Who Are You to Judge? by Erwin W. Lutzer

Who Are You to Judge?: Learning to Distinguish Between Truths, Half-Truths, and Lies

by Erwin W. Lutzer

  This is an incredibly relevant and necessary book in our day and age! Judging is a very touchy subject with people either going overboard or the opposite extreme- discarding all godly judgment. People (Christians and unbelievers alike) are even loathe to be discerning, resulting in a really, really messed-up world. There is stability and peace in personal convictions and rules made according to God's word- not to mention glorifying God Himself! 

The amazing thing about this book is the balance: the author, Mr. Erwin Lutzer takes this difficult subject and investigates it with clarity, wisdom and Biblical soundness. I highly recommend this surprisingly easy-to-comprehend book and assure you that you will not be offended or confused by it. I have read (and reviewed) many books dealing with issues of today and such problems and I found all too many of those Christian books to be confusing, weak or unfounded on Biblical truth. This book I trust and understood very well. Before reading this paperback you might wonder if it's right to judge or if you should just accept everything that is going on around you...well, this book will gently open your eyes to what God says in His Word! Also, this book by Erwin Lutzer is good in that it doesn't put down denominations- rather, the author explains everything quite factually without pointing fingers. Of course, he also writes with strength and an upholding of God's truths. So read this book with a humble heart and be prepared to view the world around you differently, through a lens more like our Maker's! 

More about the book: 
We live in a world that tolerates everything but judgment. What we don’t realize is that right judgment is the key to right living.Who Are You To Judge? is Lutzer’s word to a culture that hates being told how to live and to a church called to purity.

After explaining the difference between judging and being judgmental, Lutzer guides Christians in discerning various critical issues, including miracles, matters of doctrine, and godly engagement with entertainment and culture.

With a passion for biblical truth and intolerance for lies, Lutzer is compelling and gut-honest. Who Are You to Judge? calls us to not only embrace the truth, but also to live according to it, speaking the truth in love to a world so desperately in need of both.

Swimming with Faith: The Missy Franklin Story by Natalie Davis Miller

Swimming with Faith: The Missy Franklin Story

by Natalie Davis Miller

   I was excited to review this book because growing up, swam twice a week, loved it and still do. Although I do not follow Olympic news, my love of aquatic sports made me eager to read this biography. Of course, I also have a thing for biographies! I have read a couple similar biographies published by this company and find them quite interesting and appropriate for a variety of ages and readers. Although directed to a younger audience perhaps, these books are just as interesting to adults such as myself. We older readers can simply finish the slim paperback much faster and obviously (hopefully) don't need the short dictionary at the back of the book! 

Missy Franklin is one of the most talented swimmers in the world. She is a four-time Olympic gold medalist and currently holds the world record in the 200-meter backstroke and American records in both the 100-meter and 200-meter backstroke. She was Swimming World’s World Swimmer of the Year and the American Swimmer of the Year in 2012. This story tells of her rise in fame and humbleness in the sport.

I found this biography quite interesting. It was very detailed, which might bore younger readers who have no interest in sports/swimming/Missy Franklin. However, the book was not boring to me. I was inspired by Missy Franklin's story and her quest for victory at even such a young age! One thing that surprised me is that although she has a strong faith, she is Catholic, which is important to understand before reading the book. 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. 

The Blessing of Humility: Walk Within Your Calling by Jerry Bridges

The Blessing of Humility: Walk Within Your Calling

by Jerry Bridges

Humility- definitely a topic I need to read and meditate more on! As humans, we are so caught up with ourselves, to the point of idolizing our selves and our personalities rather than God. We don't seek the utmost good for others and we think far to highly of ourselves. Just being caught up in our own world and thoughts and not thinking of glorifying God leads to the opposite of humility: pride and self-centeredness. 
This book was written by Jerry Bridges, a highly-respected author who has already gone to his eternal home. In this book and in 95 pages, Mr. Bridges studies humility using the basis of the Beatitudes. Any reader will find this book easy to read and fairly easy to comprehend. It also includes a discussion guide which will help the reader or study group gain further wisdom from this slim paperback book. 

We all admire humility when we see it. But how do we practice it? How does humility--the foundational virtue of the normal Christian life--become a normal part of our everyday lives?Jerry Bridges sees in the Beatitudes a series of blessings from Jesus, a pattern for humility in action. Starting with poverty in spirit--an acknowledgment that in and of ourselves we are incapable of living holy lives pleasing to God--and proceeding through our mourning over personal sin, our hunger and thirst for righteousness, our experience of persecutions large and small, and more, we discover that humility is itself a blessing: At every turn, God is present to us, giving grace to the humble and lifting us up to blessing.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Plated: Weeknight Dinners, Weekend Feasts, and Everything in Between by Elana Karp, Suzanne Lehrer

Plated: Weeknight Dinners, Weekend Feasts, and Everything in Between

by Elana Karp, Suzanne Lehrer

I thought this company'sidea marvelous and unique. The recipes in this book are nice and will please the healthy eater and cook. However, there were too few of each kind for my preference. There were also too few dessert recipes, considering that they looked the best out of all the recipes in this new cookbook!

The more than 125 inventive, repertoire-building recipes inPlated will help you cook and eat food you love without having to think so hard about it. Every dish here will work no matter how much (or little) time you have to cook, whether it’s quick dinner on a Monday for two or a backyard barbecue for a crowd.  The recipes are all rooted in a core technique—think One-Pan Roasted Chicken, Slow-Simmered Turkey Chili, or Cheesy Baked Penne—but can also be customized according to peak produce and just what you’re in the mood for. Step-by-step prep instructions and menu ideas take the stress out of cooking, so you know exactly what to do and when. Here, too, are ways for you to stretch these recipes, like basic marinades and spice rubs that can be used on almost anything, reinventions for leftovers, big-batch make-aheads, company-worthy feasts, and perfect sides. Plated is sure to become a well-loved, sauce-splattered staple in your kitchen.

Review of the book- I Don't Wait Anymore: by Grace Thornton

I Don't Wait Anymore: Letting Go of Expectations and Grasping God's Adventure for You

by Grace Thornton

   I was excited when I saw this title because I certainly had a lot of expectations for my life and I am only now letting go and trying to let God take the lead. As soon as I began reading this beautiful hardcover book, I knew it was for me because of the author's specific struggle with singleness. It was uncannily like my own struggle (apart from the fact that the author used to have a great boyfriend which made her dreams seem more tangible and I haven't, so don't think I'm saying that my dreams tumbled as hard as the author's did!) and really spoke to my heart. I don't know what it is with the books I've been reading and reviewing recently; they are amazing and I keep giving them five stars! To clarify, I don't usually give five stars. But books like this one are necessary and life-changing. '

This book is a mixture of memoir and just a really deep yet easy-to-understand book on faith and living the life GOD wants you to live! I do recommend it for everyone! Read it and be changed. 

I don't agree with absolutely everything in this book and the author and I probably wouldn't agree doctrinally but she has many very, very important Biblical truths that I really learned from! I hope to add some wonderful quotes from this book to my review soon. 

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. 

Review of Hunting Hope by Nika Maples

Hunting Hope: Dig Through the Darkness to Find the Light

by Nika Maples 

When I got this book from the publisher to review, I didn't know how good it would be! The cover design, although interesting, doesn't reflect how real and life-changing the text of the book is! 

To begin, I must point out that this book is not Nika Maples' autobiography as I expected. However, it will not disappoint and is definitely worth reading whether or not you have read her previous book describing her difficult time with lupus and then a massive stroke at age 20! In fact, after reading Hunting Hope, you, like me will feel more inclined to check out Nika's first book which explains everything she's been through. 

Hunting Hope really is one of the best books I've ever read on this topic. Ms. Maples writes with clarity and wisdom, keeping everything in balance. It's hard to explain, the excitement and awe I feel when I come across books like this. I felt like Nika really speaks to my heart; convicting me even while understanding what I'm going through! She has a deep faith in the Lord and makes sure she honours and glorifies God throughout her book. 

One aspect which I loved and didn't expect of this book is Nika's journey towards understanding her singleness; this really spoke to me since I, like Nika wanted to be married and have a family and, like Nika never got to! Her journey to understanding God's will for her life was wonderful and reminded me that I do have a lot even without my biggest dream. 

Of course, even if you are married, this book will still change your life. Read it! And I assure you, I don't say that about every book I read. 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. 

\

My review of Hope Heals: A True Story of Overwhelming Loss and an Overcoming Love by Katherine Wolf, Jay Wolf

Hope Heals: A True Story of Overwhelming Loss and an Overcoming Love

by Katherine Wolf, Jay Wolf, Joni Eareckson Tada (Foreword)

Yet again, I am blessed to read and review a wonderful book on suffering and triumph through faith in Jesus! Hope Heals is a very interesting autobiography with perspectives from both Jay and Katherine Wolf. It is in depth without being boring and captures the trauma and trial of their long journey since the stroke.  In 2008, Katherine was a healthy, happy 26-year old married to Jay and mother of 6-month old James when suddenly and without human reason, she experienced a colossal stroke. Through the providence of God, her life was saved but with her left side permanently paralyzed and a myriad of hurdles to overcome before enjoying a more normal life again! This book is strong and full of the couple's faith. I love how Katherine is honest and shares her moments of doubt and despair and confusion over God's perfect will. Yet, what I also love is her unshakable trust in God which has led her to embrace the life He has chosen to give her. 

I highly recommend this book for those who are going through suffering, have experienced it in the past and who, like me have never gone through anything major. 

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

When all seems lost, where can hope be found?


Katherine and Jay married right after college and sought adventure far from home in Los Angeles, CA. As they pursued their dreams, they planted their lives in the city and in their church community. Their son, James, came along unexpectedly in the fall of 2007, and just 6 months later, everything changed in a moment for this young family.


On April 21, 2008, as James slept in the other room, Katherine collapsed, suffering a massive brain stem stroke without warning. Miraculously, Jay came home in time and called for help. Katherine was immediately rushed into micro-brain surgery, though her chance of survival was slim. As the sun rose the next morning, the surgeon proclaimed that Katherine had survived the removal of part of her brain, though her future recovery was completely uncertain. Yet in that moment, there was a spark of hope. Through 40 days on life support in the ICU and nearly 2 years in full-time brain rehab, that spark of hope was fanned into flame.


Defying every prognosis, with grit and grace, Katherine and Jay, side by side, struggled to regain a life for Katherine as she re-learned to talk and eat and walk. Returning home with a severely disabled body but a completely renewed purpose, they committed to celebrate this gift of a second chanceby embracing life fully, even though that life looked very different than they could have ever imagined. In the midst of continuing hardships and struggles, both in body and mind, Katherine and Jay found what we all long to find...hope, hope that heals the most broken place, our souls.


An excruciating yet beautiful road to recovery has led the Wolf family to their new normal, in which almost every moment of life is marked with the scars of that fateful April day in 2008. Now, eight years later, Katherine and Jay are stewarding their story of suffering, restoration, and Christ-centered hope in this broken world through their ministry Hope Heals.

The Basque Book: A Love Letter in Recipes from the Kitchen of Txikito by Alexandra Raij, Eder Montero, Rebecca Flint Marx

The Basque Book: A Love Letter in Recipes from the Kitchen of Txikito

by Alexandra Raij, Eder Montero, Rebecca Flint Marx

This large cookbook captures the unique beauty of the Basque region. I think this is the first cookbook I've ever seen focusing on this area between France and Spain. The cooking is unique and anyone will be delighted to learn of it from the expert chefs themselves- Alexandra Raiij and Eder Montero! Interestingly, this book combines the timeless tradition of the Basque area with award-winning recipes from the authors' New York-based restaurant! This combination is sure to amaze and please every cook and diner. 

Personally, although I thought this book beautiful and exciting, I will not be using this cookbook very much because there are too many seafood recipes. Since I do not live near a reliable and fresh source for seafood, I rarely indulge in such meals. 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. 

A collection of 100 Basque recipes from Alex Raij and Eder Montero, the acclaimed chef-owners of New York City restaurants Txikito, La Vara, and El Quinto Pino.

Few cuisines have captured more diners' imaginations, or inspired more chefs and restaurants around the world than that of Spain. And within the Spanish culinary pantheon, Basque cooking from the north is considered one of the country's most fascinating and essential traditions. In Basque, star chefs Alex Raij and Eder Montero take readers on a tour of the Basque countryside, in the process revealing the iconic ingredients, cooking techniques, and traditional dishes that define Basque cooking. They also share dishes from their award-winning New York restaurants, all inspired by the Basque kitchen but featuring elegant preparations and delightfully unexpected flavor combinations. The result is a complete primer on Basque cooking, with a wide array of recipes, ranging from a simple pil pil or refrito to showstopping pintxos and mains.

My review of the book Colors of Goodbye by September Vaudrey

Colors of Goodbye: A Memoir of Holding On, Letting Go, and Reclaiming Joy in the Wake of Loss

by September Vaudrey

What happens "after" the worst happens?
Before May 31, 2008, September Vaudrey's life was beautiful. But on that day, with one phone call from the ER, her whole world--everything she knew and believed--was shaken to the core. Katie, her 19-year-old artist daughter, had been in a car accident and would not survive. How does a family live in the wake of devastating tragedy? When darkness colors every moment, is it possible to find light? Can God still be good, even after goodbye?

  How can my words describe the beauty and value of this book? From the first chapter, I knew this book would be a favourite of mine. As I read, my first impression was not unfounded. This book really, really touched my heart. As I read the saga within, my heart ached for the family who lost their beloved and unforgettable 19-year old Katie! Yet, even while my heart was weeping, I sensed the great peace and joy that this family had, which can only come from a relationship with Jesus Christ! Since this book is penned by the mother of Katie, it is raw and real. I have never experienced loss like this and I want to prepare my heart and faith for such a time. So, I read books like this and come away feeling amazed by the faith God gives His children in times of grief. I highly, highly recommend this book for everyone- man or woman, untouched or shadowed by trials. Whether God has already given you strength to make it through a hard time, or you have no idea how you're going to get through another day, you need to read this book. 

The author, September Vaudrey is incredibly honest and open. Yet, at the same time she is not self-absorbed, proud or asking for pity. She writes- in a beautiful style- the whole truth of her and her family's time of grief and it really gives a picture of true sorrow and the love God bestows on them to get them through it. Do not miss this beautiful and God-glorifying book.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.