Reading Now: The Distant Hours by Kate Morton

Just got started, but I'm excited to read this one!   I've read her previous two books:  The House at Riverton  and The Forgotten Garden.  They were both amazingly good, and I am so anxious to crawl onto the couch, cover up and read for hours.  I'll let you know what I think...later.

Then Sings My Soul (Special Edition) by Robert J. Morgan

I play the piano at church and love the contemporary music, but I am also a big fan of the old stand-by hymns.  If I know that there's a touching, interesting, or inspirational story behind those hymns, I am all the more drawn in to the song.  Thanks to Robert J. Morgan's book Then Sings My Soul, I can throw myself into both the music and the story behind the song.  This book provides both the music as well as the stories behind 150 of the best-known hymns.  This would be a fantastic gift for a church pianist, worship leader, or anyone who loves those old hymns.  It is a beautiful book and one I would highly recommend.

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.”

Jesus Calling 365 Devotions for Kids

Jesus Calling 365 Devotions for Kids by Sarah Young (adapted by Tama Fortner) is a fantastic devotional book for children and adults.  Frankly, I'm going to enjoy using it for myself.  The devotions are written as though they are written by God, making them so much more personal.  As an adult, I sometimes understand and appreciate devotions more when they attempt to make me part of the story.  This book does that, in a completely child-friendly manner.  Each devotion begins with a key verse, journeys on to a short devotion and then provides 2-3 additional verses for the reader to read on his/her own.  I will be using this devotional book myself as well as with my children. 

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.”

Outlive Your Life by Max Lucado

Outlive Your Life is the latest thought-provoking, action-inducing book from Max Lucado.  In it, he uses anecdotes coupled with the book of Acts to explain the actions of the early church members and how they should be a model for us.  Bottom line:  Compassion. 

I am a Max Lucado fan.  If Max writes it, I read it.  While I usually jump into his books with both feet, I felt like I was just sticking my toe in on this one and hitting cool water in the first few chapters.  It didn't draw me in initially, whether that be because of my mood of the day or due to the subject matter.  I kept reading, however, and am so glad I did.  I had two favorite chapters, "Do Good, Quietly" and "Pray First; Pray Most."  I was awestruck by so many things in those chapters and now have a healthy supply of notes in the margins.  I plan to read this book again, using the included discussion guide, and take it in slowly, thoughtfully.  I would recommend Outlive Your Life, wholeheartedly, to everyone I know.  Give it a chance.  If you don't feel it pulling you under in the first few chapters, keep reading.   You won't be sorry you did.

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.”