Sacred Mundane by Kari Patterson (Book Review!)

Sacred Mundane: How to Find Freedom, Purpose, and Joy

by Kari Patterson

(received in exchange for an honest review)

Genre- Nonfiction / Religion / Christian Life / Spiritual Growth

Published by- Kregel Publications

Copyrighted- 2017

Number of pages- 216

Age Group- Adult (Women)

Description of book- paperback, listed price- $15.99, ISBN 978-0-5254-4447-0

Do you wish your life was more?  Are you feeling trapped in all the of the day-to-day tasks?  This book is designed to help you realize that your daily tasks are to build you and others up.  You need to focus on Jesus and and the spiritual strength he’ll give you. 

This book has chapters that have been given specific words to help you grow.

• Let (in)
• Look
• Listen
• Engage
• Embrace
• Trust
• Thank
• Let (out)   

Sacred Mundane also inlude a small group study section, notes, and more about Kari Patterson.

About the Author-

Kari Patterson’s royalties from Sacred Mundane will go to World Vision and their work with women and children.  She is a mentor, Bible teacher, homeschool mom, and wife of a pastor.  She can be reached at www.karipatterson.com.  She is also on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

My thoughts-

As I read and studied this book, I found that I was learning a lot about really becoming peaceful in the life that I have.  I need to be active about reading the Bible, praying, and letting Jesus into my life.  If I do that, then I will find joy and peace in everything I do and show it to everyone I meet. 

• I liked all of the personal stories from Patterson.  It helped show me how hard it has been for her and how it takes a lot of effort to become peaceful when life doesn’t go as planned.
• Almost all books have their study questions or small group study sections at the end of the book.  I enjoy having those sections at the end of the chapter, because I’m able to easily find the questions while I’m reading the chapter.  I think that with this small group study that it was nice that it was at the end, because I could concentrate on reading the chapter and not worry at the time about what I need to do with the study (which was very thorough and helpful).

I know of other women who would gain a lot of understanding and peace during and after they have read about being able to live peacefully and happily in a life that seems mundane.  I would recommend this book to them and those I haven’t had the pleasure to meet.  It would also be perfect for small group studies.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Sacred Mundane: How to Find Freedom, Purpose, and Joy, by Kari Patterson, for free from the Kregel Publications’ Blog Tour.  All links were current when posted.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

The Soldier Who Killed a King by David Kitz (Book Review!)

The Soldier Who Killed a King

by David Kitz

(received in exchange for an honest review)

Genre- Fiction / Christian / Historical

Published by- Kregel Publications

Copyrighted- 2017

Number of pages- 286

Age Group- Adult

Description of book- paperback, listed price- $14.99, ISBN 978-0-8254-4485-2

David Kitz has written an intriguing novel from a different perspective of the Holy Week. 

Marcus Longinus is the centurion who is in charge of keeping the streets free from rebellion, because of the king who arrived on the back of a donkey.  King Herod, the Jewish high priest Caiaphas, and Pontius Pilate are all players in this final week of Jesus’s life.  This book shows the plotting of King Herod and the confrontations between Caiaphas and Pontius Pilate.  Marcus spends time with Jesus and begins to change his mind.

Will he change his mind about the man everyone is talking about or will he think the same as Caiaphas  

About the Author-

David Kitz has written Little Frogging Explores the BIG World and Psalms Alive! Connecting Heaven and Earth.  He is an outreach minister with Foursquare Church and a Bible dramatist.

My thoughts-

I thought a book that was about Jesus’s death would make me feel a lot more emotional, but this book didn’t.  It could be that since it was written from a man’s point-of-view, there wasn’t as much emotion as there would be if it was written from a woman’s point-of-view.  I think that men would like this book more than women, since it was written from Marcus Longinus’s point-of-view.

I liked how well each character was written, and I especially liked the eiplogue which talked more about the main characters of Herod Antipas, Joseph Caiaphas, Pontius Pilate, Jesus, and the centurion.     

I would recommend this book.  It has an interesting perspective from that of the Romans.  It is also a good book for those who want to learn more about Jesus and the week leading up to His resurection.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received The Soldier Who Killed a King, by David Kitz, for free from the Kregel Publications’ Blog Tour.  All links were current when posted.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

The Captivating Lady Charlotte by Carolyn Miller (Book Review!)

The Captivating Lady Charlotte

Regency Brides A Legacy of Grace, Book 2

by Carolyn Miller

(received in exchange for an honest review)

Genre- Fiction / Christian / Romance

Published by- Kregel Publications

Copyrighted- 2017

Number of pages- 310

Age Group- Adult

Description of book- paperback, listed price- $14.99, ISBN 978-0-8254-4451-7

Lady Charlotte Featherington wishes to marry for love.  Her father wants her to marry a widowed duke, not the man she thinks she loves. 

The widowed ninth Duke of Hartington is still hurting from his first marriage, which ended in scandal.  He doesn’t know if he can trust the young lady in their arranged marriage.  He feels as if he will never be able to trust her and any relationships she may have with other men.

These two will have to learn to trust each other.  If they don’t her mother and others will tear apart their relationship forever.

About the Author-

Carolyn Miller currently lives in Australia with her husband and children and has long enjoyed Regency Romance.  She is a member of the Australian Christian Writers and the American Christian Fiction Writers.  Her website is www.carolynmillerauthor.com

My thoughts-

Many stories have characters we love because they are so sweet like Lavinia and Charlotte.  There are also those characters who we love to dislike, because of their actions and attitudes.  This book had Charlotte’s mother and William’s sister.  William’s sister was simply trying to protect her brother and Charlotte’s mother was everything society expected her to be.  She reminded me of Mrs. Oleson from Little House on the Prairie. 

I was impressed how Carolyn Miller wrote those characters and all the rest of the characters.  She made the Duke, William, a person who didn’t go with what society expected.  He took an active interest in his lands and the improvements that needed to be made.  Charlotte and Lavinia were also memorable characters, because of the way they cared about others and pulled on their faith in God when trouble came.

This was a great book in the series.  I always enjoy reading a romance novel that also draws on the strength of God.  I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series, The Dishonorable Miss DeLancey. 

I recommend it!    

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received The Captivating Lady Charlotte, by Carolyn Miller, for free from the Kregel Publications’ Blog Tour.  All links were current when posted.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

The Cover Story by Deb Richardson-Moore (Book Review!)

The Cover Story

A Branigan Powers Mystery, Book 2

by Deb Richardson-Moore

(received in exchange for an honest review)

Genre- Fiction / Christian / Mystery

Published by- Lion Fiction

Copyrighted- 2017

Number of pages- 286

Age Group- Adult

Branigan Powers is off to solve another crime.  This time it’s personal, her niece, Charlie, and her friend have been in a tragic car accident.  Charlie was badly injured, and her friend was killed.  Charlie thinks they were run off the road by an old hearse, the police think it was an accident.

Branigan and her friend, Malachi, are determined to learn the truth.  The clues lead them to a nearby university and several sororities.  Soon another young lady is killed.  Will Branigan and Malachi find the murderer?  Is Charlie’s life in danger?

About the Author-

Deb Richardson-Moore is currently a pastor in South Carolina.  She has been a journalist and worked with the homeless.  Her website is www.debrichardsonmoore.com.

My thoughts-

I know I often say that I can’t put a book down, but I really couldn’t put this one down.  I took myself to a people and animal free room, shut the door, and finished reading the book.  I did not want to be disturbed.

I liked how Branigan teamed worked again with Malachi, who is homeless.  It’s interesting how Richardson-Moore shows the invisibility of homeless, but shows that everyone’s perception of them is wrong.  They do pay attention to what you do and they are wonderful at helping in times of trouble.

I read a lot of mysteries.  I thought that it was great that Branigan could get away with look for clues, since she was a reporter.  It sure helps to solve crimes when they involve family members, if all you’re doing is looking for your next big story.

I would like to see more involvement with Pastor Liam and God in future stories.  Pastor Liam plays an important part, but his role as a pastor and advocating for God doesn’t seem as important.

I can’t wait for another book in the series to see what the memorable characters are up to.  I highly recommend this series.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received The Cover Story, by Deb Richardson-Moore, for free from the Kregel Publications’ Blog Tour.  All links were current when posted.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Season of Heartbreak by Mark Gregory Karris (Book Review!)

Season of Heartbreak

Healing for the Heart, Brain, and Soul

by Mark Gregory Karris

(received in exchange for an honest review)

Genre- Nonfiction / Religion / Christian Life / Relationships

Published by- Kregel Publications

Copyrighted- 2017

Number of pages- 226

Age Group- Adult

Description of book- paperback, listed price- $15.99, ISBN 978-0-8254-4471-5

Using his own circumstances and those of his time as a therapist and pastor, Mark Karris has written a book to help those who are grieving. 

This book was written in four parts:

• Part 1 is about the grieving process.
• Part 2 is about three different connections- God, others, and yourself.
• Part 3 is about ways to help grieving- like prayer, journaling, and forgiving.
• Part 4 is about learning to listen to others and a theology of suffering.

About the Author-

Mark Gregory Karris currently lives in Japan with his wife.  He is a recording artist, ordained pastor, and licensed marriage and family therapist.  His website is www.markgregorykarris.com.

My thoughts-

This book has so many nuggets of advice for those who are dealing with heartbreak.  It was easy to read as it didn’t have a lot of technical terms and had lots of relatable stories from his life and those in the Bible.

While I liked all of the different parts and all of the information that was given, there were some parts I would like to see added.  In nonfiction books like this, I like having a summary at the end of each chapter which discusses the most important points.  I also enjoy having study questions so I can find out more about myself from the material.

Season of Heartbreak would be a great book for those who are suffering and need healing for themselves. 

I recommend it!    

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Season of Heartbreak, by Mark Gregory Karris, for free from the Kregel Publications’ Blog Tour.  All links were current when posted.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

The Runaway by Claire Wong (Book Review!)

The Runaway

by Claire Wong

(received in exchange for an honest review)

Genre- Fiction

Published by- Lion Fiction

Copyrighted- 2017

Number of pages- 304

Age Group- Adult

Description of book- paperback, listed price- $14.99, ISBN 978-1-78264-242-8

Rhiannon has decided to runaway to the Dyrys Woods near her Welsh village of Llandymna.  Shortly before she turns eighteen she leaves to make a new life.  Her aunt and the other villages wonder where she has gone.  They spend a lot of time lookin in the woods trying to find her, but they are unable to.  Rhiannon doesn’t like living alone, but she thinks of the stories that the village storyteller, Maebh, has told her and the other villagers for years.

While Rhiannon is away the village begins to unweave as Rhiannon’s disappearance causes tension to build and secrets begin to surface.  Who are the two strangers?  Why are the villagers so hard on each other?  How will they find Rhiannon?    

About the Author-

Claire Wong currently lives in Yorkshire where she shares inspiring stories through articles, press releases, and newsletters at her job in charity communications.  This is her first novel.

My thoughts-

I enjoyed reading The Runaway.  I could feel Claire Wong’s storytelling ability.  I was drawn into Rhiannon’s story and then that of the villagers.  I liked how Wong made ordinary lives seem extraodinary.  I could feel the power of Maebh’s storytelling and the daily and long time struggles of the people of the village.  It was like I was there and I could feel the magic.  There wasn’t any, but I could certainly feel it. 

This book wouldn’t have been the same if the point-of-view hadn’t changed back and forth between that of Rhiannon and the village.  It wouldn’t have had the depth and range that it did.  I was able to learn about, appreciate, and learn from all of the characters.

The end of the book had study questions and a short interview by Wong.  I learned that she likes some of the same books I do, like The Princess Bride and Winnie-the-Pooh.

I recommend reading this book.  I’m looking forward to reading more books by Wong.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received The Runaway, by Claire Wong, for free from the Kregel Publications’ Blog Tour.  All links were current when posted.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Questioning Evangelism by Randy Newman (Book Review!)

Questioning Evangelism

Engaging People’s Hearts the Way Jesus Did

by Randy Newman

(received in exchange for an honest review)

Genre- Nonfiction / Religion / Christian Ministry / Evangelism

Published by- Kregel Publications

Copyrighted- 2017

Number of pages- 270

Age Group- Adult

Description of book- paperback, listed price- $17.99, ISBN 978-0-8254-4428-9

Randy Newman has written a book about evangelism that follows the way Jesus talked with others.  Jesus didn’t force His opinions on others, He answered their questions with questions of His own.  That is what this second edition is all about, how we can do the same as He did. 

This book includes a new preface, study questions, numerous Bible verses, and different scenarios to help you become more comfortable with evangelism.     

About the Author-

Randy Newman has been a conference speaker and helps people discuss different faith issues.  He worked for over with Campus Crusade for Christ.  He is currently at The C. S. Lewis Institute as a senior teaching fellow for evangelism and apologetics.

My thoughts-

Part One of this book was hard for me to get into.  I could tell that Randy Newman put a lot of time and effort into writing, but I could have used more personal stories to make some of the chapters more memorable.

There were many parts that really equipped me to evangelize to certain people groups.  I previously had determined that I should be kind and always loving, but because of some scripted conversations and Bible verses I have a better idea about how to direct the conversation.  The study questions at the end of the book helped me discover more answers to questions that I or others could have. 

This book has helped begin to develop a new positive way to approach others when dealing with Christianity.  I hope you find this to be a good for you.     

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Questioning Evangelism, by Randy Newman, for free from the Kregel Publications’ Blog Tour.  All links were current when posted.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.