You Lost Me: Why Young Christians are Leaving the Church and Rethinking Faith by David Kinnaman
256 pages, 26 of 27 reviews are 4 or 5-star, Lending Enabled
More than half of all Christian teens and twentysomethings leave active involvement in church.
David Kinnaman trains his researcher’s eye on these young believers and reveals the factors that contribute to the dropout problem. You Lost Me shows why Christians ages 18 to 29 are leaving the church and rethinking their commitment to the faith.
Based on new research conducted by the Barna Group, You Lost Me exposes ways the Christian community has failed to equip young adults to live “in but not of” the world–to follow Christ in the midst of profound cultural change. This wide-ranging study debunks persistent myths about young dropouts and examines the likely consequences for young adults and for the church if we maintain the status quo.
The faith journeys of the next generation are a challenge to the established church, but they can also be a source of hope for the community of faith. Kinnaman, with the help of contributors from across the Christian spectrum, offers ideas for pastors, youth leaders, parents, and educators to pass on a vibrant, lasting faith, and ideas for young adults to find themselves in wholehearted pursuit of Christ.
The Sound of Red Returning by Sue Duffy
290 pages, 25 of 31 reviews are 4 or 5-star
Refuge on Crescent Hill: A Novel by Melanie Dobson
272 pages, 56 of 59 reviews are 4 or 5-star
This homecoming wasn’t what she expected . . .Jobless, homeless, and broke, Camden Bristow decides to visit the grandmother she hasn’t seen in years. But when Camden arrives in Etherton, Ohio, she discovers that her grandmother has passed away, leaving her the 150-year-old mansion on Crescent Hill. The site of her happiest summers as a child, the run-down mansion is now her only refuge.
When Camden finds evidence that she may not be the mansion’s only occupant, memories of Grandma Rosalie’s bedtime stories about secret passageways and runaway slaves fuel her imagination. What really happened at Crescent Hill? Who can she turn to for answers in this town full of strangers? And what motivates the handsome local Alex Yates to offer his help? As she works to uncover the past and present mysteries harbored in her home, Camden uncovers deep family secrets within the mansion’s walls that could change her life–and the entire town–forever.
The Colors of Hope: Becoming People of Mercy, Justice and Love by Richard Dahlstrom
220 pages, 9 of 10 reviews are 5-star, Lending Enabled
Englewood Review of Books review this book here.
It’s time for a fresh vision of the Christian life as a creative adventure.
The Christian life should be guided by the intentional goal of blessing the lives of the friends, loved ones, and strangers in our midst. We are called to impact a culture that is overwhelmingly preoccupied with personal peace, prosperity, protection, and survival. Christians should be artists who paint with the colors of hope in a broken world, embodying Christ’s redemptive presence in our personal lives, our work, and our relationships.
This inspiring and practical book offers tools for living out this vision in daily life, with special attention given to the challenges we face in staying focused on the mission of imparting hope to others even while dealing with our own personal issues. Anyone who wishes to have an impact on the world will cherish this unique book.
259 pages, 9 of 11 reviews are 4 or 5-star
Where do you run when you know you cannot hide?Andie Ryborg has nowhere else to go. Her father’s campaign for governor and his aggressive war on drugs has chased her from their family home. Drawn to Miami’s exotic Coconut Grove, Andie hopes to find a quiet refuge where she can discover herself apart from the public eye. But even in that seclusion, even with an officer assigned to protect her, Andie’s privacy has been violated. Someone is watching
Evan Markham’s entire life has been a tug-of-war between what is and what could be. He is drawn to a life that is beyond his reach and emotions have clouded his judgment. Evan knows that earning someone’s trust isn’t easy, especially when he plans to break it. But in the secret corridors of the criminal underworld, he knows what must be done, and he is determined to see it through. Whatever the cost
When enemies close in, a sudden turn of events leaves them both questioning. Where is God in all of this? Who is this enigmatic stranger who offers to help? They both know their lives are in danger. But what about their hearts?
Liar, Liar, Mullet on Fire: Extinguishing Lies We Believe with God’s Truth by Ketric Newell
144 pages, 20 of 25 reviews are 5-star, Lending Enabled
Is God just watching from a distance? Or is He intimately involved in every detail of His creation-including your life? The psalmist exclaimed, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands” (Ps. 19:1). Dr. Richard Swenson asserts that, in fact, all of nature reveals a God who constantly nurtures and sustains His creation-including our own bodies-in ways that we can scarcely comprehend. Drawing on his background in medicine and the natural sciences, Dr. Swenson examines the wonders of creation and explains how they reveal a majestic God whose mastery of detail is evident everywhere, from the breathtaking complexity of living cells to the awesome grandeur of the cosmos. He shows us a God whose genius, power, sophistication, and artistry shout from every element of our universe. With evidence from both science and Scripture, Swenson helps us see ourselves as God sees us-treasured creations with whom He desires intimate relationship.
The Edge of Grace by Christa Allan
336 pages, 17 of 31 reviews are 4 or 5-star, Lending Enabled, Previously Free
In a matter of seconds her entire world shifted…
An early morning call shatters Caryn Becker’s world. Unable to cope with her brother’s news that he is gay, Caryn rejects him and disappears into her own turbulent life as a young widow and single mom. But when David is attacked and nearly killed, Caryn is forced to make hard choices about family, faith, and her own future; choices that take her to the very edge of grace.
“A beautifully written book, The Edge of Grace is a powerful story of the true meaning of grace and love. A brilliant mix of dark and light, laughs and gravity, The Edge of Grace is a must read.” —Jenny B. Jones, award-winning author of Save the Date and A Charmed Life series
Highland Sanctuary by Jennifer Hudson Taylor
336 pages, 28 of 30 reviews are 4 or 5-star, Lending Enabled, Previously Free
God Drives a Tow Truck by Vicky Kaseorg
219 pages, 20 of 21 reviews are 4 or 5-star, Lending Enabled, Previously Free
“Why am I here…and God, are you there?”
God Drives a Tow Truck is a compilation of true stories about the author’s quest to find God. In her voyage from atheist to believer, she gradually discovers that while God’s face may not be clearly seen, the brush of His fingertips is often felt. In a personal treasure hunt for infinite value, the search for God in the everyday occurrences of life is humorously depicted in sometimes eerily strange situations. The stories unfold from seemingly commonplace events to miraculous conclusions. Most of us won’t find God in a burning bush, like Moses did, but like the author, we may find Him in a burning house…or perhaps, even driving a tow truck.
Personality Plus at Work: How to Work Successfully with Anyone by Florence Littauer
273 pages, 5 of 6 reviews are 5-star, Lending Enabled
You can succeed at work–no matter who you have to work with!
No matter where you work, you’re going to have co-workers you get along with and those you could get along without. But did you know that you hold the key to working well with all of your co-workers? It comes from discovering how to harness the power of personality.
For 25 years, Florence Littauer’s bestselling Personality Plus has been required reading for employees of major companies. Now, Personality Plus at Work shows you how to work successfully with anyone by paying attention to basic personality differences. It shows you what happens when personalities are ignored, how each personality can lead, and how to combine different personalities to maintain a vital and harmonious workplace.
Whether you manage a department, work on a job site, or volunteer at your child’s school, the insights found in this book will revolutionize your relationships on the job.
Healthy Habits for a Fit Family by J Ron Eaker
249 pages, no reviews, Lending Enabled
Improve Your Family’s Health Today
The key to long-term health for you and your family is to get everyone involved. Healthy habits are much easier to establish and maintain when people you love enjoy them too. In Healthy Habits for a Fit Family, you will find simple, practical, and livable ways to lose weight and achieve lasting health and wellness as a family. Together you can stop the cycle of family-related weight problems get fit with uncomplicated, goals and plans pursue physical, emotional, and spiritual health enjoy variety rather than endure restrictions learn what really works, based on science–not fads.
This book isn’t about quick fixes, secret formulas, or even diets (they don’t work!). It’s about normal, busy families like yours having a better life now and in the future. Good health is one of the best gifts you can give yourself and your children.
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I have not read any of these books, so they may not be any good. Some of the books from previous Free Book posts are still available for free. If you want to see all free books as they come out you should follow Books on the Knob on their RSS or Twitter Feed. Or Ireaderreview or the many free book threads on Amazon’s Message Boards.
As always please check to make sure the books are still free before you “buy” them, especially from Amazon. Prices can change quickly. This may be a one day offer. Pick it up quick. If you do buy a book and realize later you have been charged for it, here is a guide on how to return a kindle book.
