Forever Mom by Mary Ostyn

This adoptive mom, with four biological and six adopted children, addresses very thoughtfully the issues adoptive families face. She tells her family’s story about their adoption journey, describing particularly the attachment challenges each child brought. Her book is full of helpful hints concerning thinking one’s way through and coming to grips with all manner of issues. The author frames her helpful book by beginning at her own door, telling the story of how each child came to be adopted by her family. She addresses the topic of helping children settle in and gives very practical help with regard to picking one’s battles. Nurturing children with patience, kindness, and grace is particularly emphasized, and the author covers topics large and small. Each chapter closes with a pertinent passage of Scripture, and biblical principles are emphasized throughout the book. This book was interesting and challenging from cover to cover. I would recommend it to anyone interested in the topic of adoption. I received this book for free in exchange for my unbiased review through the Thomas Nelson BookSneeze Orogram.

“The Reluctant Journey” by Richard Leslie Parrott

This fresh look at the lives and spiritual walks of Abraham, Jacob and Joseph is a treasure, as the lessons each patriarch learned are applied effectively to our everyday lives through well-written lessons and follow-up questions at the end of each chapter. Issues addressed include identifying God’s voice, evaluating God’s trustworthiness and ability, whether God is responsible for our trials, why our trials are ours, and the reasons for our trials. Interwoven with these questions, which are often addressed by other authors, are unique thoughts and insights about family dysfunction. These may be the book’s most valuable offerings. The author asks deep questions about us and our origins, helping us to see ourselves in the lives of Abraham, Jacob and Joseph, and helping us find answers for our most troubling issues. Scripture is used effectively throughout this interesting, challenging and informative book. The book is well written, missing the repetition so often found in expository writing today. I would recommend this book to anyone. I received this book for free in exchange for my unbiased review through the Thomas Nelson BookSneeze Program.

David Wilkerson by Gary Wilkerson

"David Wilkerson" by son Gary Wilkerson is a thorough biography about the author of "The Cross and The Switchblade". It chronicles David's upbringing in a strict Pentecostal home, laying the foundation for the man he would become. The book carefully outlines David's beliefs and thinking as he grew up and most particularly emphasizes David's call from and walk with God throughout his life. The story is told chronologically and is clearly written. The book was challenging simply because of its subject, who walked with God boldly and decisively. David Wilkerson's personality was strong, and the narration of his life story was interesting. Biblical truth as David saw it was clearly communicated. This book was, however, overly long--300 pages. Only if you are extremely interested to know about David Wilkerson will you find the whole book interesting. If you are mildly interested, you will find it repetitive and long, as it seems to tell the same stories repeatedly. I would only recommend this book to those who are fascinated by David Wilkerson. I received this book for free in exchange for my unbiased review through the Thomas Nelson BookSneeze Program.

Redefining Leadership by Joseph Stowell

The author maintains that leadership is all about character, resulting in a leader who serves out of humility rather than position. Character, not outcome, is the key. John Maxwell says leadership is a gift. When it's treated as such, it becomes a stewardship rather than a position laden with expectations and rights. Real leaders follow, and they follow Jesus. John Maxwell says leadership's power is not to be used to bless oneself or to gain attention, affirmation and acclaim; rather, it is to be used to let go of perks and privileges, empty oneself of self, and lead by being a servant in humble obedience. This book was interesting and challenging, effectively citing Scripture to support the author's positions. The material was appealing and cohesive, although redundant in places, as so many books today are. I received this book for free in exchange for my unbiased review through the Thomas Nelson BookSneeze Program.

The God-First Life by Stovall Weems

The emphasis of this book putting God first by exercising the basic disciplines of the Christian life, such as praying, reading the Bible, church involvement, and being part of an active community. As someone who has read a lot of books on the basics of learning to walk with Christ, I would say that this book is about average in its approach, scope and depth. It is a good book to help someone get started with God. The book's doctrine is biblical and sound. Every once in a while there is a new nugget in this book, such as when the author talks about worship being a "space maker", by which he means that when we worship, we "make a space of praise for God to inhabit." The author gives the example of God fighting a battle for Jehoshaphat: "They did what they could do--they worshiped him and praised him. And then he did what only he could do--he defeated the enemy when they did not have any hope. The place of battle became a valley of blessing, and the outcome hinged on the worship of the people." Of particular value are the chapter notes at the end of the book, in which are listed many supporting Scriptures. The book is well researched and supported by appropriate Bible passages. I received this book free in exchange for a review on booksneeze.com

God is Just Not Fair by Jennifer Rothschild

This book is truly exceptional for a couple of reasons. One is that the author has earned credibility on the subject by losing her sight at age 15 and having that situation increase in difficulty as the decades have passed. The other is that, plain and simple, she is an excellent writer who has thoroughly considered the subject about which she is writing: is God fair? The author approaches this difficult subject from many angles, asking if God cares, errs, is aware, and hear prayers. She uses both Scripture and people's experiences to demonstrate God's character, which is to be trusted. The depth of the author's personality is reflected in this book. At one point, she talks about feeling guilty for being blind. She knows this is not logical but also realizes that perhaps the reason she chooses to feel this way is to avoid the alternative: to blame God. It is easy to find yourself reflected in her thoughts and feelings, all of which point you to the answer that God is good. I would recommend this book to anyone. It well written and well reasoned, a "keeper". I received this book from Thomas Nelson in exchange for my agreement to read and review it.

The Storm Inside by Sheila Walsh

In a nutshell, this book is about overcoming feelings with faith. Sheila Walsh addresses challenging emotions including heartbreak, disappointment, unforgiveness, shame, regret, fear, insecurity, insignificance, despair, and rage, matching each with its spiritual counterweight. This is one of the author’s best works. She shares most personal stories and insights than she usually does, giving the reader a deep sense that Sheila Walsh knows what she’s talking about. She uses Scripture extremely effectively, ending chapter with contemplative questions and a prayer. For the reader looking for guidance when dealing with difficult emotions, I would highly recommend this work. Sheila Walsh demonstrates a spiritual maturity and depth which are refreshing to see. I received this book for free in exchange for my unbiased review through the Thomas Nelson BookSneeze Program.