Wood Lake Books Ending Print and Distribution Services

Not long after celebrating a 40th Anniversary, Kelowna, B.C.-based Wood Lake Books today announced their decision to cease print operations and close their warehouse. Some products, including a few not-yet-published resources, will continue to be available online. The publisher has long resonated with United Church of Canada leadership and laity for which they produced curriculum […]

The Book I Needed Right Now

A review of God on Mute: Engaging the Silence of Unanswered Prayer by Pete Greig (Zondervan). Every once in awhile I take an interest in a book, not for reasons related to the store, but because it’s something that I need in my own life at that time. To borrow from a very old advertising […]

Review: Veil of Winter by Melanie Dickerson

srcset=”https://i0.wp.com/thestorysanctuary.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/veil-of-winter.jpg?w=227&ssl=1 227w, https://i0.wp.com/thestorysanctuary.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/veil-of-winter.jpg?resize=197%2C300&ssl=1 197w, https://i0.wp.com/thestorysanctuary.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/veil-of-winter.jpg?resize=98%2C150&ssl=1 98w” sizes=”(max-width: 227px) 100vw, 227px” /> Veil of Winter (Dericott Tales #3)Melanie DickersonThomas NelsonPublished June 14, 2022 href=”https://amzn.to/3rMzMVP” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow”>Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads About Veil of Winter Princess Elyce is on the verge of marrying the nephew of the unscrupulous King Conrad of a neighboring kingdom when she discovers that Conrad will use her marriage to force her people to work in his mines. In order to fake her own death and escape him, she takes a sleeping potion, planning to awaken on the third day and then travel to Prague to seek help from King Wenceslaus, who rules the Holy Roman Empire. But her plan goes awry: the third day comes without her waking … Continue reading → The post Review: Veil of Winter by Melanie Dickerson appeared first on The Story Sanctuary.

Review: Set Me Free by Ann Clare LeZotte

Set Me FreeAnn Clare LeZotteScholastic PressPublished September 21, 2021 Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads About Set Me Free Three years after being kidnapped and rendered a “live specimen” in a cruel experiment to determine the cause of her deafness, fourteen year old Mary Lambert is summoned from her home in Martha’s Vineyard to the mainland to teach a younger deaf girl to communicate with sign language. She can’t help but wonder, Can a child of eight with no prior language be taught? Still, weary of domestic life and struggling to write as she used to, Mary pours all her passion into the … Continue reading → The post Review: Set Me Free by Ann Clare LeZotte appeared first on The Story Sanctuary.

Review: The Architect by Jonathan Starrett

346w” sizes=”(max-width: 208px) 100vw, 208px” data-recalc-dims=”1″ /> The ArchitectJonathan StarrettTyndale HousePublished February 7, 2023 href=”https://amzn.to/3tBEhCH” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow”>Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads About The Architect There’s a golden rule in Phantom City: “No one about when the Zeppelin is out.” But one night, twelve-year-old Charlie Crane comes face-to-face with the Zeppelin, and instead of finding trouble, she is awakened. Determined to find the truth in a city plagued with lies, Charlie, along with a quirky band of unlikely heroes, works to free the people of Phantom City from the clutches of a shadowy, evil villain. Helped by a mysterious Architect who only communicates over radio and telephone, Charlie wrestles with two big questions: Can she trust a guide … Continue reading → The post Review: The Architect by Jonathan Starrett appeared first on The Story Sanctuary.

Review: Her Story, Her Strength by Sarah Parker Rubio

Story, Her Strength by Sarah Parker Rubio shows cartoon illustrations of women from the Bible in a three by three grid.” class=”wp-image-13268″ srcset=”https://i0.wp.com/thestorysanctuary.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/her-story-her-strength.jpg?resize=200%2C300&ssl=1 200w, https://i0.wp.com/thestorysanctuary.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/her-story-her-strength.jpg?resize=100%2C150&ssl=1 100w, https://i0.wp.com/thestorysanctuary.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/her-story-her-strength.jpg?w=333&ssl=1 333w” sizes=”(max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px” data-recalc-dims=”1″ /> Her Story, Her StrengthSarah Parker RubioZonderkidzPublished March 7, 2023 Amazon | nofollow”>Bookshop | Goodreads About Her Story, Her Strength Girls are beautifully and wonderfully made in God’s image. This comprehensive collection of stories focused on 50 women of the Bible shows how God worked in their lives and continues to have a plan and a purpose for his beloved daughters today. In a world that too often tells girls that they are not enough, HER STORY, HER STRENGTH uses biblical retellings and reflections that include the historical context behind each story to … Continue reading → The post Review: Her Story, Her Strength by Sarah Parker Rubio appeared first on The Story Sanctuary.

Review: Castelon by Alyssa Roat

Castelon (Wraithwood #3)Alyssa RoatMountain Brook InkPublished March 15, 2023 Amazon | nofollow”>Bookshop | Goodreads About Castelon Fifteen hundred years of Arthurian legend come to a head in the final installment of The Wraithwood Trilogy. The sword of legend, ancient magic, and a dead man’s secrets—together they could save Brinnie’s world or end it forever. Brinnie barely escaped Mordizan with her life. Battered and broken in body and soul, she knows she’s running out of time. And though she has discovered the identity of Mordred’s bane, no one knows where to find the legendary weapon. To discover the … Continue reading → The post Review: Castelon by Alyssa Roat appeared first on The Story Sanctuary.

Review: She Deserves Better by Sheila Wray Gregoire, Rebecca Gregoire Lindenback, and Joanna Sawatsky

ifted” class=”wp-image-13447″ srcset=”https://i0.wp.com/thestorysanctuary.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/she-deserves-better.jpg?resize=194%2C300&ssl=1 194w, https://i0.wp.com/thestorysanctuary.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/she-deserves-better.jpg?resize=663%2C1024&ssl=1 663w, https://i0.wp.com/thestorysanctuary.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/she-deserves-better.jpg?resize=768%2C1187&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/thestorysanctuary.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/she-deserves-better.jpg?resize=994%2C1536&ssl=1 994w, https://i0.wp.com/thestorysanctuary.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/she-deserves-better.jpg?resize=97%2C150&ssl=1 97w, https://i0.wp.com/thestorysanctuary.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/she-deserves-better.jpg?w=1294&ssl=1 1294w” sizes=”(max-width: 194px) 100vw, 194px” data-recalc-dims=”1″ /> She Deserves Better: Raising Girls to Resist Toxic Teachings on Sex, Self, and Speaking Up Sheila Wray Gregoire, Rebecca Gregoire Lindenback, and Joanna SawatskyBakerPublished April 18, 2023 Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads About She Deserves Better You want your daughter to thrive–to be strong, confident, and equipped to step into the life God has for her. But what if the church is setting your daughter up to be small? Armed with data from an all-new survey of over 7,000 women, the … Continue reading → The post Review: She Deserves Better by Sheila Wray Gregoire, Rebecca Gregoire Lindenback, and Joanna Sawatsky appeared first on The Story Sanctuary.

10 Biblical Convictions To Live By In Everyday Life

How well do you live out your Biblical Convictions? When God convicts your heart of something in particular, whether he wants you to stop doing something, or maybe step up and act, do you follow Him? I have to admit I don’t, always, but I’m doing better. And the book we’re going to highlight today, well, it’s a ton of fun, but it will absolutely challenge you to stand up and act on some of your Biblical convictions. Putting your beliefs into real-world action, instead of just saying ‘yes, I believe that,’ it means actually demonstrating what’s in your heart. … Read More

How To Be a Good Housewife: Juggling Your Life 1 Priority At a Time

Ever wonder how to be a good housewife in today’s world? I mean, is there really a place for a traditional housewife in the 21st Century? I guess that really depends on your definition of a “good” or traditional housewife. The Bible has a lot to say about how to be a good housewife, and it doesn’t exclude having a productive job, or mean we can’t do a lot of things that tend to get bad press. Between Proverbs 31 and 1st Timothy 2, there is a lot of solid information on how to be a good housewife. Anyone who … Read More

Skyworld: Best Christian Steampunk Books

Today, we enter a whole new world. Some of the dangers are far too familiar. But some are very unique and creative. As much as I enjoyed being a guest to Skyworld, I’m not sure I would want to live there. I’ll admit that I didn’t know what ‘steampunk’ was until this book. But it’s pretty cool. Victorian culture, steam-powered advanced technology, and a fascination with science. And I must say, this author hit the ball out of the park with her Christian Steampunk books! Why Read Christian Steampunk Books? Christian Steampunk books explore a unique ‘what if’ that really … Read More

The Newton Chronicles

The Newton Chronicles: Soldiers, Crystals and Temples intrigued me, so I signed up for the tour. A few days after the book came, my 9yo said “I want to learn more about Isaac Newton!” So we started this book, to get a taste. We learned a few things, had a ton of laughs, and every time I tried to stop reading, there was a very insistent “2 more chapters please!” so I’d call this an absolute win! Even the 4 year old sat still! About the Book Book: The Newton Chronicles: Soldiers, Crystals, and Temples Author: Terry Overton Genre: Middle Grade Christian Fiction … Read More

Twice Sold Tales

Welcome to February! Let’s kick off the month with Twice Sold Tales, a used bookshop in Minnesota that’s struggling. Harper inherited it, and is definitely overwhelmed. Trying to do the “Should do” list and losing her joy along the way. And Noah just discovered a son he wasn’t told about, and now he’s a single dad… But it’s fiction, so the big things get worked out before the end of the story. About the Book Book: Twice Sold Tales Author: Chautona Havig Genre: Christian / Romantic Women’s Fiction Release date: November 2, 2022 If only owning a bookstore didn’t mean dealing with people. No … Read More

Over 50 New Testament Stories To Make You Think

When is the last time you read the New Testament stories and longed for a little bit more? More information, more emotion, more backstory? A thread of connection? Reading the Actual Bible in company with some solid Biblical fiction can be a great way to dive deeper, and ponder. To connect on a more personal level with the people of the Bible. New Testament Stories I love the New Testament, and all the richness it holds. But so often I want to imagine what happened before or after that moment in the scripture. Which laws and customs triggered that event? … Read More

The Secret Society

The Secret Society is eerily possible and may be scarier to moms than to their kids. But I would still highly recommend it for kids and adults. It poses some great launching pads for ‘what if’ kinds of questions. Not to scare, but to make you think, at least on an individual level. I personally couldn’t put it down. And I don’t think my son will let me go very long between chapters when we dive into it also! About the Book Book: The Underground Book Readers: The Secret Society Author: Terry Overton Genre: Upper Middle Grade, Pre-Teen, Teen, YA Christian Fiction Dystopian … Read More

40+ Awesome Christian Children’s Books Not to Miss

Today we have a collection of awesome Christian books for children, that will make storytime that much more meaningful. Growing the faith of a child in your care is such a privilege. I truly hope you are considering the eternity of the kids around you, and spending time nurturing and growing that faith, one Christian kids book at a time! Roman’s 10:13-15, 17… “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not … Read More

Where Treasure Lies

This week from Celebrate Lit and Amanda Tru, we have Where Treasure Lies. A quest, a mission, and a bunch of storms, both natural and ‘political’ make this one well worth reading. And I put ‘political’ in quotations because it’s not political parties, just local control issues. I couldn’t put this one down, so I’m happy to be able to share it with you. About the Book Book: Where Treasure Lies Author: Amanda Tru Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance Release date: February 28, 2023 Two stories…thirty years apart. Will solving the mystery of the past provide the key to the present? Scott Connelly arrives in … Read More

Could There Be Good Dragons in the Bible?

Do you like Dragons? I do. The good ones, anyway. If you give them half a chance, they can show you some of the best characteristics, the ones that inspire you to live as Jesus wants you to. And the bad dragons, well, they show you what the consequences are for bad choices, and what you REALLY don’t want to look like. But, are there any Good dragons in the Bible? I know the dragons in the Bible, in Revelation at least, are NOT good. So Let’s take a quick look through a few ‘dragons in the Bible’ verses and see what … Read More

Top 10 Faith and Fitness Devotionals and Programs Full of Grace For You

If you’re anything like me, being active with faith and fitness can be a struggle. We get busy with all the ‘urgent responsibilities’ of life, and as Mark Batterson would say, become irresponsibly responsible, with an improper balance of our responsibilities. You know, if we don’t wash the laundry, shop, and make dinner, who will? But today, let’s challenge the assumption that our faith and fitness are lower priorities, shall we? Let’s see just how awesome our God is, and find a fitness devotional that is inspired by Grace, and Christian fitness programs that are more than a bunch of … Read More

Christian Moms: 7 Best Books to Read When Pregnant

Today, let’s talk about pregnancy as a Christian Mom. There are some pretty amazing Christian pregnancy books out there, both for moms and kids! I want to encourage you with some of the best books to read when pregnant, before you reach that point of overwhelm, if at all possible. If you can’t quite manage that, then read them anyways! Giving birth to a tiny human, made in God’s Image-Such a privilege, whichever way it happens! Mine were both c-sections. The first six weeks postpartum (or as my mom says, “Post Part’em!) are beautiful but far from easy!     You are completely … Read More

The Truth About Judging Others

Do you know the problem with judging others? Sometimes we’re not correct and our judgment of others often hurt them and sometimes ourselves. This idea of judging others is one of the themes I explored in my novel His Perfect Match. Brianna McPherson had been subject so many times to the judgment of others that she no longer cared about pleasing people, at least on the outside. What Does Judging Others Mean? The Oxford Dictionary defines the word judge as: To form an opinion or conclusion about. Isn’t this what we do every day, all day long?  We form an … Read More

10 Best Bibles for Kids That Are Worth Reading

There are so many Bibles for Kids out there. It’s easy to be overwhelmed when trying to pick a solid, accurate, but age-appropriate Bible to give your kids a good foundation in the Truth. And honestly, I just learned that one I thought was good, still managed to have an agenda other than sharing God’s Word with kids. So I know, the struggle is real. So let’s dig into some of the options, and pick a few that we can stand behind. Teaching Kids About the Bible The best way of teaching kids about the Bible is to actually read … Read More

9+ Benefits Of Reading You Might Not Already Know

If you already love reading, you know how many ways a reading habit can help. If you’re trying to convince yourself that picking up a book is worthwhile, then allow me to introduce you to the wonderful things that books have the power to do for you, if you let them! I can’t imagine a life without books, because the pleasure of getting lost in a good book is something I’ve known since I was very small. It’s been a part of my family culture my whole life. And helping people see how whatever subject you’re reading, books can work … of-reading/” class=”more-link”>Read More

Reading With Your Child: How To Make It Awesome

If you’re not part of the reading with your child club, please give me a chance to persuade you!There’s nothing quite like curling up on the couch to read with your child. Unless it’s when you reach a point where you take turns reading aloud while doing something else (driving, cooking…). Growing up, reading with my mom was my favorite part of the day. There’s the adventure, the closeness, something to talk about because of the shared experience… I’m a hug person, and my mom isn’t. But reading together was her way of hugging me. Up until I married, we … Read More

Wheelers Design: Pottery and Pineapples

Tropical islands, an incredible opportunity shared well, a few misunderstandings, and some beautiful lessons from both pottery and pineapples shape Wheeler’s Design into a must-read story! I read it in one sitting, and am still thinking about some of the lessons and fun several weeks later. So sit back, comment, and enter the giveaway. Maybe you could request your local library purchase a copy. But find a way to get your hands on a copy of this one! About the Book Book: Wheeler’s Design Author: Rachel Skatvold Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance Release date: March 28, 2023 Clay is messy and so is Sabrina’s life … Read More

United Forces: Dystopian for Kids

An unforgettable storyline with kids you may find yourself praying for accidentally (true confessions here, you guys!). Today we get to visit the Underground Book Readers Secret Society again, and see how they’re doing. If you recall, we first met them a few months ago, and I was eager for the opportunity to follow up with them. These kids are alone, with the “world force” in charge, but they have each other, and they have hope. About the Book Book: The Underground Book Readers: United Forces Author: Terry Overton Genre: Middle grade, pre-teen, teen dystopian Release date: March 1, 2023 In the second book … Read More

Deep Dive into The Story Of Hagar in the Bible

Who was Hagar in the Bible? How does the Hagar and Abraham dynamic and Hagar and Sarah conflict fit into the grand tapestry of God’s Word? Do you know just how special Hagar’s son truly is? Let me invite you into the new Hagar Bible study by Shadia Hrichi. It will answer these questions and so many more. If you like going “Behind the SEEN” you’ll love this study. Spend some time with Hagar and those around her. Together with many of those whose lives tell of a relationship with The God who Sees; It’s awesome! Walking through the pages … Read More

How to Make Time For Reading

So, you keep hearing about awesome books, but just wonder, in your busy schedule, how to make time for reading them? Between the chores and the church activities, work, and family responsibilities, I get it. Reading time is precious, and can get squeezed out if we’re not careful.  Maybe choosing to read isn’t always your first instinct, But if you take the time to read a good book regularly, you’ll be surprised how good you feel, and the cool things you’ll learn. How to Make Time for Reading More Books If you want to find time to read, you have to filter … to-make-time-for-reading/” class=”more-link”>Read More

Book Notice: ROMAN CRUCIFIXION AND THE DEATH OF JESUS, by Woodrow Michael Kroll

A Brief Book Notice from Books At a Glance by Fred G. Zaspel   In its day the “cross” and “crucifixion” were not topics of polite conversation, but in our Christianized West the cross has long become a happy symbol – a piece of jewelry and an item of decoration as well as identification. That’s… View Article The post Book Notice: ROMAN CRUCIFIXION AND THE DEATH OF JESUS, by Woodrow Michael Kroll appeared first on Books At a Glance.