You Can't Text a Tough Conversation by Mike Bechtle

We text, email, and update our status on social sites to communicate with others. “There's a definite place for social media,” Bechtle writes, “but it's not for making deep connections with people and growing relationships. It's for keeping track of others in a casual way...” This book is a good reminder that a key to healthy relationships is effective communication. Often, the text or email is just not enough. We need face to face conversation.

We are reminded how much of communication is beyond the mere words being said. There is body language and tone of voice that we miss by communicating technologically. That can be up to 90% of the tools essential for effective communication.

Bechtle wants us to communicate well so he gives us a strategy to use with various tools and techniques. This book is a good exploration of communication, looking at the needs of people, the tools we can use for conversation and the techniques for using those tools. He includes other aspects of relationships too, like how they mature and how communication problems develop.

I liked his thoughts on listening and how important it is to establishing authentic communication. He encourages us to be present, really listening, not thinking of our next response. His teachings on humility and pride are excellent.

Bechtle says we can always refresh our communication toolbox. We can learn new skills to be more effective communicators. He give practical steps to do just that. He has some good ideas to keep technology from taking over relationship times, like turning off cell phones during family meals.

The bottom line is that we must be intentional to communicate well and build good relationships. “Technology should be a way of enhancing our communication, not replacing it.”

I highly recommend this book to those who desire to communicate well. You'll learn essential skills for good communication, even when the conversation is a tough one.

My rating: 5/5 stars.

Mike Bechtle (EdD, Arizona State University) is the author of two previous books on relationships, a frequent speaker and blogger. He lives in California. You can find out more at http://www.mikebechtle.com/.

Revell, 240 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher for the purpose of an independent and honest review.

The Whole World is Changing and I'm Too Hot to Care by Martha Bolton

We're all getting older, so let's face it, Bolton writes, But let's do it with humor!

“Laughter is our pressure valve,” she writes, “our shock absorber. It's our mental vacation from the stress of life.” To help us out, she has given us scores of funny stories and sayings. Here is one of her Periodic Twitter Updates: “Hot flash. Going to the frozen-food aisle.” Here is one of her “remember when” observations: remember when the “hip” crowd was a cool group, not the people you know who've had replacement surgery?

Along with all her humor about getting older, Bolton has included some good solid insights and advice. She warns about avoiding Internet scams. She wants us to leave a legacy for our children, a memory book. She prompts us to do so by asking us to identify the defining moments in our life. I liked her “do over” list. She asks us to think about what we would have done differently. She even has a lesson on punctuation.

Bolton also includes short interviews she did with people over fifty. They include entertainers and other well known people. They give their advice for living well as we age.

Even though there are some serious essays in this collection, almost all of it is wrapped up in humor. Like when she wrote about exercise. She likes to do jumping jacks. Well, half of them. She claps.

She ends her book with the wise advice of whatever age we happen to be, enjoy life and live it to the fullest. We'll never be this age again.

Reading this book would be a good way to get some laughs and some good advice about getting older.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

Martha Bolton has been nominated for an Emmy, a Dove, a WGA award, and is a four time Angel Award winner. She is the author of 88 books. She was a staff writer for Bob Hope for fifteen years. She has also written for Mark Lowry, Phyllis Diller, Chonda Pierce, and many others. You can find out more at http://www.marthabolton.com/.

Elk Lake Publishing, 256 pages.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through The Book Club Network for the purpose of an independent and honest review.

The Hardest Thing to Do by Penelope Wilcock

This novel is the fourth in The Hawk and the Dove series. It is a little different than the others in that it goes day by day through the season of Lent.

Lent is the time of taking away comforts. Yet, for Brother Conradus, the hardest thing was remembering to do all he had been told and asked to do. For Brother Cormac, the hardest thing to do was break the fast after Holy Week.

For Brother Tom, the hardest thing to do was forget past injustices and be willing to show grace to an enemy. This difficult task comes to the forefront when John returns to the abbey. He'd been away to Cambridge for a year of training to be the abbot. Upon his return, prior William arrives, destitute and in need of a place to stay. While John wants to show grace, Tom cannot forget the injustice William showed to Father Peregrine.

This novel is a good study in character. I loved how John, on his journey back to the abbey, gave away all his food and money. He is a giving and humble man. He is uncomfortable when he is shown deference because he is the abbot elect. He learns that nearby St. Dunstan's had burned and most of the monks, detested by the community, had died in the fire. Not prior William, however.

The good character traits of the monks at St. Alcuin's Abbey are tested when prior William asks for residence. Many know this William and do not like him at all. While John wants to show grace, the monks are adverse to having such a horrible man in their abbey. Is William a man who should be shown mercy or is he really a wolf in sheep's clothing?

I enjoyed this novel. I continued to learn about abbey life, this time specifically about Lent and what meager food they ate. I was also faced with some good spiritual lessons. One was illustrated by Brother Tom. He has a quick temper and must frequently ask for forgiveness. “...Brother Tom wondered how other people managed – ordinary people outside the monastery walls who tried to muddle along without this discipline of humble contrition to heal the wounds made by human carelessness.” (118) That reminded me of how infrequently at church we are reminded of our sins and are given opportunity to repent, even silently.

There are other lessons too, such as trying to see a situation from another's viewpoint before being so quick to pass judgment. And then there is forgiveness. Do we forgive past hurts, unconditionally, even when the mean person has not repented or asked for forgiveness?

I recommend this novel to those who enjoy historical fiction. You'll learn a great deal about how an abbey functioned during the fourteenth century. You'll also meet godly men who struggle to follow the rule of St. Benedict as they follow Christ.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

Read my reviews of the earlier books in the series: The Hawk and the Dove, 
The Wounds of God, and The Long Fall.

Penelope Wilcock is a full-time writer and a former Methodist minister, prison and hospice chaplain, who lives in Hastings on England's south coast with her family. You can follow her blog at http://kindredofthequietway.blogspot.com/.

Lion Hudson (distributed in the U. S. by Kregel), 256 pages.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of an independent and honest review.

Bottled Madness, In The President's Service #7 by Ace Collins

Helen survives the deadly Louisiana swamp and the attacking alligator. But her troubles are not over. While she and her team have found out more about the mysterious “water” and that it is being transported through New Orleans, they come to realize it is not a magic elixir.

Helen is shocked when it seems there may be a mole, or at least a terribly deceived person, at the highest levels of government. How can she and those left on her team smoke him out?

Bauer is pressing forward. Even though he has lost the aid of Alistar, he has found a new operative to do his dirty work. She is a mystery woman and Bauer is unsure of the future.

The very last paragraph of this episode is a shocker and turns the tables on what we readers thought we knew. I am waiting anxiously for the next episode.

This episode does not have as much action as the last one nor does it move the story along as far. We do find out a few intriguing facts that help us understand what is going on. But we are also given a few more mysteries to be solved in the next episode.

People who like 1940s style mystery and intrigue will enjoy this series. The dialog is fun. When was the last time you heard “peepers” for eyes? How about having a “gas” for having fun? The characters are well crafted too. The style of writing reminds me of the serialized stories of decades ago.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

You can read my reviews of the previous episodes: Date with Death, The Dark Pool, Blood Brother, Fatal Addiction, The Devil's Eyes, and The Dead Can Talk.

Ace Collins has written more than sixty books, including several best sellers. He lives in Arkadelphia, Arkansas

Elk Lake Publishing, 152 pages.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this episode through The Book Club Network for the purpose of an independent and honest review.

Sacred Intent by Brent Crowe

This book is not for the stars of the Christian world. Rather, it is for everyday Christians who are living seemingly normal, mundane lives yet want to make a difference. Crowe provides encouragement in figuring out how that influence can be generated.

Don't expect this to be a productivity book. It is devotional in nature and is a good source for us to look at our lives and how we live them out with sacred intent.

Crowe likens all of life to seven days. Each day relates to a theme he covers. Monday is the start of a new work week and the theme is influence. He reminds us that God designed us for influence and leadership. We learn lessons from Moses/Joshua and Paul/Timothy. Tuesday is a good day to realize time is limited and we are reminded what happens to our time when we are not intentional with it. Crowe wants us to live each day on purpose with purpose.

Wednesday is about our calling – what gives us purpose. He looks at four aspects: church, family, citizen, and contributor. He emphasizes living in connection with Jesus and having our identity in Him. Thursday is about engaging the world and how God wants our life to be saturated with salt and light. Friday covers relationships, both friendships and collaborative efforts. Saturday is a good day for thinking about motivation. Motivation produces focus resulting in obedience to God's call on our lives. “Sunday is the perfect day for believing the impossible.” (205) It's the day to dream of ideas that would turn the world upside down.

This would be a great book to read on a week vacation or retreat. Crowe helps us think through many issues in our life and encourages us to live each moment with sacred purpose. He gives great examples from his own life and the lives of others. He offers insight from Scripture too. He includes practical advice, like how to choose a mentor. He has included an Appendix with positive statements about each day's topics and a prayer as a review and aid for transforming our lives.

My favorite section was the one on time. “How we use our time is a reflection of our understanding, or misunderstanding, of God's purpose for our lives.” (62) Ouch.

I recommend this book to those who have the desire to see their lives make a difference but just don't know how to go about it. You'll get some great encouragement as you think through your life and decide to live with sacred intention.

My rating: 5/5 stars.

Brent Crowe is currently serving as vice president for Student Leadership University and is a popular speaker across the U. S. and abroad. He is the author of several books. He has a doctorate in philosophy and two masters degrees from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He and his wife have three children and live in Florida. You can find out more at www.brentcrowe.com and www.slulead.com.

Worthy Publishing, 272 pages.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of an independent and honest review.

Murder at the Courthouse by A. H. Gabhart

The small sleepy town of Hidden Springs comes wide awake when a body is found near the entrance to the courthouse. The man had been shot, and recently. Deputy Sheriff Michael Keane is on the case. Before he can make much headway, there is another murder. As the deputy pursues slim leads, it looks like these murders may have their origin in a missing person case a decade old.

This is a pretty good cozy mystery. I like the characters Gabhart has crafted. Hidden Springs is a small town with quirky characters – some lovable and some not so lovable. I liked the secondary characters, Michael's wise aunt and Anthony, the troubled teen. Reading the novel made me feel like I was in a close knit small southern community.

The mystery aspect of the novel is good. There certainly are enough hints that a reader could figure out the murderer. It was so plain early on that I thought maybe it was a red herring. In addition to the mystery is just a hint of romance. The aspect of the novel I liked the best was Michael helping Anthony. Both had been orphaned while young and Michael really has a heart for the troubled teen.

This is not a very complex mystery. It is an enjoyable one and I recommend it to authors who like a murder mystery without the gore and offensive language. This looks like the first novel in a new series and I'll be watching for the next one.

You can read a free chapter here.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

A. H. Gabhart is the pseudonym for Ann H. Gabhart, the bestselling author of more than twenty novels for adults and young readers. She and her husband live on a farm not far from where she was born in Kentucky. You can find out more at www.annhgabhart.blogspot.com and www.annhgabhart.com.

Revell, 336 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher for the purpose of an independent and honest review.

God, Please Rewire My MADFATs by James Bars and Blake Bars

We are made up of our MADFATs, Motives, Affections, Desires, Feelings, Actions, and Thoughts. The authors want us to find freedom from negative MADFATs, and have written this book to help us position ourselves so God can do that. “This book has been designed to help facilitate the healthy, fruitful gardening of your heart, mind and soul by exposing you to relevant concepts of science, as well as the inspiring light found in the Word of God.” (101)

This book is a combination of scientific knowledge and spiritual insights. We are given information as to how the brain works, how patterns are formed and dissolved, how our view of God shapes our brain, and how negative and positive thoughts affect our brain. They explain how change happens, including neuroplasticity and neurogenesis. They write about the role of visualizing, meditating, writing, and practice. To be transformed, we must continually access and receive the indwelling gift of the Holy Spirit and His life changing power.

This takes practice and effort. The rewiring guides have the purpose of exposing our soul to God's transforming work. “Regeneration of the soul is God's department. You can, nonetheless, enable Him to do His work by creating an environment within you where His healing, restoring powers will be effective.” (65)

The last half of the book consists of Practice Sheets. The idea is to repeatedly rewrite the affirmations, helping the new neural pathways to be solidified. Each day of the week focuses on one topic and they are repeated weekly. The authors remind us that this is a process and documenting the journey allows us to record what works and what doesn't, the Scriptures that influence us, etc.

There is a great amount of material in this book. Much of it should be read over and over to help the truth get into the inside of us. There are over fifty weeks of Practice Sheets so we know this book is not a quick fix – it is a process of change in thinking, believing, and practice. Reading this book is a commitment and I recommend it to those who are serious in their desire for transformation.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

James Bars and Blake Bars began working together in 2007. Both graduated from Eastern Oregon University, James with a BS in Business and Blake with an MBA. Blake currently manages a health food store. James is a human behavior consultant, Christian counselor, and board certified Master Life Coach. You can find out more at www.MyNewMadfats.com.

Home of Love Publications, 252 pages.

I received a complimentary copy of this book though The Book Club Network for the purpose of an independent and honest review.

The Dead Can Talk, In the President's Service #6 by Ace Collins

I think this is the best episode yet in this series. It is jam packed with action and moves the story along well.

At the outset a American spy is killed without delivering the microfilm that cost him his life. We wonder if this means the Nazis will have a stable supply of power from a hydrogen based fuel.

Bauer knows that Meeker survived the plane crash but is hesitant to kill her. He desperately needs to know what her assignment is.

Meanwhile, Meeker convinces her superiors that she needs to go behind enemy lines. She actually ends up in the same room with Hitler and Himmler. But her plans go wrong and disaster strikes, leaving a death in its wake.

Bauer is intent on finding the Fountain of Youth and thinks he has a lead. His desire for the promised rejuvenation takes him to New Orleans. Meeker ends up there too and when disaster strikes again, we are left waiting for the next episode.

I love this series. The dialog is snappy and full of wit. The characters are well crafted and, in this episode, the action is intense and continuous. This episode clearly reflects the price special agents have to pay to keep our country safe. I look forward to the next one.

My rating: 5/5 stars.

Read my reviews of earlier episodes: A Date With Death, The Dark Pool, Blood Brother, Fatal Addiction, and The Devil's Eyes.

Ace Collins has written more than sixty books, including several best sellers. He lives in Arkadelphia, Arkansas.

Elk Lake Publishing, 170 pages.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this episode through The Book Club Network for the purpose of an independent and honest review.