Thrive in  Retirement:  Simple Secrets for Being Happy for the Rest of Your Life

By Eric Thurman

I jumped at the chance to review this book published by WaterbrookMultnomah, because I am in the target audience.  It was written in a very folksy, conversational style that makes you feel like you are getting advice from a slightly-older friend over coffee.

Eric does offer good advice centering around 3 key words:  purpose, pleasure and peace.  He ties those into the main aspects of life including mind, body, soul, relationships, and finances.  He encourages readers to do some important soul-searching and decide what actions they should take in order to make the most of their golden years.

I found this book to be practical with sections in the appendix to help readers plan well for their death.  Although this sounds morbid, having a plan alleviates much stress for the individual and his or her family.  I highly recommend this book.  I received a free copy from the publisher and this is my honest opinion.

Chosen People by Robert Whitlow

Chosen People by Robert Whitlow

Hana Abboud is a young lawyer from Israel, who is tapped by her law firm to work on a case involving a terrorist killing of a young mother in Jerusalem.  The husband is seeking damages for the death of his wife.  Hana and another lawyer travel to Israel to investigate the case.  While there, they encounter the terrorists responsible for the attack.

The title and setting of this book attracted me.  After having traveled to Israel on a couple of occasions, I enjoy learning more about it.

I have read many of Robert Whitlow’s novels and this seems typical of his style.  His latest books contain female lawyers as the main characters.  They are also believers who try to live out their faith.

However, this particular book was not my cup of tea.  His main character, despite his attempts at making her human, did not interest me.  The plot developed too slowly for my liking.  I did enjoy the plot twist, but could sense it coming.  However, this isn’t to say that others haven’t enjoyed this book.  The online reviews I saw rated it highly.  Fans of his will surely enjoy this one, also.  I received a free copy from the publisher and this is my honest review.

Important and Timely Read for Christians

Holy Sexuality and the Gospel by Christopher Yuan

 This book addresses what the Bible has to say about sexuality and the Bible. Christopher doesn’t bash the reader over the head with his Bible, but provides a reasoned, well-thought out and Scriptural approach to the subject of all sexuality. Not all readers will agree with his stance, because as Rosario Butterfield says in the forward, “. . . the gospel is on a collision course with the idol of sexual freedom.” However, what he has to say as a same-sex attracted person and a Christian is crucial for the church to hear and act upon.

 At the heart of his assertion is the fact that an individual’s identity is not found in his sexuality, but rather in Christ. As a Christ-follower, a person must live in a way that honors God and His word. He also calls for the church to minister to those who find themselves as singles because of choice or same-sex attraction.

 For readers who are aware of the conflict this subject raises and the proponents on the other side of the issue from Christopher, he addresses some specific arguments against his stance. Although he does so boldly, this book is laced with compassion, calling all readers regardless of same-sex attractedness or opposite-sex attractedness, to a holiness that represents the gospel well. This book was thought-provoking and required a careful reading, but was definitely worth the time it took to read. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher for my honest review.

Professional Reader

Provided 80% of Feedback on Total of Books Read

2015 Challenge Participant

2016 NetGallley Challenge