A Review: "Good Man" by Nathan Clarkson

I have been a fan of Sally Clarkson's books and podcasts for a number of years now. Her ministry has helped encourage me in my own journey of motherhood and given me a biblical foundation for what mothering should be. On one of her podcasts, she hosted a conversation with her son, Nathan, and they discussed his new book called "Good Man:  An Honest Journey into Discovering Who Men Were Actually Created to Be".  As a mom of two boys, I knew this would be a good book to dive into to help me gain some perspective on encouraging my preteen boys into manhood. 

In a time when culture looks down on and even desecrates what a good man is, this book is desperately needed. I appreciated each chapter taking a deep dive into one particular character trait and then flushing that trait out with stories and Scripture. Each chapter concludes with a few meditation questions, a Scripture verse to reflect on, and a prayer. There is great encouragement and reminders that perfection is not required to be a good man, but the pursuit of becoming a good man in wholly worthwhile and a lifelong journey. I would highly recommend this book for boy moms and all men in general. 

(I’ve received this complimentary book through the Baker Books blogger program in exchange for a review. A positive review was not required and the views expressed in my review are strictly my own.)

A Review: "Don't Overthink It" by Anne Bogel

I have been a fan of Anne Bogel's for a number of years now. Her blog and podcast are part of my regular routine. I was intrigued by the concept of her new book, "Don't Overthink It" because I am a chronic overthinker who desperately needs help in this area! Anne shares candidly with her signature warmth about her own struggles with overthinking and the strategies she employs to decrease those struggles. Each chapter focuses on a different area of overthinking:  analysis paralysis, decision fatigue, values, and the like. Questions at the end of the chapter help the reader apply the ideas and framework to their own lives.

My favorite chapter, titled "Limit Yourself to Free Yourself", focuses on setting boundaries and limiting the options available in order to bring more mental space and less decision fatigue into your life. I love (and employ several of) the techniques of streamlining choices and technology input. The entire middle section, "Take Charge", was incredibly helpful in a practical way. Overall, the book was filled with plenty of ways to establish a framework for capturing your thoughts and putting a plan in place to help you stop your overthinking habits.

(I’ve received this complimentary book through the Baker Books blogger program in exchange for a review. A positive review was not required and the views expressed in my review are strictly my own.)

A Review: "Breaking Anxiety's Grip" by Dr. Michelle Bengtson

Family. Marriage. Finances. Social media. The nightly news. The sources of anxiety are endless. Dr. Michelle Bengtson's newest book, "Breaking Anxiety's Grip:  How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises", is a wonderful deep-dive into the root causes of anxiety and the journey to true freedom.

I found this book to be very helpful and encouraging. Dr. Bengston did a wonderful job of sharing her anxious struggles and weaving Scripture throughout. She includes plenty of vignettes from others who share their stories and how they have overcome anxiety in their lives. With a heavy emphasis on the role of faith in finding freedom from anxiety, she encourages memorizing Scripture to truly immerse yourself in the words of truth from the Bible. At the end of each chapter, she includes some reflective questions that are great to go through on your own, but would be even better with a close friend or counselor. She also shares some songs that have been instrumental in her journey that may be beneficial for the reader.

This is a wonderful resource for people who suffer from anxiety, and will be a wonderful tool to use in conjunction with her first book, "Hope Prevails:  Insights from a Doctor's Personal Journey Through Depression", since anxiety and depression tend to go hand-in-hand. Highly recommended!

(I’ve received this complimentary book through the Revell book blogger program in exchange for a review. A positive review was not required and the views expressed in my review are strictly my own.)

A Review: "The Next Right Thing" by Emily P. Freeman

Making decisions. For some people, it comes so easy. For others, decisions can be fraught with difficulty. "The Next Right Thing" by Emily P. Freeman is designed to help the reader through decision fatigue, overcoming the challenges of making decisions (big or small), and find the right next step to pursue. Each chapter is a beautiful call to slow down, engage with our own hearts and souls, and find the space we need to make that next decision with peace.

Each chapter includes a thought on particular topic related to making decisions and concludes with a prayer and a pathway to action. My personal favorite chapters included decluttering your soul, naming the unnamed narratives in life for what they truly are, and finding people who can speak truth into your life and help you find clarity. It was a wonderful book, full of fantastic practical advice. I look forward to applying it in my life when I am faced with my next big decision. But, until then, I can practice doing the next right thing in even the small ways of life.

(I’ve received this complimentary book through the Revell book blogger program in exchange for a review. A positive review was not required and the views expressed in my review are strictly my own.)

A Review: "Here, Now" by Kate Merrick

I was first introduced to Kate Merrick on "The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey" podcast (episode 133--check it out). She shared about her first book, the death of her daughter, and going off (and staying off!) social media. Her story is compelling and beautiful. After that introduction and discovering her new book, "Here, Now" released, I was eager to jump in. This book is a deep dive into what it means to be fully present in your life as it is, not as you want it to be.

I loved the encouragement found in this book. She shares candidly and openly about what drove her to disconnect from all social media, to get rid of Internet access in her home, and simply streamline daily choices so you can fully experience the life and relationships that are directly in front of you. It is a very thought-provoking book, especially with regard to how many soul-sucking hours are spent on social media, cultivating online relationship while allowing real-life relationships to languish. I appreciated her insights about Sabbath and rest. It was a message I needed to hear as I have been contemplating for some time just how to create more online disconnect in my life and focus on my life, my family, and my community in real time.

(I’ve received this complimentary book through the BookLook program in exchange for a review. A positive review was not required and the views expressed in my review are strictly my own.)

A Review: "Placemaker" by Christie Purifoy

I first encountered the words and work of Christie Purifoy when she did a podcast interview on "The Simple Show" (episode 32--go listen; it's a good one!). I was so captivated by her words that I checked out her book "Roots and Sky" from the library. It drew me in so quickly and thoroughly that I immediately ordered her book because it was one that I needed to own. She came through the pages as a kindred spirit, one who I could count as a friend even though she has no idea who I am! When I found out that she was releasing another book, I jumped at the chance to be on the launch team for her newest work, "Placemaker".

"Placemaker" beautifully shares the love that Christie has for home and trees. She shares the stories of the widely differing places that she has called home. She doesn't gloss over the challenges of many of those places, but she continually draws the reader back to the beauty and peace of each place. Woven throughout is the story of the trees that define each place. I loved the way that nature holds such a prominent place in this book.

As I read this book, my little corner of Minnesota was hit with a blizzard (culminating our snowiest February on record!). The month felt like it had sucked the soul and life out of everything, but this book helped me so much to see the beauty of my outdoors and to look forward to the promise of spring. I loved this book and can't recommend it highly enough!

(I’ve received this complimentary book as part of the launch team for Christie Purifoy's new release, "Placemaker". A positive review was not required and the views expressed in my review are strictly my own.)

A Review: "I Think You're Wrong (But I'm Listening)" by Sarah Stewart Holland and Beth Silvers

The popular hosts of the podcast "Pantsuit Politics" recently released their first book, "I Think You're Wrong (But I'm Listening)". What a gift to our highly charged culture! With politics a taboo subject at many family gatherings and off-limits between people of different viewpoints, Sarah and Beth show us there is a better way. Coming from different political backgrounds themselves, they share how they chose to put aside partisanship and seek to truly understand how "the other side" thinks about the issues.

I have known of their podcast, but have never listened to it before. This book was a wonderful primer on how they interact with one another and discuss issues with plenty of nuance, depth, and true desire to learn from one another. Having these kinds of discussions are not only possible, but they are necessary and vital to improving our neighborhoods, communities, and ultimately our nation. Each chapter ends with "Continue the Conversation", practical reflection questions to help the reader apply the ideas and principles in the chapters to their own lives.

This book should be required reading for every citizen, every politician at every level, every registered voter and those planning to register. Moving political dialogue from shouting matches, insults, and stereotypes needs to be the goal. This book shows us that this really can happen. What a country we could become if everyone actually put this into practice!

"We need to bring our voices and perspectives to the table calmly, with respect for ourselves and one another, recognizing that we do not live alone. America has never been and will never be homogeneous. We are here to bump up again each other. We need to bring our faith and values not just to specific issues but to the process of engaging in civil discourse. We can share our perspectives on even the most controversial and personal topics. Doing so will de-escalate the rhetoric and open pathways for solutions, innovation, and a strong national identity." (p. 4-5)

(I’ve received this complimentary book through the BookLook program in exchange for a review. A positive review was not required and the views expressed in my review are strictly my own.)

A Review: "Girls' Club" by Sally, Sarah, and Joy Clarkson

In a society that has increasingly moved from in-person connection to online social media as a way to connect, we as a society have largely lost the true meaning and way of friendship. Despite our perceived connections, studies have shown that we are lonelier than ever. This new release from the Sally, Sarah, and Joy Clarkson is a breath of fresh air and encouragement for women everywhere. They encourage us by sharing their stories and experiences with cultivating community and investing in the women in our lives.

I truly appreciated the different perspectives that each woman brought to this book. Sally brings with her years of life and ministry experience. Sarah is a wife and new mom navigating life in England. Joy is a young, single PhD student studying in Scotland. They share about times of loneliness and how they overcame it, stepping out and choosing to initiate community and friendship even when it may have seemed hard, and choosing to cultivate characteristics in their own lives that will help them be a better friend. Loaded with wisdom, insight, and encouragement, this is a wonderful book to read through with a friend or a women's group.

"With this book, we wish to pass on a vision for the power that friendship between women can generate and also to sketch some practical wisdom for cultivating these relationships. If nothing else, we hope to set your imagination free and to paint a picture of what richness and delight  and depth friendship can hold." (p. xxv)

 (I’ve received this complimentary book from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for a review. A positive review was not required and the views expressed in my review are strictly my own.)

Quick Lit: What I've Been Reading Lately

I'm linking up with Modern Mrs. Darcy for this month's quick lit, where I share short and sweet reviews of a few books I've read in the past month (or so). You can also find me over at Goodreads if you are interested in other books I've read or reviewed.

The Library Book by Susan Orlean. My husband and I recently visited Nashville, TN, and a stop at Parnassus Books was on the list of things to do. I treated myself to this book on our visit there after hearing so many amazing things about it. What an incredible book! The author takes the reader on a journey through the Los Angeles Public Library system, highlighting the devastating fire on April 28, 1986, that destroyed 400,000 books and damaged 700,000 others. She eloquently describes the impact of the fire and the aftermath, and seamlessly weaves in her love of books and libraries. While there is a true crime element present, the book reads like a love letter to readers, libraries, librarians, and books. An absolute gem!



The Sun Does Shine:  How I Found Life and Freedom on Death Row by Anthony Ray Hinton. I first came across Hinton's story in the incredible book Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson. I stumbled on this book one day while browsing in my library and knew I needed to read it. Hinton was arrested in 1985 and charged with murder. Being a poor black man in Alabama, justice was not served for him. He was sentenced to death, despite strong evidence against his having committed the crimes. For thirty years, he clung to his innocence as he waited on death row, with that innocence giving him hope and light in a very dark place. With the help of Bryan Stevenson and the work of Equal Justice Initiative, Hinton was finally set free in 2015. An incredibly powerful, riveting story. Highly recommended!


Too Small to Ignore:  Why the Least of These Matters Most by Wess Stafford. Dr. Stafford, a former president of Compassion International, shares his heart and God's heart for children around the world in this moving book. He weaves his personal story with biblical truth and examples from around the world on the importance of children and really focusing in on ministry and care for children and their future. It is a wonderful read for anyone who sponsors a child through Compassion, anyone involved in children's or youth ministry, and anyone who is a parent.

A Review: "The Wondering Years" by Knox McCoy

Knox McCoy, co-host of The Popcast podcast, recently released a memoir/faith reflections book called "The Wondering Years". I personally have never listened to his podcast, but I follow many bloggers/podcasters who do. This book came highly rated, so when I had the opportunity to check it out, I didn't want to pass it up. The premise of the book takes pop culture references and relates them to life and things of faith.

I truly enjoyed the pop culture references and many of them took me back to childhood. The footnotes were a major highlight throughout, with many making me laugh out loud and causing my husband to just stare at me. While the book was a fun, quick read, it felt a bit disjointed and the point of each chapter was not fully fleshed out. The very last chapter was the best one of the whole book. It was the point where I felt the most connection to him and his story. It is the chapter that I wish the rest of the book had been like. I enjoyed this book and it definitely had great moments in it. But I found that the humor couldn't quite make up for the true lack of depth throughout this book.

(I’ve received this complimentary book through the BookLook program in exchange for a review. A positive review was not required and the views expressed in my review are strictly my own.)

Quick Lit, November Edition

I'm linking up with Modern Mrs. Darcy for this month's quick lit, where I share short and sweet reviews of a few books I've read in the past month (or so). You can also find me over at Goodreads if you are interested in other books I've read or reviewed.

"There's No Such Thing as Bad Weather" by Linda Akeson McGurk. Swedish-born and raised Linda McGurk moved to small-town Indiana with her American husband in order to start their family. She quickly realized that the outdoors lifestyle she embraced as both a child and adult was not normal. After being fined for allowing her kids to play in a creek, she set out to explore the differing cultural approaches to the great outdoors. With her father facing a health crisis in her native Sweden, she and her two girls plan to spend six months there. What they experienced became the basis for this memoir. McGurk looks deeply at how Scandinavian culture values the outdoors and the benefits that are felt as a result. This book is an eye-opening look at just how much our culture needs to embrace the outdoors, not just for ourselves but for society as a whole.

"Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson. Read this book. It is a powerful look at the criminal justice system, poverty, and race in America, particularly in the south. Stevenson developed a passion for helping the nation's forgotten in the justice system after spending most of his internship negotiating appeals for death row prisoners and ended up founding the Equal Justice Initiative. He has dedicated his career to fighting for true justice--making sure that punishments for crimes committed are fair and that the poorest in prisons have the opportunity for representation in their cases. The book revolves around the case of Walter McMillian a black man who was falsely accused of murdering a white woman. Despite lack of evidence and a plethora of witnesses who put him nowhere near the scene of the murder, he was unjustly tried, convicted, and sentenced to death row. Packed with stories, this book is both deeply moving and extremely thought-provoking. Just read it.

"Cozy Minimalist Home" by Myquillyn Smith. Such a practical book! Smith takes the reader on a journey through one room in your house, any room you want, in order to quiet the space, make it cozy and keep it simple at the same time. Her steps make it easy to think about how your want a room to feel, identify how to get it there, and then make it happen according to your taste and family needs.

A Review: "The Ministry of Ordinary Places" by Shannan Martin

What a beautiful book! In "The Ministry of Ordinary Places", Shannan Martin shares candidly the story of how her family put down roots in a neighborhood she never imagined living in and seeing Jesus in the midst of it all. Life changed unexpectedly for her family when God called them from the rural to the urban. Plunked down in the middle of a city where they knew no one, they set out to truly bloom where they were planted, getting to know their neighbors and investing in the local low-income school and dying church. While it's a story of how God has used their family, it's more a story of how God has changed them in the midst of it all. By allowing their vision for life to be shaped by God, they have seen how He has worked in their own lives as they have opened themselves up to be changed and challenged by it all.

I fell in love with this book from the very beginning. Martin writes in a warm, winsome way that draws the reader in right away. The book is divided into four sections. I personally resonated with the second section in particular, which focused on hospitality. So often, we hide behind excuses instead of opening our homes for a meal or a simple chat with a neighbor. Martin reminds us that the hospitality is the point--not the state of our homes or the quality of the meal. Hospitality can be offered by inviting someone over for take-out or by meeting up a local playground. I was challenged to think how I can start opening my home to make room for people at my table.

What a gift this book is. Wise words for a challenging, polarizing time in our society. Simple acts of neighborliness, investing deeply where you are planted, and entering into the lives of others even in the midst of our own brokenness can have more impact than we can ever imagine.

"As Christ-followers, we are called to be long-haul neighbors committed to authenticity and willing to take some risks. Our vocation is to invest deeply in the lives of those around us, devoted to one another, physically close to each other as we breathe the same air and walk the same blocks. Our purpose is not so mysterious after all. We get to love and be loved deeply right where we're planted, by whomever happens to be near. We will inevitably encounter brokenness we cannot fix, solve, or understand, and we'll feel as small, uncertain, and outpaced as we have ever felt. But we'll find our very lives in this calling, to be among people as Jesus was, and it will change everything." (p. xviii)

(I’ve received this complimentary book through the BookLook program in exchange for a review. A positive review was not required and the views expressed in my review are strictly my own.)

A Review: "The Struggle is Real" by Nicole Unice

Life is full of challenges and struggles, even suffering at times. That's the nature of life in our sinful, broken world full of sinful, broken people. In her new book, "The Struggle is Real", Nicole Unice helps people dig below the surface to identify what is really going on when faced with our struggles, and then points the reader directly to Jesus. Sharing personal stories coupled with plenty of biblical wisdom, there is something for everyone in this book.

The first part of the book focuses on what lies below the struggles in life, what really lurks in our minds that causes us to fall prey to lies and false stories about ourselves. The second part of the book drives the reader to focus on rewriting the story by finding freedom and grace in Jesus. Each chapter closes with questions for reflection to help the reader truly process what they have been reading. As an added bonus, there are six companion Bible study videos that can be accessed on RightNow media for extra teachings in a group setting or in your own personal devotional time.

The second part of the book was my favorite. As someone who really struggles with thoughts and thought patterns, I found Chapter 9, "The New Language", to be quite helpful. This book would be perfect for any small group to go through, or just to use on your own. I appreciate her thoughts and approach in dealing with the general issue of struggles, something each one of us can identify with.

(I’ve received this complimentary book from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for a review. A positive review was not required and the views expressed in my review are strictly my own.)

Quick Lit, October Edition

I'm linking up with Modern Mrs. Darcy for this month's quick lit, where I share short and sweet reviews of a few books I've read in the past month (or so). You can also find me over at Goodreads if you are interested in other books I've read or reviewed.

"Parnassus on Wheels" by Christopher Morley. I had never heard of this book until I read "Book Girl" by Sarah Clarkson (see review below). When I picked it up, I had no idea what a treat I was in for. Set in 1917October in New England, a wagon named Parnassus shows up in the farmyard of Helen McGill and her brother, Andrew. Upon discovering it is a bookshop on wheels and the proprietor is seeking her author brother to purchase the wagon, she decides to purchase it herself and have an adventure. A charming novella that I fell in love with from the beginning.




"Book Girl" by Sarah Clarkson. This is a lovely book about books. Clarkson shares her heart so poignantly about her love of books and the way the written word has helped shape her life. She include many book lists containing her favorites from different seasons and spanning multiple genres. I found myself concluding a chapter and immediately adding several books to my TBR list. A true treasure that I will return to time and again!






"I'd Rather Be Reading" by Anne Bogel. What is there to say about this book? This collection of essays is a beautiful love letter for book lovers everywhere. I fell in love with it from the very first page and thoroughly enjoyed the entire thing. My hands-down favorite chapter was entitled "Bookworm Problems". I found myself nodding along to the majority she described! If you love books, this is a perfect little book to read, read again and again, and gift to other book lovers in your life.






"Dreamland Burning" by Jennifer Latham. I have been trying to branch out in my reading a bit this year, reading books in a genre I wouldn't normally read or focusing on issues I haven't really thought of before. I picked up this young adult novel based on a recommendation (I can't remember where), and it did not disappoint. It's a novelization of true events that happened in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in the early 20th century. Latham shares the modern-day story of teen Rowan Chase who is seeking answers to a skeleton that was found buried on her parents' property. Teen William Tillman is living in 1921 Tulsa and shares what life was like in a racially charged city. A gripping story about a piece of American history I had never heard of before.



"Imperfect Courage" by Jessica Honnegger. I am a big fan of fair-trade jewelry company Noonday Collection and was thrilled when the founder released her first book. She shares the story of how Noonday came to be, the heart behind her business, the joys and struggles along the way. She shares about her adoption journey and her desire to see people step out of their comfort zones and make an impact in the world around them. Challenging, thoughtful, and absolutely lovely.

A Review: "Kingdom Citizen" by Tony Evans

This slim volume packs a powerful punch! Tony Evans brings hope the various crises facing our nation in this book, "Kingdom Citizen". With only five chapters (plus appendices), this book is a fairly quick read. Without being partisan, Evans uses solid Biblical truth to invite believers to a course of action to truly become a citizen of Christ's Kingdom here on earth.

I loved reading his reflections from the book of Nehemiah. He describes how the community in Nehemiah's day was broken, full of discord, and all kinds of bad things. But God raised up one man, Nehemiah, to bring about a change in his community and nation--all by submitting himself to God and utilizing the tools set before him to create a lasting impact.

With another election season looming in our nation, political pundits preying on fear and "doom and gloom" scenarios, and the news filled with everything but the good, it's easy to feel like there is no reason to have hope. But Evans argues poignantly that there is a reason for hope. That hope lies in believers fully submitting to God and stepping out in faith, the church moving beyond her walls and seeking to impact her communities, and true disciples being made. I believe this book is a must-read for any Christian, particularly in this stage of our nation's history.

(I’ve received this complimentary book from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for a review. A positive review was not required and the views expressed in my review are strictly my own.)

Quick Lit: What I've Been Reading Lately

I'm linking up with Modern Mrs. Darcy for this month's quick lit, where I share short and sweet reviews of a few books I've read in the past month (or so). You can also find me over at Goodreads if you are interested in other books I've read or reviewed.

"Art of Neighboring" by Jay Pathak and Dave Runyon. This book looks at what it would be like to take Jesus's command to "love thy neighbor" seriously. Chock full of practical ideas on how to engage with your neighbors, this book is an excellent resource for anyone who is looking to engage with their neighbors and neighborhood on a deeper level. The authors share many personal stories of how they have lived this out and how it has transformed their communities. There is a discussion guide at the end of the book that would be perfect for small groups or just personal reflection.

"Killers of the Flower Moon" by David Grann. I confess, this is one of my favorite reads of the year thus far. I was absolutely blown away by the history in this book that I had never heard before. Absolutely gripping, I read it in three days. During the 1920s, the people of the Osage Indian Nation were the richest per capita in the world due to huge oil reserves on their land. Then they mysteriously began to die under strange circumstances. Anyone who began to investigate the murders also began to be murdered. The newly created FBI took up the case and began to expose a truly horrific plot to systematically get rid of the Osage and claim the land (and money).


 "Prairie Fires" by Caroline Fraser. Laura Ingalls Wilder is such a staple of American literature and, spending most of my life in Minnesota, her stories helped shape my childhood. I was eager to read this new biography to glean more insights into her life. The first portion of the book builds on her "Little House" series and shares in-depth accounts of life for the Ingalls family during those years. The latter portion of the book highlights Laura's later years and her daughter, Rose Wilder Lane. It was an eye-opening book that illuminated the challenges that faced Laura and her family throughout her life. Highly recommended!

A Review: "The Lifegiving Parent" by Clay and Sally Clarkson

"The Lifegiving Parent" by Clay and Sally Clarkson completes the "Lifegiving" trilogy that also includes "The Lifegiving Home" and "The Lifegiving Table" by Sally Clarkson. This particular addition focuses on parenting and can easily be read together by spouses, as opposed to others that Sally writes that are specifically geared for women.

If you want to get to the beating heart of being a lifegiving parent, you'll find it in opening your home to the love of God, the light of God, and the life of God. If you faithfully keep the symbolic door, windows, and vents of your home open, then your house will be full of God's love, light, and life. Lifegiving parenting is all about creating a home for your children that is loving, enlightened, and alive with the presence and life of God. (p. 16).

The book presents eight heartbeats of lifegiving parenting, including guarding your child's heart, renewing your child's mind, and cultivating your child's character. These heartbeats help give Christian parents a way to bring the life of God into the home, as opposed to simply exposing children to Christian activities and media. Clay writes the bulk of each particular chapter. Sally offers her reflections in a little section at the end of each chapter called "Momoirs". Each chapter concludes with some tips on how to practically bring each heartbeat into your own home.

I absolutely love everything the Clarksons write. They draw on years of marriage and parenting experience and manage to make everything incredibly relatable. While not everything they have done is practical to implement in my own home, I find my own wheels turning on how I can make things work in ways that suit my own family. This book is an outstanding treasure to add to anyone's parenting collection. As a bonus, they did a podcast series corresponding to the different heartbeats which was enjoyable to listen as I completed the chapters for some added insights.


(I’ve received this complimentary book from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for a review. A positive review was not required and the views expressed in my review are strictly my own.)

Quick Lit: What I've Been Reading Lately

I'm linking up with Modern Mrs. Darcy for this month's quick lit, where I share short and sweet reviews of a few books I've read in the past month (or so). You can also find me over at Goodreads if you are interested in other books I've read or reviewed.

"If You Only Knew" by Jamie Ivey. I love, love, love listening to Jamie's podcast, "The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey".  I love her honesty in interviewing her guests and the way she has shared pieces of her story, so I knew this book was one that I had to pick up. It didn't disappoint. She shares her story with the same candidness and openness that comes through on her podcast. Without holding back, she makes her story accessible, even if you haven't experienced what she has. In everything she seeks to point people back to Jesus as the Author and Redeemer of our stories. A lovely book that I highly recommend!


"Girl, Wash Your Face" by Rachel Hollis. I initially heard about Rachel on Jen Hatmaker's podcast (I know, I listen to a lot of podcasts!). As she shared the premise of her book, I was captivated and knew it was one I needed to immediately order. Guys, I loved this book. Each chapter focuses on one lie that she (and we) told herself. She walks the reader through her own experience in battling that particular lie and shares how she eventually worked through it. This is a fabulous book that SO MANY women can relate to, and Rachel shares in such a down-to-earth way. One of the best books of the year thus far.


"The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot. This book was a fascinating look at the life, death, and immortality of a young black woman named Henrietta Lacks. Diagnosed in 1951 with an aggressive cervical cancer, her biopsied cells were taken without her knowledge or consent and given to a researcher who was attempting to to grow human cells for scientific research. She died shortly after, but her cells replicated and became known as HeLa. They have been vital in creating the polio vaccine and studying cancer, among other things. However, her family was never told about Henrietta's contribution to science and the world was never told about the woman who faded to obscurity while her cells lived on. This book shares her story, the story of her family, and the scientific progress that has been made as a result of these cells.

"The Ministry of Motherhood" by Sally Clarkson. Ah, Sally Clarkson is definitely my mentor for motherhood. I love her insights, her encouragement, her stories of parenting. In this book, she shares how moms can disciple their children by reaching their hearts. It's perfect for a devotional time or a small group to go through. There are five sections; each section opens with an imaginative retelling of a gospel story, then follows with several chapters tied to the theme of the section. Each section concludes with questions that can be used for personal reflection or group discussion. A lovely book!



"The Read-Aloud Family" by Sarah Mackenzie. I regularly listen to Sarah's podcast, "The Read-Aloud Revival".  As an avid reader, I love introducing my kids to books in the hopes that they will love reading as well. This offering is a wonderful resource to encourage parents in building a bookish culture in their own homes. The final part of the book includes her carefully curated collection of read-alouds for various age ranges. If you need some inspiration or fresh vision to keep reading to your kids, this book (and podcast) can help!

A Review: "The Lifegiving Table" by Sally Clarkson

You really never can go wrong with a book by Sally Clarkson. Full of wisdom and with a heart full of joy, her books are not just books; they are experiences. Her latest, "The Lifegiving Table," is no exception. Drawing on her own experience and ideals, coupled with her heart for families and discipleship, she weaves together a book full of ideas on how to bring meaning and depth to the family dinner table.

With my two young boys at home, our dinnertime is often chaotic and loud and messy. This book helps me feel like it is possible to have meaningful conversation and traditions. Even while recognizing that not every idea she presents in this book is practical in every home, there is plenty to stir my own thoughts toward what I can practically do in my own home.

Each chapter includes thoughts to ponder and ideas to try, plus several recipes that coincide with the topic of each chapter. There is also an appendix that is chock full of conversation starters. I loved the points in this book and will continue to draw on material I found here to nurture my own family's dinner time conversations. Highly recommend!

(I’ve received this complimentary book from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for a review. A positive review was not required and the views expressed in my review are strictly my own.)

A Review: "Daring to Hope" by Katie Davis Majors

"Daring to Hope" by Katie Davis Majors continues telling the story of Katie and her family in Uganda. After moving to Uganda immediately following high school, she went on to adopt 14 children and started a unique family. This book shares more of their story, including a heart-wrenching tale of losing one of her girls back to the birth mother and all the concerns that accompanied that transition. She shares poignantly about her experiences in ministry and her journey toward marriage and motherhood of a little boy.

Weaving together personal stories and reflections on Scripture, the reader is drawn in by the tales of God's faithfulness in both sorrow and joy. Her story is accessible and inspiring, leaving the reader wanting to hear more of her ministry and family.

(I’ve received this complimentary book from the Blogging for Books program in exchange for a review. A positive review was not required and the views expressed in my review are strictly my own.)