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. 

The Undercover Bookshop by Katherine Reay - A Book Review

  

Just because World War II was over didn't mean all the spies had returned home. Not all spies fit the stereotype. The Cold War years proved both of these things to be true. Katherine Reay makes the most of these facts as she leads readers into a place and time of great intrigue where only the most observant of people could piece together what was likely taking place behind closed doors.

Gemma Brown is a delightful character. While content with simple pleasures such as a cup of tea, a good book to read, and a comfortable bedsit to live in, Gemma strives to improve herself and her life. Her frequent rushing into new endeavors may have lead to brief brushes with disaster, readers will enjoy watching her self-confidence grow as she becomes more aware of her own strengths. Being driven by a sense of justice, a keen sense of observation, and a passion for mystery novels, Gemma begins to unravel something that British Intelligence had failed to do for quite some time.

Reay is able to weave a tense time in history, including the psychological toll it had on everyday life in the village of Great Rollright in Oxfordshire, England, with a spy mystery that would have made Agatha Christie and Dorothy Sayers proud. Reay has written the book in a way that made me feel as if I had stepped right into the story: meeting friends at the pub for dinner, bicycling long distances, and learning to bake right alongside our heroine. I highly recommend The Undercover Bookshop and am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Harper Muse via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

Exercise is Murder by Bruce Hammack - A Book Review

  

After listening to the thirteenth book in Bruce Hammack's Smiley and McBlythe mystery series, my husband and I found the novella prequel in our Kindle library. It was nice learning how the blind former police detective and the wealthy attorney became close friends, housemates, and private investigators. In spite of the novella length of this mystery, Hammack was able to flesh out the mystery of the murder of an old friend of retired homicide detective Steve Smiley. The Columbo style ending with all of the suspects gathered in one place came naturally and did not feel rushed. The humorous banter between Smiley and McBlythe adds to the pleasure of reading, or listening, to the story. I would recommend this book to anyone seeking a quick, quirky read. I am grateful to have received this book when it was offered for free on Amazon. The publisher is Jubilee Publishing. 

In Our Hands by Bonnie Smith Whitehouse - A Book Review

  

I truly enjoy a variety of creative endeavors. I make time for creating new recipes and gardening. I rarely make time for quilting, sewing, embroidery, rug hooking, etc. Key words in this book's description on NetGalley made me think this book would help me become motivated and inspired to make more time for creating. Key words and phrases that led me to this idea were: empowering guide, creative renewal, hope made doable, and practical guidance. While the description did talk about how social, political, and technological tension can cause stress and how creating can be a tool for resilience and empowerment, what it did not lead me to expect was the author's agenda being as much about imposing her values and beliefs as about promoting the benefits of participating in creative pursuits. Key words that would have helped readers make a better choice in knowing if this book was for them would have been: liberal, new age, progressive, omnism, etc. My best advice about this book is buyer beware.

I am grateful for Running Press' consideration in providing me with an advanced reader's copy of this book via NetGalley. However, if I had paid for it, I would be requesting my money back as it stressed me out and the end result was the opposite of what I had hoped for. I was under no obligation to provide a review, and all opinions expressed here are my own. 

Making Peace with What I Can't Control by Lysa Terkeurst

  

This Bible study is accompanied by online streaming video access. I will be reviewing the study guide, not the videos. This study covers six sessions. It is very specific about what to say, so I would suggest, if you will be leading a group, familiarizing yourself with each session's teaching and questions so that it does not appear that you are just reading to the group. The intro matter of the guide will assure that, if you structure and lead each session following the recommendations, you will lead each session with maximum efficiency. The guide is designed to support leaders for the greatest opportunity for success. This includes the quality of the group discussions. The focus on Scripture is an essential element to the integrity of Making Peace with What I Can't Control. Content in each session is pertinent to the topic, easy to understand, and promotes quality discussions. It does a good job of directing the group to meet the goal of the title.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of this study from Harper Christian Resources via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

 

A Lighthouse Legacy by Jo James - A Book Review

  

A Lighthouse Legacy is the fifth book in Guideposts Gift Shop Mystery series. Each installment is written by a different author, but readers would never know that if the authors' names were not provided because they have each done such a wonderful job of maintaining a constant voice and keeping the characters' natures consistent from one story to the next. It is enjoyable to get to know and revisit characters over a series longer than the typical trilogy. This series would qualify as a cozy mystery. I felt like the mystery was easy to solve, and the ending confirmed I had predicted correctly about one fourth of the way into the story. This did not dampen my enjoyment of the story as I enjoyed following the protagonist as she worked toward a solution and confirming my own thoughts. I recommend A Lighthouse Legacy to mystery fans who need a quick, light read.

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

Theo of Golden by Allen Levi - A Book Review

  

Theo of Golden is the type of book that one has to slowly emerge from before fully re-entering the real world as Theo's world quickly becomes reality. One begins to feel like they are members of Theo's close circle of friends, after all, it is a very diverse group of individuals. His poetic speech paints poignant word pictures as beautiful as an artist's completed canvas and as hopeful as a child's sketchpad. Theo teaches by example by modeling good listening, generosity, and thoughtfulness. He is a man who has learned the value of putting others before self. Theo believes in heaven, and understands that a gentle, winsome nature is often the key when wanting others to one day reside there with you. Others come to deeply love him because he loves so well.

Author Allen Levi has been published before, but this, his first novel, is truly a work of art, hopefully the first of many. His writing style brings along with it a sense of peace, at times because of the serenity he depicts, and at times when replaced with hope during difficult times. Theo of Golden will be shelved in my heart where few other books have found their home, a place where only books who have touched me so deeply live. All secondary though to the One Book whose Author surpasses all others. A book to which this one points. 

Shadowing You by Robin Patchen - A Book Review

  

The first adjective that comes to mind when describing Shadowing You is unexpected. The main characters, especially the Wright cousin, was not one I had anticipated. The love interest was also a pleasant surprise. I have really enjoyed the foreign settings in the Wright Heroes of Maine; this one was of personal interest to me as it is my granddaughter's country of origin.

The suspense as the main characters are on the run from someone with lots of contacts and influence in the government is very well written. The author's knowledge of both city life and village life made the characters' escapades even more realistic. The core of this story though centers on relationships and commitment, not only between married couples, but also between parents and adult children. Relationships that are worth preserving, even when it would be easier to walk away. Of course, this theme must include a focus on forgiveness and the willingness to try again.

Robin Patchen is a master of keeping readers spellbound while also conveying deep truths. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Shadowing You from JDO Publishing via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

Every Given Day by Cathy Gohlke - A Book Review

  

While Every Given Day is a work of fiction, it is built on a very real historical era, the time leading up to and following the discovery of insulin for the treatment of type 1 diabetes. The story also includes characters impacted by the Spanish flu and tuberculosis. The health challenges make for tension in the story, and in come cases grief. Other sources of tension that move readers are strained familial relationships and illegal behavior that puts everyone in the household at risk. Tension may not be great in real life, but it certainly makes for great reading. This story will give readers all the feels as some would say. The theme of perseverance and the gradual way in which key characters come to faith, and of course the journey to true love, will encourage readers and balance out the more disheartening elements.

I highly recommend Every Given Day and am very grateful to Tyndale House Publishers for providing me with a complimentary copy via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

Murder Plainly Written by Mindy Steele - A Book Review

  

Wanda Miller, who coaches people toward healthier lifestyle choices at a local wellness center, has enjoyed writing articles on that subject. However, she longs to write a novel, something she has not revealed to her fellow members of the Plain Order Ink Society, a group of Amish writers who encourage one another and seek to grow in their writing skills together. Wanda had no idea as to what situations she would get involved in by befriending Englischer writer Sadie Lynch who had just arrived in the small Amish community to run the candle shop left to her by her aunt. Their common passion for writing quickly bonded the two, something Sadie would especially be very glad for as odd occurrences turned ominous.

This cozy Amish mystery is a fun read. The author gives us characters to befriend as well as some to be leery of. Both clues and red herrings are well placed along the way. Most readers will enjoy solving the mystery before the characters in the book come to a conclusion as to the identity of the culprit. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Murder Plainly Written from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Library of Forbidden Books by Mario Escobar - A Book Review

  

This book is an emotional story about a librarian in Berlin who, along with her friends and co-workers, strives to protect as many books as possible from destruction by Hitler's regime. The story also details the highs and lows of her family life as she works to balance her work and personal life while avoiding capture. Escobar is a wonderful storyteller who engages his readers emotionally and sensorily. One cannot read his work and remain detached or passive.

I am one of those people who read historical fiction, frequently fact checking to determine which parts are true and which are fiction. I was unable to find much at all about librarian Helene Nathan.At the end of the book, Escobar offers clarifications from history, revealing that very little of Helene Nathan's story matches the story told in Library of Forbidden Books. To say that that was a big disappointment is an understatement. If the notes at the beginning of the book had given a heads up, or if the author had chosen to make the character fully fictional, this let down could have been avoided. That is the only drawback to this intense read.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

Where Wilted Flowers Bloom by Johanna Rojas Vann - A Book Review

  

While Vann tells a raw and honest story of grief following the loss of a child, she also tells a beautiful story about the value of inter-generational friendships. Sandra thought her family move to Nashville following the loss of their baby girl would help them all get a new start, but that was not how things worked out. Mark, a retired widower, became fast friends with his new neighbors. They filled his lonely hours and gave his days purpose. Mark provided Sandra a compassionate ear and heart, listening in a way those closest to her could not. Readers will be blessed as they immerse themselves in Mark and Sandra's story, and they will learn important life lessons that can be applied under broader circumstances. I give Where Wilted Flowers Bloom five stars.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of this book from Penguin Random House Christian Publishing Group via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own

A Little Latitude by Johnnie Alexander - A Book Review

  

This cozy mystery was the perfect break after several more serious books. I had read the first book in Guidepost Gift Shop Mysteries series, and had assumed this was the second. Upon reading, I could tell that I had missed one or two books, but that did not hinder my understanding or enjoyment of this book. I enjoyed it enough that I am going to check into reading the missed book(s).

The story continues to focus on Sarah Morgan and her new gift shop, Heavenly Presents. It has a Hallmark mystery feel to it as mysteries seem to fall into Sarah's lap. Like the first book in this series, A Little Latitude include some quirky characters, and this one has a budding romance. If you are in the mood for a light read, this is a good choice.

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

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

  

I have become familiar with the Jólabókaflóđ tradition in Iceland over the last few Christmas seasons. I searched the internet for the correct pronunciation and got a variety of answers, most varied on the sound of the last letter. The first four syllables are consistently presented as yo-la-bok-a, while the last can be found as flot, flod, and floth among other variations. The word translates in English to Christmas (or Yule) Book Flood. Roseanna M. White's novella The Christmas Book Flood uses the story of fictional characters Tatiana Eliasdottir and Anders Johannsson who both work for a publishing company called Sogufelagith, the Story Society, to tell of the birth of this tradition; which I will not spoil for you by explaining it here.

This wonderful novella is a quick read that book lovers of all types are likely to enjoy because of the tradition they will likely want to adopt. Those who enjoy a sweet romance will be especially pleased. The theme of miscommunication and its effect on self-esteem may have each of us examining our own assumptions as well as how our words and actions appear to others. Happy reading and merry Christmas!

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of The Christmas Book Flood from Tyndale House Publishers via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.