I have had the privilege to look over many Bibles throughout the years. I was very impressed with the NKJV Encountering God Study Bible.

This is a beautiful black Leathersoft Bible. The edges of the Bible have the gold gilding. The paper is your standard Bible page thickness. The font is the Comfort Print® and a 9-point font. The Bible lays out nicely when it is opened. The Bible has two different colored ribbon bookmarkers attached inside the Bible. The Bible is available in Genuine Leather, Hardback, and an eBook version. The colors are black or Brown and you can also get the Bible with thumb indexes.  This Bible as far as I can tell is only in the NKJV translation.

There is an introduction page for the books of the Bible. The words of Jesus are in red. The pages are laid out in two columns with scripture references in the middle of the page. The study notes are on the bottom section of the pages.

The notes at the bottom of the pages are very practical and not heavy on theology. Scattered throughout the Bible you have different boxes and other features in the Bible. Some features include- Encountering Notes, Explanatory Notes, Historical Encounters, Character Studies, Word Studies, Word Studies, Encountering a Creative God, Explaining the Faith, How to Study the Bible, In-text Bible maps, Timelines, Harmony of the Gospel, Read through the Bible in a Year Plan, Prophecies of the Messiah Fulfilled and an extensive Concordance with Bible words and places.

This is a nice Bible for any believer. I think this is an amazing Bible for new believers, teens, and young adults. It’s not overwhelming with notes. It doesn’t go deep into theology. However, there is enough information for you to dig deeper into the word. 

Many thanks for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.

#EncounteringGodStudyBibleMIN

Here's more details on the Bible: 

The deepest need of every human heart is to encounter God. To meet with God, to be changed by Him, and to become more like Him as a result. For decades, the Blackaby family has dedicated their ministry to helping believers address this deepest need. Now you can learn from their insights to experience deeper encounters with God as you develop a regular routine of Bible reading and study in the Encountering God Study Bible.

The Encountering God Study Bible is the crowning work of the Blackabys. Featuring their trusted approach to Bible study, explanatory notes, word studies, biblical character sketches, historical encounters with lives of exemplary faith, articles highlighting the creative nature of God, and other articles defending the faith, you will be encouraged to see that you can encounter God in His Word—and that He wants to encounter you through it.

Features include:

Presentation page allows you to personalize this special gift by recording a memory or note

Encounter Notes highlighting how God might choose to encounter you in His Word

Rich explanatory notes explaining ideas, events, people, and places in the text to make the meaning clear

Word studies, character studies, and biographical sketches of church history figures all written by members of the Blackaby family

Word studies shed light on key terms and important meanings from the original Greek and Hebrew

Character profiles give overviews of key men and women in the Bible

Biographical sketches give examples of people who faithfully encountered and followed God in their life

Book introductions setting the scene for each biblical book and its importance for encountering God

Timeline of the biblical narrative for a better understanding of how historical and biblical events fit throughout history

Clear and readable NKJV Comfort Print® in a 9-point print size

 

About the Book

Book: Trapped in Yosemite

Author: Dana Mentink

Genre: Christian Fiction

Release Date: February 27, 2024

When a massive earthquake levels the region, secrets and unknown dangers are exposed…

The ground in still-icy Yosemite National Park isn’t stable, and K-9 handler Von Sharpe fears the worst. But his worries are pushed aside when he sees an SUV viciously forced off the road…with his ex-fiancée at the wheel. It’s only when Stella Rivers steps out of the vehicle that the very ground under their feet cracks and breaks with the onslaught of a terrifying earthquake.

When her meeting with a mysterious client is ambushed, Stella witnesses the man being gunned down by a sniper and becomes a target herself. With the threat of aftershocks triggering landslides and floods, the new mom has no choice but to run to save her baby girl—even if it means teaming up with the man who has no idea he fathered her child.

Trapped in a dangerously unstable wilderness with a killer closing in, Von and Stella are running out of time to get to safety. And every fissure reveals a new secret that will shake them to their foundation…

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Review:

Another excellent book by Dana Mentink. I have enjoyed the K-9 handler and the dogs in the last several books of hers.

Dana Mentink always has a faith element in her books that is realistic with the individuals and their situations going on in the story. Her characters are well-developed and even Bear the dog will capture your heart.

Stella Rivers is meeting a potential client at Yosemite when he is shot and she becomes a target. Taking off running her van ends up in the river. Luckily, she is saved by a man who just happens to be her former fiancé. It’s been 18 months since she has seen Von Sharpe. He is the last person she wants to see as she has been keeping a big secret from him.

Von Sharpe is out hiking with his dog, Bear. Von comes across a van in the river. He is shocked to see Stella after all this time.  To add a twist a big earthquake hits. As they make their way back to camp, they find some of the guests have gone missing. Now they are in survival mode with the natural disaster and being hunted by the sniper.

The book is heartfelt and intriguing. There are several twists in the plot. I was surprised by who was the snipper.

Disclosure: I received this complimentary product through Celebrate Lit Bloggers in exchange for my honest thoughts. 

About the Author

Dana Mentink is a USA Today and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author as well as a two-time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, and the recipient of a Holt Medallion. She’s written over fifty titles in the suspense, lighthearted romance and mystery genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense and Poisoned Pen Press.

 More from Dana

I won’t ever forget October 17^th, 1989. I was finished with my student teaching duties, chatting with my mother while we watched the World Series. It was an epic matchup of two Bay Area teams. As we watched, the floor lurched and the entire house began to rattle and pitch. We ran outside and watched the street undulate like ocean waves. We’d later come to learn it was a 6.9 earthquake on the Loma Prieta fault. The shaking only lasted 20 seconds but 63 people were killed, 3,757 were reported injured and 12,053 displaced. The damage estimates reached as high as $10 billion, with 18,306 houses leveled. Approximately 2,575 businesses were impacted and 147 were destroyed. The part I will remember most was the collapse of a section of the freeway in Oakland which trapped people in the pancaked structure. I remember watching the close space rescue teams work night and day to find survivors.

Little did I know that memorable event would someday lead to a book! This novel combines the iconic California setting of Yosemite and the big fear buried deep in every California’s mind…the big one, the massive earthquake we know will be coming someday. Of course you know there will be a happy ending in the novel, but I hope you will feel the edge of your seat suspense that keeps you turning pages. God bless you, dear readers!

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, March 21

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, March 21

Bigreadersite, March 21

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, March 22 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 22

Texas Book-aholic, March 23

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 23

Lakesidelivingsite, March 24

Pause for Tales, March 24

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 24

Betti Mace, March 25

The Sacred Line, March 25

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 26

Daysong Reflections, March 26

EmpowerMoms, March 27

Life, Love, Writing, March 27

Cover Lover Book Review, March 28

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, March 28

Blogging With Carol, March 28

Tell Tale Book reviews, March 29

Simple Harvest Reads, March 29 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

For Him and My Family, March 30

Splashes of Joy, March 30

Blossoms and Blessings, March 31

To Everything There Is A Season , March 31

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 31

Holly’s Book Corner, April 1

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, April 1

Life on Chickadee Lane, April 2

Labor Not in Vain , April 2

Lily’s Corner, April 3

Lights in a Dark World, April 3

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, April 3

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away the grand prize package of a $100 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/2a8f5/trapped-in-yosemite-celebration-tour-giveaway

 

About the Book

Book: What I Promise You

Author: Liz Tolsma

Genre: Christian Fiction / Romance / Historical Fiction

Release Date: February 1, 2024

A Family’s History Is Lost to the Ravages of WWII in Southwest France

1942 Noémie Treves, a young, pregnant Jewish woman, had her entire world shattered when she is arrested and taken to the Camp de Rivesaltes transit camp in Southwest France. No sooner does she arrive, though, than she assists in helping two young girls scheduled for transport escape to a nearby maternity hospital. The matron there befriends her and changes her name to help hide her. But nothing goes according to plan, and Hannah finds herself doing the unimaginable to save one precious life.

2022 Caitlyn Laurant is haunted by recent events in her life and hopes becoming a nurse on the mission field will help her forget. While in training, she and her friends travel to France where her grandfather was born. What should have been an easy search for his birthplace turns into anything but and reveals secrets that no one alive has ever heard.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 My Review:

World War II Noemie Treves and her husband are arrested for being Jewish. Noemie is pregnant and their life is shaken up during the darkest hours of the Holocaust.

This multi-timeline spanning 1942, 1955, and 2022 brings characters throughout the generation in this heartfelt story when all could be hopeless. With the enduring human spirit, faith, love, and many sacrifices. The author seamlessly weaves together the past and present and paints a picture that will bring tears to your eyes and hope to your heart.

Another woman Caitlyn Laurent a nurse in 2022, is suffering the tremendous loss of her best friend. She ends up in France to prepare to be a missionary nurse in Africa. She decides to look into the maternity home where her grandfather was born. It's more than she imagined she would find and her life will never be the same as she uncovers the real history.

The story can be complex and when another character is added it starts to weave together and fill in all the gaps. This is a fantastic read. Liz Tolsma brings together stories from historical events that you might not have heard about. She masterfully brings it all together. 

Disclosure: I received this complimentary product through Celebrate Lit Bloggers in exchange for my honest thoughts. 

About the Author

 

Liz Tolsma is the author of several WWII novels, romantic suspense novels, prairie romance novellas, and an Amish romance. She is a popular speaker and an editor and resides next to a Wisconsin farm field with her husband and their youngest daughter. Her son is a US Marine, and her oldest daughter is a college student. Liz enjoys reading, walking, working in her large perennial garden, kayaking, and camping.

 

 

 

More from Liz

The Story behind the Cover of What I Promise You

In the late summer, I got the preliminary cover for What I Promise You. While Barbour Publishing always does a great job with their covers, and the one they sent was very nice, I wasn’t crazy about it because it didn’t tell the story at all. The mansion that plays such a big part in the novel was nowhere to be seen. Barbour is fantastic when it comes to working with me to get great covers, so I asked if we could include the real mansion that the story is based on. Turns out that they were having trouble getting copyright permission to use any image they could find of the maternity home.

That was disappointing. But I got brave and let them know that I took a picture of it when I was in France last year, and they could use it, but I’m not a very good photographer and I only used my iPhone. I attached the photo to the email and didn’t hear anything for a while.

Then in October, I wanted to include a preorder link to the book on social media or something and went to Amazon to grab it. And there was the cover. I went back and forth between the cover and my picture, and sure enough, it was the picture of the maternity home I had sent them! So I not only wrote What I Promise You, but some of my photography is on the front. I never thought that would happen. Am I in the wrong profession?? Just kidding!

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, February 27

Life on Chickadee Lane, February 27

Lots of Helpers, February 28

Lighthouse Academy Blog, February 28 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 29

For Him and My Family, February 29

Betti Mace, March 1

Devoted To Hope, March 1

She Lives To Read, March 2

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 2

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 3

Texas Book-aholic, March 3

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 4

Blogging With Carol, March 4

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, March 5

Lily’s Corner, March 5

Bizwings Book Blog, March 5

lakesidelivingsite, March 6

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 6

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, March 7 (Author Interview)

Southern Gal Loves to Read, March 7

Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 8

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, March 8

Cover Lover Book Review, March 8

Connie’s History Classroom, March 9

Holly’s Book Corner, March 9

Pause for Tales, March 10

Labor Not in Vain, March 10

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, March 11

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, March 11

Lights in a Dark World, March 11

 

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Liz is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon e-Gift card and print copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/2a3ce/what-i-promise-you-celebration-tour-giveaway

This reimagining of the mega-selling Action Bible combines 230 stories of biblical heroes with vibrant comic-book-style illustrations and an immersive online experience. Readers will explore seven dynamic attributes of God’s story, earn Faith in Action Badges representing those qualities, and discover even more through a discoverable QR code in each story that takes them to a safe online adventure of games, playlists, Bible studies, activities, and a complete devotional designed to increase their time with God.

Since its release in 2010, The Action Bible has received widespread acclaim for its high-energy, engaging graphics and over 230 spiritually-transformative Bible stories. Introducing the Faith in Action program that reinvents the bestselling, comic-book-style Bible with a systematic approach to experiencing the Word of God for the next generation.

 In addition to an interior redesign refresh, this exciting edition includes:

The Faith in Action system which gives young readers an easy-to-navigate and engaging experience for exploring the Bible through themes that connect directly to their felt needs.

A Faith in Action Badge for each story that corresponds with one of seven biblical attributes: courage, faith, hope, love, service, trust, and wisdom.

Discoverable QR codes in every story take readers to a safe online experience to explore even more content: videos, games, a digital Scripture index, prayers, Bible facts, devotions, playlists, reading plans, interactive maps, Bible study sessions, and more.

A reading challenge chart spurs young readers on to earn a Faith in Action Title.

With all the intrigue of a graphic novel and all the truth of God’s Word, The Action Bible: Faith in Action Edition satisfies the curious minds and adventurous hearts of today’s young learners, guiding them to connect more deeply with God’s Word, develop a richer relationship with their Savior, and grow in their compassion for the world around them.

 My Thoughts:

The Action Bible Faith in Action Edition is the newest edition of The Action Bible. I’ve had the privilege of having all the previous editions and devotions in my home. I’ve watched my kids grow up with them. I remember the excitement when the very first one came out with my son. 

The Faith in Action Edition is an enhanced version of the bestselling Expanded Edition.

I like to point out that this is a graphic storybook that uses the Bible to tell the stories in the Bible. It should never replace a Bible and spending time in His word. It’s appealing to kids and young tweens and teens who are discovering the Bible. It does keep to the Word of God, and for me that is important. The vivid illustrations and short impactful stories help connect Gen Zs and Gen Alphas to God’s Word. Unfortunately its not easy to grab kids attention today in a digital world. 

What makes this so intriguing for kids is that it is fully illustrated and has graphics on every page. Every page has detailed illustration graphics almost like a comic book but, with the superpowers of stories from God’s word.  The colors are vivid and eye-catching illustrations. It is fully colored also. The text bubbles are easy to read with the font and the size of the font is perfect for the intended age.  

The Bible is broken down into seven themes: Courage, Faith, Hope, Love, Service, Trust, and Wisdom.  To make it easy the themes are arranged by color to highlight them. Every theme has a character illustration that is tied to a character trait along with a scripture verse.

There is a plethora of Digital Resources that have over 230 devotionals, timelines, maps, videos, Biblical facts, prayers, and more resources. You access these through a QR code throughout the Bible.

This is a hardback book and the book is made with quality in mind. The pages are made of a good-quality paper.

You can order your copy of the Faith in Action Edition of The Action Bible today directly through the website or here!

Many thanks to David C Cook for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.

#FaithInActionBibleMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

@The Action Bible on FB and @the_action_bible on IG

 

 

About the Book

Book: Winds of Ruach

Author: D.M. Griffin

Genre: Biblical Fiction

Release Date: October 18, 2022

Winds of Ruach is a compilation of five novellas fictionally traversing a period in Israel’s history that spans three hundred years. God used the prophets to speak to His people during a tumultuous time when faith was challenged and spiritual discipline was necessary. Five prophets lived out the message of God in a way that girded their faith and inspired those who truly listened to God’s voice. Jonah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Obadiah, and Malachi were God’s chosen spokesmen.

Book One: Jonah felt he had every right to be angry when tragedy struck his household. He would soon learn that anger was a barrier to a right relationship with God no matter how justified the source of that anger. What happens when Jonah realizes that his deep-seated anger might cost him everything? Will he learn to embrace his forgiving God?

Book Two: Nahum was a victim of God’s wrath as it fell on the land of rebellious Israel. Intimidated for the majority of his life with little memory about his origin, Nahum struggles to trust God for vindication. Grappling to understand why everything keeps going wrong, will Nahum surrender to the only One who can truly defend him?

Book Three: As a child, Habakkuk’s faith was pure and unadulterated. As a priest serving in the Temple, however, Habakkuk realizes that something is keeping him from experiencing the fullness of that faith. He doesn’t truly trust God’s heart toward him. Will he learn to be brave despite the circumstances that threaten the very existence of the Temple?

Book Four: Obadiah lived in two worlds while feeling as if he spiritually belonged to one. Born to an Edomite father and Jewish mother, he was constantly at war with his brother. How long would it take for Obadiah to learn that the Lord was with him in the battle? Even if he lost it all, would having God be enough?

Book Five: Malachi wrestles with what he knows to be true about God and how his life is unfolding in contrast to that knowledge. What does it mean to worship with a pure heart, not with ulterior motives? As God has the final say with His people, will they listen and faithfully wait for the promised future of redemption?

Explore the themes woven into the books of the minor prophets through these fictional journeys that reveal how mighty the Winds of Ruach (Spirit) truly are as they blow across history into today.

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Review:

When this book first showed up in my mailbox, I was a bit overwhelmed wondering, “how I was going to finish this book in the allotted time frame”? It’s a huge book at 635 pages not counting the other 23 pages for the Group Discussion Guide. The book is broken down into five books or sections. It goes through the story of five Prophets in the Bible: Jonah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Obadiah, and Malachi. Each of the Prophets has a stand-alone book covering over 300 years of Biblical history. When you approach this massive book from that perspective it isn’t so bad. Each section flows nicely and I was surprised I was able to read Winds of Ruach so quickly.

I had my favorite which was Habakkuk. Jonah, and Malachi. Obadiah and Nahum were a tad dry but still a good read. Just like any Biblical Historical fiction book some personal liberty was taken into the story. Some books do a poor job and it takes too much liberty into the Biblical story that we know of. However, I felt Winds of Ruach did an excellent job keeping as close to the culture and Biblical context in the five books. D.M. Griffin added a lot of scriptures throughout tying several together nicely. All these minor prophets deal with sin and straying from God. The author does an excellent job of using this to self-reflect in our walk with God.

This was a good read and I enjoyed the book. I would recommend this book. I look forward to more from D.M. Griffin's books in the future.

Disclosure: I received a book from Celebrate Lit Bloggers in exchange for my honest thoughts. 

About the Author

D.M. Griffin currently resides in Northern California with her husband. They met in middle school a few days after she was transplanted to the West Coast at the tender age of twelve. She has three adult children who have been an endless source of delight and inspiration. She also has a precious new grandchild who brings her joy.

As a native New Hampshire girl, she fondly remembers spending her summers there as a child. Thick accents, small towns, and fascinating weather stirred the imagination of her young heart. She has always had a fondness for stories thanks to her imaginative mother who would make up wild, adventurous tales to tell her while tucking her into bed as a child.

She truly believes that a book that sits on a shelf unread is like a planted seed that never blossoms. Nothing delights her more than sharing a story.

More from D.M.

I am a creature of habit who thrives on predictability. That being said, Winds of Ruach fell outside my comfort zone. If you have ever heard the phrase – if you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans – you get the idea. I was deep in the throes of researching and writing a twelve-book series on the disciples of Jesus. My schedule was set. The routine was fixed. I had spent two years dedicated to The Follower Series. In between writing the first draft of book seven and editing book one, I was divinely halted. I didn’t exactly hit a block, so to speak. Instead, I was inspirationally diverted. It frustrated me for a short time.

Looking back on it now, I realize it was a blessing in disguise. At the time, my daily bible reading took me through the book of Jonah. Jonah 4:4 snagged my attention like a burr clinging to a pant leg. “Is it right for you to be angry?”  That single phrase snared my heart with a compulsion to self-reflect. That meditation took me to places I had not been before. I followed the thread of anger woven throughout my life. Not the anger that manifests itself in hot, fiery outbursts but the hidden, silent anger that can turn into deadly pride or unrecognizable prejudice.

Anger wears many disguises. Some of those are loneliness and grief. I began wondering what might have happened in Jonah’s life to make him, a man of God, so angry that he would directly and blatantly disobey the Lord. The first short story was the beginning of a five-month diversion in my predetermined writing schedule.

I was inspired by other verses as I walked the landscape of Scripture through the books of the minor prophets.

With Nahum, I pondered how tragedy affects the trajectory of a life. With Habakkuk, I explored the difference between authentic worship and disingenuous faith. Obadiah is a short and sweet book of the bible, but it packs a punch. The theme of the resulting short story is about claiming one’s true identity as a child of God. Finally, Malachi wove the final thread into the fabric of this anthology which is ultimately about the Spirit of God moving through history to accomplish His will and purpose. Malachi is a story about knowing when to remain silent and when to ask questions of God. As I wrote Winds of Ruach, I thought about the importance of destiny and promise.

Some of my early readers asked me which was my favorite prophet. Honestly, the only way I could answer that question is to say that it is whichever story I am reading at the time. I was greatly blessed while writing Winds of Ruach, drawing out biblical themes I had never noticed before. These five prophets are near and dear to my heart. Truly, the imagination is a gift from God. And yes, I did go back to the ‘routine’ in writing. It took three and half years (half a year over my schedule) but the series I was working on prior to Winds of Ruach is now complete. God is good even in the distractions.

Blog Stops

Fiction Book Lover, January 31 (Author Interview)

Lots of Helpers, January 31

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 1

Guild Master, February 2 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, February 3

Artistic Nobody, February 4 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 5

Beauty in the Binding, February 6 (Author Interview)

Abba’s Warrior Princess, February 7

A Reader’s Brain, February 8 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, February 8

Cover Lover Book Review, February 9

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 10

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, February 11 (Author Interview)

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, February 12

Lights in a Dark World, February 13

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, D.M. is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card & copy of book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/29b07/winds-of-ruach-celebration-tour-giveaway