Mondays with My Old Pastor

By: Jose Luis Navajo

Mondays with My Old Pastor is about Jose Navajo, a pastor, who was burned-out from years of serving in the ministry.  On the verge of giving up he began meeting with his old pastor every Monday.  This book chronicles twelve of their Monday meetings along with an unexpected meeting.  Through stories and personal experiences this old pastor shares his wisdom gained from years of spending time with the Lord.  This is truly a heartwarming story that will make you laugh, as well as, shed some tears.

I absolutely loved this book and learned so much by reading it.  I know this book will be one that I reference often.  The life lessons were simple yet powerful.  Jose wrote the book in such a way that you felt like you were sitting right there with him and his old pastor.  I believe Jose was truly blessed by having this man in his life.  This book illustrates how much one life can impact the life of another.  Although people in ministry may be drawn to this book I believe that people who are not in ministry can also apply these principles to their lives.

*I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

She's Got Issues

By: Nicole Unice

I had never heard of Nicole Unice before but something about the introduction and summary of this book made me want to read it.  I am so glad that I did!  This book is about how many of us try to live a good Christian life but the same issues, that have tormented us for years, try to keep us from living life to the fullest.  These issues include insecurity, fear, comparison, anger and control.  Nicole explains these issues in a very relatable way.  She also includes quizzes, prayers and other self-assessment tools such as journaling exercises and group discussion questions.  I found these tools to be helpful and think that this book would make an excellent small group study or a study to do on your own.

I am so glad that I choose to review this book as it really spoke to me.  I enjoyed Nicole’s style of writing as I felt like I was sitting with a friend who really knew me and what I was going through.  Many times I found myself re-reading a sentence because it was like a light bulb went off when I read it.  This book also served as a gentle reminder of things that I know but so often overlook.  I definitely recommend this book.     

  

*Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book.

 Additional Resources:

Author Site: http://www.nicoleunice.com/
Video Clip: http://www.tyndale.com/video/369

Wildflowers from Winter

By: Katie Ganshert

The book Wildflowers from Winter is a wonderful debut novel written by author Katie Ganshert.  I could not put this book down.  It captured my attention from the beginning.  Please click the following link to read the first chapter.  Read Chapter One 

This fictional story is about the journey of Bethany Quinn.  She is an architect at a prestigious Chicago firm and has built a life this is far from the life that she lived growing up in Iowa.  One day she receives a call from her estranged mother regarding a tragedy that her friend, Robin, has suffered.  Although Bethany has distanced herself from Robin over the years, she decides to return to Iowa to support her friend.  Bethany plans to return to Chicago as fast she can but an unexpected inheritance ties her once more to the place she would most like to forget. 

 

I highly recommend this book.  It was well written.  The author sprinkles clues throughout the book that eventually lead you to the pain that Bethany had to endure as a child.  This book has a lot of twists and turns that will keep you wanting to read on to find out what happens next.  Along with the element of sorrow this book also contains a romance story.  It is definitely worth reading.  Also, in March 2013 there will be a second book called Wishing on Willows which will be Robin’s story.  The author mentions this in the Acknowledgements section of the book, as well as, on her website.  Please see below for additional links that you want may to check out.

*I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Additional links:

• Author's Site
• More Info
• Author Bio

He Chose the Nails

By: Max Lucado

He Choose the Nails is another insightful book by Max Lucado.  The cover of this book drew me in. There is a picture of a cross made out of nails and a crown made of barbed wire.  Max explains how someone left a cross on his desk years ago along with a note.  This cross is what is pictured on the front cover.  It is an interesting story that you can read about in the “Acknowledgements” section.   I really enjoyed reading this book around Easter time as it was a good reminder of what Jesus did for us.  In this book Max describes the details of the crucifixion by breaking it down into the promises of God.  Each chapter describes God’s promise such as “God’s Promise in the Soldiers’ Spit, God’s Promise in the Crown of Thorns, etc.”  I thought the whole book was good but the last chapter titled “What Will You Leave at the Cross?” and the “Final Words” really impacted me.  I found them to be very powerful and encouraging. 

I cannot say enough good things about this book.  I have always enjoyed Max’s style of writing as it really speaks to me.  I enjoy the personal nature of his books as he draws from his personal experiences to drive a point home.   I encourage you to read this book to gain another perspective on how much Jesus loves you.      

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Simply Grillin: 105 Recipes for Quick and Casual Grilling

By: Jennifer Chandler

Simply Grilling is filled with so many mouth-watering recipes!  I am so glad that summer is just around the corner.  However, I learned from this book that I can grill any time of the year by purchasing a cast-iron grill pan that can be used indoors.  What I love about this cookbook is that it is not just a cookbook filled with recipes it is truly educational.  The author did a great job explaining how easy grilling can be.  Not being an experienced griller myself, I learned so many great tips from this book including that even salad can be grilled.  The author makes the book very user friendly by including a grill pan icon with recipes that can be made indoors which I believe will be very helpful when choosing recipes.  The author also really thought about her audience and includes the following with her recipes (when applicable): cooking tips, do-ahead, variations, marinate, and suggested sides.  There are so many other useful tips like the differences between gas and charcoal grills, how to best control the heat of the grill, how to be sure that meats are properly cooked and what items are essential for grilling.  I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone.  For the less experienced griller, I am sure you will find the tips very useful.  For both the experienced and less experienced griller, I am sure you will enjoy the recipes! 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Farm Fresh Southern Cooking: Straight from the Garden to Your Dinner Table

By: Tammy Algood

Farm Fresh Southern Cooking is a great cookbook with a lot of wonderful recipes!  I cannot wait to try them.  The author encourages people to cook fresh foods and purchase these items from their local farmers market.  She mentions that finding a local market can be a challenge for some people so she explains where to go to find this information.  She also encourages people, when traveling, to shop at local farmers markets.  She makes a great, often overlooked point, that different states may have different growing conditions.  Therefore, when traveling, people may often find that food tastes better than what they are used to at home or they may find some unique food items.  I have found this to be true in my travels.   

Another great part of this book is that it spotlights farms and farmers markets.  The author did a great job sprinkling this information through-out the book.  Included with the name of the market is the address, phone number, e-mail and website (if applicable), and consumer experience.  The consumer experience is helpful as it notes if it is a farmers market or if items can be purchased on-line.  The author also includes some information about the market.  I think this information would also be great for anyone who is traveling and looking to check out some local markets.

I would definitely recommend this book!  Enjoy! 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Great Day Every Day By: Max Lucado

Great Day Every Day is a book about navigating through the ups and downs in life.  Max Lucado challenges his readers to weave Psalm 118:24 into each day.  This scripture states “This is the day the Lord has made.  We will rejoice and be glad in it.”  The scripture does not state that we must only rejoice in the good days.  Yes, life can certainly throw some curve balls but the key is how we respond.  Max encourages his readers to trust the Lord in all things and believe He is in control of each day.  Max also points out that just because something bad happens during the day does not mean that the entire day should be viewed as “bad”.  For example, someone may receive a speeding ticket but, who knows, that speeding ticket may have saved him/her from being involved in an accident up ahead. 

 Max Lucado is truly a gifted writer who can say so much in so few words.  I really enjoyed this book and found it encouraging.  It was a short book (only 112 pages) and very easy to read.  There is a Daily Compass at the end of each chapter which provides some scripture(s) and some thoughts to reflect upon.  At the end of the book there is a discussion guide and a thirty-day devotional.  I would definitely recommend reading this book.

 Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”