Time-Travel Fiction Review: Come Back to Me (Waters of Time Book #1) by Jody Hedlund

Book Description:
The ultimate cure that could heal any disease? Crazy.

That's exactly what research scientist Marian Creighton has always believed about her father's quest, even if it does stem from a desire to save her sister Ellen from the genetic disease that stole their mother from them. But when her father falls into a coma after drinking a vial of holy water believed to contain traces of residue from the Tree of Life, Marian must question all of her assumptions. He's left behind tantalizing clues that suggest he's crossed back in time. Insane. Until Marian tests his theories and finds herself in the Middle Ages during a dangerous peasant uprising.

William Durham, a valiant knight comes to Marian's rescue and offers her protection . . . as his wife. The longer Marian stays in the past, the more she cares about William. Can she ever find her father and make it back to the present to heal her sister? And when the time comes to leave, will she want to?

Bestselling author Jody Hedlund is your guide down the twisting waters of time to a volatile era of superstition, revolts, and chivalry in this suspenseful story.

My Thoughts:
Wow! I’ve never read a book like Come Back to Me. I’ve read time travel, but not with the intricate details and constant danger Jody Hedlund writes. One thing I love about this story is the imagination Hedlund uses to set up the story, but also the hope threaded throughout the book that life can be better, miracles still happen, and love remains as a healing balm. Marian moves between two worlds, very different times, yet she carries with her a faith and conviction to help her father and heal her sister. William Durham is the ultimate medieval knight, he’s brave, caring, and would do anything to keep his people safe. If you enjoy time travel stories with twists, you’ll love this story. I listened to Jody Hedlund in an interview. The research she’s done gives the story depth and believability. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Be Still and Listen

This world is a noisy place. 

Constant clamoring for our attention.

The radio, television, social media, loud speakers in the grocery store.

Good grief!

It's time to be still and listen to the Lord.

Hear his voice in the din. 

Close our eyes and open our hearts and ears to listen 

to the one who speaks with wisdom.

 

Historical Fiction Review: Along a Storied Trail by Ann H. Gabhart

Book Description:
Kentucky packhorse librarian Tansy Calhoun doesn't mind the rough trails and long hours as she serves her Appalachian mountain community during the Great Depression. Yet she longs to find love like the heroines in her books. When a charming writer comes to town, she thinks she might have found it--or is the perfect man actually closer than she thinks?

Perdita Sweet has called these mountains home for so long she's nearly as rocky as the soil around her small cabin. Long ago she thought she could love, but when the object of her affection up and married someone else, she stopped giving too much of herself away to others.

As is so often the case, it's easier to see what's best for others than to see what's best for oneself, and Perdita knows who Tansy should choose. But why would anyone listen to the romantic advice of an old spinster?

My Review:
Ann H. Gabhart has a way of bringing the mountains of eastern Kentucky to life. I enjoyed her story of packhorse librarian, Tansy Calhoun, as she traversed the hollows and hills of the mountain. Tansy treasured her books more than anything. So much so, she chose to be single until she found a love to measure up against her stories. When an old friend returns home and a new fellow arrives from New York City, Tansy has to sort through her idea of the man she’s meant to marry. There are three romances in Along a Storied Trail, each one charming and enjoyable. At first, I wasn’t sure about Perdita, but by the end of the book I found her a delight. If you’d like to get lost in a great story, read Along a Storied Trail. As a former library worker, I admire the packhorse librarians and their tenacity and determination to deliver books to all the folks on the mountain, no matter the weather. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Remember

Today—remember the many men and women 

who died in service.

 

Today—pray for the families and friends who have 

lost loved ones in the fight.

 

Today—appreciate the freedom our soldiers protect. 

 

What's in Their Future?

Proverbs 16:9
In their hearts—humans plan their course,
but the Lord establishes their steps.

The gold and black robes fluttered in the breeze.

Saturday morning, the sun shone on the rows of graduates and their teachers. Emily sat in the second row, ready to receive her high school diploma. The superintendent and principal poured words of wisdom and encouragement over the seniors. In a few short minutes, the young men and women would lift their tassels and place them on the other side of their mortarboards as a symbol of their future endeavors and freedom.

Several of the graduates would take jobs in the workforce (we certainly need them right now.) Many planned to head to college for more education and preparation, a few planned to head into the military. I applaud them all and pray for their futures.

Throughout my life, I’ve been privileged to work with books. If I were to choose one earthly element, besides people, that I truly love and couldn’t live without, it would be books (well, books and chocolate.) I’ve worked in libraries, read out loud to hundreds of children, reviewed many books, critiqued books for folks, and I write. As a follower of Jesus, I believe he has called me to his work. He equipped me for a future that included books, because he knew my heart and understood my love of the written word.

As the students stood before us and tossed their hats in the air, I wondered where each one would go in their life. I know Emily has a future in the art world. God has gifted her with great talent. From my perspective and experience, I can say their paths will curve and twist, and there will be starts and stops. Maybe the dreams will change. But if God calls us to his work, he will equip us and opens doors of opportunity.

Where is God leading you? Who has he created you to be? Are you listening? He’s offering his guidance.

Discover Who God Meant You to Be

In the 70s, it was all about figuring out who you were.

I remember reading a book called I'm Okay, You're Okay. 

I honestly don't remember much about the book.

But one thing I know now, none of us are okay without Jesus.

Instead of finding yourself, 

seek the gifts and desires God has placed on your heart.

Long for his input and guidance. 

Discover who God intends you to be.

 

Valued and Loved

Luke 10:38-42
As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Martha or Mary.

I’ve heard the question, “Are you a Martha or a Mary?” I may have even asked that myself. But in seeking an answer to the inquiry, I think I missed the point of this story.

Imagine preparing for a visit from the one person on this earth who you’ve been waiting for; that one man who came to save all people from sin. Let that sink in. Jesus is coming to visit. The Messiah himself will be dining at your table.

Martha, the obvious caregiver in the story, seeks to prepare her home for her guest. Yet, her sister Mary, instead of mixing the bread dough or setting the table, sits at Jesus’ feet to soak in his wisdom.

Again with the question, “Are you a Martha or a Mary?” According to what Jesus says, it doesn’t matter. Both women are valued and loved.

When Martha called for Mary to help her, Jesus stopped her. You see, Jesus was a rabbi, a teacher. He didn’t condemn Martha for her efforts to host him, instead he offered her an invitation. He didn’t say don’t be like Martha, instead he reached out and invited her to stop what she was doing and join him as he taught God’s truth.

He didn’t condemn Martha, he invited her to join him. This is kind of a big deal. In Jesus’ day women didn’t sit at a teacher’s feet and learn. But Jesus invited all men, women, and children to hear God’s truth.

Jesus still calls every one of us to read his word, share in his wisdom, believe in him, and accept his grace.

Sit at Rabbi Jesus’ feet and hear his truth.