The Cat That God Sent – Jim Kraus

This uplifting tale is a light read that cat lovers will appreciate.  Although the plot does not include the degree of depth and complexity that I  traditionally enjoy, this book is entertaining and is a nice way to spend an afternoon.

While this complimentary book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity Group, no other compensation was given.  All remarks are my personal and honest opinions.


 

North of Hope – Shannon Huffman Polson

I knew North of Hope was going to be an emotionally challenging book, but I had no idea just how difficult it would be.  The book chronicles the loss of the author’s father and step-mother in the Alaskan wilderness by a grizzly bear and the aftermath which includes revisiting the site of their death in Alaska.  The descriptive details in the book are amazing and the juxtaposition of her internal journey with the exterior landscape descriptions is haunting at times.  That being said, it was too much for this reader.

While this complimentary book was provided for review by Handlebar Marketing, no other compensation was given.  All remarks are my personal and honest opinions.

Lead Your Family Like Jesus: Powerful Parenting Principles from the Creator of Families – Tricia Goyer, Ken Blanchard, and Phil Hodges

Leading Your Family Like Jesus is a a great parent leadership book.  It provides practical advice, personal stories, and content that demands further thought and reflection.   I have always appreciated Ken Blanchard’s work, and this one was another winner.

While this complimentary book was provided for review by Litfuse Publicity Group, no other compensation was given.  All remarks are my personal and honest opinions.

Intentional Parenting – Sissy Goff, David Thomas, and Melissa Thevathan

Intentional Parenting is made up of twelve chapters that each address a parenting myth.  Although there was not a lot of new information for me, I felt the points were well presented and meaningful examples were provided.  I also really appreciated the emphasis on recognizing who your child is as an individual and working with him/her rather than providing a “cookie cutter” model.   This book covers a lot of territory with a bit more emphasis being placed on parenting teenage children.

While this complementary book was provided for review by Thomas Nelson Publishers, no other compensation was given.  All remarks are my personal and honest opinions.

Just Like Jesus Devotional – Max Lucado

As I have shared in the past, I am a big Max Lucado fan.  This devotional book is another winner.  It is based on his book Just Like Jesus and includes thirty days of study.  Each daily devotion highlights steps in thinking, hearing, reflecting, and speaking with a focus on knowing Jesus better.

While this complimentary book was provided for review by Thomas Nelson Publishers, no other compensation was given.  All remarks are my personal and honest opinions.

Practicing the Presence of Jesus – Wally Armstrong

Practicing the Presence of Jesus is a little book with a powerful message.  Wally Armstrong shares personal insights about how he went from living his life in constant pursuit of trying to please God to living a life in which he shares a close friendship with God.  Armstrong’s text is highly accessible and provides inspiration and encouragement.

While this complimentary book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity Group, no other compensation was given.  All remarks are my personal and honest opinions.

Proverbs Prayers – John Mason

Proverb Prayers is wonderful daily devotional that provides a detailed review of the book of Proverbs.  For each day of the month, a chapter of the book of Proverbs is presented and then is followed up with a prayer which focuses on integrating the teaching of the chapter into one’s daily life.   This book would make a lovely gift for yourself or for a friend.

While this complimentary book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity Group, no other compensation was given.  All remarks are my personal and honest opinions.

All Pro Dad – Mark Merrill

This one is a winner!  All Pro Dad focuses on having a game plan as a father in order to effectively impact and influence your children.  Using a sports driven format, this book provides many quotes and stories from influential business leaders and sports heroes that serve as great reminders and a source of encouragement.  I particularly liked the “huddle up” questions at the end of each chapter.  They are great conversation starters to use with children.

While this complimentary book was provided for review by Thomas Nelson Publishers, no other compensation was given.  All remarks are my personal and honest opinions.

 

Live to Give – Austin Gutwein

Using the Bible story of the loaves and the fishes as a framework, Austin shares how each and every one of us is special and has something to share that will ultimately have a positive impact.  This book was specifically written to encourage and empower teenagers, but I think the message is very well presented and would be an encouraging read for adults as well.    I particularly liked the questions at the end of each chapter.  They were a great starting point
for further reflection as well as discussion about the text.

While this complimentary book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity Group, no other compensation was given.  All remarks are my personal and honest opinions.