I almost didn't give this Bible to my mother for her birthday --it was so nice, I wanted to keep it for myself!  Read on for my full review and a chance to own a copy yourself!

Title: The NKJV Woman's Study Bible [Full Color Version]
Publisher: 2017 by Thomas Nelson

About the Book:

The Woman’s Study Bible poignantly reveals the Word of God to women, inviting them to receive God’s truth for balance, hope, and transformation.

Special features designed to speak to a woman’s heart appear throughout the Bible text, revealing Scripture-based insights about how godly womanhood grows from a woman’s identity as a Christ-follower and a child of the Kingdom.

Now with a beautiful full-color redesign, The Woman’s Study Bible reflects the contributions of over 80 women from a wide variety of ethnic, denominational, educational, and occupational backgrounds. Since the publication of the first edition of The Woman’s Study Bible under the editorial guidance of Dorothy Kelley Patterson and Rhonda Harrington Kelley, this landmark study Bible has sold over 1.5 million copies.

Features Include:
—Beautiful full-color design throughout
—Detailed biographical portraits of over 100 biblical women
—Thousands of extensive verse-by-verse study notes
—Over 300 in-text topical articles on relevant issues
—Insightful essays by women who are recognized experts in the fields of theology, biblical studies, archaeology, and philosophy
—Book introductions and outlines
—Hundreds of full-color in-text maps, charts, timelines, and family trees
—Quotes from godly women throughout history
—Set of full-page maps of the biblical world
—Topical index
—Concordance

The Artist Librarian's Review:
Featuring an attractive, full color design, the NKJV Woman's Study Bible from Thomas Nelson contains copious notes, maps, charts, and other supplemental materials written with women in mind.

I turned to the book of Ruth to sample this revised version.  The introduction to the book contains information on the author, date, background (such as setting, purpose, audience, and literary characteristics), themes, and an outline. 

Footnotes include scholarly details and/or cross-reference other passages.  My favorite part was discovering these full color maps and charts (as seen in my photos).  These are helpful for giving historical or thematic context and assisted me in getting a more full picture of what was going on in these passages (even with a familiar story such as that of Ruth's).

If I had any criticism, it would be that the little chapter headers and some of the chart headers are in a cursive-type of font.  I think this is a lovely feature and gives a feminine touch to the text, but some may find it harder to read, such as those who struggle with dyslexia or simply have older eyes.

Overall, I think this would be a wonderful gift or purchase for ladies looking for more content than your basic Bible.  When I gave this my mom for her birthday earlier this month, she said it was like everything she needed was right at her fingertips to dig deeper into God's Word!

[Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes from the publisher via Litfuse.]

What is one feature that is a must-have for any Bible you own?

About the Publisher:

In business since 1798, Thomas Nelson is one of the oldest Bible publishers in the world and the largest publisher of the King James Version. Their mission is to inspire the world by using our talents, assets, opportunities, and influence to engage and equip people with Scripture and draw people to a deeper study and understanding of God's Word. Find out more about Thomas at https://www.thomasnelsonbibles.com.

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of The NKJV Woman's Study Bible (winner's choice of design)
• A decorative plaque
• A rose gold Tree of Life necklace

Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on April 27. The winner will be announced April 28 on the Litfuse blog.

... Or "Welcome back to book blogging." ... If anyone still reads my blog, LOL.

© 2017 by Kregel Publications

Title: Welcome to College (2nd Edition)
Author: Jonathan Morrow
Published: 2017 by Kregel Publications

About the Book:

Is there a more frightening question for a graduating high school senior than 'What will you do with your life?' In college, whether they realize it or not, students will answer that question every day with each decision. All of the new friends and new experiences of higher education will shape their future. It’s critical that students know how to handle college before they’re in the thick of it. Jonathan Morrow tackles the tough questions that arise during these formative years, including:

—How do you grow spiritually?
—How do you manage your time to both study well and have fun?
—Is all truth relative?
—Are there good reasons to be a Christian?
—As a Christian, how should you view issues like dating and sex?

Each chapter of this new edition has been updated, and the author has included a new chapter on Christianity, homosexuality, and the Bible. Grounded in both his own extensive experience and biblical truth, Morrow’s book is full of quick, easy-to-read chapters and excellent advice.

The Artist Librarian's Review: 
Jonathan Morrow's Welcome to College covers over 40 topics and questions young Christians may face or wonder as they begin to navigate life on their own as they pursue higher education.  Though some teens and young adults might balk at reading a 400+ page tome, Morrow's prose is reader-friendly and contains short chapters that allow for reading a few chapters at a time, or even reading out of order, based on topic. 

First published in 2008, this timely 2nd edition provides updates such as recently published studies and books for further study, along with newer pop culture references (e.g. the 2016 Captain America: Civil War film is mentioned) and social media mentions such as Instagram which didn't even exist nine years ago.  The chapters themselves cover both spiritual and philosophical topics such as "What is faith?" or "What is the purpose of the Church?" along with more practical, day-to-day topics such as scheduling, health, or creating a budget.  Each chapter takes about 5-10 minutes to read and closes with a brief summary and resources for further reading.  There are copious notes, along with an appendix of additional philosophy resources, discussion questions for each chapter, a suggested 1st semester devotional reading plan, and more.  

I think this would make a great graduation gift for young Christians looking to engage in the world around them while still keeping  rooted in their beliefs.  This book will challenge them to think for themselves and analyze what they hear and see, along with living out their faith in a respectful yet confident way.  Definitely passing this on to my younger siblings to read.

About the Author:

Jonathan Morrow (DMin, MDiv) is the author of several books including 'Questioning the Bible' and he speaks nationally on biblical worldview, apologetics, and culture. He is adjunct professor of apologetics at Biola University and director of cultural engagement at Impact 360 Institute where he teaches high school and college students. Jonathan is passionate about seeing a new generation build a lasting faith. Find out more about Jonathan at http://www.jonathanmorrow.org.

 What is the best advice you have for someone entering college? 

[Disclosure: I received a copy of this book for review purposes with participation in this blog tour via Litfuse.]

Also ... Litfuse is running a giveaway & author chat on Facebook to celebrate this book release --$100 worth of giftcards!  Learn more and enter here by April 11!