For Women Only by Shaunti Feldhahn

 My Rating: 4.7

The man in your life carries important feelings so deep inside he barely knows they’re there, much less how to talk about them. Yet your man genuinely wants you to “get” him—to understand his inner life, to know his fears and needs, to hear what he wishes he could tell you.

While this has some wonderful thoughts, there wasn't a lot that was new to me. That being said, it is always valuable to get a 'refresh' to keep things optimized in my mind. Definite recommend for anyone who isn't as familiar with what is important to men.

The Husband Encouragement by Nancy Demoss Wolgemuth

 My Rating: 4.9

Through the 30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge, you'll utilize a powerful tool in your relationship with your husband -- encouragement. Whether your marriage is going great or you're experiencing some struggles, this challenge can help you breathe new life into your relationship. Watch what happens when you commit to spending 30 days intentionally building your husband up. Daily readings include reflection questions and activities to help make the day's thought practical. As you choose to encourage your husband (and avoid any critical speech), be prepared for God to work in your relationship...and in your own heart. So, get ready! Get set! Encourage!

Wow! I feel that I am person who encourages, notices positive qualities and lifts others up. That being said, I did a lot of self-examination thanks to this book. I did this as a daily discussion with my Christian girlfriends and that really helped me to dig deeper and be held accountable. I strongly encourage every woman to read this book. I also would encourage you to purchase it direct through Revive Our Hearts website: https://www.reviveourhearts.com/resource-library/30-day-challenges/30-day-husband/ 

The Secret Keeper of Jaipur by Alka Joshi

.My Rating: 4.8

1969 Lashmi directs the Healing Garden of Shimla. Her young charge, Malik has just met a young widow, Nimmi, when he leaves to apprentice at the Jaipur Royal Palace to work on their latest architectural project, the state-of-the-art cinema. The book starts with opening night of the Cinema and a horrific tragedy of the balcony collapsing and killing and injury many people. Malik tries to understand what has happened to cause this unexpected tragedy.

I loved The Henna Artist - which you don't have to read first but it does tie in beautifully to this book. Joshi brings the characters of Lashmi and her husband Dr. Jay, Nimmi and her two children as well as young Malik and all the people, India and the politics of the Royal Palace. So well done. 

Fifty Words For Rain by Asha Lemmie

 My Rating:  4.8

In 1940's Japan, Nori has been abandoned with her Grandparents who have banished her to the attic. She has daily chemical baths to lighten her skin she is the offspring of her mother, a Japanese aristocrat and her African American GI lover. She is a stain on their Japanese pedigree. Nori is a sweet compliant child who only seeks to please. When her half-brother Akira comes to her grandparent's estate, it changes her life forever.

This was a beautiful heart-wrenching novel of the ties that bind you and the ache to be free. Both Nori and Akira stayed with me long after I finished the last page. An incredible first novel and I can't wait to read more by this author.