The Year God Died: Jesus and the Roman Empire in 33 AD by James Lacey

★★★★★  The publisher provided a copy for review
This interesting work of "creative non-fiction" fills in the blanks of the New Testament era of Jesus. The gaps in what we know and imagine narrow with Lacey's excellent research and scholarly speculation. I found it useful and helpful, imagining what life and government was like.

Lacey notes that it's fascinating to compare what historians and archeologists accept as reasonable: the actual existence of Alexander, Aristotle, and Livy, for example. Alexander's conquests were written down 250 years after his death; only 35 books of Livy's 142 volume history of Rome remain; and "scholars possess less than a third of what Aristotle wrote."

Lacey compares those "solid histories" accepted by philosophers and academics with their cycles of speculation that Jesus was a myth, when the same researched have thousands of documented stories about Jesus' life and teachings available. The accounts about Jesus were collected and written down when eyewitnesses could still verify their accuracy.

I thoroughly enjoyed this. Recommended for scholars, historians, pastors, and others who want to understand New Testament times.

Welcome to the Creative Club: Make Life Your Biggest Art Project by Pia Mailhot-Leichter

 

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.

When an artist reflects on life, there's bound to be color and texture. So it is as Leichter talks about life in New York, marriage, literature, and art. There's both good advice and hair-raising recollections.

An interesting book that will make you consider your life as a maker and creative soul, while giving practical advice. Paragraphs, prose, and poems. Lots in here.

Recommended if you're stuck in a creative rut or wondering if you could add some interest to the world.

Cooperating with the Holy Spirit by Rev. Dr. Suzanne Nicholson

 

★★★★★  The publisher provided a copy for review
Felt privileged to review this one. I watched the Awakening at Asbury from afar. I wasn't sure what to think - we get so much hype and hysteria by the media for the smallest event.

This book was amazing. It was like being given a front row seat to God at work. Like watching the whole parade from different angles. 

The authors are considered, theological, and personal in their reflections on a season of movement by the Holy Spirit at their university. They record the backdrop, the events, and the ongoing effects of God's surprise.

I recommend this for theologians, church historians, skeptics, and friends. Couldn't put it down.

Fruitful Living: Growing a Life That Matters by Elisa Morgan

 

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
Many followers of Jesus have no idea about growing in faith. They go along, day to day, hoping for relief, release, and some movement away from destructive habits, harmful emotions, or clouded thinking.

Morgan makes a clear and compelling argument for the ongoing transformation of a disciple. She examines the fruit that the Holy Spirit develops naturally as we obey.

You don't have to be perfect, you may fail, and you may feel discouraged at times. But Morgan shows how Jesus will shape every part of your life from the inside out. Growth - and spiritual fruit - is normal, life-bringing, and sweet progress.

Recommended for studies, small groups, and those seeking a deeper walk with Jesus.

Estranged: How Strained Female Friendships Are Mended or Ended by Susan Shapiro Barash

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
Oh boy. Or should that be, Oh, girl?

Female friendships can be high maintenance. Mostly, they're worth it. 

But what if a relationships sours or is poisoned by ghosting and spite? What do you do when a former friend responds to you with quarrels, jealousy or other conflict? Sometimes it's better not to try to resuscitate what's dead.

This practical and storied book examines how friendships develop, are shaped, paused, and terminated. Barash gives practical and personal counsel for recognizing when a female friendship is over or nearing its end. 

Well worth reading, whether you've just been frozen or kicked out of a relationships - or whether you're mentoring and counseling women whose hearts are breaking, along with their trust in someone they counted on.

The New Testament around the World: Exploring Key Texts from Different Contexts by Mariam Kamell Kovalishyn, ed.

★★★★★  The publisher provided a copy for review
 Interested in how cultures and worldviews affect comprehension and application? Whether you're exploring scripture for the first time, or interested in deepening your understanding of how Jesus and the Early Church are understood around the world, you'll enjoy this.

If you're into anthropology and intercultural studies, you'll love it. The compilation of theology by scholars from every continent was very interesting. 

My husband's a theologian who wrestles with reading the text in its context. "What did it mean to hearers (readers) who encountered the gospels and letters for the first time? And what does it mean to us now?"

How do we perceive the Living Word? Our approach is colored by our backgrounds, of course. Everyone who reads scripture has his/her own biases.

My husband and I have interesting conversations on walks and around the table, together, with our students, and with others. This will provide fodder for discussion, no doubt about it.

A Book for Christmas by Selma Lagerlöf

 

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
I enjoyed this retelling of a Swedish fairytale. It was warm and compelling, something I could read aloud with a friend or child.

Christmas may be over but it doesn't hurt to feel its glow in the new year. Feels like a good book to put on your comfy chair, along with a warm blanket and fuzzy slippers, as you reach over to stoke the fire in the fireplace before settling down.