Wednesday, November 24, 2021
Happy Thanksgiving!
Monday, November 22, 2021
Fiction Suspense Book Review: A Stranger's Game by Colleen Coble
Book
Description:
This gripping new novel from USA TODAY bestselling romantic suspense
author Colleen Coble will leave you on the edge of your seat until the very
last page.
A
wealthy hotel heiress.
Even though
Torie Bergstrom hasn’t been back to Georgia since she was ten, she’s happy to
arrange a job for her best friend at one of the family properties on Jekyll
Island.
A suspicious death.
But when
Torie learns that her best friend has drowned, she knows it is more than a
tragic accident: Lisbeth was terrified of water and wouldn’t have gone swimming
by choice.
A fight for
the truth.
Torie goes
to the hotel under an alias, desperate to find answers. When she meets Joe
Abbott and his daughter rescuing baby turtles, she finds a tentative ally.
The more
Torie and Joe dig, the more elusive the truth seems. One thing is clear:
someone will risk anything—even more murder—to keep their secrets buried.
My Thoughts:
Gripping is right. Coble is a master at writing suspense that keeps you reading
and sticks with you after the story ends. Torie takes on her own undercover
assignment, even though she's not law enforcement. Joe, without knowing her
true identity, helps Torie search for the reason her best friend died; all
while protecting his daughter. I enjoyed A Stranger's Game and the twists
and turns that finally led to the killer. Colleen Coble's writing wraps you in
the story and leaves you breathless by the end. If you enjoy great suspense,
you'll want to read A Stranger's Game. I received a complimentary
copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Saturday, November 20, 2021
Thankful for Freedom
2 Corinthians 3:15-17
Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. But
whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the
Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
The children waved flags in their honor.
Mrs. Blankenship's art classes made this beautiful flag. |
On Veteran's Day, I had the privilege to watch the program
the school put on to honor the men and women who served in the military. The
children lined the halls and waved flags and the vets marched around the school.
The scene brought back memories of an old-fashioned, small-town celebration. After
the march, the children gathered in the gym. My daughter, Sara, sang The
National Anthem, then the men spoke about their time in the military. A
student from each class got to ask a question and hear the responses. I admit
at times I had tears and chills.
One of the gentlemen in the group was a very special guest. Former Superintendent William Bick, who the school is named for, spoke to the students. At ninety-eight years old, he told them he served in WW2. What a treasure to have met this honorable veteran.
All the veterans who spoke represented the freedom they
fought for and the safety they defended for our country. They gave their time
to protect our freedom.
My dad served in WW2, my husband as an Air Force Reservist,
my brothers in the National Guard. I've always had great respect for our
military.
Our American freedom is not the only freedom we have.
Believers and followers of Jesus hold a freedom that can never be taken away. When
we receive the Holy Spirit, we also gain freedom from sin through repentance, freedom to live a
life following the Savior, and freedom from the world. No matter what goes on
around me, I know Jesus is with me and He comforts me.
I thank God for the veterans and military persons who serve,
and I thank God for the One who gave His life as a sacrifice for our sins.
Jesus loves us so much. He wants us to have the freedom He offers, the freedom
to love, forgive, and hope.
On Thanksgiving, give thanks for our military and for Jesus,
the one who sets us free.
Wednesday, November 17, 2021
The Blessing of Giving
Saturday, November 13, 2021
His Light Shines in the Darkness
John 1:4-5
In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The
light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
I like that extra hour of sleep when we fall back.
In the fall, I look forward to change. I love the way the
trees show off their red, orange, and yellow leaves. In Ohio we have a lot of
maple trees. They glow a golden yellow, and this year they have waved their
dressy branches in the most spectacular way. The cooler weather reminds me winter
peeks around the corner. Yes, I'm one who enjoys snow and bundling up or
cozying in for the colder months. Many folks may disagree with me, but I like
when the clocks fall back, and the hour of sleep I lost in the spring is
restored. The morning light wakes me, and in the evening, I can huddle in our
cozy home.
I've written about hygge before; the act of creating a comfortable
and inviting environment inside when the weather or time change gives us
darkness early. Part of the hygge experience is lighting candles, turning on
lights to brighten the darkness, and cuddling in a warm blanket.
When God created the earth, He made day and night—darkness
and light. As a believer, I experience a light, unlike the sun or a lamp. I
don't welcome the darkness of the world, a shadow of sin which Satan brings
with him. When that darkness falls, I cling to the light of Jesus. Psalm 119:105
says, "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path."
His word lights my way, and His light overcomes all darkness. Jesus is the
hygge I want when the darkness of despair, worry, sin, or sorrow try to smother
me. He is the light of the world. He alone brings peace and comfort in times of
darkness. As the dark surrounds me, Jesus' light of love and grace illuminate
my life.
Seek the light of Jesus.
Wednesday, November 10, 2021
Interrupt Anxiety
Sunday, November 7, 2021
Historical Fiction Review: Saving Mrs. Roosevelt by Candice Sue Patterson
Book Description:
The Safety of the First Lady Rests in Shirley’s Hands
Shirley Davenport is as much a patriot as her four brothers. She, too, wants to aid her country in the war efforts, but opportunities for women are limited. When her best friend Joan informs her that the Coast Guard has opened a new branch for single women, they both enlist in the SPARs, ready to help protect the home front.Training is rigorous, and Shirley is disappointed that she and Joan are sent to separate training camps. At the end of basic training, Captain Webber commends her efforts and commissions her home to Maine under the ruse of a dishonorable discharge to help uncover a plot against the First Lady.
Shirley soon discovers nothing is as it seems. Who can she trust? Why do the people she loves want to harm the First Lady? With the help of Captain Webber, it’s a race against time to save Mrs. Roosevelt and remain alive.
I love stories like this that give the reader a peek into the many nuances of WW 2. I'd not heard of the SPARS, a group of women who served under the Coast Guard. In Saving Mrs. Roosevelt, Shirley must decide whether she can put her reputation on the line and serve her country. Shirley's story is interesting and intriguing. Captain Webber is the perfect hero. Not in the "does everything right" way, but in a way that fits what Shirley needs. My favorite character is Alma. She's a great friend and Allie. If you enjoy WW 2 stories and historical novels, you'll enjoy Saving Mrs. Roosevelt. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.