Book Reviews

About the Book:

Book: Plague of Lies

Author: Marbeth Skwarczynski

Genre: Contemporary Christian Fiction

Release Date: January 6, 2026

Plague of Lies

The man who taught him how to live was living a lie.

Scott Andrews was content to be a rule-follower, happily attending church and youth group while planning a future with his beautiful girlfriend, Cindy. He and his friends planned to change the world. But when his mentor is exposed as a fraud, Scott’s life turns upside down. He’s forced to grow up, but unlike the man who betrayed him, Scott is determined to live honestly.

Lauren spent her life believing she was a mistake. Then, on her eighteenth birthday, a letter arrives from the father she’s never met. It seems out of character for a deadbeat dad who wanted nothing to do with her. But with the letter in hand, Lauren’s life suddenly has a purpose. She’ll confront the man and demand to know why he abandoned her so many years before.

It’s time for the truth to come out.

My Thoughts:

I often end up requesting review copies of books just because more reviewers are needed, and often I find myself disappointed with them. Then, once in awhile, I get one that makes me continue to take chances! Plague of Lies was one such book. I got started reading it—and didn’t want to stop! By the time I was about halfway through, I was thinking about the book when I had to be doing other things.

Plague of Lies is a good book. (Now I wish I had signed up for the other book I saw available once from this series! Too late now.) This is a clear picture of what happens when people lie, when sin is covered up, and when people live a double life. The fall-out in the church and community after a trusted person did the opposite of what he taught the youth group, and did not suffer any consequences for his betrayal, sounded all too familiar. 

This book is a split-time novel. Part of it is set in 2018, and there are frequent flashbacks to 1999. The parts from 2018 are in first-person, present tense; when Scott’s memories from 1999 are being shared, the point of view switches to third-person, past tense. That made it quite easy to know the setting and characters for each part. I couldn’t make up my mind which time period I liked better. Of course, I knew the outcome for the 1999 story, but the author did a great job of making it suspenseful. I didn’t know what would happen in 2018, and there was one situation that I completely misunderstood for awhile, just as Lauren did—that was done well!

Scott’s church and youth group, in 2018, seemed almost too perfect to be real. He learned from his and his parents’ and church’s mistakes when he was a teenager, and seemed to be doing everything right in his own youth group. I liked the good example that was set, but it just didn’t seem quite real. Also, the changes that Lauren made in her life happened almost too fast for real life. Overall, though, this was a great book, and I would love to read more in the series.

WARNING: Potential triggers: Cutting, premarital sex (off page, but no doubt about it and one time it was discussed openly between the couple, though not graphically), abortion (fairly graphic), verbal abuse.

I received a review copy of this book from the author, and these are my honest thoughts about it. Links may be affiliate links, which will benefit Esther’s website if purchases are made through them.

About the Author:

Like many writers, I began as a reader. My favorite authors were those whose styles were realistic and relatable, so when I began creating my first novel in my thirties, I knew that, above all, I wanted my stories to connect with readers.

My first foray into writing was a book about the biblical character Ruth. I spent years rewriting and shelving the book before finally submitting it to Elk Lake Publishing. They loved the book, and helped me prepare it for publication. Now, my work of biblical fiction, Princess of Moab: A Novel of Ruth, is finished and ready to find its readership.

I also have a contemporary Christian fiction series called The Rose Collection. These timely novels spotlight healing after spiritual abuse. I keep my characters grounded in the real world, so while they grow, learn, and seek solutions, they must also confront the detritus of the past. I write what I know, whether firsthand or through close observation, infusing the joy, happiness, and humor that come with spiritual freedom and love. The Rose Collection goes further than the deconstruction of broken spirits to the reconstruction of rescued souls.

My non-fiction book, The Women Who Set the Precedents: An Exploration of the Bible’s Bill of Rights for Women, is a deep dive into the prophecy of Bathsheba. Each chapter explores the life of a biblical woman as she embodies the principles of empowerment, intelligence, and spiritual maturity mentioned in the iconic, but often misapplied, last chapter of Proverbs.

More from Marbeth:

I wrote Plague of Lies during school holidays while teaching at my church’s Christian school and raising two teen boys. Some of the conflict in the novel was inspired by the sudden appearance of a youth pastor from another school (my sons played against that school in basketball and football). He joined our church and was immediately placed in leadership positions. Later, it came out that he was fleeing from a bench warrant.

My story follows the fallout after a beloved church leader and mentor is exposed as a fraud and shuffled off to another church. I wanted to explore what happened to one of the students left behind as he attempts to pick up the spiritual pieces of his life.

While the book contains some heavy subject matter, it also offers hope, encouragement, and relatable main characters.

Scott Andrews, a seventeen-year-old who is blindsided by his mentor’s moral failing, has a failing of his own. But, instead of running away, he repents and becomes determined to live his life with complete honesty.

Eighteen years later, the fallout of the lies and betrayal continues as Lauren Andrews-Gianni reconnects with her long-lost father and learns the truth about her birth, why Scott walked away, and how he remembered her during their forced separation.

The rebuilding of Scott and Lauren’s relationship is the crux of the book and serves as a picture of how our Heavenly Father is preparing a home for us

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About the Book:

Book: The Young Samaritan

Author: J. Schuyler Sprowles

Genre: : Faith Based/ Inspirational

Release Date: January 20, 2024

Is survival enough when faith is tested?

“The Young Samaritan” is a gripping coming-of-age story set in a tumultuous time, where faith, identity, and survival intersect on an extraordinary journey.

Joshua, a young Samaritan boy, is forced to flee his home, thrust into a world that is as dangerous as it is unfamiliar.

Along the way, he encounters a mysterious woman who delivers a haunting vision, a wild dog that stays loyally by his side, and a reclusive uncle whose life is shrouded in secrets. Amidst the chaos of his flight, Joshua discovers uncommon love in a forsaken land.

As Joshua’s journey leads him to a band of sojourners—led by a man called Rabbi—he becomes entwined with a group that many believe to be the Messiah’s followers.

Despite their hesitations, Joshua’s determination to stay with them leads him to a transformative path, one that will ultimately take him to the cross and beyond.

My Thoughts:

I like the idea of this book; it offers a new way to look at Jesus and His ministry. However, I was disappointed with it. The writing style didn’t resonate with me, although it would be fine for a lot of people. My biggest problem with it, however, was the two things I noticed that were not historically accurate. The first thing that jarred me was the mention of a turnip and potato soup. Potatoes were unknown in the Old World until a good while after Columbus discovered America. The other was when Jesus and His disciples ate hare stew. I could understand Joshua and his family eating hare, since they were Samaritans, but a Jew wouldn’t touch it at all, since it is an unclean meat. I did like the way Peter, after initially rejecting Joshua, realized his sin and repented, accepting the Samaritan boy the way Jesus did.

I received a review copy of this book from the author, and these are my honest thoughts about it. Links may be affiliate links, which will benefit Esther’s website if purchases are made through them.

About the Author:

A Chicago native, Schuyler as a teenager always dreamed of becoming a radio and TV talent. His aspirations led him to Hollywood where he trained as a broadcaster. He began his career as a country music DJ and news reporter in the Southwest. Ultimately he became a TV news anchor in Dallas. In time, Schuyler moved to Los Angeles, where he worked as a television news correspondent. This eventually led to a decades long high-profile career in crisis management, political consulting and speech writing. Most recently, Schuyler turned to publishing, founding a family-oriented magazine in Southern California. A lifelong Christian, Schuyler admits to walking away from his faith in the past, only to discover the light of Jesus piercing the darkness to guide him back where he belongs. Inspired by the Gospels, “The Young Samaritan” is his debut novel. He currently lives in Pasadena, California with his wife Maureen.

More from J. Schuyler:

The Young Samaritan was inspired by two verses from the New Testament in the Gospel of Mark (14:51 – 52).  These brief verses describe an unidentified young man who attempts to intervene in the arrest of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. He is quickly seized by the temple guards but manages to escape their grip, leaving his garment in their hands, as he flees naked into the night.  Nothing further about him is ever mentioned in the Bible.

The Young Samaritan is my vision of the backstory for this strange and provocative episode in Jesus’ journey to the cross.  The Young Samaritan creates a compelling and transformational epic tale where a fictional literary character (Joshua) collides with biblical history.

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About the Book:

Book: The Bible Companion Book 6 Psalms: Journey Through Scripture One Day at a Time

Author: Karen Westbrook Moderow

Genre: Bible Study/Devotional

Can you tell God how you feel? The Bible Companion Book 6 helps you approach God with both honesty and respect. A simple one-chapter-a-day format lets you engage with Scriptures without the pressure of schedules, homework, or heavy reading loads. Short daily readings and thought-provoking questions connect your story to God’s Word. For personal and group study.

In the Books of Wisdom (Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs), God speaks to us in poetry—the language of the heart. In Psalms we mourn, celebrate, and worship with people who run to God in the best and worst seasons of life. Their experiences give us hope. If you feel alone, if you are hurting, if you need grace, join the psalmists who find forgiveness and strength in God’s presence.

My Thoughts:

I don’t often use any kind of a devotional, but when I saw The Bible Companion Book I was intrigued by the premise of a brief commentary and encouragement about each chapter. I’ve been using it with my personal quiet time, reading the chapter each morning and then reading the 1-2 page commentary that goes with it. I have gotten as far as Psalm 58, and find Book 6 is a helpful guide through Psalms. I like the way the author applies these passages to our daily life and how we might be able to find encouragement from them.

I received a review copy of this book from the author, and these are my honest thoughts about it. Links may be affiliate links, which will benefit Esther’s website if purchases are made through them.

About the Author:

KAREN WESTBROOK MODEROW is a Bible teacher and author who brings a storyteller’s perspective to Scripture. She holds master’s degrees in theology and creative writing and loves introducing others to Jesus through the stories told in God’s Word.

More from Karen:

I once attended a small church that had several young rowdy boys. I wondered if there was a way to settle them down by doing something fun after church that also had spiritual significance. I decided to bribe them. If they memorized the verse I gave them from the Psalms, I would give them a treat. It seemed a good idea at the time.

The first week we talked about how God is the one who cares for us and meets our needs. I taught them Psalm 81:10: “Open your mouth wide and I will fill it.” I pulled out a stick of gum and told them if they could quote this verse with the reference the following Sunday after church, I would give them the gum. The idea was to continue this until they had a few verses under their belt. There was a lot of jumping up and down and hand clapping though I wondered how many would follow through.

The next Sunday after church, four little boys ran up to me. “I know the verse,” one little guy said. He recited it as his compadres listened, then opened his mouth wide and waited for me to unwrap the gum and put it in his mouth. (With this group, you didn’t dare give it to them. You just hoped they wouldn’t stick it under a church pew before their parents got them outside.) One after another they came, chirping out the verse. I soon realized some hadn’t memorized it. Because the verse was short, they were just repeating what the first boy said. Oh well. It counted. I fed them like little birds though the moment felt sacred, somehow, as if I were serving communion.

The next week, they learned Psalm 34:8: “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!” That week, I gave them mints. But when I started perusing the Psalms for other appropriate verses, I realized I’d worked myself into a corner. The Bible has a lot of verses about food but not many are in Psalms. It was slim pickings. I considered:

Psalm 119:103 “”How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” I couldn’t very well squirt honey into their mouths, and I didn’t think the parents or the pastor would appreciate having four active little boys running around the sanctuary with sticky piece of honeycomb in their hands.

Psalm 141:4 wasn’t going to work either. This verse is about the wicked. It says, “And do not let me eat of their delicacies.” In this context, any treat I brought would be a temptation. Not a good idea.

Psalm 23 looked like my best hope: “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.” In the end, I decided against it too. What was I going to do, bring a whole meal? And set up all the onlookers as “enemies?” Also not good.

So three weeks into my ill-conceived Scripture memorization plan, the best I could come up with was Psalm 145:15 “The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time.”

The proper time, sadly, no longer included my after-church Bible memory program. I tried to let the boys down gently. (From this I learned to set an end-time for such initiatives. Better yet, have a plan before starting them!) Still, whenever I come across the verses they learned, I think about those boys. I see their little upturned faces, eyes closed, mouths open, waiting expectantly and wonder if they remember too. Do they remember that God is our provider? That He is good? That He delights in meeting their needs? If so, my little failed experiment was worth it.

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About the Book:

Book: Start Little, Dream Big – Grow The Ministry You Were Born To Build

Author: Linette Rainville

Genre: Christian Books, Women’s Spiritual Growth, Adult Ministry, Ministry and Evangelism, Church Leadership

Release Date: August 7, 2025

“Start Little, Dream BIG” is Linette’s personal story of how God turned one bag of skinny jeans into a million-dollar outreach.

Learn how the smallest step of faith could change your life!

Linette Rainville knows this truth firsthand. A proud Buffalo native and U.S. Navy veteran, Linette began with one simple act of obedience—a bag of skinny jeans she tried to “trade in” for things her family needed. That humble beginning sparked a million-dollar outreach ministry that now serves over 40,000 families every year with food, clothing, hope and Jesus.

In Start Little, Dream Big, Linette shares her redemptive journey and practical wisdom for women ready to step into their God-given calling. It’s filled with real-life moments—some laugh-out-loud funny, some bring-tears-to-your-eyes kind of raw—but all with one goal: to provide you a guide and a blueprint to build your own meaningful ministries, projects, and movements from the ground up.

Whether you’re just dreaming or ready to launch, Linette invites you to join her and a growing sisterhood of modern-day Esthers who are answering their call with courage, faith, and Godfidence.

You don’t have to do this alone. Your big dream starts with one little step.

My Thoughts:

I wish I had been able to wait to read this book until I could read the print copy. Because of time constraints, I had to read the ebook, and found the formatting annoying and difficult to follow–likely just because it was a PDF converted to Kindle format. I now have the print copy in my hands, and it is much nicer! One thing that really annoyed me in the digital version was the frequent use of ALL CAPS to emphasize points. That isn’t nearly as bothersome in the paper book!

Anyway, about the content. I wouldn’t have chosen to read this book, but because more reviewers were needed I agreed to check it out. As I read the first several chapters, I was thinking about my life and wondering why God hadn’t given me a vision for some way to help people, other than my own family. As I continued to read, and continued to think about it, though, I realized that He has! It just happens to line up with my natural inclinations so much that I almost feel guilty pursuing this dream. Continuing on, I found more and more confirmation that what I am doing is actually a ministry, and is actually what God has for me right now. (This ministry happens to be our library, and while I am tempted to think, quite often, that I’m only doing it as an excuse to keep buying books, the need for it continues to be confirmed in various ways.) So, while I didn’t find this book all that gripping or inspiring otherwise, it did help me and encourage me to keep on doing what God has given me to do.

I received a review copy of this book from the author, and these are my honest thoughts about it. Links may be affiliate links, which will benefit Esther’s website if purchases are made through them.

About the Author:

Linette Rainville, Jesus girl, USN Veteran and Movement Leader, is on a quest to raise up the next generation of Esthers and Movement Makers. As a podcast host, speaker, mentor and founder of Daughters United, a global equipping ministry, she empowers women to build projects and start ministries from the ground up. With 25 years of hands-on poverty outreach experience, Linette has reached thousands of Kingdom women, guiding them to pursue their callings, lead movements, and build missions.

More from Linette:

Friend, can I just take you back for a moment?

I never thought I’d find myself here in this place. After serving my country in the U.S. Navy, I came home with a spinal injury that ended the career I had dreamed of. Suddenly, the uniform I loved was gone, and I was simply doing my best to care for my family on an income that barely covered the basics.

It stung. It carried a stigma I swore I’d never face. You see, as a young girl my mom and I had lived on welfare, and I had made a promise to myself that my children would never have to experience that. But then life happened. A “disabled” label got stamped on my record, and just like that, my best intentions seemed to evaporate.

A few years later, I was blessed with the gift of motherhood and the challenge of disability. My husband and I were making it on one single blue-collar income, just trying to survive.

And then—God.

One ordinary day, walking out of a thrift store, the Lord planted a seed in my heart. That tiny whisper turned into a vision. That vision grew into a mission. One obedient baby step at a time—one yes, one phone call, one event, one open door—the Lord built something so much bigger than me.

Over the years, what started as a little prayer has grown into clothing programs, a pregnancy help center, food pantries, a soup kitchen, domestic abuse support, homeless outreach… and an army of volunteers who joined me along the way.

What’s wild is this: that one “yes” in 1991 has rippled out for over 30 years—locally, regionally, and now even globally… reaching over 50,000 lives each year—meeting real, practical needs.

And here’s where you come in.

Because this story—it isn’t just about me. It’s about you too. I believe God is stirring dreams and assignments inside of my sisters today. Maybe you’ve walked through storms. Maybe you’ve carried labels that felt heavy. Maybe you’ve stood staring at the “skinny jeans” of your life—dreams or abilities that no longer seem to fit.

But here’s the truth: all is not lost.

I see you.

I see you walking out of those valleys and climbing mountains, becoming warrior-ready and equipped to make a difference. I see you searching for a guide, a compass, and a roadmap for your mission.

That’s why I wrote this book. It’s the first in my Skinny Jeans Series, and I pray that it will become a companion for you—to remind us that God’s plans are never finished, even when ours feel broken.

Because as Jeremiah 29:11 declares: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

So take heart, friend.

God can take your little and build something bigger than you ever imagined…

one small YES at a time.

With BIG LOVE,

Linette

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About the Book:

Book: Sermons from a Soapbox, Messages of Hope and Encouragement

Author: Ladonna Shanks

Genre: Devotional, based on personal experience; Memoir; Adult Nonfiction; “Life Lesson Essays”

Release Date: April 8, 2025

“What is God like?

Does He even exist, other than as a figment of the imagination?

Or is He real, a part of daily life and our world?

In Sermons from a Soapbox, Ladonna Shanks shares her personal spiritual journey of more than seventy-five years. “I cannot write what I have not experienced,” serves as the base of her easy-to-read, anecdotal essays. The short “sermons” challenge the reader to think, question, search, and consider living where God is . . . in the spiritual, long-term, instead of humankind’s physical, short-term.

My Thoughts:

I have not yet read all of this book, but I like what I have read. Each of the essays is inspiring, a bite-size piece of encouragement. I like the way this author has taken snippets of her life and drawn spiritual lessons from them. She talks a lot about the difference between knowing about God and actually knowing God.

Many essays begin with a dictionary definition of a particular word or term–I found that an effective way to make me stop and think more deeply about what she is talking about. I am looking forward to reading the rest of this book soon! (The reason I have not yet read it all is because it is the type of book I struggle to read on my Kindle, but the print copy will be arriving at my house in another week or two, so I will read it then, slowly enough to savor it. I read enough already, though, to know that I like it!)

I received a review copy of this book from the author, and these are my honest thoughts about it. Links may be affiliate links, which will benefit Esther’s website if purchases are made through them.

About the Author:

Ladonna Shanks was born and raised in Oregon’s lush Willamette Valley. During her several decades of life, she has been an entrepreneur, a small business owner, and, most recently, a writer. Her first book, Tidbits and Pearls, A Book of Essays on Living Everyday Life with God was published in 2019. Ladonna’s family, including five grandgirls, and her commitment to God serve as her priorities.

More from Ladonna:

The desire and passion to share God’s quest for friendship with humankind has driven me to write of my personal experiences with Him. “I cannot write what I have not experienced” is my mantra.

The easy-to-read anecdotal essays make up both of my books: Tidbits and Pearls, A Book of Essays on Living Everyday Life with God and my newly published Sermons from a Soapbox, Messages of Hope and Encouragement. (My editor calls them “Life’s Lessons Essays.)

I never preach, but I share my life. My desire is to challenge the reader to consider life in the long-term, eternal instead of the short-term, physical. I want them to think.

I am open, honest, and transparent as I present my weaknesses, failures, and inadequacies in contrast to God’s faithfulness, care, and love.

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About the Book:

Book: The Bible Companion Book 5 Job

Author: Karen Westbrook Moderow

Genre: Bible Study/ Devotional

Release Date: August 26, 2024

Does God care when you suffer?

The Bible Companion Book 5 helps you face hard questions about pain and evil from a perspective of hope. A simple one-chapter-a-day format lets you engage with Scriptures without the pressure of schedules, homework, or heavy reading loads. Short daily readings and thought-provoking questions connect your story to God’s Word. For personal, group, or homeschool Bible Study.

In the Books of Wisdom (Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs), God speaks to us in poetry—the language of the heart. These books reveal a God who is concerned not only about our minds and bodies, but also our emotions. Our journey begins with Job, a man who loses everything. Like us, he fears for himself and his family. What he discovers through his pain surprises him and challenges many of our assumptions about God.

My Thoughts:

I really appreciate the thoughts presented about each chapter. These meditations are simple, but practical, and often offer extra insight into the setting or characters of the Bible. Each one ends with a few questions to ask to help to apply the chapter to my own life. I have not quite finished this volume, but have not found anything yet that I disagree with, so I recommend The Bible Companion as an enhancement to reading the Bible.

In Book 5, the first of the books about God in Poetry, many thoughts are shared about Job and his friends and their discussions. Job has always been a book that I struggled with, and I have really enjoyed reading through this study guide as I read a chapter a day. I feel like I am understanding it much better now.

I received a review copy of this book from the author, and these are my honest thoughts about it. Links may be affiliate links, which will benefit Esther’s website if purchases are made through them.

About the Author:

KAREN WESTBROOK MODEROW is a Bible teacher and author who brings a storyteller’s perspective to Scripture. She holds master’s degrees in theology and creative writing and loves introducing others to Jesus through the stories told in God’s Word.

More from Karen:

Most of us have had a Job-like season in our lives. Mine came in 1996 when my eighteen-year-old son was in a terrible car accident that left him with a permanent traumatic brain injury. Mike was in a coma for four months. His prognosis was grim. We were told he would never walk, talk, or live independently.

Come Christmas, he was still in the hospital. I had no heart for celebration, but I wanted to buy a gift for my husband. He loves art so I stopped by a local gallery. Inside, I saw a bust of a man that I immediately recognized as Job. His face was twisted in pain. Behind the hand clutched to his chest, I saw a hole. Inside was a bleeding heart. I stepped back. Job looked just like I felt. Raw. Exposed. Bleeding. I stared at the sculpture a long time. I wanted to buy it, but couldn’t. I just couldn’t.

I walked out of the shop in tears wondering if I would ever smile again. The next months were spent in rehab with Mike. We renovated our house, brought him home, hired caregivers, and prayed that somehow God would heal Mike’s body and our broken hearts. The Lord comforted us during this time, assuring us He had a plan. He would take care of us and there would be an end to our suffering. Every day brought new challenges, but Mike began to improve. More importantly, our faith took root. The Lord brought people, resources, and hope. Against all odds, Mike learned to walk, talk, feed and dress himself. And against all odds, we found ourselves joyful as we journeyed with our son through each milestone. The story is long and complicated. One I’ve journaled in my book, Back Roads Home, but the point is, God was right. There can be joy, even in sorrow. There is hope, even in the dark. There are things in Mike’s life and ours that remain broken, but God’s presence during that difficult time saw us through. Pain was not the end of our story.

Time passed in roller-coaster fashion. As I rode the highs and lows, I often thought about the Job I saw in the art gallery and wondered how he was faring. Then one year, while looking for an anniversary gift to celebrate our anniversary, Job came to mind. Enough time had gone by that I could now embrace him as a fellow-sufferer and be glad our paths crossed. I called the artist and learned she still had the piece. (Either there isn’t much of a market for art depicting tortured souls or else he was waiting for me.) My husband smiled when I unveiled him. He hugged me and said, “We’ve been through it, haven’t we?” Yes, we have. And we had to wait until we were on the other side to appreciate him. Now when I look at him, I don’t just remember the pain; I remember the gifts of suffering—patience, perseverance, trust, love, hope, and so much more.

As I was going through the book of Job chapter by chapter for The Bible Companion, Job’s sculpture sat not five feet from me. His tortured face and silent tears reminded me that this world is full of sorrow. But the Bible—the book I ran to while in such pain—compels me to carry his story forward. Job-in-clay may be frozen in agony, but Job, the man-who-contended-with-God is not. He comes to trust his all-wise Creator and finds peace. So can we.  At its core, Job is a story of hope. Hope is woven throughout the book that bears his name. As a writer, my desire is to make that thread visible, especially to those who suffer in the dark.

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About the Book:

Book: A Busy Mom’s Prayer Journal: 7 Minutes to Connect with Jesus

Author: Christa Joy Spaeth

Genre: Reflective/Devotional/ Guided/Prompt-Based

Release Date: October 29, 2023

As a busy mom you want to grow closer to Jesus, but it’s so hard to make the time. And when you do, it’s hard to know where to start. Let this guided journal help you to set aside seven minutes daily to reflect powerfully on the goodness of Jesus.

With 50 days of prompts designed specifically for moms just like you, this journal will lead you into fellowship with Jesus, our Perfect Parent, helping you to lean on Him to be encouraged and grow in godly wisdom.

A Busy Mom’s Prayer Journal is divided into five sections, each exploring one aspect of moms’ hearts for their children, so you can journal straight through or skip to a section that speaks to your heart’s need that day.

This journal contains:

• Daily inspirational verse to meditate and journal on.
• Daily prompts to connect these biblical truths to your life as a women and as a mom, many of which include “thought starters” to help get you started journaling.
• Space to document your daily “mom win” to provide positivity and help encourage you.
• Guided prayers to be used as a starting point for your personal prayer.
• Ample space for writing what you are thankful for daily.

A Busy Mom’s Prayer Journal will help you glimpse the awe-inspiring love Jesus has for you, both as a person and specifically as a mom, in only seven minutes a day.

My Thoughts:

I have been enjoying working through this book for the past month or so. I don’t have time to use it every day, but when I do I love the way it helps to focus my thoughts toward God and encourages me to count my blessings and praise God in the midst of my busy life as a mother. I appreciated this author’s definition of “mom win;” it made me feel like I am doing enough!

I received a review copy of this book from the author, and these are my honest thoughts about it. Links may be affiliate links, which will benefit Esther’s website if purchases are made through them.

About the Author:

Christa Joy Spaeth is a devoted wife, mother, and passionate follower of Jesus who understands the beautiful chaos of raising a family while trying to stay anchored in faith. With a deep love for prayer and the Word of God, she created this journal to help busy moms connect with the Lord in meaningful, manageable ways—no matter how full the day gets.

Through her podcast Praying Daily and her devotional writing, she encourages women to pursue God’s presence with confidence, joy, and authenticity. Her mission is to help moms cultivate a thriving prayer life, experience daily renewal, and walk in the peace and power of God’s promises.

Christa is greatly enjoying going back to her roots of teaching! As a dietitian and foodie, she loves to share her passion for simple cooking and wholesome living.

More from Christa:

I’m a mom of two young men, a registered dietitian with a love for fresh milled bread, and gardening, and someone who believes that food, faith, and family are deeply connected. Most days you’ll find me in the kitchen with flour on my shirt, sharing laughs and recipes with my family. My kitchen is usually a little messy!

As a dietitian, I’m passionate about real food and simple meals that bring people together but as a mom, I know how hard it can be to slow down and spend time with the Lord. That’s why I created A Busy Mom’s Prayer Journal: 7 minutes to Connect with Jesus. It’s not just a devotional; it’s a mom win. It’s your permission to breathe, connect with Jesus in the middle of the sometimes-messy chaos, and remember that your prayers don’t have to be perfect or long.

You’ll find quick prayers for hectic mornings, space to scribble your thoughts while the kids nap (or don’t!), and even a few “praise break” prompts for when the laundry is endless.

If you’ve ever whispered a prayer while reheating dinner or felt like you’re doing a million things but still falling short, you’re not alone. I’ve been there, and I wrote this book with you in mind. Let’s walk this journey together — one prayer, one meal, one grace-filled moment at a time.

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About the Book:

Book: Off the Itinerary: The Search and Rescue Files

Author: M. Liz Boyle

Genre: Christian YA

Release Date: May, 2025

Marlee and Marshall are now students at the Professional Outdoor Guides School where Sawyer just graduated. Meanwhile, Lydie is busy training a search-and-rescue dog. In this special edition with seven search-and-rescue stories, the Off the Itinerary characters face new adventures (and misadventures). Adrenaline is high as Marlee faces her fears in a cave rescue, a helicopter evacuation, a swift water rescue, and more! Will Marlee trust that her misadventures are part of a greater plan? If you loved Avalanche, Chased, and Ablaze, you won’t want to miss this collection of short stories.

My Thoughts:

Several years ago, I got to read the books in the Off the Itinerary series. They were among the few recently-published Young Adult books I’ve come across that I liked! The only problem with them was that people in their mid teens were involved in relationships with the opposite gender, but even that was healthy and wholesome, the way it was done (my sons just didn’t appreciate it!). So, when I was offered The Search & Rescue Files it appealed to me.

One of my sons is involved with search and rescue in our local area, so we hear about their operations. My impression was that the scenarios described in Off the Itinerary: The Search & Rescue Files were fairly accurate. I don’t think the teenagers in these stories would have been allowed to join searches like they were, without being full-time members of the local organization, but otherwise the stories sounded quite plausible. I am waiting for feedback from my son, though! (Note: he says that the scenarios are described accurately, in his experience.)

I liked seeing Marlee a little more grown up than she was in the other books. Her character has grown and matured a lot through the series. Her relationship with Marshall seems quite healthy, and other than the occasional hug or mention that they enjoyed being together there was no romance, although it is quite clear that they were a couple. 

Marlee had things to work through; she had a couple of traumatic experiences that affected the way she related to people and lived life, but she recognized that and worked to overcome the effects of the trauma. In one story, she made a mistake as a leader of a group and people suffered from it; she had to learn to forgive herself and move on. She did well at praying or asking others to pray before starting off on a hike or a rescue.

This book is good for any teenager who loves the outdoors and being in the wilderness. It is also good for people who like to read about rescues or survival. The scenarios described are portrayed in enough detail that if readers happened to find themselves in a similar situation, remembering these stories could save a life.

I received a review copy of this book from the author, and these are my honest thoughts about it. Links may be affiliate links, which will benefit Esther’s website if purchases are made through them.

About the Author:

Liz is the author of the Off the Itinerary series, the wife of a professional tree climber, and the homeschooling mom of three energetic and laundry-producing children. Liz once spent a summer in Colorado teaching rock climbing, which she believes was a fantastic way to make money and memories. She resides with her family in Wisconsin, where they enjoy hiking and rock climbing. Liz and her husband have also backpacked in Colorado and the Grand Canyon, which have provided inspiration for her writing. She makes adventurous stories to encourage others to find adventures and expand their comfort zones (though admittedly, she still needs lots of practice expanding her own comfort zone).

More from M. Liz:

When I published my third book, Ablaze, I was confident that the Off the Itinerary series was complete. Marlee had a solid character arc, she’d endured three natural disasters, and I wanted to finish the series on a good note. A number of devoted readers reached out, asking if I would please write another. I was reluctant for a while, but eventually (thanks to the excitement of my readers), I began brainstorming this special edition. Rather than another full-length novel, I chose to compile seven short stories focusing on Marlee’s involvement with search and rescue missions. I’m eager for my readers to spend bonus time with the Stanley girls and Miles boys. Some things never change, like Marlee’s high odds of finding misadventure and her need to overcome fear with the support of God, her family, and friends. Other things have changed for the better, like Lydie introducing a dog to the adventures. One thing is certain: Marlee must learn that God’s itinerary is better than hers.

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About the Book:

Book: With Mercy’s Eyes

Author: D.T. Powell

Genre: FICTION/ Christian / Contemporary

Release Date: June 16, 2025

He turned his back on God a long time ago. But God never forgot him.

Six months after struggling actor Lane Harris lost his husband in a tragic accident, he lands a movie role guaranteed to put him on the Hollywood map. But one producer holds the power to shut down his shot at stardom—and she’s a Christian. If she finds out he’s gay, it’s over. Lane is careful not to say too much around her.

When an alcohol-fueled tryst with his co-star ends in humiliation, and his landlord hands him an eviction notice, Lane looks for someone to talk to. He finds a confidant in the Christian producer. After a night of too little sleep and not enough coffee, he lets slip his sexual orientation. Instead of a verbal flogging, the woman recounts recently losing her own husband.

The only Christians Lane knows condemn him upon learning he’s gay. But this one is different. She doesn’t embrace his sexuality, but instead of treating him with disdain, she offers compassion. Christians are supposed to hate people like him. So, why doesn’t she?

– – – – – – –

With Mercy’s Eyes by D. T. Powell is an issue-facing Contemporary novel for adult churched Christians. It addresses homosexuality and same-sex attraction from a Biblical perspective without falling into the trap of the extreme responses we too often see from modern churches. It holds similar views to Jackie Hill Perry, Becket Cook, Rosaria Butterfield, and Christopher Yuan.

My Thoughts:

When the offer of review copies of With Mercy’s Eyes came up, I glanced at the description and decided it was not my style. A few weeks later, the request was sent again, because more reviewers were needed. That time, I read the description more closely and decided I could read and review this one.

What a story. As soon as I started With Mercy’s Eyes, I had a hard time putting it down. I was quickly drawn in to the story of Lane as he floundered in his grief, and faced one blow after another. We lost a son a number of years ago, and since then I have said that I can’t fathom how people can survive such a loss without knowing God—this author has given me a glimpse into that. My heart hurt for Lane as he headed into a downward spiral, and I had to keep reading to see how he would snap out of it (because the book is fiction I knew he had to, although in real life the story could easily have ended any other way). 

There are so many minor themes in this story, besides the main one. My mom has mentioned some in the email I quoted from below. One I really loved was the contrast between a Christian’s view of death versus someone who has no faith in God. That was encouraging! I loved the simple faith of a child, and how a child can reach people where an adult can’t. While I cringed all the way through the book at the frequent mentions of Lane’s husband, it was good to see how a Christian should respond. There was a conversation about that at one point in the book that I want to find again and read a few more times. 

In short, I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to minister to people who are caught up in the “alphabet community,” with the caveat that the author’s warnings, printed in the front of the book and repeated below here, are headed.

From my mom who received the physical copy of the book before I read it: When I read the back of the book, red flags started shooting up. The first paragraph was a zinger when I realized that it was a man talking about his “husband”! I really wondered what you had gotten into, but felt compelled to read and find out whether the “Biblical” thinking was the way we see it—and it was! This turned out to be quite a read, and I really appreciated it!

If you have the e-copy, you probably have the disclaimer page at the beginning that lists all the probably objectionable scenes and the suggestion that minimum age of the reader ought to be 25. I appreciated that! The author was reasonably discreet in those passages, but even so there had to be enough there to make the scenario clear. I also appreciated the discussion of her interpretation of gifts of the Spirit at the end, though I am not sure I altogether agree. She does make the point, though, that we need to heed what the Lord/Bible says about how to legitimately use our gifts, and I appreciated that.

The main character’s downward spiral and the way Vic told her story and used her writing to draw him to Christ are entirely believable! The contrast is also right there about legalistic or hypocritical Christianity and the real thing.

WARNINGS: Mostly from the author’s note in the beginning of the book: Homosexuality, suicide and suicidal thoughts (chapters 28, 34, 39, 42, 46, 60, 70, 74, 85, 85, 127), sexual assault (chapters 7, 10, 14), infant loss (chapters 28, 42), terminal illness, death (chapter 1, 137), domestic violence (chapter 6), depression, mentions of abortion (chapter 9), violence (chapters 56, 124). Not recommended for people under 25.

I received a review copy of this book from the author, and these are my honest thoughts about it. Links may be affiliate links, which will benefit Esther’s website if purchases are made through them.

About the Author:

D. T. Powell has loved stories since before she can remember, and it was one of those stories that God used to change her life and prompt her to start writing. In addition to writing book reviews for a magazine as well as original contemporary and speculative fiction, she has actively contributed to the fanfiction community since 2013. Her original work has been published by Writers Digest, Clean Fiction Magazine, Twenty Hills Publishing, The Order of the Pen Press, Worldsmyths, and Cadence Writing. She enjoys reading, playing pickleball, and playing an occasional video game. You can find her online as dtill359.

Her favorite verse is Psalm 126:5, “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.”

More from D. T.:

Driving through a deserted intersection at 3:30 AM isn’t an ideal time for much of anything. But I remember the moment clearly, because in that instant, I chose to accept God’s prompting to do something I thought was impossible (or, at the very least, inadvisable)—write a Christian fiction book with a main character who’d just lost his husband.

Being a Christian in traditional circles, I believe that any intimate relationship outside of a Biblical marriage is not pleasing to God and goes against His will and plan. So, for at least a year before that moment of acceptance, I wrestled with God’s prompting to write such a (to me) non-sequitur.

But God kept bringing this story to mind—sometimes quietly during time spent with Him, and sometimes more loudly through people I got to talk and interact with. He wouldn’t let me forget what He’d asked of me.

Once I’d accepted God’s prompting to write this story, I reluctantly began drafting, but, in fear, I put a pseudonym on it. I was terrified that strangers and family members alike would see this premise and lay down immediate judgment of both me and this story.

However, there is one true antidote to fear. Perfect (mature) love. And as I continued to take steps of faith—albeit haltingly at times—God fostered in me a love, not just for this story, but for Him, and for a group of people Christians far too often label and then push aside because of their specific, chosen sin.

With Mercy’s Eyes is a glimpse of how God draws people to Himself. It’s an unapologetic statement that salvation is for all of humanity, no matter how we sin. It’s a look into the life and heart of someone too many Christians might never have given a second thought.

This book takes a non-explicit look at homosexuality and same-sex attraction from the perspective of someone who has lived that life and thought it would bring them happiness, only to wind up empty and no better off than when they began. Often, it’s only when we come to the end of ourselves that we understand just how much we need the Saviour.

God has seen this book through from beginning to end. To honor what He has done, both in me and within these pages, and celebrate His saving grace, I now gladly give my name to this story. I pray God brings With Mercy’s Eyes to the people who need it, just as He brought it to me when I needed it.

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About the Book:

Book: The Bible Companion Book 2 Leviticus-Deuteronomy

Author: Karen Westbrook Moderow

Genre: Bible Study/ Devotional

Release Date: May 5, 2024

Do you struggle to relate to God in the Old Testament?

The Bible Companion Book 2 can help. Its simple one-chapter-a-day format lets you engage with Scripture without the pressure of schedules, homework, or heavy reading loads. Short daily readings and thought-provoking questions help you recognize God’s faithfulness even in your most difficult journey.

Though filled with unfamiliar symbols and rituals, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy hold treasures—the great promises of God. They show us the lengths to which God goes to be in our daily lives. Hard-to-read passages come alive as we travel with Israel to the Promised Land and discover the same God who guided His people in ancient times guides us today. If you want to know what God is like and what matters to Him . . . if you question His love for you . . . if you wonder how believing God can change your life, these books of the Law will speak to you. For personal and group study.

My Thoughts:

I don’t often use any kind of a devotional, but when I saw The Bible Companion Book I was intrigued by the premise of a brief commentary and encouragement about each chapter. I’ve been using it with my personal quiet time, reading the chapter each morning and then reading the 1-2 page commentary that goes with it. 

I really appreciate the thoughts presented about each chapter. These meditations are simple, but practical, and often offer extra insight into the setting or characters of the Bible. Each one ends with a few questions to ask to help to apply the chapter to my own life. I have not quite finished this volume, but have not found anything yet that I disagree with, so I recommend The Bible Companion as an enhancement to reading the Bible.

The entry that stood out the most to me was the one for Numbers 4, where the author talked about order, and how order is one of God’s attributes. I’m not sure altogether why that spoke to me, but I loved the thought.

I received a review copy of this book from the author, and these are my honest thoughts about it. Links may be affiliate links, which will benefit Esther’s website if purchases are made through them.

About the Author:

KAREN WESTBROOK MODEROW is a Bible teacher and author who brings a storyteller’s perspective to Scripture. She holds master’s degrees in theology and creative writing and loves introducing others to Jesus through the stories told in God’s Word.

More from Karen:

Breakfast with Leviticus

My father was a pastor and a man with lofty ambitions. He was known for setting goals others deemed impossible then achieving them. However, there was one that got the best of him. He determined our family would read the Bible through from cover to cover—together. On January first of each year, a morning ritual of Bible and Breakfast began. On cold days, Dad would entice us to the table with his version of a Hot Toddy. We’d sip on hot grapefruit juice and eat while one of us read the day’s Scripture out loud. We read Genesis… Exodus… then came Leviticus. No one had the nerve to say the book was boring and we didn’t understand it, but perhaps Dad felt the same. At some point we gave up. The next year, we’d start anew. Genesis… Exodus… then Leviticus. The next year, same thing. We started the day with images of bloody sacrifices exploding in our heads more mornings than I could count. We never made it past Leviticus.

We teased my father about this epic fail, but he took away something from this experience—the realization that most of us need a little help with some parts of the Bible. He started writing short daily devotionals to help people get through hard-to-understand passages. Years later, I took over where he left off. The Bible Companion series is the fruit of that “failed” venture.

Pastor Floyd’s Grapefruit Toddy

My dad’s version of a teetotaler’s “hot toddy” is easy, delicious, warming, and great for sore throats.

• Squeeze juice from one half grapefruit into a mug.
• Fill to the top with boiling water.
• Sweeten with a half teaspoon of honey, if desired.

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