6. NASB 95 Inductive Study Bible

6. New American Standard Bible 1995, New Inductive Study Bible. GOD. 1995. 2296 pages. [Source: Bought] [Bible, bible review, 5 stars]

First sentence: In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters. Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light.

Start date: March 3, 2026

End date: August 4, 2026

The New American Standard Bible is one of my all-time favorite, favorite translations. Particularly the 1977 and 1995. This is the 1995 update. I have also read the New Inductive Study Bible in the NASB 1977. So I've now read this particular 'study' Bible in two translations.

This Bible is a study Bible if and only if you put in the work to make it so. The Bible includes detailed instructions on how to do inductive Bible study, how to mark up your Bible, how to write in your Bible, how to interpret and understand what you're reading, what you're marking, etc. It does include some maps, charts, illustrations, etc. that you could benefit from regardless of if you are doing the inductive part. Because this is a Bible that's meant to be marked, written in, etc, there's plenty of space to do so. Perhaps not as much as a wide margin or journaling Bible, but more than your regular Bible.

This is a SINGLE COLUMN, black-letter Bible. The font size is decent, perhaps more than decent. It is not large print or giant print. But it isn't tiny print either. This Bible is HEAVY. That's the trade-off for all the extra space for writing. I believe it is also verse by verse (and not paragraphed). There are no headings, sub-headings, etc. There are lines for YOU to fill in the headings. 

This is an older edition of the New Inductive Study Bible. I believe it has been reprinted several times. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

19. The Goodness of God in the Gift of Scripture

19. The Goodness of God in the Gift of Scripture. Uche Anizor. 2026. 224 pages. [Source: Review copy] [Christian nonfiction, theology, 5 stars]

First sentence: The twentieth-century pastor and writer A.W. Tozer famously wrote, "What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us... Worship is pure or base as teh worshiper entertains high or low thoughts of God." The shape of our worship and the course of our lives are dictated by our sense of what God is like. This conviction led Tozer to conclude that "the most portentous fact about any man is not what he at a given time may say or do, but what he in his deep heart conceives God to be like." I have often wondered if what Tozer said about our view of God is equally true regarding our view of Scripture, God's word. What comes into our minds when we think about the Bible?

In this book we have twenty meditations on the Word of God, on Scripture, taken from (inspired by) Psalm 119. 

Psalm 119 is AMAZING and wonderful and extremely practical and packed with insights and truth. Truly it is a love song to the Word of God. I highly recommend reading this Psalm often. It would be my hope that believers instead of "dreading" this long Psalm would come to LOVE it and see it for what it is. 

So let's unpack the title. Scripture is GOD-BREATHED. Here we have the very words of God Himself. We have his revelation. That revelation is a GIFT, the best gift, the truest gift. And this gift is one of an infinite amount of proofs that God is GOOD. He gave us HIS word so we would come to know him, love him, seek him, serve him, obey him, ENJOY HIM, glory in him. It is more than just "knowing" right from wrong. It is a GIFT of relationship. Scripture reveals the GIFTS the LORD has given us. So it isn't just one gift--but many--beyond what we can fathom. 

Chapter titles unpack the "gifts" of Scripture:

The Gift of Blessedness

The Gift of Purity

The Gift of No Shame

The Gift of a Wonderful Counselor

The Gift of Fear

The Gift of Salvation

The Gift of Fruitfulness

the Gift of Warnings

The Gift of Peace

The Gift of Understanding

The Gift of Sight

The Gift of Nourishment

The Gift of Strength in Addiction

The Gift of True Truth

The Gift of Freedom

The Gift of Life

The Gift of Joy

The Gift of Wisdom

The Gift of Righteousness

The Gift of Hope

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

5. KJV MacLaren Large Print Reference Bible

5. KJV (King James Version) MacLaren Large Print Reference (Thomas Nelson). 2021. 1504 pages. [Source: Gift] [5 stars, Bible, King James Bible]

First sentence: In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. 

Start date: April 23, 2026

Finish date: July 9, 2026

I love the King James Bible. I love new King James Bibles. I love old King James Bibles. There are pros and cons to both old and new. This one is decidedly new. It uses comfort print font. It is 10.5 font size. The chapter and verses are in a distinctive blue. The copy I read was imitation or trutone or "leather" like. It was decent. DOUBLE column, not single. Words of Christ in BLACK. The cross references appear at the BOTTOM of the page. There are paragraph headers though it is verse by verse reference edition. This one is not broken into syllables with a pronunciation guide. (Older KJV Bibles often are like this). 

It is relatively light weight. The size of the font makes for a mostly comfortable reading experience. It isn't GIANT print or SUPER GIANT print. 

It would be a good introduction to the King James Bible. It isn't particularly intimidating, it has many of the things you'd expect in a "modern" Bible. It is line-matched. It does lay flat. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

4.5 Tyndale's 1534 New Testament

4.5 Tyndale's New Testament. William Tyndale. Edited by David Daniell. 1996. 466 pages. [Source: Bought] [5 stars, New Testament, Early Bible Translations]

First sentence: This is the book of the generation of Jesus Christ the son of David, the son also of Abraham.

This edition is a modern-spelling edition of the 1534 Translation. The translation of the New Testament into English from its original Greek was printed in Germany in 1534 and smuggled back into England. It was not the first translation of the New Testament into English. The Wycliffe New Testament was translated from the Latin Vulgate and not the Greek New Testament. Also the Wycliffe was not widely distributed and for everyone. (The Wycliffe New Testament was BEFORE the invention of the printing press.) The Tyndale--though forbidden and illegal--was meant to put the Word of God into the hands of everyone. Tyndale wanted the Word of God known by the people of God. Actually known, read, studied, interpreted. The invention of the printing press was providential in spreading the ideas of the Reformation and printing Bibles. 

I enjoyed reading Tyndale's New Testament. I did. I would definitely recommend this edition of the New Testament. 

You can really tell that Tyndale meant his translation to be read and understood by everyone. It is clearly and beautifully written.

And it fortuned while they were there, her time was come that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her first begotten son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them within in the inn. And there were in the same region shepherds abiding in the field and watching their flock by night. And lo: the angel of the Lord stood hard by them, and the brightness of the Lord shone round about them, and they were sore afraid. But the angel said unto them: Be not afraid. For behold, I bring you tidings of great joy that shall come to all the people: for unto you is born this day in the city of David, a savior which is Chris the Lord. And take this for a sign: ye shall find the child swaddled and laid in a manger. And straightway there was with the angel a multitude of heavenly soldiers, lauding God and saying: Glory to God on high, and peace on the earth: and unto men rejoicing. (Luke 2:1-14)

For God so loveth the world, that he hath given his only son, that none that believe in him, should perish: but should have everlasting life. For God sent not his son into the world, to condemn the world: but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him, shall not be condemned. But he that believeth not, is condemned already, because he believeth not in the name of the only son of God. And this is the condemnation: that light is come into the world, and the men loved darkness more than light, because their deeds were evil. (John 3:16-19)

No man can come to me except the father which hath sent me, draw him. And I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets, that they shall all be taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard and hath learned of the father cometh unto me. Not that any man hath seen the father, save he which is of God: the same hath seen the father. Verily verily I say unto you, he that believeth on me, hath everlasting life. I am that bread of life. Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness and are dead. This is the bread which cometh from heaven, that he which eateth of it, should also not die. I am that living bread which came down from heaven. If any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever. And the bread that I will give, is my flesh, which I will give for the life of this world. (John 6:44-51)

And he said unto his disciples: Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God and believe in me. In my father's house are many mansions. If it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you even unto myself, that where I am, there may ye be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. Thomas said unto him: Lord we know now whither thou goest. Also how is it possible for us to know the way? Jesus said unto him: I am the way, the truth, and the life. And no man cometh unto the father, but by me. If ye had known me, ye had known my father also. And now ye know him, and have seen him. (John 14:1-7)

As soon as Jesus had received of the vinegar, he said: It is finished, and bowed his head, and gave up the ghost. (John 19:30) 

When he saw the people, he went up into a mountain, and when he was set, his disciples came to him, and he opened his mouth, and taught them saying: Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meal: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which hunger and thirst for righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which suffer persecution for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye when men revile you, and persecute you, and shall falsely say all manner of evil sayings against you for my sake. Rejoice, and be glad, for great is your reward in heaven. For so persecuted they the prophets which were before your days. (Matthew 5:12)

I beseech you therefore brethren, by the mercifulness of God, that ye make your bodies a quick sacrifice holy and acceptable unto God which is your reasonable serving of God. And fashion not yourselves like unto this world: But be ye changed in your shape, by the renewing of your wits that ye may feel what thing that good, that acceptable, and perfect will of God is. (Romans 12:1-2)

This edition has modern spelling. It makes Tyndale's translation a comfortable choice. Here's a small taste of the original spelling:

I beseche you therfore brethre by ye mercyfulnes of God that ye make youre bodyes aquicke sacrifise holy and acceptable vnto God which is youre resonable seruynge of god. And fassion not youre selves lyke vnto this worlde: But be ye chaunged in youre shape by the renuynge of youre wittes that ye maye fele what thynge that good yt acceptable and perfaycte will of god is. (Romans 12:1-2)

For God so loveth the worlde yt he hath geven his only sonne that none that beleve in him shuld perisshe: but shuld have everlastinge lyfe. (John 3:16)

And he sayd vnto his disciples: Let not youre hertes be troubled. Beleve in god and beleve in me. In my fathers housse are many mansions. If it were not so I wolde have tolde you. I go to prepare a place for you.And yf I go to prepare a place for you I will come agayne and receave you eve vnto my selfe yt where I am there maye ye be also. (John 14:1-3)

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

4. ESV Women's Study Bible

4. ESV Women's Study Bible. God. 2021. 2336 pages. [Source: GIFT] [Bible, study Bible, 5 stars]

First sentence: In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. 

Start date: November 29, 2025

End date: May 2, 2026

I loved, loved, LOVED, LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this Bible. It is the BEST of both worlds. It offers devotionals AND study notes. It also features articles, maps, timelines, illustrations, profiles cross references, glossary. It was just the right balance too. There are plenty of features that make this a true study Bible. YET it isn't as overwhelming as the ESV Study Bible. The devotions are present--obviously. But they are not carrying all the weight either.  The translation is the English Standard Version. (This is the 2016 text edition). 

It is double column, words of Christ in black. 

As I mentioned, I love this one!!! I loved the substance of this one. It was SOLID. It is probably the best Women's Bible I've ever owned, ever read. I can't think of a better. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

3. King James Chronological Life Application Study Bible

3. KJV Chronological Life Application Study Bible, Second Edition. God. 2025. 2128 pages. [Source: Bought (Gift)] [5 stars, bible review]

First sentence: In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. 

What you should know about this Bible?

The Chronological Life Application Study Bible is available in the King James Version AND the New Living Translation. 

This is the second edition of the Chronological Life Application Study Bible. It has a few new features including more insight from Jewish scholars. The first edition has been out of print for quite a while.

It is double column. It is black letter. The Words of Christ appear in black--not red.

There are study notes, profiles of characters, maps, charts, articles, appendices. 

Being a life application Bible, the notes are more on the application side as opposed to scholarly, academic, or contextual. 

What didn't work for me personally:

I found some of the notes to be highly, highly, highly speculative. It is okay just to admit you have no idea 'how to read' a passage. I am thinking particularly of Song of Songs or Song of Solomon. The notes are 99.9% speculative fluff. There is NO WAY to read the passage and come to their conclusions without a lot of imagination and speculation and just reading into the text. 

I found the amount of notes to text to be overwhelming--again depending on the book. Anytime a page of the Bible is 90% notes and 10% Scripture, I just find it TOO overwhelming to read any of the notes at all. 

I have realized I don't really enjoy the chronological approach to reading Scripture. I just don't. Some may. I don't. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

2. New King James Version Wide Margin Sovereign

2. New King James Version, Sovereign Collection, Wide Margin. God. (Thomas Nelson Publisher). 2022. 1696 pages. [Source: Bought] [Bible]

First sentence: In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 

Start date: December 30, 2025

End date: April 21, 2026

This was my second time to read through this Bible. The first time I did not write or underline in it. This second time through I have begun. I will add more each time I read it through perhaps. (The first read through ended in February 2024.)

I love, love, love, love, LOVE the layout of this Wide Margin Bible in the Sovereign collection published by Thomas Nelson. It is DOUBLE COLUMN. It is red letter. [I would have preferred black letter, but you can't have everything.] The margins are just about perfect. 

There are many New King James text-only Bibles out there. There are probably even many wide margin New King James Bibles out there. I love the quality of the Sovereign collection. 

Is it a must if you already have a New King James Bible you love? Probably not. But if you are looking for either a wide margin Bible [this one comes in the New King James and the King James Version] OR a NKJV with great layout, then this one is worth considering. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

11. Mists Over the Channel Islands

11. Mists Over the Channel Islands. Sarah Sundin. 2026. 368 pages. [Source: Library] [world war II, historical fiction, historical romance, christian fiction, 5 stars]

First sentence: Words failed Dr. Ivy Picot, so she sketched her father with gray-flecked hair, packing to go to war. 

Mists Over the Channel Island depicts a family torn apart by war. Half of the family goes to England--either to fight for Britain OR for refuge. Ivy and her sister, Fern, remain behind. Ivy is a doctor and she's needed. Fern chooses to stay than to go with her husband who will soon be fighting for the Allies. 

Gerrit van der Zee (and his friend Bernadus Kroon) are Dutch and have joined the Nazis. Not because they're actually actually Nazis--in any way. But because they want to be spies and work with the Resistance. They are assigned to Jersey (one of the Channel Islands). They soon befriend, Charlie, Ivy and Fern's younger brother. Ivy doesn't want to like--let alone like-like- the enemy. But she soon seems there's more to Gerrit than what it seems. HE is a good guy though technically 'an enemy' 'an outsider' to the islanders. Meanwhile, Fern begins working FOR the Nazis--after a fall out with her sister--and soon finds herself having an affair with a Nazi soldier. She even begins to view the Allies as enemies and the Nazis as the good guys. 

Tensions are high. Lives are at stake. Family loyalty is tested....

I enjoyed this historical romance GREATLY. It was a great read. Highly recommend. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

10. The French Kitchen

10. The French Kitchen. Kristy Cambron. 2025. 384 pages. [Source: Review copy] [3 stars, historical fiction, Christian fiction]

First sentence: What would a French glamour girl wear to stash weapons in the dead of winter besides a haute couture gown? Kat Harris wished she knew.

The description of French Kitchen sounds great, interesting, intriguing. However, for me at least, the book failed to match the description. 

The French Kitchen has dual timelines. 

There is a timeline set in France during World War II where the heroine, Kat Harris, is masquerading as Celine a woman part of the Resistance. The real Celine never arrived at her assignment. Kat Harris took her place and assumed her name. She's going undercover as a pastry chef, I think??? Regardless, she's going undercover in a French kitchen. France is occupied. The book opens with a cliff hanger, though since you have no investment in the characters much of the intensity and suspense is wasted. 

The second timeline is France in the 1950s. Kat Harris has received a telegram that may or may not be concerning her dead or not dead brother who was also a spy working with the Resistance. For whatever reason she feels the best way to find her possibly-not-dead brother is to find a man she may or may not be able to trust, Gerard, and marry him. For whatever reason he says yes. (At this point, readers are most likely as clueless as I was as to why he would say yes and why she would propose and what the point is). 

The chapters alternate between the past and present. In the 'present' story line Kat is once again become interested in cooking and meets Julia Child. This is what the description emphasizes. This is what the author's note emphasizes. This supposedly is the whole reason the book exists--to create fictional characters to interact with a fictional Julia Child. She's also searching for her possibly-not-dead brother. 

There are characters--friends, enemies, frenemies--in both timelines. But the way this story unfolds...at least to me...is not as effective as it could be if the author had chosen a timeline and kept things chronological. I am not opposed to dual timelines IF the story flows well and most importantly if it makes sense with little to no confusion. 

The description seems like it was written by someone who only heard a summary of the book and didn't actually read it. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

1. RSV Sovereign

1. RSV Sovereign. God. 1977. Thomas Nelson. 1488 pages. [Source: Bought] [5 stars, Bible review]

Start date: December 30, 2025

End date: March 9, 2026

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was upon the face of the deep; and the Spirit of God was moving over the face of the waters. Genesis 1:1-2

About the RSV: The Revised Standard Version was a revision of the American Standard Version of 1901. The New Testament was released as early as 1946. The Old and New Testaments together were published in 1952. The translation went through several updates becoming finalized, I believe, in 1977.

According to Wikipedia, the VERY first copy of the RSV to come off the press was given to Harry S. Truman in September 1946. It was released to the general public a few days later.

Not every Christian embraced this new translation especially regarding the Old Testament. A strong reaction against this NEW translation in part led to a King-James-Only Movement. The fuss was over how Isaiah 7:14 was translated.

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, a young woman shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14

Some pastors preached sermons and wrote pamphlets against this "horrid" "modern" translation. A few even made a spectacle of themselves by burning it. 

The RSV has been the basis for two different revisions: the NRSV (1989) and the ESV (2001). 

My thoughts:  I was not aware of the controversy before I started reading it! I didn't always love, love, love how they translated particular verses. But I wouldn't have been an angry protester, at least I don't think! But then again, I did get quite upset with the Common English Bible over how they translated a verse in Genesis, so maybe I would have been. 

I CAN ONLY IMAGINE the fuss that would have resulted if the MESSAGE had been published in 1952. It would actually be a little fun to imagine the uproar. 

I have read the RSV three perhaps four times. It is not my favorite translation. It is not my least favorite translation. 

The method I used to read this one was to start with TWO ribbons--or bookmarks--with one in Genesis and one in Revelation. To read forwards from one and backwards from the other. (Revelation, Jude, 3 John, 2 John, etc. and Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, etc.) I was curious WHERE I would meet in my read through. I ended up meeting in Isaiah. 

The Sovereign was a nice printing of the RSV for the most part. Sometimes the verse numbers are too close to the verse. BUT I love the size and weight of the Sovereign collection. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

9. Taming Lady Temperance

9. Taming Lady Temperance. Karen Witemeyer. 2026. 336 pages.  [Source: Library] [historical fiction, historical romance, christian fiction, 4 stars]

First sentence: Casting a surreptitious glance over her shoulder, Noreen O'Sullivan tiptoed pas the unoccupied Methodist church, then darted across Walnut Street toward the schoolhouse. Heart palpitations brought on by self-imposed skulking shallowed her breathing.

Premise/plot: Noreen O'Sullivan is a "spinster" (27 years old) who has reconciled herself to being single, strong, independent, and, of course, opinionated. Soon after the novel opens, she joins a Spinster Society. Noreen's cause is temperance. She is out to almost singlehandedly change her community.  She's protesting and using her first amendment right to try to dissuade anyone from entering the local saloon. The local deputy, James Paxton, wants to be fair to everyone. He does. But he is becoming more and more smitten with Noreen by the day. He wants to support her cause without going on the record as supporting her cause. After a parade--with band--in support of temperance, a local drunk beats up his daughter and wife. Noreen loses control and makes an unwise decision...which sets her up to be set up. 

James will have to fight for Noreen...even when she asks him to consider his own career before her freedom. 

My thoughts: This one was a quick read. I enjoyed it. It was both unique and predictable. Unique in that I haven't personally read many Christian fiction romances about feisty heroines who are part of the temperance movement. Predictable in the romance perhaps. Though maybe that is unique in some ways too? I feel I've seen some old black and white movies that might perhaps feature this type of romance. Anyway, a deputy falling in love with someone he's had to arrest.... Anyway, plenty of drama and melodrama. I liked it for the most part. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

8. The Belle of Chatham

8. The Belle of Chatham. Laura Frantz. 2026. 384 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars, historical fiction, historical romance, American Revolution]

First sentence: Her four-poster bed seemed made for winter. 

Premise/plot: The Belle of Chatham is historical fiction set during the American Revolution. Maebel and Coralie Bohannon are sisters with VERY different opinions on the war. Coralie is a loyalist engaged to a British soldier. Maebel is sympathetic to the 'rebel' Patriots. When the Bohannon's house several American soldiers--including General Rhys Harlow, Mae becomes quite smitten. The strife between the sisters continues to grow as the war continues on. 

The novel is set in New Jersey and New York in 1777/1778 I believe. The tension between the sisters is one of the main plot points, and, the damage it does to their relationship, the family itself, and Mae's new relationship with Rhys. 

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. I did. I don't normally read American historical fiction set during this time period. But I enjoyed this one! George Washington does get some time in the book, I believe, as well as some other real life historical figures. While this one is definitely a romance, there's more history than romance. The romance happens quickly--yet I think that is realistic in times of war, particularly at this time in history. Seize the moment while you can when you find someone you love. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

7. Searching for Mr. Johnson's Song

7. Searching for Mr. Johnson's Song. Ariel Vanece. Illustrated by Jade Orlando. 2025. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars, picture book, hymns, friendship]

First sentence: In the summer, Caius spends his mornings on Mr. Johnson's front porch. 

Premise/plot: Caius loves his neighbor, Mr. Johnson. On good days, Mr. Johnson is still singing his song--a hymn--though he fumbles with remembering the words. Lately, Mr. Johnson hasn't felt like singing his song at all. His memory problems are getting him down. Caius goes in search of Mr. Johnson's song so he can potentially cheer his neighbor up when he sings it. 

The song Mr. Johnson loves to sing is "Further Along." 

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. I am glad I read it. I wasn't expecting the hymn connection when I checked it out from the library. It is a sweet story about a young boy who loves his neighbor and wants to be his friend and cheer him up. 

I definitely recommend sharing the song with young ones if they are unfamiliar with it. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

6. The Fault Between Us

6. The Fault Between Us. Stephanie Landsem. 2025. 344 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars, historical fiction, christian fiction]

First sentence: The day Mother left, Claire got a gold star for her report on Yellowstone National Park. 

Premise/plot: Historical fiction set in 1959. Claire, Bridget, and Frannie are sisters. Claire has married a cowboy, Red Wilder, and is now living in Montana in western Yellowstone. Her dad who did not approve of the marriage even slightly has sent his two daughters--Bridget and Frannie--to "fetch" her home with her new baby with or without her husband. Claire receives word via letter that Bridget it is coming two days before. Not much time to prepare, and since Red has literally just lost his job, there is much tension. The visit does not go well--at the start. Red goes off in search of another job. Bridget goes to her nursing job in Yellowstone. Frannie runs away to join the staff at Canyon Lodge. But when disaster strikes--an earthquake--the family will be tested greatly. Will they survive the shocks and aftershocks? 

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. It isn't without its...faults...but it is a good read. There are a LOT of narrators--Claire, Bridget, Frannie, and Red. The characters don't always treat each other with kindness, compassion, love. There's hardly any giving each other the benefit of the doubt. But I do think the book deals with family trauma. Not all historical romance does. So this is definitely not your typical Christian historical romance. 

Once the earthquake happens things gets intense QUICKLY. Everything is building up to that point. The pacing is a little uneven, but, it is necessary. You can't just start with the earthquake without building up the characters and giving them back stories. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

5. 12 Truths Every Teen Can Trust

5. 12 Truths Every Teen Can Trust: Core Beliefs of The Christian Faith That Will Change Your Life. Paul David Tripp. 2025. 176 pages. [Source: Review copy] [christian nonfiction, christian theology, teen books, teen devotional]

First sentence: God has revealed himself and perfectly declared his will by committing his truth to writing.

Paul David Tripp has adapted his book, DO YOU BELIEVE?, for teens in 12 Truths Every Teen Can Trust.

There are twelve truths. Each of the twelve truths is carefully unpacked. This book is ALL about organization of core truths.

Each truth includes the following:

WHAT WE BELIEVE

WHY WE BELIEVE IT

HOW IT MATTERS

"What We Believe" gives a clear, concise, no-nonsense definition or description of the truth being unpacked. 

"Why We Believe It" gives Scriptural proofs--not Scripture references which would involve an extra step or two for the reader--but shares verses and passages from Scripture. This emphasizes that WHY we believe a doctrine is drawn itself FROM Scripture itself. And never just one passage or one verse, but many. 

"How It Matters" includes SEVEN readings. These readings could be read in one sitting OR could be read over seven days. So *if* one was reading this in a group setting--a private school, a Sunday school, family devotions--one could have weekly assignments. ONE could use the opening sections to prepare for more personal study throughout the week. Each of the seven readings concludes with a "read" and "reflect" section. 

The twelve core truths are:

Scripture

God

God's Holiness

God's Sovereignty

God's Power

God's Creation

God's Image

Sin

Justification

Sanctification

Perseverance and Glorification

Eternity

Reading through this list one can clearly see this book has potential to be awesome for teaching the basics. 

I was torn between four stars and five stars. If GoodReads allowed for half star ratings, I may have rated this one 4 and 1/2 stars. I loved, loved, loved the twelve core truths. I thought these were foundational essentials. I loved, loved, loved the two sections, "What We Believe" and "Why We Believe It." The scriptural proofs were AWESOME. I appreciated the "How It Matters" but these seven readings are not as strong perhaps as the other two sections. Sometimes the reading would be excellent. But these were the places where personal stories and anecdotes entered in a bit. I also thought that some of the readings could been condensed into a few readings instead of spread out into seven. That being said, SO much to love and appreciate in this one. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

4. 10 Questions About Pain and Suffering

4. 10 Questions About Pain and Suffering: 30 Devotions for Kids, Teens, and Families. Beth Broom. 2025. 128 pages. [Source: Review copy] [5 stars, christian nonfiction, devotions]

First sentence: Have you ever broken a bone? Maybe you've been really sick. Or maybe you have trouble finishing your schoolwork. These are all painful things that can happen to us. 

There are ten questions addressed in Beth Broom's book. Each of the ten questions has three devotions associated with it. These devotions build upon one another so that by the end of the third day there is a succinct answer to the question being raised. Depending on the question, there can be layers to the answer, and the fact that multiple devotions address the same question can be helpful. It is like looking at the question from three viewpoints. The answers complement one another. 

The ten questions tackled in this book are as follows:

1. What is suffering?

2. Why do we suffer?

3. If God is good, why does he let bad things happen?

4. Do Christians suffer less than non-Christians?

5. When Christians suffer, is it punishment?

6. How does God help me when I'm suffering?

7. How should Christians respond to suffering?

8. What if God doesn't answer my prayer for suffering to stop?

9. What gives someone hope when bad things keep happening?

10. How can I help someone else who is suffering?

Each devotion concludes with a clear, concise answer to the question, a prayer, and a reflection. 

The answer to the first question given on the third day reads as follows, "Suffering is the experience of pain that everyone feels, because sin caused suffering to enter the world. But suffering doesn't last forever for Christians because God sent his Son into the world to suffer with us and rescue us."

I think the questions being discussed are good questions. I thought the answers were thoughtful and pointed to the gospel, pointed to Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. I thought the repetition was helpful. Chances are readers will not read this one in one sitting. It is a thirty day devotional, so a refresher course on the question and the answer could be beneficial. I also think this could be a book that could be referred back to for reference. Perhaps the question doesn't weigh heavy now, but it might later. These answers might resonate more later as one's life experiences grow. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

3. The Story of Corrie ten Boom

3. The Story of Corrie ten Boom: The Watchmaker Who Forgave Her Enemies. Jennifer T. Kelley. 2025. 176 pages. [Source: Review copy] [5 stars, children's book, biography, history, world war II, missionary]

First sentence: Corrie ten Boom's train arrived at the station in Munich. But it was not her first time in Germany.

Jennifer T. Kelley has written a biography of Corrie ten Boom just right for younger readers who perhaps aren't quite ready for the original memoir The Hiding Place. To be fair, The Hiding Place is a memoir of a very specific time in her life, this children's biography is a fuller portrait of her whole life. Namely how God used Corrie ten Boom to reach people all over the world. Corrie ten Boom is known for her radical forgiveness and bold proclamation of the gospel, that the gospel is for EVERYONE, yes everyone. God SAVES and saves to the uttermost. The good news is so amazing that it transforms lives. Because Corrie ten Boom knew God to be a loving, forgiving God, she was able to forgive. 

Corrie ten Boom and her family hid Jews during the Second World War. This led to her family's arrest--where her father died in jail--and subsequent time in a concentration camp--where her sister died. YET how could the family do otherwise? Obeying God meant defying government. Corrie ten Boom was an amazing witness wherever she went.

Definitely recommend this one! 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

2. Pilgrim's Progress

2. Pilgrim's Progress Adapted by Anna Trimiew from John Bunyan's classic allegory. 2013. 111 pages. [Source: Bought] [3 stars, children's books, adapted books, abridged books, allegories]

First sentence from the introduction: A long, long time ago, a prisoner sat in a cold jail in England. 

First sentence from chapter one: "Oh, what must I do?" cried a man dressed in rags as he walked in the fields outside his house.

Anna Trimiew has adapted John Bunyan's classic allegory for young readers. It is illustrated by Drew Rose. 

It does make the allegory more accessible to young readers. This is not the first adaptation for children, nor will it be the last adaptation for children. I've read a handful though not recently enough to rank them--to compare them side by side and say THIS is the one I'd recommend. 

This is the first half of Pilgrim's Progress. It definitely feels abridged with some of the theology cut out or cut down at least. I've read the original, the unabridged several times. So I definitely had a vague feeling of missing some bits. But for an abridged version for young children--elementary school aged--it's serviceable enough. I did not care for the illustrations personally. BUT illustrations can be subjective. Maybe not everyone will see a Klingon on the cover. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

1. The Lawyer and the Laundress

1. The Lawyer and the Laundress. Christine Hill Suntz. 2025. 368 pages. [Source: Review copy] [5 stars, christian fiction, christian romance, christian historical fiction]

First sentence: She hadn't thought a person could be so hungry that just the sound of cooking could make a mouth water.

Sara O'Connor, the laundress, is struggling to get by. She has a secret (because of course she has a secret) about her past. James Kinney, the lawyer, is struggling as well--although not financially. She's a widow. He's a widower. They are brought together by his daughter, Evie. Evie hates, hates, hates the current 'school' she is attending. It's not a school-school. She's attending lessons with one of the children in the neighborhood who has a governess. Sara witnesses Evie's great unhappiness and the two bond. Because Sara speaks up for Evie, she loses her job but Evie is safer. When Evie falls ill, it is Sara who is sent for to nurse her back to health....which ultimately eventually leads to a marriage of convenience. And has there even been a marriage of convenience novel that doesn't end with them being madly in love with each other?!?! 

Christian romance is undoubtedly predictable. YET that doesn't take away from the enjoyment. This one is set in Toronto, Canada in the 1830s. Do I know American history? Yes. Some decades better than others. Do I know anything at all of Canadian history? NOPE. Thus though certain elements of this one were predictable enough in places, there was plenty to keep my interest. 

The romance worked for me. I think there was chemistry between these two almost from the start. Their attraction was in some ways instant. BUT the relationship was not. It took time. It took conversations. It took circumstances. She had lessons to learn. He had lessons to learn. I definitely liked these two together. 

The writing was solidly good. In a perfect world, there would be half-star ratings. I would easily rate this one 4 1/2 stars. I think that's where it belongs. It was GOOD fun. I loved reading this one. It was not the most amazing book I've ever read. BUT it was GREAT to spend time with these two AND EVIE. One of my favorite elements of this one was that Evie was HOOKED on Ivanhoe. She wanted to read more, more, more, MORE. She was always talking about the characters. Since Ivanhoe is a favorite of mine, this helped me love the characters even more. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

17. NASB 1977 Inductive Study Bible

The New Inductive Study Bible. NASB (New American Standard, 1977). God. 1992. 2296 pages. [Source: Bought] [5/5 stars] 

First sentence: In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

Start date: October 20, 2025

End date: December 28, 2025

I absolutely love, love, love the New American Standard Bible, in particular I love, love, love the 1977 edition of the NASB. 

This will not be a review of the "new inductive" features. There is a massive system of bible study--bible marking--involved in the inductive study method. I did not seek to try to learn it. 

Believe it or not, I did *slow* down my reading for this read through. I read ONE book at a time. I underlined. I wrote in the wide margins. I jotted down questions. I intentionally thought about how verses fit into chapters, and how chapters fit into books. I was more observant when it came to recurring themes. I finished the book quickly because I was enthusiastic about spending time in the Word of God. I read twice a day for varying amounts of time.

This one is SINGLE column, black letter, fairly large print. Though I didn't follow the instructions for the inductive method, I did enjoy some of the charts, illustrations, and books introductions. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible