MommySecrets

Being a mom is the hardest thing I've ever done, but it has brought me so much joy! I want to encourage other moms on their journey, I'll share motherhood tricks, spotlight tips I've learned from friends, and I hope you will share your ideas. I will focus on secrets that help families stay balanced, healthy, frugal, creative, and closely knit. I will also share favorite fiction and nonfiction books that I have enjoyed. Many blessings to you on your mothering journey!

Wednesday, December 30, 2015

DC comics meets the BIble in this new book


By Siku, Richard Thomas, and Jeff Anderson


Think DC comics meets the BIble.  The Bible has bold comic images and a Marvel-like font.  The BIble characters have superero like names such as Iron Maiden, Fierce Friend, The Accuser, The Son, and The Rock.  I found the images to be disturbing (though I admit that I'm conservative about images).  Adam and Eve were very naked - Eve with an extreme hourglass figure - much more shock aspect than I expected.  The images are very dark and violent - there is a picture of heads on sticks!  It's very well done, it's just ot my style.  I was expecting something that I could share with my 10 and 14 year old son, but I'm not comfortable giving it to them because of the images.  If you know that you are purchasing a Marvel style comic for 15+, then you will enjoy this.  But don't buy expecting a light-hearted children's comic Bible.

I received this book as a gift from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Friday, December 18, 2015


The Word Of Promise New Testament (Audiobook)

The Word Of Promise New Testament (Audiobook)New Testament Audio Bible

By Thomas Nelson











I am thrilled to review this product.  I have so enjoyed listening to the Bible over the last few weeks!  As a mom of 4, it's tough to find the time and energy to dive into the word.  Sad, but true.  Listening to the Bible, though, is very doable with all of the driving I do around town!

Listening to the Bible is such a different experience than reading the Bible.  I continually discover passages, that I don't remember reading.  And I notice new aspects to passages I've read again and again.  I think it's because the actors using different inflections and emphasize different words.  This version is also recorded in radio theater style, so you can hear the story unfolding as the actors tell the story - you can hear things like the disciples' silverware at the Last Supper, or Pilate washing his hands after the people told him to crucify Jesus.

I've also been listening to some of the stories with my children.  My daughter commented on how difficult the Bible is to understand, but she really likes listening to the Bible.  It's great to present kids with a different style of learning the Bible!

The only downside to this Bible is the case.  I have a hard time getting the CDs out of the case.  But it could just be me!

I would recommend this Bible to anyone who wants to sink themselves into God's word.

I received this book as a gift from the publisher in exhange for my honest review.


She's almost a teenager!

Well my daughter is only 9, but i know the time will be here before i know it, so I jumped at the chance to review this book: 


She's Almost a Teenager: Essential Conversations to Have Now by Peter & Heather Larson and David & Claudia Arp

This easy to read book is a great tool for parents of young girls! The authors teach parents how to navigate conversations to see what your daughter really thinks about boys, school, God, and her future -  important topics don't often come up in everyday conversation. Some of the specific topics includes: 
  • Physical and emotional changes your daughter is facing
  • Taking ownership of her spiritual life
  • Using social media responsibly
  • and much more
I love that the book is about investing time, thoughtful attention and love in your daughter with the outcome of helping your daughter choose good life paths.

Disclaimer: I received this book as a gift from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review: The Aleppo Code



The Aleppo Code: A Novel (The Jerusalem Prophecies)

Oct 27, 2015by Terry Brennan

The publisher describes the book in this way:
Will the code reveal history’s most powerful weapon for destruction―or humanity’s only hope?
(The characters gather to) examine a copy of the tenth-century Aleppo Code, the oldest complete text of Jewish scripture. What the clues inside reveal could lead to the reuniting of the Ark of the Covenant with its true source of power, a weapon that could lead to victory for this ragged bunch trying to save the world.  Hunted by the relentless assassins of the Prophet’s Guard and caught in the web of an international conspiracy plotting the conquest of Europe, Bohannon’s team searches the ruins of Ancient Babylon. Their search lands them amid the chaos that engulfs western Iraq, but they must press on to accomplish one of the most pivotal pieces of end-times prophecy. This intrepid group will uncover secrets that require them to risk everything for their faith, their country, and the peace of all mankind.  Unfolding against the backdrop of an Israeli/U.S. strike against Iran and the planned economic overthrow of the European Union by the sinister, secret head of the international Muslim Brotherhood,The Aleppo Code is a heart-pounding race. Brennan takes an epic story on a grand scale and tells it primarily through the eyes of one man who is desperately trying to save the world as he follows God’s purpose for his life.

This is the 3rd book in the series.  I would recommend reading the books in order, as this book picks up where book number 2 left off.

The plot weaves biblical ideas into modern day events.  It's highly creative, though some readers will have difficult with the stretch from biblical truth into fantasy. I really liked the suspense scenes and the action scenes.  I was less interested in the political aspects of the book. 

It was hard for me to get into the book - it's a complex story that takes a long time to read. I was overwhelmed by the multiple storylines and characters.  Part of my challenge, I'm sure, was that I'm trying to read a book with a 9 month old and three other children in the house!

I would recommend this book to male and female readers age 13+, as long as they enjoy complex Tom Clancy - like novels.

I received this book as a gift from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Sunday, December 06, 2015

A New Perspective on the Christmas Story

The Midnight Visitors is a very sweet retelling of the Christmas story from a surprise narrator - a cute little cow named Miriam.  Miriam is a cow who lives in the Bethlehem stable where Christ was born.  You will love the sweet vibrant pictures.  It's a well told story that children will enjoy reading - and ask you to read it again and again.  I would recommend this for children ages 3-8.  I received this book as a gift from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.