Book Spotlight: The Unwinding Path by Betony Coons

About the Book:

Wander into stillness.

Tuck your thoughts under the stars.

Let your breath slow with the rhythm of a prayer.

The Unwinding Path is a quiet invitation to rest—a bedtime book that gently guides children (and the grownups who love them) through soft moments that bring rest and reset. With each turn of the page, little readers are invited to use their fingers to follow a calming path, pausing, noticing, breathing, and settling into sacred stillness.

Filled with the author's tender, whimsical illustrations and a lyrical, meditative text, this book becomes more than a story. It becomes a bedtime practice that helps hearts unwind, hands unclench, and the body prepare for sleep.

With The Unwinding Path, you will

• gently introduce children to mindfulness, stillness, and awareness of God's presence;
• help children journey toward God's presence through the rich imagery of the ancient Christian tradition of a labyrinth; and
• discover author and artist Betony Coons's beautiful illustrations for an inviting and comforting reading experience.

If the little ones in your life struggle to calm and quiet themselves for bedtime, The Unwinding Path can help. As children trace the labyrinth's path with their fingers, they are invited to slow down and experience God's presence in the world around them. Night after night, experience a gentle, grace-filled close to the day with The Unwinding Path.

Preorder or learn more about The Unwinding Path on the publisher's website. 

(Release Date: May 19, 2026)

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About the Author:

Betony Coons is an artist, storyteller, and mom of four fierce and wonderful kids. She grew up on an apple orchard in Kansas, where she spent her days climbing trees, chasing fireflies, and letting her imagination run wild. Now she lives in colorful Colorado with her family of six, where life is full of art, adventure, and a little bit of chaos (the good kind). Betony loves to make things—whether it's giant interactive art for kids, whimsical picture books, or an epic mess in the kitchen. She believes art is all about play and curiosity, and she's always looking for new ways to turn everyday moments into something magical. Her art is filled with wonder, joy, and heart, inviting kids (and grownups!) to slow down and explore the beauty around them. To see what Betony's up to, follow her on Instagram (@betonycoonsart) or check out her website at www.betonycoons.com for her latest creative adventures!

Book Review: Heart. Mind. Soul. Strength by Andrew T. Le Peau and Linda Doll

About the Book:

"Some publishers tell you what to believe. Other publishers tell you what you already believe. But InterVarsity Press helps you to believe." -J. I. Packer

The history of evangelicalism cannot be understood apart from the authors and books that shaped it. Over the past century, leading figures such as pastor-scholar John Stott, apologist James W. Sire, evangelist Rebecca Manley Pippert and spiritual formation writer Eugene Peterson helped generations of readers to think more biblically and engage the world around them. For many who take their Christianity seriously, books that equip them for a life of faith have frequently come from one influential publisher: InterVarsity Press.

Andy Le Peau and Linda Doll provide a narrative history of InterVarsity Press, from its origins as the literature division of a campus ministry to its place as a prominent Christian publishing house. Here is a behind-the-scenes look at the stories, people, and events that made IVP what it is today. Recording good times and bad, celebrations and challenges, they place IVP in its historical context and demonstrate its contribution to the academy, church and world.

In honor of IVP's seventy-fifth anniversary, senior editor Al Hsu has updated this edition with new content, bringing the story up to 2022 and including stories about contemporary authors such as Esau McCaulley and Tish Harrison Warren. As IVP continues to adapt to changes in publishing and the global context, the mission of publishing thoughtful Christian books has not changed. IVP stands as a model of integrative Christianity for the whole person—heart, soul, mind and strength.

Read an excerpt from Heart. Mind. Soul. Strength. on the publisher's website.

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My Thoughts:

Call me crazy, but reading Heart. Soul. Mind. Strength.: A Narrative History of InterVarsity Press, 1947-2002 made me want to work at IVPress someday. From its humble start in the mid-twentieth century to its current work as a significant Christian publisher, this history of IVP fascinated me.

Heart. Soul. Mind. Strength. gave a comprehensive exploration of IVPress: who held what position, what authors were acquired, how sales were made, how departments functioned, when buildings were purchased, etc. These historical facts were expertly integrated with personal anecdotes, office camaraderie tales, and behind-the scenes looks to create an engaging and informative narrative. I thought it notable that the book discussed poor decisions and publishing missteps. I sometimes struggled to keep all the names straight, but it did get easier as I progressed through the book.

I deeply appreciated the descriptions of IVP’s ethos. The authors explained that IVP’s stance has always been to engage with culture rather than to avoid it or stand against it. For example, in a time when some church communities warned against higher education, IVP embraced academia. This mindset influenced publication decisions, but other factors such as being an ecumenical entity, affirming the gifts of women, and holding to egalitarianism also helped create IVP’s unique place in the Christian publishing market. Some would call IVP “progressive” or “liberal”, but the organization holds a high regard for the Scriptures and the Gospel that rivals any “conservative” publisher.

I thoroughly enjoyed Heart. Soul. Mind. Strength. by Andrew T. Le Peau and Linda Doll. Readers who have enjoyed many of IVP’s books or are interested in the publishing world will likely be the ideal audience for this book. Five stars!

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

Book Review: Tell Her Story by Nijay K. Gupta

About the Book:

A Comprehensive Look at Women Who Built the Early Church.

Women were there. For centuries, discussions of early Christianity have focused on male leaders in the church. But there is ample evidence right in the New Testament that women were actively involved in ministry, at the frontier of the gospel mission, and as respected leaders.

Nijay Gupta calls us to bring these women out of the shadows by shining light on their many inspiring contributions to the planting, growth, and health of the first Christian churches. He sets the context by exploring the lives of first-century women and addressing common misconceptions, then focuses on the women leaders of the early churches as revealed in Paul’s writings. We discover the major roles of people such as:

• Phoebe, Paul’s trusted coworker
• Prisca, strategic leader and expert teacher
• Junia, courageous apostle
• Nympha, representative of countless lesser-known figures

When we understand the world in which Jesus and his followers lived and what the New Testament actually attests about women in the churches, it becomes clear that women were active participants and trusted leaders all along. They were welcomed by Paul and other apostles, were equipped and trained for ministry leadership, instructed others, traveled long distances, were imprisoned—and once in a while became heroes and giants.

The New Testament writers tell their stories. It's time for the church to retell them, again and again.

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My Thoughts:

In Tell Her Story: How Women Led, Taught, and Ministered in the Early Church, Nijay K. Gupta spotlights women who were trusted leaders within ancient Israel and the early Christian church. Though not unknown, these women – Deborah, Phoebe, Prisca, Nympha, and others – are often less celebrated than their popular counterparts (Ruth, Esther, Mary, etc). Throughout the book, Gupta demonstrates that these brave women and their actions have relevance for modern day Christianity.

Tell Her Story carries an academic tone. Gupta presents information in a straightforward manner with many footnotes to cite sources. In bringing together historical facts about culture and a deep examination of Scriptural texts, the author illuminates the lives of these chosen women. His writing demonstrates genuine curiosity in the way he examines different perspectives, asks why each woman was chosen for her position, and theorizes about how the woman ministered in the local church. Gupta humbly admits uncertainties and the difficulty of reading ancient texts from a modern viewpoint. He diligently explains his reasoning and opinions. I didn’t always agree with his conclusions, but he makes his arguments effectively.

Tell Her Story concludes with a “What about…?” section that examines passages of Paul’s writings that relate to the prohibition of women teaching in the church and the submission of wives in the household. The book would not have been complete without this thoughtful discussion.

Tell Her Story by Nijay K. Gupta held both familiar and unfamiliar information for me. It was good to be reminded of these women whose names I’ve often read without much consideration. The book encouraged me to ponder their lives and contributions as well as reminded me of God’s love for all his children, male and female. I finished the book with a greater understanding and appreciation for the early church. Four stars!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

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More Information:

Read an excerpt on the InterVarsity Press Website.

Read a conversation with Nijay K. Gupta on early-church women in ministry.

Purchase Tell Her Story: How Women Led, Taught, and Ministered in the Early Church at: IVPress┃Amazon

Read the press release about Nijay K. Gupta's future children's book based on women in Scripture.

Book Review: Write Better by Andrew T. Le Peau

About the Book:

Christianity Today 2020 Book of the Year Award, Culture and the Arts

Writing is not easy. But it can get better.

In this primer on nonfiction writing, Andrew Le Peau offers insights he has learned as a published author and an editor for over forty years, training, guiding, and cheering on hundreds of writers. Here are skills that writers can master—from finding strong openings and closings, to focusing on an audience, to creating a clear structure, to crafting a persuasive message.

With wide-ranging examples from fiction and nonfiction, Le Peau also demystifies aspects of art in writing such as creativity, tone, and metaphor. He considers strategies that can move writers toward fresher, more vital, and perhaps more beautiful expressions of the human condition.

One aspect of writing that rarely receives attention is who we are as writers and how writing itself changes us. Self-doubt, fear of criticism, downsides of success, questions of authority, and finding our voice are all a part of the exploration of our spirituality as writers found in these pages. Discover how the act of writing can affect our life in God.

Whether you're a veteran writer, an occasional practitioner, a publishing professional, or a student just starting to explore such skills, Le Peau's wit and wisdom can speed you on your way.

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My Thoughts:

Write Better by Andrew T. Le Peau offers writers a practical handbook for producing any type of nonfiction. My niche is product reviews and I found beneficial instructions within these pages that I can use in future writings.

Write Better is divided into three parts which can be read in any order. Part one, The Craft of Writing, concentrated on grammar and rhetoric. Chapters four and five discussed persuasive writing and I wish every writer, especially bloggers and social media influencers, would read these two chapters. Society might be a better place if everyone practiced honesty and these guidelines presented about persuasion.

Part two, The Art of Writing, focused on creativity, beauty, and artistic choices. Part three, The Spirituality of Writing, dealt with writing as a life calling and how to steward the message. This last portion landed as my favorite because of its down-to-earth, spiritually balanced advice. Following the main chapters, a series of short, helpful appendixes discussed social media, co-writing, and more.

I recommend Write Better: A Lifelong Editor on Craft, Art, and Spirituality by Andrew T. Le Peau to any writer, but especially to Christians writing nonfiction. It has a permanent home on my bookcase as I expect to return to it many times in the future.

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

Book Review: An Explorer's Guide to Julian of Norwich

About the Book:

IVP Readers' Choice Award
Publishers Weekly Starred Review (Available here).

"All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well."

Julian of Norwich's Revelations of Divine Love is truly an astounding work: an inspired example of Christian mysticism, a unique contribution to Christian theology, the first book in English known to have been written by a woman.

But it can also be a daunting work. Veronica Mary Rolf, who has been studying Julian's text for decades, serves as a trustworthy guide for readers willing to take up and read Julian's work.

Rolf not only sets Julian's life and text in its fourteenth-century context, but she also sheds light on each of Julian's sixteen revelations. She then digs deeper into Julian's theological themes, including her innovative mystical theology of the "motherhood of God," and she offers a chapter on developing a retreat based on Julian's work. Throughout, Rolf takes a deeply contemplative approach to Julian, illuminating our understanding of this extraordinary woman, her enduring work, and the revelation that "all shall be well."

Books in the Explorer's Guide series are accessible guidebooks for those studying the great Christian texts and theologians from church history, helping readers explore the context in which these texts were written and navigate the rich yet complex terrain of Christian theology.

Read an excerpt from An Explorer’s Guide to Julian of Norwich by Veronica Mary Rolf on the publisher's website.

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My Thoughts:

My evangelical upbringing taught me stories of Biblical saints and modern missionaries but avoided the Catholic saints. When I discovered Julian of Norwich, I immediately wanted to learn more about Julian and her Revelations of Divine Love. An Explorer’s Guide to Julian of Norwich by Veronica Mary Rolf proved to be an excellent introduction that examined Julian’s life, culture, spiritual experiences, and written texts.

I devoured Part One of An Explorer’s Guide to Julian of Norwich. This section contained plenty of research, including citations, and carried my interest without seeming overloaded. However, Part Two holds the shining star of the book: Chapter 6 - A Guided Tour of Julian’s Revelations. Here, I found myself captivated by Julian’s experiences, but reading slowly as her intense visions and deep explanations called for careful consideration.  Most (but not all) of Julian’s conclusions fit within the Protestant belief system, and God’s immense love for his children threads through each vision. Although the author’s explication of the Revelations of Divine Love filled most of the chapter, Rolf frequently used quotes from Julian’s texts which included some of Julian’s Middle English spelling.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading An Explorer’s Guide to Julian of Norwich by Veronica Mary Rolf and I hope to soon read this author’s translation of Julian’s Revelations of Divine Love. I learned much from this book: Julian’s biography, historical details, and spiritual insights. Five stars!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.