Home Is Right Where You Are by Ruth Chou Simons

 A beautifully illustrated picture book based on Psalm 23. 

-Borrowed from the library.

A Lady's Handbook to Gadgets and Guile by Angela Bell*

 After an accident, Margaret Kingsley buries herself into mechanics and creating gadgets. Her loving parents (the main characters from Ms. Bell's previous novel, A Lady's Guide to Marvels and Misadventures) care for her on a daily basis as her pain sometimes forces to remain in her wheelchair or rest in bed. The Daughters of Genius Society employ her  to design and make gadgets for their undercover agency. When a case requires Margaret to leave her workshop, she discovers how loyal and sincere her friends are and also encounters a man who truly sees her,  not her condition. 

I love how Ms. Bell incorporates real woman into her novels and fictionalizes them to suit her plot. Ms. Bell's focuses on chronic pain and panic attacks, revealing ways to live with them via her characters. God and His provision is proclaimed throughout in an authentic manner. 

After reading this book, I am curious about the real Margaret E. Knight. From Ms. Bell's bibliography, I requested two children's books about her-a picture book and a chapter book.

*Highly recommend. I would hand this book to a teen girl.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Good Shepherd and the Stubborn Sheep written & illustrated by Hannah E. Harrison*

 George the sheep introduces the reader to typical sheep behavior and why they need a Shepherd. Then he relates how he ran away from the Shepherd when it was haircut time and the ramifications of his actions. This book depicts Psalm 23 and God's redemptive love well. Ms. Harrison offers other scripture references about shepherds and sheep at the end. 

I laughed out loud at some of George's descriptions (we have a pasture of sheep next to our house and witness these behaviors on a regular basis).

 I did not care for some aspects of the illustrations (I LOVE Ms. Harrison's artwork in her other picture books)-some scenes/images seemed static.

*Highly recommend.  

-Borrowed from the library.

Anxiety -Anatomy & Cure by Robert W. Kellemen*

 The Gospel for Real Life series

I bought this short book (42 pages) at a conference my church recently hosted. Over several weeks I read it. The ideas and truths would have better adhered to my brain if I would have read it in one sitting or in a couple of days.

Mr. Kellemen dissects what anxiety is and takes the reader to the root causes. Then he offers biblical ways to combat it. I liked how he focused on Philippians to counsel the reader about anxiety. He also integrates the practical with the biblical.

At the end of each section, he presents a question to encourage the reader to apply the truths and ideas (called, "Applying the Gospel to Daily Life").

*Highly recommend.

-I own this book.

Cradled by Annie Vanderheiden*

 At a recent conference my church hosted, I saw this teeny book. My pastor's wife and I were discussing what a great gift it would be to give to a mom with a newborn. I bought this book to give to someone who will be giving birth to her second child . . .praying it will be an encouragement to her. 

Mrs. Vanderheiden highlights the tasks a mother performs for her newborn and reveals how God does the same for us as mothers (feeding, changing, sleeping, soothing, washing, nurturing, praying, anticipating). How I wish this book had been written & published when I was a first time mom (and for when I gave birth to my second son)!

I started to read it, but felt guilty as I felt the book breaking of its newness! But I am still highly recommending it based on the little I read!😁

-Giving as a gift

Bread of Angels by Tessa Afshar*

I do not choose to read Christian fiction often (I have reasons.). My friend handed this book plus another one by this author to me one Sunday without me asking for them. I decided to give this author a chance. I ended up enjoying the novel!😊

Ms. Afshar reimagines how Lydia, the seller of purple, becomes a successful business owner and a believer in Christ. She begins in Thyatira when Lydia is a teenager and living with her father, a merchant and purple dyer. After a series of betrayals, Lydia travels to Philippi to start over. Readers experience what life was like during this era & interact with Paul, Silas, Timothy and others mention in Philippians. 

Consider: One gathering the believers are speaking in tongues. Readers can infer that one evil man would use young girls for his pleasure.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from my friend (But it is available in my public library system.)

The Inspired Homeschool by Jennifer Pepito*

 Mrs. Pepito focuses on outstanding men & women from history who were homeschooled for at least part of their lives to offer encouragement and principles to current homeschooling moms. 

The individuals featured in this book are: Jesus, Laura Ingalls Wilder, Benjamin Franklin, Elizabeth Goudge, C.S. Lewis, Leonardo da Vinci, Charles Dickens, Blaise Pascal, Berthe Morisot, Booker T. Washington, & Joan of Arc. Mrs. Pepito highlights aspects of their education that we can emulate. At the end of each chapter she offers suggestions to reinforce the concept introduced plus additional books about the person or other ideas mentioned. 

She promotes her business, The Peaceful Press, throughout the book. She also is a proponent of Charlotte Mason, whom she quotes & references often.

I thought this book would focus more on each person's life & their homeschool experience, not be a "how-to" book. It was NOT falsely advertised. I just arrived at that conclusion independently (or by not reading the summary carefully!). This book would be most useful for mothers with younger kids (junior high & younger).

*Highly recommend for mothers who are beginning to homeschool or who have years left to homeschool. Becoming more aware of historical figures who were homeschooled is my favorite feature of this book.

-I own this book.

Chapter One Again by Keelia Clarkson

 After living in NYC for a decade, Jane feels compelled to return to her teeny Colorado home town, Avila Falls, for her mother's birthday. The town she dreamed of escaping throughout her high school years. . . 

She thought she had her career path figured out in NYC-ghostwriting memoirs for famous actors/actresses/musicians and writing her own novel. Upon returning to Avila Falls,, however, she begins to question the identity she has formed for herself. Meeting her old crush and seeing how her parents and, also her mentor, are aging cause her to ponder anew if the life she has been living is truly fulfilling.

A very predictable novel-Hallmark-like (Jane's friends even equate her weeks at home like a Hallmark movie 😀💖) I would have no issues sharing this novel with a teen. It is a very clean, sweet romance.

This genre is not my favorite, but I did enjoy reading (even though it was very predictable) & immersing myself into Jane's world and the beautiful Colorado setting. Mrs. Clarkson has created likable characters and a setting that you want to visit.

A great, light read with an uplifting tone. 

-Borrowed from the library.

*The author is Sally Clarkson's daughter-in-law. 

Page Two With You , the 2nd book in the series, is forth-coming.

The (Not-So-Secret) Secret to Reaching the Next Generation by Kevin DeYoung**

 Our children's ministry pastor gave this booklet to all of his volunteers to read. It's a simple yet powerful book. Although it took me less than twenty minutes to read, it has given me hours of wisdom to ponder and given me a guide that will last a lifetime.

To reach the next generation, Mr. DeYoung advises to : grab them with passion, win them with love, hold them with holiness, challenge them with truth, and amaze them with God. He fleshes out each of these points, challenging the reader to evaluate his/her life based on their love & pursuit of God.

**Highly, highly recommend.

-I own this booklet.

Why I Stand by Jonathan Isaac with AJ Gregory*

 Not being a sports fan (and also not a news junkie), I had not heard of Jonathan Isaac until I read an article about him in World magazine. 

Reading his autobiography was an encouraging experience. He shares about his childhood, his distorted views about himself at an early age, his advancement in the basketball, and his complete surrender to Christ. One could easily read this autobiography in one sitting. Writing in a conversational tone, Mr. Isaac engages the reader throughout the entire book. He is a courageous believer. Praise God for men like him in the sports world!

I think junior and high school boys who love basketball would benefit from reading this book. Young men will draw from his courage to obey God no matter how the world may react.

Considerations/discussions: Black Lives Matters agenda is discussed (& not supported by Mr. Isaac), Mr. Isaac hints at his party lifestyle and way with the ladies, but nothing graphic is shared. He even says to "keep this PG". He also admits to using pot in high school and in college. When they were on the road playing games, one teammate would ask him to buy him condoms in the middle of the night and have him slip them under his hotel door (rookie hazing). As Mr. Isaac developed in his faith, he decided to end this "duty". He boldly meets with the teammate and explains how he is trying to follow God and would not continue to purchase condoms for him. Covid/vaccine (he didn't get the vaccine & received heat).

Christian Heroes: Then & Now-Lillian Trasher by Janet & Geoff Benge*

 The Greatest Wonder in Egypt

Although I had already read a biography about Lillian Trasher, this biography for kids shared new information about her ministry. Readers will be amazed how God provided daily food and other provisions for Ms. Trasher and her hundreds of children. This book would be a great read aloud and would promote discussions.

Discuss: Lillian's ministry was started and was sustained by faith. She promised payment for food, building materials, and other necessities before she had the money! The Assemblies of God church eventually supported her and was her affiliation. 

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Lady on a Donkey by Beth Prim Howell*

 As a young lady, Lillian traveled to Atlanta to pursue a job utilizing her ability to draw. When a miscommunication occurs and the job is given to someone else, she follows God's leading to assist a woman at an orphange in North Carolina. Months later she is about to marry a wonderful, godly man. But hearing a presentation about missions, she believes she is being called to be a missionary in Africa. She breaks the engagement and eventually travels to Egypt, with no support from her family (except her sister) or a church. Through complete dependence on the Lord, she starts and runs an orphange (she actually purchases land & builds numerous buildings on it through God's miraculous provision) in Assouit, Egypt. She saves thousands of children!  The church that eventually supports her is Assemblies of God.

I was not always impressed with the author's writing & her ogranization. BUT Lillian's incredible story allowed me to adjust and overlook the writing.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed via ILL.

The Redeemed Reader by Janie Cheaney, Betsy Farquhar, Hayley Morell, & Megan Saben*

 This past fall I answered a question Janie Cheaney posted at the end of her email newsletter and won this book! She even signed it. 😉😊

These authors write reviews on their blog, Redeemed Reader. Most of their reviews consist of recently published books. It's the place to visit for parents who cannot keep up with their kids' reading (which is all of us, most likely!). Here is a link to their site: Redeemed Reader

This book discusses how to evaluate books via Truth and Story as the foundation. (Truth-found in God's Word, Story-relates to the human condition & how Christ rescues) Focusing on many challenging and compelling topics, the authors require the reader to contemplate their own heart as they read and form opinions about today's books. Organized in five sections (imagination, classics, contemporary issues, ages/stages/genres, & practical application), the book covers a diverse and interesting range of topics. My thinking & views were challenged and also confirmed.

A thoughtfully written book-much needed for this generation of parents

Book lists at the end of each chapter    A mega list with titles they recommend concludes the book.

*Highly recommend.

-I happily own this book!

Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis*

 My sixteen-year-old and I read this book together over the last couple of months. Each chapter offered many thought-provoking ideas and promoted good discussions. In order for the ideas to become more cemented in my mind, I will need to reread this book several times!

*Highly recommend.

-I own this book.

The Hand of God by Alistair Begg*

 Finding His Care in All Circumstances

My friend let me borrow this book. When I found that I was itching to underline some sentences, I knew I should purchase my own copy. It is one that I would reread if I would be studying the life of Joseph in a Bible study or at church.

Mr. Begg follows the life of Joseph and his responses to his circumstances to encourage us to trust in the Sovereign God. He offers analogies and examples to which readers can relate.

*Highly recommend.

-I own this book.

A Rose in a Ditch by Julie Henning*

 When my aunt discovered that I was interested in Pearl S. Buck, she lend me this book by one of Pearl S. Buck's adoptive daughters. (This copy was my cousin-in-law's, my aunt's daughter-in-law) Some of my family members attend the same church as Julie.

Julie Henning (Sooni Goo) was born in South Korea soon after the Korean war. Her father, whom she never met, was a GI with a wife and family in the United States. Her mother was Korean. Even though Julie was Ameriasian, her Korean mother choose to keep her and raise her. Koreans treated mixed race children with contempt and disdain. Korea would not allow them to claim Korea as their birthplace; America would not either. 

Although Julie endured poverty in Korea with her mother, the tone of the book was joyful and full of gratitude. Her diligence in her studies caused Pearl S. Buck, who was an advocate for Ameriasians, to notice her and eventually "adopt" her. At age fifteen, she enters the United States and experiences an incredible new life with Pearl S. Buck, the Price family, and then her own husband and family. By living with the Prices, she attends a Bible preaching church and then accepts Christ as her Savior.

I loved every minute that I read this book. I found the Korean culture fascinating, Pearl S. Buck's generoisty inspiring, and God's providence amazing. The writing at times is disorganized and not like that of a published writer. It was also repetitive at points. She also talks to her deceased Korean mother and deceased Ms. Buck like they could hear her.

Mrs. Henning speaks often about her experiences and has met numerous famous individuals all over the world. 

*Highly recommend (but see above about my comments on the writing). **If you give this to a high schooler or junior higher, please know that the reader can infer that Julie's Korean mother is a prostitute to GIs to earn money/food. Nothing inappropriate in depicted.**

-Borrowed from my cousin-in-law.

End of the Spear by Steve Saint**

 I read aloud this book to my son over our lunch for the past few months. We laughed numerous times. I cried one time. Mr. Saint is an excellent story teller and writer. His story was a delight to read aloud.

He explains the backstory of his dad, Nate, and fellow missionary men being speared to death by the Waodani and the aftermath. He then takes the reader to the time when he and his family lived again with the Waodani and the impact the time had on him and the Waodani. 

A movie was created based on this book. We will be watching it soon.

**Highly, highly recommend.

I own this book.

The Sword -Magnus and the Mystery of Romans by Marty Machowski illustrated by Flavia Sorrentino**

 Through three different stories, parents and their children can study the book of Romans together. The story opens with a brother & sister discovering a sword and an ancient book in an off-limit trunk in the family home. With their father, they read the story of Magnus and his encounter with Paul, the writer of Romans. Each chapter begins with the fictional story about Magnus & his eventual conversion to Christ. Then Mr. Machowski provides specific passages (chronological) from Romans to read and pages with further explanations and analogies. Each chapter also includes a section connectiong the Old Testament with the New Testament.

Currently, the pastor at my church his preaching through Romans. If I had younger children, this book would be a perfect choice to study Romans as a family.

World magazine selected as their Children's Book of the Year (2025).

**Highly, highly recommend.

-Borrowed from my church's library. 😊

Give Me This Mountain by Dr. Helen Roseveare*

 Dr. Helen Roseveare shares her surrender to Christ and then her experiences in the Congo in the 1950s & 1960s as a doctor and missionary. 

Although she divulges many tales about her time in Africa, she does not elaborate on details. Her writing style is mostly telling, not showing. Surprisingly, I liked her style and pacing. It seems to me that the purpose of this book was to reinforce and/or reveal how missionaries are not perfect nor are they the Christians "who have arrived". She is candid about her sin nature and spiritual struggles. As a result, God receives more glory. Also, because of her vulnerability, I could connect to her. I found it interesting how the African Christians and European Christians struggle with unity after a time. . .but, they resolve their differences and reconcile. 

If I owned this book, I would have been highlighting often and jotting comments in the margin.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from my church library.

How Many Miles to Bethlehem? by Kevin Crossley-Holland illustrated Peter Malone

 I loved the lavish, rich paintings in this book. This book is truly an art museum in your lap. Different people who are part of Christ's birth share their perspective-from Mary to the innkeeper to an ox to shepherds to wise men (to name a few). Some of the phrasing is poetic.

-Borrowed from the library.