Secrets of Stargazing: Skywatching Tips and Tricks – Becky Ramotowski

This little gem is the perfect guide for beginning stargazers of all ages.  It is filled with details about selecting the right telescope and how to use it.  It also provides guidance for successful stargazing.  This book is the perfect gift for anyone who enjoys astronomy!

Secrets of Stargazing Book Cover Secrets of Stargazing
Becky Ramotowski
Nature
Sky Publishing Corporation
2007
98

The Library Book – Susan Orlean

The Library Book is a fascinating book.  It details the terrible fire that consumed the Central Branch of Los Angeles Public Library in 1986, but it also serves as a love letter to libraries.  It introduces the reader to a variety of different librarians from the past to the present and provides insight regarding how libraries work behind the scenes.  I love this one!

The Library Book Book Cover The Library Book
Susan Orlean
History
Simon & Schuster
October 16, 2018
336

The Ministry of Ordinary Places: Waking Up to God’s Goodness Around You – Shannan Martin

The Ministry of Ordinary Places is a beautifully written call to action.  We don’t have to travel to far off lands to show God’s love to others.  We have the opportunity every day in the lives we are living.  The Ministry of Ordinary Places is a wonderful reminder of the impact and influence each one of us can bring to this world.  Through our words and actions within our own homes and neighborhoods we each have the potential to make a positive difference.

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

The Ministry of Ordinary Places Book Cover The Ministry of Ordinary Places
Shannan Martin
Religion
October 9, 2018
240

The Way of the Warrior: An Ancient Path to Inner Peace – Erwin Raphael McManus

Erwin McManus explores the path to inner peace using a biblical framework.  Each chapter focuses on a specific element of the the warrior’s code.  Although written in an easy conversational tone,  the subject matter is of depth.  I found myself needing to pause to think and reflect upon the thoughts and ideas presented.

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

The Way of the Warrior Book Cover The Way of the Warrior
Erwin Raphael McManus
Religion
WaterBrook Press
February 26, 2019
224

Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine – Gail Honeyman

Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine is hilarious and heart-breaking.  I really enjoyed this book.  Eleanor is one of the most interesting book characters I have encountered in a long time.  The continual unraveling of Eleanor’s real story as a sub-plot throughout the book makes for a suspenseful story that begs for you to keep reading.

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine Book Cover Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine
Gail Honeyman
Fiction
Pamela Dorman Books
2017
336

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The One-in-a-Million Boy – Monica Wood

The One in a Million Boy is a beautifully written novel.  It chronicles the relationship between 104 year old Ona and an eleven year old boy scout who is assigned to help her with odd jobs around her house in order to earn a merit badge.  With time, Ona and the boy develop a special friendship, but then the boy stops coming to her house to help.  After a few weeks, the boy scout’s father appears at Ona’s home in order to finish his son’s work there.  He ultimately explains that his son has died.  As the boy scout’s parents get to know Ona they learn who their son really was and who they are as well.  The One in a Million Boy is a touching book that is hard to put down once you start.

 

 

The One in a Million Boy Book Cover The One in a Million Boy
Monica Wood
Review
April 5, 2016
320

The Case for Christ: Daily Moment of Truth – Lee Strobel and Mark Mittleberg

Still looking for a few Christmas gifts?!  The Case for Christ: Daily Moment of Truth is an outstanding devotional which incorporates text from Strobel’s previous Case for Christ resources.  I really like the succinct nature of each devotional.  They are easy to read and understand yet still have a great deal of substance.  This devotional would make a lovely gift.

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

 

The Case for Christ Devotional Book Cover The Case for Christ Devotional
Lee Strobel, Mark Mittelberg,
Religion
September 25, 2018
400

The Better Mom Devotional: Shaping Our Hearts as We Shape Our Homes – Ruth Schwenk

Popular blogger Ruth Schwenk has just released a new devotional.  No matter what stage of motherhood you may find yourself, this devotional is a wonderfully uplifting and encouraging resource.  Each devotion includes scripture, a short narrative, a prayer, and a couple of questions for further thought and reflection.  This one is a winner!

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

The Better Mom Devotional Book Cover The Better Mom Devotional
Ruth Schwenk
Religion
October 22, 2018
224

Prepare Him Room: Celebrating the Birth of Jesus Family Devotional – Marty Machowski

Prepare Him Room is a delightful guide to implementing gospel focused traditions for your family during Advent.  This lovely book includes weekly scripture readings as well as Christmas activities and songs.  It would be a wonderful early Christmas gift for a family with young children.

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

Prepare Him Room Book Cover Prepare Him Room
Marty Machowski
Religion
September 30, 2014
82

A Better December: Proverbs to Brighten December – Steven Estes

This small book shares true stories accompanied by pen and ink illustrations.  It is an encouraging reminder how we can each have a a more purposeful and peaceful Christmas season.  The author uses the Book of Proverbs as a guide.

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

A Better December Book Cover A Better December
Steven Estes
Religion
October 1, 2013
83