This Used to Be Us by Renée Carlino

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
Marriage is hard. And difficult. And sweet. And ever-evolving. And vibrant. Unless we pour ourselves into each other day after day, time after time, we experience a natural atrophy of kindness and consideration. I know: married 47 years.

The story narrates how perceptions of character, personality, and friendship shift with time. Can love be recaptured? As Dani and Alex consider the long investment and value of marriage and family, you'll hold your breath. 

And when you finish the last page, you'll be glad you read it. Recommended for those who enjoy stories about our inner lives and relationships.

The Princess of 72nd Street by Elaine Kraf

 

★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
A descriptive novel of madness and visions and being "other" in the world. The inner world of Ellen and her responses to life around her took me a while to wrap my head around. 

I didn't really like it - but it made me ponder what goes on behind the polite words and manners of those with mental illness. I recommend it if you want a mind-bending exploration of the human psyche.

The Houseboat by S E Stanley

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
A strange and wonderful growing-up story about the meaning of friendship and family. How can one person change the course of another's history? Bud and Jeremy negotiate a changing relationship that leave your heart satisfied.

I was surprised, hurt, and happy for the character as the story unfolded. Worth reading on the beach, in the bus or train, or when you want to live someone else's happy ending.

Cypria by Alex Christofi

★★★★★  The publisher provided a copy for review. 
All I knew about Cyprus was the passages of scripture that mention it. Then I picked up this book ... oh my.

Christofi swirls you through the history pages, narrow streets, and conflicts of a small island. Crucial throughout the human story, Cyprus is place just far enough away to require an effort but so close that it is worth fighting for.

Descriptive and well-researched, it's a worthy addition to books about the region. The photos are a bonus. If you are a history buff, if you have Mediterranean roots, or if you just like a good tale, this will be a joy to read. 

Like Mother, Like Mother by Susan Rieger

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
A novel for women, about 3 generations of women, entwined. The Starbirds, a group of friends. The raveling and unraveling of relationships.

"I've been thinking a lot about your mother and mine," Grace said. "Having a baby does that to you. your perspective changes." And your perspective of influence, genetics, and decisions will shift as you read, too.

I found myself pulled in many directions as I read, hoping for a happy ending. And when I closed the book, I felt satisfied, if not exactly happy. Rieger is a storyteller, no doubt about it.

Recommended for when life is in a lull and you want to live in someone else's chaos and adventure.

The Paris Gown by Christine Wells

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
Three girlfriends, three ambitions. Can a gorgeous dress bring them together again?

If you like mid-century novels with historical description, beautiful scenes, and developing relationships, you'll love this one. Claire, Margo, and Gina will capture your imagination.

As will one Dior dress. Pick it up to read during travels or on vacation.

Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty

 

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
Staggering in its emotional demands, this novel had me on the edge of my chair a few times. Cherry gets on a plane and changes lives by her predications.

What if someone told you when and how you would die? Would you live more? Or prepare for the inevitable? There are many possibilities, none of them predictable.

I didn't know who Moriarty would wrap up her 126 chapters, especially with multiple intersections of families and friendships. At the end, I was wrung out and blinking. The story has to be one of the more interesting things I've read recently.

A Christmas Duet by Debbie Macomber

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
Time after time, I'm surprised by the creative stories Macomber thinks up. This was no exception. I enjoyed the steady pace of relationships, the rich descriptions, and of course - the romance between Hailey and Jay.

If you want a novel that stirs the heart, warms your emotions, and leaves you happy at the end, this is it. It will also get you in the mood to think about decorating, chopping a Christmas tree, and gathering family around. 

A Wondrous Mystery by Charles Spurgeon, ed. by Geoffrey Chang

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

Christmas is coming - and with it come many reflections on the mysterious coming of Jesus, God-with-us. If you want light reading, skip this one.

However, if you want a deep dive into the theology and biblical purpose for the incarnation, you will love this book. Spurgeon examines who Jesus is and why he came. How did the events unfold? What are the effects and benefits of God coming among us?

If you've never heard of him, Charles Spurgeon was a Victorian-era preacher in the 1800s. He loved Christmas but didn't fuss about it at church. Instead, his preaching highlighted the beauty of Jesus' birth, life, death, and resurrection all year long. And from those sermons comes this book.

I'm glad the language has been updated - but the message is the same. He has come! Celebrate what he has done! Recommended.

The World Rejoices by

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
It's time to look forward toward the Christmas season. This Advent devotional is written for families and small groups who want to reflect on the biblical and cultural highlights of the season. 

The 25 day countdown is full of scripture, stories, reflections, and activities. It's colorful, it's compact, and it's doable. Pick up your copy today.