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.