I’ve been reading lots of new Christian books this spring, and I have a big batch of reviews for today. Take a look at my best picks for you, and check out the book that I am featured in as a contributor! You will notice a few extra picks for you that didn’t fit in the main picture above. Happy reading!
Dear Wife
I’m delighted to be one of 17 contributors for Dear Wife, a book to help wives connect with God and their husbands. We share our real-life struggles and victories in this book to help you grow in your faith and strengthen your marriage. These 10-minute invitations are practical help for wives who want to have a stronger marriage.
Here is a sampling of the devotion titles:
- Disengage With Dysfunction
- Responding to His True Need
- A Choice in the Response
- It’s in the Approach
- Choosing to Cherish
Many of the other authors are personal friends of mine, and we all contribute to a wonderful site called A Wife Like Me. I have read the entire book myself, and I found encouragement from my sisters in Christ. Each devotion features reflection questions with space to record your answers. It also has ideas for connecting with your husband based on what you learned in the devotion.
If you want to learn about marriage from wives who have walked in your shoes, I encourage you to order a copy of Dear Wife today. We would all appreciate you sharing an Amazon review once you read the book. Best of all, the proceeds from this book will help fund a conference we hope to organize in the future!
Dear Wife: 10 Minute Invitations to Practice Connection With Your Husband. #dearwifebook #awifelikeme #marriagehelp #bookreview Click To Tweet
Keep Showing Up
I was blessed to hear Karen Ehman speak at the She Speaks conference. Her warmth and humor is engaging, and it shines through in her new book about marriage. She gives many practical tips for hanging in there when your marriage gets stale or your spouse gets on your nerves.
If you have been married one year or twenty years, you’ve probably realized that your spouse is SO different from you! As a wife of 18+ years, I’ve learned that my husband and I could not be more opposite. However, with the tips Karen lovingly shares in this book, you can bridge the gap between your differences and fall in love with your spouse again.
Karen is a gifted storyteller, and she creates good word pictures in her book. I appreciated her metaphor of twill to marriage. When she learned how to sew, she learned that twill is woven in a special way to become stronger. The two-direction weave holds up better than single-weave fabric. We can apply this picture, along with others she reveals in this ultra-practical book, to our marriages.
Keep Showing Up will help you understand and respect your spouse to an even greater degree. She helps you learn to argue without tearing each other apart, lower your expectations, and gain a spouse-focused mindset.
I received a preview copy of Keep Showing Up from Zondervan as part of the BookLook Bloggers Program.
Keep Showing Up: useful marriage encouragement from @karen_ehman and @Zondervan. #marriagehelp #marriage #bookreview #semowriter Click To Tweet
Emptied
Last July, I was serving on the launch team for Wynter Pitts’ book for girls. She died suddenly right when the book was released. Little did I know that Wynter and her husband Jonathan were also putting the finishing touches on this marriage book, called Emptied.
When you hear words from someone who is already gone, you pay more attention. I learned much from this beautiful book on marriage. Both Jonathan and Wynter reveal their most selfish sides to help you understand how selfishness can destroy your marriage. Though neither of them committed gross sins like adultery or addiction, their selfishness began eroding their connection. They use their own marriage lessons to teach us how to empty ourselves and serve our spouses for improved marriages.
This book does a very good job of going back and forth between Jonathan’s stories and Wynter’s stories. You learn valuable lessons from each of them. I can think of no better book to help you rid yourself of selfishness and grow a servant heart. It is gently and beautifully told, and I’m honored to learn more about their too-brief marriage through this book.
I received a preview copy of Emptied from Harvest House Publishers.
Emptied: a beautiful book about unselfishness in marriage from @PittsTimes6 and @Harvest_House. #marriagehelp #marriage #bookreview #semowriter Click To Tweet
Parenting Beyond the Rules
As a mom of a 15-year-old, and a soon to be 13-year-old, and another soon-to-be 11-year-old, Parenting Beyond the Rules is an ideal read for this season of my life.
I confess that in the past, I’ve looked at the future with dread when I considered parenting my teens. I was blessed to stay at home with them when they were little, and their devotion and affection was natural. As my oldest turned into a teen, I knew he had to separate from me to have independence. Yet I’m grieving the past season and needing help to look at the bright side of this parenting season.
Parenting Beyond the Rules breathes hope and peace into a parent’s heart. Connie Albers writes without pointing her finger at you. She cries in the trenches beside you. Connie admits that the parenting teens season is different from other seasons, and you have to change your game. She gently and kindly helps you accept this new season and offers a myriad of practical, biblical tips to guide you through.
I’m savoring this book slowly, one chapter at a time, before I begin the next. It is helping me examine my thoughts and actions, filter them through God’s will, and make changes that honor my children. I’m starting to let go easier, and I thank Connie for inspiring me to love my children without smothering them.
I recommend this book to all parents who are starting this new season of parenting teens. You’ll be delightfully surprised at the warm welcome you receive from Connie, along with takeaways you can start applying today.
NavPress graciously sent me a preview copy of Parenting Beyond the Rules.
Parenting Beyond the Rules: grace and wisdom for parenting your teens by @ConnieLAlbers and @NavPress. #parentingbeyondtherules #parenting #bookreview #semowriter Click To Tweet
Mended
I admit, I squirmed when I started reading this book. But I kept going because God was fanning the tiny spark of hope that has sat in my heart for decades as one who has struggled in her family relationships. The more I kept reading, the more hope I found.
Both Blythe and Helen, a mother and daughter team, share practical advice, which I deeply appreciate. There are dozens of bold sentences in the text that you can lift off the pages, practice on your own, and have at the ready the next time those sticky conversations (or freeze-outs) occur.
I have spent five years in counseling and countless conversations with wise Christian friends about my complicated family relationships. Yet I couldn’t find many who truly understood my frustrations and unmet needs. This book fills in the gaps with words from a mom and daughter who have walked a similar, difficult road and came out stronger and closer. It’s comforting to hear their stories.
At She Speaks 2017, I enjoyed meeting Blythe in person. She is a literary agent as well as a writer. Her gracious, warm presence soothed my nerves. I sensed her same graciousness and warmth on these pages, and I’m certain she learned those biblical virtues from her mother, Helen.
I don’t know if my relationships will experience restoration or even mutual respect. However, Blythe and Helen have granted me peace, since I now know see more avenues to try before I can truly say I did everything in my power to make things right. They also showed me many, many ways to create a better future for my daughter and someday, my daughters-in-law.
Thanks to Blythe, Helen and Harvest House for the preview copy of this powerful book. I appreciate your gentle prods toward courage, your faith-based advice, your candor and warmth, and your hearts of hope. Blessings to you both.
Mended: a wise and practical book to help you bridge the mother-daughter gap from @blythedaniel @helenbmcintosh and @Harvest_House. #mendedbook #bookreview #semowriter Click To Tweet
Sick of Me
I had the pleasure of hearing Whitney Capps speak at She Speaks in both 2017 and 2018. I like her speaking style because she has no pretense. Her same self-effacing, yet cheerful and real, voice speaks to us in Sick of Me, a great book about sanctification.
Whitney asserts that many of us have settled into the Christian life rather comfortably. Yet we are dissatisfied, tempted by worldly pleasures, and discouraged with our spiritual progress. She tells us that the only way to overcome these restless feelings is through the pursuit of holiness, otherwise known as sanctification.
I underlined many of Whitney’s teachings. She writes in such a friendly style that you truly feel like you are hearing from your favorite girlfriend. Yet she is passionate about God’s Word and doesn’t mince her words when she needs to offer correction. I respect her for striking the balance between truth and grace in this much-needed book.
If you feel stuck in your journey of spiritual growth, Sick of Me will help you get moving. It’s not enough to own the fact that you are stuck and sick of who you are. You must move forward with God’s help. Whitney will lead you onward with kindness, understanding and even humor.
I received a preview copy of Sick of Me from B&H Publishers.
Sick of Me: a book about #sanctification and #spiritualgrowth, written in your best girlfriend's voice, from @whitneycapps and @BHpub. #bookreview #semowriter Click To Tweet
Holy Noticing
On my journey of writing about Christian meditation, I’ve learned the importance of mindfulness. Every time I find a Christian book that discusses this hot topic, I’m eager to get my hands on it. Holy Noticing is about much more than simply being mindful. It teaches us about how our brain processes information and how the Bible can transform our thinking.
Charles Stone writes with wisdom, intelligence and gentleness. He is a careful observer and gladly shares his insights with you. He says that holy noticing is not a replacement for spiritual disciplines like praying, reading the Bible and meditating on God’s Word. Rather, it complements and enhances those important parts of our Christian faith.
He writes about how church history supports holy noticing and lays out a six-fold biblical model for practicing it in your daily life. I like the scientific facts along with specific directives on how to put the model in motion. By putting this book into practice, you will be more centered in your mind, heart, body and soul.
You can access a wealth of free printable resources for Holy Noticing through the links provided in the book. They are ideal for using this book in your Sunday school class or your small group. Holy Noticing reminds me of some of my favorite college classes–it instructs me well through real-life examples while providing takeaways I can apply right now.
Moody Publishers generously provided a preview copy of Holy Noticing for me.
Holy Noticing: an excellent book by @charlesstone from @MoodyPublishers that will help transform your mind, body, heart and soul. #mindfulness #bookreview #semowriter Click To Tweet
Determined
It’s been a while since I did an in-depth Bible study, and Determined has greatly impressed me. I was privileged to meet Heather M. Dixon in person at She Speaks 2018. Her heart for women is just as beautiful as Heather’s face is in person.
Heather writes with a warm voice, inviting women to take time to study Jesus’ life with intention. She leads you through the book of Luke with new insights and helpful life applications. I’m highly familiar with the Bible, yet I’ve learned brand-new truths with Heather’s help.
This study is easy to do in short bites, yet packed with meaty teachings. I am finding fresh inspiration for my faith through her application questions. I can’t wait to watch the videos that go along with this wonderful study. It’s an in-depth look of how Jesus was determined to fulfill his Father’s mission, and how we can also be determined in our spiritual walks.
Determined is a great pick to do on your own or with a group. I highly recommend this book if you are looking for a new Bible study. Thank you to Heather and her publisher Abingdon Press for offering me a preview copy of Determined.
Determined: a Bible study by @rescuedletters that will teach you new things about Jesus' life from the book of Luke. @abingdonpress #biblestudy #bookreview #semowriter Click To Tweet
Letters to the Church
When I think of Francis Chan, the first word that comes to mind is zeal. I have enjoyed his zeal in his past books, and he does not disappoint in this powerful new read. He will turn your ideas about Western Christianity over on their head. He will show you how to live like the New Testament church, beautifully described in Acts. Letters to the Church is a must-read for American Christians like me.
I purchased this book myself from Barnes and Noble because I heard tons of online buzz. It lives up to all the hype and more. So many sentences slayed me in the very best way. But they did not burn me, because Francis is just as full of joy and grace as he is full of zeal. He is on fire for the Lord, and I hung onto every word as I read this book straight through.
I needed to hear the truth in this book. We simply can’t do church the same way anymore if we are going to reach the next generation. As a parent of three Gen Z‘ers, I am hungry to learn more about how to reach younger people for Christ. This book gives me some powerful ideas to put into play.
This summer, I plan to lead my small group through a book study of Letters to the Church. I have no doubt it will spark a challenging yet highly fruitful discussion. I encourage you to also read your own copy and discuss it with others. It’s a book that is meant to be shared AND applied!
Letters to the Church: a book that will help you rethink the American church, and just might start a much-needed revolution. #church #bookreview #semowriter @David_C_Cook Click To Tweet
The Hospitable Leader
This is the first book by Terry A. Smith that I have read. He is pastor of a large, diverse church outside New York City. He brilliantly unpacks Jesus’ methods of being both hospitable and a leader. I am seeing familiar scriptures in totally new light, thanks to his wisdom.
The Hospitable Leader shows us how to shepherd people in ways that they feel at home and inspired to pursue their God-given dreams and talents. It holds profound truths, but is written in a highly applicable and winsome format. I’ve really never encountered another book like this one. It has been a true joy to read.
I am a natural-born leader. A firstborn, type-A overachiever. I’ve also always been a Christian. But I’ve never considered how to combine my Christianity and leadership skills in a way that will help people maximize their potential.
As many times as I have read the Bible, I didn’t take notes on leadership from Jesus, and I certainly never considered his commitment to hospitality. The Hospitable Leader is revolutionizing my viewpoints. I can already see how this book will permanently change the way I lead in my family, small group, and writing ministry.
I highly recommend this unique read if you are a leader at any level. It will help you serve others with the mind, hands and feet of Christ. I received a preview copy of The Hospitable Leader from Bethany House.
The Hospitable Leader: a unique and wonderful book on #hospitality and #leadership based on Jesus' example. #bookreview #semowriter @bethany_house Click To Tweet
More of God
Betsy DeCruz is a talented writer, and I’ve enjoyed reading her blog posts for years. I’m so excited for her first book, which holds her signature wisdom and practicality that I’ve come to expect from her writing.
Betsy is just like so many of us. She struggles to find time with God, even though she’s a devoted Christian. Her book gives you practical tips for how to carve out time with God every day, enjoy his presence, and have greater peace and joy by doing so. She also writes with humor and fun, which makes this book even more encouraging. I was delighted to learn more about Betsy through her stories about family and faith.
My favorite quotes from More of God:
“More than going to church, listening to podcasts, or reading Christian books, spending twenty minutes a day with God helps me know Him better and more fully believe He loves me.”
“The peace Jesus gives doesn’t depend on a quiet, orderly house or a relaxed schedule. It’s available 24/7 when we call on Him or sit down for even two minutes to ask Him to fill our hearts.”
“God has everything I need, but it’s up to me to seek Him every day, not simply on Sunday mornings.”
You’ll enjoy the short chapters and insightful scripture applications in More of God. Betsy graciously gave me a preview copy of her book as a launch team member.
More of God: a delightful devotional by @BetsydeCruz. #bookreview #devotional #semowriter Click To Tweet
Live in Light
Live in Light is a fun, uplifting collection of encouraging devotions for teen girls. My friend Melanie Redd writes with the kind, wise voice of a mentor who cares deeply about her readers. She ministers to them with engaging personal stories and solid Bible truths. The short length for each devotion, combined with Melanie’s warmth and encouragement, will help girls navigate the teen years with greater faith.
I received a preview copy of Live in Light from Melanie‘s publisher, Althea Press.
Live in Light: A new devotional for teen girls by @melanieredd I highly recommend. #bookreview #devotional #semowriter Click To Tweet
Under the Dancing Tree
I was honored to feature my friend Chip Mattis for an author interview about his children’s book, Under the Dancing Tree. This sweet picture book is best for girls between the ages of 3 and 10, in my opinion. It would be an ideal present to commemorate a daddy-daughter dance, a daughter’s birthday, or a Father’s Day gift. This book has delightful illustrations that help tell the story about a daddy’s love for his daughter. I encourage you to purchase a copy and read the interview I conducted with Chip.
I received a preview copy of Under the Dancing Tree from Chip’s publisher, Elk Lake Publishing.
Which of these books looks most interesting to you? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below!
Looking for new Christian books to read this spring? I have a baker's dozen of recommended reads for you! #Christianbook #bookreview #goodreads #semowriter Click To TweetIf you liked this post, I would appreciate your shares on social media!
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