One Night on the Island by Josie Silver

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review. 
 A romantic feel-good novel that makes you read another one. How do you become part of a closed community, and feel like you're one of the in-crowd? You have to go through real life with people and let life happen.

You'll enjoy this look at island life, the likable characters, and a plot that keeps you hoping for love.

High Stakes by Danielle Steel

★★★ ☐☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
As always, lots of action, a fun plot that makes you glad for avengers of the ambitious. Steele continues her run of novels of women with aspirations and privilege, making a difference around them. Young career women are her specialty. 

Though there's not much new, if you've enjoyed Steele before, you'll enjoy this one.

The Cross-Shaped Life: Taking on Christ's Humanity by Jeff Kennon

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review. 
 Who are you? In what ways are others and your past shaping your identity?

What would happen if you believed that God was made flesh? What if you read scripture using the word "God" every time "Jesus" is mentioned? What difference does it make to you that Christ demonstrates how God would behave and think? 

The author examines how the theology of salvation and a personal savior shapes us, our obedience, service, and service. Don't miss this one.

Development in Mission by Monty Lynn, Robert Gailey, and Derran Reese

★★★★★ The publisher provided a copy for review
 If you've ever wondered how to save the world, take another look. Whether poverty, hardship, or worldview, culture, or religion limit the aspirations of people, how do we help.

Missions is an evolving profession as researchers and practitioners who continue to explore and understand how real change is possible in the name of Christ. Read this volume to see how God is at work and how the helping professions and outside interventions can do more good than harm.

Universal Principles of Interior Design by Chris Grimley; Kelly Harris Smith

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review. 
 Need ideas on how to set up a room? Want to know secrets of decorators and designers?

Here's a guide to the basics. Grimley and Smith write from experience and observation. You'll understand spaces, placement, and the art of design better after reading this. Enjoy it, whether you read as an expert or amateur, a hobbyist or professional.

On Living Well: Brief Reflections on Wisdom for Walking in the Way of Jesus by Eugene H. Peterson

 

★★★★★ The publisher provided a copy for review
This series of short essays will make you think. If you want meditations to take you through an afternoon or evening, consider picking up Peterson's volume. 

Just when you think life is out of control or outcomes are inevitable, when you think you're restricted by your choices or destined to fail, the author offers another point of view. Hope comes from relationship with God, not just from past decisions. 

Well worth keeping on your desk when you need another voice inside your head. Well worth putting on that "to do when I have 10 minutes" pile - and opening up when you need a word of encouragement.

Highly recommended.

Three Debts Paid: A Daniel Pitt Novel by Anne Perry

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review. 
 Go back in history with realistic details and interesting people. Throw in a murder mystery and you have the outline of Perry's latest novel.

I'm a fan of the Daniel Pitt series anyway, but this one had me on the edge of my seat at times. Seeing a character unfold, book by book, makes it more interesting. Perry has a way with words and scenes: she'll pull you in and have you sucking in your breath in anticipation. Don't miss the twist at the end, as usual.

Recommended for British novel buffs and mystery murder apprentices.