Today I have several book reviews. Two of these books are soon-to-be-released and I appreciated the honor of reading them before their publish date. Hopefully these new books will whet your bookworm appetite!
A widowed mother of six, Miranda Hanford is reluctant to uproot her family when her pastor announces his plan to move the entire church to a different state. But before she can break ties with her controlling pastor, she suffers a devastating fall off a cliff near her home. She is compelled to allow her estranged, “worldly” brother-in-law come help care for her children while she recovers.
This novel, When Sparrows Fall, is a realistic portrayal of the dilemmas many women face inside controlling, abusive churches. Meg Moseley has done a great job exploring the themes of spiritual abuse, religious freedom and the secrets that bind us. Her book is available in stores on May 3rd–but is available for pre-order now on Amazon.
“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior…For behold, all generations will call me blessed.” (Luke 1:46-48)
This quote and many like it–one for each day of the year–fill this slim, beautiful volume called Through The Year with Mary: 365 Reflections. As someone who grew up with a deeply suspicious view of Mary, this book has been truly helpful to me. It has been illuminating to read what hundreds of Christian writers–from St. Augustine to Thomas Merton–have written about her. Understanding the heart of Mary, the heart of the Mother of our Lord, has brought me to a deeper appreciation and love for Christ. I have gone from neglecting Mary to loving her (she is, after all, Christ’s mother. And I’m sure Heloves her quite a bit, don’t you?). This book is has been a lovely, gentle addition to my Lenten observance. Highly recommend.
A collection of thoughtful essays and stories, Just Moms: Conveying Justice in an Unjust World, is poignant, challenging and inspiring. Melanie Mock and Rebekah Schneiter have brought together a unique group of women who write about their experiences as mothers desiring to teach their children the values of social equality, justice, peace, pacifism and faith. I couldn’t help but admire these beautiful women for their passionate gentleness, profound kindness and deep self-awareness. These are the kind of mothers who are being the change they want to see in our world.
The book is available in stores on April 5 and is available now for pre-order on Amazon.
