Honored to Be Reviewed by Conny with a Y
- Benjamin Michael Mcgreevy
- Jan 29
- 3 min read
I’m genuinely grateful to share that Verse by Verse: A Daily Devotional Through the Whole Bible was recently reviewed by Conny with a Y, a thoughtful and well-respected book review blog on WordPress.
What made this review especially meaningful is how carefully Conny engaged with the purpose of the book and not just its size or scope, but its spiritual intent.
Early in the review, Conny quoted something I wrote in the introduction, and in many ways, that line captures the heart of the project:
“This book is not designed to grant you all the answers but to spark your thinking, meditation, and prayer on every single verse.”
Seeing a reviewer not only notice that intention, but evaluate the book through that lens, was deeply encouraging.
A devotional that moves slowly and on purpose
Conny describes Verse by Verse as a “thick, 746-page, oversized paperback” that begins at the very start of Scripture, Genesis 1 and moves carefully through Genesis 11, one verse at a time, using the King James Version.
She highlights the structure of the book clearly and accurately:
each verse presented individually, followed by reflections that may include historical context, word studies, theological discussion, and personal application, along with space for the reader’s own written reflection. Each chapter ends with key takeaways to help anchor what has been read.
That slow, deliberate pace was intentional. This was never meant to be a skim-through or a quick devotional. It was written for readers who want to linger in Scripture.
What resonated most with the reviewer
In the “Why” section of her review, Conny, who has read through the Bible yearly for decades, expressed appreciation for the depth and verse-by-verse approach, noting that it draws the reader into personal application of Scripture.
She also observed something especially important to me theologically:
She appreciated that the book affirms that Jesus has always been part of the Trinity and that humanity is made in their image.
She further noted engagement with challenging and often-discussed topics such as the Nephilim, dinosaurs, Noah’s Ark, Nimrod, and the repopulation of the earth, subjects that invite careful thought rather than simplistic answers.
Honest critique and why I welcome it
One of the reasons independent reviews matter so much is that they are honest. Conny includes thoughtful “Why Not” and “Wish” sections that acknowledge potential limitations.
She notes that:
Readers without a personal relationship with Jesus Christ may struggle to understand the devotional’s spiritual emphasis.
More academically inclined readers may desire deeper technical analysis of original Greek (or Hebrew) terms.
The physical size of the book may feel cumbersome to some.
These are fair observations and ones I actually agree with. This work is intentionally devotional rather than purely academic, and it assumes a posture of faith toward Scripture. I’m grateful she framed these points respectfully and in context rather than as dismissals.
A gentle but important encouragement
In her closing “Want” section, Conny offered a reminder I wholeheartedly affirm:
“If you are looking for a daily devotional that focuses on one Bible verse a day, this is an excellent choice, but please make sure to read more from God’s Word too, as the Holy Spirit directs you.”
That balance of devotional guidance alongside continued immersion in Scripture itself is exactly what I hope readers experience.
Final thoughts
Conny concluded her review with a 4.5 out of 5 rating, while clearly stating that she was under no obligation to give a positive review. That transparency matters.
Independent reviewers like Conny with a Y play a vital role in the reading community, especially within Christian nonfiction. They give readers thoughtful guidance and give authors something even more valuable than exposure: careful engagement.
Read the full review
You can read Conny’s complete review here:
The review was also featured on Interviews & Reviews, helping extend its reach to readers actively seeking thoughtful nonfiction and faith-based books:
I’m grateful not only for Conny’s careful, honest engagement with Verse by Verse, but also for platforms like Interviews & Reviews that help amplify independent reviewers and connect readers with books written to be read slowly and prayerfully.
— Benjamin Michael McGreevy
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