I Want to Move On: Break Free from Bitterness and Discover Freedom in Forgiveness by Lauren Vander Linden

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
Many of us are not free. We remain tangled up in the past, holding onto bitterness and hurts. We have been betrayed, unjustly accused, or offended. Whether we excuse ourselves, delay forgiveness, or refuse to consider it, we cannot break free from disappointments and offenses until we let go. 

Going through a variety of excuses - self-justification, bitterness as a valid response, assuming offenses, and more - Vander Linden develops an understanding of personal harm and collateral damage, the consequences of holding onto grudges and not forgiving.

If your heart is hurting, if you're ready to change direction, and if you're ready to heal, get a copy. It will transform your future and change the past's grip on your heart.

Integrating Psychology and Faith by Paul Moes; Blake Riek

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
The authors offer broad summaries of prevailing worldviews which provide foundations for psychology. They include such a "dual-kingdom" models (sacred vs secular), natural vs spiritual worlds, and the influences of various Christian traditions. Then they move to Christian "approaches that take psychology and theology seriously on their own terms."

Moes and Rick explain the transformation of purely secular psychology that occurs when this science comes from a Christian viewpoint. Themes that produce a humanizing metamorphosis include integration of science with Christian/biblical values, taking human agency seriously.

This textbook is suitable for psychology courses in Christian universities and as a student reference. Thoughtful discussion questions at the end of each chapter and an extensive bibliography provide resources for further study and classroom interactions or assignments.

Seek: How Curiosity Can Transform Your Life and Change the World by Scott Shigeoka

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

Some books encourage creativity and curiosity. You'd expect that from a book with this title. Shigeoka is a storyteller who intends to pull you into the world of the creative thinker.

Transformation is encouraged through practical guides of questions, lists, and exercises. You won't be disappointed - next time you walk down the street, sit in a meeting, or wake up to a new day, you'll have new tools to fuel and expend your own creative work and conversations.

Write for Your Life by Anna Quindlen

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

What if writing in a journal could change your life? Read this book to risk finding out.

Quindlen cites numerous examples of how writing about life is transformational, whether for a group of students self-names the Freedom Writers, or leaving a legacy like Anne Frank does, or walking the journey told by the author.

Quindlen encourages the reader to test the waters - to track what is happening inside us. She also invites us to leave a record of the process of growth and maturity for others. She offers practical tips on owning your writing, ways to begin and persevere, and what to write about.

Whether you're an individual wondering how to muddle to the next part of your journey, a creative writing teacher looking for ideas, or an adult wanting to record your legacy, buy the book and dive into the pages that lie ahead.

The Christmas Spirit by Debbie Macomber

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

Two eras collide in a story a Grandmother shares with her grandchildren. At the center of the story is a week-long swap before Christmas - between a pastor and a bartender. 

Can you influence people in a new way when you change your environment? Can having someone take your place help you see life in a new way?

This is a delightful story of transformation and love and kindness. It's interesting to think about how your life touches others. Highly recommend this tale by a master storyteller.

MicroShifts Transforming Your Life One Step at a Time by Gary Jansen

★★★★★ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
If it's too hard to make big changes, what happens when small changes are repeated over and over again? Life transformation or big changes in trajectory can be a result of tiny decisions day after day. Jansen encourages the reader to accept challenges by moving toward them incrementally. The stories, examples, and incentives mentioned make transformation seem not only possible but attractive.

Move forward, one small step at a time. Start by reading this book.