Mudhouse Sabbath by Lauren F. Winner

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review. 
Spiritual disciplines rooted in Jewish culture and traditions? Who better to know how to write about those than Winner? Raised a Jew and now following Jesus, she combines the rich heritage of her childhood with a relational encouragement to know the One True God of scripture.

Well worth reading for those interested in spiritual formation.

Plain Change: The Plain Fame Series, Book 2 by Sarah Price

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review. 
If you like romance and adventure, mixed in with culture and a bit of American history, you're sure to like this novel. It's an insider-outsider view by the author who has Mennonite roots. 

Fame and fortune are not sought by all. But for the opportunistic, they matter. When true character meets scepticism and guarded hearts, you have a good story in the making. 

Take it on vacation. Or sit in an easy chair and enjoy the stirring of hearts pulled in opposite directions.

The Call to Serve by Jon Meacham

★★★★★ The publisher has provided a copy for review. 
George HW Bush was a patriot, family man, and politician. Today that seems almost impossible in the climate of government.

Recommended for history buffs and political researchers. If you want to know about Bush - whether in text or hundreds of photos. 

It's also a good story about what it means to change the world by being yourself, taking advantage of your opportunities and networks, and doing the best job you can, wherever you are.

Reading C.S. Lewis by Wesley A. Kort

★★★☐☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
Another book on Lewis? Not bad - these essays can be read one at a time or grouped. What's interesting about this POV is that Kort examines Lewis' life and works without his faith context.

That to me is like separating the soil from plants - without one the other dies. Otherwise, a worthy addition to the Lewis library of commentaries and observations. Wouldn't Lewis be surprised at the fuss he left behind in his writings!?

Vegan Yack Attack's Plant-Based Meal Prep by Jackie Sobon

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
On the run? But want to eat healthier? (Hint: not all vegetarian and vegan food supports a healthy lifestyle!)

Sobon provides clear direction for getting meal prep out of the way early, in chunks of work that will keep you eating well all week. This may not be new information, but the book gathers hints and tips and recipes in a useable practical way.

Recommended for vegans and vegetarians alike - or someone who just wants to firm up their nutrition.

Universal Methods of Design, Expanded and Revised by Bruce Hanington; Bella Martin

★★★★★ The publisher has provided a copy for review. 
I used the first version of this text to design our first two houses. I'm not a designer or builder but a practitioner. I plan homes to suit our family and business.

This is an indispensable and comprehensive review of basic design principles to help shape spaces that work for everyone, regardless of disability or ability. If you're a decorator, designer, or builder - or just curious about what makes a house sing - you'll want to get a copy.

Missional Theology by John R. Franke

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
Ever wondered about the purposes of missions? Why share the Good News across cultures? 

Franke's years in seminary classrooms, theological reflection, and discussion with practitioners have shaped a reference that is valid for all wondering about God's design for missions.

It's thick reading for the average browser but a helpful text for seminarians and Bible/theology students.

The Power of 3 by Robb Hiller

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
"Ask. Activate. Advocate." Those three principles of leadership unlock a new way of thinking and new possibilities of solving problems and caring for your team or family.

Hiller, with a new book out called Running With Joy, encourages leaders to look beyond challenges with hope and passion. Recommended if you're stuck or wondering about next steps - especially when what you're doing (over and over) isn't moving you ahead.

Simplicity at Home by Yumiko Sekine

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
The Japanese are known for culture, intertwined with philosophy and religion. In this book, Sekine examines the complexity of rules that lead to outward simplicity in home and life.

Recommended for those interested in Asian design and worldviews.

Draw Like an Artist: 100 Birds, Butterflies, and Other Insects Step-by-Step Realistic Line Drawing by Melissa Washburn

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
Do you know what birds, butterflies and other insects look like? Maybe you think, "I've seen them thousands of times." But do you really know?

In this manual, Washburr outlines structure, shapes, and outlines in ways that make you look again. The unique characteristics of individual types and species will make you smile and challenge you to accuracy and new skills.

The Better Brain by Bonnie J. Kaplan; Julia J. Rucklidge

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
What if your kitchen held the secrets for coping with your neurodivergence, anxiety, depression, and mental health?

That's the premise of Kaplan and Rucklidge, researchers who have spent their careers writing on the subject. Wish sound research and new conclusions, this may be the "fix" or at least "repair" your brain (or your kids' brains) need.

Recommended if you want another option besides drugs or other things that are not working.

The Butler by Danielle Steel

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
Steel is a good storyteller. This oldie was published a few years ago, but is a page turner.

Families can be complicated, and that's true for Joachim who become a butler to the rich and famous. Meanwhile, his twin and father's family are sketchy characters across the ocean. How do you reconcile who you've been with a future that tells you something different about yourself?

Good book to read on the train, plane, or bus - or take on vacation. Just be careful of the help.

The Home Share by Sally Clements

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
Dublin is bustling with possibilities, not all of them pleasant. Whether you need a place to live, your hard-fought business deal is threatening to unravel, or your elder needs protection, life can get interesting. Mix them all together and you have a story.

A romance, a family tale, a modern adventure - it's here for readers to enjoy on a commute, a long evening, or at the beach.

Next of Kin by Gabrielle Hamilton

Wild things. That describes each sibling - and the parents - of Hamilton. It's such a fascinating memoir that you feel like you're in a novel of essays. 

You'll get to know Hamilton's family from her perspective: sharp, alert, and curious. Recommended if you like biographies and modern histories or your book club needs a fascinating discussion.

Principles of Management Essentials You Always Wanted To Know by Callie Daum & Dr. Ritika Mahajan

 

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
When you're starting out as an entrepreneur, leader, or manager, you need a mentor. Consider this book of basics as just that, whether you study it in a class, talk it over chapter by chapter with peers, or run the concepts by a trusted mentor.

It's not the most exciting but it's challenging and informational. If you manage or lead people, are promoting a project in new regions, or looking to climb the corporate ladder, put this on your desk and open it to the relevant section when you need counsel.

Nowhere Girl by Carla Ciccone

 ★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
A woman living with ADHD? What does it feel like? Ciccone describes the process of learning about and living with ADHD - its challenges, its joys, and its processes. 

If you suspect someone you know - or you - have ADHD, this insider look will give you insight, understanding, and helpful ways to assist yourself or others. Recommended.

A Merry Little Lie by Sarah Morgan

 ★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
When your family's been your life and suddenly it begins to change, how do you cope? Jenny - the caretaking family member - must make adjustments as her family expands, deals with illness, and retirement stares her in the face. 

A story that feels personal and probable with nostalgia, rituals, and family expectations thrown in. A wonderful read in preparation for family time together or as the Christmas season approaches.