Dangerous Good

It’s time to wake the sleeping giant in our world, in our communities, in our churches, and in our homes.

There’s a revolution brewing, a sleeping giant coming out of a long slumber. For years men have been sitting to the side, minding their own business, nursing their own wounds. But that time is reaching its end. Our wounds must surely be tended to, and our business must surely be minded. We are meant for greater things than these, and the world can no longer indulge our slumber. Justice demands a response to these troubling times. Righteousness demands a champion to counter a climate of moral relativism. God made us men; it’s time to act like it.

Good men are in high demand but low supply. That reality is creating suffering and injustice at every level of society in every community worldwide. Dangerous Good calls on the millennial generation of men who follow Jesus worldwide to confront that by deciding, individually and as a group, to be dangerous with goodness like Jesus. Here is the next revolution of masculinity the world is waiting for.

My thoughts: This is an excellent book that is a call for a revolution in our culture, for men to use their natural thirst for adventure and risk taking side to pursue Jesus Christ and follow His example. I loved that this book has different chapters on how being a part of the revolution can impact the women and children around one. The statistics on what happens when there isn't a father in the home is staggering. This is an excellent book with a powerful message that is so needed in our day and age.
I received this book from Tyndale in exchange for my honest review.


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The Delusion

By March of Owen Edmonds’s senior year, eleven students at Masonville High School have committed suicide. Amid the media frenzy and chaos, Owen tries to remain levelheaded—until he endures his own near-death experience and wakes to a distressing new reality.

The people around him suddenly appear to be shackled and enslaved.

Owen frantically seeks a cure for what he thinks are crazed hallucinations, but his delusions become even more sinister. An army of hideous, towering beings, unseen by anyone but Owen, are preying on his girlfriend and classmates, provoking them to self-destruction.

Owen eventually arrives at a mind-bending conclusion: he’s not imagining the evil—everyone else is blind to its reality. He must warn and rescue those he loves . . . but this proves to be no simple mission. Will he be able to convince anyone to believe him before it’s too late?

Owen’s heart-pounding journey through truth and delusion will force him to reconsider everything he believes. He both longs for and fears the answers to questions that are quickly becoming too dangerous to ignore.

My thoughts: This book is fascinating! I had a hard time putting it down, since it is quite suspenseful as Owen seeks to figure out what is going on in with his sight. I love the spiritual element to the book (which, is a huge part of the story, so good thing!) and thought that Laura's take on spiritual warfare was interesting. This book reminded me a lot of the few Frank Peretti that I read when I was younger. My only complaint about it is that it is the start of a series and now I have to wait to find out what happens next!
I highly recommend it for all ages, but it is especially good for young adults.
I received this book from Tyndale in exchange for my honest review.

Hinds Feet on High Places

Journey with Much-Afraid to new heights of love, joy, and victory!
For the first time, this beloved Christian allegory is a mixed-media special edition complete with charming watercolor paintings, antique tinted photography, meditative hand-lettered Scripture, journaling and doodling space, and designs to color. As you read and connect with the story of Much-Afraid and her trials, the pages of this book become a canvas on which to chronicle your own story, struggles, and personal triumphs.

Hinds’ Feet on High Places, with more than 2,000,000 copies sold, is a story of endurance, persistence, and reliance on God. This book has inspired millions of people to become sure-footed in their faith even when facing the rockiest of life’s terrain. The story of Much-Afraid is based on Psalm 18:33: “He makes me as surefooted as a deer, enabling me to stand on mountain heights.”

The complete Hinds’ Feet story is accented by 80 full-color paintings, photography, and hand-lettered Scripture.

My thoughts: It has been a long time since I last read this book, so I was thrilled to received this copy in the mail! The gorgeous watercolor illustrations add a whole new element to the classic story of Much-Afraid. I love that the illustrations help it appeal to my daughter, who has now enjoyed the story as well. Whether or not you have read this story before or not, I highly recommend this copy of the beloved classic Hinds Feet on High Places.
I received this book from Tyndale in exchange for my honest review.

Picturing Heaven

Imagine Heaven the way the Bible describes it―a place of exquisite beauty brimming with marvelous detail and intricate patterns; a special dwelling place free of corruption and sin; and a place of both rest and enjoyable, meaningful work.

Let the power and majesty of Heaven fill your heart with joy as you color these 40 designs carefully interpreted from the pages of Scripture. Savor a respite from daily life as you read and meditate on devotions from best–selling author Randy Alcorn, a leading authority on Heaven. Picturing Heaven will offer you comfort and relaxation, while filling your heart with restful assurance that God prepares a special place for those who love Him.

My thoughts: I haven't had the privilege of going through Randy Alcorn's full length devotional on Heaven, but I have enjoyed this beautiful coloring book that has devotions accompanying each color page. I feel like doing the devotional and then coloring gives the reader a chance to focus on the devotional's message. I love that each thought is started with a passage of scripture, about heaven, and then goes from there. This book gave me a lot to think about and some beautiful pages to color! If you are looking to add meditation on God's word in a new way, then I highly recommend this coloring book.
I received this book from Tyndale in exchange for my honest review.

Becoming Mom Strong

Have you ever looked into the faces of the people who call you "mom" and wondered what in the world you got yourself into?
If you're like many Christian moms today, you've been reading the headlines and watching the rapid-fire changes in our culture with frustration and fear. Let's face it: Moms today are facing questions that previous generations didn't even see coming, and even our right to determine what is best for our own children is under fire. Popular speaker and blogger Heidi St. John (The Busy Mom) believes that today's mothers need a special kind of strength. We need to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. We dare not rely on human strength for the battles we're facing right now. In Becoming MomStrong, Heidi has a powerful message just for you--the mom in the midst of it all. Through encouragement, practical prayer points, and authentic "me-too" moments, Heidi equips you for a job that only you can do: to train your children to hear God's voice and to walk in truth no matter where our culture is heading. God wants to use this generation of mothers to do something extraordinary:
To be strong in the Lord
To know who you are in Christ, and
To impart that strength to your kids.
In other words, He wants you to be MomStrong! So if you're feeling tired or inadequate today, get ready to find new strength as you join Heidi St. John in Becoming MomStrong.

My thoughts: I was just talking to my sister about the different pressures we face in this day and age, with social media and the times dictating more to us about how a parent should be, so this book came at an excellent time! I love the honesty that Heidi writes with to share her experiences as a mother. This book is incredibly encouraging, which is exactly what I needed right now! This is an excellent book from Moms in all stages, whether you have real young children, mostly grown kids, or somewhere in between! I look forward to checking out the study group guide that goes along with this book.
I received this book from Tyndale in exchange for my honest review.

Crisis Shot

Tess O'Rourke dreams of becoming the first female chief of police in Long Beach, California. As commander of the East Division, she is well on her way . . . until the night she responds to an officer-needs-assistance call and fatally shoots an unarmed teenager. Despite being cleared of wrongdoing by a grand jury, Tess is so hounded by the public that she takes a job in Oregon to escape the bad press.

Winning over the residents of Rogue's Hollow might be more difficult than adjusting to her new role as police chief in the small, backwater town. Especially when her closest friend, the pastor's wife, goes missing and the woman's cousin is found shot. Tess finds an ally in sheriff's deputy Steve Logan, but as they track down Rogue's Hollow's first murderer, she worries that she's breaking one of her rules and getting too close to him.

My thoughts: I haven't read any of Janice's previous stories, but my sister has raved about them, so I picked this one up. It was excellent! I love how the story tackles social issues, like the recent problems with attacks on police officers. I was a bit horrified by how much of a mess one blogger made in this story, but I think I was even more horrified that things like this story actually happen.
The mystery and suspense of the story are driving, which makes it hard to put down! I love how we get glimpses into other sides of the story. Two thumbs up! I look forward to reading more of Janice's books!
I received this book from Tyndale in exchange for my honest review.

A Day at the Beach

Do you yearn for a day at the beach where your mind and soul can wander away from life's troubles? Do you gaze up at the sun or the nighttime stars and wonder if God is really on your side? Do you long to hear his quiet voice in the roll of a gentle wave? In A Day at the Beach, brothers Todd and Jedd Hafer don't have the answers to all of life's troubles, but they'll help you see that the God who built the universe also wants to help you build a great life. Let these encouraging words bring a ray of warm sunshine to your doorstep as Todd and Jedd offer their joy-filled perspectives on life and faith. So take a deep breath, unplug from life's daily grind, and follow the call of your heart to Jesus, the ultimate source of life.

My thoughts: This book is an excellent little devotional to take with you on vacation, especially if you are heading to the beach! I love the different messages throughout the book, from small moments to listening, crossing the Channel to true love this book will help a vacation be a time to reflect and recharge. I highly recommend throwing this book in your beach bag when you go on vacation!
I received this book from Tyndale in exchange for my honest review.

Catching the Wind

What happened to Brigitte Berthold?

That question has haunted Daniel Knight since he was thirteen, when he and ten-year-old Brigitte escaped the Gestapo agents who arrested both their parents. They survived a harrowing journey from Germany to England, only to be separated upon their arrival. Daniel vowed to find Brigitte after the war, a promise he has fought to fulfill for more than seventy years.

Now a wealthy old man, Daniel's final hope in finding Brigitte rests with Quenby Vaughn, an American journalist working in London. He believes Quenby's tenacity to find missing people and her personal investment in a related WWII espionage story will help her succeed where previous investigators have failed. Though Quenby is wrestling her own demons--and wary at the idea of teaming up with Daniel's lawyer, Lucas Hough--the lure of Brigitte's story is too much to resist. Together, Quenby and Lucas delve deep into the past, following a trail of deception, sacrifice, and healing that could change all of their futures.

My thoughts: I love Melanie Dobson's stories, since she does such a wonderful job of bringing the characters and time period to life! I love how there is a lot going on with several different story lines. This is one of my favorite stories of 2017.:) The overall theme of the story, that God loves us and sometimes it takes a while for us to be able to see how His plan has worked out. (the whole, hind sight is 20/20 thing) If you are looking for a wonderful, historical tale that is hard to put down, then I highly recommend this one!
I received this book from Tyndale in exchange for my honest review.

Tranquility; A Prayer and Reflection Coloring Journal

Tranquility: A Prayer and Reflection Coloring Journal invites you to mix creative journaling and coloring into your personal time with God. Prayers that focus on topics such as being thankful, dealing with stress and heartache, caring for yourself and others, listening for God’s leading, and waiting patiently on Him will guide your thoughts and calm your spirit. Filled with more than 100 designs to color, plenty of space for journaling, and 40 needs-based prayers, Tranquility will help you express your devotion to God with your whole heart.

My thoughts: I have the first journal, Gratitude, and love it. So, I was thrilled to get a hold of this one as well! I think I may like it even more than the first one, since I love adult coloring books, but I like for them not to be too detailed. With this one, I feel like it is just the right balance of detail for me, while people who like more detail can have plenty to work with as well. The thoughts that accompany the coloring are lovely too: kind words, peace, making the most of life, and friendship, to name a few. All things that have been on my mind lately.;)
This journal is a great way to think on lovely things while working on lovely pictures!
I received this book from Tyndale in exchange for my honest review.

Long Days of Small Things

Rich, soul-inspiring practices for moms who have neither quiet nor time.
Dirty laundry, crayon-smeared bills, and smashed crackers . . . And there’s your Bible—buried under a pile of diapers. Bleary-eyed from lack of sleep, without a moment of peace and quiet, you wonder if the spiritual life you crave is even possible. But God sees you. He designed this parenting journey, after all. He understands the chaos of motherhood. And he joins you in everything—whether you’re scrubbing the floor, nursing a fussy newborn, or driving to soccer practice. Catherine McNiel invites you to connect with God right here, in the sacred mundane of every mothering moment.

My thoughts: This book is just what I needed! Within the last year, we made the switch to my staying home full time with our two little ones, and it was a harder transition then I thought it would be! While there is always a lot to be done, sometimes I feel like I'm not making much headway. This book was an excellent reminder of how important those little things are when raising children. I loved how open Catherine is, since I think most of us have imperfect moments during our journey of motherhood.;) This is a must read for mothers, especially those who have small children or are just starting out on their journey as a mother, though this book is not limited to those two groups. This book is a beautiful reminder of how motherhood can refine us and teach us important things, like implementing the fruits of the spirit.
I received this book from Tyndale in exchange for my honest review.

The Returning

Twenty years have passed since Carrington and Remko Brant's baby, Elise, was kidnapped and they were forced to leave her captive in the Authority City. Though they fled with the Seers far from Authority reach, they've never given up hope of rescuing their daughter from the man who betrayed them. Now Authority President, he's ushered the city into a new era of "peace"--one where the Scientist Roth Reynard's Genesis Serum has eradicated all memory of emotion or rebellion.But the mysterious Aaron and his Seers are once again on the move, threatening the illusion the Authority has worked so hard to build. As the Seers send seven chosen warriors to rescue Elise and bring restoration to the Authority City, the lines are drawn for a final battle between light and darkness. The key to ultimate victory may rest within the strangely powerful girl who has felt forgotten but was never abandoned--a truth she'll need to wage war against the powerful forces of evil.

My thoughts: I've read all the books in this series. This one is the best, in my opinion! At first, I was a bit disappointed that so many years have passed since the second book, but it wound up adding a lot to the story. I can't imagine, as a parent, how hard it would be to have faith that leaving a child behind is where God can use them the most. Rachelle does a wonderful job of bringing the battle of Remko and Carrington to life.
I do wish that the light that Aaron represented was explained a bit more in the book, since it feels like more stalk is put into his character then the source from where he gets being a prophet and teacher. I would of liked more on the spiritual side of things.
I like that this book has a lot more going on. If you enjoy dystopian stories, then this series is one that you should check out!
I received this book from Tyndale in exchange for my honest review.

60 Days of Happiness

Would you like to experience true happiness?When it comes to happiness, most of us have the same questions. Why can't I be consistently happy? Is it wrong to be happy when there's so much pain and suffering in the world? And perhaps the biggest one: How can I be happier? Some Christians make an artificial contrast between joy and happiness, while others claim God wants us to be holy, but not happy. In fact, he wants us to be both, and the two go hand in hand!In "60 Days of Happiness," noted theologian and "New York Times" bestselling author Randy Alcorn shares sixty timeless devotions demonstrating that God not only wants us to be happy in him and enjoy his gifts, he commands and empowers us to do so.

My thoughts: This is an excellent devotional! I love that Randy Alcorn has written this devotional, since I have heard the arguments of happiness verses joy. I think that Randy makes a compelling argument on why we were made to long for happiness and seek it out. I love the length of these devotions, I feel like a lot of devotionals are so short and don't really allow to get past the surface of a thought. These devotions are a perfect length, longer but not too long to make them impossible.
I love the true stories included in these devotions. I also love the key message, that we were made to find happiness in the Lord.
I received this book from Tyndale in exchange for my honest review.

Meals from Mars

A fateful encounter late at night at a gas station in the hood brings together a white man from the suburbs and a young black man from the neighborhood. Stuck with each other for the night, they deal with their core prejudices, the walls that keep them from each other, and the discovery of their God-given humanity in one another.

When talking about race, it helps to have something specific to talk about―a story we can all wrap our heads around. In Meals from Mars, Ben Sciacca provides that story: two men from different worlds forced by circumstance to see and hear and consider one another. It is a novel that demonstrates the social challenges and relational potential for racial reconciliation.

My thoughts: I was thrilled to get this book, since it deals with a sensitive subject that needs to be talked about more. While I really enjoyed parts of the story. like Malik's uncle and his thoughts, as well as the parts about the meals and how to actually help people. I felt like the story has some holes in it and I would of personally liked to see a little more conclusion to the story. I know it would be pat to give it a happy ending, but I finished the book feeling like "Wait, that's it?!". These are just my personal thoughts on the story. I do think that there are a lot of difficult subjects tackled in this book and it's an interesting read.
I received this book from Tyndale in exchange for my honest review.

Where Does Love Hide

In Where Does Love Hide? children are reminded that they not only receive love but have the opportunity to share love. Looking under the fun, lift-a-flap feature, children will see examples of everyday love opportunities. Each page includes a memory verse and an example of a way to share God's love. In life, children hear the words "I love you" repeatedly, often beginning before birth. However, because love is an abstract concept and young children are concrete thinkers, they must gradually learn to understand love by what they experience. In Where Does Love Hide? children are given the opportunity to see love in action and learn what love looks like. .

My thoughts: This book is an adorable little book that shows children the many ways that they can show love to those around them and how love can be shown to them. I like that it ties in being helpful and kind to others. Each flap reveals who they can show love and a scripture that ties that thought in. The illustrations are colorful and fun for kids. My daughter is loving this book!
I feel like this one is better suited to toddlers, since it isn't very long and doesn't have a whole lot written on each set of pages. So, it works well with a short attention span. It could be a good conversation started for kids that are a little older.
I like the note at the end of the book.
I received this book from Tyndale in exchange for my honest review.

A Minute of Vision for Men

Do you have a vision for your life?
All of us need a compelling vision to live for. Scripture says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.”

Today, so many of us are living on autopilot instead of engaging the battle of living up to our God-given potential. We lack a vision for life. Too often, we settle for less than what is best for us, our families, and our careers. We struggle with pinpointing our purpose in life.

A Minute of Vision for Men is an investment in a different sort of life―one with vision, purpose, and integrity. This book will help you connect with your purpose. It’s written so that you can start your day on the right foot, focused on what matters the most.

Start each day with a potent, daily dose of vision for your life.

My thoughts: I generally get a little bit bored with devotionals, since I have a hard time just reading one a day and sticking with that. I suppose it is like book clubs for me. I like to devour my books, so it's difficult to just read a page or chapter a day.
This devotional is different. I like that they are all engaging and precise, giving men a thought or subject that is brought home by a story and finished with a scripture verse. I enjoyed the personal stories, as well as those he drew from history and pop culture. This would make an excellent gift for one's dad, brother, husband, or son!
I received this book from Tyndale in exchange for my honest review.

Crossing the Waters

The gospels are dramatic, wild, and wet―set in a rich maritime culture on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. Jesus’ first disciples were ragtag fishermen, and Jesus’ messages and miracles teem with water, fish, fishermen, net-breaking catches, sea crossings, boat-sinking storms, and even a walk on water. Because this world is foreign and distant to us, we’ve missed much about the disciples’ experiences and about following Jesus―until now. Leslie Leyland Fields―a well-known writer, respected biblical exegete, and longtime Alaskan fisherwoman―crosses the waters of time and culture to take us out on the Sea of Galilee, through a rugged season of commercial fishing with her family in Alaska, and through the waters of the New Testament.

You’ll be swept up in a fresh experience of the gospels, traveling with the fishermen disciples from Jesus’ baptism to the final miraculous catch of fish―and also experiencing Leslie’s own efforts to follow Christ out on her own Alaskan sea. In a time when so many are “unfollowing” Jesus and leaving the Church, Crossing the Waters delivers a fresh encounter with Jesus and explores what it means to “come, follow me.”

I thought that this book was an interesting mix, part memoir, part scripture. I enjoyed the correlation Leslie draws between her adventures as a professional fisherwoman who has raised her family in the business and the fishermen-disciples in the scripture. I've always been drawn to the thought of visiting Alaska, so I found it engrossing to read what it is like to be a fishing family. The book is set during the course of one fishing season, which made things interesting. I'm having a hard time putting my thoughts into words on this book!
One of my favorite things about this book is the study guide at the back.
Leslie's style flows well and is to the point. If you are interested in Jesus' call to the disciples to leave their nets, then this is an excellent book for you to pick up.
I received this book from Tyndale in exchange for my honest review.

Earth Psalms

Millions of readers have been transformed and inspired by Francine Rivers’ bestselling novels Redeeming Love and A Voice in the Wind. Now, in this weekly devotional, the beloved author invites you to join her in seeking the Creator through the marvelous natural world we live in. Francine shares observations she’s gathered over a lifetime of exploring―abroad and in her own backyard―and reflects on how they might apply to your daily life. What do the majestic redwoods, the persistent woodpecker, or a glorious sunrise reveal about our artistic and generous God? How could that change your outlook or the way you handle adversity?

Stunning photography, Scripture excerpts, applications, and prayers accompany Francine’s reflections, inspiring you to be encouraged. Be challenged. Be comforted. God’s power is immense; His attention to detail in precise; His love for you is vast and unfailing. The proof is all around you.

My thoughts: Having read quite a few of Francine Rivers fiction stories, I was interested to get this devotional and read something very different by her. I've enjoyed it immensely! I love the weekly devotions that tie nature and scripture together with her beautiful thoughts and photography! I love the variety of topics that are covered in the book, from prayer to protection, faithfulness to living waters. I also like that each devotion is accompanied by thoughts to reflect on, things to apply, and a scripture to connect with God. This book would make a beautiful gift for a friend or loved one, since it is a lovely hardcover book.
I received this book from Tyndale in exchange for my honest review.

The Low Pressure Guide to Parenting Your Preschooler

The Low-Pressure Guide to Parenting Your Preschooler is brilliantly written to liberate parents from the expectations of having to be super-parents. It relieves the pressure to follow long lists of rules, to be perfect, and to be enslaved by the idea that, “If you don’t do this, your kids will turn out terribly.” This book shows parents that it’s really not their job to make sure their child turns out “right.” Instead, the author encourages parents to learn the much simpler and more rewarding role God has for them. This book . . .

Assists parents in recognizing the difference between controlling and influencing actions when it comes to raising preschoolers.
Provides a four-quadrant grid that visually clarifies what parents can and can’t control and what they are and aren’t responsible for when it comes to interacting with their child
Distills the mountain of parenting advice and material down to four overarching principles that are clear and doable

The Low-Pressure Guide to Parenting Your Preschooler makes the job of parenting simpler and reduces the stress parents feel when it comes to parenting.

My thoughts: We put so many pressures on ourselves when parenting, since we want what we think is best for our kids and hope that they will turn out perfect. This book was an excellent reminder for me that we are all imperfect creatures, but that God knows that about us and loves us anyways. So, I, as a parent, need to have some grace for both myself and my children. This book has so many excellent points. I really needed to read this one! I appreciated the reminder not to get caught up in the small details, but to enjoy this phase. The good, the bad, and the ugly.;) This book is not about letting your kid run amok, but about learning what is important and what can be let go. I highly recommend this book for parents of preschoolers!
I received this book from Tyndale in exchange for my honest review.

Raising a Young Modern Day Princess

Emulating the format of Raising a Modern-Day Princess, authors Doreen Hanna and Karen Whiting seek to help parents and grandparents cultivate strong relationships and encourage the spiritual formation in their daughters using examples, Bible teaching on the fruit of the Spirit, and a variety of creative activities that are based on Galatians 5:22-23, the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control).

By implementing the ideas in this book, mothers (as well as fathers) will be equipped to understand and guide their daughters through each step of becoming His “princess.” This will include perceiving a daughter’s unique personality and gifts, refining her character through training and discipline, and modeling the attributes of a daughter of the King.

This book is a follow-up to both Raising a Modern-Day Knight (by Robert Lewis) and Raising a Modern-Day Princess by Pam Farrel and Doreen Hanna. While the latter book is aimed at parents of girls ages 12 and up, this book focuses on building the Christian character of younger girls.

My thoughts: This book is just perfect for my family, since I have a young daughter who loves anything princess like. This book is amazing! I like how it has a ton of activities to help little girls grasp the fruits of the spirit and their are ways for both mom and dads to get involved. I love the tea party ideas, and especially appreciated the activities to show how kindness has a ripple affect (I've had a hard time trying to explain the importance of kindness to my toddler, so these really helped!). This is an excellent book for parents or guardians of young girls, since it helps teach important lessons. I look forward to getting the book for older girls when the time comes, but I am so thankful that this one is out there for young girls.
I received this book from Tyndale in exchange for my honest review.

365 Pocket Morning Prayers

Each morning when you arise, take a moment to talk with God about the day ahead. Ask Him to prepare your heart so that you can be ready to face any challenge that comes your way. 365 Pocket Morning Prayers can guide this time of life-changing conversation and help you express your needs and concerns to God. Don’t worry about what the day will bring. Instead, release your troubles and concerns into God’s care by reading and meditating on the prayers featured in 365 Pocket Morning Prayers. Begin your day in joyful anticipation, trusting that God is in control of your life and wants only the best for you.

My thoughts: This book is the perfect way to get your mornings started right by focusing on a prayer for the day. I love the variety of topics that it covers, praying for church leaders, mentors, second chances, truth, etc. It is an excellent little book to have by one's bed, so it is easy to grab in the morning. I love that it is small and compact, so it would fit nicely in a purse, scripture bag, or backpack. It would also make an excellent gift!
I received this book from Tyndale in exchange for my honest review.