Small Groups Made Easy by Ryan Lokkesmoe - A Book Review

   

As one might expect Small Groups Made Easy deals with organizational and pragmatic concerns in leading a small group. Lokkesmoe takes a very realistic approach to dealing with matters such as logistics, the role of a group leader, and preparing for group meetings. The author is focused not only on the success of small groups, but also on helping leaders to set realistic expectations. The second part of this book includes twelve plans for small group sessions which revolve around essential questions such as 'What is God Like?' and 'Where is God When I Suffer?'. Each session includes a personal question, an open-ended spiritual question, and a lead-in question. The sessions are organized to include a social section, a study section, and a prayer section. One of the best features of this book is that it includes information on how to pass the baton of leadership onto others, a way of fulfilling the Great Commission to make disciples. I am grateful to have received a copy of Small Groups Made Easy: Practical and Biblical Starting points to Lead Your Gathering from Bethany House via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review, and received on monetary compensation.

A Christmas Haven by Cindy Woodsmall and Erin Woodsmall - A Book Review

   

Let me begin by saying to please not let this title mislead you. While it has the word Christmas in the title, the story does not center around Christmas time, and will be a great read any time of year. The theme of the book does center around grace and how God's grace helps believers to find their identity in Him. Ivy whose family belongs to an Old Amish Order community, and Arlan whose family belongs to an even stricter and more conservative Swartzentruber community both struggle with coming to terms with practicing their Amish faith. Read to find out how their growing understanding of God's grace brings peace to their lives. Cindy and Erin Woodsmall have crafted a delightful story with great wisdom. I am grateful to have received a copy of A Christmas Haven from WaterBrook via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review, and received no monetary compensation.

Insulin Resistance Diet for Beginners: The Complete Guide to Reverse Insulin Resistance & Manage Weight by Marlee Coldwell, RD – A Book Review

       

Author Marlee Coldwell is a registered dietitian, and her book is based on current science; no fad diets here! In the first chapter of Insulin Resistance Diet for Beginners, she clearly explains the connection between insulin and metabolism and the role of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats and the place for each in our diet. (I love her about comment about selecting carbohydrates that are “closer to the farm.) She explains how insulin resistance develops in a way that is easy to understand. The second chapter is a chapter of encouragement, “Five Steps to Overcome Insulin Resistance.” Coldwell speaks to possibilities for improvement and treating oneself with kindness, not beating oneself over the head. A two-week meal plan and recipes are provided to assist the household meal planner in getting off to a good start, followed by more recipes to continue healthy habits. The recipes use a minimal number of ingredients and have very reasonable prep and cooking time for a busy lifestyle. I am grateful to have received a copy of this wonderful book from Rockridge Press in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review, and received no monetary compensation.

The 5-Ingredient Fresh & Easy Cookbook: 90+ Recipes for Busy People Who Love to Eat Well by Shelia Thigpen – A Book Review

   

Sheila Thigpen has provided both new and experienced cooks with over ninety wholesome recipes. The recipes are not specifically low-carb, but do not include many processed or sugary items (well,expect for some of the desserts). Recipes are labeled to let those planning a meal quickly know which are nut-free, gluten-free, vegetarian, etc. The table of contents is labeled by breakfast, lunch, dinner, sides, snacks and desserts followed by valuable resource material, but what I really found helpful was that two indices are provided, one organized by recipe type such as dairy-free, one-pot, and no-cook, and the other by main ingredient. Most prep times are under twenty minutes. I found this cookbook to be very helpful in planning for and preparing healthy meals on busy days. I am grateful to have received a copy from Rockridge Press in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review, and received no monetary compensation.  

Sewing for Kids: 30 Fun Projects to Hand and Machine Sew by Alexa Ward - A Book Review

   

I am so excited to have received a copy of Sewing for Kids: 30 Fun Projects to Hand and Machine Sew from Rockridge Press in exchange for my honest opinion. While I was under no obligation to provide a positive review, it is my pleasure and privilege to do so. My oldest two granddaughters recently asked me to schedule regular times to work with them to teach them how to sew. This book is just the resource I needed to make the most of these times together. Alexa Ward who runs her own sewing school called Brooklyn Sewcial, and generously shares 30 of the projects she has had success working on with her students. One of my favorite attributes is that the projects start off easy and get a little more complex as they go. Skills are introduced then practiced on future projects as new skills are introduced. The projects are fun, and often useful rather than just decorative. The first section includes hand sewing projects, and the second machine sewing projects. Basic information on both types of sewing is clearly explained and accompanied by photographs. I feel much more equipped to teach the girls to sew having this book in hand. I highly recommend it to others who are blessed to have young girls to teach in this special art. 

The Weekend Quilter edited by Rosemary Wilkinson - A Book Review

   

I received some very good tips about fabric selection in the book The Weekend Quilter. I was unfamiliar with the effect fabric with geometric designs has on the way one's eyes travel over the surface of a quilt, or the impact monochromatic prints have compared with solids in the overall look of a quilt. The author gave, what I am sure are very clear instructions regarding some quilting basics like creating a straight edge before cutting from a new piece of fabric;cutting strips, squares, triangles and rectangles; and hand quilting among other topics. For me the directions were difficult to visualize, but I typically need to watch someone perform tasks of this type rather than just hear words directing motions. (I have made 10 to 15 baby and lap quilts, and am not a total novice, but still had difficulty visualizing from these instructions.) The illustrations were not helpful to me, but would likely be so for most. I browsed through the twenty-six patterns included in this book, and saw two or three I might like to make. I did like that more than one color scheme was given for many of the quilt patterns.

I am grateful to Landauer Publishing for providing me with a copy of The Weekend Quilter in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.

Echoes Among the Stones by Jamie Jo Wright - A Book Review

    

I am a couple of days past this book's release date with my review, but this book just could not be rushed. Jaime Jo Wright is definitely one of my most favorite authors. This book, like her others, has a haunting quality to it that is difficult to describe. Her writing has a way of wrapping itself around your soul allowing you to live within its borders. Deep themes, this time pertaining to grief, are essential elements to Wright's works. No lighthearted beach reads here. These books are best read curled up in your cozy spot with a warm drink nearby and time to immerse yourself in reading and pondering undisturbed.

Echoes Among the Stones tells the tale of Imogene Grayson's efforts to solve the mystery of her sister's violent murder in 1946. It also tells the tale of Aggie Dunkirk's efforts to solve the cold case of that same murder in the present day. Someone is manipulating Aggie to pick up the case while at the same time thwarting her efforts. With the help of of archaeologist Collin O'Shaughnessy, Aggie perseveres as she feels that solving this case will also help explain things she has never understood about her persnickety grandmother. Serendipitously, it may also help her to come to grips with consuming life circumstances that would seem totally unrelated.

I am very grateful to have received this book from Bethany House via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.

The Bridge to Belle Island by Julie Klassen

    

One would think there would not be many suspects to be found on a small privately owned island related to a murder committed in London. Ah, but one would be wrong because there are suspects in abundance. It is up to attorney Benjamin Booker to work through them all in order to prove the innocence of Isabelle Wilder, owner and prisoner of Belle Island. Intrigued? I hope so because I believe you will find this mystery and Klassen's characters compelling. Klassen's theme of trust and confidence over worry and doubt is carefully woven into the story, and is viewed through the lens of personal failure and circumstances that steal one's hope. I highly recommend this book and am grateful to have received a copy from Bethany House via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review, and received no monetary compensation.

Seconds to Live by Susan Sleeman - A Book Review

    

Seconds to Live is an intense suspense novel involving the security of witnesses in the witness protection program when the WITSEC database is hacked. The FBI's RED team, headed by Sean Nichols, and WITSEC deputy Taylor Mills work together to locate the infamous hacker known as Phantom who is selling witnesses' data on the dark web. Sleeman's research into WITSEC procedures and the technology included in this story is evident.

The suspense drives this novel, and that is a good thing because the romance is over the top cheesy. While reading I asked my husband if he'd ever wanted to climb into a book and Gibb's smack a character, and he just looked at me like I was a bit nuts, but Sean and Taylor would both benefit from an encounter with Gibbs. (If that doesn't make sense to you, you have never watched NCIS.) The author interwove these characters' faith and trust in one another with their faith and trust in God. All of that said, I would still recommend this book because the suspense is so good.

I am grateful to have received a copy of Seconds to Live from Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.

Modern Rug Hooking: 25 Punch Needle Projects for Crafting a Beautiful Home by Rose Pearlman - A Book Review

   

Pearlman's look into the history of rug making and her own experiences with the craft are very motivating to the beginning hooker. Her description of the variety of media that may be used is inspirational. I found that her explanation of the difference between traditional rug hooking and punch needling to be very helpful. Pearlman clearly explains the basic equipment and vocabulary of the craft. I love that the use of repurposed materials is common. As the author moves on to preparing for and completing projects, her step by step explanations are clear and are supported by photographs. While my wish list of projects to do and the number of my unfinished projects are both growing, I am very excited about breaking my new punch needle out of the package. I am grateful to Roost Books for providing me with a copy of Modern Rug Hooking in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.

The Rebel Bride by Shannon McNear - A Book Review

    

As The Daughters of the Mayflower series continues to take us down the path of American History, we now reach the Civil War. This story largely takes place at the home of Pearl MacFarlane, her brother and father. The MacFarlanes are imposed upon by Pearl's cousin, Sergeant Travis Bledsoe of the Confederacy, to care for wounded Union soldiers, among them Sergeant Joshua Wheeler. While initially resentful of this intrusion, Pearl's devotion to God, her father's timely use of Scripture, and her growing affection for Sgt. Wheeler, Pearl began to embrace her new and difficult responsibilities.

Shannon McNear provides lengthy front and back material to explain the difficulties she experienced in writing this story as well as pertinent historical information. I enjoyed this story, but at times felt as trapped within the walls of the MacFarlane home as did Pearl, longing to move to new scenery and an interesting side story. I would recommend this book to historical fiction fans, and I continue to love this series. I am grateful to Barbour Publishing for providing me a copy of The Rebel Bride via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review, and received no monetary compensation.

Lake Season by Denise Hunter - A Book Review

    

Fear. Fear of not measuring up. Fear of letting people down. Fear of not being loving or lovable enough. Fear of having your heart broken. The theme of living a life controlled by fear versus the freedom found in living a life of faith and trust in God is deeply embedded in Lake Season. While our personal fears may come from a variety of sources, and they may masquerade as peculiarities or personality traits, most of us can find some area of life where fear keeps us from doing or being something we desire, something we know God is leading us to, or something we know to be in our best interest. Lake Season is likely to speak to us as we cast off fear and seek to live our best life.

Denise Hunter has created a story with believable characters who are impacted by God's love in an amazing way. I am very grateful to have received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Lose Your Belly Fat Cookbook by Alix Turoff - A Book Review

    

The author of  the Lose Your Belly Fat Cookbook is a registered dietitian whose life goal is to help find a way for people to love and enjoy food without sacrificing their health. The background information in this book explaining how to calculate your daily caloric goal, the importance of protein and fiber, good sources of fat, and choosing the right type of carbohydrates is as important as the recipes provided. Turoff provides a fourteen day jump start plan that is very doable. The recipes look amazing and I can't wait to try many of them. I am very grateful to have received a copy from Rockridge Press in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.

The 30-Minute Dairy Free Cookbook by Silvana Nardone - A Book Review

  

Inspired by her son's improvement in his health after adopting a diet that took his food intolerances into account, Nurdone compiled recipes for those needing a dairy-free diet whether due to allergies, intolerances, sensitivities, or a need to improve their overall health. The author says that these recipes can be made in thirty minutes or less. I found many of the recipes to be more adult-friendly than child-friendly, at least based on the children that I have occasion to cook for. While I have not yet had the opportunity to make any, the recipes do sound delicious and fairly easy to make. Some of the ingredients may not be readily available in small-town groceries, but can be made at home. I am grateful to have received a copy from Rockridge Press in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.

A Pursuit of Home by Kristi Ann Hunter - A Book Review

  

I entered the Haven Manor series with book three, A Pursuit of Home, other than the short story Legacy of Love from The Christmas Heirloom Novella Collection. This book worked quite well as a stand-alone read. Hunter made good use of her prologue to build background and interest.

I had difficulty coming up with a word to describe the cast of characters of A Pursuit of Home. The best I can do is whimsical, a strange word to associate with nobility turned spies and an academic. Following Jessamine (Jess) Beauchene and Derek Thornbury on their quest to restore the small nation of Verbonne is full of danger and surprises. This is the kind of story in which the reader creates vivid mental images of the characters, the type that would cause a great degree of agitation if the book were made into a movie in which the actors did not match those mental images. Readers are likely to become vested in the lives of Derek and Jess.

I am grateful to have received a copy of this book from Bethany House via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review, and received no monetary compensation.

When Silence Sings by Sarah Loudin Thomas - A Book Review

   

It took me a few chapters to get drawn into this story, but once I was it was so worth it. When Silence Sings has quite an original storyline, sort of a Jonah meets the Hatfields and McCoys. I love the way Thomas takes Bible stories and sets them in the early 1930s West Virginia, making them relatable to the mountain folk and to her readers as well. The character development in this story is very well done. A sequel continuing the story of Colman Harpe and Ivy Gordon would be very well received. Readers will close this book with visions of where their story might lead.

I highly recommend When Silence Sings and am grateful to have received a copy from Bethany House via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.

Protecting Tanner Hollow by Lynette Eason - A Book Review

    

Eason does not waste any time getting to the action. Protecting Tanner Hollow is full throttle in the first chapter. As I read on I discovered why. Protecting Tanner Hollow is a collection of four romantic suspense novellas, so it is necessary to get into the action from the get go in each of the stories. Fans of novellas are going to love this collection. The setting and a few recurring characters link the novellas, each containing a damsel in distress being rescued, very different than the author's Elite Guardians series' female characters, but still delightful. One of Eason's St. John family characters is featured in the last of these stories. Fans of Eason's full-length novels may find the novellas a little light due to the length constraints, but will still find them an enjoyable read.

I am grateful to have received a copy of Protecting Tanner Hollow from Revell Publishers via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.

In the Cradle Lies by Olivia Newport - A Book Review

    

In In the Cradle Lies we again meet genealogist Jillian Parisi-Duffy and her father, Nolan Duffy. Jillian and Nolan are two of the most selfless, caring characters you might ever meet, however, this sometimes makes them the greatest busybodies you might ever meet. They may have never met a boundary they wouldn't breach, but the author successfully molds them into people you can love in spite of this character flaw, a flaw that is used to open up the way for readers to step into the lives of those around whom the stories in this series center; in this case, Tucker Kintzler and his deceased grandfather, Matthew Ryder. On his deathbed Matthew placed a heavy burden on Tucker's shoulders, one too heavy for him to bear alone.

In the Cradle Lies is a story of family secrets and the shame that keeps them buried. It is also the story of being set free by the truth, and the willingness to share the truth with others. I recommend this book to those who need encouragement to face truth and step out of shame created by themselves or forced upon them by others. I recommend it to those who enjoy books where characters unfold and wisdom is revealed. I am grateful to have received a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.

The Anti-Inflammatory Diet One-Pot Cookbook by Ana Reisdorf, MS,RD & Dorothy Calimeris - A Book Review

 

The best, and most important, thing I think I can say about this cookbook is that most of the recipes contain ingredients that are readily available and are things that our family will actually eat. Too often I look through cookbooks, and think, “Who eats like this?” That is definitely not the case with The Anti-Inflammatory Diet One-Pot Cookbook. I am anxious to try many of these recipes, and love that the authors kept both preparation and clean-up simple. In addition to the yummy-looking recipes, the first chapter includes general information about foods that can be applied to tweaking recipes that I already use, and altering my grocery list to keep those inflammation-inducing foods out of our fridge and pantry.

I am very grateful to have received a copy of this book from Rockridge Press via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.

True to Me by Kay Bratt - A Book Review

    

As Christians we know that we are to be true to who God created us to be; if we accomplish that we are being true to ourselves as well. How often do we allow ourselves to be shaped in the image of who someone else says we should be? Parents, spouses, significant others, even friends may set up expectations for how we should live our lives. Some of that may truly be good, but are we cognizant of when boundaries are breached? If so, do we allow that to occur, or do we reestablish those boundaries? Traveling along with Quinn Maguire as she discovers her true self may help readers explore such questions. Quinn's story is compelling.

While I most often review Christian fiction, I did enjoy this secular, contemporary tale. Kay Bratt's works are always fully engaging, and transport me into the characters' world. They give me pause to contemplate some of the social and personal issues of our day. True to Me is no exception. I am very grateful to have received a copy from the author and Lake Union Publishing in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review, and received no monetary compensation.

Wildflower Christmas by Grace Greene - A Book Review

   

Wildflower Christmas is a novella, and the third book in the Wildflower House series. In the prologue the author catches people who have not read books one and two up on Kara Lange's story. It made me think that those of us who have invested ourselves in Kara's story would likely have each written this prologue a little differently depending on our personal lens. As such, I'd wished I had begun my reading with chapter one.

Kara's plans for a quiet Christmas, like the ones she was used to, were quickly interrupted. A new boyfriend, coming alongside a recently discovered aunt in a search for the aunt's twin, caring for five-year-old Maddie while her grandmother recuperates, and the appearance of Victoria, a friend with whom she has had an evolving relationship, all work together to fill her December and Christmas with delightful, loving chaos. She wouldn't want it any other way. The story wraps up a lot of loose ends, and would serve well as a final book in a series, but enough is left open to give readers hope that they might encounter some of these characters in future books.

I used the word poignant to describe the first book in this series, and that word describes the series as a whole. I recommend this sweet, read, but suggest the books be read in sequence in order to get the greatest reading enjoyment. I am grateful to have received a copy of Wildflower Christmas from the author in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.

Free to Believe: The Battle Over Religious Liberty in America by Luke Goodrich - A Book Review

  

For Christians, this book may very well be the most important book you read this year other than the Bible. Luke Goodrich is an attorney at the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty. He has won multiple Supreme Court cases involving religious freedom. He also teaches an advanced course in constitutional law at the University of Utah law school., and he is a Christian. With this background, Goodrich clearly outlines the changes in our culture and the impact they have on religious freedom, but he doesn't leave readers discouraged or hopeless. Using Scripture and his knowledge of the law and precedents, Goodrich clearly outlines ways Christians can speak into secular society to demonstrate the need for religious freedom, and ways we can be proactive in protecting our rights to practice our faith. Just as important, Goodrich points out ways in which Christians are both sabotaging (my word, not his) our freedoms as well as misrepresenting God to a hurting world.

I strongly urge you to pick up a copy of Free to Believe and share it among your Christian friends. I am grateful to have received a copy from Multnomah in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.  #PRHpartner

The Roll of the Drums by Jan Drexler - A Book Review

   

In this second book in Drexler's The Amish of Weaver's Creek series, we are reunited with Abraham Weaver's family, particularly his daughter, Ruby. The family takes in former minister Gideon Fischer, his ailing wife, and their four children. Gideon is running from his memories and guilt over his role in the war between the Union and the Confederacy, the fleeing and separation of his flock, and the circumstances his family had contended with during his forced absence. Weaver Creek and Abraham and Lydia's home offer the perfect sanctuary to recover from his spiritual wounds. Unfortunately, the war may not be far behind.

Drexler brings to the forefront Scripture's instructions regarding how we as Christians are to treat our enemies. Readers will be challenged to put themselves in the characters' shoes and consider their own choices in the situations in which Drexler places them. While a thoroughly enjoyable read, there will be plenty of opportunities for self-reflection.

I am grateful to have received a copy of The Roll of the Drums from Revell via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review, and received no monetary compensation.

Unscripted by Davis Bunn - A Book Review

   

This book gives insight into the movers' and shakers' world within the film industry; a world I am glad to enter only in the pages of a book. The story focuses on producer Daniel Byrd and attorney Megan Pierce, both who desire to achieve top quality, but who also desire to avoid the trappings of the power mongers. Together, along with director Greg Riggs, writer Annie Callow, newcomer Emma Sturgis, and a very special cast and crew, they work to create magic that is not often found on today's screens.

The theme of healing from childhood wounds is strong in this story. While Megan's parents represent Christ to Danny, as did his last foster father, Christ is not credited with much of this healing. That was a bit disappointing. The book does tell a solid story with great characters. It is filled with visual and auditory images that reach deep into one's soul. I would recommend it as a good read, one that will work well in secular markets.

I am grateful to have received a copy of Unscripted from Revell via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.

Double Blessing: How to Get It, How to Give It by Mark Batterson – A Book Review

   

Mark Batterson shares his personal testimony of receiving the gift of a double blessing in his own life. Using Scripture, he explains the principle of the double blessing, how to receive it, and how to bestow it. God blesses us so that we may use His blessing to bless others. This book is not another health, wealth, and prosperity message. It is not a book about avoiding pain and suffering because Jesus himself said that in the world we will have trouble. It is a book about positioning oneself to receive God's blessings, recognizing His blessings, and passing on those blessings.

Batterson fills his book with a healthy dose of reality, but always paired with hope. I am grateful to have received a copy of Double Blessing from Multnomah via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.

The Painted Castle by Kristy Cambron - A Book Review

   

Cambron's seamless transition and intertwining of three connected yet distinct stories from the 1840s, 1940s, and present day is truly amazing. Elizabeth, Amelia, and Keira all share stories of heartbreak and restoration that unfold on the Parham Hill Estate in Suffolk County, England. Each lady's story is captivating and will stir the reader's heart. Elizabeth and Keira's stories include a mystery to be solved. Each of these stories goes beyond romance to deep and abiding love.

Kristy Cambron is a master of character development. In her stories each word counts, frivolous passages are non-existent. Once finished, they leave you with the desire to let them rest in your thoughts, with no desire to immediately enter a new book and another world.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in the review are completely my own.