Such Good People by Amy Blumenfeld

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review. 
What a story. You never know what lurks in the human heart, though most people look like such good people. When students get caught in a spiral of death, law, and ambition, their lives spiral out of control.

Redemption and reconciliation make this a satisfying read. Highly recommended.

The Maid's Secret by Nita Prose

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review. 
I tried to stay with the story and couldn't - too much description before and between the action (for me). I'm recommending this book for readers who love depth and relationships and family tales. The consequences of decisions may affect a long line of descendants, so beware.

It's riches to poverty, secrets to disclosure, and grandma to granddaughter ... if you like women's fiction and history, this one's for you.

Bad Luck and Trouble by Lee Child

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

A Reacher novel I hadn't met yet? This one gathers his entire army crew for a big adventure, which only Lee Child could dream up. 

There's mayhem, danger, violence (of course, Reacher style), romance - or at least passion - and a plot that keeps you turning pages. If you want a thriller with a bad hero who walks away in the end, here you go.

Reading the Bible with Brueggemann Scripture's Power to Remake the World by Robert Williamson Jr.

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review. 
If you enjoy the theology of recently-deceased Brueggemann, wonder what the fuss was about his thinking, or want to broaden the scope of what it means to live as God's people, this one's for you.

Williamson presents an overview of Brueggemann's writings that is appropriate for the curious beginner in a review that is helpful for seasoned theologians. Whether you agree with the presentation or it expands your understanding, this one's for academics and lay readers alike.

Holly and Nick Hate Christmas by Betsy St. Amant

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review. 
The title made me laugh. And the cover was cute - so I decided to review a Christmas in July anyway. The author is new to me - but it was good fun to read the story.

When you meet someone who is changeable and likable, when you think you figure them out but they continue to challenge and puzzle, the relationship becomes interesting.

Recommended for light reading of romance, family, and festivities.

Waiting for Jesus: An Advent Invitation to Prayer and Renewal by Rich Villodas

★★★★★ The publisher has provided a copy for review. 
It was the middle of the year when I read it, with Christmas far away. It captured my attention: this is the one to recommend to your circle for the coming Christ. It will be published in September. 

Villodas presents a rich invitation to enjoy the season of remembering and anticipation. He reminds us of the lifelong adventure, the long wait, and the slow process of trusting God beyond human understanding.

The cover may not be inspiring, but you'll enjoy the depth of reflection. I ate it slowly, day by day.

This is the Advent book I'm taking our small group through this Christmas. Highly recommended.

The Journey of Yes: The Everyday Adventure of Radical Obedience by Brenda Palmer

★★★★★ The publisher has provided a copy for review. 
"How can you just leave your careers and move overseas?" asked many of our friends. "Isn't this a big risk? Throwing away everything you've built?"

We replied, "It's not a big yes for us. Because of the 100 yeses we said before this one, this is 'just one more yes' and a step of obedience on our journey of faith."

Palmer writes about the adventure of following Jesus, wherever he leads. In expected and unusual ways, God is writing his own story through our obedience. The question is, do you expect direction if you are unwilling to take the next step you already know? 

Palmer offers reassurance that God knows the past, the present and the future - and radical obedience is the natural outcome of discipleship. When you fail, your story is still being written. When opportunities come your way, God will give clarity.

Whether you're counting the cost or contemplating a shift, read this first. Good enough that several friends have ordered it, on my recommendation.