Anyone disenchanted with institutionalized religion and desperate for something real will welcome this subversive book’s call to abandon performative faith and rediscover the radical way of Jesus. This isn’t another feel-good Christian book—it’s an unfiltered, unapologetic guide to dying to yourself. Blending storytelling, raw liturgy, and counter-cultural faith, Joshua Porter rips through the safe, sanitized versions of Christianity and reclaims the gritty, disruptive truth of the gospel. How to Die weaves together biblical narrative, ancient creeds, and personal story in a way that dares us to reconsider what it means to follow Jesus.
This book isn’t here to affirm what you already know. It’s here to wreck your assumptions, shake your faith, and challenge you to follow Jesus beyond disillusionment and into authentic discipleship.
My Review:
This
book is an odd collection of essays and creative fiction. The essays
are on various topics from sex to using oaths, from showing mercy to
murder, from money to identity. The creative stories consist of
fascinating retelling of Bible passages. He brings Bible stories to
life with imaginative scenes. An example is the wail of a mom as the
Egyptians take away her child to throw it into the Nile. Other
imaginative stories include retelling of Jesus' parables and events
in church history. He has even created a few parables of his own.
Porter
says God “has wired our brains for stories...” (120) He is a
wordsmith and creates engaging stories. Even many of the essays are
in sort of story form.
I
am unsure of the value of this collection of writings. I liked the
imaginative retelling of biblical stories and events. They inspired
me to live into them, imagining them for myself. Most of the essays
are interesting and suitable for discussion in a small group. I did
think there would be more about the idea of dying, about the Lord's
call to give up our lives for Him. There was a bit at the very end
but that is all I could identify.
My
rating: 4/5 stars.
This book releases August 5, 2025.
About the Author:
Joshua S. Porter is pastor of teaching and creative vision at Van City Church in Vancouver, Washington. He is also a former member of the experimental art-punk band, Showbread, and the author of the novel Punk Rock Vs. the Lizard People. Find out more and connect with Joshua at joshuasporter.com.
David C Cook, 272 pages.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
(My
star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it,
1-I hate it.)
Evie Bloom pays attention to the details. Her very job depends on it—as an aspiring Foley artist, she’s responsible for every crisp footstep, smacking kiss, and distinct sound in film and television. So when she’s selected for a fellowship opportunity that would make all her career dreams come true, she’s quick to spot the catch: there are no health benefits, and for someone with a chronic illness, that’s a non-starter.
Theo Cohen is an elementary school teacher who can't afford to live on his own in LA, and is facing eviction after his roommates couple up and move out of their rent-controlled apartment. But there is one loophole in his lease: each tenant must meet an income threshold, unless the tenants are married.
For Theo, the answer is obvious. Marry Evie, his best friend since forever. It’s not as if they don’t spend all their free time together anyways. Not only will Theo be able to keep his apartment, but Evie can be added to his insurance plan so she can accept her dream fellowship. It’s such a logical, practical solution. Never mind that Evie doesn’t really want to be married—not to Theo, not to anyone—ever. Or the small, complicating fact that Theo has always been a little bit in love with Evie.
But it doesn’t have to be a big deal. Marriage. It will just give them space to breathe, and much-needed relief from the daily financial stress. It won’t change anything.
It’s . . . going to change everything.
My Review:
I
generally do not read romances. When I was invited to review this one
I thought I would give it a try. I did not find the characters
engaging, especially Evie. She was so much a victim and did not grow
out of that image of herself. I did not appreciate her sexuality.
Theo was just too good.
The
plot pace was methodical and a bit slow. I ended up skipping over
sections, especially long passages on emotions. There was repetition
too. I like a rom-com with energy and this one just seemed lacking.
My
rating: 3/5 stars.
About the Author:
Marisa Kanter is the author of modern love stories for both teens and adults. Born and raised in the suburbs of Boston, her obsession with books led her to New York City, where she worked in publishing for a number of years. She currently lives in Los Angeles with her husband, where she writes by day and crochets her wardrobe by night.
Celadon Books, 384 pages.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent review.
(My
star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it,
1-I hate it.)
Welcome to the Thrashers, the elite friend group at New Helvetia High.
They’re everything everyone wants to be.
Jodi Dillon was never meant to be one of them. Julian, Lucy, Paige, and the infamous Zack Thrasher are rich, sophisticated, and love attention. Jodi feels out of place, but Zack’s her childhood best friend, so she’s in.
Then Emily Mills, who desperately wanted to be a Thrasher, dies―and the whispers about the Thrashers begin. As Emily’s journal surfaces, detectives close in, and Jodi faces an impossible choice: betray her friends or protect herself.
But as eerie messages and strange occurrences escalate, it becomes clear―Emily isn’t done with them yet.
My Review:
I
had trouble getting into this book. I am a septuagenarian and the
culture represented by this novel was a long time ago. There were
certainly clicks in my school and I was not in them so reading about
them here was hard. The book starts out with a suicide so potential
readers should be aware of that possible trigger. And I was not
prepared for the paranormal aspect.
Because
of the content, I would not recommend this book to readers under the
upper high school age. I am sure they would enjoy the story but it
was just not for me.
My
rating: 3/5 stars.
About the Author:
Julie Soto is a USA Today bestselling author, playwright, and actress originally from Sacramento, CA. Her musical Generation Me won the 2017 New York Musical Festival’s Best Musical award, as well as Best Book for her script. She is a musical theater geek, fandom nerd, and the author of many spicy fan fictions. Julie now lives in Fort Bragg, CA, with her dog, Charlie. She is probably drinking coffee as you read this.
Wednesday Books, 352 pages.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent review.
(My
star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it,
1-I hate it.)
Michael Woodbine was seven years old when a near-fatal fireworks accident scarred him and led to his placement in foster care. Now a college freshman, he is still trying to hide the effects of his trauma from his classmates, his adoptive family, and himself.
When Michael signs up for a film class, he meets Robert Dunning, a teacher who wears his own scars unapologetically. Robert encourages Michael to make a documentary that explores body image and self-perception. Michael places an ad seeking people who feel unattractive and rejected by society―and is surprised to learn that this is essentially everyone. Although some participants are recovering from injuries or surgeries, others are dealing with more everyday factors like aging or the changes to a body from giving birth.
As he collects these stories―and finally tells his own―Michael feels more connected to the world than he ever has before. But he knows his journey of self-acceptance has one more obstacle: his crushing doubts about why his birth parents wouldn’t fight to keep him.
My Review:
Hyde's
novel are full of emotion and personal growth experiences. This one
explores image, what we think of ourselves, what makes us
uncomfortable in that area and what we think others think of us.
Michael was scarred from a childhood accident. Others in his project
did not necessarily have physical scars as much as painful self
concepts, thinking others see them in a bad way. It was touching to
see how people can grow through those debilitating thoughts to be
open and free. (My only disappointment was the sex involved. It was
not graphic by any means but was just disappointing to me that it
happened so quickly and knowingly without commitment.)
Be
sure to have tissues nearby as this novel will touch you emotionally.
This is a good novel for readers who like ones centering on personal
growth through issues.
My
rating: 4/5 stars.
About the Author:
Catherine
Ryan Hyde is the author of 50 published and forthcoming books.
She
is founder and former president (2000-2009) of the Pay It Forward
Foundation, and served on its board of directors for over 20 years.
As a professional public speaker she has addressed the National
Conference on Education, twice spoken at Cornell University, met with
Americorps members at the White House and shared a dais with Bill
Clinton.
Lake Union Publishing, 288 pages.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent review.
(My
star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it,
1-I hate it.)
When echoes of her sister's murder reignite the darkest of hunts, no one in Seattle is safe.
Seattle, 1985—Crime reporter Holly Sparks is driven to obsession by her sister's unsolved murder—a crime she's convinced was the work of the infamous Green River Killer. But her investigation takes a terrifying turn when she uncovers a chilling truth: There might be two killers stalking the city, and one wears a badge.
Five years later, her bestselling true crime novel can’t erase the pain of her sister’s unsolved case. But when Holly's violent ex-fiancé is let out of prison on parole, and murders mirroring the Green River Killer begin again, Holly fears the unthinkable: Is her ex-fiancé behind her sister's death and a string of others? As the line blurs between hunter and hunted, she faces a deadly choice—uncover the truth or become the next victim.
Only the hunt will tell.
Read it first or last—just don't miss it.A chilling standalone thriller inspired by true crime, The First Hunt plunges into a world where justice and survival collide, and monsters hide in plain sight.
My Review:
Cole
is one of my favorite authors and I always jump at the opportunity to
review her latest book. I have read every one of hers and I think
this may well be the best one yet. The plot was compelling. The
character development of Holly was good but I was a little
disappointed in some of her dumb choices. Being a true crime author,
she should have known better. But, with the twist near the end, it
all came together.
A
Washington life long resident, I well remember the era of the Green
River Killer. Cole has crafted a great thriller woven around the
events of that time. The plot development is very good, building
tension. One twist half way through gave me chills. And the twists at
the end were shocking, so unexpected.
While
this is related to The Final Hunt series, it is a stand alone and
reads very well on its own. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Audrey
J. Cole is a USA TODAY bestselling thriller author. She resides in
the Pacific Northwest with her two children. Before writing full
time, she worked as a neonatal intensive care nurse for eleven years.
She’s also a pilot's daughter.
Cecily Hamilton is months away from her ninety-second birthday. She’s lived life to the full, choosing work over romance, friendship over love. And now she has a host of silver-haired friends living nearby, ready to fill her time with picnic lunches, prosecco and cheer!
Cecily thought she was content. She thought her cup was full…
But when the granddaughter of Cecily’s first and only love arrives on her doorstep, claiming that her grandfather, Eddie, is still in love with Cecily after all these years, Cecily wonders if there might be room for a little romance after all. Especially since, one by one, her friends keep falling head over heels for old flames and new.
Can the oldest silver lady of the bunch really hope for her own second chance at love? Is it finally time for Cecily to seize the day?
My Review:
This
novel got off to a slow start for me, introducing so many characters.
It is part of a series so the characters were from previous books.
Once I got into the novel, about a third of the way in, it began to flow
for me. As a septuagenarian, it was fun to read about the romantic
possibilities for older women. Leigh has created lively women
committed to long term supportive friendships, surviving troubled
times, loss and grief. This book is an entertaining and uplifting
one.
It
is a good book and series for older women. It is a reminder to not
fear growing older, that it is never too late to live each day with
passion and to not let time just drift by.
My
rating: 4/5 stars.
About the Author:
Judy Leigh has lived
all over the UK from Liverpool to Cornwall, but currently lives in
Somerset. After teaching theatre, writing lyrics for a punk band and
setting up Shakespeare Festivals, she completed an MA in Professional
Writing. Since then, she has been writing novels and having the time
of her life doing it. She writes cozy crime, the Morwenna Mutton "Seal Bay" series. She also writes dual time historical novels under the name of Elena Collins, the name of her grandmother. You can find out more at https://judyleigh.com/.
Boldwood Books, 360 pages.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent review.
(My
star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it,
1-I hate it.)
A honeymoon in paradise turns perilous in this riveting seaside mystery.
A tropical vacation transforms into a web of danger and deception when an author and his manuscript vanish. Is his thriller about money laundering in the Caribbean too close to the truth?
With the stakes high and time ticking, Private Investigator Liz Adams and her new husband, Brad, along with their truth-sniffing Labrador, Duke, partner with the local authorities to unravel a multitude of crimes. As they search for clues, the newlyweds explore the delights of the island, including a hunt for buried treasure.
Will they uncover the truth in time, or will the honeymoon end in heartbreak? Set against the backdrop of the stunning island of Grand Cayman, this cozy mystery will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
Praise for Cayman Conundrum:
"5 Stars - Must Read... Set on a beautiful tropical island, Cayman Conundrum is full of fun and quirky characters and a mystery with twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the last page." ~ Sarah Hinrichs, Reedsy Discovery
"The characters were well developed and yet offered additional surprises. The storytelling was great moving at a good pace, as was the world setting. It is very well written and keeps you wanting to read on for the next zinger." ~ Texas Book Nook
"We are headed into cozy season, and this is the perfect cozy mystery read . . . This author tells a story that is entertaining while drawing readers into a love of mystery." ~ Novel News Network
"CAYMAN CONUNDRUM is the fourth book in Stacy Wilder’s fun and fast-paced cozy series, "Liz Adams Mysteries," but readers new to the story shouldn’t have any trouble enjoying it as a standalone. (However, the previous books are cozy mystery gold.) Engaging characters, a puzzling and dangerous mystery, and a romance from the past combine for an entertaining and satisfying story." ~ Karen Siddall
"I’ll admit that sometimes I decide to read a book solely based on its cover. I won’t even read the plot summary. Being the dog lover that I am, when I saw the beautiful black lab on the cover of Stacy Wilder’s Cayman Conundrum: A Liz Adams Mystery I knew I had to pick it up. I’m here to report that in addition to a great cover, this was an excellent, page-turning mystery. While this was my first Liz Adams Mystery, this read smoothly as a standalone. However, now I want to go back and read the first three books. I need more reading hours in my life to inhale all these great books!" ~ Sarah S Erwin
CAYMAN CONUNDRUM Trailer:
My Review:
I
liked this entertaining cozy mystery set on a Caribbean island.
Imagine a honeymoon interrupted by a murder. To make it worse, one of
the law enforcement officials is an old flame of Liz's. Her new
husband, Brad, has some adjusting to do. Wilder provided some well
developed characters to add to the island atmosphere. Pearl, the
local woman who knows all that is going on, was great. She is noted
for her food and I was glad to see recipes were included at the end
of the book. I also liked Duke. We could all use a dog who detects
lies. It was refreshing to see a police department willing to have a
private investigator on their team.
This
novel is part of an ongoing series. I have not read the previous
mysteries, but I felt this one read very well on its own. It's a
good cozy mystery with an interesting plot and characters and is a
good one especially for readers who like an unusual setting.
My
rating: 4/5 stars.
Book Details:
Genre: Cozy Mystery Published by: Wild Hawk Press Publication Date: June 28, 2024 Number of Pages: 227 ISBN: 9798985426694 (Pbk) Series: A Liz Adams Mystery, Book 4 (Learn More About These Stand Alone Novels: Amazon & Goodreads) Book Links:Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Goodreads
Read an excerpt:
Chapter One
Secrets Are Hell
While Tim cocooned his body in the blue leather chair behind his desk, his fingers flew over the keyboard. The words flowed from his fingertips onto the computer screen. After he completed the final chapter of his novel, Secrets Are Hell, he leaned back in the seat that was positioned to optimize the view of the Caribbean. As he rubbed his newly acquired goatee, he watched the turquoise waves lap against the pearly sand.
When Tim and his former partner, Brad, sold their company, Multipoint Protection Services, Tim moved to Grand Cayman to pursue his dream of becoming an author. He grinned. His vision was about to come true.
After the identity thefts from his former company, Tim lasered in on the connection between the stolen information used to purchase prescription drugs and the subsequent laundering of the black market proceeds. The thriller was a product of his experiences, research, and imagination.
He recalled the conversation with his informant at the bar. Once the man he only knew as Jax consumed three shots of tequila, he’d spilled secrets about the money laundering business on the island. The man dripped sweat as he spoke, and he warned Tim to be careful with the revelations. Although Tim had fictionalized the facts gathered during his research, he prayed that he’d sufficiently disguised the characters involved in the illicit events.
Satisfied that the first draft was complete, he saved the document onto the flash drive and locked the device in the desk drawer. He stood and stretched his arms overhead before hiding the key underneath a leather-bound edition of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, one of many in his collection of books in the wall-to-wall bookcase behind him.
Tim raised his eyes toward the planked pine ceiling and contemplated his next steps. When he returned from Brad’s upcoming wedding, he would consult with developmental editors. In the meantime, he’d let the story marinate. His phone pinged, and he turned back to the desk to find a text from his girlfriend, Becky.
Why haven’t you called or messaged me?
His six-month-old puppy, Snooper, barked. He stepped away from his cellphone to let the dog inside. A salty breeze drifted through the opening. As he inhaled the scent, he wondered why he’d ever gotten involved with the former beauty pageant queen. He met her a few months ago when he’d volunteered at the rescue organization where he had adopted Snooper. While he massaged the black and white cocker spaniel mix’s ears, he reflected on that day they’d both tended to the homeless pets.
As Tim handed Becky a bag of cat food, a jolt of adrenaline pulsed through his body. Becky measured the servings and filled the bowls they’d deliver to the felines. While she poured, he admired her flowing raven hair that framed a heart-shaped face. Her almond shaped hazel-colored eyes shimmered with intrigue. After he heard Becky’s deep-throated laugh, he invited her to join him for a cup of coffee after their shift.
A month into the relationship, she began texting him incessantly. If he didn’t reply within an hour, she’d get agitated. He regretted inviting her as his plus one to Brad and Liz’s wedding in Charleston, South Carolina. A sigh escaped his lips. He longed for a soulmate like his friend had discovered in Liz.
Tim was delighted that the couple had chosen Grand Cayman as their honeymoon destination. He smiled in anticipation of the treasure hunt he’d planned as their wedding gift. Snooper wiggled away and bounded toward Tim’s cat, Irish. The feline hissed and halted the puppy in his tracks. Tim chuckled, picked up his phone, and fingered a response.
Been working on the book. Meet up for drinks at five at The Deck? We can talk about travel plans.
Without waiting for a reply, he placed the device down and strode toward the kitchen to feed his pets.
Who knew that today would be the last time he would touch the manuscript?
***
Excerpt from Cayman Conundrum by Stacy Wilder. Copyright 2024 by Stacy Wilder. Reproduced with permission from Stacy Wilder. All rights reserved.
Author Bio:
Stacy Wilder writes mysteries, children’s stories, short stories, and poetry. Her mission is to deliver a delightful story to readers of all ages while benefiting a larger community. She donates a portion of the proceeds from the sales of her books to causes that help the homeless, both people and pets.
Beyond writing, Stacy is deeply devoted to her faith, family, and her beloved Labradors. She is also enthusiastic about the causes she supports, the beauty of art, the serenity of the beach, and the joy of reading.
She and her husband live in Houston, TX with a totally spoiled Labrador named Eve.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Partners in Crime Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review. The rest of the copy of this post was provided by Partners in Crime Book Tours.
(My
star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it,
1-I hate it.)
For the millions who have felt disillusioned with American evangelical culture, this book is a lifeline for navigating the cynicism of both conservative and progressive beliefs to find real hope in the life and mission of Jesus.
As a pastor and author, Nicholas McDonald spent years helping people work through serious questions about the evangelical church’s gospel and its often hurtful responses to those confused by American Evangelical culture. He quickly realized that what these people needed—what he really needed—was not merely apologetics answers but the good news that speaks to their deepest dreams: love, beauty, and freedom—the very things Jesus promises to those who follow Him.
With excellent storytelling and profound insights from his own deconstruction journey, McDonald compassionately addresses the concerns so many readers have with the evangelical subculture’s sense of entitlement, nostalgia, and cynicism. And he outlines a clear path to finding restoration in Jesus. The Light in Our Eyes offers nine ancient practices to help you experience anew—or for the first time—Jesus’s love, beauty, and freedom and to embody and extend them in the world. Through the scriptural song of Zechariah and relatable, inspiring stories of men and women who have been re-storied by the gospel of Jesus, this book reminds us that Jesus’ dreams fulfill what our hearts have longed for all along.
Journey from despair and darkness to faith and light as McDonald outlines a path to becoming reenchanted by the dreams Jesus has for each one of us, the church, and the world. To take up His dream is the invitation to believe again, and to hope again.
My Review:
I
really appreciate McDonald's concept that deconstruction is not a one
size fits all but is rather a spectrum of loyal, doubting,
disillusioned, deconstructing, and deconstructed. With McDonald, I
think many who have left the church are disillusioned. He points out
that many have become disillusioned with the toxic American
evangelical subculture, seeing something rotten in it. He notes the
difference between American evangelicals and evangelicals in the rest
of the world. His book is aimed at the disillusioned, giving them
hope, not to return to their previous experience but to find a new
experience in true Christian faith.
He
shares many of his own experiences and the experiences of others,
often giving verbatim dialogues. His stories provide good evidence
for being disillusioned. He includes some humor and some tongue in
cheek observations.
I
can't decide if this book is for disillusioned young people or those
who minister to them. Much of McDonald's writing style is aimed at
younger readers, say college age. But some of the material, like
historical sections, I think they might find boring. The long section
about the effect of the Civil War on the church is a case in point.
Even so, this would be a good book for discussion over a cup of
coffee with those disillusioned with the current state of
evangelicalism in America.
My
rating: 4/5 stars.
About the Author:
Nicholas McDonald is the Associate Pastor at Redeemer Presbyterian church in central Indianapolis and has served in ministry for over fifteen years. His previous positions have included roles in youth ministry and four years as the Campus Minister of Reformed University Fellowship at the University of Missouri. McDonald received his degree from Gordon Conwell Seminary and studied creative writing at Oxford University. He writes regularly for The Gospel Coalition and is the author of Faker. He lives in Indianapolis with his wife and their three children.
Multnomah, 256 pages.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
(My
star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it,
1-I hate it.)
About the Book:
