The Good book by Deron Spoo

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The Good Book: 40 Chapters That Reveal the Bible’s Biggest Ideas (David C. Cook, April 2017)

The Good Book offers a user-friendly guide to the Bible’s biggest ideas.

A chapter from the Bible accompanies each chapter of the book, which helps readers understand the context and content of the Scripture passages in a way that can open the whole Bible.

Designed as a forty-day journey through forty key chapters of the Bible, The Good Book will appeal to those who already love and read the Bible regularly as well as to those who are just beginning their Christian journey.

The Good Book:
—is a great evangelism tool for explaining the major themes of Scripture to those who want to know more about God, Jesus, and the core beliefs of Christianity;
—gives new believers an overview of the Bible and lays a framework to help them understand Scripture passages;
—helps longtime Christians rediscover the basic themes of Scripture and experience these truths in a new way; and
—encourages Scriptural literacy as it pushes readers to read both one chapter of the book and one chapter of the Bible each day for forty days.

The Good Book is great for individuals, and it can also be used by small groups in an eight-week church-wide program or a forty-week journey that focuses on one Bible chapter each week. The Good Book will help people understand and live by the transformative truths of the Bible.

My opinion: This was an intriguing and interesting book as it goes through 40 of the major ideas and concepts in the Bible. Well researched and thought provoking this book is a great read. Whether you are a new Christian or have been in the faith for a long time I feel that this book holds an appeal for everyone as there truly is so much insight and wisdom to be found!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Physics of everyday things by James Kakalios

Usually I am the first to shy away from anything with the word physics in the title, that just really isn't  my thing AT ALL, but this book looked very intriguing and I was willing to give it a go.
On one hand it was very interesting because it did break down and show how physics works in our day to day activities, but on the other hand it didn't seem to break it down nearly enough for someone like myself who is the casual reader with a very weak background in physics.  This book is still a book for geeks and especially those with a little more background in physics, but hey at least it was a fairly interesting read!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

The IBS Elimination Diet and cookbook by Patsy Catson

This was a very intriguing book that had some very delicious looking recipes that could benefit anyone although the target audience are those who struggle with IBS but I felt many of the recipes were great ways to improve anyone's diet whether they struggle with IBS or not. Filled with amazing recipes, everywhere from smoothies to great desserts this book is both very informative and is filled with great recipes.
I received this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Forensic Faith by j. Warner Wallace

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Forensic Faith: A Homicide Detective Makes the Case for a More Reasonable, Evidential Christian Faith (David C. Cook, May 2017)

A cold-case detective helps you rethink and share your Christian beliefs.

J. Warner Wallace has asked this question in churches across America over the past several years, and the answer he gets is often disappointing; it’s almost always rooted in some sort of personal, subjective experience. As a community, we Christians aren’t typically prepared to make the case for why we believe Christianity is true from the objective evidence of history, philosophy or science. Worse yet, many of us don’t think we have any obligation to do so.

In J. Warner’s first two books, he made the case for God’s existence (God’s Crime Scene) and the case for Christianity (Cold-Case Christianity). In Forensic Faith, J. Warner completes the trilogy by making the case for… making the case! In Forensic Faith, J. Warner helps readers understand why it’s important to defend what they believe, and provides them with a unique template to help them become effective “Christian Case Makers.” Forensic Faith will help readers:

—understand why they, as Christians, have a duty to defend the truth
—develop a training strategy to master the evidence for Christianity
—learn how to employ the techniques of a detective to discover new insights from God’s Word
—become a better communicators by learning the skills of professional case makers

With real-life detective stories, fascinating strategies, and biblical insights, J. Warner hopes to teach readers the daily cold-case investigative disciplines they can apply in their lives as believers. Forensic Faith is an engaging, fresh look at what it means to be a Christian.

My opinion: This book was a fascinating and well written, well researched read. Written by a former atheist and homicide detective this book is built up with cold hard facts and gives an absolutely outstanding basis for a fact based faith that can stand up when others ask about the hope that is within you. I loved all of the tips and pointers that he imparted, this book is a must read!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Next up by Jonathan Pearson

What a fantastic book to help engage and excite the young leader in the church today, This book is small but is filled with a lot of practical, down to earth advice backed with Biblical principles. I loved how the chapters were well written, thought provoking and insightful without being over the top or hard to read. The chapters that really spoke to me were the ones about from pride to humility as I can see aspects in my life that I really need to work.
I highly recommend this book for those who are wanting to go from mediocre to great leaders.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Do baby bears have Mommies? by Crystal Bowman

What a delightful little book to read to little ones. I have not had the pleasure of reading a book by these authors so I did not know what to expect so I was utterly delighted with this whimsical story with that will appeal to small children and grown ups alike. This book answers many questions children ask about animals and in such a delightful way too! The artwork is adorable and the  book is well written and flows beautifully. I know my daughter and I thoroughly enjoyed this sweet little book and I imagine it will bring many more hours of delight to us in the future.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Brave is the new beautiful by Lee Wolfe Blum

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Brave Is the New Beautiful: Finding the Courage to Be the Real You (David C. Cook, March 2017)

Our culture bombards women with “thinspiration” messages and pressure to “do it all” while wearing the mask of perfection. 

Women are left feeling alone and overwhelmed. How can they stop comparing themselves to others? How can they live out who they really are?

Lee Wolfe Blum offers stories from everyday women who have answered these questions with their lives—and found true beauty in the process. In Brave Is the New Beautiful, Blum weaves reflections from her own journey with inspirational stories from everyday women who chose to take off their masks and live authentically. Through call-to-action questions and ideas, she encourages readers to be brave enough to be who they really are and the beloved that God knows they are.

My opinion: This book was an amazing read, in a world pushes conformity and perfection this book talks about women who have chosen to put down their masks and embrace who they were meant to be, living authentically and fully.  I loved how the author drew on her own personal experience as well as many women around her to add merit to the things she was saying. A perfect blend of sage wisdom and depth this book was an excellent read.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Bread of Angels by Tessa Afshar

I think when it comes to Biblical fiction Tessa Afshar is about the best author out there, the rich detail that goes into each and everything book she writes is amazing and the way one connects both to the characters and to the story line is just magical.
Taking a women mentioned in passing from the scriptures Tessa weaves together a beautiful story about a women cruelly betrayed but able to find hope and fullness in Christ. One will feel instantly transported to the world of early Christianity and will fall in love with Lydia and the myriad of other characters.
Well written, meticulously researched and perfectly executed this book was a thoroughly enjoyable read.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Getting Jesus Wrong by

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Getting Jesus Wrong (New Growth Press, February 2017)

Jesus is not a life coach, a movement leader, a cultural visionary, or a blessing dispenser—but you might not know that by listening to many Christians talk about their faith.

Feel-good slogans promote a caricatured Jesus made in our own image who cannot save us and leave us feeling guilty for not saving ourselves. Following the wrong Jesus disappoints us and produces anxiety, pride, and despair.

The first half of Getting Jesus Wrong recounts pastor and author Matt Johnson’s personal encounters with a string of false saviors—false saviors that many, especially young adults, will recognize. Johnson’s humor and transparency in recounting his own painful experiences will appeal to those who have tried a “brand” of Christianity and found it lacking.

The truth is, we all want something from Jesus. Some are just hoping for a little help to get through life—a new direction, a purpose that will get us up in the morning, an exercise plan, a way to get organized. But that approach to Jesus doesn’t result in real faith or love.

Whether we’ve followed a false Jesus or attempted to coopt the real Jesus, Getting Jesus Wrong ultimately offers us hope because it helps us see Jesus as he is. Getting Jesus Wrong shows that the message of the Bible is about Jesus coming to us as we are—which is good news for exhausted and disillusioned disciples. It shows us that getting Jesus right means a whole new way of thinking (the way up is down) and a whole new way of life (daily dependence on the one who knows the beginning from the end). Getting Jesus right gives us more than spiritual vitamins or a blueprint for living; it gives us a full, rich life spent exploring the depths of gospel love together.

My opinion: This is an excellent book addressing some issues people struggle with when trying to follow Jesus. I love how down to earth and humorous the author was, very to the point and doesn't beat around the bush which is refreshing. This book is great as it appeals to young and old deal deftly with people from all walks of life.  Filled with rich insight and warmth this bool was an exceptional read.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Book of Greens by Jenn Louis

What a wonderful book that helps one appreciate and embrace greens in your daily life. I know as a cook I tend to get stuck in a rut, using the same ingredients so this book really helped me feel like I can branch out and really embrace some of those amazing greens that I have hitherto neglected! This book really takes greens and makes them anything but boring! Filled with practical ideas and great recipes this book is simply amazing!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Joy of letting go by Vicki Caruana

Author: Vicki Caruana

The Joy of Letting Go: Releasing Your Teen into Real Life in the Big World (David C. Cook, April 2017)

With readings of encouragement and inspirational quotes, this devotional helps parents prepare their hearts for their children’s independence, whether their kids are just starting kindergarten or graduating from college.

Parents let go of their children every day, even in ways they don’t realize. The 52 devotional readings within shine a light on all the times readers have loosened their grip on their children and encourages them to continue to let go in life-giving ways. Written by a parenting and education expert, The Joy of Letting Go will comfort and inspire parents in all seasons of parenting.

My opinion: This book was a little gem of a book filled with such practical insight and knowledge and the readings were totally manageable to do each day as they are short and to the point which is a major plus! I loved the keen insight and encouragement that this book provided, it was much needed for this stage of my life and would truly benefit others in a similar experiences. I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. 

A Fragile Hope by Cynthia Ruchti

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A Fragile Hope (Abingdon Press, April 2017)

Hope grows when seeds are planted—even in the muddy middle of life.

Josiah Chamberlain’s life’s work revolves around repairing other people’s marriages. When his own is threatened by his wife’s unexplained distance, and then threatened further when she’s unexpectedly plunged into an unending fog, Josiah finds his expertise, quick wit and clever quips are no match for a relationship that is clearly broken.

Feeling betrayed, confused, and ill-equipped for a crisis this crippling, he reexamines everything he knows about the fragility of hope and the strength of his faith and love. Love seems to have failed him. Will what’s left of his faith fail him, too? Or will it be the one thing that holds him together and sears through the impenetrable wall that separates them?

My opinion: This was another engaging and emotional read from one of the best authors on the affairs of the heart. With memorable characters this book was a great read. Josiah is a frustrating and at times arrogant character but it is nice watching him develop throughout the book and become a more likable character. I like how the story grew and developed really drawing one in keeping you engaged until the very end.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Everything you always wanted to know about God by Eric Metaxas

This book was intriguing to me as it made some pretty big claims and for me anyways it didn't quite measure up. It did have some great points about some pretty big questions but I felt that some of the questions were not handled very well and that the authors personal belief slipped in more than what God actually said in the scriptures.
It was written in an engaging manner and for a beginner some of the points were really good, I just feel like with any theology book one has to do your own research and see if it really measures up to what the scriptures say.
I received this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Think again by Jared Mellinger

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Think Again: Relief from the Burden of Introspection (New Growth Press, April 2017)

Evaluating yourself—being mindful of who you are and what you are doing—is necessary and can lead to positive change.

But what about the dark side of introspection? Do you ever feel weighed down and exhausted by your own self-analysis? Perhaps you made a mistake, said a careless word, or even messed up big time. Your self-examination spirals into a full-blown cross-examination. You keep revisiting what happened. Your mind circles around the event, fruitlessly trying to somehow make the outcome different so you don’t feel the embarrassment, shame, and regret.

The modern self-esteem movement has left us empty and self-focused. We exhaust our healthy introspection and pervert it into constant self-evaluation, wrong views of ourselves, self-accusation, and false guilt. Introspection was never meant to bear such weight.

Think Again offers real relief from the burden of introspection that so many of us carry each day. Pastor Jared Mellinger, who tends to overdose on self-analysis himself, shows us how the hope of the gospel can rescue us from the bad fruit of unsound introspection. Mellinger’s short, story-filled chapters help readers identify and turn away from unhealthy introspection.

There is an outward-focused God who delights to rescue an inward-focused people and lead them into a better way to live. When we truly understand it, we’ll see that the gospel actually sets us free from thinking about ourselves too much. We can seek after and pray for the peace and joy—the sanity—that comes from thinking about ourselves less often. Think Again includes practical instructions for self-examination, fighting false guilt, breaking free from hyper-introspection, and more. Ultimately, Think Again demonstrates that the solution to thinking too much about ourselves is to look to Christ, and it gives readers the tools to begin to turn from the mirror.

My opinion: This book was an utterly refreshing read reminding us to not focus so much on ourselves but to focus outside of ourselves, I know this is something that I struggle with so this book was very encouraging and insightful for me. Some self introspection is good, but as the author points out, too much is not good especially when it consumes us.
Well written and engaging this book was a very enjoyable read.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.