For years now, whenever a new book is released by neuroscientist Dr. Caroline Leaf, I am quick to add a copy to my TBR list. Her work has impacted me tremendously, and I have recommended her insights to many people I know. While her newest publication from Baker Books has a bit of a contentious title (it is not something I can easily give as a gift without offending the recipient!) it is powerful and potentially life-changing nonetheless. “Cleaning Up Your Mental Mess: 5 Simple, Scientifically Proven Steps to Reduce Anxiety, Stress, and Toxic Thinking” is a powerhouse of a book. Packed with up-to-date brain research from Dr. Leaf’s own clinical studies and the research of other scientists, this book combines science with practical application. Continue reading
I am quite certain that I’ll be in the minority when I say that I just finished reading “That Sounds Fun” by Annie F. Downs WITHOUT having ever listened to her podcast by the same name, but let me assure you that I have already bookmarked several episodes of the podcast that definitely sound very fun to me! Annie’s new book was published by Revell early in the year 2021, and the subtitle gives us a little hint of just what sorts of treasures we will discover within its pages: The Joys Of Being An Amateur, The Power Of Falling In Love, And Why You Need A Hobby. Sounds fun, right? 
I was excited to be given the opportunity to check out an early-release copy of a new mini e-guide written by Brooke Wander, a local, professional photographer whose creative work I have followed for the past few years. “About Those Photos: Begin the Journey of Hobby Photography” is a fabulous guide that encourages us to dive into the fun activity of using hobby photography to enhance our experiences within our everyday lives. 
“The Moonlight School” highlights a unique story in history, revolving around a true-to-life advocate of adult literacy, Cora Wilson Stewart. 
In the acknowledgements at the end of the book, Jill Eileen Smith claims that she has been certain a couple of times before that she had just completed the hardest book she’d ever write… but now, without question, “Miriam’s Song” is her most challenging book to date. From the flip side, I keep thinking that Jill’s latest Biblical fiction story simply can’t be beat, but the next time I pick up a new story with her name on it, she has outdone herself once again! “Miriam’s Song” is a sweeping saga spanning decades of one of the most remarkable and well-known stories in the Old Testament, but is told through a different set of eyes than we normally view the book of Exodus – those belonging to Moses’ sister, Miriam. 
I am always excited to meet a new author through the pages of their debut novel, and this month I became acquainted with the talented new voice of Jennifer Deibel. “A Dance in Donegal” was published by Revell earlier this year, and is a richly atmospheric story set in Ireland, 1921. Although it started out light and gentle, it soon became apparent this story was much deeper – and darker – than first impressions led me to believe. 
After multiple book series all set in Europe, “Dreams of Savannah” is quite a surprising release for Roseanna White, as it is set in the Southern States during the American Civil War. 
After reading Tom Threadgill’s novel entitled “Collision of Lies” last year, I was hooked by this author’s talent for creating vivid characters and combining them with a fast-paced, intricate web of secrets and lies – all of which add up to a can’t-put-down mystery novel. Published by Revell earlier this year, “Network of Deceit” continues the story of Detective Amara Alvarez as she tackles her newest investigation. It appears to be a case of overdose and heatstroke by a teenager at a local waterpark – until a tiny detail comes to light that shows perhaps something more sinister is afoot… something like murder. 