Anchored, Aligned, Accountable by Aiko Bethea

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review. 
Bethea is a poet who shapes prose with unique insights toward living an intentional, sustainable, and significant life. Her descriptive writing offers direction for arranging one's inner life so that actions and thoughts are aligned with a person's values and resources.

I loved the surprises, the crafted language, and the personal stories. It was a completely new way of thinking that produced joyful anticipation as I turned the pages. If you're floundering and can overlook coarse language (never a plus in my opinion), you'll be charmed and churned and challenged by this book. 

Chasing the Clouds Away by Debbie Macomber

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review. 
Another winning story from Macomber about challenges and the attraction between people who seem unmatched. The conflict is mostly between different levels of status and wealth. One person is rich in family but struggles financially and with pride. The other longs for connections and has abundant wealth to share.

Can they come together and find happiness for themselves and their families? If you like the process of reconciliation, hope, and finding common ground, you'll thoroughly enjoy this story.

A Heart on Consignment by Mindy Steele

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review. 
 A sweet romance with a look at Amish culture. If you've been overlooked because of a chatty nature and short stature, if your family is intent on marrying you off, how on earth do you find love?

This is a lovely story of creating family ties in a closeknit and strictly regimented community. If you like women's fiction, romances, or a good tale, this is for you.

Weathering Change by Courtney Ellis

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review. 
 Don't miss this one if you love birds! There's a wealth of observation in these pages.

A woven encouragement to seek spiritual depth through seasons of disciplines, formation, and life's challenges. I was surprised several times at how well Ellis bridged nature and the hard work of developing our souls.

The Pillagers' Guide to Arctic Pianos by Kendra Langford Shaw

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review. 
 The premise is an inventive one: a piano shows up and changes lives and the economy of a far-north village in Alaska. Following a free-spirited family through the generations, this one will appeal to those who love adventure, change, and emotional development.

Curiosity about life in Alaska is a bonus!

Harriet in Waiting by Rachel del Grosso

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review. 
A gripping and engaging novel about transitions. When your marriage implodes and you're left behind, how do you rebuild a hopeful future? 

Harriet discovers a new version of herself, friendships, and family. Full of characters, feelings, and movement - you'll enjoy this if you like women's fiction or going through a similar season.

Death Times Seven by Anne Perry; Victoria Zackheim

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review. 
Perry was a favorite author. I really enjoyed this wrap-up of a novel. Exciting. It drew me in both in plot and characters.  If you liked Daniet Pitt, don't miss the conclusion of the series.

If you're looking for a mystery, a circle of interesting people, and a satisfying conclusion, grab this one.

Discipling the Diseased Imagination by Justin Ariel Bailey

 

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

I wasn't sure - from the title - if this was for people who were mentally ill or neurodivergent. Turns out it is for everyone, including me. Especially me.

What happens to our mind that needs rebuilding, redirecting, or reimagining? What damage do we sustain in the environment from childhood through maturity?

Bailey offers practical ways to pray and engage personally with God who loves us and wants the best for his creatures. "Whatever else prayer is, it is also about asking God for something, asking God to give something, to do something. Prayer is more than asking, but it is not less." The beautiful nature and being of God is brought alive in a fresh way. The chapter questions for reflection and discussion and the closing prayers offer an experience of going deeper.

Highly recommended if you are trying to pray, trying to understand prayer, or weary of praying and feeling unheard. You will be eased toward a joyful and abundant relationship with a God who has always wanted to reveal himself.  Going to read this at least twice.

The Lie You Don't Know You Believe by Jennie Allen

 

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

Scripture upon scripture to expose what your heart may have assumed is true - although it doesn't agree with God's good plans for you. 

Allen is well-known for speaking and writing about spiritual life for adults and teens. This one was a beautiful collection of truth-telling, straight from the Bible.

Recommended for small groups - do a chapter at a time - and for personal reassurance that God really is in control of the world and you.

What Grows in Weary Lands by Tish Harrison Warren

 

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

Many of us feel frustrated. We're not exactly burned out, but we're not on fire either. We have lost our resilience to life, either coasting along or slumped in depression.

Warren offers a fresh look at what it means to live the abundant life of Christ without the high emotion or accompanying energy that we desire. A beautiful book of encouragement and hope for everyone who has almost given up on a joyful and fruitful life.

Highly recommended for those who are "between" seasons of abundance and productivity. It was just what I needed in this time of transition.

Everyday Spiritual Habits by Hanna Seymour

 

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

If you're intimidated by spiritual disciplines, discouraged by religious rules, or tired of never measuring up ias a church-goer, this one's for you. Seymour explores what it means to make life with Jesus a habit that is as natural as breathing.

With practical examples and hopeful suggestions, the author encourages you toward a vibrant life in Christ. Highly recommended, whether you're starting the journey of faith or are mature and settled. I thoroughly enjoyed it and learned a lot.

The Prayerful Leader by Ryan Skoog; Cameron Doolittle; Peter Greer

 

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

I read some of the prayers aloud to friends on Zoom calls. The scriptures, calls to prayer, and prayer action steps touched me deeply and resonated with other leaders as we connected.

In a season of transition, when I am intent on deepening my own prayer life, this book has been life-giving and personal. No meant just for pastors, Skoog and fellow authors offer a personal and intimate opportunity to make conversations with God part of every day and every hour.

Highly recommended for leaders of NGOs, churches, organizations, and projects. I'm only partway and already planning a second round.