Just in time for Amazon Prime Day, I have a huge assortment of book reviews to share with you today! Enjoy this smorgasbord of Christian books on different aspects of the Christian life.
The Simplest Way to Change the World
Hospitality is intimidating to many of us. But this down-to-earth book gives you the reasons why we should be hospitable, what it means to our culture, and how to be evangelistic without being pushy. In my rural area, it’s hard for me to host gatherings for “city” people who don’t want to drive out this far. I liked the flexible ideas for hosting, which includes being hospitable outside of your home. For example, the book confirmed my idea to host a small group meetup at Panera since it’s in a centralized location. I loved the practical ideas in this biblically grounded book.
Favorite quote:
“Learn how to speak the gospel naturally in the overall flow of relationship, and your friends and neighbors are much more likely to listen attentively.”
I received a preview copy of The Simplest Way to Change the World from Netgalley.
A Life Beyond Amazing
I have listened to Dr. David Jeremiah’s radio broadcasts for years, and enjoyed several of his books. A Life Beyond Amazing offers uplifting encouragement based on the fruits of the spirit in Galatians 5:22-23. Dr. Jeremiah has a wonderful way of weaving interesting stories through his spiritual growth themes, and he doesn’t disappoint in this book. Though I’ve published my own book on the fruits of the spirit, I learned to look at the fruits of the spirit in a new way through this engaging book. Recommended if you’re ready to recharge your life this year.
Favorite quote:
“Acting as though we love others and then sincerely opening ourselves to be filled with God’s pure love is different from just pretending we love everyone.”
I received a preview copy of A Life Beyond Amazing from Netgalley.
An Intentional Life
I am always looking for more ideas about how to live an intentional life. Karen Stott shows us through her personal stories how we can strive to be more intentional as God’s daughters. She tells us to slow down and savor, nourish those in our circles of influence, and pursue our God-given dreams. I appreciated her honest stories of motherhood and friendship. She has taken an interesting journey of business building, and I enjoyed the peek into her story. Inspiring and uplifting for women who want peace and direction in their busy lives.
Favorite quote:
“None of us gets the life we expected, but if we surrender, we can learn to love the life He gives.”
I received a preview copy of An Intentional Life from Netgalley.
Un-Afraid
True to other books I’ve read by Carey Scott, she writes with an authentic voice and isn’t afraid to talk about the hard things. When she shares her stories, I feel as if she’s walked in my shoes. She has hurt like me, but she’s also overcome with God’s help, just like I have. Her wise advice for accepting my flaws, digging out untruths, loving others despite hurts, and clinging to hope ministered to my heart. If you are held back by something but want to move forward, Un-Afraid is the right book for you.
Favorite quote:
“When you boil it all down, here are your two choices: believe what the Enemy says about you or believe who God says you are.”
I received a preview copy of Un-Afraid from Netgalley, and I also purchased my own copy of this great Christian book.
Even Better Than Eden
The first two chapters of the book of Genesis have long held my intrigue. As an idealist, I want to know more about the world before it was marred by sin. Nancy Guthrie starts this study in the Garden of Eden, but then explains that Eden was only the start. She takes you through the Bible to unpack this interesting idea. You’ll learn more about the symbolism of trees in the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation. She then shows you how to apply biblical insight to your own personal stories. It’s a unique Bible study, good for small groups or individuals.
Favorite quote:
“God sees the emptiness in your life as his greatest opportunity, because God does his best work with empty as he fills it with himself.”
I received a preview copy of Even Better Than Eden from Netgalley.
Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled
This is a short book meant to help you meditate on God’s word if you are dealing with anxiety. These brief devotions are easy to read before you leave in the morning, on your lunch break, or while you are waiting in line. Each devotion include a personal, heartfelt prayer that will connect you with God. If you are anxious over something, but are also short on time, this brief book is perfect for your needs.
I received a preview copy of Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled from Netgalley.
Relational Reset
I read this book a few days before a gathering with difficult people in my life. When the difficult moments inevitably occurred, I remembered Dr. Shaler’s advice and bit my tongue. She offers wisdom from her own life and her private practice as a Christian counselor. I am always looking for life-tested, applicable tips for handling difficult situations. Dr. Shaler offers many in these no-nonsense, easy-to-read chapters with examples of how to respond in sticky situations. She tells on herself through relatable stories, which I found to be winsome. After reading Relational Reset, I have many more tools ready for the next time a challenging relationship problem arises.
Favorite quote:
“Our bonds can be healthier and stronger–we can experience more positive feelings toward one another and less conflict–when we are willing to take the risk of talking straight.”
I received a preview copy of Relational Reset from both Netgalley and Moody Publishers.
3-Minute Devotions for Mommy and Me
Stacey Thureen has a heart for mommies, and I enjoyed reviewing her book for moms-to-be. That’s why I was happy to review this sweet devotional for moms and children ages 3 to 7. The colorful illustrations will draw children into the story. The selected verse, devotion, and prayer are all tailored for short attention spans. In each devotion, a heading simply states, “Talk about it,” which encourages interaction between moms and children. In fact, it’s placed first after the verse, to foster discussion and connection before you read the devotion together. I think this is a wise approach to keep a young child interested.
I received a preview copy of 3-Minute Devotions for Mommy and Me from Netgalley.
This Outside Life
I only feel right about myself on days I go outside, no matter the weather. That’s why This Outside Life caught my eye. Laurie Kehler has lived a far more adventurous life than I have, yet I enjoyed living vicariously through her nature stories. She also shares interesting facts about the creation and paints poetically beautiful pictures. Her book inspires me to praise God every time I set out on a country walk, even today while it was pouring down rain. It’s a great Christian book for nature lovers who enjoy communing with the one true God in creation.
Favorite quote:
“When I pluck a sun-warmed blackberry off the vine in the late afternoon and taste exploding summer sweetness, I close my eyes in reverence.”
I received a preview copy of This Outside Life from Netgalley.
Becoming Whole
When I was a student at Covenant College, Brian Fikkert was one of the teachers. I never got to take one of his classes, but I heard good things about his teachings from fellow students. When I saw his name on the cover of this book, I was drawn to read it. I’m so glad I did. The quality of this book is excellent, just like the curriculum I took at Covenant. While this book is well-researched, it is not purely academic. Every thoughtful Christian can gain something new from this book, whether application for ministry, personal application, or both.
The theme is systematically presented in a well-considered construction, which is essential in its quest to change deeply entrenched worldviews. I found myself challenged, rebuked, and inspired by new realizations in Becoming Whole. I pray that if you pick up this book, you will also be stretched beyond your current capacity of understanding.
Favorite quote:
“The god of the global economy, the god of Western Naturalism, is a grotesque distortion of the image bearers that humans were created to be.”
I received a preview copy of Becoming Whole from Netgalley.
Fighting For Your Marriage While Separated
If I had read this book during my own separation, I would have had a life raft of hope, real-world encouragement, and much-needed boundary building tools. This Christian book is an invaluable resource for any husband or wife, currently estranged from his or her spouse, who wants godly wisdom on how to proceed.
Linda W. Rooks does not give easy answers or false promises. She presents the entire gamut of emotional responses, based on her own experience of being separated for over three years. Best of all, she offers solid advice on how to handle all of those emotions with grace and self-control. If you have a hurting friend and don’t know what to say, simply give him or her this resource. By doing so, you may change your friend’s life forever.
Favorite quote:
“What you focus on expands.”
I received a preview copy of Fighting For Your Marriage While Separated from Netgalley.
Not Forsaken
Because my father wound has had an adverse effect on my life from the age of four, I was drawn to this title. Since I was already familiar with Louis Giglio’s preaching style, I knew I was in for a good read. This book has not disappointed me. It has made me cry several times from deep inner reservoirs, though. However, I expected that going in. When you are ready for healing, you know it’s going to hurt. Maybe that’s why the cover is jet black.
However, there is true, beautiful hope in these pages as well. He writes about how our Father God wants to redeem and restore us, no matter how our earthly fathers let us down. An excellent read for adult children of divorce or those who have been abused or neglected by their fathers.
Favorite quote:
“We’re all intrinsically wired to flourish under the waterfall of our father’s blessing.”
I received a preview copy of Not Forsaken from B & H Publishers.
Truth Plus Love
Do you have a love/hate relationship with social media? Though I don’t use social media as a sounding board for all my negative thoughts, I cringe almost daily at what I see in my feeds. People are unbelievably harsh and divisive on Facebook and Twitter, so much that I block people every week. However, I don’t want to create my own echo chamber. I know my words can be salt and light on the internet, and that’s what Truth Plus Love is all about. Matt Brown gently yet firmly corrects our current mouthy culture with teachings on each of the spiritual fruits.
His target audience is not the haters from outside the church, however. I think he wants Christians to read this book, the ones inside the church who may not yet realize how their online words are simply “clanging cymbals,” as he so aptly describes. I enjoyed his suggestions for how to cultivate each fruit in our personal lives so we can share it online. This is a hope-filled book, not a strong indictment, which I hope will motivate many toward healthy change.
Favorite quote:
“Truth plus love. That is the formula God has given us for influencing our world and living an effective Christian life.”
I received a preview copy of Truth Plus Love from the BookLook Bloggers Program.
God Our Anchor
The cover and description of this book says, “Do you have a friend, family member, or loved one in the throes of addiction?” Because that statement applies to me, I picked up this book. However, the inside content addresses parents with addicted children. This fact does not negate the value of the content; it simply wasn’t what I was expecting. I continued reading because the author’s personal stories of struggle and recovery are engaging. Her advice is solidly based on God’s Word, and it has been hard-won through the loss of her daughter. The prayers and thoughtful questions in each brief devotional will serve as anchors for devastated parents who don’t know how to pray or think straight in a crisis. It’s a great resource for parents of addicts, yet not quite as applicable for family members or friends of addicts.
Favorite quote:
“This is joy in the midst of heartache. I must remember God is who He is today and forever.”
I received a preview of God Our Anchor from B & H Publishers.
When You Need to Move a Mountain
It’s always a delight to receive a book in the mail that you forgot you requested, or perhaps didn’t request but the publisher sends to you anyway. It’s an even greater joy when that book speaks right to your heart in the day and hour that you need it. I’ve been in an extended prayer journey for the past 12 months, and I still have mountains that need to be moved. This excellent book showed me brand-new ways to pray on behalf of someone else, commonly known as intercessory prayer.
The author is an expert on prayer, and generously shares her stories and tips in this powerful book. She helped me discover my prayer giftings, revealed the prayer essentials, described different ways to pray, and even described spiritual strongholds I had not yet considered. She writes prayers with blanks to fill in for your loved one’s name, and she also writes prayers you can pray to God for your own benefit. If you want to expand your knowledge of prayer, especially on a loved one’s behalf, add this Christian book to your reading list today.
Favorite quote:
“God wants us to intercede because our prayers really matter.”
I received a preview copy of When You Need to Move a Mountain from Revell.
Exhale
For almost 1.5 years, I was privileged to serve as the graphic design intern for Amy Carroll and Cheri Gregory’s Grit n Grace Girls podcast. Since they invested so much in me, I was happy to be on the manuscript development team for Exhale, their first collaborative writing project.
Amy and Cheri take turns, every other chapter, telling their stories of struggles with perfectionism, comparison, meddling and relationship issues. They also use a key Bible story in each chapter that shows us how we can let go of our struggles, exhale in peace, and choose a better way. Amy and Cheri make a great team on the podcast, and you will love their insights in their book. It promises to be a perennial favorite on my shelf as I work to overcome perfectionism.
Favorite quote:
“Friend, when error terror wants makes you want to cower in your boat, remember this: Jesus transforms abject fear into active faith.”
I received a preview copy of Exhale from both Netgalley and Bethany House Publishers.
Holy Mess
I have known Michelle Rabon as a fellow blogger and Compel Training member for several years, and I was privileged to meet her at She Speaks last year. Since I read her Christmas Bible study and knew how good it was, I was thrilled when Michelle asked me to endorse her new book, Holy Mess. She is an excellent writer with a gift for storytelling while she reveals deep truths about God’s Word. Michelle was not always a Christian, and considered herself unworthy of God’s love. Her personal stories of messiness will resonate with you. Watch the book trailer here.
I received a preview copy of Holy Mess from the author.
Holy Mess Bible Study
Michelle Rabon has written a companion Bible study to Holy Mess, which you can use with her upcoming video-based study. It is an excellent resource for small group study. As you line up study materials for the 2019-2020 season, consider Holy Mess for the women in your church or community. Michelle graciously provided me a preview copy of this study, which I plan to introduce to my own small group!
Looking for even more Christian book reviews? I have dozens more on my Book Reviews page. You can also check out my books!
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