Wednesday, April 21, 2021
Faith then Understanding
Friday, March 12, 2021
Historical Fiction Book Review: Dreams Rekindled (Mesquite Springs #2) by Amanda Cabot
Though she hopes for a quiet, uncomplicated life for herself, Dorothy Clark wants nothing more than to stir others up. Specifically, she dreams of writing something that will challenge people as much as Harriet Beecher Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin seems to have. But in 1850s Mesquite Springs, there are few opportunities for writers--until newspaperman Brandon Holloway arrives, that is.
Brandon Holloway has seen the disastrous effects of challenging others and has no intention of repeating that mistake. Instead of following his dreams, he's committed to making a new--and completely uncontroversial--start in the Hill Country.
As Dorothy's involvement in the fledgling newspaper grows from convenient to essential, the same change seems to be happening in Brandon's heart. But before romance can bloom, Dorothy and Brandon must work together to discover who's determined to divide the town and destroy Brandon's livelihood.
My Thoughts:
I enjoyed returning to Mesquite Springs in Dreams Rekindled. Dorothy has determined she’ll never marry. If she doesn’t fall in love, life will be easier, less hurtful. And she’s determined to follow her dream of being a writer like Harriet Beecher Stowe. Brandon fears repeating the mistakes of his past, so he’s playing it safe as the new editor of the local newspaper. The two work together and fall into a comfortable rhythm until they see each other as more than friends. Dorothy’s character is strong, independent, and trusts God with her future. Brandon is humble, honest, and kind. I love the comradery they share working together and the story of their possible romance. The story also has plenty of excitement and action when deception and danger come to town. Cabot’s depiction of the era invites the reader to walk the streets of Mesquite Springs with the characters and maybe visit Polly’s Place. Cabot’s references to the folks from book #1 of the series was fun, as well. If you enjoy books set in small towns in the 1800s, you’ll love this series. Dreams Rekindled can be read as a standalone, but why not read them all? I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Monday, March 1, 2021
Book Review: Blackberry Beach (Hope Harbor Novel #7) by Irene Hannon
Katherine Parker is on the cusp of having everything she ever wanted--fame, money, and acclaim. So why isn't she happy? In search of answers, she comes incognito to Hope Harbor on the Oregon coast for some R&R. Maybe in her secluded rental house overlooking the serene Pacific she'll be able to calm the storm inside.
Coffee shop owner Zach Garrett has found his niche after a traumatic loss--and he has no plans to change the life he's created. Nor does he want to get involved with his reticent new neighbor, whose past is shrouded in mystery. He's had enough drama to last a lifetime. But when Katherine and Zach are recruited to help rehab a home for foster children, sparks fly. And as their lives begin to intersect, might they find more common ground than they expected . . . and discover that, with love, all things are possible?
My Thoughts:
I absolutely love all the Hope Harbor books, and Blackberry Beach doesn’t disappoint. In book seven, Katherine arrives in Hope Harbor to relax and ponder her future. She’s on the verge of success and burn-out as she tries to figure out her future. Zach, Hope Harbor’s barista and coffee shop owner, considers his dating life, or the lack thereof. A kind young man with no prospects in sight meets Kat and the sparks fly, but she needs to hide her identity. As I read of Zach and Kat ambling along Blackberry Beach, I felt the ocean breeze and smelled the salt air of that magical place. Of course, Gladys, Floyd, and Charlie are back. They always bring fun and insight to the story. Hannon delves deep into her characters’ emotions as she ties in their backstory (including a story about Zach’s aunt) and spiritual threads. The references to other Hope Harbor residents who appeared in the first six books is like finding hidden treasure. If you haven’t read the series, Blackberry Beach can be read as a stand-alone. But the series is oh-so-good! If you enjoy reading entertaining and heartfelt stories, you’ll love this one. And I’ll warn you, you may be craving chocolate truffles by the end. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Monday, February 8, 2021
Suspense Fiction Review: Obsession (Natchez Trace Park Rangers Book #2) by Patricia Bradley
Book Description:
Natchez Trace Ranger and historian Emma Winters hoped never to see Sam Ryker
again after she broke off her engagement to him. But when shots are fired at
her at a historical landmark just off the Natchez Trace, she's forced to work
alongside Sam as the Natchez Trace law enforcement district ranger in the
ensuing investigation. To complicate matters, Emma has acquired a delusional
secret admirer who is determined to have her as his own. Sam is merely an
obstruction, one which must be removed.
Sam knows that he has failed Emma in the past and he doesn't intend to let her
down again. Especially since her life is on the line. As the threads of the
investigation cross and tangle with their own personal history, Sam and Emma
have a chance to discover the truth, not only about the victim but about what
went wrong in their relationship.
Award-winning author Patricia Bradley will have the hairs standing up on the
back of your neck with this nail-biting tale of obsession, misunderstanding,
and forgiveness.
My Thoughts:
Obsession is a great title for this book, because I didn’t want to put
it down. Sam Ryker must protect Emma Winters at any cost, but their feelings
and families push and shove for and against them. As Sam deals with family
baggage and Emma longs to find her beloved brother, the two are tangled in a
mess of lies and danger. Patricia Bradley has written another suspense filled
mystery that will have readers wondering what really happened, and who is
chasing who. I love the setting of Natchez Trace and the nod to parks and
historical remembrance. If you enjoy suspense with twists and turns, you’ll
want to read Obsession. Even though this is part of a series, it can be read as a stand alone. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in
this review are completely my own.
Saturday, December 19, 2020
Celebrate~Mary
Luke 2:6-7
While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave
birth to her firstborn, a son. She [Mary] wrapped him in cloths and placed him
in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
Bumping
along on a lowly donkey, nine months pregnant, Mary prepared for the birth of
her son, Jesus. She made the journey with her betrothed, Joseph, to the town of
Bethlehem where they'd be counted and registered to pay taxes. Towards the end
of a pregnancy, most women are mighty uncomfortable. I can't imagine riding a
donkey on rough roads and bouncing around. But, Mary's faith trumped her
discomfort.
Womanhood
arrived early in Mary's day. History determines her to be anywhere from
fourteen to seventeen, a child in our culture. Yet her love for God matured and
grew in her few years. The angel, who delivered the news that she'd give birth
to the Messiah, recognized this young woman's faith.
Mary, being
the faithful servant, accepted the angel's proclamation with grace and trust.
Trust plays
a huge part in Jesus' birth. Joseph trusted enough to wed Mary. God trusted the angels to deliver his
messages. The shepherds trusted the angels and ran to see the baby. And Mary
trusted God with the glorious phenomenon of Jesus' birth.
As Mary
bumped along, she must have wondered what came next. But she moved forward as God called
her. She birthed the baby in a stable, most likely a cave where the animals were
fed and watered. Hopefully, she had clean straw and fresh water. Regardless,
Mary welcomed her child with joy that night.
As you think
about the troubles of 2020, the inconveniences, the losses, the illness, think
about Mary. In her discomfort and what was likely a troubled time for her, she
moved forward with trust and faith. Regardless of what's behind us, let's keep
our eyes on Jesus and celebrate the joy of this season.
Stop for a
few moments and breathe in the spirit of the season. Capture the essence of joy. Then breathe out and share his hope.
Saturday, December 12, 2020
Celebrating Christmas ~ Shepherds
Luke 2:15-18
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one
another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the
Lord has told us about.”
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in
the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what
had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at
what the shepherds said to them.
Have you
ever seen an alpaca?
Sometimes
confused with a llama—their ears are more rounded, their bodies
are smaller, and their fur is shaggier. In October, Tim and I visited an alpaca
farm. The comical looking creatures, with their floppy hair, stood in the field
beside the Alpaca Meadows gift and wool shop. A lovely lady greeted us and
welcomed us into her store. After a little too much shopping, she offered to
show us her animals. If it hadn't been so muddy, we could have taken one for a
walk, instead, we tromped through the water-logged field for a close-up
experience. One of the alpacas, who is blind, came right to her caretaker. She
trusted her and allowed us to pet her fuzzy head, because she knew her shepherd.
In Luke chapter two, sheep trusted their shepherd and the shepherd trusted the Lord.
When the
angels appeared to the shepherds, fear struck them, until the angel told them
not to be afraid, but to trust. Once the shock of seeing and hearing the angels
sunk in, they hurried off to see the baby the angels proclaimed. Imagine—they arrived at the manger, a tiny baby lay in the arms of
his mother, and he is proclaimed the Messiah, the one they'd been waiting for.
No doubt the shepherds stood in awe. They'd heard God's promise of a Savior but
never expected to have the honor to be chosen to see him.
When they
left the manger, they didn't jog back to their hill. Instead, they shared the
good news—a Savior is born—the Messiah is here—we've seen him with our own eyes.
Jesus came
to the world to save us from evil and sin. He entered this world as a babe in a
manger. Smelly, stinky shepherds visited first, not kings or priests, but
everyday workers who spent time tending. And they spread the word "Jesus
is born" to everyone they saw.
From the
beginning of Jesus time on earth, God used ordinary men and women to spread the
gospel. He still does today. We don't need a fancy degree or title to be a
shepherd for Jesus. We just need to know how much he loves us.
Go tell
everyone that Jesus lives and loves them. He wants the world to know.
Saturday, November 28, 2020
Celebrating Christmas~Joseph
Matthew
1:19-21, 24-25
Because Joseph her [Mary] husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want
to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But
after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a
dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home
as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She
will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he
will save his people from their sins.”
Joseph trusted the Lord.
As a child, I
heard the story of Jesus' birth. We learned of the trek to Bethlehem, angels
singing, shepherds visiting, and of course Mary giving birth to the baby Jesus.
I imagined the animals surrounding the manger, the sheep baaing and cows
mooing. But I didn't give much thought to Joseph. In the story, he knocks on
the inn keeper's door and he leads Mary to the stable. I knew he was present,
yet he disappeared into the background.
What I've learned since:
Joseph was kind, compassionate, and faithful to God. He truly loved Mary. I'm not surprised by any of this. In God's plan to bring Jesus into the world, he chose two people who adored and trusted Him. Joseph and Mary's engagement, as binding as marriage is today, could only be broken by divorce. Rather than expose Mary as pregnant before wedlock, Joseph planned to quietly divorce her and set her free. Otherwise, she could have been stoned to death for adultery.Thank
goodness the angel gave Joseph the low down on God's plan. On hearing the
angel's words, he could have run the other way. Joseph could have laughed in the
angel's face. Instead, he chose to trust God's plan. His faith overcame his
fear.
This year
the holidays don't seem the same. Some traditions may not happen. Gatherings
may look different. Illness may hamper plans. The sadness and stress of 2020
may drag us down. Yet as we celebrate Jesus' birth, let's delight in the Lord
with faith like Joseph. He tossed his fears aside and trusted in God. If Joseph
could do that in his circumstance, surely we can too.
I pray as we
head into the Christmas season, we consider Joseph's faith and his trust in God.
Click to tweet: Faith like Joseph
Thursday, September 10, 2020
Fiction Book Review: Callie (Ladies of Garfield book 1) and Terri (Ladies of Garfield book 2) by Sharon Srock
Book Description:
Callie
She can’t escape the mistakes of her past…
Callie Stillman has done everything she can to bury the memories of a tiny,
baby-sized coffin. She lives life one day at a time, basking in the love of a
good man and doting on her grandchildren. Until she crosses paths with a little
girl who is obviously in trouble—but tries to hide it.
They can’t trust anyone…
Iris and Samantha Evans are living on borrowed time. Deserted, orphaned,
betrayed, and deceived, they need rescuing in the worst way.
He’s praying for a miracle…
Steve Evans had his life changed by God. A reformed drug addict, he’s searching
for the family he abandoned ten years ago…
When Callie can no longer ignore the signs that Iris needs help, her
interference sends four people on a collision course that will force her to
face the past she’d rather forget.
Terri
She’s always longed for more…
Running a thriving daycare keeps Terri Hayes busy. Add a new foster daughter to
the mix and Terri shouldn’t have time to want more—but she does. At
twenty-nine, her biological clock is ticking away. When a busted pipe floods
her home, she finds temporary sanctuary in a basement apartment—one that just
happens to be owned by her long-time crush, single dad Steve Evans.
Is he ready to date again?
Steve is widower, a father of two teenaged girls, and a successful writer. His
life is full, but he wouldn’t mind exploring a romance with Terri. But when
lines of communication get crossed, the budding relationship grounds to a halt.
Two matchmakers to the rescue…
Iris and Samantha Evans want a stepmother and have set their sights on Terri.
Their matchmaking includes equal parts prayer and deception. Will their
scheming result in the wedding of their dreams, or will the harsh confrontation
between Steve and the parents of Terri’s foster child be an obstacle they can’t
overcome?
My
Review:
Sharon Srock writes books with heart. Callie is a woman troubled by an instance
that she thinks was her fault. Iris and Sam need a mentor. In this heartfelt book,
Sharon weaves a beautiful story. Inspirational and entertaining, she takes the
reader on a soul searching journey, with characters who live authentic lives. I
went on to read book 2 in the series,
Terri, where the story continues. I enjoyed Terri's story as much as
Callie's. I loved the threads of faith and hope that ran through both books. If
you enjoy good inspirational fiction, you'll love these. There are more in the
series I hope to read soon. I purchased my own copies of each book. My opinions
are my own.
Wednesday, August 26, 2020
Trust Him!
Wednesday, August 12, 2020
A Pop of Color
Saturday, August 1, 2020
Fear-He is a Liar
For I am the Lord your God
who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, Do not fear;
I will help you.
Fear is vicious. Once it grabbed me, it wouldn't let go. The sad part is, I fear a fabricated "what if" that MIGHT happen.
Wednesday, July 29, 2020
Instead of Fear
but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
~2 Timothy 1:7
Saturday, July 4, 2020
Trusting a Swing
a stronghold in times of trouble.
Those who know your name trust in you,
for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.
In Hebrews 11:1 the writer tells us, "faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." Hannah had assured me the swing was safe or they couldn't use it for campers. Made sense. If I could trust something so simple as a swing, how could I not trust the God of the universe.
The "hall of faith" in Chapter 11 lists many Old Testament warriors who had faith in God, even as they lived in uncertainty.
Wednesday, July 1, 2020
Saturday, May 16, 2020
Let Joy Overflow
for he has heard my cry for mercy.
The Lord is my strength and my shield;
my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.
My heart leaps for joy,
and with my song I praise him.
Grab that bit of joy and let it overflow.Tweetable
Seek Jesus' hope and joy. (click to tweet)
Wednesday, May 6, 2020
Take Heart
Saturday, April 18, 2020
The Man Had Enemies
Be merciful to me, my God,
for my enemies are in hot pursuit;
all day long they press their attack.
My adversaries pursue me all day long;
in their pride many are attacking me.
In God, whose word I praise—
in God I trust and am not afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me?
Psalm57:1 Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed.
Saturday, April 11, 2020
He Opened Their Minds
Jesus stands with outstretched hands in hopes everyone will trust in him.
Wednesday, March 18, 2020
Do Not Fret
Saturday, September 28, 2019
She Gives Me Hope
Have faith in the One who saves.