OCD, ADHD, PTSD, Bipolar Disorder . . . these are no longer just technical terms and medical diagnoses, they are part of our common vocabulary and culture.

As Christians, we shouldn't isolate ourselves from this discussion or dismiss these important issues. But we also should be careful not to accept the entire secular psychiatric diagnostic and treatment enterprise without question. What we need is a balanced, biblically (and scientifically) informed approach that neither blindly accepts nor harshly dismisses psychiatric labels, diagnoses, and medicines that are prescribed to help those who are suffering.

As both a Biblical counselor and medical doctor, Michael R. Emlet, MD, gives readers a Christ-centered approach to psychiatry and guides both lay and professional helpers through the thicket of mental health labels and treatments with a biblical lens. In a clear and thoughtful way that puts the person experiencing mental health issues at the forefront, Emlet uses Scripture to show how the Bible engages in the discussion of psychiatric labels and the medications that are often recommended based on those labels. The first book in the "Helping the Helper" series, Descriptions and Prescriptions will give readers a biblical, gospel-formed perspective to help them understand and minister to those struggling with mental health issues.

Learn more and purchase a copy.

Michael R. Emlet, MDiv, MD, practiced as a family physician for over ten years before becoming a counselor and faculty member at the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation (CCEF). He is the author of the book "CrossTalk: Where Life & Scripture Meet," the mini-books "Asperger Syndrome;" "Chronic Pain;" "Angry Children: Understanding and Helping Your Child Regain Control;" and "Help for the Caregiver: Facing the Challenges with Understanding and Strength," and many counseling articles.

Find out more about Michael at http://newgrowthpress.com/.

My Review:
This book gives an insightful look at mental health and Christian counseling working together to help the individual. It discusses the use of medication which has been looked down on by churches of varying denominations. The great part of the book is the hope it provides for those who may suffer from mental disorder. You are not the disorder that is a small part of who you are in Christ and with Christ you can get better.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my review.

Small Book About A Big Problem

How many times today have you been irritated? Frustrated?

While you might not think about it often, if you look closely at any day most everyone can find anger in their actions and attitudes. Something spills or goes missing, we get stuck in traffic or someone cuts us off on the road, or we feel like the people we live and work with are only making our lives more difficult. And while no one wants to get angry, what happens when our irritations and frustrations rise yet again?

Anger is so common-yet it also hurts. It not only leaves a mark on us, but it also leaves a marks on others. The wounds we inflict on ourselves and others because of anger-loss of intimacy, trust, security, and enjoyment in our closest relationships-give us compelling reasons to look closely at our anger and think carefully about how to grow in peace and patience.

But if you, like many others, have just gotten irritated for the umpteenth time today, you might wonder if change is possible. Can anyone truly find peace? The answer is yes, but you will need a plan. Biblical counselor and psychologist Ed Welch invites readers to take a fifty-day journey that unpacks anger while encouraging and teaching readers to respond with patience to life's difficulties. Readers will also be introduced to Jesus, the key to any plan for change. Known as the Prince of Peace, he is the only one who can empower his people to grow in patience, peace, and wholeness.

Edward T. Welch, M.Div., Ph.D., is a licensed psychologist and faculty member at the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation (CCEF). He earned a Ph.D. in counseling (neuropsychology) from the University of Utah and has a Master of Divinity degree from Biblical Theological Seminary. Ed has been counseling for over thirty years and has written extensively on the topics of depression, fear, and addictions.

Find out more about Edward at http://stores.newgrowthpress.com.

My Review: This is a much-needed book for Christians. A lot of time we think anger is not a problem while not realizing what damage we can cause with our angry word. This is especially concerning our children.
You read a chapter a day so that you can really mediate on God's word on the issue and learn to overcome acting out in anger. 
This book would be good for Christian counselors and for Christians in general. Would recommend this book.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my review.

A Plain Leaving

A Plain Leaving (The Sisters of Lancaster County) Paperback

Leslie Gould (Author)

At age twenty, Jessica Bachman left her two beloved sisters and her Amish community after clashing with the new bishop about her role in the family and the future of their farm. She tried to convince Silas Kemp, who'd been courting her for two years, to join her, but when he said no, she fled anyway. 

Three years later, she returns home for the first time since leaving Lancaster to attend her father's funeral. Her arrival back revives all sorts of emotions--yearnings and sorrows alike. Jessica knows things will never return to how they were. But in seeing Silas again, she can't help but wonder what might have been.

Struggling to decide where her next step should take her, she learns the story of a Revolutionary War-era ancestor that echoes her own choices. Will Jessica leave her family and community forever, or is there peace and healing and love yet to come?

My Review:

When Jessica come back home after 3 years living as an Englisher she finds herself with mixed emotions. She thought she had left the life of an Amish woman behind but begins to miss the farm and her family. She thought she had gotten over the man she left behind but soon learns that her feelings were still there but wonders if it was too late.

Things at home may have changed but she soon realizes that the Lord was working on her heart and guiding her back to His plans for her life.

This book was hard to put down. I would recommend this book to my friends.;

I received a copy of this book for my review.

Gain a greater understanding of the Bible book by book, verse by verse, or topic by topic.

The study of God's Word can be easy and rewarding if you break down the Bible into easy-to-understand segments. The KJV Know the Word Study Bible offers three easy ways to begin studying Scripture and helps individuals transition from being a casual reader of the Bible to becoming a regular student of the Bible. You can choose to study the Bible book-by-book, verse-by-verse, or topic-by-topic; each path offers powerful insights that will help you develop a daily routine of Bible study.

The book-by-book series of notes leads you through the main points of each book of the Bible. The verse-by-verse notes help you to dig deeper into God's Word. The topic-by-topic articles, which cover 21 theological topics, guide you through a series of insightful notes and give you a thorough biblical understanding of each topic. With the beautiful and timeless text of the KJV translation, the KJV Know the Word Study Bible offers you choices of how to study Scripture and grow in your relationship with Christ.

Features include:

-King James Version Bible text
-Three easy approaches to study the Bible: 1. Book by Book; 2. Verse by Verse; 3. Topic by Topic
-Insightful introductions for each book of Scripture
-Words of Jesus in red
-Beautiful two-color interior page design
-Comprehensive list of theological notes
-Concordance
-Full-color maps
-8-point type size

Learn more and purchase a copy. 

About the publisher:

In business since 1798, Thomas Nelson is one of the oldest Bible publishers in the world and the largest publisher of the King James Version. Their mission is to inspire the world by using our talents, assets, opportunities, and influence to engage and equip people with Scripture and draw people to a deeper study and understanding of God's Word.

Find out more about Thomas at https://www.thomasnelsonbibles.com.

My Review:

I really like this study bible. I received it in hardback form. It has about everything a person would want or need in a study bible. I like the topics it provides and the concordance. I like the 3 approached it gives to study the Word of God.

This would be a great Christmas gift! I would highly recommend this study bible.

I received a copy of this Bible in exchange for my review.

Bringing Maggie Home: A Novel Paperback – September 5, 2017

by Kim Vogel Sawyer  (Author)

Decades of Loss, an Unsolved Mystery, 
and a Rift Spanning Three Generations

Hazel DeFord is a woman haunted by her past. While berry picking in a blackberry thicket in 1943, ten-year old Hazel momentarily turns her back on her three-year old sister Maggie and the young girl disappears.

Almost seventy years later, the mystery remains unsolved and the secret guilt Hazel carries has alienated her from her daughter Diane, who can’t understand her mother’s overprotectiveness and near paranoia. While Diane resents her mother’s inexplicable eccentricities, her daughter Meghan—a cold case agent—cherishes her grandmother’s lavish attention and affection.

When a traffic accident forces Meghan to take a six-week leave-of-absence to recover, all three generations of DeFord women find themselves unexpectedly under the same roof. Meghan knows she will have to act as a mediator between the two headstrong and contentious women. But when they uncover Hazel’s painful secret, will Meghan also be able to use her investigative prowess to solve the family mystery and help both women recover all that’s been lost?

My Review:

This book is a story about 3 generations of the DeFord woman. Their relationships are complicated and have been for years. They gather together at Hazel DeFord's home to make a scrapbook in honor of her 80th birthday. As time goes by a box of old photos are found that may contain the answers to help them understand each other better. 

This book is about how the past can shape your future if not dealt with and can also affect future generations. I enjoyed reading the book.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my review.

The Return (Amish Beginnings) Paperback– August 1, 2017

by Suzanne Woods Fisher  (Author)

Beautiful and winsome, Betsy Zook never questioned her family's rigid expectations, nor those of devoted Hans, but then she never had to. Not until the night when she's taken captive in a surprise Indian raid. During her captivity, Betsy faces brutality and hardship, but also unexpected kindness. She draws strength from native Caleb, who encourages her to find God in all circumstances. She finds herself torn between her pious upbringing and the intense new feelings this compelling man awakens within her. 

Handsome and complex, Hans is greatly anguished by Betsy's captivity and turns to Tessa Bauer for comfort. Eagerly, Tessa responds, overlooking troubling signs of Hans's hunger for revenge. When Betsy is finally restored to the Amish, have things gone too far between Hans and Tessa? 

Inspired by true events, this deeply layered novel gives a glimpse into the tumultuous days of prerevolutionary Pennsylvania through the eyes of two young, determined, and faith-filled women.

My Review:

I really enjoyed reading this book.It has some historical value of the Amish who first came over in settled in America. Some worked with the Native Americans and tried to show respect for them and their land. Others didn't care and tried to stir up issues which only caused more problems.

This story centered around two young ladies who were both in love with the same man. When the one he loves is taken captive by the Indians he is filled with rage. As time goes by the anger changes him. He begins to make plans to marry the other young woman when the other young finds her way back with the help of a Indian friend.

Read the book to find out what happens to the two young and the man they both love. I would recommend this book to all who enjoy reading Amish fiction.

I received a copy of this book in exchanged for this review.

Lost & Found

 

Lost and Found by Kendra Fletcher

   

Are you too focused on the “right” ways of worship, work, and family life? Learn about the dangers of quiet legalism in Kendra Fletcher’s new book, Lost and Found. Kendra, homeschooling mom of eight, had it all “right,” until it all fell apart. In the course of eighteen months, Kendra found her baby in a coma, ran over her five-year-old, and nearly lost her eight-year-old to a septic ruptured appendix. Lost and Found is the story of how God used those events to transform her family’s self-righteous religion into freedom in Christ.

{More about Lost and Found}

Lost and Found: Losing Religion, Finding Grace (New Growth Press, February 2017)
The “right” homeschooling philosophy. The “right” brand of theology. The “right” meal-planning, home-managing, keep-it-all-together parenting.
Kendra Fletcher, homeschooling mom of eight, had it all “right,” until it all fell apart. In the course of eighteen months, Kendra found her baby in a coma, ran over her five-year-old, and nearly lost her eight-year-old to a septic ruptured appendix. Lost and Found is the story of how God used those events to transform her family’s self-righteous religion into freedom in Christ.
Fletcher’s debut book is the gripping true story of how God used suffering to save her family from empty religion. As wave after wave of crisis hit, the Fletchers discovered that getting religion “right” wasn’t a good substitute for a living relationship with a loving God. Through their suffering, they learned about misplaced identities and false hope, and they threw themselves wholly into the arms of Jesus—where they found the grace they needed.
Fletcher, a well-known writer and conference speaker in Christian homeschooling circles, addresses the quiet legalism that so easily infiltrates Christian communities and exposes the dangers of focusing our hopes on the “right” ways of worship, work, and family life. More than a memoir, Lost and Found invites all of us to give up the things that hold us in bondage and find our value, worth, significance, hope, and identity in Christ alone.

My Review:
This is the story of a family that had a form of  godliness but denying the power of it. On the outside they look like they were doing everything right. They homeschooled their kids, dressed modestly, and associated with only those that fit into their religious circle. But they lacked in relationship of the heart with the Lord.
When they start having major crisis in their family they start questioning God and their relationship with Him. As they continue to question the life they were living and the people in their inner circle they felt hopeless and alone. As they kept searching and questioning where their faith stood they found God's love that is based not on outward appearances but of the relationship of the heart with Jesus.



I received a copy of this book in exchange for this review.

Her Secret

Her Secret: The Amish of Hart County Paperback – March 14, 2017

by Shelley Shepard Gray  (Author)

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray begins a new series—The Amish of Hart County—with this suspenseful tale of a young Amish woman who is forced to move to a new town to escape a threatening stalker.

After a stalker went too far, Hannah Hilty and her family had no choice but to leave the bustling Amish community where she grew up. Now she’s getting a fresh start in Hart County, Kentucky…if only she wasn’t too scared to take it. Hannah has become afraid to trust anyone—even Isaac, the friendly Amish man who lives next door. She wonders if she'll ever return to the trusting, easy-going woman she once was.

For Isaac Troyer, the beautiful girl he teasingly called “The Recluse” confuses him like no other. When he learns of her past, he knows he's misjudged her. However, he also understands the importance of being grateful for God’s gifts, and wonders if they will ever have anything in common. But as Hannah and Isaac slowly grow closer, they realize that there’s always more to someone than meets the eye.

Just as Hannah is finally settling into her new life, and perhaps finding a new love, more secrets are revealed and tragedy strikes. Now Hannah must decide if she should run again or dare to fight for the future she has found in Hart County.

My Review:

Hannah and her family  were living a happy life in Ohio were she met a  Englisher by the name of Trent. After a couple weeks she knew that they could no longer be friends and she put an end to their relationship. Trent did not take the news well and began stalking her.
Her family moves away but Hannah isn't the only with a secret. While the family struggles through having to move away from their home they find it easy to put The blame on Hannah. The family soon learns that to overcome their secrets they must trust the Lord and the new friends he has placed in their lives.

I received a copy of this book in exchanged for this review.

Of Stillness and Storm Paperback – December 6, 2016

by Michele Phoenix (Author)

“I felt torn between two worlds. Each with its own mystery. One more captivating than the other, but the other more real and breathing.”

It took Lauren and her husband ten years to achieve their dream—reaching primitive tribes in remote regions of Nepal. But while Sam treks into the Himalayas for weeks at a time, finding passion and purpose in his work among the needy, Lauren and Ryan stay behind, their daily reality more taxing than inspiring. For them, what started as a calling begins to feel like the family’s undoing. 

At the peak of her isolation and disillusion, a friend from Lauren’s past enters her life again. But as her communication with Aidan intensifies, so does the tension of coping with the present while reengaging with the past. It’s thirteen-year-old Ryan who most keenly bears the brunt of her distraction.

Intimate and bold, Of Stillness and Storm weaves profound dilemmas into a tale of troubled love and honorable intentions gone awry.

My Review:

This is a story of a missionary family. It goes back to how the parents met and how they got to where they are now. This book shows us what can happen to families in missions or other ministries that foundation is not solid on the Word of God. The expectations put on the family by the husband or other's members of ministry can destroy a family. If the family is not kept Christ centered the family members can be hurt and even destroyed.

In this story the father had his mind so set to his own rules with little thought to his wife and son. It was also noticed that he was not lead by the Lord in some obvious ways. This lead to a distant wife and son who took no pleasure in the life that was thrust upon them by Sam (husband, father). The one you end up feeling the most sorry for is the son who starts to be neglected also by the mother due to the distraction of a man of her past.

I received this book in exchange for this review.