The World Rejoices by Eliza Hule, Cyndi Logsdon, Brook Taylor, and Ashley Arey

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

A joy to read - each day provides scripture and an activity or idea to enrich the time as a family. There are scavenger hunts, promise verses, puzzles, and more. This is obviously written by someone who loves kids and has worked with them.

If you've been looking for a family devotional for Advent that suits multiple ages, this might be just the one. Recommended for a broad understanding of what Jesus' coming and the celebration of Christmas are about.

Promises Made, Promises Kept by Marty Machowski

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

The cover may not be exciting, but the inside is a treat. This family devotional starts the journey from creation and the God's promise to provide a Savior. 

Each day goes from one story to the next, explaining the beauty of Jesus' birth and the purpose of his coming. Beautifully illustrated, the whole family will enjoy this one. Highly recommended.

The Cover Girl by Amy Rossi

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
Oh, I hated this one ... and couldn't put it down. Rossi takes a riveting look at modeling and the treatment of women before the me-too movement became a thing.

You'll be engrossed in the world of modeling, the expectations and experiences of models, and the innocence and ignorance of those used by the fashion world.

The interpersonal relationships, the thrill of being seen, and the indifference of a dysfunctional family are told with heart and presence. If you like a decade-long personal saga of personal growth and heartbreak, you'll enjoy this one.

The House of Cross by James Patterson

★★★★★  The publisher provided a copy for review
What a nail-biter! Patterson is a master storyteller. Just when I thought things were wrapping up, we were off again.

If you're familiar with the Alex Cross series, you'll enjoy this continuation. If you're new, you can jump right in, crossing borders, considering conspiracies, and protecting family.

When you need a mystery thriller, there's no better place to start. I enjoyed it.

The Accidental Oligarch by David Hoffman - 2nd round

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
A thriller, a page turner, and a bit of history. If you want another point of view on Russia's involvement in Ukraine, you may enjoy this one.

What happens when your identity is stolen for fraud and you can't work at your boring job? Can your anger fuel revenge and a whole new saga? It's a good read, a bit of a stretch at times, and a look in the window of what's happening in Europe today.

Mary Pickford Mystery by William Baer

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
 What do you get if you combine a movie star, a dead man, and a good lawyer? A murder mystery that keeps you engaged and charmed.

I enjoyed the people and the story. It messes with Hollywood history in the most interesting way and draws you in for a hopeful conclusion. Recommended on a boring commute, a day of recovery, or just to pass the time.

Dear Santa by Debbie Macomber

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
 Need a pre-Christmas binge? I do enjoy the feel-good stories of finding happiness and home at Christmas. Here, Lindy is going to find out if "Santa" is reading her letters ... do wishes come true?

An entertaining story about people you'll like, with a plot that ends well, and Christmas spirit. Find a comfy chair and plunge in.

Macomber never fails to entertain and bring comfort and joy.

A Christmas Legacy Anne Perry

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
Every Perry book is interesting. I love the drama, the characters, and the mystery to be solved. So, once again, I was looking forward to her new novel.

I like the continuity of story - this is an aside to the Thomas and Charlotte Pitt series and just as good. You'll enjoy the family goings-on and the happy ending for Christmas.

This is one to read when you have a blanket wrapped around you, sitting in front of the fire with a cup of cocoa. Enjoy! 

A Not So Merry Ex-Mas by Abby Greyson

★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
Time for some Christmas romance? Here's one you'll enjoy if you like light reading and fun relationships. With a past, not so much of a future, and an ex nearby, how hard can Christmas be?

Take it on your commute or crack it open when you have an hour or two but little brain power for serious work.

Tidy Up Your Life Tyler Moore

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
 When you're feeling overwhelmed, you don't need a lot of systems designed by other people. You need to figure out how to downsize your brain, your to-do list, your time, and your spaces.

Moore will show you how he managed to clean up and clear out the clutter of his life and surroundings. His tips on defining and creating your own systems - with lots of suggestions - will be helpful.

So get cracking! Lay your tired self on the sofa and get reading toward your hopeful future.

Salt Water by Katy Hays

★★★★★  The publisher provided a copy for review
 OH WOW. This one took me by surprise, time and again. Until the last page (and I reread the final chapter to make sure!), I couldn't predict the outcomes or ending.

If you like a family drama, thriller, mystery, and a touch of romance, you'll love this one. It was unexpected. At times, it was an edge-of-seat page-turner ... I shook my head at the imagination of the writer more than once.

Recommended.

The Science of Cleaning Audiobook by Dario Bressanini, PhD

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
Hmmm. This is a completely different kind of book/resource than I usually review. However, I live part-time in the tropics. If there's anything that's considered a wild idea, it's sustainable chemistry for cleaning. 

Garbage is everywhere (except in bins), toxic chemicals are used on food crops, and "the harsher the better" seems to be the motto for locals who buy cleaning supplies.

This interests me for educational as well as practical purposes in a home and office where neither doors nor windows are sealed (handmade with large gaps). The winds blow smoke from garbage fires, dust, and pollution into spaces. The critters run in and out (lizards, roaches, ants, and more), leaving poop and tracks behind.

Thanks for this one. Going to put some of the ideas into my own bag of cleaning tricks - and see how much safer we can make the environment. 

Deep Reading: Practices to Subvert the Vices of Our Distracted, Hostile, and Consumeristic Age by Rachel B. Griffis; Julie Ooms; Rachel M. De Smith Roberts

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
 Oh dear me. I've always been a skimmer and a surface-scratching reader, who only takes the plunge into material when doing research for a specific class. I guess this one is written for me. (And for you, if you use a similar skip-and-glean technique.)

For me, reading as a spiritual practice is mostly confined to the Bible. And I hardly read it - I listen through it 5-6X a year. My husband the theologian reads for breadth and depth as well as entertainment.

So whatever your style, read and consider this admonition. It's your encouragement to find a book that others have found meaningful. Use it as a spiritual drink, a sabbath rest, and a spiritual reflection to see God, others, and self more clearly.

A Short Guide to Spiritual: Formation Finding Life in Truth, Goodness, Beauty, and Community by Alex Sosler

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
Reflecting the recent interest in spiritual life and formation, Sosler adds to the new collection of "what and how to" books on spiritual formation. This one gets a gold stamp from those interested in history and the reasons for existing spiritual disciplines and practices. 

You can read these chapters as devotionals, instructional 1-2-3s (one after the other or in random order), or for the pure enjoyment of diving into the history of Christian living.

Recommended for practitioners, young and old disciples of Jesus, and spiritual directors.

The Art of the Interesting: What We Miss in Our Pursuit of the Good Life and How to Cultivate It by Lorraine Besser

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
 Dr Besser examines what it means to live an interesting life that includes psychological richness, meaning, and happiness. Are you most determined to have a life that is fulfilling, interesting, or pleasurable?

Each choice we make leads in the direction of our future. Each choice brings consequences, some known but most not even on our radar. This book explores how our decisions, our goals, and our lifestyles determine how satisfying and purposeful our lives will be to us and others.

Worth reading. The quizzes and worksheet at the end are thought-provoking and will help you read the direction you have chosen in life. If it's time for a shift or an evaluation, get a copy of this book.

The Language of the Birds by K.A. Merson

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
 If you're not like everyone else, you won't expect the same things of life. And if you're a teen on top of it, anything can happen. This mystery, thriller, growing up novel takes you on a wild ride.

Add to the mix a kidnapped mom and a dead dad who might or might not have had a missing document or paper, and you've got the makings of a gripping adventure. Hang on.

(How many kids know their parents? My own sure didn't know me in their teens, and I was just starting to understand my parents when I hit my 20s. That twist made it more interesting for me, too.)

Recommended for a nail-biting commute or break at work. Maybe tuck it into your tote bag when you hit the beach or mountain cabin.

The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck by Bethany Turner

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
This was funny. And fun. Turner explores how our values are shaped by our history and how our values shape our future. 

If you like a quirky romance with some genuine life decisions thrown in, you'll have a great time reading "The Secret Life." If you're wondering what to do with things that are not good for you, but bring you pleasure and rewards, this is for you.

Enjoyable Christian fiction.

Sacred Romance by Brent Curtis; John Eldredge

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

Curtis and Eldredge examine the relentless pursuit of humans by God, who seeks to satisfy the longings and fears of the human heart. This book exposes the need to be known and to know, the quest for love and intimacy, and the ways God comes near to us personally and in community.

Eldredge is known for his call to a personal relationship with God, and I found this book summed up best in this verse: 

But now that you know God—or rather are known by God—how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable forces? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again? Galatians 4:9

Watch What She Can Do by Nicole Brooks

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
Marriage is a contract, a covenant, and a commitment. Sometimes it's also chaos. It shapes you, trains you, and makes you who you are - at whatever point of marriage you find yourself. 

When it's more exhausting than fulfilling, it's tempting to give up or wish it away. Willie lets Stan die instead of calling 911. She's had enough. Yet as she moves on, her new choices are shaped by her old life.

This story sings with the personal relationships that mold us, make us reflect on who we are and want to be, and the value of family.

The Summer We Started Over by Nancy Thayer

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
Family is family. But how well do you really know them? Do they know you?

This back-to-home-together story tugs at the heartstrings. What does it mean to have someone's back? To explore the past of someone who cannot defend themselves or their "stuff?" 

If you like women's fiction, generational connections, and stories of living and dying well, you'll find this one has heart. If you want family beginnings, middles, and endings, you'll love this one.

Stay Awhile: Advent Lessons in Divine Hospitality by Kara Eidson

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
There are many Advent devotionals, from many approaches. If you love the hospitality of God, if you enjoy the company of people, and if you want new ways to celebrate the birth of Christ, you will enjoy this one. There are meditations, activities, and prayers ideal for small churches and small groups.

You might even want to get your extended family on board for this one. Christmas will be here sooner than you think.

Where the Light Fell by Philip Yancey

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

 What if you are known as an explorer and expositor of the Christian faith? Would people expect your background to be neat and tidy? Yancy dispels the myths of that followers of Jesus are only those with perfect stories. We don't all come from regimented, rule-abiding, and rigid religious backgrounds. Some of our families are hurting, messy, and have lost their way. That doesn't 

Do you suspect that all Christians are whitewashing their life by professing faith in Christ? That they're bound by laws of behavior or good works? Not every believer grows up that way.

The author takes the reader on a compelling journey through the cultural and religious South of the USA. As a Canadian, I find these reflections revealing about how many Americans have shaped their worldview. It explains some of the hostility to the Church and to the communities of faith. 

He explores how childhood, family, and community values shape how we approach and know God. And ... as many of us have asked, why do some people walk away broken-hearted and why do some find genuine deep-rooted faith in God?

Recommended if you've been in victim mode, but are ready to move past your culture and hurts into a new season of loving relationship with God. 

"He will be found by those who diligently seek him with all their hearts," says the prophet. And that might be you. Worth reading.

Greek Gods for Kids by Monica Roy

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
Well, it's labeled as a book for kids. But how many of us read the classics and forget who's who in the thicket of words and old-fashioned translation? I found this a fun reminder of ancient tales - and wondered anew at how myths form and which ones speak to us.

Whether you're brushing up or just want "smart ideas" from the past, this might be worth a narrow spot on your bookshelf.

The Home Reset by Karissa Barker

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
Pretty, practical, and personal. What more can you ask for in a home decor book? This manual of how-to and DIY advice is full of ways to make your house a home - and your own home, at that. 

Barker gives reasons as well as advice for living in spaces that please as well as serve you well. Accompanied by beautiful photographs, you'll enjoy this one.

Alchemy of Praise by Wendy Kieffer

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
I don't read much poetry anymore. That said, much of this book gripped my attention in spurts of worship and curiosity. 

I found myself praying, reflecting, and nodding at times. Kieffer offers meditations and observations on spiritual life and formation. 

So, if you have a hard time noticing the world and the Presence of the Creator, you will find breathing space here. 

Rewrite Your Rules by Morgan DeBaun

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
 If you're burning out in pursuit of success, DeBaun offers insights and strategies to take control of your emotional, vocational, and personal well-being.

I found this one a bit young for me: I'm secure in my calling and career, have a stable marriage with a we-love-to-work partner, and our kids are grown up. So we have nowhere to climb and nothing to prove.

That said, this would have been useful earlier. So ... if you're in the throes of career adjustments, entrepreneurship, or advancement in your working life, you'll find some sound advice here. Recommended for those who are thriving at work and dying inside, for those who want to be more intentional in life and career, and for those who would benefit from cautions as you start climbing the ladder at work.

In Too Deep by Lee Child; Andrew Child

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
Oh boy. Hang onto your seat for another wild ride with Jack Reacher. I enjoy the series (is this almost #30?) because of the story line, which I find unpredictable. There's always a crime - moral or legal trouble, a beautiful woman in distress, and Reacher drifting through nearby. From there it turns into a tornado of action.

Like most of the Reacher novels, this one kept me up late at night. I never knew what was around the bend. You'll turn page after page ("Just one more") and sigh with satisfaction when the end comes.

I'm always thinking, "What's the next one going to be about?" And, "When's it coming out?" 

If you enjoy thrillers, unexpected heroes, and a touch of romance, Lee and Andrew Child serve it up in a riveting story. Have fun. (And keep the porch light on if you're scared of the dark.)

In Pursuit Of Him by Reginald Holmes

 

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
Do you have a spiritual vision for your future? What do you picture in your mind about where God may be leading you? Holmes begins the book with an insistence that you must see what God wants for you and recognize what you are looking to - or for - before you can pursue a relationship with God.

The appetites we cultivate and how we satisfy them indicate if we are ready to draw near to God. Holmes is a writer-preacher - using stories from scripture and explanations from biblical languages to encourage readers to take a deep look at themselves and whether they are making progress in their friendship with God.

The invitation to step into God's glorious presence, to create space for intimacy with him, and to humble oneself is from a Shepherd's heart. I recommend this as a Bible study for those who desire a deep, abiding, and personal relationship with the Living God.

Promise Me Sunshine by Cara Bastone

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
A story of true friendship. If you had a friend like the two main characters, the future might be possible. Empathy, listening, response, no judgment - wouldn't we all want to have "that person" in times of loss, grief, and healing.

Bastone provides a deep examination of trauma and renewal in a compelling story. I enjoyed the story and the progress of wholeness that emerges through the kind companionship of someone who understands.

Recommended if you're wondering how to be a good friend. Recommended for those wants in be a good friend.

Recommended for this who want a good story.

Share Your Joy by Sarah J. Gardner

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
So you want to send something quick, cute, and personal to a friend or family member? Here are some good ideas for mixing up artistic ideas and crafts for something to send through the mail or hand off at lunch.

Learn how to express your emotions and warmth on the page with paints, collages, stencils, and other supplies. Step by step projects and ideas for customizing your own "play" with text and photos.

Have fun! while you learn the basics or step to the next level.

The Urban Sketching Handbook Panoramas and Vertical Vistas by Mario Linhares

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

Remember the time you tried to sketch a scene and cluttered it up with lines and colors that made no sense? 

Remember how you tried to capture a vista and the perspective was so off that you threw it out?

Ah, whether you're starting on urban sketching or beginning to master the basics and intermediate stages, this book will provide clear direction for the next level. Recommended to those who want to see and record - and to those who wonder what makes one sketch come alive and the other fall flat.

Financial Accounting Essentials You Always Wanted To Know by Kalpesh Ashar

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
 If you're a financial dummy like myself, you may be curious about the systems that make sense to managers and business owners. 

If you're a working professional who is mystified by terms you'll learn a lot.

If you're an entrepreneur who needs to get in touch with the financial side of running your business, this is for you.

Get it if any of these categories apply to you! It's not exciting. In fact, for me it's a s boring as its cover. So it's not going to keep you awake at night with delight and color.

But it will explain what is involved in accounting - the basics and nuances of managing money. If you need that help, here you go!

A Woman in Search of ... by Lynne Brightman Horn

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

Yikes. Shades of my teen years when the whole world went crazy on drugs, "free love," and other shedding of morality. 

"Oh. I hope you find what you want." 

"I hope so too."

Those two phrases describe a woman's quest for purpose and meaning after her divorce in the 1970s. In the process of undoing her expectations, she falls into the trap of quick fixes, transitioning through multiple partnerships, and drug experimentation. Working through her emotions, Wendy depends on her nursery business, her relationships, and her friend Cindy.

It's a book that reminds me of the search for self and the desire to make a difference outside of the world of faith. When you have only yourself to depend on, it's a hard path.

The Writer's Garden by Jackie Bennett

★★★★★  The publisher provided a copy for review. 
 If you want to expand creativity in your yard, farm, or garden, this book offers 30 outstanding spaces. You can browse these private places without a ticket or pass. You will learn how creativity is supported by nature. And if you're a browser of beautiful things, you'll enjoy the photos and landscaping ideas that make these gardens special.

Recommended for writers, readers, designers, landscapers, the creators, and the curious. You'll find something new in the explantations and well as the photos.

The Accidental Oligarch by David Hoffman

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
 It's a novel. It's also what we might call "creative non-fiction." And it's an interesting book.

If you've followed the war in Ukraine and the nation's  challenges to sovereignty, this will provide a fascinating backdrop to today's news. 

How do world powers play out their aggressions and develop strategies when they are threatened? They manipulate the governments of those less powerful but yet vital on the world stage.

This look behind the scenes of Ukrainian politics will have you shaking your head, sucking in a deep breath, and considering what it means to be caught between the ambitions of powerful men.

Drawn to the Garden by Caroline Quentin

 

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
If you love to be in control, if you're driven to succeed, or if you're just plain worn out, this book may help you unwind just a little!

Quentin explores what it means to live within the limits and wonderful creativity of nature. She gardens - from seed to harvest - with open curiosity. The process refuels and refills her.

If you're worn out and considering how to recover from burnout or too many decisions, get this book. Enjoy the stories. Feel the joy of being in a garden - whether from your sofa or balcony, or from a new little pot or plot of your own.

What It Takes to Heal by Prentis Hemphill

★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
Hemphill examines what it means to be whole from the perspective of a gay, Black American therapist. Thoughtful questions include, does my body tell me what needs healing? Do my emotions show what needs maturing - do they offer guidance so I can respond in a healthy way? In what ways do our relationships and collaborations affect how we develop?

All these are more are explored in this book. I recommend it for its emphasis on community, which is especially important for those trying to "go it alone." It will pull you into the ramifications and joys of overcoming past and present challenges ... as you live in the social, communal, and extended human family.

However, note that this is written from the worldview of a non-traditional American who believes "God is change," rather than adhering to the biblical worldview that God is unchanging, even when human experiences and circumstances are in transition. Perceptions of racism and other experiences, including gender inclusion, may be offensive to some.

Recommended for therapists, those in therapy, and the curious who are curious about how others strive to make the world a better place by how they live in the world.

Reluctant Roommates by Tara Taylor Quinn

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
Sometimes romance needs time and proximity. This adventure provides both between two people with different aspirations and dreams. I found myself cheering for Weston and Paige ... and sympathizing with the adjustments they were making.

If you've wanted to change someone or redirect your own future, shove this one into your tote bag when you leave on vacation or into your briefcase if you're going into the waiting room.

The Irish Fall : A Sweet Romance Novel by Brooke Gilbert

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
Health challenges and our history can prevent us from living fully. What if those two meet in a story with the potential for a sweet romance.

Well, here you go. Grab this one for your book club, especially if you have members struggling with chronic illness. It's encouraging, eye-opening, and you'll turn the last page with a smile. The questions will lead you to a deeper understanding of the author's intentions as well.

Chair Yoga for Seniors Over 60 by Uma Devi

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
 Feeling tippy? Out of shape? Ready to pop that snack into your mouth?

Why not do a day of chair yoga instead? The simple exercises are explained and well-illustrated. From how to choose your seat to how much effort to invest, you'll gain flexibility, balance, and confidence - whether you're an out-of-shape 40-something or a senior trying to get more fit. 

2024… Your Year of More: Plan your goals and invest your efforts by Noah William Smith

★★★★★  The publisher provided a copy for review. 
Forget the date. We're halfway through the year and I'm still finding the questions in this A-Z book helpful. If you like coaching yourself or others, you'll find a topic that resonates.

I liked that I could choose a topic - an emotion, action, or idea - and work through it at my own pace. I'm stingy at giving 5-star reviews but this has been useful all year. And I plan to go back to it next year and in the coming years.

If you're stuck, trying to get to the next level in goal-setting and self-understanding ... or if you're doing practical get-in-motion counseling to encourage your employees, grown kids, or friends to take the next step, grab a copy.

The Journal by Tiffany Joans

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
 Many of us keep journals. Sometimes the things we write have shaped us. And sometimes they influence who we are becoming. What if someone else read your journal and "met you" this way? 

This story of finding a home and finding a heart-companion is a tale of second (and third?) chances.

If you struggle to trust, to rebuilt a broken past, and want a good story to create hope and open your heart to possibility, read this one. Good for a girls-only book club, too.

15 minute Drawing by Heinke Nied

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
 We've probably all looked at a simple line drawing or abstract painting and thought, "I could do that!" But when you try, it isn't as simple as you thought.

This book gives step by step instruction for looking, seeing, and making marks. You'll be amazed at what you create - with this DIY handbook.

Takes drawing to the next level for beginner and intermediate artists.

After Annie by Anna Quindlen

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
Some people are central to all their circles - family, friends, schools, churches, neighborhoods ... and such is Annie. When she dies, her influence continue to shape the lives of those who loved and knew her.

This book is full of characters you want to meet and get to know. You'll experience their emotions, their consideration of how to act and think, and their realization that life goes on but memories remain forever.

Since the Day We Danced by Kerk Murray

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
 A sweet romance that offers the potential for a second chance. When you're blind-sided by divorce, wishing love would come, or just want characters you cheer for, this will be a book for you.

I struggled through it because the background was dark - but what I read was a story I'd take on a commute or shove in my tote bag for a day away. You'll get absorbed in the romance and possibilities.

I Am Rome by Santiago Posteguillo

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

If you are an armchair traveler, a lover of history, or enjoy a deep dive into the cultural background of where you hope to go, you'll enjoy Posteguillo's book on Julius Caesar. 

Key historical figures shape entire countries, and this book explores why Caesar made a lasting impact on a city, a country, and the Mediterranean region. I enjoyed the creative non-fiction, the descriptions, and the possibilities of what life may have been like around this towering man.

Well-researched and interesting.