Every book I’ve read by Hannah Anderson is like a retreat for the soul, a space where I can be quiet, calm, and contemplative. “Turning of Days: Lessons from Nature, Season, and Spirit” was released by Moody Publishers and is a bit different from her usual books, mainly because, as Hannah herself explains, it is “a collection of devotional essays (rather than in my typical book-length form) because I want to invite you to slow down and reflect on nature’s testimony.” It is organized by the four seasons, and includes beautifully simple sketches and illustrations completed by Hannah’s husband Nathan.
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Don’t you love it when a debut novel blows you away with a complex story that comes to life so vividly, it feels as though you lived it yourself? “The Dress Shop on King Street” is an absolutely beautiful time-slip tale by Ashley Clark, the first of a series called “Heirloom Secrets”, and one of the most poignant books I have read in a long while. Published by Bethany House, this story weaves pain and joy of past and present, while gently unveiling a theme of hope long held and dreams unfurled. 
Authors of Biblical Fiction have a beautiful ability to bring well-known stories and characters to life in ways that expand our imaginations, and perhaps cause us to look at a portion of the Bible (that we may have read a hundred times before) in a new and exciting way. Tessa Afshar is a beloved author of many Biblical Fiction novels, and has now directed her knowledge and talents down a new path – as a writer for Moody Bible Studies for Women! “The Way Home: God’s Invitation to New Beginnings – A 6-Week Bible Study of Ruth” is an invitation to step into the courageous story of Ruth and Naomi as it comes to life like never before – from the pen of a fiction author. . . 
“Shepherding Women in Pain: Real Women, Real Issues, And What You Need to Know to Truly Help” by Bev Hislop is a valuable book for those wanting to understand and offer love and support to women and the many issues they are dealing with, often silently. This book provides an abundance of knowledge for deep questions, such as: how can I stop the pain? The chapters about the issue itself offer true stories, input from professionals, practical suggestions, things to say and do, things to avoid, resources, related scriptures, etc. I included the contents of the book as this speaks volumes for itself (it is organized into 3 sections). 
Many women around the world have found hope, encouragement, and inspiration from the messages of Lysa TerKeurst’s numerous books. Her newest release from Thomas Nelson Publishers is entitled “It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way: Finding Unexpected Strength When Disappointments Leave You Shattered”, and is undoubtedly her most raw and transparent book to date. In these pages, Lysa helps us process a question that we all ask at some point in our lives; “What do you do when God’s timing seems questionable, His lack of intervention hurtful, and His promises doubtful?” Sound familiar? Then you’ve come to the right place. 
Sheila Walsh is a bestselling author and Bible teacher, but I’d never before read one of her books – until her newest release from Baker Books. “It’s Okay Not to Be Okay: Moving Forward One Day at a Time” shares the message that “It’s never to late to start again. . .and there is healing and freedom in just taking the first step.” 
“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.
Rejection. We’ve all experienced the ache of this word in our lives to varying degrees. How do we overcome the deep, almost physical pain that rejection forces into the deepest parts of our souls? Well, Lysa TerKeurst has a tonic for our hearts that feels like a warm hug and a chat with a friend over a cup of hot tea, but is actually in the form of a book. “Uninvited: Living Loved When You Feel Less Than, Left Out, and Lonely” was published by Thomas Nelson in the late summer of 2016, and will undoubtedly prove to be a healing balm to women everywhere who have ever felt “uninvited”. 
Prairie Sky Book Reviews 