The Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World by Susan Veness

Our family has been to Disney World a few times. I thought we had seen it all. Susan Veness has proved me wrong.

This book is filled with Disney Secrets and Fascinating Facts. I was a little skeptical about reading this book because of some of the negative reviews. But, I'm so happy that I ignored them and went ahead and picked this book to review.

There are maps of the parks and tips such as in Honey, I shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure: If you stick your hand inside the dog's nose, you might trigger a surprising reaction.

One thing that stands out in the book is that there are words that are in bold type throughout the book. It's a great way to catch your eye while reading. This book does not need to be read in sequence. Skip to your favorite Disney Park and location and see what you learn. You will be quite surprised. For one, I want to ride one of my favorite roller coasters (Thunder Mountain) and see the party.

The major parks are included in this book. If you want to skip around, look at the index and then go directly to that page.

If you are a Disney Fan, I highly recommend this book,

Disclosure: I have received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to give a positive review.

Max on Life by Max Lucado

Have you ever wanted to sit down with Max and ask him questions?

Max’s book tackles the letter H – ok, not really. However, he does delve into Hope, Hurt, Help, Him/Her, Home, Have/Have-Nots, and Hereafter.

In this book, Max answers several questions that are in the hearts of many people. He doesn’t shy from hot topics such as homosexuality, infidelity, sexual abuse, etc.

On the subject of homosexuality, he brings up a very good point. One that many people are quick to ignore. Or, at least it’s not brought up. There’s a hot topic about being gay in our society. God loves gay people. He died for them. What tends to be forgotten is God does not approve of sexual relationships outside of a heterosexual marriage. This not only applies to gays but people living together before marriage. The sin is the same.

Many topics are addressed in this book. It’s a great reference book because we all go through different things at different times. It can be used to help a friend too. If a friend is struggling, the book has a topical index in the book that you can quickly find the answer to.

If you are a writer, you are in for a little extra surprise at the end of the book in an addendum called the Write Stuff.

Need a friend? Grab a cup of tea, open up Max’s book, and enjoy the conversation. You will not regret it.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 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.”

Voyage with the Vikings (AIO Imagination Station Books)

A children’s book designed for ages 7 and up reminds me of the Magic Tree House books but with a Christian theme.

Cousins, Patrick and Beth meet a mysterious inventor named Mr. Whittaker. Mr. Whittaker has sent the cousins on an adventure to find a Sunstone. The curious kids travel to the year 1000 and they meet none other than Erik the Red! Erik the Red is not happy about the new God and makes that clear to the cousins.

Patrick and Beth find themselves in situations that cannot seem possible. They arrived by the Imagination Station but where is it now? How will they find their way back? Trapped in Greenland, the kids come face to face with Erik the Red and new challenges arise. Can God help them?

The book is appropriate for grades 1-3 depending on the maturity of the child. The chapter book is easy and fun to read. The chapters are short and others a little bit longer. Just enough to take a break and jump right back in. The drawing illustrations give kids another peek at what’s happening in the story. I think this helps kids to connect with Patrick and Beth. It’s a clever way to interweave the story with how it relates to God.

Magic Tree House fans will love the Imagination Station book series.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 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.”

A Conversation with God by Alton Gansky

Jesus said that we would have trouble in this world. As Christians, we know this is true. Although we do not want to question God, we do.

I love this book and I’m keeping this one handy. It is a book about the many questions that we might ask God and the responses He might tell us in return. What’s different about this book is that not only do we hear from the character of God, we hear from other important biblical characters. Gansky is clever in using the different character voices such as Job, Abraham, Jeremiah, John the Baptist, and Peter just to name a few.

The main areas of the book include questions about God, Jesus, the Bible, Pain/Suffering, The Future, and Heaven and Hell as well as others.

I’m surprised at the negative reviews. I think this is a much needed book. I guess if you are a biblical scholar, then move on to something else. But, I think this book will bring people closer to God. Some books are so complicated that a new Christian may simply think it’s too hard. It’s not hard. It’s easier for us to discount God than vice versa. God created us in His image. He cannot help but love us. It’s the same with our children. How can you not love your child?

At the end of the book, Gansky includes notes that give biblical backup to his answers.

I think this book has the power to really understand God. For that, I’m keeping it close to my fingertips. Gansky prayed through each of these questions and answers. I pray for those who read it and may they be changed because of it.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 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.”

The Principle of the Path by Andy Stanley

When we are young, we think we have the entire life ahead of us. We believe by the time we turn 30, we might have that dream house, a few kids, and the perfect life. It’s a realistic dream; however, many times we do not end up where we truly want to be. If this applies to you, then I recommend this book for your personal library.

The book’s main focus is exactly what the name implies. How do you get from where you are at this very moment to the place you want to be the next day, month, or year ahead?

Andy Stanley uses biblical examples to get his point across. Need some great advice? Read the Proverbs! Andy brings up the point that successful people achieve success by heading advice from other people. We can reach our dreams. Do you want to be debt free? Then reach out to others who have achieved that dream. If you reach out to someone who has twenty credit cards and most of them are maxed out, chances are you will not reach your desired dream.

Andy Stanley gives you the secret to reaching your dreams. It may seem simple when he tells you but then if the Principle of the Path is not applied, you will not reach your goals. However, in truth, in some cases your dream may not be realized and it may have nothing to do with the choices you made in your life. Andy addresses this sensitive issue. The core truth is God has to consume every part of your being and he must be included in your decisions through prayer and study of the bible. It is only through His eyes that true clarity will come to light.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 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.”