Historical Fiction Review: Nothing Short of Wondrous (American Wonders Collection Book #2) by Regina Scott

Book Description:
It is 1886, and the government has given the US Cavalry control of Yellowstone. For widowed hotelier Kate Tremaine, the change is a welcome one. She knows every inch of her wilderness home like the back of her hand and wants to see it protected from poachers and vandals.

Refused a guide by Congress, Lieutenant William Prescott must enlist Kate's aid to help him navigate the sprawling park and track down the troublemakers. But a secret from his past makes him wary of the tender feelings the capable and comely widow raises in him. As they work together to protect the park and stand firm through injustice and tragedy, they may just find that two wounded hearts can share one powerful love when God is in control.

My Review:
Nothing Short of Wondrous is a delight to read. The Yellowstone Park setting drew me to this story. Regina Scott's writing made me feel like I was hiking through the park and seeing all the amazing geysers and paint pots. I love Kate Tremaine's spunk and determination as she fights to protect her home and the park. Her son, Danny, is a sweet boy ready to defend his beloved buffalo. I adored the lieutenant and his story, as well as the quirky men in his troop. The guests and staff at the hotel are interesting and add humor to the story. As I read I craved a piece of Alberta's pie! If you enjoy historical fiction and nature this is a perfect combination. Regina Scott is such a good author. She presents the history with accuracy and leaves the reader satisfied. I've enjoyed both of the American Wonders books, A Distance too Grand and Nothing Short of Wondrous. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Nothing But Change

Hebrews 13:8
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

The leaves they are a-changing.

As green fades and red, orange, and gold hang like jewels from the branches, I stand in awe of God's creation. On my morning walks, I take in the amazing changes on the hills that surround us. If I'm early enough, I watch the sky turn from gray to pink, orange, and blue. The clouds billow overhead and a breeze blows.

While I'm excited to see summer gradually fade into autumn, I'm not a huge fan of change in general. I get a bit nervous when plans are altered. I struggle a little as I learn new software, try a different writing technique, or drive somewhere I've never been. (Thank goodness for the GPS.) And good grief, 2020 has been nothing but change. Sometimes all the changes rattles my confidence.

When life throws curveballs—like this year—what do I do?  

I reach out to the One, I know without doubt, I can depend on. Jesus. He never changes. He's the same every day. His love and compassion stay steady. When Peter betrayed him, Jesus kept loving him. Even though religious leaders mocked him, He continued to speak to sinners. Against the custom of his day, He spoke to women in a respectful manner. Jesus made change happen, yet He remained the same.

He's the one consistent anchor. No matter what kind of crazy day I've had, I can open my heart and pour out my prayers to the one who always cares. As the leaves change, I know Jesus stays the same. For this I am thankful. Praise God for Jesus.

As Long As It Takes

In my sixty-three years, I've found that I don't enjoy hurrying. 

I doubt most of us do.

When I was younger with children at home, no doubt we hustled about, 

keeping up with all of our obligations. 

Whether you find yourself in the hustle and bustle or the slow rolling waves, 

be gentle on yourself.

Take what time you can to slow down, and just be.

 

Historical Fiction Review: The Love Note by Joanna Davidson Politano

 Book Description:

Focused on a career in medicine and not on romance, Willa Duvall is thrown slightly off course during the summer of 1865 when she discovers a never-opened love letter in a crack of her old writing desk. Compelled to find the passionate soul who penned it and the person who never received it, she takes a job as a nurse at the seaside estate of Crestwicke Manor.

Everyone at Crestwicke has feelings--mostly negative ones--about the man who wrote the letter, but he seems to have disappeared. With plenty of enticing clues but few answers, Willa's search becomes even more complicated when she misplaces the letter and it passes from person to person in the house, each finding a thrilling or disheartening message in its words. 

My Review:
I enjoyed reading Willa's story in The Love Note. She's a woman on a mission that goes a bit sideways, which makes for a wonderful story. The characters at Crestwicke won my heart, even the ones who were a bit difficult. I loved the twists and turns the note caused and the story of why the note was written. The setting adds to the story, especially the place where Willa goes to think and pray. Joanna Davidson Politano has written a beautiful story to be savored. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Romantic Suspense Book Review: Point of Danger (Triple Threat Book #1) by Irene Hannon

Book Description:

Radio talk show host Eve Reilly is used to backlash from her pot-stirring on-air commentary and interviews, but now it seems a disgruntled listener is resorting to more than angry words to express their displeasure. When a suspicious package arrives on her doorstep, Eve turns to law enforcement for help.

Police detective Brent Lange can't find any evidence to link the string of unsettling incidents that follows, but he's convinced they're connected. As the harassment grows more menacing, it becomes clear someone wants Eve's voice silenced--permanently. 

But unless he can track down her foe, fast, the gutsy woman who is willing to take risks for what she believes--and who is swiftly winning his heart--may not survive.

My Review:
I'm so excited to share a new series by Irene Hannon. Whether her Hope Harbor novels or her latest romantic suspense, Irene's stories entertain. In her latest, Point of Danger, radio personality, Eve Reilly, has stirred up a listener with her straight-forward comments and opinions. Now her life is in danger. Detective Brent Lange is determined to keep Eve safe and find the person behind the threats. Hannon has written an exciting, fast-paced novel woven with current events. She's written some awesome twists and interesting characters. I love the relationship Eve has with her sisters and enjoyed the honesty between Eve and Brent. If you enjoy contemporary romantic suspense, you don't want to miss Point of Danger. I'm already looking forward to book #2. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Fiction Review: Autumn Skies (A Bluebell Inn Romance Book 3) by Denise Hunter

Book Description:

When a mysterious man turns up at Grace’s family-run inn, it’s instant attraction. But she’s already got a lot on her plate: running the Bluebell Inn, getting Blue Ridge Outfitters off the ground, and coping with a childhood event she’d thought was long past.

A gunshot wound has resurrected the past for secret service agent Wyatt Jennings, and a mandatory leave of absence lands him in Bluebell, North Carolina. There he must try and come to grips with the crisis that altered his life forever.

Grace needs experience for her new outfitters business, so when Wyatt needs a mountain guide, she’s more than happy to step up to the plate. As their journey progresses, Grace soon has an elusive Wyatt opening up, and Wyatt is unwittingly drawn to Grace’s fresh outlook and sense of humor.

There’s no doubt the two have formed a special bond, but will Wyatt’s secrets bring Grace’s world crashing down? Or will those secrets end up healing them both?

My Review:
Denise finished this series with an amazing story of courage, love, and mystery. Grace may be young, but she's had to grow up and help her siblings with the inn. Wyatt carries an air of mystery and sorrow. While Grace's sister and brother are busy with their own lives, Grace wants nothing more than to get her business up and running. In the mean time, Wyatt's story tugs at Grace's heart. As the story unfolds I was drawn into the Blue Ridge Mountains and the quaint town of Bluebell. The inn is lovely and the setting beautiful. If you have read the first two in the series, you can't miss Autumn Skies. If you haven't read any of them, start with book one. This can be a stand alone, but you don't want to miss out on Molly and Levi's stories. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Palms up...Let Go

Philippians 4:4-7

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

My flower bed looked kind of pitiful.

The black-eyed Susan's blossoms had dropped and their leaves had turned reddish brown like some of the autumn trees. The wind had knocked them down for the count. My lavender plants stretched until they looked lanky and the woody under part showed. The blazing stars' heads looked more like cattails than purple flowers. My zinnias were the only plants hanging on to summer.

I could wait for the first frost to kill more foliage or I could start the process of cutting the plants back. With clippers in hand I attacked the lavender. A lovely scent filled my nose as I snipped the branches. With just two plants, the trimming took minutes. But what a difference the pruning would make for spring growth.

Sometimes life mirrors a flower garden. I plant, fertilize, water, and prune my flowers, and God waters, prunes, and encourages growth. Sometimes I need more than a trim. Old habits, like worry, need chopped out to allow for more positive behavior. Worry produces about as much good as a gangly plant that languishes and flops in the garden. While some plants survive and even flourish with a quick trim, others like the black-eyed Susan and blazing star must be cut to the ground in order to grow the following spring.

Paul calls us to pray instead of worry. Our heavenly father asks us to talk to him instead of keeping our concerns balled up inside or wringing our hands with frustration.

I sat on my porch the other day and tried something I'd read about, but not done. I opened my hands, palms up, and held them in front of me. Then I prayed. This small gesture of letting go of my requests brought me peace as I spoke to my Father in heaven. Worry steals the peace that encourages my faith. God listens. He loves to hear from us.

Pray instead of worry. God's peace guards the most vulnerable parts of our being.