Not My Circus: Living with Courage, Conviction, and Compassion in a World of Chaos by Mark Batterson - A Book Review

  

Mark Batterson has obviously given much thought and research into the manner in which Christians can remain spiritually healthy, avoid being transformed by the world, and respond to others in a Christ-like way while interacting on social media and in person within our current social environment. Does he make it sound easy? No, but he does make it sound,with a great deal of intentionality, possible.

Batterson packs a great deal of information into 314 pages, but he does add phrases, mnemonic devices of sorts, to help readers retain the essence of the principles he is teaching. Still, this is a book that readers will likely want to revisit as they encounter situations that leave them pondering the best way to respond. Batterson covers a lot of topics which fall under a large umbrella, and seamlessly moves between those topics. He includes enough humor to sweeten the lessons, making them more palatable, and reduces defensive responses to some of those which may hit very close to home.

I highly recommend this book as a resource for Christians living in today's society. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Not My Circus from Penguin Random House Christian Publishing via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Mercy's Child by Richard Paul Evans - A Book Review

Mercy's Child is a fictional account heavily based on the real life events of Etta Angell Wheeler's work to save one little girl from a life of extreme abuse and neglect, sparking the birth of the New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. Mrs. Wheeler along with the co-founders of the society were largely responsible for changes in society's and the law's views toward protecting children from abuse. Mrs. Wheeler is a model of putting God first and stepping out of both comfort and safety to help the most vulnerable among us.

Author Richard Paul Evans has obviously done his research for this writing project. He did an amazing job of not only presenting key events, but also the heart behind them. He provides both reading pleasure and inspiration. I highly recommend Mercy's Child and am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Gallery Books via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

 

Where Hope Dwells by Elizabeth Ludwig - A Book Review

  

If you think you don't need to read this book because you have seen the TV movie, think again. While a short novel, this book includes more details and red herrings than the movie that make for a more satisfying mystery experience. While the book might classify as a cozy mystery, there is nothing cozy about a kidnapped infant. Once again Cheryl and Naomi are determined to solve the mystery and, if at all possible, set things to right again. The story approaches the theme of forgiveness from a variety of angles, fleshing out the theme more than one might expect in a fairly short novel. I recommend this novel which is a bit meatier than the first book in this series. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Where Hope Dwells from Guideposts via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

Blessings in Disguise by Nancy Mehl - A Book Review

   

This book and series came recommended to me by a friend who is a huge fan of Amish fiction. I also streamed a couple of the movies based on this series before reading this book. Blessings in Disguise proved to hold true to the saying, “the book is better than the movie.” It is a sweet, cozy mystery, a quick read for those looking for something lighthearted. Having visited Sugarcreek a few years back, I felt the book held true to the essence of the small town. I did enjoy seeing Nancy Mehl's flexibility as a writer as the other books I have read of hers mostly involved serial killers. This book is very dissimilar to those. I recommend this book and series for those who are looking for something that is enjoyable but not too deep.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Blessings in Disguise from Guideposts via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

The Glades by Angela Hunt - A Book Review

  

This book gets five stars for originality, a seldom used setting, realistic characters, addressing authentic human concerns, intensity, unexpected plot twists, and a lesson about discovering who you are once all of life's trappings are stripped away and you have to identify which values will determine your next steps. I was sucked into this book from the first page and never felt its grip weaken until the final page. I highly recommend The Glades and am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Hunt Haven Press via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

The Christmas Courier by Roseanna M. White - A Book Review

  

The Christmas Courier is set in 1943 to 1944 Lyon, France, and highlights work of the French Resistance. (Make sure to read the Author's Note.) While the book may be short, it does not feel rushed and White still beautifully includes important lessons of faith that always grace her stories. This story includes holiday traditions to highlight biblical wisdom. Keen suspense, sweet romance, and intense drama are skillfully used as the vehicles to deliver these lessons and wisdom.

The Christmas Courier will make a wonderful selection for a personal read or for a gift this holiday season, or anytime. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Tyndale House Publishing via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

Return to the Shack by William P. Young - A Book Review

  

When The Shack was first release, I read it, talked my husband into reading it, and then we bought quite a few copies as gifts for others whom we wanted to have the experience of reading this story. So, I was so excited to learn that a sequel was to be released. Unfortunately, I had an unsettled feeling as I read this book that did not go away. I can't place my finger on what caused it, but at the 52 percent mark on my Kindle, I chose to walk away. Nothing about the book has drawn me back to finish it even though I had made it just past the halfway mark. I imagine this book will be perfect for some reader, who will then tell others about it, and buy gift copies. It just won't be me.