Descriptions and Prescriptions by Michael R Emlet

Descriptions and Prescriptions is a short book building a biblical framework to understand psychiatric diagnoses and the use of psychoactive medications using scripture as the groundwork to build upon. The book is set up with two parts. In Part 1, the author presents a balanced assessment of psychiatric diagnosis. In Part 2, he uses case studies for illustration.

The book lists several concerns with the psychiatric diagnostic system. One being: …some psychiatric diagnoses “medicalize” sinful behavior. Is it medical or is it sin?
There is a chapter on Implications for Ministry, directed to pastoral care and counsel. Michael Emlet brings a strong case for not everyone who suffers from psychiatric diagnoses needs medicine. Sometimes they just need a friend, or as in the case of ADHD and French kids not being diagnosed with that as much, a differing viewpoint as to what is acceptable. He emphasizes that a diagnoses is a starting point not an ending point.

In Part 2, first he notes that pastors, counselors, and other helpers must be familiar with the psychoactive medications. Then he states that the goals of this section are to: familiarize you with the basic classes of psychoactive medications, review what we know about the mechanism of action and efficacy of such drugs with a particular focus on antidepressants, and discuss a biblical approach to psychoactive medications. This part of the book breaks down the medications, how they work, how effective they are. This section uses scripture to show hazards to spiritual growth.

I like how the author didn’t push one way or the other about not taking any medications or staying on medications. He understood how to study each case before him and take other things into account. If you enjoy reading about the psychiatric diagnostic system and how it pertains to scripture and what God has to say about man, this is the book for you. It’s short enough you can read it in one day, but goes into enough detail to tell you what the author is thinking and show you how he would deal with a few example cases.

I received a free copy of this book in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion-which I’ve done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.


https://www.amazon.com/Descriptions-Prescriptions-Perspective-Psychiatric-Medications-ebook/dp/B076DJTN4R/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1508963734&sr=8-1&keywords=descriptions+and+prescriptions

A Powerful Voice by Penelope Powell

Gloria has a past to hide. Justin doesn’t want to share his past. He’s the new worship leader. She’s still trying to figure out her Christian walk. She’s from the South. He’s a Northerner. They are so different, but, something is pulling them together. Will they find forgiveness in their pain?

This is a great story by Penelope Powell, full of God’s grace and love in our Christian walk. We make mistakes, we falter and fail, but God doesn’t leave us or forsake us. If you need encouragement to find God’s love, this is the book for you. Gloria and Justin could be you, me, any of us on our walk with God. I was able to relate to them as characters and in the things they went through. A Powerful Voice drew me closer in my walk with God, gave me encouragement, and increased my faith. Forgive yourself and find who you are in God.

I received a free copy in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.



https://www.amazon.com/Powerful-Voice-Penelope-Powell-ebook/dp/B01GNCI7JE/ref=la_B0741NLBGH_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1507250796&sr=1-2

Hidden Women The African-American Mathematicians of NASAWho Helped Win the Space Race by Rebecca Rissman

This book is a narrative nonfiction. It’s written in an easy to understand style regarding the African-American mathematicians at NASA during the Space Race of the 1960s and 1970s. They were the best mathematicians around, but segregation and racial tensions flourished during this time. This book acknowledges some of the daily and work-related struggles they faced and how they overcame them. One theme that stuck out over the course of this book: you can do anything you set your heart on, you just might have to work harder at it.

One of the mathematicians grew up in West Virginia. If you’re interested in the space program, and the events that took place during this time period, you would enjoy this book. Pictures are included of the women this book speaks about, as well of some of the astronauts of this time frame and the equipment used. It also talks about the failures and accomplishments experienced by the space program. At the end of the book is a read more section, if you want other books on the same topic, and critical thinking questions at the end, as well as a glossary.

The information is portrayed in such a way young teens through adults would enjoy this book, learning more about the space program, as well as some of the key players during this time. I would highly recommend Hidden Women.

I received a free copy from Net Galley in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.



https://www.amazon.com/dp/1515799638/ref=cm_cr_ryp_prd_ttl_sol_0

The Highland Ruby by Brenda B Taylor

Marry for love or marry for family? Flora is torn between the two. Gavin is back from the New World, but is told he has to leave again. How can he win back Flora’s love if he’s gone all the time? Their faith in God and each other is tested as they are separated and must overcome difficult circumstances. When Gavin is forced to leave again, how can he prove to his brother, and to Flora, that he is home to stay?

I could feel Flora’s despair at Gavin’s leaving. Would he return? From a fight with a wildcat to evading a warrant for his arrest, Gavin’s plight made for an action filled story. Brenda Taylor subtly adds in historical facts and the Scottish era. As events kept turning against Gavin coming home, I couldn’t put the book down. If you enjoy historical romance, you’ll love this 16th century Scottish romance. This is Gavin’s story, from A Highland Pearl. These are stand-alone stories in the Highland Treasures series. At the end of the story is a glossary of Gaelic and other terms used in the story.

I am looking forward to the next story in the series.



https://www.amazon.com/Highland-Ruby-Treasures-Book-ebook/dp/B01A6CWWT8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1506021624&sr=8-1&keywords=highland+ruby#customerReviews

The Silvershell Beach Inn by Christina Lorenzen

It’s been 12 years since Jacy has been to visit her grandmother. Her first afternoon back, she runs into Zach. Will they rekindle the romance they had as teenagers? Zach’s willing to accept the challenge. But will his family’s ownership of her grandmother’s house pull them apart?

I enjoyed this sweet romance by Christian Lorenzen. They’ve got an old friendship, but they are different people now. Can they forge that gap? Or will Zach listen to his mother again who made it clear Jacy was not the girl for him?

The descriptions of the beach made me feel like I was right there on the beach. I enjoyed Zach and Jacy’s characters. If you enjoy a sweet summer beach read, this story is for you.

I received a free copy in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.


https://www.amazon.com/Silvershell-Beach-Inn-Christina-Lorenzen-ebook/dp/B074QSZ5NH/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1505846312&sr=8-1&keywords=the+silvershell+beach+inn

Too Far Down by Mary Connealy

Too Far Down is the third book in The Cimarron Legacy series. It starts off with an explosion and doesn’t let up. If you enjoy inspirational westerns, you’ll love this story. Mary Connealy’s blend of faith, humor, and romance will draw you into her cowboy stories.

Cole Boden has been to Harvard, but his father’s last will and testament states he must live at the ranch for a full year or forfeit it. He’s now running his family’s mine operation. Until trouble finds his family again. Someone aims to take control of their vast land grant near the Cimarron River. With these explosions he wants to stay in one of the cabins at the mine, but can’t since that’s not on the ranch.

Melanie Blake, a close family friend and in line to inherit her father’s ranch, volunteers to stay in one of the cabins at the mine. Can he let her do that? Will she be safe? What if she’s put in harm’s way when his family is attacked again?

Cole has to come to terms with living back east or staying in the west. What will he decide? If he decides back east, Mel won’t go back with him. She loves ranching. While trying to figure out who is targeting his family, will he figure out where his heart wants to be?

Too Far Down is full of romantic comedy, suspense, and the pull of legacy, love, and family. If you haven’t read the other books in the series, this story can be read as a stand-alone. But you’ll want to read the others to see what’s happened.

I love the cover for this story as it is a mix of what happens in the story. The characters drew me into the story. Their imperfections and Cole’s attitude of not being quite sure what God would have him do made them realistic. Her descriptions of the mining accident and the landscape made me feel like I was right there.

I received a free copy from Net Galley in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.




https://www.amazon.com/Too-Down-Cimarron-Legacy-Book-ebook/dp/B0727S3Y1C/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1505499453&sr=8-1&keywords=too+far+down

Deadly Proof by Rachel Dylan

Kate Sullivan is lead counsel on a case against a big pharmaceutical company. As the trial date gets closer, attacks against Kate escalate. Landon James becomes Kate’s bodyguard. Can he keep her alive to try the case?

Landon is a former Army Ranger and hasn’t had much faith in God since. This theme was prevalent throughout the story. As Landon confronted events from his past and talked with Kate and his partners about their faith and how it impacted them, I found my faith encouraged.

I enjoyed reading this legal thriller by Rachel Dylan. Missing paper documents, deleted files that IT staff couldn’t find, a college friendship put to the test as they are on opposing sides, all made Deadly Proof an exciting read. How far will the pharmaceutical company go to keep its name in the clear?

I received a free copy in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.



https://www.amazon.com/Deadly-Proof-Atlanta-Justice-Book-ebook/dp/B0713TL43H/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1505334044&sr=8-1&keywords=deadly+proof