Case Files Vol 1: Murder and Meaning by Jimmy Wallace and J. Warner Wallace

Case Files Vol 1:
Murder and Meaning
by Jimmy Wallace and J. Warner Wallace

ISBN-13: 9780830786152
ebook: 162 pages
Publisher: David C Cook
Released: April 1, 2025

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher.

Book Description from Goodreads:
Detective Michael “Murph” Murphy is near retirement. After twenty-five years as a sworn peace officer in Los Angeles County, he joins his team—with a few newbies along—to comb the cliffs of San Pedro for any clues to a recent murder there. But when a fresh murder in Palos Verdes occurs, and a mysterious subject starts calling the police department to talk to Murph, the stakes get higher. A third killing leads the team to suspect one person is behind all the murders—and still on the loose. Worse, the crimes have happened at one-week intervals, which means Murph and his colleagues have only a few days left to keep the killer from striking again.

This highly engaging, full-color graphic novel for adults is one of the first available that Christian comic book enthusiasts can feel great about reading and recommending to friends. Written by the real-life detectives and Christian apologists behind Cold-Case Christianity, and featuring art from the renowned creators of The Chosen comic book series, Case Murder and Meaning has all the action and intrigue comic book readers want laced with questions about the purpose and value of human life.


My Review:
Murder and Meaning is a graphic novel following 4 homicide detectives working on a series of murders. Detective Murph and his partner teach two detectives new to the homicide department while they investigate the murders. While we get scenes from the point of view of several characters (including the bad guy), we mostly follow Murph. When there's a new murder linked to the first one, it becomes clear that a man arrested in a past case took some angry words Murph said to him to heart and now, free, wants to make Murp feel that same hurt.

The focus of the story was on solving the cases, but there's an underlying theme about what gives a person or a thing worth. The first murder victim was a drug addict that was valued by his girlfriend but few others. A later murder victim was someone well known, and suddenly the pressure was on. Is it popularity give you more value? Is your worth dependent on how much you contribute to the case? That sort of thing. At the end, a minor character stated that God says he's valuable, so he focuses on that rather than on human opinions.

There were some bloody wounds shown, but it wasn't gory. The illustrations were clear and easy to follow, but occasionally it wasn't clear to me which word bubble was the next one to read. This wasn't necessarily confusing, but it did take me out of the story while I sorted out the order. This novel is aimed at adults, not kids. Overall, I'd recommend it to adults who enjoy detective novels.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

The Good Shepherd and the Stubborn Sheep by Hannah E. Harrison

The Good Shepherd and the Stubborn Sheep
by Hannah E. Harrison

ISBN-13: 9780310161493
Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: Zonderkidz
Released: February 4, 2025

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher.

Book Description from Goodreads:
The Good Shepherd and the Stubborn Sheep is a humorous and heartwarming picture book about God's unconditional love. This story beautifully captures the essence of Psalm 23, showing the importance of trusting God, our Good Shepherd, with our lives.

Meet George, a silly and sometimes stubborn sheep living happily under the care of a Good Shepherd. But when shearing time comes, George decides it’s time to make a run for it, and soon finds himself on a journey full of unexpected disappointment, discomfort, and danger. Ultimately, he finds rescue and learns why he really does need a shepherd.

The Bible is full of references to sheep and shepherds, but what does it mean to be a good shepherd? And how are we like sheep? The Good Shepherd and the Stubborn Sheep uses a riveting story to bring biblical truth to life for kids and illustrate the many comforting and loving attributes of God.


My Review:
The Good Shepherd and the Stubborn Sheep is from the point of view of George, a sheep. He talks about what life is like for sheep and why they need a shepherd. But he runs away because he doesn't want a haircut; he like how he looks. He soon regrets his decision (dirty hair, danger, etc.), but it's the good shepherd that seeks him out and brings him home. George is grateful and now trusts that the shepherd wants what's best for him.

The pictures are very nicely done, illustrating the text while also being interesting to look at. George presents things in a humorous way, even when he's threatened by a scary wolf at the end and he can't save himself. (Don't worry, the shepherd saves him!). Psalm 23 is written on the last page. Overall, I think my nieces will enjoy this story, so I bought a copy to give to them.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

One Choice Away from Change by Justin and Trisha Davis

One Choice Away from Change
by Justin and Trisha Davis

ISBN-13: 978-0830785759
Paperback: 240 pages
Publisher: David C Cook
Released: March 4, 2025

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher.

Book Description from Goodreads:
Through biblical examples and illustrations from their own redemptive story, Justin and Trisha Davis help readers identify unhealthy relational patterns that keep them from experiencing the joy and freedom God has for them.

One Choice Away from Change helps us identify dysfunctional life patterns that cause us to repeat the same mistakes in relationships, fall into the same bad habits at work, or argue about the same things with those we love. Drawing on their own story of healing, Justin and Trisha Davis offer practical encouragement on understanding the choices we make that can sabotage us, not letting the past dictate the present, leaving behind our go-to sins and dysfunctions, and moving forward in the hope of who God calls us to be.

You aren’t as stuck as you think you are. In fact, you are just one decision away from breaking the cycles that keep you living in fear and shame. Experience the power of God’s grace … one choice at a time.


My Review:
One Choice Away from Change is about getting to the root of our choices. It "...helps you identify the destructive cycles that have held you back and kept you stuck in unhealthy patterns" and break free of them. Part of this is "to let go of the illusion of control and trust God....[which] allows true transformation to take root."

The first part of the book talked about why we repeat the same bad choices even when we know there will be undesirable consequences. The authors then looked at the cycles of blame, unforgiveness, fear, hiddenness, and shame that may be in your life and explained how to break free of them. Each chapter ended in a short prayer. They shared struggles in their own lives based on these cycles, so they're speaking from experience and gave good advice and insights. The book was written in a casual and encouraging tone. Overall, I'd highly recommend this insightful book.

"Words spoken over us leave lasting messages, and words become messages that become cycles....Cycles can lead to narratives that get buried so deep within us that the narratives become the stories we live."


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

Being Fully Known by Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith

Being Fully Known
by Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith

ISBN: 0830787747
Paperback: 272 pages
Publisher: David C Cook
Released: March 4, 2025

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher.

Book Description from Goodreads:
The world pressures us to do. God invites us to be. In this freeing book, Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith speaks to all of us who hold back because we fear vulnerability or rejection. Using her background as a physician, spiritual mentor, and coach, Dr. Saundra helps us bridge the disconnect between the wanting to express our true selves and the beliefs that keep us in fear-based living.

Being Fully Known blends Scripture, science, and story to offer insights into how we can discover where we naturally fit rather than forcing ourselves to fit in, embrace the fullness of our identity apart from our assumed roles, overcome mental barriers that cause us to seek accomplishment over contentment, reconnect with the courage to live into what God sees in us, andexperience greater joy in our relationships, career, and creative expression.

Being Fully Known is a journey toward God-awareness, self-acceptance, and the fulfillment found in knowing we are seen and understood. Step into your God-given, joy-filled identity as you follow the mentoring of the Holy Spirit through this life-changing guide to being over doing.


My Review:
Being Fully Know is about becoming "aware of how God is moving in you and through you." The author talked about how people hold back from being vulnerable or from doing what they believe God is calling them to do for fear of rejection. About not getting stuck thinking things are impossible for you but basing our thoughts and actions on God's truth. When we fear we're unlovable, remember God's steadfast love. Stop negative thought cycles, and allow the Holy Spirit's power to fully be at work in your life. Recognizing God's presence, seeing ourselves as God does, and surrendering to God.

She talked about how normal life can hold opportunities to do God's work and show his love, but also about being willing to stretch beyond your comfort zone to do something God's calling you to do. At the end of each chapter, she provided 3 Bible verses and how to apply them in your life. There were also 3 questions to help you think about what she said in the chapter. At the end of the book, there's a brief section with tips for a 21 day fast from media, certain foods, etc. The author used personal stories to illustrate what she was teaching, and her writing style was casual and encouraging. Overall, I'd recommend this insightful book.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

R Is for Risen by Crystal Bowman

R Is for Risen
by Crystal Bowman;
Teri McKinley

ISBN-13: 9781496487292
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers
Released: February 4, 2025

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Jesus is the RISEN One,
our Savior and our Friend.
Jesus is the A and Z,
the beginning and the end.

In this charmingly illustrated story, children will learn the alphabet and the biblically accurate reason for the season: Jesus’ resurrection! Unlike other ABC books that attribute a random Easter-themed word to a letter, R Is for Risen thoughtfully tells the chronological Easter story of salvation. It features:

Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem
Garden of Gethsemane
Jesus’ arrest and interrogation
Jesus carrying the cross
Jesus’ death and resurrection
Jesus’ Great Commission



My Review:
R Is for Risen tells the main events of Jesus' death and resurrection in a way young children can understand. Each page is alphabetical, with the letter up top and a cartoon-style picture around the letter illustrating the text. A rhyming verse is below that describing events in chronological order, from Jesus riding into the streets of Jerusalem on a donkey to the Passover dinner to the empty tomb and the disciples seeing Jesus after the Resurrection. It ends with Jesus telling his disciples to tell the whole world the good news. Bible verses are included below each rhyme to show where the events or prophecies can be found in the Bible. Overall, I'd recommend this children's book as a way to teach young kids what 'Easter' is really about.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

Never Walk Alone by Kathryn Joy MacDowall

Never Walk Alone
by Kathryn Joy MacDowall

ISBN-13: 9780830790159
Hardcover: 36 pages
Publisher: David C Cook
Released: March 4, 2025

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher.

Book Description from Goodreads:
Inspired by the Hillsong Worship song “Never Walk Alone,” this rhyming adventure through Egyptian deserts, Australian beaches, and even outer space teaches kids ages 3-8 that no matter where we go, God is always by our side.

I wonder and I’d like to know
If there’s any place that I could go
Where I would be SO far away
That you couldn’t hear me when I pray.

An adventure-loving boy travels around the world in his imagination to discover that no matter what, God will always be with him. Delightful illustrations, hand-lettering, and fitting Bible verses make this fun-filled exploration of every continent a beautiful celebration of God’s faithful presence with each of us.


My Review:
Never Walk Alone is a book for children aged 3-8 years old. The young boy in the story basically asks: If I'm hiding from people or high in a tree or on the sea or in a distant land, can God hear me when I pray? Will God be with me wherever I go? Will God be able to find me if I'm in a big crowd in a big city? The answer: "Your Word says you won't disappear, You'll never leave and always be near. You're always there, You are my guide, I can be bold as You're by my side. Wherever I go, You're always with me, from home to lands across the sea. I can explore the great unknown, and I know I'll never walk alone."

The last two pages provided related Bible verses in child-level language so you can read the actual Scripture, too. The text was easy to understand. The text talked like the child had already decided to follow Jesus and knew how to pray. The illustrations were very good even though they're cartoony. It's clear which animals and places are being shown, and the pictures are colorful and fun to look at. The pictures illustrated the words, so you can engage with them as you read the story. They also illustrated what's meant, like the boy was reading a book with a cross on it when "His Word" was mentioned. Overall, I'd recommend this well done children's book.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

Who You Say I Am by Kathryn Joy MacDowall

Who You Say I Am
by Kathryn Joy MacDowall

ISBN-13: 9780830790173
Hardcover: 36 pages
Publisher: David C Cook
Released: March 4, 2025

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher.

Book Description from Goodreads:
Inspired by the Hillsong Worship song “Who You Say I Am,” this beautiful picture book honors each child’s unique qualities while reminding us that our identity in God is always the most important part of who we are.

“I am who You say I am!” we can shout.
I know who I am without a doubt.

God made each one of us with different personalities, fun preferences, and unique gifts. But the thing that is most important about us is always the same: His love for us! In Who You Say I Am, vibrant illustrations take readers ages 3-8 from school to the zoo, from ballet class to the beach, as hand-lettered rhymes and Bible verses explore the truth that we are chosen, forgiven, and God’s beloved workmanship.


My Review:
Who You Say I Am is a book for children aged 3-8 years old. The first 12 pages talked about how different kids are (tall, short, quiet, loud, etc.). The final 15 pages talked about who God says I am. "We're all created just to God's plan. And His Word tells me exactly who I am." It talked about how I am loved by God, chosen by God before the world began, and forgiven because of what Jesus did ("He died on a cross and rose for me"). I'm found and will never be alone when I follow Him. He's my guide, and I'm His child if I follow Him. The last two pages listed the Bible verses that the book is based off of so you can read the actual Scripture, too.

The text was simple to understand without being dumbed down, and the author didn't assume the child already knew the Bible well. However, the text did talk like the child has decided to follow Jesus. It's easy enough for an adult to explain what that means and how to do it if the child hasn't, yet. The pictures are bright and colorful, showing cartoony children of all sorts of looks. The pictures illustrated the words, so you can say things like, "which one is tall?" and interact with the pictures. They also illustrated what's meant, like a girl reading a book with a cross on it when "His Word" is mentioned. Overall, I'd recommend this well-done children's book.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.