Book Review: A Brewed Awakening

Clever title! Witty banter! Opposites attract! Pepper Basham is becoming a well-loved writer. I have adored listening to Authentically, Izzy, Positively, Penelope, and Some Like it Scot. Her books are fun and flirty. The dialogue reminds me of the fast talking that goes on in The Gilmore Girls show. You can rely on Basham for clean romance, full of heart-rending conflicts, softened by lighthearted exploration. I can't wait to read more of her books. In fact, I'm wishing I had secured A Brewed Awakening in audio form with the British accent to enhance the story.

Daphne Austen loves all things British. While opening her late grandmother's tea shop one morning, she catches sight of a British car she has loved from Granny's tales (a Cabriolet - I'm not familiar). Unfortunately, Finn (the dashing Brit who owns the car) immediately casts aspersions on her tea shop. It turns out he's her new neighbor and his shop will offer British fare of a heartier variety than tea and scones.

Both Daphne and Finn are wounded souls. They protect their hearts the only way they know how. Can they open them to each other and get past the caustic stereotypes? Because I follow Basham on Facebook, I knew she wrote this tale while facing the damage left by Hurricane Helene. I don't believe I've ever been to North Carolina, but it came alive through this book. Maybe it is time to make a larger bucket list than my current one.

Book Review: 101 Hymn Stories

Just before my May birthday, I was in Goodwill seeking some business attire for my youngest son's internship (at Rolls Royce). I skimmed through their books (although their raised prices put me off). I snapped a quick photo of this book, 101 Hymn Stories, and sent the photo to my husband, hoping he'd mention it to my sons as a gift idea. Alas, I was not gifted this book. However, I found it in audio form on Hoopla through my library. 

I thoroughly enjoyed the simple stories behind so many beloved hymns. If you are interested in hymns, I highly recommend the audio version, since it allows you to hear the melodies with lyrics recited in the background. Indeed, when I think of all the hymns I know, it is staggering. I was raised in church and probably have thousands of hymns memorized. What a great background of theology in my brain. And, to think many of these follow scripture, so I'm planting the Word in my head and heart.

The author, Kenneth W. Osbeck, compiled a second book called 101 More Hymn Stories. Sadly, it is not available in audio form. I found it in paperback, so that will have to suffice. These stories would be excellent to include in church bulletins or sermon illustrations. I've been using the Sing hymnal I received for Mother's Day during my morning devotions. Thankfully, nobody else is awake to hear me as I sing (or croak) two hymns and read the snippets of information provided at the back of the hymnal (not nearly as in-depth as Osbeck's stories). Singing, as Isaac Serrano reminds us in When Life Feels Empty, is an essential spiritual practice lending meaning to our lives.

Book Review: Desperate Prayers

When we discovered our prodigal son's journey, our prayer lives grew exponentially. I don't think I've ever prayed such desperate prayers as those lifted for my son! We rarely prayed together, as a couple, before the fallout of addiction drove us to our knees side-by-side. We have prayed desperate prayers to God. We have prayed importunate prayers, and seen answers that feel miraculous. We are currently in life's darkest moments and we continue to believe in the power of prayer.

This book, Desperate Prayers, by Rachel Wojo, outlines and encourages deep and abiding prayer principles. Rachel is no stranger to situations of desperation. Her daughter, Taylor, endured the neurological degeneration of Sanfilippo syndrome. Care for Taylor was demanding and her life threatened. During the pandemic, Rachel's husband lost his job and their finances were stretched while providing for many children.

Each chapter in the book addresses various desperate needs, with requests like, "God, see me," "God, heal me," "God, guide me," and "God, free me." Here's an example of the prayer principles she summarizes at the end of each chapter: "God will not allow your wilderness to go unnoticed. Prayer is the strongest weapon in your arsenal. Whatever your emergency, God is your eternal 9-1-1 Operator, always by your side.... No prayer is beyond God's reach or reply." She declares, "Desperate prayer is a wise admission, not a weak acceptance."

I found great encouragement in these pages when I read them prior to Trevor's death. I loved her reminder that sometimes God answers prayer, not for you, but for the sake of others (example: The bathing equipment, they petitioned repeatedly for, that finally arrived just before Taylor died. Taylor never even used it, but they were able to give it to another girl who faced significant challenges). Moreover, I loved her reference to that lovely chorus, "My Lord knows the way through the wilderness, all I have to do is follow." She, like Alistair Begg, encouraged me to "pray bigger." We cannot go to God with our "agenda" of what we think is best in these situations. But, we must recognize that He can do so much more than we can ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20). 

Indeed, we are now clinging to that promise that He knows exactly what we need. Perhaps God's decision to take Trevor in July was merciful! Perhaps he was spared tremendous challenges and difficulties. We have already seen his death spread the good news of God's saving grace to those who might not have listened in any other circumstance. May God bring a bountiful harvest from Trevor's short life!

Book Review: The Summer of Second Chances

This cover, along with a dementia story line, drew me. I rarely read young adult novels because so many published today have an agenda or are filled with scenes I wouldn't want teens reading. K.L. Walther, in The Summer of Second Chances, hints at a bedroom scene, but does not confirm it with details. To be honest, it implies that the father (who changed his daughter's vacation accomodations to avoid indiscretions) now suddenly gives permission for her to share a tent with her boyfriend overnight, unsupervised. That was a bit of a stretch for me. But, the storyline was interesting enough.

Olivia Lupo spends much of her days visiting her beloved grandmother at the assisted living facility in the memory care unit. Her grandmother raised her after the death of Olivia's mother. Now, Olivia's step-mother is convinced she needs to get away from the intensity of these visits. The family heads to spend 3 weeks on Martha's Vineyard. The only reason Olivia goes along with this plan is because she recently discovered her grandmother spent summers in that location and may have had a romance. She decides to retrace her grandmother's steps, following some photos she discovers in an old box.

I struggled with my mother's dementia before her death. It is hard to separate the emotional outbursts and sometimes caustic behavior from the parent you wish was still in there. My mother raged at me (even cursing me) on my final visit with her. That is shattering. I cannot imagine facing that as a teen. Walther faithfully portrays the emotional tension and heartbreak. Despite the deep subject, the romance was lighthearted and fun. Although I have never been to Martha's Vineyard, I would imagine a reader familiar with that area would enjoy re-visiting those scenes vicariously. In the end, I rooted for a happy ending for Olivia.

Book Review: Mattering

Earlier this month, we had the privilege of speaking with a family who met Trevor at the time of his tragic accident on July 3rd. An off-duty officer was visiting at his parent's home when they heard the sound of the crash. The officer and his mother rushed to the scene. Trevor was terribly shaken. Although their interactions were brief, they said Trevor made a great impression on them. The officer said Trevor hugged him and, being a weightlifter himself, he was impressed by Trevor's strength. Trev openly admitted his fault and expressed concern for the other driver. He was genuinely gutted. I'm sure the officer and his mother were both worried about Trevor in the middle of his crisis. They said they continued to think of him for days afterwards, and were then shocked and dismayed to learn of Trevor's death. The mother told me it has changed how she interacts with people, because you never know when an interaction with someone might be your last. Plus, it touched us that they took the time to share these interactions after the fact.

This book, Mattering: The Secret to a Life of Deep Connection and Purpose, changed me in a similar way. A graphic on the Amazon page highlights readers who might be drawn to this book. I fit the target audience several times over. It is for "a seasoned parent doing their best" [and feeling like it may not have been good enough], for "anyone who hasn't heard yet how much they matter," for "a retiree wondering what's next," for "an empty nester struggling to find a new purpose," and "a person feeling adrift." Check. Check. Check. Check. Check. After reading the inspiring novel about mattering, Reports of His Death Have Been Greatly Exagerrated, this non-fiction book brings home that fictional illustration. We all long for, dare I say need, deep connection and purpose.

Jennifer Breheny Wallace identifies 5 factors in feeling like you matter. 1) "Recognition - your actions are valued, and your absence would be felt;" 2) "Reliance - you feel needed because others depend on you;" 3) "Importance - you're prioritized;" 4) "Ego Extension - others are invested in your well-being;" and 5) "Attunement - you feel deeply understood and meaningfully responded to." These spokes must be addressed in order to have a sense of purpose in life. Much like Brad Aronson's Humankind, this book gives ample illustrations of ways people invest in mattering. I loved the idea of calling a "Code Lavender" for psychological emergencies that require intervention to meet those needs.

So, how do we increase our sense of mattering? Wallace suggests we use the "mattering lens." Ask yourself what part of mattering is lacking: sense of impact, feeling relied upon, prioritized, attuned to, or invested in? The steps are also two-fold (especially for those facing transitions - my hand is raised). First, seek to let others in (read books, listen to podcasts, find others in the same transition to connect with). Second, shift to finding a way to meet someone else's need in the world (use actions or words to tell someone else they matter). Speak into their lives when you get a chance!

I loved this insight, "The surest way to sustain our own sense of mattering is to focus on making others feel like they matter. The shift from 'I matter' to 'we matter' gives us both the long-term resilience and legacy we crave." So, when tempted to say, "Poor me, I have few deep connections and little purpose," I need to take steps to increase connection (just like my addicted son flailed because of lack of connection, I too flail for the same reasons). I need to find things that will give my life purpose and meaning. In the past, so much of my identity was in my writing. When things make that difficult, my purpose takes a hit.

This is a vitally important book. Our society is riddled with loneliness. As jobs get sucked up by AI, where will people feel like they make a difference or their life matters? We tune out and connect virtually, rather than in-person. I'm as guilty as the next. It is easier to sit on my phone seeking fake connection than to take the steps and risks to form real connection. The world is full of people who need to know they matter, who need others to take the time to focus on them and really listen. I'm grateful for these two individuals who made my son feel he mattered, and shared with us his impact on them.

 

Book Review: To Find Where She Belongs

This book, To Find Where She Belongs, is the 4th book in the Christian Fiction Reading Challenge. That's a bit misleading. It seems many of the books in this challenge are the newest books in an existing series. When I signed on, I was content to add 12 prescribed titles to my year's reading. However, given the number of books that follow other titles, the number continues to increase. (In all, if one read every title of each series represented, it comes to 32 books! That is far more than some read in an entire year. Of course, you don't have to read each book in every series listed.) Hmm. I'm still considering whether I will stick with this challenge. When I came to this April selection, I decided against reading Robin Lee Hatcher's previous four titles in this The British Are Coming series.

This is also a Western book (not my favorite category). I plugged on anyway, partly because I so enjoy Hatcher's author newsletters. Keely Boyle is a young Irish woman who fears her safety after a man in power makes unwanted advances. She steals to gain money for passage to America, hoping to find sanctuary with a friend who has always raved about a ranch he loves in Idaho. As Keely settles in to ranch life, she battles guilt and shame for the sin she committed in desperation. Then, sparks begin to fly between Keely and the young ranch owner, William Overstreet.

This book provides great commentary on sin and guilt, grace and redemption. God's love can overcome the deepest shame and restore relationships. The problems on the ranch (poisoned water and dying cattle) resolved a bit more quickly than I expected, but added a further layer of conflict. All in all, this was an enjoyable read, even if it was outside of my normal fare (I'm just not a cowboy person).

Book Review: Your Story Matters

I've had this book, by Leslie Leyland Fields, highlighted in my Hoopla favorites (a sort of to-be-read notation) for months. I'm so glad I finally picked up Your Story Matters. Only 2-1/2 chapters in, I recommended it to my friend, Beth, who is considering writing a memoir and has asked me to help her. This book will help far more than I can. Indeed, I'd venture to say, she could write her book herself by following the instruction and encouragement provided in Your Story Matters: Finding, Writing, and Living the Truth of Your Life.

Each of us has a story. Every story is meaningful and important. When we share our stories, we impact the lives of others for good. Not only that, we process and live out the truths God is trying to teach us through the paths where He leads. So, this is not only a writing book. It is chock-full of encouragement to give our stories back to the Master and share them with the people around us, with purpose. You may not consider yourself a writer. But Fields insists your story matters, whether it is told in a few pages to a handful of friends or written in a book for the masses.

I loved that she referenced quotes by Fredrick Buechner, from his memoir, Telling Secrets. He writes, "It is precisely through these stories in all the particularity... that God makes himself known to each of us most powerfully and personally. If this is true, it means that to lose track of our stories is to be profoundly impoverished not only humanly but also spiritually." 

Fields emphasizes how words flesh out God's redemptive purposes for our pain and trials: "Often, redemption comes simply by bringing language--which is bringing light--to the silence. Every time we lock up a person, an event, even an entire decade in the Closet of Forgetting and Denial, we're robbing ourselves of the strength and wisdom that can come from those experiences. Those events came to us with purpose.... We get to shepherd and steward these burdens, all of them--the beautiful, the brilliant, and the horrid.... We have another chance to reclaim and redeem those moments. And sometimes they are redeemed simply by being faced and called out of the dark. When we can name our ghosts, they haunt us less."

Her questions and prompts at the end of each chapter are invaluable. Her insights come from years of writing and teaching writing. If God is going to use our stories as a witness to His power and purpose, we must be willing to share them. As Fields says, "Our job is to tell the truth, to simply write from who we are, where we've been, and we trust God for the rest." I came away energized to share my story for God's glory!

Book Review: Pray Big

Alistair Begg's little book, Pray Big: Learn to Pray Like an Apostle, is chock-full of encouragement and inspiration for praying. If you have read my blog at all before, you will know I am a huge fan of importunate prayers. These are the kind of prayers that feel impossible, but for God's vast omnipotence. We have seen God answer prayers that seemed outlandish and overwhelming. He can accomplish what we cannot. We never have to fear that we have asked God for too much!

At first, I listened to this book on my library's Hoopla account. This was such a blessing because it is narrated by the author himself, with his delightful Scottish lilt. How I would love to hear Begg preach in person! For now, I settle for clips I find on Facebook. As I listened, I wanted to pause and take notes, but I was walking on the treadmill. Instead, I snagged a paperback copy from my local church library and took notes after listening.

Begg encourages the reader to pray with great scope and purpose. We don't want to merely bring God our shopping list of needs and requests. We pray out of dependence and out of strong trust in God's almighty abilities to intervene. We must recognize our great need of Him. We cannot fix problems in our lives on our own (I felt this deeply in our walk with an addict). Begg gives 5 qualities Paul prays for the Ephesians: focus, hope, riches (not wealth, but a spiritual inheritance), power, and love.

We need to see what we really have. He writes, "Too often, as Christians we live like someone who has been given a full-board ticket on a cruise ship, and who sits on their deckchair eating crackers and drinking water because they haven't realized that all the food is free with their ticket." Paul reminds the Ephesians that they have been given "every spiritual blessing." A bit further on, Begg writes, "There is nothing you can ask for, or think of asking for, about which he does not say, I am able to do better than that." 

Begg peppers these pages with lines from famous hymns. This was such a blessing. His words inspire my praying. I loved this line: "Small prayers betray a suspicion that we have a small God." But by bigger, Begg is not encouraging things like health, wealth, and happiness (your general wish list), but rather "to be filled with his fullness, to be able to grasp the unknowable love of Christ, to live for the treasures of your future inheritance. We must pray for our own sake, for the sake of others, and for His [God's] sake. May my prayers be big, bold, and importunate, revealing trust in a big God.

Book Review: We Are Never Getting Together

I listened to this fun young adult novel in June. We Are Never Getting Together by Janette Rallison is a clean read. It tells the story of Madeline and Cooper, whose pranks against each other land them in the principal's office. Their parents are called in and seem obviously attracted to one another. Thus, Madeline and Cooper decide to fake date in hopes of keeping their parents apart. The pranks are fun. The tension ramps up. Of course, they cannot stay enemies forever, especially while pretending to be a couple. I liked Cooper more than Madeline, but did come around to her by the end of the story. There are so few clean YA reads out there. This one was worth the time investment.

Book Review: Where Prayer Becomes Real

I struggled to get into this book on prayer, Where Prayer Becomes Real. Writers Kyle Strobel and John Coe present a sufficient argument that in order to be real with God, we must be honest in our prayer. After reading one hour, I set the book aside for almost a week. I couldn't bring myself to give up on a prayer book, though. They outline 5 types of prayers: praying the psalms, prayers of intention, prayers of recollection, prayers of examine, and prayers of intercession.

If ever one wanted to see an example of honest praying, you only need to visit the psalms in the Bible. David and others pour out their heart, their lament, their worship, and their praise. I think my favorite sections were on praying The Psalms, examining your days and life, and interceding for others. The authors identify a common struggle. "When tragedy strikes and we pray, sometimes it feels like the smallest possible gesture. But intercession is no mere gesture. Intercession is a prayer of faith, and we are present to another to carry them, in the Spirit, to the Father." They argue for the importance of being present to the individuals we are lifting to the throne. [I wrote this review in June, but I feel the significance of this deeply now!]

At the end of the book, Strobel and Coe present mini callings for prayer. They suggest, 1) you must intend to be with God as He really is; 2) resist turning to fantasy and prayers of magic; 3) be honest with God in about your heart's longings without cleaning them up to be more acceptable; and 4) live in the truth of who you are in Christ. While this wasn't my favorite book on prayer (probably J. C. Ryle's Do You Pray?), it did spur me on to greater honesty with God in the face of personal trials. 

Book Review: Stronger Than the Storm - Highly Recommend

This riveting debut novel, Stronger Than the Storm, by Deena Adams, had me locked in from the start. With well-drawn characters and intense conflicts, the story demands just another page. It resonated with me because of our journey with a wayward adult son. However, any parent will put themselves in these shoes and learn something about themselves from the journey. We all regret our mistakes. The book is gritty, real, and raw. Life is the same. God grows us the most in the midst of storms. It could be summed up in a simple sentence: The scars of sin run deep, but God's grace soothes and heals.

Beth Holbrook is elated by an offer of publication for her parenting book. As a pastor's wife and parenting coach, things are at a high point. Within the space of one day, those successes begin to crumble, when her 18-year-old daughter runs away. Leesa is on a self-destructive path. Indeed, she digs her hole deeper and deeper as the pages fly by. (Oh, how I could relate!) 

Beth and her husband Kevin, like many couples parenting a prodigal, have differing opinions on the necessary response. These pages articulated the very difficulties I fought in seeking the best course of action with my wayward son. They illustrate the gamut of emotions parents and prodigals experience. Will the ripples from Leesa's sin spill over to fracture Beth and Kevin's marriage? Can God bring good from hopeless, unwanted situations?  

The book has won several awards. It earned first place in the American Fiction Awards for the religious fiction category and Contemporary Novel of the Year in the Christian Market Book Awards. I was grateful to read this story of God's redemption, prior to Trevor's death, because it reminded me of God's presence in the battle. Pain drives prodigals, but their pain spills over into other lives. This book is important! Sin scars the entire family. But God... works with our weaknesses to reveal His strengths, and praise God, He is stronger than any storm we face! We can count on God's providential hand to carry us when wounded and weary, and redeem us when broken and spent.

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I moved this review up in my queue as it is currently on sale in e-book form for a few more days. Snag the savings! You won't regret it!

 

Series Review: The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion - Highly Recommend

Following the buzz, in June, I dipped my toe into the delightful world of The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion and did not want to depart. In very short order, I listened to Volumes 1-8 on the Hoopla app. I cannot wait for the ninth installment to release (although I worry my library will not have access, or I will be far down on the hold list). I will seek it in audio form again. The narrator Genevieve Gaunt does an outstanding job! If you enjoy Victorian England, these books will surely hook you!

Emma M. Lion is a young woman alone in Victorian England. Although her parents' deaths should have left her with Lapis Lazuli House, an odd relative has been living there and ripping through her inheritance monies. Now that she is finally ensconsed in the house, she seeks to rectify these wrongs and find her place in society. Her journals are delightful. The cast of characters surrounding her make the reader wish to enter this world for real.

I was thrilled when Emma mentioned the very street I lived on when I spent six months on a work visa in London, Sydenham Hill. With each installment, I was sucked deeper and deeper into the story. Emma is fiesty and independent. Her friends are colorful and conflicted. You cannot help but be swept away into this alternate reality.

My only complaint is that the books attempt to push a feminist agenda. I know Victorian London. Emma would not have waltzed independently through life in those times. Yet, still... I absolutely loved these books! I'm willing to suspend disbelief, to overlook historical inaccuracies, because I love Emma and all her entourage of young male friends (suitors?). I love her stream-of-consciousness commentary. Each book ends with a listing of her growing library of books. This is enchanting! I highly recommend this series, and especially in audio form. I'm even hoping the books will continue well past book nine.

Book Review: By Design

Susan Hunt's By Design was on my personal shelves. I used this as supplemental reading with my morning devotions. The book was written in 1994. If feminism was encroaching at the time of publication, it has since exploded. Indeed, many women will be angered if they pick this up today. I, however, am a complimentarian. I believe in God's design for men and women. I embrace this call to complement one another as He prescribed.

Susan Hunt writes first to define women's distinctiveness and society's distortions. Secondly, she outlines the various aspects of a woman's role as helper. Each chapter begins with a mini-biography of a godly, role-fulfilling woman. These are engaging and inspiring vignettes. We read of Sarah Martin's prison ministry, Ann Hamilton's legacy, and Elizabeth Fry's Newgate prison transformation. The most stirring mini-biography provides the story of Valetta Steel, author of Thrice Through the Valley (a book I'd love to find and read). Her faith in the midst of abundant trials and tragedies encourages me to press on through my own trials and tragedies. I will keep this book, if for this mini-biography alone.

I needed Hunt's words about the role of helper-supporter. Marriage can bring its own trials. Hunt reminds the reader, "When you get married, you step to the front lines of a war zone, and the enemy is not your mate... the real enemy of your marriage knows the effectiveness of the 'divide and conquer' strategy.... The only way you will survive this conflict is to recognize and stand together against your common enemy and to embrace... the original American Dream of propagating and advancing the Gospel of the Kingdom of Christ in every remote neighborhood, apartment building, suburb, mobile home park, condominium, and retirement village in our country." Oh, how the enemy is seeking to divide and conquer in the midst of our grief. We covet your prayers.

I loved, too, that the author honed in on my verse of the year, 2 Corinthians 2:14. In this section, she mentions a scene from Pilgrim's Progress when Christian and Hopeful approach the River of Death before the gates of the Celestial City. When they step in, Christian begins to sink and cries out, "I sink in deep water; the billows go over my head; all His waves go over me." But Hopeful replies, "Be of good cheer. I feel the bottom and it is good." (This same passage was emphasized in the book about depression, Companions in the Darkness.) Those times (some I'm enduring now) when God knocks the props out from under us, cause us to hit bottom and recognize God's strength and solid foundation.

Book Review: God's Smuggler to China

This 1981 book, God's Smuggler to China, by Brother David, has a foreward by Brother Andrew (the original "God's Smuggler"). In both ministries, the Lord closed the eyes of border guards so Bibles could infiltrate closed countries. Once again, God laid a burden upon the heart of His disciple to take God's Word where it was needed. Many doubted he could penetrate the closed borders of China, but God does the impossible time and time again. Brother David's convictions remained undaunted. 

I did not take the time to note various examples of God's abundant provision. However, I do recall a story of young children whose parents were killed or imprisoned. They had one small allotment of rice left, but they cooked it up, deciding to depend on God for food the following day. Like the Biblical story, every day they approached the jar of rice (in scripture it was oil), there remained enough for another day. Whether unexpected commotions drew the border patrol workers away or comments diverted them, God accomplished the impossible to get His Word into China.

There may come a time when American believers face similar persecutions. For now, we seem very soft. Too many have Bibles and fail to even open them. Do we value and honor our Bibles the way we should? Would we be willing to face torture without denying Christ? These books about the Open Doors ministries will lead you to consider the depth of your devotion. I'm glad I had both books on my shelves to supplement my devotional reading. For me, I will increase my prayer efforts for the persecuted Church.

Book Review: William Warwick Series, 1 & 2

Jeffrey Archer is a masterful storyteller. I love his short stories, with his trademark "twist in the tale." After thoroughly enjoying the Clifton Chronicles series, I waited a while to pick up this William Warwick series. For one thing, I preferred listening to the other series and was hoping to do the same with this one. Alas, my library had book 2, but not book 1. Thus, I finally gave in and read the first book, Nothing Ventured, in large print hardback. The pages flew by. My copy had a different cover, but I love this image of Big Ben and Westminster Bridge.

William Warwick's father assumes he will join him in pursuing law. Instead, William's heart is set on police work, especially solving crimes. When he secures a spot on Scotland Yard's arts and antiquities squad, he is thrust into several cases. As he investigates a stolen Rembrandt, he meets and falls in love with a gallery research assistant. It seems like tricky ground to discuss the painting's return with a woman who has a vested interest. I was sucked into the story and enjoyed meeting the characters. Due to sexual indiscretions, it wasn't a clean read. 

While not as enjoyable as the Clifton Chronicles, I anticipated listening to the second book, Hidden in Plain Sight. This was a bit grittier and harder to read because it dealt with drug cases. A bit too close to home for me, I guess. I wanted to abandon it, but kept listening even when distasteful. It seems there are 8 books in the series. Somehow, I doubt I'll be down for the whole thing. They are all available, but only in audio through Overdrive (I'm much more familiar with using Hoopla). I'm not sure I'll stick with this series.

Book Review: His Redeeming Love

This is actually my second time reading through His Redeeming Love by Jonathan Edwards. The first time, I wasn't cataloguing my extra devotional reading. This year, I started writing reviews for those extra books I consume during my morning devotions (most from my own shelves). The book is part of the Life Messages of Great Christians series, published by Servant Publications. I loved how the acknowledgements highlighted the names of individuals who prayed for the compilation process. How cool is that?

The introduction to His Redeeming Love acknowledges that Edwards famously preached about sin and hell. However, it highlights his main message: "Though we sin and deserve divine retribution, God has provided a way of rescue through His Son, Jesus Christ. If we accept God's free gift of salvation [emphasis mine], we not only escape punishment, we receive everlasting life in heaven." Each day's reading provides a thought for the day, a passage of scripture, and insights from Edwards, as gleaned from his books or sermons. This is followed by questions to consider and a prayer to offer.

I felt especially convicted on Day 18, "Blessed are the Meek." Edwards speaks of the person who feels the injuries of others intensely (a struggle for me). To this, he asks several questions. "[Are] the injuries you have received from others... more than you have inflicted on God?... Do you not hope that God will continue to bear with you in your shortcomings as He has in the past, and that in spite of everything, He will exercise toward you His infinite love and favor?" Finally, he asks, of course, if God can be long-suffering, why can't you? I admit I struggle. I want to do better, but often revert to protecting myself rather than enduring.

The final section of the book (and the part I remembered most) lists Jonathan Edwards' 70 resolutions. Many of them feel redundant, simply worded in similar ways. But, they are excellent goals. Resolve to live with all might, as if it was your last hour. When you see sin in others, recognize it in yourself and repent. Never speak ill of others in a dishonoring way, only for their good. Study God's Word. Make peace. Be honest. Make nightly, weekly, monthly, and yearly reflections. Live to have no regrets. Imitate what is praiseworthy. Here's one I need: Instead of fearing misfortunes, focus only on duty, reviewing the benefits of your previous afflictions. Speak benevolently and cheerfully. I would love to have the passion and devotion of the great revivalists Jonathan Edwards or George Whitefield.

Book Review: Now and Forever

I tend to avoid science fiction books. Indeed, I'm pretty sure I picked this up on a 30-second jaunt into the library to find an audio book for car rides. Ray Bradbury comes at the start of the alphabet. Thus, I attempted this short book, Now and Forever, containing two novellas. While it did kill time for me, it wasn't as entertaining or as thought-provoking as Fahrenheit 451, by any means.

I enjoyed the first novella, "Somewhere a Band is Playing." This story, of a man compelled to jump off a train to explore a strange town, held a certain amount of intrigue. However, I soured on the second novella, "Leviathan '99," a science-fiction version of Moby Dick. In my younger years, I found Melville's Moby Dick tiresome. This one was even more so. It was not "spellbinding," nor was I "entranced," as the back cover promised. Oh, well, sometimes you venture into foreign territory to a pleasant surprise. Other times, you realize you should stick to what interests you.

Book Review: Pocket Bear

I was knee-deep in viewing war scenes in Masterpiece Theater's All Creatures Great & Small, when I came across this book by Katherine Applegate (author of Crenshaw and The One and Only Ivan). Pocket Bear tells the story of a small bear created as a lucky token for a soldier to take into battle. Pocket bears were made with upturned eyes, so that it appeared they were looking up at, and out for, their owners. I had never heard of these bears, nor did I know the history of the teddy bear.

Most toys at the Second Chances for the Tossed and Treasured are rescued by the sneaky, theiving cat, Zephyrina. They receive care from a Ukranian mother-daughter team intent on placing the stuffed animals back into loving hands. Of course, Picky Vicky hovers on the horizon, hoping to snatch any that might be worth a fair price. She will go to any lengths to get her hands on the valuable ones. Can the toys and the cat work together to get the bears where they belong? I'm sure this book has been selected for read-alouds in classroom settings. I abandoned The One and Only Ivan, yet stuck it out through this book. While the information about bears was interesting, it was still not my favorite.

Book Review: It's a God Thing!

Inside the front cover of my copy of It's a God Thing!, I found a notation stating I won this book at the 2001 Write-to-Publish Conference. I know I read the book back then. Still on my bookshelf, I picked it up again to supplement my daily devotional reading. What an inspiring book for anyone who wishes to spread the fragrance of the knowledge of Christ! (2 Cor. 2:14) That sounds like Larry Baker's theme verse.

I started to explain that Larry runs a salon and cuts hair in Fort Collins, Colorado. Then, I decided to Google him. Oh, my! What sad news! Last June, Larry went missing and his body was found in Watson Lake. I found a You Tube video of a news clip highlighting how dear and personable Larry had been. How wonderful that his message still resonates through his book, It's a God Thing!: Inspiring Stories of Life-Changing Friendships.

Larry used his fun and friendly personality to woo and win others to Christ. He greeted others and became a true friend to them. He did not immediately pressure them by sharing the gospel, but waited until they asked him the source of his joy and peace. Even then, he walked gently into the question, offering to give them only as much explanation as they wanted. The stories Larry shares in his book prove that being a friend is the thing of first importance. Whether connecting with addicts or jet-setters, Larry offered a hand of friendship and a heart for God. Without building a bridge, you cannot meet on the same side. I really enjoyed this book and recommend it to anyone wanting inspiration for forming relationships that effectively change lives through the knowledge of Christ.

Book Review: Project Hail Mary

Occasionally, an author will self-publish a book that goes so viral it lures a traditional publisher. This is what happened for Andy Weir with his first book, The Martian. I read that book for book club a decade ago. Since I put Project Hail Mary on my 2026 movie bucket list, I wanted to read the book prior to seeing the movie. The movie must be outstanding. My youngest went to see it twice within less than two weeks. I will admit, the science kept me bogged down during the read. I would have been fine to see the movie without reading the book. But, if you have more scientific acumen than I do (most probable), you might enjoy reading prior to watching the movie.

Project Hail Mary is, as the title suggests, a story of a last-ditch effort to save Earth and humanity. Ryland Grace is an unlikely candidate to save the world. He is a junior high science teacher sent into space on a mission to tackle a pressing problem threatening the sun. He wakes with amnesia from an induced coma. Through flashbacks, the reader and the astronaut come to understand his identity and his mission. When Grace meets an alien, Rocky, battling the same problem, they form a friendship and tackle the problems together.

I still give kudos to Weir for his great skill in explaining science in simple terms. The relational bond between human and alien is touching. The stakes continually escalate. I imagine (for me, anyway) the movie will be easier to follow than the book. I'm looking forward to it, but will admit I'm waiting until my library has a copy of the DVD. A Great Awakening was a movie that demanded viewing on the big screen (I saw it twice and would have happily paid to see it a third time). I'm not feeling as strong a pull for this movie adaptation.