What I'm Reading Wednesday: The Divine Counselor

 

Hello, My Lovelies!  How is your May so far?  I love this time of year in Central Alabama:  It's Blackberry Winter, the sun is warm, the breeze is cool, and it's my favorite time of the year to enjoy nature and dining alfresco.  

Other than dining alfresco, I also enjoy reading outside these first couple of weeks of May.  I'm currently reading a book that is changing the way I think daily, and it's what I'm featuring on this week's What I'm Reading Wednesday post.  The Divine Counselor by Alex Seeley is about how the Holy Spirit wants to guide you and heal your soul.  Who wouldn't want to benefit from His Divine Counsel?

About The Divine Counselor: Renew Your Mind, Heal Your Soul, and Discover Your Purpose Through the Guidance of the Holy Spirit

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Publication date: April 7, 2026

Print length: 240 pages

Pastor Alex Seeley, co-founder of The Belonging Co., reveals how the Holy Spirit provides the deep healing, peace, and purpose beyond what therapy alone can provide.

At a time when many feel anxious and discouraged, the idea of living whole, healed, and empowered sounds wonderful–but often out of reach. Counseling, self-help books, and podcasts seem to offer temporary relief, but what about life-changing transformation?

In The Divine Counselor, Pastor Alex Seeley introduces readers to the best therapist they’ll ever meet: the Holy Spirit. Drawing on biblical insights and personal stories, Alex endeavors to answer readers’ deepest questions and doubts, while showing how the Holy Spirit . . .

• advocates on their behalf, interceding when they don’t have the words to pray;
• guides them toward healing, connecting spiritual health and emotional wellness;
• helps them change mind-sets, to bring freedom from destructive labels and past experiences;
• speaks with clarity and wisdom, helping believers discern His voice from their own; and
• equips them to live in victory, empowering them to overcome.

With an infectious passion for this often misunderstood and overlooked person of the Trinity, Alex inspires readers to embrace the Holy Spirit as their closest friend and trusted counselor–the One they were created to know intimately. As they invite the ultimate Comforter into their everyday lives, this book will help readers experience lasting peace and live a life of freedom and joy.

About the Author

Alex Seeley was born and raised in Australia and spent 17 years pastoring there. It is also where she met and married her husband, Henry. After relocating to Nashville in 2012, they founded The Belonging Co., a church where they minister together to thousands of people each week. She is a passionate teacher of the Word with the unique ability to reveal how the Word of God is applicable to our everyday lives.

My Thoughts So Far

One aspect of this book that has been interesting is how Alex Seeley refers to the Holy Spirit.  She calls him Holy Spirit as if it's his name based on a remarkable encounter her husband had with Him during a Youth Camp.  It has changed my thinking to the point that I want to edit the book blurb and delete all of the "thes" before Holy Spirit!  And this truly helps illustrate the truth that "Holy Spirit Is Not a What, He's a Who" which happens to be the chapter of the book I'm currently reading.  I can't wait to read one of the latter chapters entitled Learning to Know His Voice.  Holy Spirit has spoken to me, but my problem is being still and listening for His voice.  Having quiet time to communicate with Him is becoming more of a priority for me.

Although I'm enjoying the personal anecdotes in the book (I skipped ahead a little to the chapter entitled "The Proof Is In the Pudding"), I am most appreciative of the the prayers and challenges at the end of each chapter.  I have flagged a couple of them, and I know I will refer back to them often.

And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever —­ the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept Him, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you know Him, for He lives with you and will be in you. 

~ John 14:16–17

This book needs to be on every Christian nonfiction shelf.  It's a lovely primer on Holy Spirit's love for us and the role He wants to play in our lives.  It is such a life changing and encouraging read.

DISCLOSURE:  I received a paperback copy of The Divine Counselor from the publisher via TLC Book Tours in exchange for a fair and honest review.

TLC tour schedule:

Wednesday, April 8th: @books_by_the_bottle

Friday, April 10th: @spaceonthebookcase

Saturday, April 11th: @booksandcoffeemx 

Saturday, April 11th: @purrfectpages 

Monday, April 13th: @suzylew_bookreview 

Wednesday, April 15th: @simplystevienicole on TikTok

Friday, April 17th: Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

Monday, April 20th: @deannaturnsthepage

Wednesday, April 22nd: @lovemybooks2020   

Friday, April 24th: @teaandbookstoo and Reading, Writing, and Pondering 

Monday, April 27th: @natashasbookshelf on TikTok

Wednesday, April 29th: @danamarielovestoread

Thursday, April 30th: @ink_drinker64

Saturday, May 2nd: @gigithebibliophile

Wednesday, May 6th: The Bookish Dilettante

Saturday, May 9th: @nissa_the.bookworm 

Until next time...

Happy reading!
Ricki Jill

What I'm Reading Wednesday: The Divine Counselor

Wednesday, May 6, 2026

Book Mail: Nero & Paul

 

Happy Book Mail Monday, My Lovelies!

Today I'm sharing a very special book with you:  Nero & Paul by Kathie Lee Gifford!

About Nero & Paul: How the Gospel of Grace Defeated the Ruler of Rome (Ancient Evil, Living Hope)

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Publication date: March 10, 2026

Print length: 240 pages

Does gaining power, possessions, and popularity lead to happiness and fulfillment? Or does inner transformation and self-sacrificial love bring the most joy and satisfaction? New York Times bestselling author Kathie Lee Gifford and scholar Bryan Litfin dive into these questions by bringing the stories of Nero and Paul to life in this creative nonfiction tale and identifying how these moral questions can be applied to modern Christian life.

Centuries ago, against the backdrop of Roman domination and decadence, a rabbi-turned-evangelist challenged the ideology of an immoral emperor. Two competing messages clashed—and they were messages that echo into our modern world.

One voice says, Do what feels good. Gain more influence. Focus on yourself and build your own kingdom. Another says, Live for something beyond yourself—something eternal. Carry out your God-given mission, no matter the cost. Follow your King to the end of the world if you must. Only then will you truly live.

Combining historical accuracy with narrative imagination, Nero and Paul drops you into the drama of human pride and divine destiny that unfolded on the stage of imperial Rome.

You’ll travel with Paul as he ventured from Jerusalem all the way to Spain, making friends, winning converts, and persisting through grueling opposition. You’ll see up close Nero’s kingdom of wealth, glamour, sex, and power—the proud trappings of a self-proclaimed god. In contrast, Paul boldly offered what the world desperately needed: the Messiah’s life-giving good news of God’s presence indwelling his people.

Though this epic clash of worldviews led to bloodshed and death, the crown of eternal life triumphed over the laurel wreaths of Rome—just as the light of Jesus triumphs over the darkness of the world in every age.

Don’t miss this ancient story with a timeless message that reverberates across the centuries and will light the fire of your faith today.

About the Authors

Kathie Lee Gifford’s four-time Emmy Award winning career has spanned television, film, recordings, Broadway, cabaret, and commercials. She has authored numerous books, including her most recent book, The God of the Way, and five New York Times bestselling books, including The Rock, the Road, and the Rabbi and It’s Never Too Late. She is also an actress, singer, songwriter, playwright, producer, and director.

Dr. Bryan Litfin grew up in Dallas, TX; Oxford, England; and Memphis, TN. He earned a degree in print journalism from the University of Tennessee, a master’s degree in historical theology at Dallas Seminary, and a Ph.D. in the field of ancient church history at the University of Virginia. The author of four nonfiction books and six novels, Dr. Litfin now works as Professor of Bible and Theology at Rawlings School of Divinity at Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA.

I cannot wait to read this one, Lovelies.

I've skimmed it, and the dialogue between the authors is intriguing, and I appreciate the pretty maps!

Disclosure:  I received a hardcover copy of Nero & Paul from the publisher via TLC Book Tours in exchange for a book mail feature.  Thank you!  

Until next time...

Happy reading!
Ricki Jill

Book Mail: Nero & Paul

Monday, April 13, 2026

Home Renovations Are Not for Sissies

 

Happy Friday, My Lovelies!  It has been a gorgeous spring week here in Central Alabama.   I hope it has been nice in your neighborhood, too.

Home renovations are not for sissies.  No.  They.  Are.  NOT!  

We started the process a little over a year ago, and then we put the brakes on when my mother had to be hospitalized.  We eventually finished our daughter's room and the library (for the most part) before Christmas.  Then after Christmas, my mom was better, so we decided to continue with the kitchen reno.  About two weeks in my mother declines rapidly and goes on hospice care.... while we were in the middle of the kitchen reno.

Because the upstairs went so well, I was expecting the same for the kitchen although it required a different crew.  

The kitchen reno was not very delightful (the drawers had to be redone three times), and we're still waiting on a couple of things to be fixed.  But in the interim, I wanted to share a little bit of the kitchen with you.

We have a new backsplash.  They are Moroccan Zellige tiles, and the color is oat.

from Tiles of Ezra

Another improvement is we raised the upper cabinets all the way to the ceiling to give us more storage and display area for our MacKenzie-Childs collection.

One thing that I'm having to get used to is the electrical under the cabinets.  You can barely see the strip in the first kitchen photo.  Most new kitchens either have them like this or pop-ups on the counter.  I chose to go up rather than down!  

I hate seeing cords, so I purchased cord covers.

  

I wish I could capture the color of our walls with my phone, but I can't seem to be able to do it.  They are Benjamin Moore's "vintage taupe," which has a lot of pink in it.  

New bar-height stools  

The kitchen island was also repainted in Benjamin Moore's "Gobi Desert."

Probably the best thing we did in this kitchen is organize it.  Our kitchen lacks cabinetry, and we do not have a pantry.  So what we did was add Rev-A-Shelf organizers in EVERY single base cabinet.  It has changed my life!  The organizers do take up more room, which means there's less space to shove organize your stuff.  I had to make some tough choices and only keep the things I use.  So far I have not missed one thing that is no longer in here.  I will post more about kitchen organization in a later post.

Because I was so busy during the end of March, I didn't really decorate for Easter this year.  I did put out a few spring pretties, though.

I also bought a couple of maidenhair ferns.  I love them, but I always kill them.  If you have any pointers on how to keep them alive, please share!

Hopefully soon I will be able to get my act together enough to share our library here on the blog.

On Monday I will be sharing some special book mail, so please come back then!  

Until next time...

Blessings!
Ricki Jill

Home Renovations Are Not for Sissies

Friday, April 10, 2026

What I'm Reading Wednesday: The Faith to Flourish

 

Happy Wednesday, My Lovelies!   Are you having a blessed Holy Week so far?  I sure hope so! 

Today I have a treat for you:  I'm featuring The Faith to Flourish:  God's design for a rooted, resilient, and fruitful life by Christine Caine.

About The Faith to Flourish: God’s Design for a Rooted, Resilient, and Fruitful Life

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Publication date: February 10, 2026

Print length: 240 pages

AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER!

Discover how God has created you and called you to flourish even in the most difficult times.

Join bestselling author Christine Caine as she shows you how God created you with a powerful purpose and destiny. He wants you to flourish.

Sometimes it feels like hardships and struggles are endless. Like a new storm is always brewing on the horizon. You face challenging circumstances, strained relationships, or shattered dreams. And the weight of it all can feel crushing. You simply long for rest. But how can you flourish when you feel like you can barely breathe from it all?

In The Faith to Flourish, Christine shows you that it’s possible to thrive in every season of life—including the hardest ones—by grounding yourself in God’s truth and activating the peace, resilience, and purpose he gives you. Using the biblical symbolism of the olive tree in Psalm 52:8, Christine unpacks how you can:

• Develop deep spiritual roots that anchor you to withstand life’s storms
• Identify spiritual stagnation and experience renewed vitality and purpose
• Behold the beauty of God and cultivate a heart of wonder
• Nourish inner peace and joy through intentional shifts in perspective
• Foster reconciliation and build stronger, more fulfilling relationships
• Embrace God’s plans and purpose for your life, while bearing fruit that impacts others

No matter the challenges you face, God’s design for your life has not changed—to have the faith to flourish and be fruitful. This book will equip you with the courage, resilience, and wisdom you need to thrive through every challenge, in every season.

About the Author

Christine and her husband, Nick, have two daughters, Catherine and Sophia. Together, Chris and Nick founded A21, a global anti-human trafficking organization that prevents exploitation, recovers victims, and empowers survivors to rebuild their lives. She also founded Propel Women, an initiative that activates women to follow Jesus wholeheartedly and live confidently in their God-given purpose. You can tune into Christine’s Equip & Empower podcast and Life and Leadership podcast for practical insights and encouragement, drawing hope from Jesus wherever you are. To learn more about Christine and her resources, visit www.christinecaine.com.

My Thoughts

What I like most about this book is how Christine relates each chapter's lesson to different aspects of the olive tree.  This metaphor gives the reader visuals to help learn the principles Christina shares.  Each lesson ends with "Lessons Learned" and "Questions For Reflection."  As a former teacher, I love it when writers summarize the gist of what they want their readers to know.  I find this helpful!  I also thought her questions were very thoughtful, and they aren't just questions to answer.  Many of them include a call for action for the reader's daily faith walk.

I can understand why this book is an instant bestseller.  I would've purchased it strictly for Lesson Seven: "Tap Into the Endless Oil of the Holy Spirit."  I have a Keeper Shelf for my favorite Christian nonfiction, but I'm keeping this one on my nightstand to refer to when I feel overwhelmed and undernourished spiritually.  That's saying a lot because I only keep a few books consistently on my nightstand!  I think it would make a lovely Easter gift, and it's appropriate for anyone who wants to not only survive, but to flourish.

What about you?  Have you read any inspiring books lately?

But I am like an olive tree

    flourishing in the house of God;

I trust in God’s unfailing love

    for ever and ever.

~Psalm 52:8  

Disclosure:  I received a hardcover copy of The Faith to Flourish from TLC Book Tours via the publisher for a fair and honest review.  Thank you!

TLC Tour Dates:

Wednesday, March 18th: @books_by_the_bottle

Friday, March 20th: @suzylew_bookreview

Friday, March 20th: @spaceonthebookcase

Saturday, March 21st: @purrfectpages 

Sunday, March 22nd: @cmtloveswineandbooks 

Monday, March 23rd: @booksandcoffeemx 

Tuesday, March 24th: @gallaghergirlreads

Wednesday, March 25th: @pickagoodbook

Friday, March 27th: Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

Tuesday, March 31st: @cozycraftyreads 

Tuesday, March 31st: @beckys_bookshelves

Wednesday, April 1st: The Bookish Dilettante

Thursday, April 2nd: @ink_drinker64

Thursday, April 2nd: @lovemybooks2020

Friday, April 3rd: @danamarielovestoread

Monday, April 6th: @_ruth_reads_

Tuesday, April 7th: @teaandbookstoo and Reading, Writing, and Pondering

Wednesday, April 8th: @deannaturnsthepage

Thursday, April 9th: @dana.loves.books

Coming Up on Friday, April 10th:

A catch-up post including Easter/spring decor and home remodel preview

Until next time...

Happy reading!
Ricki Jill

What I'm Reading Wednesday: The Faith to Flourish

Wednesday, April 1, 2026

What I'm Reading Wednesday: And She Got Up

 

Happy Wednesday, My Lovelies!  How is your week going so far?  Mine has been wonderful, and today I'm attending my art class, and tomorrow I will finish my Lenten class at church.  It has been about compassion, and it has been life changing.  One thing I've learned in class is that it's okay to have compassion for yourself.  In this life, we will have trials and heartbreak.  For my What I'm Reading post this week, I'm featuring And She Got Up: Shattered by Loss, Restored by Jesus by Courtney Pray Duke.  It has been a lovely companion to my compassion Bible study at church.

About And She Got Up: Shattered by Loss, Restored by Jesus

• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (March 3, 2026)

• Paperback: 224 pages

Faced with an unimaginable loss, Courtney Pray Duke invites you to discover that when life knocks you down, Jesus is nearer than ever, reaching out to help you get back up and stand strong.

Have you found yourself wondering, Will I ever be able to make sense of the disappointments and disasters I’ve endured? Can I trust God with my pain? Will my life ever be restored? Perhaps you’ve done everything you can to rebuild the ruins of your life, but true restoration still seems so far off, if not impossible. And She Got Up is a firsthand account of being knocked down by tragedy and loss while relying on the power and presence of Jesus to rise and heal.

After being widowed at twenty-nine, Courtney Pray Duke found herself lying next to her husband’s grave feeling like she couldn’t go on. But she had three young kids who needed her and a faithful God who she knew could do anything.

Told in four sections—The Breaking, The Making, The Rising, and The Sending—Courtney walks readers through her decades long journey from devastation to the abundant life God had in store for her.

And She Got Up will help readers

• find hope in their greatest devastation through an honest and vulnerable account of Courtney’s personal journey, coupled with the reality and the truth of who God is and what He is able to do.
• move forward amid pain that can be paralyzing, helping them to believe God for their own miracle, no matter how hopeless their circumstance may seem.
• gain confidence that God is available and able to help anyone get back up and live an abundant life of hope, purpose, and peace.

God sees you now, right where you are. His heart is for you. It’s time to rise, to heal, to find purpose and joy again.

About the author

Courtney Pray Duke is an author and speaker who tragically lost her husband in a cycling accident in 2012. Left with three young children and a broken heart, Courtney now lives to tell about the goodness and faithfulness of God to the brokenhearted, and is passionate about helping women encounter the hope and victory of Jesus. She is married to Jon and is a mother to her four children, elementary to college aged. They are planted in Passion City Church and reside in Atlanta, Georgia. And She Got Up is Courtney’s first book.

My Impressions

The first thing I have to say about this book is that I cannot imagine the grief Courtney experienced as a young mother and widow before the age of thirty.  My heart was breaking while reading about her husband Andrew's accident and death.  Yet, she was very blessed to have her faith to rely on and people interceding for her.  

The second thing I want to share is that I love Courtney's voice.  She is a very good writer, and her reflections often include excerpts from her journal.  She also shares how scripture helped her navigate her grief, and she explains in detail how specific verses spoke to her in different situations.  These shares are perhaps my favorite parts of the book.  

When I first picked-up this book, I thought that it would be a wonderful selection for anyone grieving.  And it is.  BUT it is also a lovely (and true) story about a young mother and her faith, determination, and grit to dare believe that there is more to this life, more to this world.  I think anyone would enjoy reading Courtney's story wherever they are in their faith walk.

This is Courtney's debut book, and I'm hoping she writes more books in the future.  I think this one will sell well.

DISCLOSURE:

I received a paperback copy of And She Got Up from TLC Book Tours via the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.  Thank-you!

TLC review tour schedule:

Wednesday, March 18th: @suzylew_bookreview

Monday, March 23rd: @dana.loves.books

Tuesday, March 24th: @ink_drinker64

Wednesday, March 25th: The Bookish Dilettante

Thursday, March 26th: Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

Monday, March 30th: @deannaturnsthepage

Wednesday, April 1st: @pickagoodbook

Thursday, April 2nd: @the.joy.within.every.page

Friday, April 3rd: @lovemybooks2020   

Friday, April 3rd: @spaceonthebookcase

Monday, April 6th: @oilycaffeinatedmama

Tuesday, April 7th: @danamarielovestoread

Wednesday, April 8th: @beckys_bookshelves 

We are completely moved back into our kitchen, and I am planning a simple Holy Week and Easter because I'm a little bit tired!   Do you have any special Holy Week traditions you'd like to share with us?

Until next time...

Happy reading!

Ricki Jill

What I'm Reading Wednesday: And She Got Up

Wednesday, March 25, 2026