If you were offered the chance to spend the next 40 days coming alive again, would you invest your time? Batterson offers the opportunity to see life and faith in new ways. Pick up a copy and be prepared to wonder at the beauty and grace of the Good News.
Sunday, July 20, 2025
A Million Little Miracles: a Guided Journal 40 Reflections to Awaken Wonder by Mark Batterson
If you were offered the chance to spend the next 40 days coming alive again, would you invest your time? Batterson offers the opportunity to see life and faith in new ways. Pick up a copy and be prepared to wonder at the beauty and grace of the Good News.
The Lazy Genius Way by Kendra Adachi
What if you ignored the expectations of culture, let go all the "should"s of others, and lived life to the full? How could you even begin to loosen the grip of obligations to live a full and meaningful life?
Adachi encourages you to let go of what you're not interested in and live your life to the fullest - the way you're designed and the way you're wired.
She offers practical tips for avoiding overwhelm such as limiting options that can be made habitual, streamlining rituals, and examining traditions. Even the practical footnotes were helpful.
If you're drowning in details, stuck in unhelpful patterns, or need coaching on the next "small step," this one's for you.
What Next?: The savvy woman’s guide to redefining retirement by Jane Moffett
Ah girl, you worked, you climbed the ladder (or found the job you loved), and were a success at work. Now you're in a new season and ... well, what comes next? Moffett coaches the soon-to-be- and already-retired woman through opportunities and relationships that are post-work. How do you find satisfaction and meaning - and give back as a retiree?
Thursday, July 17, 2025
Such Good People by Amy Blumenfeld
What a story. You never know what lurks in the human heart, though most people look like such good people. When students get caught in a spiral of death, law, and ambition, their lives spiral out of control.
The Maid's Secret by Nita Prose
I tried to stay with the story and couldn't - too much description before and between the action (for me). I'm recommending this book for readers who love depth and relationships and family tales. The consequences of decisions may affect a long line of descendants, so beware.
Bad Luck and Trouble by Lee Child
★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
A Reacher novel I hadn't met yet? This one gathers his entire army crew for a big adventure, which only Lee Child could dream up.
There's mayhem, danger, violence (of course, Reacher style), romance - or at least passion - and a plot that keeps you turning pages. If you want a thriller with a bad hero who walks away in the end, here you go.
Monday, July 14, 2025
Reading the Bible with Brueggemann Scripture's Power to Remake the World by Robert Williamson Jr.
If you enjoy the theology of recently-deceased Brueggemann, wonder what the fuss was about his thinking, or want to broaden the scope of what it means to live as God's people, this one's for you.
Holly and Nick Hate Christmas by Betsy St. Amant
The title made me laugh. And the cover was cute - so I decided to review a Christmas in July anyway. The author is new to me - but it was good fun to read the story.
Waiting for Jesus: An Advent Invitation to Prayer and Renewal by Rich Villodas
It was the middle of the year when I read it, with Christmas far away. It captured my attention: this is the one to recommend to your circle for the coming Christ. It will be published in September.
The cover may not be inspiring, but you'll enjoy the depth of reflection. I ate it slowly, day by day.
This is the Advent book I'm taking our small group through this Christmas. Highly recommended.
The Journey of Yes: The Everyday Adventure of Radical Obedience by Brenda Palmer
"How can you just leave your careers and move overseas?" asked many of our friends. "Isn't this a big risk? Throwing away everything you've built?"
We replied, "It's not a big yes for us. Because of the 100 yeses we said before this one, this is 'just one more yes' and a step of obedience on our journey of faith."
Palmer writes about the adventure of following Jesus, wherever he leads. In expected and unusual ways, God is writing his own story through our obedience. The question is, do you expect direction if you are unwilling to take the next step you already know?
Palmer offers reassurance that God knows the past, the present and the future - and radical obedience is the natural outcome of discipleship. When you fail, your story is still being written. When opportunities come your way, God will give clarity.
Whether you're counting the cost or contemplating a shift, read this first. Good enough that several friends have ordered it, on my recommendation.
Wednesday, July 2, 2025
Coyote Hills by Jonathan Kellerman and Jesse Kellerman
The Kellerman's never fail to put you on the edge of your lounger when you open their novels. Adventure, thriller, mystery - it's all here in love, betrayal, and family secrets.
Reframing Women Printmakers by P.L. Henderson
★★★★★ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
This history of printmaking and its visual record of methods and gifted printmakers can only encourage and inspire. Whether making art as statement, protest, or observation, women have created prints with strong impact. The photos are beautiful!
Full Bloom by Francesca Serritella
A novel about the seduction of perfume? I wasn't sure about it. Starting from the beautiful cover, the descriptions and possibilities draw you in.
Monday, June 30, 2025
Yours For The Season A Novel by Emily Stone
Stone offers up revenge and romance at its most amusing. If you had a vacation with your almost-mother-in-law (whom you love) and got a chance to dump that ex (who you thought you got over), would you take it? What if your assumptions were wrong and your heart is still attached?
In the Kitchen with Grandma: Stirring Up Tasty Memories Together by Lydia E. Harris
Harris is a friend who knows what she's talking about. She's tested these recipes and ideas on her own grandkids. She offers good advice on meaningful interactions - not just good food that the kids will enjoy, but conversation starters to build character and faith.
Easy to follow, you'll be reaching for this book over and over. And have the kids asking for more.
Fast and Loose by Fern Michaels
Always adventurous, always a plot twist to make you shake your head in surprise, and always a good story. Fern Michaels does it again, this time with a "What happens in Vegas, stays ..." well, you know.
If you like the Sisterhood methods of revenge, this will be another one for your bookshelf. Good fun. Mean women. And criminals who get what they deserve.
Wednesday, June 4, 2025
The Cardinal by Alison Weir
Creative non fiction at its best. I enjoyed this exploration of religion and politics in the 1500s. As a student of history and theology, I found Weir's storytelling of a churchman and a king - plus those dependent on them - a fascinating read.
If you love tales of England, especially of European intrigue in the middle ages, you'll like this one a lot.
Beyond the Sea: Annie's Journey into the Extraordinary by Nina Purtee
Part love story, part travel adventure, part exploration of what matters most.
Tuesday, May 27, 2025
It's Different This Time by Joss Richard
This novel had too much foul language and graphic sex for my enjoyment. I skimmed through the story of two people who parted years ago and meet again.
It's not a new plot but the writing is good. If you want a fresh start and a happy ending, this may be for you.
Monday, May 12, 2025
Get Money Do Good by J.D. Vermaas
Sunday, May 11, 2025
The Reluctant Pioneer by Julie McDonald Zander
What if you are given no choice but to join your family on a cross-country trip on the Oregon Trail, far away from home?
How do you thrive and survive deaths and challenges and new places when your resources are limited and life is uncertain? Mathilda, Nicolas, and their children set off from Missouri to Oregon. Bolstered by their faith in God, they meet tragedy, new friends, and new love.
The core story comes from historical events, embellished with what life might have been life in the 1800s. Recommended for readers who like history, adventure, and family, mixed with strong stories of trust in God.
Imagining All Generations by Wilson McCoy
A thoughtful and much-needed review of the effects of generational separation in the church. Why are young people less engaged and leaving the faith? The author debunks the assumed benefits of segregation by age and interest, based on the results of the past decades.
McCoy provides a way forward to healthier and more sustainable ministry through intergenerational learning and activities. Well worth discussing with your church leaders and your ministry teams.
Unrig the Game by Vanessa Priya Daniel
How do women in leadership thrive? What can they teach us about getting done what needs doing? How do they live out their calling, with the additional challenge of being women of color?
Three superpowers in 20 essays, along with mini masterclasses. Well worth adding to your leadership reading list - and referencing on your shelf.
We Don't Talk About Carol by Kristen L. Berry
Carol disappeared decades ago. As people go missing, there's no trace of where they've gone.
Carol's niece is a journalist who decides to solve the mystery of why happened to her aunt. When clues start to add up, details start to align, can justice be around the corner?
Tragedies and dark family mysteries that resolve with grief, love, and hope. Well worth considering, in light of the many persons who go missing in the USA each year.
The Book of Alchemy: A Creative Practice for an Inspired Life by Suleika Jaouad
Essays on creativity and effect. Each chapter ends with a prompt that gives you meditations or actions to build your creative stamina and artistic breadth.
Jaouad has gathered thinkers, artists, and innovators in a volume of inspiration. Use their ideas to journal your way to the next season of invention. Amazing resource! (PS You don't have to agree with everyone to learn from them.)
How to Fast by Reward Sibanda
Fasting can change the way our hearts respond to God. Humility that allows faith to arise is one of the results of fasting. This is the beginning of God' s work in and through us. Sibanda offers practical foundations for short and long fasts. How do you break a fast when you're done, and what can you expect physically as well as spiritually?
Friday, May 9, 2025
I Will Blossom Anyway by Disha Bose
A story of intercultural and interracial couples and families, written with sympathy and understanding. What happens when you fall in love outside of your family's clear ideas of marriage norms and appropriate relationships?
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
In Love by Amy Bloom
The process of dying has until recently been natural. Since assisted suicide has become possible, the possibility of killing oneself in a safe and medically-supervised place has gained momentum.
The interactions of the person who dies remain with those still alive. His pain is over with his end of life. Death eases suffering for the one who is killed, but the emotions and processes of grief and letting go are just beginning for those who are left behind.
Bloom documents love and life together with her husband and their decision to end his life. The records the shock of his death and the service of remembrance. The feeling of forgiveness and moving on is raw. It's real. It's in this memoir.
Playing God is not easy.
Unclaimed Baggage by Katie O'Rourke
When you have no personal boundaries, your family and friends may expect you to take care of them. Life is hard and uneven. When everyone dumps their drama on you but refuses to listen, how do you hold up?
Blended families and separated families sometimes choose one child to carry their burdens. And what happens when all the assumptions about who you are and who the others are lies?
As a young adult, can you back up and refuse to play your role? This story - about reclaiming your identity and loving from a maturing perspective - is both emotional and heartbreaking. If you're into that, this book is for you!
A Ferry Merry Christmas by Debbie Macomber
Not sure how Macomber comes up with one heart-rich story after another ... but she's done it again. The novel captures the meaning of community and family circles - and the ways we make those things happen.
Tuesday, May 6, 2025
The Elias Enigma by Simon Gervais
A winding tale that includes family, past relationships, various locations, and suspense. I enjoyed it though it took me a while to grasp who was who - and who met when and where.
Design For Your Mind by Annie Guest
Editing Emily by Mia Rosette
Life not going as expected? Welcome - it's the same for Emily, who is "finding herself" as a young adult in a big city. The language was raw, the choices were consequential, and the progress was winding.
A Rebellion of Care by David Gate
I thoroughly enjoyed these reflections and poems. They were thoughtful - and thought-provoking. I don't align politically or socially with Gate views but the winsomeness of his observations and good writing made this a worthy reading experience.
I found myself stopping. Pausing. Thinking through the idioms and metaphors. Agreeing and shaking my head.
I recommend this for its perspective of influence as life and engagement in things that matter to us. To the prospective poet and essayist in each of us, I say, "Get a copy."
Summer Light on Nantucket by Nancy Thayer
A novel about summer. About defining oneself in a new season. About family. About island communities. About love that is born, love that evolves, and love that is left behind. About people who care for each other. And about romance and personal consequences.
Beautifully written, crafted to bring empathy and joy to a summer break. Thayer writes with kindness, compassion, and understanding in a novel I'd recommend to a girlfriend.
Monday, May 5, 2025
The Homemade God by Rachel Joyce
Art and money and habits and history intertwine in this novel. Beautiful descriptions evoke childhood memories and family life. The conversations weave in and out so you feel like you're sitting with the family at the noodle bar, the bar, and other gatherings.
What happens when a stranger joins an established family? When she takes over someone in the family and keeps him away? And when that person disappears and dies, how does a family cope?
I was really looking forward to this. It's a compelling story that's hard to put down - and hard to keep track of at times. I was not thrilled that an obligatory gay couple is thrown in. It felt contrived as though satisfying an obligation to current social norms. (Can any famous or ambitious author write only about heterosexual couples and families? Seems like never.)
The Serendipity by Emma St. Clair
When you walk into your closet and come into another room entirely, something's going on. A fun novel that includes romance, place-travel, and commitment to those around you.
You'll smile, be surprised, and get a good story between the two covers. I enjoyed all 3. Take it on your commute, read it as a summer diversion, or just enjoy it on its own.
Deep Listening: Transform Your Relationships with Family, Friends, and Foes by Emily Kasriel
If you struggle to understand or be understood, Kasriel provides a pathway forward: Deep Listening. The intentionality, clear explanations, and practical examples will give you a way to gain trust and insights from others.
Worth reading if you a team leader, team member, or someone who seeks deeper relationships and friendships. Recommended.
Between Two Shores by Lisa Renee
Sunday, May 4, 2025
6:40 to Montreal by Eva Jurczyk
★★★☐☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
With by Skye Jethani
If you wonder how healthy your relationship with God is, here's a challenge. Jethani explores what it means to be engaged with God in every part of life. Easy reading - so get a copy!
I found this book an opportunity to examine how much I depend on God, trust him, and follow where he leads. Are my intentions his? Are my actions pleasing because we are connected (or because I'm trying to do something "for" him)?
Jethani offers many questions - and many encouragements to start on an adventure: life WITH God. Highly recommended for
- those happily following Jesus
- those bored with rituals of social Christianity
- those disappointed with faith or the church
- those who are considering becoming disciples of Jesus
Anointed: The Extraordinary Effects of Social Status in a Winner-Take-Most World by Toby Stuart
★★★★★ The publisher provided a copy for review
This fascinating research tracks how society and families boost or ignore individuals and group. Does promotion depend on good work? Good connections? Timing? or ...?
Tuesday, March 18, 2025
The Year God Died: Jesus and the Roman Empire in 33 AD by James Lacey
This interesting work of "creative non-fiction" fills in the blanks of the New Testament era of Jesus. The gaps in what we know and imagine narrow with Lacey's excellent research and scholarly speculation. I found it useful and helpful, imagining what life and government was like.
Welcome to the Creative Club: Make Life Your Biggest Art Project by Pia Mailhot-Leichter
An interesting book that will make you consider your life as a maker and creative soul, while giving practical advice. Paragraphs, prose, and poems. Lots in here.
Recommended if you're stuck in a creative rut or wondering if you could add some interest to the world.
Monday, March 17, 2025
Cooperating with the Holy Spirit by Rev. Dr. Suzanne Nicholson
★★★★★ The publisher provided a copy for review
Felt privileged to review this one. I watched the Awakening at Asbury from afar. I wasn't sure what to think - we get so much hype and hysteria by the media for the smallest event.
This book was amazing. It was like being given a front row seat to God at work. Like watching the whole parade from different angles.
The authors are considered, theological, and personal in their reflections on a season of movement by the Holy Spirit at their university. They record the backdrop, the events, and the ongoing effects of God's surprise.
I recommend this for theologians, church historians, skeptics, and friends. Couldn't put it down.
Fruitful Living: Growing a Life That Matters by Elisa Morgan
★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
Many followers of Jesus have no idea about growing in faith. They go along, day to day, hoping for relief, release, and some movement away from destructive habits, harmful emotions, or clouded thinking.