Wednesday, February 23, 2022

One Night on the Island by Josie Silver

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review. 
 A romantic feel-good novel that makes you read another one. How do you become part of a closed community, and feel like you're one of the in-crowd? You have to go through real life with people and let life happen.

You'll enjoy this look at island life, the likable characters, and a plot that keeps you hoping for love.

High Stakes by Danielle Steel

★★★  The publisher has provided a copy for review.
As always, lots of action, a fun plot that makes you glad for avengers of the ambitious. Steele continues her run of novels of women with aspirations and privilege, making a difference around them. Young career women are her specialty. 

Though there's not much new, if you've enjoyed Steele before, you'll enjoy this one.

The Cross-Shaped Life: Taking on Christ's Humanity by Jeff Kennon

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review. 
 Who are you? In what ways are others and your past shaping your identity?

What would happen if you believed that God was made flesh? What if you read scripture using the word "God" every time "Jesus" is mentioned? What difference does it make to you that Christ demonstrates how God would behave and think? 

The author examines how the theology of salvation and a personal savior shapes us, our obedience, service, and service. Don't miss this one.

Development in Mission by Monty Lynn, Robert Gailey, and Derran Reese

★★★ The publisher provided a copy for review
 If you've ever wondered how to save the world, take another look. Whether poverty, hardship, or worldview, culture, or religion limit the aspirations of people, how do we help.

Missions is an evolving profession as researchers and practitioners who continue to explore and understand how real change is possible in the name of Christ. Read this volume to see how God is at work and how the helping professions and outside interventions can do more good than harm.

Universal Principles of Interior Design by Chris Grimley; Kelly Harris Smith

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review. 
 Need ideas on how to set up a room? Want to know secrets of decorators and designers?

Here's a guide to the basics. Grimley and Smith write from experience and observation. You'll understand spaces, placement, and the art of design better after reading this. Enjoy it, whether you read as an expert or amateur, a hobbyist or professional.

On Living Well: Brief Reflections on Wisdom for Walking in the Way of Jesus by Eugene H. Peterson

 

★★★ The publisher provided a copy for review
This series of short essays will make you think. If you want meditations to take you through an afternoon or evening, consider picking up Peterson's volume. 

Just when you think life is out of control or outcomes are inevitable, when you think you're restricted by your choices or destined to fail, the author offers another point of view. Hope comes from relationship with God, not just from past decisions. 

Well worth keeping on your desk when you need another voice inside your head. Well worth putting on that "to do when I have 10 minutes" pile - and opening up when you need a word of encouragement.

Highly recommended.

Three Debts Paid: A Daniel Pitt Novel by Anne Perry

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review. 
 Go back in history with realistic details and interesting people. Throw in a murder mystery and you have the outline of Perry's latest novel.

I'm a fan of the Daniel Pitt series anyway, but this one had me on the edge of my seat at times. Seeing a character unfold, book by book, makes it more interesting. Perry has a way with words and scenes: she'll pull you in and have you sucking in your breath in anticipation. Don't miss the twist at the end, as usual.

Recommended for British novel buffs and mystery murder apprentices.

The Essential Questions for Couples Journal: A Workbook to Help Find, Keep and Connect to Love by Randall Chapman, Kate Chapman

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review. 
 Want a workbook to restart the romance? Want to explore why you're better together? 

Find out more about each other while you affirm your past. You'll begin to understand why you're together and what's behind your partner's actions and thoughts. 

Lots of questions, and lots of fun ahead for couples of any age. Answer for yourself or your partner - and see how well you know each other. How close do you come to their observations or your past and present, as well as your dreams and aspirations?

Love is a puzzle but this workbook may hold the key to some missing pieces. Enjoy!

Every Good Boy Does Fine: A Love Story, in Music Lessons by Jeremy Denk


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

 I taught piano and theory (and other musical stuff) for 33 years. First thing I noticed was the cover ... the words should go upward from Every, not down. 

That said, if you read music and like a good story, you'll enjoy this one. With a classical playlist and scores inserted between text, you'll wander through the wonderland of musical education and experiences. 

All of us who took lessons - whether the music captured us or was just work - will relate to this autobiography. Have fun with it.

Urban Botanics: An Indoor Plant Guide for Modern Gardeners by Emma Sibley

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review. 
Gardeners and DIY decorators, do you ever wonder what plant is thriving on your windowsill? May you have something green turning brown or yellow and need a "how to resuscitate" guide? 

Or do you just want to copy some gorgeous watercolors of botanicals?

Here's your book! Enjoy the  illustrations, descriptions, and helpful instructions. A beautiful practical volume for artists and green-thumbs alike.

Embrace Your Almost: Find Clarity and Contentment in the In-Betweens, Not-Quites, and Unknowns by Jordan Lee Dooley

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review. 
Maybe you had big dreams and thought your plans were certain to work out. What if they didn't? What happens when disappointment or less-than-success is the result of your efforts instead?

Dooley examines the "almost" accomplishments that can derail our hopes and make us feel stuck. He offers options for moving on from what didn't go as planned.

Is life still good? Can you still contribute and feel that life has purpose and meaning. He says a resounding yes, and asks you to consider what you may have learned, grown in, and clarified by failures and pain.

Get this if you're stuck or in transition.

Mindful Artist: Birds and Botanicals by Monika Cilmi

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review. 
Whether you're exploring art, just love nature and want to sketch a what you see, or want to take the next step in proficiency, you'll find lots of ideas and how-tos in Cilmi's manual. 

Tuesday, February 22, 2022

The Daughter of Doctor Moreau by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

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

I don't like horror, and the further in I got, the more I felt like I was in a quagmire that could be awful. I didn't read the whole thing, though the descriptions and characters were compelling.

If you need an adventure that borders on the unusual, if you're willing to bite your nails through some chapters, if you want surprises about mutations and interactions - you might like this one.

Find Your People: Building Deep Community in a Lonely World by Jennie Allen

★★★ The publisher provided a copy for review 
Feel lonely? Have your friends disappeared? Has COVID has sucked away the joy of meeting on a heart level? Feeling like screen time doesn't cut it? Are you dying for new relationships that go beyond hanging out and casual encounters? It's time to read this book!

Relationships are the core of our lives as humans. In her new book, Jenny Allen examines what real friendship means. She exposes what it takes to be a friend and make friendships that are deep, meaningful, and enduring.

If you're committed to being a person who contributes to the wellbeing of others and makes a difference in the world, you can't do it alone. Allen shows the way forward to collaboration, loving others, and being a person who leaves a legacy wherever you go.

Don't miss this one.

Things That Matter: Overcoming Distraction to Pursue a More Meaningful Life by Joshua Becker

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review
 Joshua Becker has made his name as a proponent of minimalism. His new book examines internal and external distractions that divert our energy from things that truly matter in life.

Though each person has a unique design and special place in the world, there are some common experiences and values. Whether we get smaller through hurts and fears, whether we're chasing money or security, living life with meaning requires intentionality. 

Becker lays out some of the ways that we are pulled aside form purposeful living and encourages the reader to work through some exercises that clarify what you want and how to get there. 

Learn how to leave your mark ... not in money or emotions or society's view of success. But in a life worth living. Excellent for those at a crossroads, those feeling empty despite external success, and those in transition. This is your chance to find out things that matter most.

The Dog Behavior Answer Book, 2nd Edition by Arden Moore

 

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review
Okay, so I have 3 dogs, all of them with completely different personalities. Two are outside dogs and one is a house dog.

One dog loves pleasing people and is game for any new trick. Another likes to do things if he's in the mood and thinks there's some benefit to obedience. The third won't fetch a ball but loves to be groomed and will sit next to you in adoration if you pet her.

This book gives you clues to what your dog understands (what you're communicating), It helps you understand what your dog needs from you. And it lets you recognize the messages your dog is trying to send.

Grab a copy and learn some new dog tricks from this expert - for them and for you.

Life Surrendered: Finding Freedom at the Cross by Jessica Herberger

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review
Many of us are trying to shake off the bonds of our upbringing, learned and acquired prejudice, and the guilt and shame that stalks us. 

Herberger offers hope. Hope that you can be all God wants you to be. Hope that you can be shaped into all that God has designed you for. hope that the future can transcend the limits of your plans and ambitions.

But it means you have to die. You have to surrender control of your life to God who knows you best and has unimaginable resources and connections. You willing? 

Read about what it will take and what it will cost you. And then get ready for the journey of your life. Highly recommended for those in uncertainty and transition.

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The Power of Stretching by Bob Doto

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review
If you're tied in knots from sitting at your WFH desk all day, it's time to read this. If you're an athlete who is wound tight, read this. With illustrations and applications from nature, Doto offers the why and how of relaxing your body with clear instructions and illustrated stretches.

Cmon, get up and reach reach reach for the book now.

At Your Best: How to Get Time, Energy, and Priorities Working in Your Favor by Carey Nieuwhof


★★★ The publisher provided a copy for review 

Maybe you look back longingly at the work you used to do, at the projects you used to finish, and the milestones you used to reach. COVID's been a strange beast, hasn't it? It's affected everybody. 

Maybe you're feeling stressed and almost at the end of your rope, fighting for equilibrium in this strange and unknown season. If so, this book is for you.

Nieuwhof is always an interesting writer, and this volume on avoiding burnout is no exception. He helps the reader diagnose things that aren't working (and maybe some things that weren't working in the past for you.) He invites you to look at stress points and where you are functioning at less than capacity.

The author offers choices for going forward: what is the life you are designed to live? How do you get there - to live at 100% rather than surviving day to do. I'm not giving away his advice or secrets. Read them for yourself!

Do It for a Day by Mark Batterson

★★★ The publisher provided a copy for review 

"Show me your habits and I'll show you your future. It's that simple. It's that complicated." The book starts with this provoking observation.

Batterson says that in 30 Days, you can change the trajectory of your life by examining where you are now, where you are headed, and how you can be more intentional about the direction of your life.

If you're uncertain what the future holds, this is the book for you. By putting deliberate steps in place, you  give yourself the advantage - life does not have to be random and others shouldn't be planning your future. Buy this book.

Wake Up Grateful by Kristi Nelson

 Science shows that even a minute of gratitude rewires the brain. What if you could rewire your brain to more positivity and creativity that easily?

However, author Kristi Nelson posits that thanks once in a while isn't the same as grateful living. She introduces 5 principles for grateful living - and encourages the read to adapt these into daily life. Whether it's being kind to yourself, others, or relishing nature, a life of gratitude spills over into care for the world.

Pick this one up if COVID has you dragging your heels or hunched at home depressed. Nelson will challenge you with good questions, can-do encouragement, and her own stories. Enjoy it!