Wednesday, September 7, 2022
In the Storm
Tuesday, September 6, 2022
Book Spotlight: Forgotten Memories by Penny Zeller
Some memories are best forgotten…
The Wyoming Territory is rife with lawlessness and disorder, something Annie Ledbetter
and her parents discover when their wagon train is robbed. Seven years later,
Annie settles into her lifelong dream as a teacher in the small town of Willow
Falls. When she meets handsome rancher Caleb Eliason through a humorous
misunderstanding, she is quickly drawn to his kind heart and charming smile.
Former outlaw Caleb Eliason embraces his chance at a fresh start. Gone are the
days of robbing stagecoaches and wagon trains. When he falls in love with the
new Willow Falls teacher, he doesn’t realize they’ve met before—under much
different circumstances. When his past comes to light, will it put the growing
love between them at risk?
Can forgiveness and redemption heal two broken hearts or will the past keep
them from sharing a future?
Purchase Forgotten Memories:
When Penny is not dreaming up new characters, she
enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters, camping, hiking,
canoeing, reading, running,
cycling, gardening, and playing volleyball.
She is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the
Steve Laube Agency and loves to hear from her readers at her website www.pennyzeller.com and
her blog, random thoughts from a day in the life of a wife, mom, and author,
at www.pennyzeller.wordpress.com.
Social
Media Links:
Website:
www.pennyzeller.com
Blog: www.pennyzeller.wordpress.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pennyzellerbooks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PennyZeller
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pennyzeller/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/penny-zeller
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/zellerpenny/
MeWe:
https://mewe.com/i/pennyzeller
Amazon
Author Central: https://www.amazon.com/author/pennyzeller
Newsletter Sign up:
https://mailchi.mp/8c1dae400a24/penny-zeller
Add Forgotten Memories to your Goodreads
TBR: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61166004-forgotten-memories?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=JxLU3k3mt3&rank=2
Monday, September 5, 2022
Christmas Book Review: A Quilt for Christmas: A Christmas Novella by Melody Carlson
What It’s About:
Christmas should be celebrated with family. But for Vera
Swanson, that's not an option this year. Widowed and recently relocated, she is
lonely in her condo-for-one--until little Fiona Albright knocks on her door
needing help. With her mother seriously ill and her father out of town, Fiona
enlists Vera's help, and when she finds out her new neighbor is a quilter, she
has a special request--a Christmas quilt for Mama.
Vera will have to get a ragtag group of women together in order to fulfill the
request. Between free-spirited artist Tasha, chatty empty nester Beverly,
retired therapist Eleanor, and herself, Vera has hopes that Christmas for the
Albright family will be merry, after all--and she may find herself a new family
of friends along the way.
Bestselling and award-winning author Melody Carlson invites you to cuddle up
this holiday season with this cozy story of giving, forgiving, and a little bit
of romance.
My Thoughts:
I look forward to Carlson’s Christmas novella every year. This one is a lovely
story centering around a woman whose traditional Christmas’s have been derailed,
then she meets a sweet child who changes everything. Four-year-old Fiona
spreads Christmas joy just by being her sweet, precocious self. As the quilt
comes together, so do the lives of the most unexpected quilters. This story is about
healing and transformation and Carlson does a beautiful job telling this wonderful
story. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this
review are completely my own.
Saturday, September 3, 2022
The God-breathed Word
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12
...and to
make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business
and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may
win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on
anybody.
The Bible
speaks to our hearts.photo from pixaby
In a book
launch team I am part of, I was asked which of the four seasons is my favorite.
For anyone who knows me well, you know I answered winter. I also love spring
when beautiful flowers bloom, summer when I swim with my grands, and of course
fall, a gorgeous time to be outside appreciating the colorful leaves.
Yet, winter
remains my favorite because it is a time of peace. When snow blankets the
ground and the nothing has touched the pureness, I’m reminded of 1 Thessalonians—my life verse. I love quiet, and strive to lead a quiet life.
I try to mind my own business, unless God lays on my heart to speak up. I work
with my hands, either on the computer, with arts and crafts or around the
house. Tim and I depend on God, daily. He is the one who provides us
opportunities to work and grow.
Do you have a life verse, a scripture that speaks to your heart about everyday life? Is there a scripture God has placed on your heart? One you strive to follow? There are many verses in the Bible I rely on for wisdom and guidance. Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord..., “ John 3:16, the book of James, the Psalms.
We have so many
wonderful, life-changing scriptures at our fingertips.
God has
given us the gift of the Bible. Have you read any scripture today?
2 Timothy
3:16-17
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for
teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the
servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Wednesday, August 31, 2022
Look for the Beauty
Monday, August 29, 2022
Cozy Mystery Review: Mabel Get the Ax (Mysteries of Medicine Spring Book 1) by Susan Kimmel Wright
What it’s About:
Mabel plans to bring the thrills of volunteering to the
masses—if she doesn’t get the ax first.
After losing her job of twenty-three years, Mabel decides to launch what will surely be a glamorous new career as an author. Having recently inherited her late grandmother’s house, she has the freedom to spend time volunteering and writing about her experiences.
Unfortunately, Mabel’s plans soon go off the rails. Her
inheritance comes with decades of clutter, an overgrown lot, a dog named
Barnacle, and a neighbor with an ax to grind. And her first assignment as a
Medicine Spring Historical Society volunteer is to lead a tour of the Sauer
Mansion, locally known as the “Ax Murder House,” site of a notorious 1930’s
double homicide.
As Mabel shepherds her tour group through the house, it
appears history’s repeating itself when she stumbles across a body in the
parlor. Finding herself on the suspect list, Mabel scrambles to figure out who
swung the fatal ax. In the process, she can’t help being drawn into
investigating the unsolved historic murders, teamed up with PI John Bigelow, a
man she isn’t sure she can trust. With an ax murderer on the loose, will Mabel
be next?
My Thoughts:
I enjoyed reading book one of the Mysteries of Medicine Springs series. Mabel
is a hoot. She’s older, awkward, and self-deprecating. The woman tries so hard
to do the right thing, and sometimes that gets her into deep trouble. John is
the perfect balance for her, but in her heart she’s not sure she can trust him.
She’s not sure she can trust anyone. Through all the escapades and efforts,
Mabel plows forward to find the truth. If you enjoy cozies sprinkled with humor
and quirky characters, you’ll enjoy Mabel Gets the Ax. I read this copy from
Kindle Unlimited.
Saturday, August 27, 2022
The Son Will Raise Me Up
Hebrews 12:1-3
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a
great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin
that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race
marked out for us, fixing our eyes on
Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him
he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right
hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so
that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Rain beat against the window and thunder roared
through the sky. Clouds dumped water on the garden and drenched the flowers.
When I walked outside the next day, the black-eyed Susans looked like they’d
seen better days. The wind and rain had pummeled the plants and knocked petals
to the ground. The lengthy stems sprawled across the flower bed. This time of
year, their days are numbered, but I’m hoping they rally for a few more weeks
and wave their golden heads in the breeze.
During Jesus journey on this earth, He met great
opposition. Religious leaders, sinners, political leaders took it upon
themselves to destroy the Son of God. They ridiculed Him and eventually killed
Him. But the beautiful thing is, Jesus rose from death and proclaimed victory
over sin. He conquered death to give life to anyone who believes and loves Him.
Because of Jesus love and sacrifice, I won’t lose heart.
My black-eyed Susans might lay down after the
storm, but the sun will raise them up to bloom a bit longer. I may fall into
temptation or simply grow weary, but the Son will raise me up and give me
strength to keep going.
Jesus’ death and resurrection encourage me to endure
as I keep moving forward. I won’t grow weary or lose heart because I have faith
in Jesus.
Trust Him with your heart.
Wednesday, August 24, 2022
Rest
Saturday, August 20, 2022
Second Chances
Ephesians
4:22-24
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put
off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful
desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put
on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and
holiness.
God gives second chances.
I am
overwhelmed with gratitude every day because I have a God who gives grace and
forgiveness. Growing up in church I learned a lot about the rules. Do this,
don't do that. In the midst of those teachings, I heard of God's love for me, but being a shy, quiet, rule follower, my focus stayed on right and wrong. I
thought if I did everything right, I'd earn my way to heaven. Boy was I wrong.
As a human, I didn't have the capability to live a perfect life.
As I grew
older, I experienced life. Some good, some bad. The more I learned about Jesus,
the more I realized I couldn't go through life focusing on rules. At times Satan
tried to push me away from the whole "religion" thing, but God
brought me to my knees. Not to punish me, but to remind me of his beautiful,
perfect grace.
You see, He
loves me unconditionally. Regardless of poor choices, doubts, or frustration, He
continues to wrap His arms around me and show His mercy. Once I turned my life,
my decisions, my actions, my everything over to Him, I understood. Granted I
need to be obedient, I must seek His will, and I have to stop and listen. I'm
not in this alone, I'm in this life with the One who created me. And guess
what? God wants me to succeed. He has plans for me and a future.
I'm
forgiven. Do I still mess up? Yep. But I hit my knees and ask for grace. I
praise God with thanksgiving for his Son who took my place and for the Holy
Spirit who guides me. I'm thankful for this precious second chance.
Wednesday, August 17, 2022
A Life Without Dreams
Saturday, August 13, 2022
The Smell of Crayons
Psalm 32:8
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.
Pray for students, teachers, and staff.
The back-to-school sales are on, the smell of crayons and sharpened pencils fill the air. Teachers are prepping their classrooms and children are counting the days until they see their friends again.
We have several educators in our family, and they're
setting up their rooms, attending trainings and meetings, and working to make
the start of school successful. I’m thankful for the people who teach, whether
in public school, private school, or homeschool and the folks who work in
support roles. Many of the people who instruct our children in academics also work
to instill confidence and positive behavior. The kiddos are blessed to have people
in school who care about them and want to fill their buckets with kindness and
joy.
Jesus, the best teacher—taught by example. Through
parables and sermons He shared scripture and taught us to pray. Talk about hearing
from the best. There is no better place to learn than at the feet of Jesus. I love
to hear or read every parable, word of wisdom, and proverb Jesus shared. I'm
thankful the writers of the Bible penned God's words, and I’m excited I have
the very words of Jesus (red letters in many Bibles) to read and tuck into my
heart.
God wants his people to keep discovering Him. Every
day brings a new experience, a new perspective, a new way to learn and share
Jesus’ story as He fills our buckets with blessings.
If you have a minute, pray for all the parents and caregivers sending their children to classrooms, as well as teachers, staff, administrators, and
students heading back to school. Pray for wisdom, confidence, kindness, and
safety. Encourage your children to embrace learning and to respect their
teachers and fellow students. I remember a few teachers who believed in me, and I’ll always be
thankful.
Wednesday, August 10, 2022
Old Age
Saturday, August 6, 2022
What the World Needs Now
1 Corinthians 13:13
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of
these is love.
While faith and hope may be more personal, love is meant
to be shared.
Growing up in the sixties and seventies I listened to a lot of music, mostly pop and soft rock. Songs like What the World Needs Now and Put a Little Love in Your Heart by Jackie DeShannon, and I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing by the New Seekers focused on spreading love in the world. In my bedroom as I belted out the songs, in front of the mirror and into my hairbrush, I believed I could be an instrument in sharing love with everyone. As you might guess, I was a bit naïve. I didn’t understand what loving the whole world entailed, until I understood how much Jesus loved me.
Most of the time when I hear 1 Corinthians 13, I’m at a
wedding where the pastor reads the passage and talks about what it means to love.
The other day I was reading 1 Corinthians 13 and I came to the last verse. Often
verse thirteen is skimmed over. Instead of flying past it, I paused and read
each word.
Faith, hope, and love remain. Three of the most important
words in my vocabulary stand out as three of the most important ideas in this
passage. My faith in Jesus is personal. Through my experiences and His grace,
my faith has become the springboard for my relationship with Him. My hope in
Jesus is also personal, without the hope of heaven and the hope of brighter
days ahead, I’d be—well, hopeless. Love is different. According to verse thirteen,
love is the greatest of all three, and I believe that’s because love is to be shared.
For people to understand my faith and my hope in Jesus, they need to see the
love He spills over me as I in turn pour love over others. What better way to share my faith and hope
than to model and live the love mapped out in chapter thirteen.
Share Jesus love with a world who still needs Him.
Friday, August 5, 2022
Contemporary Romance Review: The Last Way Home by Liz Johnson (Book 2 Prince Edward Island Shores)
What It's About:
When Eli Ross left Prince Edward Island to join the NHL, he left a broken family behind. More than a decade later, he's broke and headed home to an uncertain welcome. He wants to make things right with the family he wronged, but his mom's business partner isn't making it easy. To top it off, the coaching job he's accepted turns out to be far more difficult than he anticipated.
For years, Violet Donaghy has put everything she had into making Eli's mom's ceramics shop a success, and she's not eager to forgive the man who hurt the family that's taken her in as one of their own. But when the kiln at the shop starts a fire that nearly destroys the studio, she'll need all the help she can get to save the business and their summer income.Can these two strong-willed people come together to mend the broken pieces of the Ross family? Or will the ghosts of the past continue to haunt them?
Return to Prince Edward Island for a romantic story of family, forgiveness, and the power of love.
My Thoughts:
I’ve read all of Liz Johnson’s books and enjoyed them, but this series, Prince
Edward Island Shores, is my favorite. And The Last Way Home is her
best yet. She has mastered the characters, their personalities and their flaws.
Her description made me feel like I was in the story watching the scenes unfold.
Violet and Eli are both broken in their own way, yet they are drawn together by
the very secrets they guard. If you enjoy excellent writing, an interesting
story, and wonderful characters, you’ll want to read The Last Way Home.
Thank you, Liz Johnson, for another wonderful story. I’m anxious to read book
three.
Wednesday, August 3, 2022
A Simple Way
Tuesday, August 2, 2022
Romantic Suspense Review: Deception by Patricia Bradley
The Story:
After being forced to kill an FBI agent gone rogue in self-defense while
working in the violent crimes unit for the Investigative Services Branch,
ranger Madison Thorn is comfortable with her move to the fraud and cyber
division. At least numbers don't lie. So she's less than thrilled when a
white-collar crime investigation in Natchez, Mississippi, turns violent. She
could also do without being forced to work with
former-childhood-enemy-turned-infuriatingly-handsome park ranger Clayton
Bradshaw.
When a woman who looks just like Madison is attacked on the same night
Madison's grandfather is shot, it becomes clear that there is something much
bigger going on here and that Madison herself is in danger. Madison and Clayton
will have to work together--and suppress their growing feelings for one
another--if they are to discover the truth before it's too late.
My Thoughts:
If you enjoy romantic suspense, I recommend this series set in Natchez
Mississippi. Deception is book three in the Natchez Trace Rangers series
and can be read as a stand-alone, but the series is so good! I especially
enjoyed this one. Madison is a tough lady who focuses on her work, but has a
soft spot when it comes to her grandfather. Clayton is an officer with flaws and
a big heart. As the two of them work to solve a crime against her grandfather,
secrets unfold in unexpected ways as more crimes come to light. Bradley is a
top-notch suspense writer. If you enjoy Colleen Coble, you’ll love Patricia
Bradley’s books. I received a free copy of this book with no expectations. My
opinions are my own.
Monday, August 1, 2022
Cozy Mystery Review: Murder Goes Solo by Malissa Chapin Book Description:
Piper Haydn is on the case when murder comes to peaceful Cranberry Harbor, Wisconsin. With her piano recital hours away, Piper's last need is a piano problem—or a murder problem! When her new piano arrives with the body of her ex-fiancé inside, suspicion rests on Piper. To avoid a murder charge, she must shift her attention from music to murder. With a killer at large, Piper calls off the recital and closes the academy. Believing that she and her friends can solve the murder, Piper tries to clear her name and tries to discover what happened to her secretary Lisa. As the investigation crescendos, Piper leans on the support and creativity of her best friend Roosevelt and fellow music teacher Trefor to help solve the crime. Can Piper and friends solve the mystery before the killer solos in on another victim?
My Thoughts:
Murder Goes Solo is a well-written and fun mystery. Poor Piper is
faced with a terrible situation. The new and very expensive piano she ordered
arrives with a dead body. Not just any body—her lifeless ex-boyfriend.
Piper and her best friend Rosie work to figure out who killed him. In the
meantime, they have to avoid the press and work with the “Hunky” police officer.
Piper’s family tries to protect her, but she’s determined to bring the killer
to justice. Chapin does a beautiful job weaving in Piper’s love of music and
sets up a great cozy story. If you enjoy cozy mysteries, you’ll love Murder
Goes Solo. I hope there are more books about Piper, her bestie, and maybe
even the “Hunky officer.” I received a complimentary copy of this book.
Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Saturday, July 30, 2022
Work With All My Heart
Colossians 3:23-24
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not
for human masters, since you know that you will receive an
inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are
serving.
My grandson floated back to his seat on a cloud
of joy.
I’m a loyal fan of the Cincinnati Reds. Twenty-twenty-two hasn’t been their best year, yet they still show up and work hard. Due to decisions from management, we lost some good players, but the ones left on the team, like Votto, Farmer, and India put in the effort and play their hearts out.
They work out, practice, and show up, even through injury,
and use their God-given talent to play the game. Recently my daughter, Maggie,
and my grands, Dylan and Zeke, and I attended a game. Zeke loves baseball and
plays on a summer team. As he and I entered the stadium, he hoped to catch a
practice ball from the opposing team. He not only caught one, the player for
the Marlins signed it. Then when he saw the Reds players in the dugout, he
hustled over and thought he might have a shot at an autograph on the ball he brought
with him. He held the ball out and none other than Joey Votto autographed it. Votto and the Marlins player didn’t have to autograph anything, but they took their job beyond what was expected.
In Colossians 3:23-24, Paul gives a directive that whatever
we work at, whether at home, at a job, or in the church, work as if it is for
the Lord. God has given each one of us different talents. We can use those
talents to glorify Him by doing our best and going beyond what’s expected. It’s
easy to get discouraged in a job, but sometimes we have to choose to do our
best despite the circumstances. I worked for many years in libraries, where I
was challenged and frustrated at times. When that happened, I had to pray or
the discouragement would overwhelm me. The same with my writing. I doubt
myself, but have to remember God is the One who called me to write.
In whatever I do, I strive to work with all my heart and do
my best.
Work with all your heart to glorify God.
Wednesday, July 27, 2022
God Hears My Heart
Saturday, July 23, 2022
Where Is My Faith
Luke 8:22-24
One
day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the
other side of the lake.” So they got into a boat and set out. As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake,
so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger.
The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Master,
Master, we’re going to drown!”
He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the
storm subsided, and all was calm. “Where is
your faith?” he asked his disciples.
Rain pounded the canvas top of the Jeep.
I traveled down Interstate 75 to visit my daughter in Kentucky. When I left home a gray sky hovered overhead. The lack of sunshine made the drive easier for me because bright sun hurts my eyes, and I knew I’d be on the road for a while. About halfway through the trip, the skies opened and the rain poured. Torrential rain on the interstate with semis scares me, but instead of panicking, I put the Jeep in four-wheel drive and slowed my speed.
The rain poured for about twenty minutes. As I maneuvered the Jeep
through the rain, Star 93.3 played three songs that calmed me. I Am Not Alone
by Kari Jobe, Praise You in This Storm, and Brighter Days by Blessing Offor
made me want to raise my hands in praise, but I didn’t dare take my hands off
the wheel.
Isn’t it just like Jesus to provide comfort and hope in the midst
of the storm? He’d invited his disciples to the boat and then fell asleep. He
may have known the storm was coming, but He also knew God had His back. When
the disciples panicked, what did He say? “Where is your faith?”
I had to ask myself that question as I drove through the storm. I
have to ask myself that question when I walk through the valley, the sunshine,
or the fog. My faith is in Jesus who loves me, but at times I forget and try to
take control, or panic, or run from Him. Yet every time He draws me back to Him,
and I thank Him.
I thank God for his peace, His understanding of me and my fears,
and I praise Him for his plan of salvation that secures my faith. I am not
alone, I can praise Him in the storms, and I know there will be brighter days
because I have faith in the One who loves me more than I understand.
Have faith in the One who loves you.