A Little Gem

Reviewed by Phee Paradise
Better Than Jewels by Linda Newton

The book of Proverbs is full of wisdom for living. Often you find it one nugget at a time. Better than Jewels is presented to the reader in the same way with 31 daily devotionals. Each one is a meditation on a one word topic, such as experience, parenting and trust. Newton quotes a verse from Proverbs that offers wisdom on the topic, then follows it with her insight about it. To make it personal, she then tells a story from her own life or that of someone she knows. As a pastor’s wife, she has a lot of stories.

I enjoyed this little devotional and I think you will too. It is well written and Newton’s insights stay on topic. She doesn’t expound on the theology or doctrine of the scripture, but offers her readers daily encouragement instead. The stories are well told and to the point. I didn’t see any obvious organization of the book by topic or scripture, but it’s the kind of book the Holy Spirit can use to speak to you about what you need to hear.

Pros: Short devotional with a personal message based on scripture. Easy to read and enjoyable, but with a point you can dwell on each day.

Cons: Not a deep study of scripture. It shouldn’t replace your daily Bible reading.

About the Author

Linda Newton's contagious enthusiasm and engaging storytelling brings God's Word to life. With authentic transparency and down-home humor she shares how God transformed heartbreak in her life into hope from her new book Twelve Ways to Turn Your Pain Into Praise published by Warner Press. Her new devotional book, Better Than Jewels: 31 Days of Biblical Insight for a Woman Seeking God is currently on sale now.

Linda and her husband Bruce pastor Sierra Pines Church in Oakhurst, CA where Linda has served as a counselor for the past 20 years. As a speaker, author, and counselor her passion is to lead ladies to a greater understanding of the abundant life available to them in Christ (John 10:10). You will laugh, learn, and leave feeling closer to the Lord!