<![CDATA[amyhouts.com - Amy\'s Book Bag]]>Mon, 06 Jul 2026 00:53:08 -0700Weebly<![CDATA[June 20th, 2026]]>Sat, 20 Jun 2026 15:28:41 GMThttps://www.amyhouts.com/amys-book-bag/june-20th-2026Picture
No More Mush is a fun story, the fifth picture book in the Armor of God series focusing on the helmet of salvation. The book features the same sweet characters as previous books, siblings Hazel and Oliver, and their friends Lainey and Leo. They all go (Mom, too) on a bicycle ride to the park each wearing their bike helmets. Oliver takes a tumble but doesn’t get hurt. Thankfully, he is wearing his helmet to protect his head, which naturally leads to the main topic, the helmet of salvation. The author, Barbara Seregi, skillfully weaves God’s truths into the conversation in a way that children can understand. Adorable illustrations and fun friendships highlight the theme of No More Mush, which ends with a parody of the song Frere Jacques. I received a digital review copy of this book. All opinions are my own. A great addition to the series, I highly recommend this book to parents, Grandparents, or Sunday School teachers who want to teach this important passage from Ephesians in an engaging way.  
]]><![CDATA[Everyday Prayers for Gentleness by Christie Thomas]]>Fri, 22 May 2026 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.amyhouts.com/amys-book-bag/everyday-prayers-for-gentleness-by-christie-thomasPicture
The theme is gentleness, a topic much needed in today’s world. Everyday Prayers for Gentleness by Christie Thomas is so much more than a book of prayers, it’s a combination devotional, Bible study, and journal. Through a mix of personal experiences and Bible stories and Scripture, Christie skillfully describes and enhances the understanding of what gentleness is and how to treat people more gently. I wasn’t familiar with the Million Praying Moms method of prayer, but it’s practical and inspiring. The book leaves space to think, pray, and praise as well as questions for deeper reflection. Thank you, Christie, for giving me a copy to read. Opinions are my own. So much value here for my heart and soul! I highly recommend it.
]]><![CDATA[Creator of All by Dr. Anita A. Azeem]]>Fri, 24 Apr 2026 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.amyhouts.com/amys-book-bag/creator-of-all-by-dr-anita-a-azeemPicture
Creator of All is a devotional book for children ages 8 – 12 years old. I love the way the author, Dr. Anita A. Azeem, uses Bible stories and Scripture verses to emphasize her theme of God’s love for all His creation. She uses stories, such as the Creation, Adam and Eve, and Noah’s Ark to illustrate this. She shows God’s design features diversity in plants, animals, and people including people of all ages, all genders, all socioeconomic levels, all races, and all religions from all countries. Each chapter includes an explanation, illustrations, and a prayer. There is a bonus chapter on kids with special needs. The language is easy to understand but also stretches the reader just enough. I love the way Dr. Azeem emphasizes God's love and acceptance of all people. I received a digital review copy of this book. All opinions are my own. I highly recommend this book for parents looking for an evangelical Christian devotional for their children that is inclusive and loving. 
]]><![CDATA[Happy Birthday Risen King! by Laura Sassi]]>Fri, 20 Mar 2026 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.amyhouts.com/amys-book-bag/happy-birthday-risen-king-by-laura-sassiPicture
The board book, Happy Easter, Risen King, centers around the two women who discover Jesus’ empty tomb. They are visited by an angel who tells them Jesus has risen. Perfect rhymes tell the story while introducing the spring colors in the setting. Teaching colors to young children while hearing the Easter story adds value. I was a little confused at the end when the women and other people seeing Jesus say, “Happy Easter, Risen King!” since the word “Easter” wasn’t used until hundreds of years later. But then I realized we are all there in the crowd wishing Jesus a “Happy Easter!” I received a review copy of this book. All opinions are my own. I recommend this sweet, beautifully written board book.
]]><![CDATA[Sunday God Meets Monday Mom by Erin Greneaux]]>Fri, 20 Feb 2026 08:00:00 GMThttps://www.amyhouts.com/amys-book-bag/sunday-god-meets-monday-mom-by-erin-greneaux
Even though I'm a grandmother, I can relate to these clear, endearing, mom experiences. I remember those days. I love the personal way the author shares her everyday life with us and the format of read, apply, pray, reflect. It doesn't matter if you are a young mom or a grandma to read this book and to gain practical and Biblical wisdom from it. And you know what else this book has shown me? To look for the small things in my everyday life, to connect them to the Bible, and to pray about and reflect on what I’ve learned. That’s powerful. I was given a review copy of this book with a request for an honest review. Opinions are my own.  
]]><![CDATA[This Isn't Shakespeare by Stephanie Cardel]]>Tue, 06 Jan 2026 22:55:31 GMThttps://www.amyhouts.com/amys-book-bag/this-isnt-shakespeare-by-stephanie-cardel
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This Isn’t Shakespeare is a YA romance novel that asks the most important questions in a teenage girl’s life related to her career, future husband, and relationship with God. There are no easy answers for the 17-year-old main character, Madison, who longs to dance in a professional ballet company, but whose mother wants her to be a teacher. Author Stephanie Cardel deftly navigates these issues but doesn’t shy away from them. You’ll find witty dialogue, dreamy Shakespeare quotes, and inspiring Scripture throughout. The plot twists and turns will tug at your heartstrings with Madison’s bad choices, but you will root for this strong heroine as she tries to find her happy ending. YA Christian romance at its best!  Highly recommended!
]]><![CDATA[The World's BEST Christmas Light by Chelsea Tornetto]]>Thu, 18 Dec 2025 08:00:00 GMThttps://www.amyhouts.com/amys-book-bag/the-worlds-best-christmas-light-by-chelsea-tornettoThe World’s Best Christmas Light: A fun family tradition written in rhyme ends with a sweet Christian message of Jesus being the light of the world. Fun novelty element of a light, the star, that turns on will enthrall kids and drive home the message. Even though it’s a board book, target age group is 3 and up (not the usually 0-3 years). So much fun!
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]]><![CDATA[God’s Great Love: Bedtime Blessings series by Glenys Nellist]]>Sat, 22 Nov 2025 08:00:00 GMThttps://www.amyhouts.com/amys-book-bag/gods-great-love-bedtime-blessings-series-by-glenys-nellist
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What a sweet book! Based on Ephesians 3:18, it shows children how wide, long, high, and deep God's love is for them.  The gentle rhymes read like a reassuring hug. Charming illustrations of zebras, dolphins, pandas and other adorable animals with their young emphasize the parent-child bond. The last page includes additional Scripture verses, encouraging parents to say a blessing for their child. Looking forward to seeing the other books in the series. I read a complimentary digital copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. 
]]><![CDATA[The Christmas That Almost Wasn't]]>Fri, 03 Oct 2025 22:20:41 GMThttps://www.amyhouts.com/amys-book-bag/the-christmas-that-almost-wasnt
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What happens when there's an ice storm before Christmas? Find out in this gentle book. Aiden is excited about Grandma and Grandpa visiting and playing the star in the Christmas play. Even though there are disappointments, there are blessings, too. The world changes inside and out. Everything sparkles. The community comes together in an unexpected way, and Aiden gains insight into how he is connected to the Christmas story in the "marvelous, mysterious mix." Laura Alary's lyrical language evokes a mood and a message, one of hope where God is present even in the darkness. Thank you to Beaming Books for the complimentary copy of this book.
]]><![CDATA[Pumpkin Day for Boo and Belle by Laura Sassi]]>Wed, 01 Oct 2025 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.amyhouts.com/amys-book-bag/pumpkin-day-for-boo-and-belle-by-laura-sassiPicture
In this sweet autumn story of two animal friends, Boo and Belle, a mix-up almost spoils their friendship. Belle is cleaning and baking treats for her annual Pumpkin Day tea. Boo thinks Belle didn’t invite him this year. He doesn’t know the invitation got lost in the mail. The book ends happily when Belle goes looking for Boo and they realize what happened. Plus, there’s twist, but I don’t want to give it away. Thankfulness is the theme of the Bible verses that begin and end the book. Thank you to Paraclete Press for the complimentary copy of this book.
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