The Year God Died: Jesus and the Roman Empire in 33 AD by James Lacey

★★★★★  The publisher provided a copy for review
This interesting work of "creative non-fiction" fills in the blanks of the New Testament era of Jesus. The gaps in what we know and imagine narrow with Lacey's excellent research and scholarly speculation. I found it useful and helpful, imagining what life and government was like.

Lacey notes that it's fascinating to compare what historians and archeologists accept as reasonable: the actual existence of Alexander, Aristotle, and Livy, for example. Alexander's conquests were written down 250 years after his death; only 35 books of Livy's 142 volume history of Rome remain; and "scholars possess less than a third of what Aristotle wrote."

Lacey compares those "solid histories" accepted by philosophers and academics with their cycles of speculation that Jesus was a myth, when the same researched have thousands of documented stories about Jesus' life and teachings available. The accounts about Jesus were collected and written down when eyewitnesses could still verify their accuracy.

I thoroughly enjoyed this. Recommended for scholars, historians, pastors, and others who want to understand New Testament times.

Welcome to the Creative Club: Make Life Your Biggest Art Project by Pia Mailhot-Leichter

 

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.

When an artist reflects on life, there's bound to be color and texture. So it is as Leichter talks about life in New York, marriage, literature, and art. There's both good advice and hair-raising recollections.

An interesting book that will make you consider your life as a maker and creative soul, while giving practical advice. Paragraphs, prose, and poems. Lots in here.

Recommended if you're stuck in a creative rut or wondering if you could add some interest to the world.

Cooperating with the Holy Spirit by Rev. Dr. Suzanne Nicholson

 

★★★★★  The publisher provided a copy for review
Felt privileged to review this one. I watched the Awakening at Asbury from afar. I wasn't sure what to think - we get so much hype and hysteria by the media for the smallest event.

This book was amazing. It was like being given a front row seat to God at work. Like watching the whole parade from different angles. 

The authors are considered, theological, and personal in their reflections on a season of movement by the Holy Spirit at their university. They record the backdrop, the events, and the ongoing effects of God's surprise.

I recommend this for theologians, church historians, skeptics, and friends. Couldn't put it down.

Fruitful Living: Growing a Life That Matters by Elisa Morgan

 

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
Many followers of Jesus have no idea about growing in faith. They go along, day to day, hoping for relief, release, and some movement away from destructive habits, harmful emotions, or clouded thinking.

Morgan makes a clear and compelling argument for the ongoing transformation of a disciple. She examines the fruit that the Holy Spirit develops naturally as we obey.

You don't have to be perfect, you may fail, and you may feel discouraged at times. But Morgan shows how Jesus will shape every part of your life from the inside out. Growth - and spiritual fruit - is normal, life-bringing, and sweet progress.

Recommended for studies, small groups, and those seeking a deeper walk with Jesus.

Estranged: How Strained Female Friendships Are Mended or Ended by Susan Shapiro Barash

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
Oh boy. Or should that be, Oh, girl?

Female friendships can be high maintenance. Mostly, they're worth it. 

But what if a relationships sours or is poisoned by ghosting and spite? What do you do when a former friend responds to you with quarrels, jealousy or other conflict? Sometimes it's better not to try to resuscitate what's dead.

This practical and storied book examines how friendships develop, are shaped, paused, and terminated. Barash gives practical and personal counsel for recognizing when a female friendship is over or nearing its end. 

Well worth reading, whether you've just been frozen or kicked out of a relationships - or whether you're mentoring and counseling women whose hearts are breaking, along with their trust in someone they counted on.

The New Testament around the World: Exploring Key Texts from Different Contexts by Mariam Kamell Kovalishyn, ed.

★★★★★  The publisher provided a copy for review
 Interested in how cultures and worldviews affect comprehension and application? Whether you're exploring scripture for the first time, or interested in deepening your understanding of how Jesus and the Early Church are understood around the world, you'll enjoy this.

If you're into anthropology and intercultural studies, you'll love it. The compilation of theology by scholars from every continent was very interesting. 

My husband's a theologian who wrestles with reading the text in its context. "What did it mean to hearers (readers) who encountered the gospels and letters for the first time? And what does it mean to us now?"

How do we perceive the Living Word? Our approach is colored by our backgrounds, of course. Everyone who reads scripture has his/her own biases.

My husband and I have interesting conversations on walks and around the table, together, with our students, and with others. This will provide fodder for discussion, no doubt about it.

A Book for Christmas by Selma Lagerlöf

 

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
I enjoyed this retelling of a Swedish fairytale. It was warm and compelling, something I could read aloud with a friend or child.

Christmas may be over but it doesn't hurt to feel its glow in the new year. Feels like a good book to put on your comfy chair, along with a warm blanket and fuzzy slippers, as you reach over to stoke the fire in the fireplace before settling down.

The Everything Restaurant Copycat Recipes Cookbook: 200 Easy Recipes ... by Kelly Jaggers

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
So you're craving a chain restaurant's meal but the place is closed? Or you're too sick to travel? 

Here's your cheat sheet for when "you can't get there from here." Lots of fun recipes from KFC, Cheesecake Factory, Olive Garden and more.

Recommended if you'd rather cook than eat someone else's cooking!

Dying to Live by Margaret Jen Burke

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
I was stunned by the depth of Burke's observations and evaluations of how American culture has adapted and shifted the call of Jesus to his followers. Her critique of what is considered normal for Christians was startling.

She asks whether we are spending ourselves - our time, resources, money, and relationships to further the kingdom of God or our own ambitions and needs. I found the specific points and the practical examples touched my heart and made me pause for self-examination.

This is not only useful and interesting in spiritual formation of the individual, but a wonderful resource for a young woman's group. Be warned: if you're not interested in growing in your faith, don't bother. It's too provocative, too confrontational, and too real to read and walk away unchanged. 

My Name Is Emilia del Valle by Isabel Allende

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
 A story that you can't predict. Meet a young woman who finds family and love and adventure in most unexpected ways.

I usually love Allende's work but this round I got lost a few times. I think the storyline was too complicated and the descriptions too detailed for the hectic week in which I read it. 

I recommend this when you're ready for a young woman's gripping saga ... and you have time to relish the rich language and textures of Emilia's journey.

Slow Burn Summer by Josie Silver

★★★★★  The publisher provided a copy for review
 I wouldn't have picked this up out of a stack of novels. (The cover looks too flirty and trendy.) 

Except that I love Josie Silver's writing. The plot is thick and colorful. The characters are relatable - whether you love or hate them. And the romance is both surprising and reassuring.

I gave a long exhale when I read the last page - probably from satisfaction and relief that things work out as they do. You can hardly guess the direction this will go in the middle of the book.

You'll enjoy this one on vacation, when you need a break from the office, or when you're just ready for a great story. Recommended!

This American Woman: A One-In-A-Billion Memoir by Zarna Garg

★★★★★  The publisher provided a copy for review

I've been meaning to read this book anyway, written by an Indian-American comic. She is smart and funny, but brutally honest about her values and expectations, both from her past and as an immigrant mom, wife, and business person. This American Woman is a moving and hilarious retelling of her of cultural expectations, even with its raw and gritty street language.

As the child of an immigrant and an expat since my late-20s, I recognize many of #zarnagarg's feelings and her caricatures of life as a perpetual stranger. Moving away from our first communities means making constant adjustments as we learn about our host culture.

One of the funniest and most real women in comedy today? Garg writes as she speaks, with the fresh view and freakouts of a newcomer to American life, history, and politics.

As a naturalized American citizen, I understand the lessons learned from the life that you leave behind. I also resonate with the weirdness of being the cultural outsider, living within the local "new normal," which people around you assume is "just the way it is."

From the introduction, you'll be captured by another way of looking at American life and an appreciation of the challenges of living in the USA. If you can handle raw and gritty street language, you'll be captured from start to finish.

Within Arm's Reach by Ann Napolitano

 ★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.

When your family is imperfect but has expectations of perfection, it's an effort to live as though "nothing is going on." Napolitano offers a story of generations affected by moral failure and shame. She touches on the love that remains and is reshaped by being human and fallible.

A wonderful story that will keep you turning pages and sympathizing with the cares of everyday life and passing years.

Earthly Utopias by Yolanda Zappaterra

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.

 Christian scripture reminds us to love God more than we love his creation and to worship only him. That said, life started in a garden and we are always drawn into the love of nature. Whether we create beauty or enjoy what others shape, the appreciation of religious settings is worldwide. We long to be back to the first utopia on earth.

This book of gardens will delight the eyes and give you ideas of how to shape your own setting for meditation, learning, and quiet reflection.

Neighbor, Love Yourself by Bryan Crum

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.

As a hospital chaplain, Crum has heard many regrets. With stories and examples, he challenges the reader to live life fully. He offers encouragement to the reader: value who you are as individuals and the beloved child of God. 

If you need to hear a voice of hope and possibility, you'll enjoy this book. If you need an uplift and push to see yourself as God does, pick up a copy.

One Year Ago in Spain by Evelyn Skye

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.

 A story of suspense and doubts and expectations. What happens when the person you love is utterly unlike you? When you have a choice to be there for him or live life in the safety of your habits and cultures. Claire is about to find out whether her boyfriend is who she thought he was - or if their relationship is worth pursuing.

Lots of romance, questions, and the long process of finding hope and joy with another person.

Sing Me Home to Carolina by Joy Callaway

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.

Anytime a novel has "Carolina" in the title, I expect a sweet romance and family story. This one doesn't disappoint. 

When your heart is torn between family and career, between romance past and present, where do you land? In helping her family find their way, Hattie uses her skills and experience to create an unexpected path that opens up relationships and possibilities that she doesn't expect.

A good story, a satisfying twist of the heart, and a happy ending.

Darker Than the Sky by Matt Tracy

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.

Across the States, a tale with gripping descriptions and a mysterious treasure. A son and his father embark on an unwanted and unexpected adventure after their plane crashes. This was a good story - with likable and confusing characters who kept me guessing until the end.

Recommended to those who like treasure hunts, mysteries, good descriptions, and suspense. That might be you - on a commute or trip. Toss it into your briefcase?

A Million Little Miracles Study Guide by Mark Batterson

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.

You don't need the original book though it's helpful. You can take a group through this study guide or work through it yourself. Batterson carves out hopeful ways of seeing life and moving from one blessing to another, no matter what the circumstances are.

The author encourages us to consider a God of miracles, at work in us and in love with his world and his creatures. If you're looking for a new and fresh perspective, pick this us and meet some friends in a coffee shop to discuss ways that God is intervening and how you are part of him creating new things in the world.

Knife River by Justine Champine

★★★☐☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.

A life of broken relationships, in the escape from and return to the past. It's gritty at times, sad often, and deals with issues that touch modern families.

It's almost impossible to find novels or films without at least some gender bending relationships and that spoiled this one for me. That said, it was a compelling story. And a heartbreaking one.

A Visit to Stoneybrook by Marina McLune

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.

A story filled with drama and romance and choices. Our lives often don't go smoothly on the path we have chosen for ourselves, and Millie's is the same. With dreams of how things should be, she finds herself on a journey of obstacles, unexpected relationships, and hope.

Recommended if you want clean romance and compelling characters, wrapped up in a tender tale of possibilities. 

Death with a Double Edge by Anne Perry

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.

 Daniel Pitt is an unlikely and unconventional detective, which makes this series even more interesting. As usual, Perry weaves a story of back rooms and alleys and unexpected clues. If you can puzzle it out before the last chapter, you're better than I am.

I wouldn't read it late at night, but I enjoyed it cozied in my library in midafternoon, day after day until it was done. For those who like mysteries with a touch of history.

Since the Day We Fell by Kerk Murray

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.

An unlikely pair, Lisa and Noah must decide whether they have the courage to restart and rewrite their futures. This story of hope and possibilities is fraught will challenges and potential detours.

A good book for a commute or vacation. The ending will leave you smiling and satisfied.

Open Season by Jonathan Kellerman

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
 Another Kellerman novel that catches you by the throat and won't let go. Making connections is Alex Delaware's gift, and when one murder leads to another, and another, he begins to tie the stories together.

I found this gripping, suspenseful, and was relieved at the resolution. Good for those who like adventures, thrillers, and mysteries. 

The Lost Passenger by Frances Quinn

★★★★★  The publisher provided a copy for review

Oh my - couldn't put this one down! If you were reinventing life, how would you go about it? When the sinking of the Titanic provides a way of escape for Elinor and her son Teddy, she grabs it.

Learning a new way, leaving behind status and fortune, Elinor creates a new future - and the telling of how it happens will have you turning page after page. Exciting, compelling, and satisfying in the end, this is a wonderful tale. Well written and paced.

Well worth buying a copy and passing it on to a friend when you turn the final page.