Happy Hanukkah!!! ~ Hanukkah Story Book Reviews!

Happy Hanukkah!!! Today I'm posting on two of my favorite Hanukkah story books. :)

This one is probably my favorite! I love how it connects the story of Hanukkah to our daily lives. It not only tells the story of Hanukkah, it also talks about how we can be set apart for Yeshua in today's world.

This one is pretty discriptive, and does a great job of telling the story of Hanukkah! 

Both of these do a wonderful job of immersing you in the story of Hanukkah, and showing what it might have been like to be a Maccabee. 

Happy Hanukkah!

Judah's Wife: A Novel of the Maccabees by Angela Hunt ~ Book Review

Synopsis

Seeking peace and safety after a hard childhood, Leah marries Judah, a strong and gentle man, and for the first time in her life Leah believes she can rest easily. But the land is ruled by Antiochus IV, descended from one of Alexander the Great's generals, and when he issues a decree that all Jews are to conform to Syrian laws upon pain of death, devout Jews risk everything to follow the law of Moses.

Judah's father resists the decree, igniting a war that will cost him his life. But before dying, he commands his son to pick up his sword and continue the fight--or bear the responsibility for the obliteration of the land of Judah. Leah, who wants nothing but peace, struggles with her husband's decision--what kind of God would destroy the peace she has sought for so long? 

The miraculous story of the courageous Maccabees is told through the eyes of Judah's wife, who learns that love requires courage...and sacrifice.

Review 

I picked this book up because I am fascinated by the Maccabees. It's so amazing how devoted the Maccabees were to Adonai, in a world full of paganism. 

The characters were very complex. My favorite was Judah. He was humble, and strived to follow Adonai always. When he made a mistake, he was willing to admit he was wrong, and willing to ask for forgiveness. 

This book is not for kids under 15. The period of history the Maccabees lived in was a violent, gruesome time. However, what I liked about this book is that the author didn't portray evil as good, and she didn't focus on or glorify the evil. Nothing was overly graphic. 

This book was well researched and well written. It shows the fight to keep Adonai's ways, and to stay pure and set apart for Him. It shows the cost for standing up for what the Bible says is right.

The Maccabees story is one of struggles, triumphs, sorrows, and miracles. It shows how God fights for us. 4.5 stars!

Snowflakes

Snowflakes are so beautiful. Have you ever caught some in your hand? Each one is unique and different. They each have their own shape, size, and design.

People are a lot like snowflakes. Each of us is uniquely different. God didn't create us all to be alike one another. He created us all different- unique.
It seems like many people feel the need to "fit in", to be "alike one another." The truth is, we aren't meant to be the same. God created us to be unique and different.

Just like snowflakes, treasure people for who they are- in their own unique way.

"I praise You, for I am awesomely, wonderfully made! Wonderful are Your works--and my soul knows that very well. Psalm 139:14 (TLV)

Warriors of the King by K. Dennis Chambers ~ Book Review

Synopsis

Alaric doesn't let anyone tell him how to live his dangerous life spent robbing the rich barons and wicked spires who inhabit his medieval world. One day, deep in the forest trails, he encounters a soldier of the King. Far from robbing this formidable knight, Alaric is persuaded to visit the King's castle and discover for himself what a meaningful life looks like. 

This new life that unfolds in front of him is filled with adventures, sword fights on flat prairies and steep mountains against powerful enemies, new friends, and even a girl whose smile lingers on his mind.

Review

This book was so good! I loved the characters, the allegories, and the faith content! The way the King was described was beautiful! Jesus was so interwoven throughout it. This book shows multiple people's spiritual journeys. One accepted the King at a young age, another lived as a robber until he met a soldier of the King, another was searching for the Truth and found it in the King. I appreciated how each character's specific gifts came out in the book; such as someone who loves to study: they helped translate and make copies of the King's Book. My favorite character was Akara- a woman soldier in the King's army. She loves horses, and loves her King.

Another thing that was really cool was how important it is to read the King's Book and how that helps you in various aspects of life- especially sword fighting. This book shows the spiritual side of life- specifically spiritual warfare. The author incorporated biblical concepts throughout the entire book. 

I highly recommend this book!!! If you loved Pilgrim's Progress, you're sure to love this book!

"Your shield of faith is getting brighter than the day the King issued it to you... Unlike earthly shields, which dull with hard use, the King's shield warms and glows brighter with use. It is a shield of faith, your single greatest protection against the evil forces of this world..." - Warriors of the King

You and Your Horse by Dandi Daley Mackall ~ Book Review

Synopsis

Do you love horses? 

Author Dandi Daley Mackall does, and has written a book full of tips, ideas, and tricks for really getting to know and love your horse - and getting some love back. Whether you ride every day or once a year, this book is for you!

Review

I first read this book quite a few years ago, and really enjoyed it and appreciated the information in it. This book covers the nature of horses and how they respond, to how to deal with obstacles or problems. It was fascinating to discover more about how horses react, and how we as humans can relate to them and make them feel safe. If you love horses, I'd highly suggest picking this book up! :)