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.

Legacy Restored by Robin Patchen - A Book Review

   

Not a mystery, but a crime drama this time, with a dash of romance of course. Legacy Restored is just as wonderful as Robin Patchen's previous books. Whenever I am asked about my favorite authors, I always include Robin Patchen in that list.

In this book, Jack Rossi's youngest sister, Angelica (Angel) shows up on his doorstep. (Fans will recognize Jack's name from previous books.) Angel has accepted Christ, and is living a new life, but has once again found herself in trouble, but this time not of her own making. The trouble may not be made any easier when Jack takes Angel to live in a house being renovated by Donovan Gilcreast who blames Angel for the death of his own sister. Paired with having to work with a police detective who wants nothing more than to see her back in prison, Angel must totally rely on her new-found faith in Christ to help her make the hard choices.

Difficult themes of addiction, repentance, and grief populate Legacy Restored. Romance and intrigue are the purveyors they ride upon. Fear and trust, resentment and love, regret and hope are the emotions that sweep the story forward. I recommend this book, and am very grateful to have received a copy from the author in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review, and received no monetary compensation.

Synapse by Steven James - A Book Review

     

Steven James tells a story of our future, a future that does not involve Jetson-like advancements. Rather than large infrastructure changes, James sees changes in the form of technology having the greatest impact on society. In Synapse, life-like machines, data walls, embedded chips and prosthesis reminiscent of the Six Million Dollar Man are some of what drive society forward, or not,depending on one's point of view. The Purists see technological advancement as a danger to mankind, and work to rein it in. In the meantime Artificials seek to become like Naturals, even seeking an afterlife and forgiveness, while most Naturals have worked to busy their minds in order to forget those very things.

Those of us who have lived to see the changes technology has brought in the past three decades can easily believe in the possibility of the future James describes along with the moral questions it brings. Synapse gives us the chance to consider those implications before finding ourselves in the middle of them. Sci-fi fan or not, I believe you will enjoy the way this book is written and the way it engages your mind in thoughtful consideration. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review, and I received no monetary compensation.  

A Distance Too Grand by Regina Scott - A Book Review

    

A fear of heights may keep me from personally experiencing the Grand Canyon, but experiencing it vicariously through the eyes and lens of Meg Pero as she served as photographer with the Army's survey team was amazing. Regina Scott is a master at giving her readers a mental snapshot just as the shutters close. I would not doubt that she is also a photographer with her attention to light and her ability to illuminate her descriptions of how it plays within a scene, and what it reveals to those who know its character.

A Distance Too Grand is a story of distinguishing between whose expectations we should live up to, and the realization that we live our lives for an audience of One. Scott allows readers to feel the freedom that comes with that realization.

I am grateful to have received a copy of this book 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.

Dark Ambitions by Irene Hannon - A Book Review

   

The Phoenix Agency has another case. Heather Shields is assigned the lead on this one. The client is Rick Jordan, who fans of Irene Hannon will recognize as one of the Treehouse Gang. Of course there are immediate sparks between Heather and Rick, but they will have to wait until the case is solved, a case that quickly morphs from concern over a missing Army buddy to much more.

Dark Ambitions is classic Hannon, and will thrill her fans. If she is a new-to-you author, and you are a mystery or suspense fan, I highly recommend you check out this book, this series, and this author. Hannon will appeal to both Christian and non-Christian readers. Just when you think you have the solution all worked out, Hannon will pull out a reasonable surprise.

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

Always Look Twice by Elizabeth Goddard - A Book Review

     

While being the second book in Goddard's Uncommon Justice series, Always Look Twice works well as a stand alone read. As I read, I had a suspicion that I was stepping into a series, but it in no way impacted my ability to understand and enjoy this book.

Harper Reynolds and her sister, Emily, were nearing the end of a year's traveling and camping together, a trip designed to help Harper heal from the emotional trauma of her childhood and her job as a crime scene photographer. Little did they know of the trauma that was yet to come as they camped near their childhood home. Harper's reconnection with her childhood best friend, deputy and rancher Heath McKade, was both a comfort and a challenge for both of them. Both broken and afraid to take emotional risks, neither was sure what to do about the attraction between them, nor did they have time to process it with the violent acts being perpetrated in the small town of Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

Always Look Twice is a story of hope, redemption, and second chances. It is engaging with a fast moving plot and characters one can care about. I am very grateful to have received a copy from Revell via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to write a positive review, and received no monetary compensation.

Hope's Highest Mountain by Misty M. Beller - A Book Review

   

Hope's Highest Mountain is not only a story of hope midst pain and sadness, it is a story of strength, an inner strength forged through reliance on God. While most of us will never face the challenges faced by Ingrid Chastain as she traveled through the wilderness of Montana seeking to deliver vials of life-saving medicine, we will each encounter times when we need the sustaining strength that comes through trusting and relying on God. This story will inspire those seeking such strength.

Hope's Highest Mountain is well written. Beller paints beautiful mental images of Montana's mountain grandeur that invite feelings of fear and awe. She engages all of the reader's senses: the taste of simple trail fare, the iciness of wading through deep snow, the warmth of snuggling beneath heavy furs, the sounds of the forest, and the smell of sickness. 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.

Jesus in Me: Experiencing the Holy Spirit as a Constant Companion by Anne Graham Lotz – A Book Review

   

This book comes out of a deep personal relationship with the Holy Spirit, one called upon during a time of intense grief. The author wants to share her experiences with the Holy Spirit and to educate her readers about His love, presence, power and purpose in their lives. However, she obviously hopes that this will go beyond head knowledge to the readers allowing the transformative power of the Holy Spirit to work in their lives.

The Holy Spirit is often the person of the Trinity that is least acknowledged, understood, and cherished. Our nation, and the world, needs an awakening and for this we must access the power of the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to work within and among us. I thank Anne Graham Lotz for helping her readers to know Him better, and am grateful to have received a copy of Jesus in Me from Multnomah in exchange for my honest opinion. It is a privilege to recommend this book. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation. #PRHpartner