A Few Recent Reads

I need to recap some of my recent review reads so I figured it'd be best to just do post with all of them. I've read some good books lately!

First up is this one...

10 Choices Successful Couples Make: The Secret to Love That Lasts a Lifetime by Dr. Ron Welch

You guys...this book is so good. I have read many books on marriage in the past and this one is truly one of my favorites. In fact, after I finished I told Matt that I wanted to read it together ASAP. What sets it apart from other books on marriage? It's not silly/cheesy and it has practical application exercises that can be done as a couple.

This second point is exactly why I want Matt and I to read the book together soon. I think application in this type of book can be majorly helpful. If I just out of the blue recommended that Matt and I complete all of the exercises he'd probably respond with "Why?" (and I'd respond that way, too!) but when a book tells us what to do, how to do it and gives us the tools to complete the task, it makes it so much better.

I also enjoyed that this book was practical and not overwhelming. I've read marriage books in the past that were just simply overwhelming - too much information for me to process and that doesn't help me! This book was straight-forward. Welch offered experiences from his own life but also included experiences of couples he worked with in the past. Real life examples are so helpful. It makes us feel less isolated in things we may be going through!

I highly recommend this book and am looking forward to Matt and I reading it together soon.

**Revell sent me a complimentary copy of this book.**

Next up...

The Way of The Warrior: An Ancient Path to Inner Peace by Erwin Raphael McManus

This book is HEAVY. Super heavy, in my opinion. McManus's goal in this book is to give practical tools to help the believer live in victory and walk in peace. While I do think this is achieved in the book by exploring ancient biblical principles, it is a hard read. It's intellectual and full of many complex thoughts and it is intense. Does that mean it was bad? NOT AT ALL! In fact, I think this book is incredible. It just isn't a book you can breeze right through and catch all of it. I think this book would be best read in small chunks (5-10 pages with a highlighter!) so that the reader can really digest the information.

This book is difficult for me to explain (as I'm sure you've already seen!) There is no doubt that McManus is passionate about what he is teaching and I think that despite the heaviness of this book, it is what kept me reading. You can feel the passion in the pages.

I also feel like this book is great for men. The tone, to me, is masculine and the stories are more appealing for men. I kept thinking of Christians who have maybe grown stagnant in their walk and this book helping to revive them and move to a new place with God.

I hope all of that makes sense.

**Waterbrook sent me a complimentary copy of this book.**

Third book...

Brave Love by Lisa Leonard

Lisa Leonad's  debut book is incredible. I was honored to be a part of the launch team for this book and I'm serious when I say that I could not put this book down! Lisa's story is raw and real and genuine and I felt like I was sitting right beside her and she was pouring her heart out to me. Lisa's life has been beautiful but also hard. She and her husband had been married a show time when they found out she was expecting their first child. On the day he was born, they found out he had a unique syndrome that would impact his and their lives forever. Lisa shares how she put herself on the back burner in many ways and, in the process, lost herself. I love the beautiful story of redemption and healing she shares. I have already passed this book along to a friend and cannot wait to keep telling people about it!

**As a part of the launch team, I received this book for free.**

When I Pray for You by Matthew Paul Turner 

The newest children's book from Matthew Paul Turn, When I Pray for You, is absolutely incredible. From the writing on each page to the illustrations, you'll be oohing and ahing and crying! It's a special book for sure.

Turner has a way with words that draw in people of all ages. Both of my boys (5 and 2.5) have enjoyed reading. The concept of praying for our children is an important one and I try hard each day to pray for our boys. This book put to words what I often pray for in my heart. It's incredibly neat to see the illustrations which are beautiful and inclusive. Children of all races are included and children with different uniquenesses are included as well and that is important and special. This book is definitely worth checking out! 

**I am glad I was able to be a part of this launch team.**