Almost Gone: Twenty-Five Days and One Chance to Save Our Daughter – John Baldwin and Mackenzie Baldwin

This book provides the shocking true story of a teen from suburban North Texas who became so involved in a secret online relationship with a young man from Kosovo that she distanced herself from her family and friends, denounced her Christian faith, converted to Islam, and became “engaged” with plans to leave her family and fly to Kosovo to be with him.  Ultimately, the FBI was instrumental in thwarting the plan and opening Mackenzie’s eyes to the realities of the relationship.  This story is shared by both father and daughter with alternating narration which enhances the text.

Almost Gone Book Cover Almost Gone
John Baldwin, Mackenzie Baldwin,
Biography & Autobiography
Simon and Schuster
November 14, 2017
240

Jesus Followers: Real-Life Lessons for Igniting Faith in the Next Generation – Anne Graham Lotz and Rachel-Ruth Lotz Wrightt

Jesus Followers is a lovely book.  It provides an intimate look into multiple generations of Billy Graham’s family through powerful storytelling as well as photographs.  Ultimately, the focus of the book is the importance of actively sharing and passing on one’s faith in Jesus Christ to the next generation.

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

Jesus Followers Book Cover Jesus Followers
Anne Graham Lotz, Rachel-Ruth Lotz Wright,
Family & Relationships
Multnomah
2021
240

Spouse in the House: Rearranging Our Attitudes to Make Room for Each Other – Cynthia Ruchti and Becky Melby

COVID has created more togetherness for many couples than they ever imagined possible.  Working from home has become the new normal for many and finding ways to navigate this new reality can be challenging.  Spouse in the House is easy to read and provides wisdom and humor as it explores life when you and your spouse are in the house together.

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

Spouse in the House Book Cover Spouse in the House
Cynthia Ruchti, Becky Melby ,
Religion
Kregel Publications
September 21, 2021
240

The Unlikely Yarn of the Dragon Lady – Sharon Mondragón

The Unlikely Yarn of the Dragon Lady is a delightful book that displays what is possible when one moves out of her comfort zone.  Inspiring and encouraging, this book draws you in as a reader.  I truly enjoyed it!

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

The Unlikely Yarn of the Dragon Lady Book Cover The Unlikely Yarn of the Dragon Lady
Sharon J. Mondragón
Fiction
Kregel Publications
September 21, 2021
272

Feeding the Mouth That Bites You – Kenneth Wilgus

Dr. Wilgus provides tremendous insight regarding effectively parenting adolescents and how it is fundamentally different than parenting young children.  His wisdom is provided with humor and directiveness.  A terrific parenting resource!

Feeding the Mouth That Bites You Book Cover Feeding the Mouth That Bites You
Kenneth Wilgus
CreateSpace
August 7, 2015
272

The Whole Life: 52 Weeks of Biblical Self-Care – Eliza Huie and Esther Smith

This easy to read text is set up to be used on a weekly basis.  It provides insights regarding self-care from a Christian perspective covering a myriad of different life elements: spiritual, physical, purposeful, community, work, and rest.  I particularly appreciated the sections that came directly after the readings which connected the concepts discussed to the gospel as well as the action/application options and the guided journaling prompts.  This book would make a lovely gift for a family member, a friend, or even for yourself.

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.

The Whole Life Book Cover The Whole Life
Eliza Huie, Esther Smith,
July 26, 2021
192

Husband Auditions – Angela Strong

Husband Auditions is a fun read.  It is light, enjoyable tale that kept me laughing.  As summer comes to an end, this would be a perfect book to read on a final visit to the pool or the beach.

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

Husband Auditions Book Cover Husband Auditions
Angela Ruth Strong
Fiction
Kregel Publications
August 17, 2021
272

Mysteries of the Messiah: Unveiling Divine Connections from Genesis to Today – Jason Sobel

If you are searching for a text to aid in your understanding of the connections between the Old Testament and the New Testament of the Bible, this book is a must read.  It clearly lays out the Bible as one complete, unified story.  Although this book can be simply read, it is worth slowing down and reading it critically in conjunction with reading and studying your Bible.

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.

 

 

Mysteries of the Messiah Book Cover Mysteries of the Messiah
Rabbi Jason Sobel
Thomas Nelson
March 23, 2021
224

Deluxe Then and Now Bible Maps – New and Expanded Edition – Rose Publishing

I looked long and hard for a Bible map study aid.  I particularly like the “Then and Now” format this provides.  Additionally, it includes maps for specific Bible stories as well as helpful charts and timelines.  This is a terrific resource!

Book: Deluxe Then and Now Bible Maps 2. 0 Book Cover Book: Deluxe Then and Now Bible Maps 2. 0
Rose Publishing
2020-07
72

Way Back Wednesday ~ Can I Tell You a Secret – Anna Kang

With summer vacation quickly approaching, I wanted to revisit this favorite.  This review was originally posted on August 19, 2016.

Can I Tell You a Secret is a precious book that features a little frog with a big secret – He is scared of the water and cannot swim!  This would be a problem for anyone to be sure, but it is a huge problem for a frog.  Ultimately, Monty the frog learns that conquering your fears is a lot easier when you have the help of a friend.  Can I Tell You a Secret is a darling book that would make a terrific read-aloud.

Can I Tell You a Secret? Book Cover Can I Tell You a Secret?
Anna Kang
Juvenile Fiction
HarperCollins
May 31, 2016
40