Saturday, November 23, 2019

Free to Believe by Luke Goodrich



Here is the book summary:
A leading religious freedom attorney, veteran of multiple Supreme Court battles, helps people of faith understand religious liberty in our rapidly changing culture--why it matters, how it is threatened, and how to respond with confidence and grace. 

Many Americans are concerned about rising threats to religious freedom. They feel the culture changing around them, and they fear that their beliefs will soon be marginalized as a form of bigotry. Others, younger Christians in particular, are tired of the culture wars, and they wonder whether courtroom battles are truly worthwhile, or even in line with the teachings of Jesus. Luke Goodrich offers a reasoned, balanced, gospel-centered approach to religious freedom. He applies biblical understanding to a number of the most hot-button cultural issues of our day. He also offers practical steps Christians can take to respond to religious freedom conflicts in an informed, responsible, and graceful way.

And now, my review:
Free to Believe by Luke Goodrich is an informative book that helps define religious freedom, talks about the threats that we are facing, and gives us action steps to go forward to keep our freedoms.  I believe that all believers would be greatly educated by investing time in reading this book.  As I was reading through, I felt that a lot of it was commonsense and becoming aware of our part and what taking action can look like and the dangers of not taking action.  I’m thankful for those who are fighting for our religious freedoms and sharing with us our part to play. 
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review.




New Every Morning by Phil Barfoot



Here is the book summary:
New Every Morning is a unique and dynamic devotional book compiled by Dr. Phil Barfoot and written by 118 premiere worship pastors, ministers of music, and Christian university professors across America. Each devotion presents a fresh and inspiring thought and Scripture for the day designed to refresh, renew, and recharge the spiritual life of each reader. The book is designed for private devotionals, choirs, worship teams, and small group study. As a private devotional, the reader can use the book as a traditional daily devotional. As a leader of a ministry group, the book can be used on Wednesdays and Sundays to offer specific insights and wisdom into the discussion of worship and our role in worship.
 
Dr. Barfoot is clear. His prayer is that each day we experience God’s awesome mercy through this book and be left New Every Morning.

And now, my review:
A compilation of 365 Days of Worship in a devotional is what New Every Morning is all about.  I found it to be well put together.  This author has brought together many men all in one book sharing insights into our walk with the Savior.  I have many favorites and my favorite part of the book are the reflective questions that bring action to what was just shared.  Only downside, for some, they may find the small font hard to read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from B&H Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.




Amish Front Porch Stories by Wanda, Jean, and Richelle Brunstetter

Amish Front Porch Stories: 18 Short Tales of Simple Faith and Wisdom by [Brunstetter, Wanda E., Brunstetter, Jean, Brunstetter, Richelle]
Here is the book summary:
Come and sit awhile as you enjoy 18 fictional short stories of love, joy, and the peace found in Amish country.

Amish Country is known for an atmosphere of peace and quiet, perfect for front-porch sitting with a good book. Join New York Times bestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter, her daughter-in-law, and granddaughter, as they share 18 heartwarming stories from Amish Country. These fictional short stories include journeys we can all relate to as we seek how to live led by love, joy, peace, patience, and other Fruits of the Spirit. Meet Anna, who struggles to show love to a cantankerous neighbor; Laura, who endures infertility; Nora, whose pride threatens to consume her life; and other women who walk in their faith each day.

And now, my review:
I really enjoyed reading Amish Front Porch Stories by all the Brunstetters because each story has challenges to the reader.  The book is broken up into the Fruits of the Spirit and you get a couple stories for each one.  From the get-go with Love – Simple Actions, I was challenged by the significance of simple actions.  The ministering that happens to others and in a person’s soul.  Another one I really liked was Gentleness – A Change Of Heart.  I enjoyed reading how powerful it is when attitudes surrender and perspectives change.  With 18 great glimpses, you’re sure to find some simple yet powerful encouragement.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.




Friday, November 15, 2019

Once Upon A Dickens Christmas by Michelle Griep



Here is the book summary:
Three Delightful Christmas Tales from Beloved Storyteller Michelle Griep
 
Pour yourself a cuppa, get lost in the merriment of the season, and enjoy a Dickensian Christmas in three stories from fan favorite Michelle Griep:
 
12 Days a Bleakly Manor: Brought together under mysterious circumstances, Clara and Ben discover that what they’ve been striving for isn’t what ultimately matters. What matters most is what Christmas is all about . . . love.
 
A Tale of Two Hearts: Pleasure seeker William Barlow needs a wife immediately to gain his uncle’s inheritance, and Mina Scott is just the girl to make him look respectable—too bad she turns him down. Ought he give her a second chance?
 
The Old Lace Shop: Recently widowed Bella White is finally freed from the domination of the overbearing men in her life, but when she enters into a business partnership with the handsome Edmund Archer, she begins to wonder if marriage is worth a second chance.

And now, my review:
Once Upon a Dickens Christmas by Michelle Griep is a compilation of 3 of her Christmas books all in one.  Each year for the past 3 years she has released a book and they have all been great!  It’s so nice to have them all in one book.  I have a physical book for this one and it’s a favorite of mine because of the “torn” look on the edges of each sheet.  I have read all three books in their entirety and a couple of them more than once.  It’s a great book to read from year to year at Christmas time.  In fact, for my family, we like to find Christmas books and hear them aloud and enjoy it all together.  With loads of intrigue, Christmas, and romance, what’s not to love!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.