I slowed down a bit in my reading toward the end of this year. But I'm happy to say I've picked it back up and I've finished some good ones!
The Book of Revelation Made Easy: You Can Understand Biblical Prophesy
by Dr. Kenneth Gentry Jr.
four stars - If you're looking to engage in a little in depth study on the "End Times", this is your book! This book is an extremely well researched and organized defense of the partial preterist view of the book of Revelation. Although this topic is theologically complex, Dr. Gentry does a great job of summarizing his previous points at the beginning of each chapter that the reader may follow his arguments + train of thought easily.
He thoroughly explains Revelation's principal purpose, the importance of time-texts, how to understand apocalyptic imagery (such as the beat + the millenium) and their implications for the Church both in the 1st century and today. I highly recommend as an introductory resource; as long as you have a general or basic understanding of eschatology.
Death by Living: Life is Meant to Be Spent
by N.D. Wilson
four stars - I'm not even sure I know how to accurately summarize this book to someone. It's like a gourmet four-course dinner with so many new flavors and foods all packed into one meal! This is hands down one of the most creative, poetic and thought-provoking books I've ever read. N.D. has such a unique writing style that allows a reader to enjoy a good story all while pondering the philosophical intricacies of life and death; or rather, the journey to death by truly living. What an enjoyable read!
Eve in Exile and the Restoration of Femininity
by Rebekah Merkle
five stars - I cannot possibly recommend this book enough! For Christmas, I just might buy it in bulk and hand it out to every Christian woman I meet. Heck, I'd give it to men too! Rebekah articulates so well our current problem with female identity. She revisits where the feminist movement came from (excellent and concise overview on the inception/history of the feminist movement) and how it has landed us where we are today.
But she doesn't stop there. She takes a magnifying glass to the Scriptures and walks through exactly what a woman's call is from the Word of God. Then she defends that holy call against anything, even the hyper conservative view, that doesn't line up with the glory of the role defined by Scripture. Lastly, she gives practical examples of how women can start living big, creative, glorious + lovely lives that honor the Lord just as He made us. Highly, highly recommend!
The Fruit of Her Hands: Respect and the Christian Woman
by Nancy Wilson
four stars - Simply put, if you are a mom, a wife, a Christian woman or all three...read it! This book is a quick, concise, loving and fruitful read on the practical out-workings of marriage, child rearing and female fellowship. I appreciated so many things Nancy had to say but I specifically enjoyed the following topics she addressed: how to honor your husband with your speech, sexual intimacy with your spouse and what to do if you find yourself as widow.
Loving the Little Years
by Rachel Jankovic
four stars - Although I have yet to become a mom, my favorite part of this book is how much I learned about the importance of getting my own heart/attitude in check with the Lord in the midst of what probably feels like chaos while raising little ones. This book is a great primer on the biblical intent in raising children as it is centered around producing long term fruit from all aspects of motherhood; the fun, the discipline, the routines and the messes. I also just loved Rachel's anecdotal stories from her own life and experience of raising her 5 children at the time. Plus it's an encouraging, quick, easy and well-worth it read for any busy on-the-go mom.