Back to School Prayers

With the start of the school year upon us in my community as well as many others, here are great items to pray about regarding your local schools. Even if you no longer have children in school, our schools and everyone who is connected with them need our prayers.  

Pray for School Boards: 

• Give thanks for the individuals who serve our community in this way. 
• Pray for wisdom and discernment as they make decisions that impact our community. 
• Pray they may honor God with their speech and actions. 
• Pray for positive interactions with administrators, teachers, staff, students, and families.
•  Pray for good working relationships between board members. 

 Pray for staff: 

• Pray for administrators to be good leaders. 
• Pray for teachers to connect with their students and families. 
• Pray for teachers who are new to their district or have changed positions. 
• Pray they will adjust well to the schools. 
• Pray for secretaries, bus drivers, and custodians. These important roles are often the first connection a student makes with a school. Pray these individuals will be caring and empathetic to students and families. 
• Pray that Christian staff members will have opportunities to live out their faith on a daily basis. May they be faithful to their beliefs as Christians and their calling as teachers. Pray for appropriate opportunities to share their faith. 
• Pray that all school staff will get along and support each other. 
• Pray by name for teachers that you know personally or for teachers your children/grandchildren will have.

 Pray for students: 

• Pray for students who are new to our community or who are attending a new school that they are able to make friends and to feel welcome. 
• Pray for students who are just starting school for the first time this year.
•  Pray for them as they adjust to new routines, new teachers, and new friends. 
• Pray for all students to be kind and welcoming to others. 
• Pray for students who have difficult home situations or lack food, supplies, and other resources. Pray that school may be a safe place and they will have adults they can trust. Pray that school personnel can help connect them to appropriate resources. 
• Pray for students while they are on the playground and/or athletic fields. Pray that they will honor God in their speech and actions. Pray that these will be places where students will be lifted up and encouraged rather than torn down. 
• Pray for safety while traveling to school whether that be by bus, driving, walking, etc. Especially pray for safety for high school students who may be newer drivers. 
• Pray for the physical and mental health of everyone who is connected with our schools. Pray for students who may be considering suicide that they will seek help and that friends and others will reach out to them. 
• Pray specifically for students you know by name.

The Librarian Spy

A librarian who is a spy set in World War II? I was sold from the beginning. In The Librarian Spy Ava exchanges her job at the Library of Congress where she is an expert at microfilming for a U.S military post in Portugal using the same skills. While microfilming newspapers and other documents from throughout Europe, Ava not only becomes familiar with the plight of many Jewish people trying desperately to leave Europe but also stumbles upon a coded plea for help in a French Resistance newspaper.

Author Madeline Martin does a wonderful job of intertwining two unique stories. The two stories unfold simultaneously involving two entirely different sets of characters and seem completely unrelated. Alternating between the two story lines causes the story to be a bit slow at the beginning, When the two stories intersect, the characters work together to accomplish their mission over different countries and in some cases without meeting in person. Their clandestine work using top of the line World War II era technology combined with their persistence and strong female characters provides a wonderfully, entertaining yet poignant work.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complementary copy of this book via NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Teacher of Warsaw

Having read several previous books by Mario Escobar, I knew that his fictional accounts of historical events are exceptional. His book The Teacher of Warsaw is no exception!

The Teacher of Warsaw focuses on Janusz Korczak and the Jewish orphanage Dom Seriot he runs in Warsaw, Poland. At the time, Korczak was a well-known and well-respected doctor and teacher in Poland. Based upon his own writings, this book tells the story of his orphanage being moved into the Warsaw Ghetto during the Holocaust and his attempts to keep the children and teachers in his care safe. Although his position in Polish society could have provided opportunity to escape, Korczak chose to stay with the children in his orphanage until the very end when they were sent to Treblinka.

The Teacher of Warsaw was heartbreaking to read, not only because you know how it ends, but due to the well thought out reasons for Korczak's actions. Escobar does a masterful job of portraying the philosophical reasoning for the teacher's actions and how he taught and modeled life for the children in his care. This creates a story that requires the reader to think deeply about the issues raised that are still being wrestled with today. This book is a highly recommended addition to your Holocaust reading list.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complementary copy of this book from Thoma Nelson via NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Reading Black Books

Reading Black Books: How African-American Literature Can Make Our Faith More Whole and Just by Claude Atcho belongs on your shelf if you are a literature buff or professor, an avid reader who wants to diversify your reading, or a Christian who wants to learn more about racial issues. In this recent book published by Brazos Press, author Claude Atcho combines his degrees in both literature and theology to help readers more fully see and grasp theological themes in 10 works by African-American authors.

Reading Black Books is not a book to read quickly. While one can read the book by itself simply for the content, this book is much better when read in tandem with the books Atcho is analyzing. Another option would be to read Atcho's commentary before reading the book that he analyzes to help readers watch for these themes. With a background in both theology and literature, Atcho easily pulls from both disciplines and weaves in his own experiences as well. As such this is a delightful work. Reading Black Books would be a wonderful textbook for a course in African-American Literature or would serve as a reading guide for book clubs or study groups who wish to encounter diverse literature. Highly recommended for academic libraries.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received Reading Black Books from Baker Publishing-Brazos Books via NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Wedding Dress Sewing Circle

Jennifer Ryan's newest book The Wedding Dress Sewing Circle is an enjoyable, satisfying read. Set in World War 2 England, the book centers specifically on three women who are tied together in numerous ways but most significantly through mending and making over a wedding dress. While initially quite different in personality and outlook, the three main characters all grow significantly during the six months time frame of the book. The war, and particularly the clothing rations, play into the story line by providing the context and backdrop for the story which focuses on the hardships of those at home. With an emphasis on a wedding dress, there is definitely some romance involved and some definite twists and turns.

Recommended for high school and up. A great, fun summer vacation read. This is my first book by this author and I look forward to reading her toher titles.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received The Wedding Dress Sewing Circle from Random House Publishing--Ballantine Books via NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Lily's Promise

Lily's Promise, a memoir by Holocuast survivor Lily Ebert and her great-grandson Dov Forman, is a chilling new addition to the field of Holocaust studies. Beginning with her childhood in Hungary before the war, Lily shares her story and that of her family. Until being herded into a cattle car, Lily's childhood was for the most part joyful and uneventful. That all changed when she along with her mother and younger siblings arrived at Auschwitz. With one flick of a hand, her mother and two siblings are sent one direction while Lily and two other sisters are sent another. Lily takes on the responsibility of keeping what remains of her family together, survival, and keeping their hidden jewelry.

While focused on her resilience as a Holocaust survivor, Lily's Promise does not stop upon the war's ending. Her story continues to demonstrate how her experiences in the Holocaust and her survivor mentality impacted her life from that point. Her story travels from war-torn Europe to Palestine and back to Europe. While not a psychological study, her memoir does provide a marvelous peak into the how Holocaust survivors coped with the trauma they had experienced and how it impacted their families going forward. Lily's Promise is a wonderful resource that earns a place next to Night, The Diary of Anne Frank, and others of this genre.

I received a complimentary copy from HarperOne via NetGalley. All viewpoints are my own and I am not required to provide a positive review.

Feathers of Hope

Sharon Garlough Brown is back with a new novel. Feathers of Hope is a sequel to her previous book Shades of Light and both are in the tradition of her fabulous Sensible Shoes series.

Feathers of Hope focuses on grief in various forms and for a variety of losses. Depression, panic, and anxiety are also noted. As the main characters wrestle with loss and interact with other individuals throughout the book, Brown leads readers through a spectrum of emotional responses to the issues raised through the story. As in prevous works, Brown does not hide the very real concerns of both Kit, who functions as a spiritual director and retreat leader, and Wren, the young woman who lives with her. Several new characters play a more prominent role in both as individuals who add to the range of emotions exhibited and who provide wisdom and clarity--or both. I am hopeful that these new characters may play a role in future works. The topic of racial justice is introduced in this work as well.

As in the previous work, art and specifically the painting of Vincent Van Gogh play a major role in the story. An accompanying study guide is available that provides scripture readings, reflection questions, and opportunity to reflect on the painting mentioned. Feathers of Hope is a marvelous story to read straight through for enjoyment and then to read a second time with the study guide which will provide a much richer experience. Highly recommended for reading by individuals or for a book group.

I received a complementary copy from InterVarsity Press via Net Galley. I was not required to provide a positive review.

Mozart Code

The Mozart Code is set in post-World War II Vienna and Prague. While the war was over, these cities still experienced severe deprivation as their countries were being rebuilt and politicians decided what form of government they would have. This is the scenario Simon and Sophie find themselves. Both of these upper crust Brits, now serving as spies, are fleeing from their past and the expectations society and their parents placed upon them. Simon relies on chess and Sophie relies on her love of music--particularly Mozart. Given the secrecy of their work, they could only trust each other, but even then they were not able to be completely forthright. Author Rachel McMillan uses flashbacks to fill in information regarding the past of both characters which helps the reader to understand the choices they make. As the book unfolds, the reader learns more about Simon and Sophie and Simon learns important information about his own background that helps to tie the whole story together.

The Mozart Code contains plenty of political intrigue, a thrilling spy story, chess, music, and some romance thrown in for good measure. An enjoyable book about an aspect of history we often overlook.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received The Mozart Code from Thomas Nelson Press via NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Letter from Briarton Park

The Letter from Briarton Park is the newest book by author Sarah E. Ladd. Having read and enjoyed previous books by this author and being intrigued by the description, I dug right into this volume. This book, set in Regency England, has a fairly typical plotline but has enough mystery to add in twists and turns that keep the story interesting. Several items set this book apart. To begin with, main character Cassandra Hale, although an orphan seeking information about her family and a governess, is a strong female protagonist. She has a firm sense of right and wrong and follows through with what she thinks is the right thing to do even when it isn't the socially proper thing to do. Several other characters prove to not have the same moral fortitude and provide some of the mystery elements. Hale also finds that individuals in her life have not always been honest with her and at times her life is in danger.

As indicated there are numerous twists and turns in The Letter from Briarton Park to keep the reader guessing. However, as a Regency romance, the end is fairly predictable. Ladd provides some excellent character development among both the main characters and several supporting figures as well. In addition, her descriptions draw the reader into the story. All in all, The Letter from Briarton Park is an enjoyable and entertaining book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received The Letter from Briarton Park from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Last Grand Duchess

Often books about the last Russian Czar and the Romanov family focus on his son Alexei or his daughter Anastasia. Having read several previous books about his family, The Last Grand Duchess: A Novel of Olga Romanov, Imperial Russia, and Revolution by Bryn Turnbull caught my attention for two reasons. One, it is a time period I enjoy reading about and two, it focused on Olga, the oldest daughter which is a viewpoint often not covered.

Author Bryn Turnbull tells the story through flashbacks, alternating between when the royal family was placed under house arrest in the palace and several years earlier when World War I just atarted. This tactic allows the reader to understand how choices the royal family, but particularly the Czar and Czarina, made created the conditions that were ripe for the Russian Revolution to take place. While depicting Rasputin as having the Czarina wrapped around his fingers and being quite manipulative, Turnbull also shows the royal family to be quite loving and totally devoted to each other. Simultaneously, she portrays the royal family as being woefully out of touch with the real world but convinced they are caring and looking after the Russian people. Often princesses or grand duchesses are portrayed to be individuals who are waited on hand and foot and only interested in the next ball. However, Olga and her sisters were engaged in a variety of volunteer work including serving as nurses at the imperial hospital, slept on army cots, and had a regimen of daily chores to complete.

Turnbull provides a new and interesting look into the Romanov family. The love shown for each other through the bitter end is inspiring. Highly recommended for those who enjoy historical fiction and particular those are interested in Russia.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received The Last Grand Duchess via NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Lady of Galway Manor

Last year I had the opportunity to read Jennifer Deibel's debut release, A Dance in Donegal. Having enjoyed that title, when the opportunity to read her new book The Lady of Galway Manor came along, I jumped at the chance. 1920 finds Lady Annabeth De Lacy just moved to Galway City, Ireland with her very English family where her father Lord De Lacy is the new landlord for the parish. From the beginning the tensions between the Irish and English are felt as the time period is the Irish War of Independence. However, Anna as the main character prefers to be called does not wish to stay locked away in the manor but wants to learn everything she can about her new home which includes being apprenticed to a young and attractive local craftsman. Coming from a very English court upbringing, Anna is unfamiliar with the ways of her new acquaintances which causes some bumbles as she unwittingly offends them when she tries to assist.Caught between the demands of her very English family and a growing attraction toward the craftsman, Anna is caught in a definite pickle as her hand is forced by family expectations. Her efforts to get to know the people of Galway City and understand their point of view pay off by the end of the book! Likewise Stephen has his world and his view of the English turned upside down.

While an enjoyable book, The Lady of Galway Manor is somewhat predictable and didn't provide the same feeling of being whisked to Ireland as the previous title. I recommend borrowing this from a library rather than purchasing a copy.

I received a complementary copy from Revell via NetGalley.

Winter Rose

Last year I discovered Melanie Dobson who has written numerous books. Several, but not all of the books, have been World War II fiction and individuals who read my blog frequently know that I rarely pass up WW2 books. Her most recent book The Winter Rose combines the WW2 genre with timeslip into a unique and well-developed story. I so appreciated how Dobson demonstrates that the events of World War 2 and the experiences of people who were caught in this horror continue to impact people and the world today. In brief, Dobson creates a marvelous story involving Jewish refugess children who end up in America, throws in a love story, and adds in a mystery in the form of a family drama which extends to the modern day. Dobson also shows how the problems of one generation can be passed to the next generation but that those problems do not define who someone is or how they will live their lives. With all of these different strands taking place, Dobson manages to weave an immensely satisfying and enjoyable story that demonstrates the power of God's love to transcend circumstances.

I received a complemtary copy of The Winter Rose from Tyndale House via NetGalley. I am not required to provide a positive review.

Breaking Ground

In the conversation "Arguments for the Sake of Heaven" published in Breaking Ground, Jonathan Haidt states "The interesting thing is that Americans are not getting more polarized in terms of their beliefs about issues. . . .The polarization is affective--that is, it's emotional. We don't disagree more about policy matters or ideas, we just hate each other more. And that's really important to keep your eye on, because when you really hate someone, you will believe anything that casts them in a bad light; you're less likely to check sources."

This is one of several passages I noted in this outstanding collection of essays. This particular item caught my attention due to the information literacy aspect. Beyond this passage, Breaking Ground has assembled a collection of beautifully written essays that looks at our lives of the course of one year of the pandemic. Well done and highly recommended! My full review will be posted later at Englewood Review of Books.

I received a complementary copy from Plough Publishing via NetGalley. All comments and reviews are my own.

Diversity Playbook

A plethora of books about diversity have been published in the last two years, so you may wonder why another is needed. Diversity Playbook, written by Michelle R. Lloyd-Paige and Michelle D. Williams and published by ACU Press, brings unique insight into this field and is well-worth your time. Written for and by professionals in the field of Christian Higher Education (CHE), Diversity Playbook is grounded in scripture and first-hand examples illustrating the importance of this topic. While Lloyd-Paige and Williams are diversity professionals, their audience is not limited to those who include diversity in their official job description but includes anyone and everyone in CHE who is interested in this topic as well as other fields. The book is divided into three parts which are For the Diversity Professional, For the Outliers, Allies, and Co-Conspirators, and For the Organization. Everyone is highly encouraged to read all three sections regardless of where you fit in your organization. Each chapter opens with scripture and ends with a summary titled Takeaways. The authors take turns sharing their stories and experiences using Michelle L. or Michelle W. to indicate whose perspective is being shared. Most chapters also include several footnotes. Lloyd-Paige and Williams have a very conversational tone in their writing which provides inviting, "you can do this: encouragement to readers.

Diversity Playbook is highly recommended for any Christian organization not just higher education. While some examples may not be relevant, most information can be applied to any organization. I found the section For the Diversity Professional appropriate for anyone in, or aspiring to, a leadership position. Diversity Playbook is highly recommended for libraries in CHE institutions, has potential to be used as a leadership textbook, and should be required reading for CHE administrators and boards. Beyond CHE, any Christian organization will find this book immensely useful as will Christians in leadership roles who wish to bring a Christian understanding of diversity to their own organizations.

A complementary copy of Diversity Playbook was provided to me from ACU Press via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

On the Spectrum

Professor Daniel Bowman pulls back the curtains and throws open the doors inviting readers into his life as an autistic person. In his recently published collection of essays On the Spectrum, Bowman allows you to view the world from his vantage point. Some essays provide a look into how he as an autistic person handles daily life and offers a glimpse that may help you understand better those in your own life who are autistic. Other essays emphasize that there is not "one size fits all" description and encourages readers to get to know individual people rather than stereotypes. In fact, one of Bowman's stated goals is to demonstrate that autistic people can be creative and artistic and be professors.

On the Spectrum: Autism, Faith, and the Gifts of Neurodiversity is suggested reading for anyone who interacts with anyone who is on the Autism spectrum. If you are a teacher, minister, or anyone who works with the public, you should read this. While none of the essays are lengthy, be prepared to read slowly and thoughtfully.

I received a complementary copy of this book from Brazos Press via NetGalley.

Quest52

Quest52 is a brand new resource by pastor/teacher Dr. Mark E. Moore. Quest52: A 15-Minute-a-Day Yearlong Pursuit of Jesus is set up in a very similar format to his previous Core52. Each week begins with an essay where Moore approaches the scriptural theme for the week. His essays are person able and geared towards a non-academic audience. At the end of each essay, a page titled :This Week provides daily assignments. These assignments include a reflection question, reading additional related scriptures, mediating on specific scriptures, discussion questions, and an action step. The assignments are labeled day 1-5 to so that any day of the week could be used for the small group discussion. Additional resources are available at the companion website Quest52.com which includes a brief video lesson. As Dr. Moore was previously a professor at Ozark Christian College, he has also included audio Life of Christ lectures and downloadable background studies as well.

Quest52 is a great resource for anyone who is seeking a new study for the new year. It also has great potential for a small group study or a church wide study as well. The content is appropriate for ages high school and up althought Moore's target audience is adults. While useful as a follow-up to his previous Core52, this resource does stand on its own as well.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received Quest52 via NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Beyond These War-Torn Lands

Today, I finally was able to read Cynthia Roemer's newest release Beyond These War-Torn Lands. Having enjoyed her previous works, I was looking forward to this. Roemer's plot, descriptive writing, and eye for detail drew me into the story immediately. In particular, Roemer includes numerous historical details in such a way that lends authenticity to the story and furthers the plot line.

The title, Beyond These War-Torn Lands truly refers to more than simply the Civl War but also the divides that occur in numerous relationships. Caroline and Drew, the two main characters, are both imperfect but grow and mature in numerous ways throughout the book. They learn through the choices they make the importance of demonstrating love and forgiveness to others even when it is not reciprocated. Highly recommended to anyone who enjoys a good historical novel. While there is a romantic element, the story centers on the male main character and the Civil War enough to be interesting to men as well as women.

In full disclosure, I do know the author personally. However, I did purchase this book on my own volition and am under no obligation to provide a positve review.

Bucky McGuire

The description of Bucky McGuire and its setting of post-civil war Illinois near Galena caught my attention right away. As an Illinois girl interested in history, I had high hopes for this book. While the story of Bucky was interesting and the interchange between the now adult Bucky and his great-grandchildren was interesting, I did not enjoy it as much as I hoped.

While geared for upper-elementary children, the author uses numerous words and phrases unfamiliar to many children. While well-written and filled with amazing vocabulary, Bucky McGuire would be best as a read-aloud where unfamiliar terms could be explained. I did find the story dragged a bit but reading it aloud so that children could "hear" it told in the same way Bucky's grandchildren did would be a wise choice. As parent or teacher may find it helpful to create research projects around some of the events included in the book which would provide learning opportunities in history and science topics.

Recommended for reading aloud or as a unit study. Children who are interested in history and are avid readers will enjoy.

I received a complementary copy via NetGalley. I was not required to provide a positive review.

The One You're With

I was unfamiliar with Lauren K. Denton, but the description of her newest book The One You're With caught my attention.

Childhood sweethearts have what appears to be a perfect life with well-established careers and two kids until a blast from their past rocks their world and threatens to end their marriage and perfect existence. Secrets emerge on both sides from the college summer they spent apart which cause them both to wonder if they made the right choice to marry each other. Alternating between the main characters and between the present and the past, The One You're With explores a variety of issues related to mid-life crises, friends, and marriage. An excellent heart-warming book!

I received a complementary copy from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley.

The Clockmaker's Wife

The Clockmaker's Wife by Daisy Wood is a split time novel involving three generations of women in one family. WW II London during the blitz figures heavily into the story causing the main character and her baby daughter to be evacuated to her parent's home. Her husband, the clockmaker, stays behind caring for the clock in the Palace of Westminster often referred to as Big Ben. In contemporary times, the main character's granddaughter is trying to discover the truth about the grandmother she never knew. This story lends itself well to the split time genre as clues found in the contemporary story set the stage for the WW II story.

Combining the horrors of the blitz and the famed English stiff upper lip,The Clockmaker's Wife provides an excellent look at the interplay of loyalty to family versus loyalty to country. The strife that can exist between children and step-mothers and siblings plays into the story as well. All in all, an excellent addition to the burgeoning genre of WW II historical novels.

I received a complementary copy of The Clockmaker's Wife from NetGalley.