Rhythms of Grace: Discovering God's Tempo for Your Life by Kerri Weems

Weems writes in a way that draws the reader to crave peace and balance and how it can be found in their life. Weems covers different subjects such as work, relationships, your body, and spiritual vitality.

After laying a case for why each area needs to be examined, tools are given to examine the area.  At the end, specific steps in how to create a calendar and life, with margins, are added. They have easy directions to follow at your leisure.

This is an interesting book, because its focus is on the light of realigning yourself with God in your life. Weemses introduction in the chapters to the main points, invites the reader to investigate further at their own pace.

I liked the book and recommend to keep it for devotions and to give as a gift.  I received eBook from Zondervan Publishing through Net Galley for my review.

Every Valley Advent with the Scriptures of Handel's Messiah by Albert L. Blackwell

Handel's Messiah is one of the most beloved musical works of the western world, playing an especially sentimental role in many people's Christmas traditions. The work, taken directly from the King James text has turned many, otherwise forgettable phrases, into memorable, singable, cherished, lines of Scripture.

Every Valley is a 40-day Advent devotional based upon the Bible verses that comprise the text of Handel's Messiah. Each chapter begins with the text and concludes with a meditation on those verses. Everything from long-ago history to current events is utilized in the understanding of the text.

A gift worthy book. I received a copy of eBook from Westminster John Knox Press through Net Galley for my review.

A.D. 30 by Ted Dekker

Dekker’s characters, whose lives are filled with conflict, pain, suffering, and overcome with conquest and survival, experience the unexpected invasion of heaven on earth in the person of Jesus Christ. And when they find Him, they realize who they truly are.

Dekker writes from the perspective of Maviah, an Arabic woman from the mighty Kalb tribe, Maviah was born into a life of shame—the daughter of a king to a mother from the lowliest of tribes. As a child she was sold as a slave and sent to Egypt, but later found herself back in her father’s palace as a shameful outcast. Maviah's story itself is that of an outcast, slave, single mother.  Her world has been turned upside down and she has been tasked with appealing to Rome to restore her father’s throne. With only two faithful companions, she sets off across the desert to find the help she seeks.

Unfortunately, things don't really improve in her situation. One of her companions, Judah, is determined to find the Anointed One that the stars have proclaimed. Seeking her destiny is hard for Maviah and she has many obstacles to overcome. Be warned that this is the first of a series; you're left with something of a cliffhanger at the end. The next one is A.D. 33. It appears to be out October 2015, but if you read this one, you're going to want to know what happens next.

A.D 30 intersects with the character of Yeshua in way that makes his words come alive. Dekker treats Yeshua in a way that both honors and adds an air of mystery to him. He paints him as a man that many long to follow, but few can understand. I love this biblical fiction, it is one of the best stories I have read all year. I wholeheartedly recommend this book.

I received a copy of this e-book from FaithWords, through NetGalley in exchange for my review.

Soular Eclipse: Winning our war between Light and Darkness by Glenn Goree

         The war of the ages still rages . . . Since time began, there has been a struggle between the light and darkness that dwell within us. We are all ensnared by these battles between: light and dark, good and evil, right and wrong, and the flesh and the spirit. What is the nature of this darkness? What is the light that pulls us away from the darkness? Can we survive this constant war?

          In his debut book Goree endeavors to bring some sense into the Light and Darkness in each of us. He is a professional counselor and in this book Goree brings his experiences from his life and in the lives of his patients.

             He makes a case that the state of humans is a dire one. He also writes on how to win this battle and what has worked for him. I would’ve liked more focus on what it takes to win which would have been more encouraging.
    
            I would recommend this book for mature believers. Soular Eclipse will give you some insights into the light and darkness in people.  If this topic interests you I would encourage you to seek other resources as well for additional research.

I received a copy of this book from the author for my review.

Where tree tops glisten by Tricia Goyer, Cara Putman, and Sarah Sundin

The crunch of newly fallen snow, the weight of wartime siblings forging new paths, finding love in three stories, and filled with the wonder of Christmas

Turn back the clock to a different time, listen to sleigh bells in the snow, as the realities of America’s involvement in the Second World War change the lives of the Turner family in Lafayette, Indiana.

White Christmas by Cara Putman is the first one in this collection. Abigail and Jackson’s story starts out with a bit of mystery involving Jackson and it’s really the line that moves this story forward. Abigail's story is more along the emotional side as she deals with wanting to protect her heart.

I'll Be Home for Christmas by Sarah Sundin is the second one. Precocious children have a way of bringing humor into a story.  Sundin's novella included such a wonderful message, about how we all have a God-sized hole in our hearts and only He can fill it. The struggles that Pete and Grace have and the ways they look to find peace, unfold with plenty of Christmas romance.

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas by Tricia Goyer is the third story. Merry Turner is working as a combat nurse overseas in the Netherlands to help the war effort. She's faced with a betrayal and God plans to redeem her broken heart. Merry must trust in the Lord to heal her and plan for her future. This story has a strong focus on the gifts and blessings that God places in our lives and how much better off we are when we choose to accept those gifts.

Where Treetops Glisten is a charming collection of three heartwarming Christmas romances, of one family told through the backdrop of World War II and the relationships that connect them.

Great way to get into the Spirit during the holidays. I cannot wait to try the cookie recipes; what a wonderful bonus!

I received copy of e-Book from Blogging for Books Program for my review.

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