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No One but God by Nabeel Qureshi

In his sequel to “Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus” Nabeel Qureshi  in “No God But One” does an excellent job showing you the foundations of Islam and Christianity. He can expertly take you between both worlds because he has lived in each of them. “No One But God” is packed with knowledge and heart. It’s heavy on history and information for a mid size book, but he joins the heart so well inside all the information. I highly recommend this book and it’s legacy it has left even after Nabeel has passed away. He truly lived his faith and loved Jesus. These truths will shine through as you read “No One But God.”

Stella Endicott and the Anything-Is-Possible-Poem by Kate DiCamillo

My boys are huge Kate DiCamillo fans! We couldn’t wait to read her latest book, and it did not disappoint! “Stella Endicott and the Anything-Is-Possible-Poem” is classic Kate DiCamillo! The characters are hilarious and the names always get my boys. They love how the same characters show up in each of her books. I love how I can read them a fun, upbeat book that has an uplifting message and nothing inappropriate for their ages. We love the illustrations and her funny way with words. We highly recommend her latest book about Stella and her poem about her next door neighbor pig. Her classmate Horace disagrees with Stella’s poem and we have to find out if they can form a friendship. This book is perfect for late preschool to middle elementary.  I received a copy of this book from the publisher but my opinions are my own. 

Is God Speaking to Me by Lysa Terkeurst

 I adore the authenticity and Biblical teaching of Lysa Terkeurst. When I saw “Is God Speaking to Me?” I knew I wanted to read her perspective on hearing from God. And it did not disappoint.  The book is broken down into manageable chapters that you can read quickly, but really learn a lot. I loved the stories, Scripture, and bullet points she used. It helped me hone in on the important things I wanted to remember and I found myself highlighting large parts of the chapter. “Is God Speaking to Me” is so practical, yet life giving.  I highly recommend this quick but powerful book! I received a copy of this book from the publisher but my opinions are my own. 

The Connected Parent

The Connected Parent is a must-read for any foster and/or adoptive parent, teacher, church childcare worker, as well as for parents who’s children have gone through a trauma. I love how it combines the theory/research side of connecting with your child and the life experiences of an adoptive mother. The Connected Parent offers the practical step by step lists you are looking for when you feel overwhelmed and unsure of how to connect. I loved how each chapter included real-life stories from Lisa Qualls with the gentle wisdom and research of Dr. Karyn Purvis. It ended with a much needed practical guide and next steps. I found myself highlighting the scripts and using them immediately. This is a timely book and I’m so grateful for the wisdom, honesty, and authenticity. It gives hope to parents and caregivers and I’m thankful for the knowledge and tips I’ve learned! I received this book from the publisher, but my opinions are my own.  Purchase on Amazon:  The Connected Parent: Real-Life St

See-Through Marriage Book Review

I just received #seethroughmarriage by @fiercemarriage 🌟 I’m only a few chapters in and loving it so far! Transparency is one of the biggest foundations of our marriage, and when I saw See-Through Marriage, I knew I wanted to get it because it’s such an important part of a healthy marriage. I wanted to be able to walk engaged and married couples through the “how-to” of transparency and vulnerability and this book delivers! It’s great for small groups, Pre-marital counseling, and accountability partners. I really enjoy the discussion questions at the end of each chapter. You’ll grow in the knowledge of your husband or wife and produce a lasting fruit in your marriage of encouraging one another in your walk with the Lord. Thank you to Baker Books for this copy. My opinions are my own. Purchase the book here: https://seethroughbook.com/

Lisa Wingate does it again! She’s a master story-teller, weaving history and engaging characters to tell often forgotten pieces of our American past. The Book or Lost Friends tells the heart-wrenching yet uplifting story of friends seeking to reconnect in post Civil War South. She brings together stories and timelines, crossing states and years like only she can. You will not want to put this book down! The characters will hook you and I just love the way she takes a true story from the past and creates an incredible piece of fiction from it. I highly recommend The Book of Lost Friends to book clubs, historical fiction lovers, Civil War readers, and women who enjoy the bond of friendships Thank you to NetGalley for this advance copy! https://www.amazon.com/dp/1984819887?ref=cm_sw_em_r_rw_mw_sULy0KeOlkmX8

The Myth of the American Dream by D.L. Mayfield

I was drawn to D.L. Mayfield’s writings because of her love of her neighbors, beautiful storytelling, and pursuit of truth. With that said, I loved the Myth of the American Dream. I feel like her writing and storytelling have really grown in this book and I was captivated by page one. She gently but truthfully pulls back the veil on what is the reality of the American Dream for so many. It’s an eye-opening, for the uninitiated, of systemic racism and classism that so many experience in the United States. It’s a timely message full of heart and the desire to shine the light on the lives of many in our midst. I didn’t agree with everything she said or even theologically land on the same page with her in some areas, but what’s the point of reading a book if you already agree with everything the author says? I loved the opportunity to be stretched in my worldview and examine my own heart for places I can let go of the “American Dream” so that my fellow immigrants, refugees, and other in ge

The Only Woman In The Room By Marie Benedict

Who loves a signed book?! 🙋🏻‍♀️🙋🏻‍♀️ I got the pleasure of meeting @authormariebenedict at a literacy event earlier this year 📚 and she is just as amazing in person! I love how she takes women in history and writes fantastic stories about their lives. This is my second book by Marie and it did not disappoint!  You may have heard of actress Hedy Lamar, but did you know she invented one of today’s most used communications technology? Read this riveting account of her life, marriages, and intellect against the backdrop of World War II.  I loved this book and the way the author portrays a woman traditionally known only for her beauty. I won’t give away too much of the book, but my favorite part was her daring escape from her first husband. I highly recommend The Only Woman In The Room for historical fiction, women’s empowerment, World War II, or Old Hollywood readers 🌟 • • • #bookstagram  #bookishlove  #readingisfun @sourcebooks #sourcebookslandmark #theonlywomanintheroom #mariebened

Made to Move Mountains by Kristen Welch

Kristen Welch’s latest book, “Made to Move Mountains: How God Uses our Dreams And Disasters To Accomplish The Impossible” is so very timely. As we as a society face  the decision of what to do with our fear in this season of uncertainty, be encouraged as you read this book of hope and reminders of the character of God throughout the high and low times of life. A deeply personal look at her own dreams and disasters, Kristen shares with authenticity and a heavenly perspective how to take the next step. I loved this quote from the beginning of the book: “I pray you are inspired to step out in faith and climb the mountains in front of you—not because you are good enough or adequate or able, but because God makes a way where there seems to be no way. We stand on the edge of the cliffs of our lives, and although we are afraid of stepping into the unknown, terrified where we will land and unsure of how to overcome, we do not run away. We stand firm in the face of the impossible, muster up as

Get Out of Your Head by Jennie Allen

I just love Jennie Allen’s authenticity and humility. It’s what’s drawn me to each of her books and “Get Out of Your Head” is no different. It’s equal parts “yes this is so me!” and “Thank you Lord for this wisdom.” She strikes a perfect balance between the ability to relate and also gives you sound, hopeful advice and wisdom. I highly recommend this book to anyone struggling with anxious, depressive, compulsive, or toxic thoughts. You are not alone and there is hope! God has used Jennie to write a book we have all been holding our breaths in anticipation of reading without even knowing it was possible to overcome something so many of us struggle with in our daily lives. Be encouraged, challenged, and refreshed as you learn to move and think in the rhythms of God’s amazing love and His ability to restore and renew only what He accomplish! I received this book from NetGalley and my opinions are my own.

Unveiled by Esther Ahmad

This eye opening memoir from Esther Ahmad will encourage you, challenge your pre-conceived notions, and strengthen your faith. It tells the story of how Esther came to faith in Jesus and compares and contrasts how women are viewed in treated in Christianity and Islam. Unveiled reminded me that time and time again Jesus leaves the 99 to go after the 1. God is a personal God with a heart that shows He wants everyone to know Him and follow Him. That despite cultural, religious, and distance restrictions His love and truth will be on display. That He loves with an everlasting love and He will be with us even in our most trying and desperate time. I would have loved to have seen more examples of cultural Islamic examples than just in Pakistan. I think it would have given the book a more rounded approach, because Islam differs so much in Arabic speaking countries and non-Arabic speaking countries. I would have loved to hear Esther’s thoughts on a contextualized approach to sharing the Gospel

Foundations by Ruth and Troy Simmons Review

If you’re looking for a Biblically solid way to start or continue family worship, Foundations by Ruth and Troy Simmons is a wonderful choice! Ruth and Troy give great practical and godly advice for the how and why of family worship. They demystify the process and share candidly what it means to be in spiritual community with your own family. As a family with 4 boys, I really look up to Ruth and eagerly anticipated getting to read her latest book. I feel like the Simmons have a wonderful balance of grace and truth and it shines in their writing. I loved the style and setup of the book. With Ruth’s beautiful illustrations and an easy to follow daily family worship devotional with great questions for your family to ask one another, I highly recommend this book to all families! I received this book from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

God Cares When I'm Afraid by Stormie Omartian

I'm a big fan of Stormie Omartian and her writing. Power of a Praying...is one of my favorite series, so when I saw she has written children's books I knew I wanted to read them! God Cares When I'm Afraid is a really great, practical book for children ages 3-9. It goes through different scenarios where children might be afraid. It's accompanied by wonderful illustrations and my favorite part, a prayer at the end of each scenario. This is a great book to read at night to your kids. They will love the illustrations and the feeling of having other children have the same fears as them! You will love the prayers that end each section. Sometimes as a parent, it is nice to have examples of prayers to be able to pray with your children and God Cares When I'm Afraid is a great way to pray with your children and encourage them that God cares for them in all aspects of their lives. Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with this book My opinions are my own.

Live in Grace, Walk in Love by Bob Goff

I’ve read all of Bob Goff’s books and just loved them. His devotional was no different! I loved the short but impactful daily reads. He keeps drawing you back to what does love really mean? I loved the verses that accompanied each day and the questions that bookended the reading. It’s the perfect way to start out your day instead of a 3-minute scroll through your phone- get centered with a verse, a mini-story or thought, and a question to focus your day. I highly recommend this devotional and think it would be perfect for teens, recent graduates, and young moms. I think it’s a great fit for many stages of life, but these groups stuck out to me as to ones who could really benefit from the short, but insightful daily reads. Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy. My opinions are my own.

Stronger Than Death by Rachel Pieh Jones

As an avid reader and former ex-pat myself, I was completely surprised to have never heard the moving account of Annalena Tonelli's life and work in Somalia. Journey with writer Rachel Pieh Jones as she weaves her own story of living in Djibouti with Annalena's story. At times I was encouraged. At times I was shocked. And at times I was amazed. This is the incredible account of one woman's desire to live out her convictions and love for mankind. It was so inspiring to read of her life and dedication. As a reader of Rachel Pieh Jones' blog, I really enjoyed her story intertwined with Annalena's. I recommend this book for any one of the following (or all of them!) groups of people: enjoy memoirs, have lived overseas, Christians, public health advocates, or read cross-cultural stories. This is not a light and easy read, but there is such depth in the story of Annalena Tonelli. Thank you to NetGalley for providing me a copy of this book.

Who Is My Neighbor? Book Review

I really enjoyed reading this beautifully illustrated version of The Good Samaritan to my 4 boys. There is power in reading God’s Word aloud and I appreciated that the author used straight Scripture to share this parable. The illustrations are accurate to the time period and peoples in that land and time. I also liked the questions at the end of the book because it gave me a chance to dig deeper with my sons about how to apply Jesus’ words to our lives today. I recommend this book for 3-10 year olds.  I received this book for free from NetGalley, but my opinions are my own.