Christian Shelves

Not only does  The Wisdom Pyramid by Brett McCracken have a stunning and memorable cover, but its content is just as clear and striking. I'm always a fan of when book covers can bring to life the concepts within the book, making this image one to recall when considering the sources of wisdom in life. I am grateful to Crossway for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own. Book Synopsis We're facing an information overload. With the quick tap of a finger we can access an endless stream of addictive information―sports scores, breaking news, political opinions, streaming TV, the latest Instagram posts, and much more. Accessing information has never been easier―but acquiring wisdom is increasingly difficult. In an effort to help us consume a more balanced, healthy diet of information, Brett McCracken has created the “Wisdom Pyramid.” Inspired by the food pyramid model, the Wisdom Pyramid challenges us to increase our intake of enduring, trustwor...

A newer-to-me author this year has been Rose Fresquez , and I'm quickly discovering just how enjoyable her office books are—probably because I can relate to the workplace antics. Yours Blindly is the second book in the Office Heartthrobs series and released earlier this week. I am grateful to the author for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own. Book Synopsis He’s the bane of her existence. She’s the reason for his. Most people at the office consider me a nice guy, friendly even—everyone, that is, except for the graphic designer. Lexi Sinclair branded me the enemy from the day I challenged her designs in a critical meeting. Despite her skill in crafting stunning visuals, I'm the gatekeeper of what ultimately makes it to our platforms. As the marketing director, I'm not just her boss by title; I define the strategy. Yet, she resists me at every opportunity, a challenge I'm tempted to sidestep—before she gets under my skin. Fate, ho...

I love it when God uses a story to bless and encourage me right where I am. Muskoka Miracle , the seventh book in the Muskoka Shores series by Carolyn Miller , is a book that I undeniably needed to read in this season of my life. It releases today, and it is a book that not only grabs your heart, it won't leave your mind anytime soon, either. I am grateful to the author for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own. Book Synopsis Sarah Walton might now be living out her dreams with her gorgeous husband and writing and recording music and touring with a globally famous Christian music group, but time spent in Muskoka is a slice of paradise, the perfect escape from that crazy busy world. She has so much to be thankful for... except there's just one thing. Dan Walton knows he is blessed, but can't stop a niggling desire for something to change. Is it wrong to want more? Or should he just let go of his secret wish—one he can't share with h...

In reading books on comparative religious systems, I am struck by how necessary it is to clearly define terminology and theological concepts to avoid any misunderstandings. It is far too easy to believe that words have the same meaning when that is not the case at all. Any more than a cursory glance between biblical, historic Christianity and the beliefs of adherents to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will make it clear that using the same terms does not equate to them referencing the same things. Introducing Christianity to Mormons by Eric Johnson is an excellent resource for Christians that breaks down all of these stark differences. Note : The author has shared that the now-preferred full name of the LDS church is quite lengthy and cumbersome to repeat within the content, which is why the title is imperfect but the one that makes the most sense. Though "Mormon" appears to have now fallen out of favour—which seems to be quite a shift from their previous “I ...

I normally read books in their series order, but I was excited to have an excuse to jump to this book as its sequel is releasing this week! Muskoka Blue is the last book in the Original Six Hockey Romance series by  Carolyn Miller , but it takes us to the Muskoka Shores series , meaning it's not the last time I get to pay a visit to this scenic part of Canada 😊 Book Synopsis An ice princess with a broken heart. A pro hockey player with a secret. For Sarah Maguire, spending the summer at Lake Muskoka was supposed to be about finding the courage to put back the pieces of her shattered life—not falling in love with the charming yet unsophisticated hockey player from next door. Daniel Walton may have been praying for Miss Right to appear, but Sarah’s ice princess act just cries Miss Wrong. Dan’s summer plans hadn’t included befriending a redhead with a sassy tongue and cute accent, but as Muskoka works its magic he soon discovers that underneath the frost and prickles is the funny, ...

It's interesting to discover what people should be and shouldn't be doing when they share about books online. More and more, I feel like there can be a backlash against anything now, to the point where anyone with a passion for books can feel paralyzed in offering their own bookish content. For the large part, I try to tune out these things because it's ever-changing, and if it's not one thing, it'll be another. I'm sad when people feel stifled due to these capricious "rules" that half (if not more of) the time seem to keep people from excitedly engaging in what they love most. I'm thankful that I've received immense support from the reading community when I first started out, so I want to encourage anyone who is thinking of jumping in with their personal approach to books by sharing how I practically break the following ten rules covering things from content generation to materials access: I'm not supposed to use Canva for my book posts.  ...

I've shared before that being on Threads has been an interesting experience. It's certainly helpful in better understanding book trends as a whole, but a lot of the controversies I read about about are—in a word—awful. Awful for readers and authors alike, which is somehow a unique shared experience. I suppose that with symbiosis, when one falters, it affects the other. I'm likely not alone in my observation that there appears to be a lot more authors who are caught in the crosshairs of being popular one day and then being cancelled the next day. It's an interesting phenomenon where, with shared accountability, there is an increased demand that authors get things right, which I can't fault or disagree with. However, the speed at which the tides turn amazes me where people will spend a lot of time and resources on a particular author, only to "dump" them as soon as there is a hint (or more, way more) of controversy. I'm not questioning whether it's l...

Is it possible to love a Christmas book any more than this when it's based on Pride and Prejudice?! And when there are cookies involved? I think not 😄 This fifth book in the Christmas in Garland series,  Love and Christmas Cookies by A.M. Heath, knocked it out of the park for me by demonstrating why this is such a beloved Christmas collection of stories. Book Synopsis There’s only one rule in business: Do NOT fall in love with the competition! After years of loyalty, Kate Leverett is outraged when the owner of the Cookie Tin plans to sell it out from underneath her. She now has two months to prove she deserves the shop and is not letting anyone stand in her way. Least of all her meddling stepmother or the handsome man waiting to take her place. Wade Matthews leaves behind his aunt’s cupcake empire to build his own cookie chain. His plan hits a snag when he unintentionally dissolves a longstanding agreement. To right the wrong, he’s managing the store while the local sweetheart co...

One of the Christian Bookstagrammers whom I love following is Brandi Davis ( @becomingbookbybook ). Not only does she share great Christian books, but she has the neatest job in doing the beautiful interior design inside these books. That's how I first heard about Unhurried: An Invitation to Slow Down, Create Margin, and Surrender Control to God by Samantha Decker , which I can verify is both lovely in its content and in how it's laid out. I am grateful to the author for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own. Book Synopsis Experience the joy of slowing down, creating margin, and surrendering control to God. This book is an invitation to rest, create space, and join God in the work He’s doing. This is the story of a God who knows how to rest. A God who has everything under control. A God who gave His only Son to save us from our sins and the bondage they bring. In Christ, there is freedom from striving, busyness, and hurry. Are you ready t...

Meghann Whistler is one of the authors that was first introduced to me by LibraryThing, and I'm grateful that I've been able to follow her books ever since! She still stands out to me as writing some of the best medical scenes I've come across, and it's always a treat to get to enjoy each new release. The Pastor's Hope is her latest Love Inspired title, and the cover is quite fun with all of the blue 💙 Many thanks to Meghann Whistler  and  LibraryThing  for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Book Thoughts content is also posted on LibraryThing. Book Synopsis Can they let go of the past…  to find a fresh start? When pastor Nate Anderson says yes to being his father’s best man, he certainly doesn’t expect to be matched up with the maid of honor. The widowed single dad has been alone a long time but has never wanted to give his heart to anyone. Thankfully, recent widow Amanda Kobayashi feels the same way...