One of the Most Memorable Novels of 2019

I just finished one of the most beautiful, memorable, and breathtaking books I’ve read yet this year (and I’ve read some pretty great books so far in 2019!). Rachel Hauck’s “The Memory House” was published by Thomas Nelson this past spring, and I simply didn’t want this enthralling saga to end. The vivid characters, the sweeping plot, the heart-wrenching themes, the two different time periods combining into one beautifully tangled tale of love and loss and forgiveness. . . It was captivating, to say the least! Continue reading

If You Only Read One Non-Fiction Book This Year. . . Choose This One

If you only read a single non-fiction book this year (aside from the Bible), I suggest that it be Jennie Allen’s new release from Thomas Nelson Publishers. Yes, it was THAT good. “Made For This: 40 Days to Living Your Purpose” is the first book I’ve read by this incredible author, but now I want to get my hands on everything she’s written! “Made For This” is not just a regular book, rather it is “a 40-day interactive journey, a step-by-step process to guide you in answering life’s ultimate question.” In a workbook-style format with daily reading followed by exercises, journaling questions, Scripture reading, and more, this book is unique and powerful. If you let it, it can also be life-changing. Continue reading

This Beautifully Designed Bible is a Work of Art – Guest Review by Hayley

I was looking for an NIV translation Bible, and this one was the obvious choice for many reasons.

As a musician, my eye was caught immediately by this gorgeous hand-painted design of musical notes and symbols winding among the delicate flowers against a mint green background.  It is truly beautiful and inspiring. Continue reading

Another Masterpiece by Kristy Cambron

Kristy Cambron’s second installment in her “Lost Castle” series is even better than the first! Captivating and compelling, “Castle on the Rise” tells three unique but connected stories of three generations of women (from 1797, 1916, and present day), all woven into one unforgettable masterpiece of a novel. Released from Thomas Nelson early in 2019, this beautiful story is a must-read for anyone who has enjoyed the previous story in the series, loves the intricate weaving of dual- or triple-time novels, and/or is a fan of the incredibly talented Kristy Cambron. Continue reading

A Compelling Debut Novel by Abigail Wilson

I always enjoy reading a new author’s debut novel, especially one that catches my attention with a unique premise or interesting setting. It is like discovering a hidden treasure of story-telling talent! A new release from Thomas Nelson is the gripping debut novel of Abigail Wilson, and is entitled “In the Shadow of Croft Towers”. With secrets abounding in this Regency England novel, it will undoubtedly keep you reading long into the night. Continue reading

An Incredible Story of God’s Redeeming Love in Our Darkest Moments

With her new release from Thomas Nelson publishers, Tamera Alexander once again reminds her readers precisely why she is a bestselling author – her stories are masterfully written with powerful themes and unforgettable characters, often revolving around true historical events. “With This Pledge” is undoubtedly her most heart-wrenching work to date, yet also one of her most beautiful, as it contrasts the unimaginable horrors of the Civil War with the promise and hope of God’s unending and never-failing love. While it will take courage to read this incredible story, the rewards that it offers by helping us deepen our empathy, faith, and hope, are more than worth it. Continue reading

A Powerful, 365-Day Devotional from John Eldredge – Guest Review by Hayley

John Eldredge is one of my go-to authors for spiritual development books.  I was absolutely thrilled to see a year-long devotional as his newest book: “Restoration Year: A 365-Day Devotional”. Continue reading

Gripping New Romantic Suspense from a New-to-Me Author

Critics are claiming that Kelly Irvin’s new release from Thomas Nelson is romantic suspense at it’s best. “Tell Her No Lies” is definitely a well-written and hair-raising ride from start to finish, packed with twists and turns that readers will never see coming. If you enjoy novels that leave you breathless as you flip the pages faster and faster, desperate to find out how it all unravels, this book is definitely one to consider… However, you should also be forewarned that there is plenty of violence, and even descriptive murder scenes, that may prove troubling if you aren’t expecting them. Continue reading

A Fascinating Visual Aid For Bible Study – Guest Review by Hayley

“The Infographic Bible: Visualizing the Drama of God’s Word” by Karen Sawrey is a marvelous new book from Zondervan.  Unique and very impressive, the aim of “The Infographic Bible” is to help people understand the Bible through visual learning.

This book is filled with what seems to be every type of graph, diagram, and illustration imaginable!  Covering important topics of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, “The Infographic Bible” contains graphics ranging from simple to complex, and will take varying levels of concentration and effort to decipher.  Continue reading

A Challenge to Find Joy – Guest Review by Hayley

“Defiant Joy” – it really does feel like we must act in defiance to the world if we are to experience joy in this life.  The mainstream society is governed by worry, fear, guilt, shame, and so many other things that stand in the way of this joy that is supposed to be the birthright of the sons and daughters within the Kingdom.

Some of my favourite books are written by John and/or Stasi Eldredge.  For this reason, I was quick to pick up a copy of “Defiant Joy: Taking Hold of Hope, Beauty, and Life in a Hurting World”, and I am very glad I did.  Continue reading