Wisdom 52 by Mark E. Moore - A Book Review

  

Wisdom 52 is a wonderful year-long study of God's Word's key Scriptures on wisdom from the book of Proverbs. The book explains how to practically apply the Scriptures to daily living. It is equally appropriate to individual, family, small group, or church-wide study. Each week begins with a key verse which is fleshed out with additional Scriptures and personal applications. There are five assignments each week: reading the essay, memorizing the key verse, reading a biography within the Bible, meditating on support Scriptures, and discussion. The discussion prompts are organized into three areas: group, home, and watercooler. I especially appreciate the watercooler prompts which can be used at work, the gym, the coffee shop, etc... They are not worded with a Christian slant, but have the potential of generating an opportunity for witnessing. For example, one might open a discussion about areas of life that feel most balanced and those that feel most unbalanced, or possibly about who the people are in our life that we are most afraid to disappoint which can lead into telling how faith impacts our answer to those questions. Like in the book's predecessors, Core 52 and Quest 52, the author provides free, on-line videos for each week.

I find my study using Wisdom52 to be time-well-spent. I highly recommend this book, Core 52, and Quest 52. They do not need to be read in any particular order. I am grateful to have received a complementary copy of Wisdom 52 from Penguin Random House Christian Publishing Group via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

Fighting for You by Robin Patchen - A Book Review

  

Having been raised in a wealthy home in a small town where the Wright name carried a lot a weight, Delaney was anxious to strike out and prove to her family, and to herself, that she could make it on her own. Ending up in a homeless shelter hadn't been part of the plan, and Delaney was thrilled, and a bit nervous, about finally landing a job as nanny to a four-year-old little girl who had experienced more than her share of trauma. Noah Aylett had not anticipated becoming the legal guardian of his niece, but here he was trying to meet her needs as she adjusted to living in a new place with someone she did not know well and had yet to learn to trust, while also trying to keep his business, his father's legacy, afloat. You can foresee how these two protagonists' lives are about to become connected. What you cannot foresee are the many challenges, dangers, and fears Robin Patchen has written into their lives. The themes of trust, compassion, and priorities are well-developed as the intrigue and suspense play out and the beginnings of romance struggle to emerge. I highly recommend this five star read.

Fighting for You works well as a stand alone read, but readers will appreciate the story more if they read the Wright Heroes of Maine series in order. I really enjoy that Patchen writes lengthy series that allow her readers to become invested in her characters. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Book Funnel without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.