Blind Betrayal by Nancy Mehl

Blind Betrayal is the newest book from Nancy Mehl. It's the final book in her series titled Defenders of Justice, but I never felt lost despite the fact that I have not read the other titles.

This is the story of several US Marshals coming together to protect a witness from a dangerous crime lord. It's suspenseful and full of twists and turns. Quiet themes of faith. Just a touch of romance, but completely clean. It has some great natural conversations about love, loss, grief, guilt, and friendship. Mehl is a good writer, who keeps her readers on their toes, anxiously awaiting the next pages.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading the novel and I would recommend it to other readers age 16 plus. I don't think I've read any other books by this author, but I will be looking to pick more of them up in the future. I received this as a gift from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Raising World Changers in a changing World by Kristen Welch.

I believe Kristen Welch's new book, Raising World Changers, speaks straight from the heart of the gospel. She talks a lot about loving God and loving others. She talks about taking time to notice people around us, and to see beyond the surface to their hearts. She talks about the importance of using our time, talent, and treasures to meet the needs of people around us. She tells lots of stories of her family's journey to serve others sacrificially, and the trials that have come as a part of that journey. She also talks about how serving selflessly has changed her heart, her marriage, her children, and even her outlook on life. 

I especially enjoyed the full chapter she devotes to taking time to rest, as that's a critical step that servant-hearted Christians tend to miss. Myself included! Welch is vulnerable and real. It is not a quick easy "beach read", but read in small doses, this book will invite you to reflect upon your heart and perhaps even change your life as you also change the lives of others in your family and sphere of influence. I'm excited to see the ripple effects of how her book could change hearts all around the world.

I would recommend this book to any parent who wants their family to find true joy by focusing on God and others. This would be a great book for parents or friends to read together, taking time to discuss it as they read each chapter.

I received this book as a gift from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

How to Be a Perfect Christian

A group called The Babylon Bee just published a funny Christian satire called How to Be a Perfect Christian. It's touted as a comprehensive guide to flawless spiritual living. Which by the title you can tell is completely sarcastic; at least you hope it is completely sarcastic.

The book claims to teach people how to join the right Church without any hopeless losers, how to vet your pastor by his gestures and sermon acronyms, how to worship like a pro finding that emotional high every time, and how to do life together without anyone getting beneath the surface to see any messes in your life. One of the funniest chapters was reading about serving the church without lifting a finger.

It's full of modern humor and sure to make you laugh out loud!

I would recommend us to believers who like to laugh and take a humorous assessment of their own faith, their Christian practices, and even their church.

I received this book as a gift from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Great resource for Christian Parents!

Raising Passionate Jesus Followers: The Power of Intentional Parenting

Written by Phil Comer and Diane Comer

Great resource for Christian parents! Full of relatable stories, practical tips, and Bible-based wisdom for parents. There are great reminders for us to pray for our kids - and specific scriptures to pray. There are sections for various stages of child-rearing: 0-5, 6-12, 13-17, and 18-22.  There is a great summary at the end of each section that reminds parents of our goal for that stage and a list of the developmental tasks parents should be working on with their children.

This book will inspire, challenge, encourage, and equip parents on this marathon to raise our kids to raise passionate Jesus Followers. It's a book parents will surely refer to again and again.

I would recommend this book to any Christian parent, especially a Christian parent who seeks to raise children who love Jesus, love others, and want to make a difference in the world.

THANK YOU to the authors for this great resource!!

I received this book as a gift from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

National Parks Novel

Karen Burnett just released a national parks novel titled "Where the Fire Falls". I enjoyed it from start to finish, as I was quickly lost in the world of art, then into the world of the beautiful Yosemite National Park. The book is set in 1929. It's about Olivia, an artist who is trying to escape her past and find a way to financially, physically, and emotionally support her two younger sisters.  It's also about a park trail guide named Clark, who's trying to escape his past and discover his future. Readers will enjoy the plots set against the two main characters, the friends that rally around to support them, and the amazing beauty you can visualize as you read Burnett's descriptions of the park. Readers will be encouraged by the underlying theme of God's unfailing love, his mercy, his purpose for our lives, and his constant companionship.

I recommend this book for readers age 16 and older. 

I received this book as a gift from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.