Mornings with Bonhoeffer by Donald K McKim

Here is the book summary:

“No priest, no theologian stood at the cradle of Bethlehem. And yet, all Christian theology finds its beginnings in the miracle of miracles, that God became human.”

These stirring words are just a sample of the wisdom found in this collection of 100 devotions that guide and inspire us. Mornings with Bonhoeffer provides an acute understanding of Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s theological perspectives, helping us to reflect on what his thoughts can mean for faith and the Christian experience. Short excerpts from Bonhoeffer’s letters and passages from his sermons, paired with the daily devotions, offer timeless and moving reminders of God’s love for humanity speaking to the “head” and “heart” of theological understanding and personal faith.

Dr. Donald K. McKim brings Bonhoeffer to life in this beautiful devotional that provides understanding of often misunderstood, multifaceted writings as well as an inside look at the imperfect man behind the saintly image. The result is a heartrending portrait that provides Bonhoeffer’s true insights, as well as insight into the faith that sustained and redeemed him.

And now, my review:

Dietrich Bonhoeffer is a favorite of mine.  There’s so much to be learned through the writings/teachings of others.  This author takes some quotes that Dietrich has expressed, ties it to a Scripture, and adds his thoughts.  It is a 100-devotional book that is separated into 2 categories with more splits underneath those.  The first part is about believing as a Christian and the second part is about living it out. 

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

https://www.amazon.com/Mornings-Bonhoeffer-Reflections-Christian-Life-ebook/dp/B079VNFX93/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1548960454&sr=8-1&keywords=mornings+with+bonhoeffer+100+reflections+on+the+christian+life

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/mornings-with-bonhoeffer-donald-k-mckim/1127941856?ean=9781501864810#/

https://www.christianbook.com/mornings-with-bonhoeffer-reflections-christian-life/donald-mckim/9781501864810/pd/864811?product_redirect=1&Ntt=864811&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

The Gluten-Free Instant Pot Cookbook by Jane Bonacci and Sara De Leeuw

Here is the book summary:

The Instant Pot and other electric pressure cookers provide a perfect way to cook gluten-free meals with a maximum of speed, convenience, nutrition, and flavor.

For the millions of people who, by doctor's orders or by choice, must exclude or limit gluten in their diets, finding Instant Pot recipes has been a huge challenge. This timely book solves the problem. Its recipes focus on dishes that are the most problematic for gluten-sensitive cooks, such as main-course dinners that typically have a grain component, as well as breakfasts and desserts, which also usually have wheat or gluten. In their place, The Gluten-Free Instant Pot Cookbook offers up tasty and creative gluten-free alternatives that cook up fast and delectably in the pressure cooker. Everyone in the household will love these dishes, even those who are not eating gluten-free.

From hearty breakfast dishes like Creamy Poblano Frittata or Caribbean Breakfast Burritos, through substantial and warming soups like a Creamy and Spicy Butternut Squash Soup or a Pumpkin Black Bean Chili, and crowd-pleasing dinner dishes like Mom's Old-Fashioned Pot Roast, Gluten-Free Lasagna with Meat Sauce, and Pork Tenderloin Marsala with Wheat-Free Pasta, these are spectacular recipes that cook up lightning-fast in the electric pressure cooker.

The Instant Pot and its cousins are also surprisingly powerful tools for making desserts, and the offerings here—all completely gluten-free—including Apple Cinnamon Bread Pudding, New York Style Cheesecake, Double Chocolate Fudge Cheesecake, and a scrumptious Mexican Chocolate Pound Cake.

And now, my review:

This 144-page cookbook includes breakfast, appetizers, soup, main dishes, desserts, and more.  It’s all delicious sounding and gives you all the information you need to be successful.  This book starts out with some helpful pressure cooker information, gives a base recipe for GF flour that will be helpful to have on hand, and then moves into the meals.  At the beginning of each recipe, she teaches you about gluten and I found that to be really helpful.  The pages have food drawings of different ingredients and not full-color pictures of the final product.  Next, on my list of having to make from this cookbook is her rendition of Beef Barley Soup where she swaps out the barley, because that’s not GF, and puts in whole Sorghum instead.  I love that she makes things that are all-time favorites in gluten-free ways. 

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

https://www.amazon.com/Gluten-Free-Instant-Pot-Cookbook-Nourishing-ebook/dp/B07H511DRP/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1548958789&sr=8-3&keywords=the+gluten+free+instant+pot+cookbook

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-gluten-free-instant-pot-cookbook-jane-bonacci/1128869509?ean=9781558329546#/

A Tale of Two Hearts by Michelle Griep

Here is the book summary:

Book 2 in Reader Favorite Michelle Griep’s Charming Once Upon a Dickens Christmas Series

London, 1853: Innkeeper’s daughter Mina Scott will do anything to escape the drudgery of her life, for there’s nothing more mundane than serving customers day after day. Every minute she can, she reads and dreams of someday becoming a real lady—and catch the eye of William Barlow, a frequent guest at the inn.

William is a gentleman’s son, a charming but penniless rogue. However, his bachelor uncle will soon name an heir—either him or his scheming cousin. In an effort to secure the inheritance, William gives his uncle the impression he’s married, which works until he’s invited to bring his wife for a visit.

William asks Mina to be his pretend bride, only until his uncle names an heir on Christmas Day. Mina is flattered and frustrated by the offer, for she wants a true relationship with William. Yet, she agrees. . .then wishes she hadn’t. So does William. Deceiving the old man breaks both their hearts. When the truth is finally discovered, more than just money is lost.

Can two hearts survive such deception?

And now, my review:

A Tale of Two Hearts is set in historical London in the 1800s and is the second book in the Dicken’s Christmas series by Michelle Griep.  I love how the author speaks of God’s love and constant forgiveness that He extends.  She also encourages contentment, thankfulness, and second chances.  This is a story about a lowly innkeeper’s daughter, a young law clerk, and a rich uncle.  These characters have dreams and desires and they are trying to navigate their lives the best they can.  This being said, they don’t always make the wisest of choices.  As a reader, we all get to see how this all unfolds.  Happy reading. 

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

https://www.amazon.com/Tale-Two-Hearts-Dickens-Christmas-ebook/dp/B07D46MW97/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

https://www.christianbook.com/hearts-once-upon-dickens-christmas-ebook/michelle-griep/9781683229124/pd/97304EB?event=ESRCG

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-tale-of-two-hearts-michelle-griep/1127905846?ean=9781683222590#/

Inexpressible by Michael Card

Here is the book summary:

God's identity is beyond what we could ever fully express in human words. But Scripture uses one particular word to describe the distinctiveness of God's character: the Hebrew word hesed.
Hesed is a concept so rich in meaning that it doesn't translate well into any single English word or phrase. Michael Card unpacks the many dimensions of hesed, often expressed as lovingkindness, covenant faithfulness, or steadfast love. He explores how hesed is used in the Old Testament to reveal God's character and how he relates to his people. Ultimately, the fullness of hesed is embodied in the incarnation of Jesus.
As we follow our God of hesed, we ourselves are transformed to live out the way of hesed, marked by compassion, mercy, and faithfulness. Discover what it means to be people of an everlasting love beyond words.

And now, my review:

Inexpressible by Michael Card was an excellent book about God’s amazing character that is hard to find the complete English translation for this complex word.  This book is full of Scripture and the fullness of sharing the idea of the word Hesed.  As the Scriptures poured over me, I found myself very refreshed and encouraged to yield to the Holy Spirits work of living out hesed in my life to those God places in my path.  Even though this is a deep concept, I found that the author puts it in a way that is easy to read and is inviting to dig deep.  I highly recommend this read.

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

https://www.amazon.com/Inexpressible-Hesed-Mystery-Gods-Lovingkindness-ebook/dp/B07KPPMXFC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1548613009&sr=8-1&keywords=inexpressible

https://www.christianbook.com/inexpressible-hesed-the-mystery-gods-lovingkindness/michael-card/9780830845491/pd/845491?event=ESRCG

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/inexpressible-michael-card/1129366090?ean=9780830845491

Sons of Blackbird Mountain by Joanne Bischof

Here is the book summary:

A Tale of Family, Brotherhood, and the Healing Power of Love

After the tragic death of her husband, Aven Norgaard is beckoned to give up her life in Norway to become a housekeeper in the rugged hills of nineteenth-century Appalachia. Upon arrival, she finds herself in the home of her late husband’s cousins—three brothers who make a living by brewing hard cider on their three-hundred-acre farm. Yet even as a stranger in a foreign land, Aven has hope to build a new life in this tight-knit family.

But her unassuming beauty disrupts the bond between the brothers. The youngest two both desire her hand, and Aven is caught in the middle, unsure where—and whether—to offer her affection. While Haakon is bold and passionate, it is Thor who casts the greatest spell upon her. Though Deaf, mute, and dependent on hard drink to cope with his silent pain, Thor possesses a sobering strength.

As autumn ushers in the apple harvest, the rift between Thor and Haakon deepens and Aven faces a choice that risks hearts. Will two brothers’ longing for her quiet spirit tear apart a family? Can she find a tender belonging in this remote, rugged, and unfamiliar world?

A haunting tale of struggle and redemption, Sons of Blackbird Mountain is a portrait of grace in a world where the broken may find new life through the healing mercy of love.

And now, my review:

The Sons of Blackbird Mountain by Joanne Bischof was a great read.  I enjoyed that it had the thread of Norwegian life and the coming to America stitched through it.  This girl comes to her late husband’s family of brothers to be their housekeeper and a couple of the brothers are swept up in their feelings for her.  One of the brothers has a hearing loss and the story is developed about how that affected his everyday life.  Sign language was a needed source for him to be able to communicate.  I also found the struggle to rid themselves of self-help and the breaking of bad habits to be stirring. 

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

https://www.amazon.com/Sons-Blackbird-Mountain-Novel-Book-ebook/dp/B077CS7X8G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1548607785&sr=8-1&keywords=the+sons+of+blackbird+mountain

https://www.christianbook.com/sons-of-blackbird-mountain/joanne-bischof/9780718099107/pd/099107?event=ESRCG

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sons-of-blackbird-mountain-joanne-bischof/1127455174?ean=9780718099107

A Season of Grace by Lauraine Snelling

Here is the book summary:

In 1910 Minnesota, Nilda Carlson's dreams are coming true. Though her first few months in America were difficult, her life now resembles the images that filled her daydreams in Norway. She and her younger brother Ivar live in their own house, just a short distance from her older brother and his family. Together they work the farm and fell trees for lumber. They plan to grow a dairy herd, weave rugs out of their own wool, and make skis to sell. Everything is going right.

The only thing missing from Nilda's life is love. But though she has two suitors--a quiet schoolteacher and a handsome lumberjack--Nilda feels hesitant. A terrifying experience in Norway has made her cautious where men are concerned. When she thinks she sees the man in question, all her fears come flooding back. Is it possible the danger has followed her across the Atlantic? If Dreng Nygaard is truly in Minnesota, all of her dreams for the future could come crashing down around her.

And now, my review:

A Season of Grace by Lauraine Snelling is book 3 in her series called Under Northern Skies.  It is the first of this series that I have personally read.  I found that it was interesting with the Norwegian exposure that it provided.  Coming to America, to a new place and learning to take on a new language and be fluent in it.  The main character was adventurous, brave, smart, and given great opportunities to succeed.  The family unit was fun to watch unfold.  A great read that I recommend to you.

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

https://www.amazon.com/Season-Grace-Under-Northern-Skies-ebook/dp/B07D6WMMHF/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1548606368&sr=8-2&keywords=seasons+of+grace

https://www.christianbook.com/a-season-of-grace-3/lauraine-snelling/9780764218989/pd/218989?event=ESRCG

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-season-of-grace-lauraine-snelling/1127953135?ean=9780764218989#/

Legacy of Mercy by Lynn Austin

Here is the book summary:

Having returned to Chicago, young socialite Anna Nicholson can't seem to focus on her upcoming marriage. The new information she's learned about her birth mother continues to pull at her, and she hires Pinkerton detectives to help her find the truth. But as she meets people who once knew her mother and hears stories about the past, Anna soon discovers that some secrets are better left hidden.

At the same time, unflattering stories about Anna are leaked by someone who would love to see her disgraced and her engagement broken. And as Anna tries to share her faith with her society friends, she understands that her choice to seek God's purpose for her life isn't as simple as she had hoped.

When things are at their darkest, Anna knows she can turn to her grandmother, Geesje de Jonge, back in Holland, Michigan. Geesje's been helping new Dutch immigrants, including a teen with a haunted past, adjust to America. She only hopes that her wisdom can help all these young people through the turmoil they face.

And now, my review.

Legacy of Mercy by Lynn Austin is the second book in this series by her and I found that it was an emotionally, beautiful book.  I don’t think you can ever go wrong picking up a book by this author.  In her penning of a masterpiece, she fills the pages with a story weaved with the Word of God, with people with relationships with God, living out what is on the pages of Scripture.  It’s not just fiction where God is mentioned a few times, but it’s fiction where God is interwoven throughout.  I feel that this type of writing inspires me greatly.  Grace, forgiveness, and love were so deep in this one.  No matter who you are, the church attender or the pastor, you need to proceed in life with grace, forgiveness, and love.  This can only come through the power of the Holy Spirit in us.  May we allow the Holy Spirit to be seen in us by our brothers and sisters, spurring them on to grace, forgiveness, and love as well.  Read this one and be inspired by the themes of hope for the future, letting go of the things we can’t take with us, and forgiving those that hurt us.  Warning: Once started, you might be not able to put it down.

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

https://www.amazon.com/Legacy-Mercy-Book-Lynn-Austin-ebook/dp/B07D6YCWB4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1548594386&sr=8-1&keywords=legacy+of+mercy+by+lynn+austin

https://www.christianbook.com/legacy-of-mercy-lynn-austin/9780764217630/pd/217632?event=ESRCG

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/legacy-of-mercy-lynn-austin/1127953130?ean=9780764217630#/

Mindful Silence: The Heart of Christian Contemplation by Phileena Heuertz

Here is the book summary:

Our fast-paced lives are filled with distractions, frequently leaving us disillusioned and dissatisfied―with ourselves, with others, and even with God. Spiritual practices that used to sustain us fall short when life circumstances bring us to the limits of our self.
After many years leading an international humanitarian organization, Phileena Heuertz experienced the deconstruction of her identity, worldview, and faith. Centering prayer, a Christian expression of mindfulness, was a crucial remedy for her fragmented condition, offering a more peace-filled and purposeful life.
The hallmarks of contemplative spirituality―solitude, silence, and stillness―have never been more important for our society:
In solitude, we develop the capacity to be present.
In silence, we cultivate the ability to listen.
In stillness, we acquire the skill of self-control.
Contemplative prayer helps us discern the voice of God, uncover our true self, and live a life of meaning and purpose.
Filled with insights and wisdom from her own experience, Phileena introduces us to themes and teachers of contemplative spirituality, as well as several prayer practices, and invites us to greater healing and wholeness by learning to practice faith through prayer.
This is an opportunity to go deeper with God―to experience the Divine and be transformed.

And now, my review:

The word “Christian” in the title drew me because I often find that spiritual direction and silence and solitude bring with it resources other than the Bible or in addition to the Bible and I just want the Bible to be the main vein flowing through all Spiritual direction.  This book leans more on Catholicism than on Protestantism.  She has a sentence that says:  “all great religions…” after she mentions Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam with Christianity tagged on at the end…  This is very early on in the book.  This book has the potential to lead us down a path we don’t want to go down.  There are 2 ways to use Scripture:  one is to use Scripture to support what you are trying to say and the other is to have Scripture support itself.  I read this book and noticed in quite a few areas that the author's source of truth is other than Scripture as her main source and she pulls from many people and religions/sources that are even to the extent of anti-Christ.  When you choose to add these types of people into your spiritual life you are saying that what these people have to offer is equal to the Truth you might find in the Words of Jesus.  As one would say after reading  Galatians 1:6-10 there is no other gospel.  These other individuals would say that there is another gospel apart from Christ, John 14:6.  The very essence of Colossians is Jesus plus anything is no longer the Gospel.  We are complete in Christ.  Colossians 2:8 gives us the warning to be sure everything is according to Christ.  If you choose to read this just know that you need to be on guard against statements that would lead you to belief in other viewpoints than Christianity.

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

https://www.amazon.com/Mindful-Silence-Heart-Christian-Contemplation-ebook/dp/B07HGJBHWL/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1547923852&sr=8-2&keywords=mindful+silence

https://www.christianbook.com/mindful-silence-the-heart-christian-contemplation/phileena-heuertz/9780830846498/pd/846498?product_redirect=1&Ntt=846498&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/mindful-silence-phileena-heuertz/1129366101?ean=9780830846498#/

Freedom's Light by Colleen Coble

Here is the book summary:

USA TODAY bestselling author Colleen Coble explores the mystery and the romance of the Revolutionary War. 

A young lighthouse keeper must navigate the dangerous waters of revolution and one man’s obsession with her to find safe harbor with the sea captain she loves. 

Hannah Thomas believes she’s escaped Galen Wright’s evil intentions by marrying an older lighthouse keeper. Seemingly safe in faraway Massachusetts, her world is upended when John is killed in one of the first battles of the Revolutionary War. Hannah is allowed to continue the difficult task of tending the twin lighthouses in John’s place, though she faces daily disapproval from John’s family. She thinks her loneliness will subside when her younger sister arrives, but she finds Lydia’s obsession with Galen only escalates the dangerous tides swirling around her.

A stormy night brings a shipwrecked sea captain to Hannah’s door, and though he is a Tory, her heart is as traitorous as the dark-eyed captain. Even though she discovers Birch Meredith isn’t the enemy he seemed at first, Hannah isn’t sure their love will ever see the light of freedom.

And now, my review:

Freedom’s Light by Colleen Coble is a story of a man named Birch and a woman named Hannah among other characters.  Watching the development of Birch’s surrender to the Lord was hopeful.  Hannah’s devotion to the Lord was encouraging and determined.  The life of a lighthouse keeper was fascinating and life on the sea for sailors.  The war is what it is, a war.  And I felt that this is definitely my absolute favorite book by Colleen of all time.  Her way of writing, she tends to hold nothing back.  Her twisting tales unwind in the most unusual yet freeing ways.  If you are a fan of Colleen’s, don’t miss reading this book.

I received this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Freedoms-Light-Colleen-Coble-ebook/dp/B077CVYLSM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1547820049&sr=8-1&keywords=freedom%27s+light

https://www.christianbook.com/freedoms-light-colleen-coble/9780785219385/pd/219385?product_redirect=1&Ntt=219385&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/freedoms-light-colleen-coble/1127455191?ean=9780785219385#/

Camp Club Girls: Elizabeth by Renae Brumbaugh Green

Here is the book summary:

What happens when six girls end up in the not only in the same cabin at summer camp, but are quickly embroiled in intrigue? 

They form a super sleuth ring and call themselves the Camp Club Girls. Each girl uses her special skills—analyzing, spiritual insight, gadgetry, physical skills, research—to help the whole team stump adversaries and master the mysteries they encounter. Join the Camp Club Girls on a series of clue-filled adventures and cheer them on as they crack the case in this entertaining 4-in-1 story collection.

What’s REALLY going on at Camp Discovery Lake? . . . When Alexis, Bailey, Elizabeth, Sydney, McKenzie, and Kate end up as roommates at summer camp, they soon suspect there’s more going on than crafts and Bible quizzes. Will they put the puzzling pieces together before time runs out?

What's so important about a missing bag of marbles? Elizabeth and McKenzie are roped into a mystery as big as Texas, when a strange man shows up in town, asking about a special tip left to a waitress thirty years ago. Will their skills be a match for this mixed-up mystery?

Is foul play to blame for the strange string of unfortunate events that threaten the River City Cruise Boat business? While helping out with ministry activities at the Fiesta Noche Del Rio on the Riverwalk, Kate and Elizabeth investigate! Will the girls reveal the source of the trouble before the River City Cruise Boat business goes bust?

Who's the thief responsible for stealing a valuable Gibson guitar? Elizabeth and Bailey investigate the case in Music City. With only a handful of clues, will the girls be successful in turning up the missing music maker and returning the guitar to its rightful owner?

Join the Camp Club Girls as they find hidden jewels, destroy terrorist plots, uncover intrigue, rescue their friends, and so much more. It’s adventure with a capital A!

And now, my review:

For this review on Camp Club Girls: Elizabeth by Renae Brumbaugh Green I would love to share what my 14-year-old daughter’s thoughts were on the book as she is a teenager and VERY much a mystery reader!  “This is one of the best mystery books I have ever read.  I loved how it jumped into the mystery right away and I didn’t have to wait for it to come about.  It mentions in this book about other mystery books that I have read such as Nancy Drew.  I feel that it would be a great book for other teens and even older people who love mysteries.  This author keeps it very interesting and I found that sometimes I wanted to cuddle and read on and sometimes I became quite taken by the scary scenes and all their mysterious situations.  I loved how it added in Scripture, which I don’t find in Nancy Drew books, and this encouraged me to want to look them up in my own copy of God’s Word.  I found the characters to be fun and creative and I felt happy, sad, and everything in between right along with them.  I CAN’T wait to read the next Christian mystery book collection.”

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

https://www.amazon.com/Camp-Girls-Renae-Brumbaugh-Green-ebook/dp/B07LC73SW4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1547757992&sr=8-2&keywords=camp+club+girls+elizabeth

https://www.christianbook.com/camp-club-girls-elizabeth/renae-green/9781683227670/pd/227671?product_redirect=1&Ntt=227671&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/camp-club-girls-renae-brumbaugh-green/1128864607?ean=9781683227670

The Devoted Life by Marjorie Jackson

Here is the book summary:

Come Experience It for Yourself. . . Life Is Good with a God Who Is Great!

This topically guided creative journal for teen girls offers inspiration and encouragement for those who desire to live their lives fully devoted to Christ. Amidst the loud, confusing voices of the world, trying to tell them which way is the right way to go, girls need to stop, rest, refuel, and reflect in the presence of their truest Friend and most loyal heavenly Father. Whether it’s through creativity, meditating on scripture, prayer, or writing, readers will join young author and artist, Marjorie Jackson, for a time of life-giving fun, faith-strengthening encouragement, and God-glorifying growth. As girls connect with their first love, Jesus, they will begin to understand that life is truly good with a God who is absolutely great! 

And now, my review.

When I received The Devoted Life by Marjorie Jackson I was so excited.  With a teenager in the house, I was excited to have her check this journal out.  It is full of questions and topics that get you started in a direction of thinking and away you are on a time of growing in the Lord.  You can also color as well, which is a great option for my artist daughter.  The cover is SO super beautiful and I just LOVE it.  It’s broken up in “sections” and there are 31 of them.  You could take a week thinking/reflecting through a section or you could do a section a day and repeat it throughout the year, journaling to see how you are growing in that area over the year. 

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