Of Fire and Lions by Mesu Andrews

Those who know me best know that I love to read. I have read a lot of Biblical/Historical fiction books in my life, and Of Fire and Lions by Mesu Andrews is now one of my new favorites.

I must confess I have never heard of this author before, and I was a little skeptical whether or not I would enjoy yet another Biblical fiction book. Too often, this genre comes across as cheesy or not well studied. I will tell you that is not the case with this book.

The depth of this story and the historical accuracy assures the reader that Andrews has indeed studied the subject matter and studied well. To be able to share a fictional background of two of the most-told Bible stories and to make the fictional account very believable is a feat in itself. Though the book tops out over 380 pages, I read it in just three sittings. It was one of those books that I couldn't wait to finish reading.

Andrews masterful storytelling is reminiscent of the Lineage of Grace and Mark of the Lion series by Francine Rivers, but go much more in depth than the short novellas of Francine Rivers.

This is a book that I will keep on my shelf and read over and over again.

My only negative comment is that I didn't love how the author went forward and backward in time to tell the story. At times it was a little confusing.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Buy Of Fire and Lions on Amazon - releasing 3/5/2019. 

American Omens by Travis Thrasher

I am never one to pick up a futuristic fiction book. I just generally don't like them. However, I was surprised how much I enjoyed reading American Omens by Travis Thrasher. 

This novel is set in the year 2038...less than 20 years from the present in America where technology rules the world and Christians begin disappearing without a trace. Cheyenne, a computer programmer in Chicago who works for the largest technology firm, gets a message from her father who disappeared setting her out on a journey to not only find her father, but to discover truth about the company she works for and the Truth of Jesus Christ. 

A man called the Reckoner is working through a group of individuals who are all on the same journey toward Truth, to bring about awareness of truth faith in Christ, even though it has long been outlawed. 

Thrasher does an excellent job describing the dangers of technology and sharing too much information. I could easily see our world heading in that direction. However, what I appreciated most is how keenly he made me aware of how easy my life is and how easy it is to become lackadaisical in telling others about Christ. Not only did I read a great story, but I was also challenged to be a better Christian (and not in a cheesy way, as some books do). 

I received two complimentary copies of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Relational Reset by Dr. Laurel Shaler

Relational Reset: Unlearning the Habits that Hold You Back by Christian counselor Dr. Laurel Shaler is an excellent tool to help anyone who desires to make their relationships better...whether it be a relationship with family, friends, coworkers, or acquaintances.

Dr. Shaler's book has 12 chapters dealing with different problem areas in our relationship including insecurity, dealing with disappointments, forgetting fears, dispelling the past and more. Her conversational approach and real life examples make you feel like you are spending time with a friend who is taking time to pour truth into your life. (Of course, I must confess that Dr. Shaler is a real-life friend of mine).

Each chapter concludes with a few thought-provoking questions, which help dig deeper into the subject matter. I especially appreciate how Dr. Shaler ends each chapter with a prayer, helping solidify what we have just learned by committing it to the Lord in prayer.

I read this book over a few days, but I highly suggest maybe reading one chapter a day or even one chapter a week in order to spend time really establishing those habits.  I will definitely read this book again at a slower pace.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Though Dr. Shaler is a friend of mine, I recommend this book on its own merits for anyone looking to improve their relationships with others.

Relational Reset is available on Amazon (along with several other stores and distributors).

The Minimalist Home by Joshua Becker

The Minimalist Home: A Room-by-Room Guide to a Decluttered, Refocused Life is an excellent book for those wondering where to start in the decluttering process. I find myself so guilty of purchasing things I don't need and then holding on to much more than I need, and in the end having a house so full of stuff that has little use or causes more stress by having a mess around.

While the minimalist trend of the Marie Kondo's of the world is very popular right now, I found that I enjoyed Becker's book even more. I read it chapter by chapter, working through each room of my house (well, until I got to the end where he discussed storage areas...still working on that one!)

I felt like this book was thoughtful with a simple process to follow.  If you have any desire to declutter your life and your surroundings even just a little bit, I wholeheartedly recommend this book.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Buy it on Amazon.

The Life Giving Leader by Tyler Reagin

The Life Giving Leader by Tyler Reagan is a great introspective look on how to lead from a healthy, self-aware, humble and sacrificial life. To lead well, you have to be YOU, not someone else. I love how this book focuses on leading from your truest self...the person God created uniquely to fulfill His purpose.

Tyler Reagin has many years of leadership experience, and though this may be his first book, it won't be his last!

Highly recommend!  I'm looking forward to going back and re-reading with my highlighter!!!

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Didn't See It Coming by Carey Nieuwhof

Didn't See It Coming: Overcoming the 7 Greatest Challenges that No One Expects and Everyone Experiences by Carey Nieuwhof is another book geared toward ministry leaders and others who are desiring to thrive in life.

Nieuwhof discusses overcoming the challenges of cynicism, compromise, disconnectedness, irrelevance, pride, burnout, and emptiness. All things we feel at some point in our lives.

I really wanted to like this book. I expected to like this book. But I didn't love this book. 

Sure, it had some practical tips. But it just wasn't anything different that I haven't read before. I am also not a huge fan of Carey's blogger style of writing (and this is coming from a blogger), but it just didn't flow well. It felt like he plopped a bunch of blog posts together. 

Was it good? Sure. Was it helpful? Somewhat. Do I highly recommend? No.

I will go back and give it a fresh read in the new year and if my opinion changes, I'll let you know.

Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers

I read Redeeming Love when Francine Rivers released it back in 1997, and I let several people borrow my copy and it finally disappeared. I wanted to read it again, and recently Multnomah was offering this book for an honest review. I was THRILLED to get another copy and review it.

This powerful retelling of the story of Gomer and Hosea is a story of God's redeeming love. He never gives up on us. He loves us no matter what we have done.

Such is the story of Angel, who was sold into prostitution as a young child, and lives a difficult live of use and abuse. Until she meets a man named Michael Hosea who hears God calling him to marry Angel...no matter what she has done.

This proves to be difficult for Angel to understand as she feels wary, then unworthy. But Hosea never gives up on her and never stops loving her...though he has to let go and allow her to choose to be loved.

If you have never read this, do it. You won't be sorry.