In This Moment by Karen Kingsbury

Here is the book summary:

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Karen Kingsbury comes a brand-new Baxter Family novel about a beloved high school principal who starts a Bible Study to improve the lives of his struggling students, only to become the national focus of a controversial lawsuit.

Hamilton High Principal Wendell Quinn is tired of the violence, drug abuse, teen pregnancies, and low expectations at his Indianapolis school. A single father of four, Quinn is a Christian and a family man. He wants to see change in his community, so he starts a voluntary after-school Bible Study and prayer program. He knows he is risking his job by leading the program, but the high turnout at every meeting encourages him.

A year later, violence and gang activity are down, test scores are up, and drug use and teen pregnancy have plummeted. The program is clearly working—until one parent calls the press. Now Quinn faces a lawsuit that could ruin everything.

With a storm of national attention and criticism, Quinn is at a crossroads—he must choose whether to cave in and shut down the program or stand up for himself and his students. The battle comes with a high cost, and Quinn wants just one attorney on his side for this fight: Luke Baxter. In This Moment is an inspiring, relevant story about the nuances of religious freedom and how a group of determined people just might restore the meaning of faith in today’s culture.

And now, my review:

I love the quote, “Those who stand for nothing fall for anything,” by Alexander Hamilton and that is the premise of this story based in a school.  I felt that Karen did are great job of being very realistic and drawing from so many angles that make a great read.  The main character asks himself the question, “if not me, then who.” And he takes the initiative to bring an optional Bible Study to the students after school.  The hitch, he’s the principal.  I recommend you check this one out and further your journey with the Baxter Family like I did. 

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/This-Moment-Novel-Karen-Kingsbury-ebook/dp/B071CJZZDL/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1512075112&sr=1-1&keywords=in+this+moment

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/in-this-moment-karen-kingsbury/1125897906?ean=9781451687620#/

https://www.christianbook.com/in-this-moment-2/karen-kingsbury/9781451687620/pd/687620?event=ESRCG

All She Left Behind by Jane Kirkpatrick

Here is the book summary:

Already well-versed in the natural healing properties of herbs and oils, Jennie Pickett longs to become a doctor. But the Oregon frontier of the 1870s doesn't approve of such innovations as women attending medical school. To leave grief and guilt behind, as well as support herself and her challenging young son, Jennie cares for an elderly woman using skills she's developed on her own. When her patient dies, Jennie discovers that her heart has become entangled with the woman's widowed husband, a man many years her senior. Their unlikely romance may lead her to her ultimate goal--but the road will be winding and the way forward will not always be clear. Will Jennie find shelter in life's storms? Will she discover where healing truly lives?

Through her award-winning, layered storytelling, New York Times bestselling author Jane Kirkpatrick invites readers to leave behind their preconceived notions about love and life as they, along with Jennie, discover that dreams may be deferred--but they never really die. Based on a true story.

And now, my review:

If you are a fan of Jane Kirkpatrick you will want to pick up this one and give it a read.  If you have never read her work before, you will want to pick up this book if you like real life, hard reads that pull you in and you can’t stop reading no matter how hard the words are to hear.  That’s a sign of an amazing author.  Jane drew me in and I just couldn’t stop reading until it was over.  There were definitely parts to this book that were very hard to read and I found myself wanting to pray for the characters.  Disturbing, raw, realistic, real life situations… all fit into this read.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/All-Left-Behind-Jane-Kirkpatrick-ebook/dp/B06XC4WBL5/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1512073484&sr=8-1&keywords=all+she+left+behind

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/all-she-left-behind-jane-kirkpatrick/1125516167?ean=9780800727000#/

https://www.christianbook.com/all-she-left-behind-ebook/jane-kirkpatrick/9781493411009/pd/91422EB?event=ESRCG

Capital Gaines by Chip Gaines

Here is the book summary:

The funny and talented Chip Gaines is well known to millions of people as a TV star, renovation expert, bestselling author, husband to Joanna, and father of 4 in Waco, Texas. But long before the world took notice, Chip was a serial entrepreneur who was always ready for the next challenge, even if it didn’t quite work out as planned. Whether it was buying a neighborhood laundromat or talking a bank into a loan for some equipment to start a lawn-mowing service, Chip always knew that the most important thing was to take that first step.

In Capital Gaines, we walk alongside him as he relives some of his craziest antics and the lessons learned along the way. His mentors taught him to never give up and his family showed him what it meant to always have a positive attitude despite your circumstances. Throw in a natural daredevil personality and a willingness to do (or eat!) just about anything, and you have the life and daily activity of Chip Gaines.

Capital Gaines is the perfect book for anyone looking to succeed not only in business but more importantly in life.

And now, my review:

With a little bit of adventure, a little bit of humor and a lot of genuine down to earth life lessons.  My word is "Scrappy".  If you read the book, then you'll discover what I mean.  Makes me wanna sit up and notice how much beauty there is in this world.  This book is pretty fast moving and I was thru it in just 3 days.  It held my attention because it grabbed my heart not just my head.  It drew me into a new way of thinking that says, "When you fail, you actually win."  You’ll want to grab a copy for yourself!

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Capital-Gaines-Things-Learned-Stupid-ebook/dp/B06XFNH4JS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1511228665&sr=8-1&keywords=capital+gaines#customerReviews

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/capital-gaines-chip-gaines/1126511621?ean=9780785216308#/

https://www.christianbook.com/capital-gaines-things-learned-stupid-ebook/chip-gaines/9780785216339/pd/91111EB?event=ESRCG

Gospel-Centered Mom by Brooke McGlothlin

Here’s the summary of the book:

It’s Time to Stop Trying to Be the Perfect Mom

You long to be the mom your kids need, but often you’re convinced you come up short. The label “not enough” seems to be stamped across everything you do—and yet parenting is the one thing you want most to get right.
 
What if the solution is simply to embrace the truth that you are not enough—but God is?
 
In Gospel-Centered Mom Brooke McGlothlin reveals how our entire approach to motherhood shifts when we stop chasing our vision of a perfect family and start full-out pursuing God. With refreshing candor, Brooke examines the daunting task of raising children in the light of God’s Word and challenges you to:

        · embrace your moment-by-moment need for Jesus
        · release the stress of believing everything is your responsibility
        · learn to fight for rather than against your child
        · believe that the story God is writing with your life is worth the sacrifice
        · practice the daily disciplines that lead to Gospel-centered parenting

As you learn to anchor your life in the Gospel, you’ll find increased freedom, purpose, and joy in motherhood. And you’ll discover that Jesus is more than capable of meeting every need, for your children and for you.

And now, my review:
This book talks about the Gospel and what is called the “me-gospel” which isn’t the gospel at all.  Instead it is what we think might be the gospel that we live out, but it’s all about ourselves instead of Christ and coming to Him and dying to ourselves.  My favorite part was when she talks about “enough” and the truth involved in our desperate need for Christ each and every day.  Learning to speak truth to our children and see our lives in service to Christ as we’re given the opportunity to raise some littles that He’s given us.  What a gift!  I recommend this book for those who are looking to walk out their days Gospel focused/driven.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Gospel-Centered-Mom-Freeing-Truth-Really-ebook/dp/B01MTJQOLS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1511224841&sr=8-1&keywords=Gospel-centered+mom

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-gospel-centered-mom-brooke-mcglothlin/1125489891?ean=9780735289635#/

https://www.christianbook.com/gospel-centered-freeing-truth-about-really/brooke-mcglothlin/9780735289635/pd/289635?event=ESRCG

An Inconvenient Beauty by Kristi Ann Hunter

Here is the book summary:

Griffith, Duke of Riverton, likes order, logic, and control, and he naturally applies this rational approach to his search for a bride. He's certain Miss Frederica St. Claire is the perfect wife for him, but while Frederica is strangely elusive, he can't seem to stop running into her stunningly beautiful cousin, Miss Isabella Breckenridge.

Isabella should be enjoying her society debut, but with her family in difficult circumstances, her uncle will only help them if she'll use her beauty to assist him in his political aims. Already uncomfortable with this agreement, the more she comes to know Griffith, the more she wishes to be free of her unfortunate obligation.

Will Griffith and Isabella be able to set aside their pride and face their fears in time to find their own happily-ever-after?

And now, my review:

I enjoyed this read while at a resort pool on vacation and everyone around me would ask what I was reading and would hear, I’m reading a great story about a Duke looking for a Duchess!  This was a great romance with twists and turns and even made up words, which I laughed out loud at J.  There was a trail of lies throughout and the underlining truth that lying will catch up with you eventually.  Another aspect of the book was the Duke thought love could be figured out logically and found that love didn’t play by that rule.  The way the author paints the dances, mansions, and the scenes was stunning.  When the characters were walking along in a park, I felt like I was right there looking at the trees with them.  I really enjoyed this read and recommend it to you!

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Inconvenient-Beauty-Hawthorne-House-Book-ebook/dp/B071KXHZDH/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1510535612&sr=8-1&keywords=an+inconvient+beauty

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/an-inconvenient-beauty-kristi-ann-hunter/1125516138?ean=9780764218279#/

https://www.christianbook.com/an-inconvenient-beauty-4/kristi-hunter/9780764218279/pd/218279?product_redirect=1&Ntt=218279&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

Whispers of the Wind by Frances Devine

Here is the book summary
Enjoy two historical romances from author Frances Devine set in Georgia at the Cecilia Quincy School for the Deaf. Abigail James is unprepared for the challenges of her new teaching job or the resistance of the staff to new techniques. Will Dr. Trent Quincy, the school’s owner, accept her ideas or resist the pull of his heart? Also includes the bonus sequel, The Scent of Magnolia, about a teacher who is determined not to fall for the father of her favorite pupil.

And now, my review:

This is a great book of life through the eyes of children with either no sight or no hearing in this historical fiction.  There are 2 stories here and both of them are great!  If I had to pick a favorite, although that’s difficult because they are both great, I’d have to say I think I liked the first one more than the second.  To see how things progressed in a time when new teaching methods were coming out to help with communication of the young ones was precious.  The love shown by those caring for the children was felt and in the first story, the doctor and Abigail were really fun to watch and see how it all played out.  A great read!!

I received a copy of this in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Whispers-Wind-Bonus-Story-Magnolia-ebook/dp/B0721RRPG5/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1510534846&sr=8-2&keywords=whispers+for+the+wind

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/whispers-of-the-wind-frances-devine/1125051940?ean=9781683222668

https://www.christianbook.com/whispers-includes-bonus-story-scent-magnolia/frances-devine/9781683222668/pd/3222668?event=ESRCG

Say to These Mountains by Elizabeth Turnbull

Here is the book summary:
Through the true story of Wallace Turnbull, one of Haiti’s pioneers in development and missions, Say To These Mountains takes readers on a journey where grace and beauty shine into even the tightest crevices of brokenness, poverty, and loss.

Over the course of 70 years, Wallace’s work changed countless lives and influenced national policy in both Haiti and the United States. For his contributions, he was decorated with the National Order of Honor and Merit, Haiti’s highest honor.

As told by Wallace’s granddaughter, this eloquent biography reveals the life of a complex man and his adopted country, painting a picture of hope and mercy vastly different from the often-grim stories shared about the island nation and her people.

“How many children, how many elderly, how many generations were touched—how many survived—because of the work the Pastor has done?” –President Michel Martelly of Haiti during the bestowing of the Order of Honor and Merit to Wallace Turnbull

And now, my review:

A love for Christ that compels to go and tell, this is the heritage of a family that for generations told the people of Haiti about Jesus Christ and the hope they can have in Him.  I found the author to be very transparent and forth-telling of her “real” family legacy.  As with every persons story, there are parts that are pleasant and parts that are not.  Once I got through the beginning part of this one… heartbreaking… it was easier to read.  I’m thankful to have read it and I recommend it to you.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Say-These-Mountains-Biography-Ministry-ebook/dp/B074L94LRH/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1510533309&sr=8-1&keywords=say+to+these+mountains

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/say-to-these-mountains-elizabeth-turnbull/1126960836?ean=9781611532296

New Life in Christ by Steve Petit

Here is the book summary:
New Life in Christ reveals the ultimate end of the broken division between Jew and Gentile: a changed life available to all who repent and believe. Paul wrote to the church at Ephesus to encourage believers of different backgrounds to walk united in the same spirit. A life dedicated to Christ demands change—away from the old life of sin and towards a new life in Christ. This journey through Ephesians 4 is full of practical application for believers of all backgrounds.

And now, my review:
When I picked this book up I was looking for a commentary for youth on the whole book of Ephesians but just because I misunderstood the books intent I still found it to be helpful in many ways as we study inductively through the book of Ephesians this fall.  I really enjoyed reading the background in this book on the church in Ephesus.  If you’re looking for information on the history of Ephesus and commentary on Chapter 4 you might want to check this book out.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/New-Life-Christ-Ephesians-Lifetouch-ebook/dp/B0756LKN4C/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1510532424&sr=8-2&keywords=a+new+life+in+christ

https://www.christianbook.com/new-life-in-christ-study-ephesians/pettit-steve/9781628560596/pd/560596?event=ESRCG