed and doesn't slow down until the very end.

The two main characters Zoe and Zak are opposites, and they complement each other.  One is a thinker, who takes things slowly and the other rushes into a situation.

Overall, if your child is a fan of Harry or Percy, he/she should enjoy this book.

(4stars, and not 5 because I didn't like the ending)

It's here!!!! Cover reveal for the next installment of one of my favorite series:

Doorknob Society book 4

THE DETECTIVE INSPECTORS HVO

Chloe Masters life is in disarray, her best friend Edgar Magnus has been kidnapped by her mother. The Detective Inspectors of the HVO have been compromised and appear to be helping in the crime. All but one that is, Declan Hardcastle, a young DI who is more than willing to help Chloe in her quest. But is he looking for more than just friendship?

Her friends are spread far and wide; Jess has begun her apprenticeship in Paris while Slade is working for the Impossible Engineers. Nightshade has returned but is he the same man and can he truly be trusted?

When Chloe learns Edgar’s location it's a race against time to stop her mother’s plans and save her friend all while keeping everyone she loves alive. But the question becomes... does Chloe plan on getting out alive?

The Cape Beanery Chronicles (Short stories) Kindle | Kobo | Nook

The Doorknob Society (Book 1) Kindle (Exclusive to Amazon)

The Impossible Engineers (Book 2) Kindle | Kobo | Nook

The Mapmakers Union (Book 3) Kindle | Kobo | Nook