May It Be So by Justin McRoberts and Scott Erickson

Here is the book summary:

Combining prayers in two languages--words and images--this contemporary prayer guide will help you spend time in conversation with God.

As people of faith, we all struggle at times to sustain a flourishing prayer life--a loss felt all the more keenly in these times of confusion, political turbulence, and global calamity. This unique book offers a timeless solution for the spiritual and skeptical alike.

Combining story-driven reflections with visual and written prayers, this simple 40-day prayer guide will help you reconnect with God as you rediscover your own ongoing conversation with Him. Using the familiar refrains in the Lord's Prayer as a guide, this groundbreaking resource invites you to reconnect with God creatively and organically.

And now, my review:

This is a book about spending 40 days with the Lord’s prayer.  So, what this author and illustrator did was take most sections of the Lord’s prayer and share their thoughts of application for the section and then have days of small reflections that they found with word and illustrations to bring about reflection time.  This is NOT a Bible Study or a teaching of the Lord’s prayer.  My favorite reflection, although I worded it a bit differently was, “Grant me, once again, assurance of Your presence and love.”  When I first picked up the book, I was feeling like it was really lacking but then as I started at the beginning again and slowed down, I found the little blessings and where they were going with it.  Where I found I differed – I just made notes of my thoughts and Scripture in the margin. 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher and have chosen to post a review.

https://www.amazon.com/May-Be-So-Forty-Prayer/dp/0525653074/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=may+it+be+so&qid=1569535181&s=gateway&sr=8-1

https://www.christianbook.com/forty-days-with-the-lords-prayer/justin-mcroberts/9780525653073/pd/653077?event=ESRCG

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/may-it-be-so-justin-mcroberts/1130055232?ean=9780525653073#/

Courting Mr. Emerson by Melody Carlson

Here is the book summary:

When the fun-loving and spontaneous artist Willow West meets buttoned-up, retired English teacher George Emerson, it's not exactly love at first sight. Though she does find the obsessive-compulsive man intriguing. Making it her mission to get him to loosen up and embrace life, she embarks on what seems like a lost cause--and finds herself falling for him in the process.

A confirmed bachelor, George vacillates between irritation and attraction whenever Willow is around--which to him seems like all too often. He's not interested in expanding his horizons or making new friends; it just hurts too much when you lose them.

But as the summer progresses, George feels his defenses crumbling. The question is, will his change of heart be too late for Willow?

With her signature heart and touches of humor, fan favorite Melody Carlson pens a story of two delightfully eccentric characters who get a second chance at life and love.

And now, my review:

I found Courting Mr. Emerson by Melody Carlson to be a well-flowing read from the very start.  I liked the author’s theme of a teacher who was preparing to retire early.  She shared loads of emotions that go along with this change in Mr. Emerson’s life.  I found myself shaking my head yes when the teacher’s thoughts of today’s changing culture come into play.  How they lack the desire to connect with friends by looking them in the eye and they lack the ability, drive, desire… to have a real connection.  I also really enjoyed the character of the hippie lady, Willow, and their blooming relationship. 

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

https://www.amazon.com/Courting-Mr-Emerson-Melody-Carlson-ebook/dp/B07F3NCPR9/ref=sr_1_1?crid=TA2JC7AFBECG&keywords=courting+mr+emerson&qid=1568824073&s=books&sprefix=courting+mr+%2Cstripbooks%2C158&sr=1-1

https://www.christianbook.com/courting-mr-emerson-melody-carlson/9780800735272/pd/735276?event=ESRCG

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/courting-mr-emerson-melody-carlson/1128873066?ean=9780800735272

The Great Lemonade Stand Standoff by Art Rainer

Here is the book summary:

When Jake, Sophia, and Brody slide down the tube slide at their local park, they are shocked to find themselves in an underground headquarters and transformed into Secret Slide Money Club agents. Soon the friends learn that they’re in an ongoing battle against Albatross, a selfish villain who uses bad money choices to turn other kids into Albies. The agents must help the Albies get free of Albatross’s reach and start to make good money choices—all while going on some ridiculous new adventures. 

In this first book in the series, the three friends must help a classmate raise money for their school. But when the Albies try to crash the agents’ lemonade stand, it’s time to launch some lemons while learning a lesson in giving.

The Secret Slide Money Club is a unique early-reader fiction series that uses humor and adventure to teach children the foundational principles of financial health—Give, Save, Live. This first trio of books is quick-paced, offering tons of silliness and action while showing young readers about God's way to be wise with money. 

And now, my review:

We found The Great Lemonade Stand Standoff by Art Rainer to be inspirational, laugh-out-loud funny.  One of the characters wore a tie on his head.  Some parts were gross and had us squealing.  In this 10-chapter book the premise is 2 Corinthians 9:7 that speaks on giving cheerfully.   The give, save, live pattern is a great goal in life.  It taught the importance of how you use your money.  It is inspiring readers to look and meet needs around them.  There’s good guys and bad guys and it’s a fun way to share a concept through a fictional venue.  My kids loved the rocket car and illustrations.  This is book 1 and we plan to read more in this series.

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

https://www.amazon.com/Great-Lemonade-Stand-Stand-Off-Secret/dp/1462792030/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2Z05HYWZZ80AC&keywords=the+great+lemonade+stand+standoff&qid=1568822096&s=books&sprefix=the+great+lemonade%2Cstripbooks%2C154&sr=1-1

https://www.christianbook.com/the-great-lemonade-stand-off/art-rainer/9781462792030/pd/792036?event=ESRCG

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-great-lemonade-stand-stand-off-art-rainer/1129946670?ean=9781462792030

Something Needs to Change by David Platt

Here is the book summary:

The New York Times best-selling author of Radical takes readers on a soul-searching journey through impoverished villages in the Himalayan mountains, daring them to make a difference in a world of urgent need, starting right where they live.

“Grippingly vulnerable and unforgettable. I could not put this book down.”—Ann Voskamp, author of One Thousand Gifts

While leading a team on a week-long trek of the Himalayas, bestselling author and pastor David Platt was stunned by the human needs he encountered, an experience so dramatic that it "changed the trajectory of my life." Meeting a man who'd lost his eye from a simple infection and seeing the faces of girls stolen from their families and trafficked in the cities, along with other unforgettable encounters, opened his eyes to the people behind the statistics and compelled him to wrestle with his assumptions about faith. In Something Needs to Change, Platt invites readers to come along on both the adventure of the trek, as well as the adventure of seeking answers to tough questions like, "Where is God in the middle of suffering?" "What makes my religion any better than someone else's religion?" and "What do I believe about eternal suffering?" Platt has crafted an irresistible message about what it means to give your life for the gospel--to finally stop talking about faith and truly start living it.

And now, my review:

I found Something Needs to Change by David Platt to be a book that was an easy flowing read that brought with it challenges.  As I read through, I was really blessed that he went through the book of Luke on his journey in the mountains.  I enjoyed reading Luke through with him and also reading his journal entries.  He describes his interactions with the men he journeyed with and with the mountain people he came in contact with and heard about.  One time he got to share at a church service on the top of a mountain where people had to walk for hours to gather as a body of believers.  And then after the gathering they had to journey back down the mountain to their homes in the dark.  I felt that the author didn’t hold much back but he shared some raw challenges that he faced and how he feels God is leading him forward.  If you choose to read this book, which I highly recommend, be aware that you will be challenged right along with the author in the pursuit of following closely with the Savior in the needs of the world.

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

https://www.amazon.com/Something-Needs-Change-Count-Urgent/dp/0735291411/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Something+needs+to+change&qid=1568760256&s=gateway&sr=8-1

https://www.christianbook.com/something-needs-change-count-world-urgent/david-platt/9780735291416/pd/291417?product_redirect=1&search_term=something%20needs%20to%20&Ntt=291417&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/something-needs-to-change-david-platt/1130946629?ean=9780735291416#/

Raising Successful Teens by Jeffrey Dean

Here is the book summary:

This revised and updated edition of The Fight of Your Life features a new title, refreshed design, and 70% new content.

From every side--the Internet, social media, interactions with friends, in both their public and private lives--teens are persuaded to follow the world's way over God's every day. Culture's mantra "live for today" has become the slogan of this generation! But, one thing remains true--mom and dad are still the greatest influence in the life of their child. 

Based on timeless biblical truths, Raising Successful Teens equips parents with positive, encouraging, and practical advice. A family and teen culture expert with more than 25 years of ministry experience, Jeffrey Dean gives parents the street-level approach they need to help their teens wisely and safely navigate technology, friendships, dating relationships, social media, and more. Parents will learn how to keep the lines of communication open and stay involved in their teens' lives.

And now, my review:

Raising Successful Teens by Jeffrey Dean is a well-flowing book of encouragement for parents.  I felt that this book helps parents to see the difference between Truth and the lies we buy into.  What I mean by this is he points out that God has placed us as the parents to our teens and He (God) has a purpose in it.  He is equipping us to parent them all the way through.  Our teens need us in their lives and He (God) will give us all that we need when we need it.  The enemy on the other hand is relentless to deceive our teens.  This author points out plans to help us parent and for me personally with 3 teens in my house, this was a Godsend of a book.  Very timely.  If you’re a parent or involved with teens, I recommend you pick up this book.

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

https://www.amazon.com/Raising-Successful-Teens-Child-Wisely/dp/0525653244/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=raising+successful+teens&qid=1567730690&s=gateway&sr=8-2

https://www.christianbook.com/raising-successful-teens-child-honor-wisely/jeffrey-dean/9780525653240/pd/653240?product_redirect=1&search_term=raising%20successful&Ntt=653240&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/raising-successful-teens-jeffrey-dean/1129999281?ean=9780525653240#/

Obedience Over Hustle by Malinda Fuller

Here is the book summary:

The world promises recognition and promotion if we "hustle harder," but at what cost?

Join the counter-cultural movement of choosing surrender over striving.

Throughout scripture, we encounter individuals who had to face the hard reality that their dreams and time lines weren't God's best plan. By exploring these biblical narratives alongside her own personal stories of radical obedience, author Malinda Fuller encourages readers to respond to the questions God asks each of us: "Will you trust Me? . . . Will you do what I'm asking you to do?”

Fuller's challenge to all of us is to yield to God's voice—no matter where He leads or what He asks, whether it's complicated or straightforward, accepted by others or challenging to understand, and regardless of how it makes us feel (even if it appears foolish). May we have the courage to surrender to His plan and His timing—to choose obedience over hustle.

And now, my review:

I enjoyed this non-fiction read.  This author talks about stopping the striving and focusing on what God is calling you to do.  As you do this, walking it out in obedience.  The importance of having a life defined by obedience.  So true!  She talks about her experience with what to say no to and what to say yes to.  She talks about walking in what God has called us to, choosing contentment, and listening for His voice. 

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

https://www.amazon.com/Obedience-Over-Hustle-Surrender-Striving-ebook/dp/B07Q7958GW/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1922F29GQ1K6I&keywords=obedience+over+hustle&qid=1567728292&s=gateway&sprefix=obedience+over%2Caps%2C183&sr=8-2


https://www.christianbook.com/obedience-over-hustle-surrender-striving-heart/malinda-fuller/9781643520759/pd/520759?event=ESRCN

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/obedience-over-hustle-malinda-fuller/1130020344?ean=9781643520759#/