The Phone Swap Lia Louis

★★★☐☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
An amusing complication as two opposites accidentally trade phones. What could happen? 

You'll smile and groan as the story unfolds in mishaps, connections, and romance. Recommended when you need light humor to pass the time on your commute or in the doctor's office.

Country People by Daniel Mason

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review. 
Mason captured my interest from the first chapter. I laughed and cheered for the family. You'll either like them or roll your eyes at their adventures and adaptation to country life. Clueless. Friendly. Sometimes wild things.

I thoroughly enjoyed them, especially with a glance back at my education in intercultural studies. It's a family you want to meet, want to greet, and want to get to know. Enjoy the ups and downs on this one.

Maria, Maria by Jennifer Galvão

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
Staggeringly heart-wrenching. Galvao writes the story of a man who loses his identity and runs for his life. The two women who love him - his wife in Portugal and his "second" in Newfoundland - have their own trajectories and connections,  redolent with suffering, together and separately.

Beautifully written and profoundly insightful about 1950s European culture in ways most of us have forgotten. You may prefer one Maria more than the other, but you'll empathize with both. Recommended for those who like family stories and historical adventures. I could hardly put it down.

The Best Christmas Ever by Sarah Morgan

★★★★★ The publisher has provided a copy for review. 
This is one of the best stories I've read in a long time, though some of the morality is not mine. Engaging characters, the premise - getting stuck in a snowstorm - predictable but believable, and the unfolding plot was a joy. I'm not sure why it resonated as plausible and delightful as it did - but from front to back, I couldn't wait to see what happened next. 

The interpersonal conflicts and hopes will draw you in, whether you are a mom or dad with young kids, the parent of adult children, or wary of relationships. There's wise advice and sound counsel for those doing their best but feeling pressured by others' expectations or estranged by personal failures. 

Highly recommended. Even if it's not Christmas when you pick it up.

Path of Divine Beginnings: Embracing God's Guidance from Exhaustion to Inner Peace by Bob Chisholm

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review. 
This 13-week devotional is appropriate for groups or individuals. With quotes from trusted writers, explorations of scriptural stories, and overviews of meditations for the week, Chisholm draws the reader into the Presence.

I recommend this for those who are experienced in their faith as well as those who are starting their journey of discipleship. Following Jesus means beginning where we are and moving with "the Way, the Truth, and the Life" into one new season of maturity after another.

Highly recommended for those who like a method or structured approach to scripture and discipleship.

More Than Enough by Anna Quindlen

 ★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review. 
How does one process an unexpected family revelation? How do you deal with surprises from a DNA kit? In the news, this dilemma is increasingly "a thing," explored here by Quindlen. 

Loved the story. Felt deeply the emotions of the characters. And entered a world I didn't know about. Those are enough reasons to recommend the book to readers who love family sagas, those who are interested in the moral and personal repercussions of technology and media, and others who just want a good novel to immerse themselves in.

Come Away and Rest by Alyson Pryor

★★★★★ The publisher has provided a copy for review. 
Wonderful retreat textbook. I have recommended this book to students, friends in ministry, leaders of non-profits, and those being mentored. In addition to exploring the benefits of time away, Pryor outlines five scenarios. Each retreat is intentional, whether for rest, recovery, transition, grief, or discernment. Yet each is customizable to other situations.

The timelines are geared for short and longer getaways. Deep questions and resources challenge us, whether we are alone or with a group. The preparation, the retreat itself, and the debrief at the end are provided. This is both a practical and a spiritual invitation to meet Jesus, to be refreshed, and to gather strength for the next season.

Recommended without reservation.