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.

The Secret Thread by Eve Chase

 

 ★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review. 
Descriptive and well-paced, this mystery will draw you in. Two siters, torn apart by society, circumstances, and crisis, are destined to meet again. Glamour, the high life of design and desire, and family secrets unravel. It's a page-turner, as beautifully written as it is surprising.

Recommended if you love mysteries, women's novels, and the thrill of discovery.

Some People by Parini Shroff

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review. 
If you had to take care of your difficult, eccentric, and almost-ex mother-in-law, what could happen? This was a surprising, insightful, and hilarious story. I got into the story and couldn't put it down. 

You'll get pulled in by opposing cultures, gasp at family expectations, chuckle at practical solutions like avoidance and alternative problem-solving, and have fun with the unfolding drama.

I recommend it if you're living in an intercultural neighborhood, work at a company with a variety of employees, or have wondered what it's like to live in someone else's world. You'll laugh aloud as I did and groan between scenes.

The Lost Perfumes of Paris A Novel by Christine Wells

 ★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review. 
A feminist manifesto, a romance, and family drama play out in the context of Europe. I enjoyed this one because it offered historical and geographical insights and a glimpse of the perfume industry. I was drawn to or repelled by the characters - Wells shows a deep understanding of human longings and human nature.

If you like Paris and all things French, if you dab on perfume before you leave the house, and especially if you like a good story, you'll enjoy this one.

Recommended when you want to be immersed in another world, whether that's a bedtime story, an alternative to a boring commute, or a vacation treat for yourself. (This is my second round of this book.)