Content with her life as a schoolmarm at Mrs. Drexel's school in Vermont Abigail had her life planned out - even the man she would marry. Life was secure, happy, stable and predictable. However, nagging her were her concerns for her older sister who's letters held a certain not of melancholy in the carefully worded letters she sent from Wyoming.
Urged by these feelings that something is terribly out of place with Charlotte Abigail makes a decision to spend the summer with her sister in Wyoming at Fort Laramie. Little did she know that when she stepped onto the stage coach headed out West that the perfectly layed plans she had for her life would slowly disappear for a new road that God had planned.
Abigail has a set time and purpose for being in the dreaded baron landscape of Wyoming. Her distaste of the West is apparent to a fellow stage coach member who finds this very amusing. To keep her focus Abigail constantly reminds herself of the beautiful state she left and the steady, reliable man that she plans to marry upon return. However, another man, an Army Lieutenant, makes an undeniable impression on her.
Upon arriving at her sister Charlotte's house Abigail finds her sister saying all the right words about happiness with none of it reflected in her eyes. Abigail is determined to fix this for her sister. However, this proves to lead to more than what Abigail thought.
This big-hearted, forgiving woman touches the lives of everyone at the fort before the story ends. Her spirit of forgiveness and extending God's love softens every heart and changes those around her. This gentleness is just what Ft. Laramie has needed.
In this beautifully written story of love and redemption and following God's plans the reader is invited into a world of adventure, love and forgiveness from past pain. I especially like that though this story does have a love story threaded through it that is not the most dominant point of the story. This makes the unfolding love story all the more believable and likable. The author spends much time with character development, looking at the heart and and thoughts of the characters instead of focusing on an outward love. So the love the reader sees developed is one that is based on a mutual journey into God's plans and and acceptance of His grace and forgiveness.
Thank you Revell for this review copy.
“Available January 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Where Wildflowers Bloom, Ann Shorey
This is book one of a new series entitled 'Sisters at Heart' and seems to be a promising opener for this series. Ann Shorey has yet again created a story that is heartwarming and easy to read.
The Civil War has devastated a country - leaving families destroyed, homes lost, dreams shattered and lives forever altered. Towns are changed as young men, fathers and sons never come home and others that have lost everything and are seeking a new start stumble into towns looking for work. It seems that everyone is dealing with a grief of their own - trying desperately to make it all work out into something new.
The story is the same for Faith Lindberg who lost her father and brother to the brutal cruelty of war. In her small town she is constantly confronted with the memories that lurk on every street and around every corner. To add to this her fiance, Royal Baxter is presumed dead. All the dreams that Faith had held so dear prior to the outbreak of war and the onslaught of loss are shattered and she longs desperately for a new beginning.
Left with her ailing and aging grandfather, Faith looks to move west. The problem is how will she convince her grandfather to sell the family store and move with her. In the midst of all this comes an unlikely ally - a veteran of the war and his sister, a nurse. As Faith gets to know the two she becomes aware that what God has planned for her is not what she has planned. Add to this the unexpected return of her fiance and you have a mix of all kinds of emotions.
How far will Faith go to see her dream of leaving behind the small town with all the memories go - will she slow down and ask God what He would have her to do?
See the story unfold in the vivid imagery classic of Ann Shorey.
Thank you Revell for this review copy.
The Civil War has devastated a country - leaving families destroyed, homes lost, dreams shattered and lives forever altered. Towns are changed as young men, fathers and sons never come home and others that have lost everything and are seeking a new start stumble into towns looking for work. It seems that everyone is dealing with a grief of their own - trying desperately to make it all work out into something new.
The story is the same for Faith Lindberg who lost her father and brother to the brutal cruelty of war. In her small town she is constantly confronted with the memories that lurk on every street and around every corner. To add to this her fiance, Royal Baxter is presumed dead. All the dreams that Faith had held so dear prior to the outbreak of war and the onslaught of loss are shattered and she longs desperately for a new beginning.
Left with her ailing and aging grandfather, Faith looks to move west. The problem is how will she convince her grandfather to sell the family store and move with her. In the midst of all this comes an unlikely ally - a veteran of the war and his sister, a nurse. As Faith gets to know the two she becomes aware that what God has planned for her is not what she has planned. Add to this the unexpected return of her fiance and you have a mix of all kinds of emotions.
How far will Faith go to see her dream of leaving behind the small town with all the memories go - will she slow down and ask God what He would have her to do?
See the story unfold in the vivid imagery classic of Ann Shorey.
Thank you Revell for this review copy.
The Jerk Magnet, Melody Carlson
The ugly duckling turned swan, the wall flower turned center attraction. What if you could become something that you never were before? What if you discover first hand that beauty really is more than just skin deep - because you are the transformed one - the overlooked that becomes the looked upon? That is just what unfolds in this teenage drama.
Chelsea Martin has long been the one to fade into the background. She has managed high school by just blending into the crowd, where no one notices her. That is until her father decides to marry a woman that is both beautiful and fashionable. Kate, the soon to be step-mom sees herself in Chelsea. Wanting to connect with her step-daughter she offers to give Chelsea a make-over, and what better time than when they will be moving to a new state. Chelsea has the unique opportunity of truly starting over.
Little did she know how different her life would become when she changes her appearance just a little.
This novel brings about a very interesting topic that most girls will be able to easily relate to. The very question that most girls struggle with is inner beauty enough, and can you have outer beauty and still be just as beautiful on the inside?
Chelsea goes from being the one that people pity, avoid or overlook to the one that people flock to, drool over, and even envy and hate. She quickly learns that being beautiful on the outside isn't what it was cracked up to be when people don't even take the time to get to know who she is on the inside and being overlooked isn't great for the same reason. So, how do you find the balance - what is it that Christ has called you to do?
This is a great teen novel. Once again Carlson has done an excellent job of tackling the subject of self-esteem and the struggle of becoming who you were always meant to be.
Thank you Revell for this review copy.
Chelsea Martin has long been the one to fade into the background. She has managed high school by just blending into the crowd, where no one notices her. That is until her father decides to marry a woman that is both beautiful and fashionable. Kate, the soon to be step-mom sees herself in Chelsea. Wanting to connect with her step-daughter she offers to give Chelsea a make-over, and what better time than when they will be moving to a new state. Chelsea has the unique opportunity of truly starting over.
Little did she know how different her life would become when she changes her appearance just a little.
This novel brings about a very interesting topic that most girls will be able to easily relate to. The very question that most girls struggle with is inner beauty enough, and can you have outer beauty and still be just as beautiful on the inside?
Chelsea goes from being the one that people pity, avoid or overlook to the one that people flock to, drool over, and even envy and hate. She quickly learns that being beautiful on the outside isn't what it was cracked up to be when people don't even take the time to get to know who she is on the inside and being overlooked isn't great for the same reason. So, how do you find the balance - what is it that Christ has called you to do?
This is a great teen novel. Once again Carlson has done an excellent job of tackling the subject of self-esteem and the struggle of becoming who you were always meant to be.
Thank you Revell for this review copy.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Chasing Mona Lisa, Tricia Goyer and Mike Yorkey
This fast paced novel is set at the close of World War II in German occupied France just as France gains it's freedom. Four people are racing to save the beloved French artwork - the Mona Lisa while German Reichmarschall Hermann Goring sets out to claim it for himself.
From the first page the action and intrigue is non-stop. I was surprised at the depth of the characters since there were so many in the novel. Just as the reader thinks they have it all figured out - and have chosen the character they want to see win - things change. As it is in war time there are so many dynamics that the reader is torn between loyalty for certain characters and the greater cause.
What is it about this mysterious lady that makes her the most sought after piece of art - she truly is the most wanted lady in the world? Yet as each character takes their first look at this beloved piece of art they are captivated by her smile and poise.
I am forever amazed at the this particular period of history. Those living in this time were forced to make choices that I would never want be forced to make. Loyalty is constantly tested as black and white shifts to a hazy color of grey. Which side is the right side to belong to - and how should one serve to benefit the whole?
In this story you are invited into an exciting, life altering race that will forever change the lives of four individuals.
From the first page the action and intrigue is non-stop. I was surprised at the depth of the characters since there were so many in the novel. Just as the reader thinks they have it all figured out - and have chosen the character they want to see win - things change. As it is in war time there are so many dynamics that the reader is torn between loyalty for certain characters and the greater cause.
What is it about this mysterious lady that makes her the most sought after piece of art - she truly is the most wanted lady in the world? Yet as each character takes their first look at this beloved piece of art they are captivated by her smile and poise.
I am forever amazed at the this particular period of history. Those living in this time were forced to make choices that I would never want be forced to make. Loyalty is constantly tested as black and white shifts to a hazy color of grey. Which side is the right side to belong to - and how should one serve to benefit the whole?
In this story you are invited into an exciting, life altering race that will forever change the lives of four individuals.
Small Space Organizing by Kathryn Bechen
Kathryn Bechen is no stranger to small living spaces having lived in more than a fair share over the past 30 years. Instead of despairing Kathryn has allowed God to develop a talent at organization and style that make small space living livable and peaceful. As a mother of 4 children that home schools living in a 3 bedroom home that has a separate school room I am always looking a ways to maximize the space I have. My children are two to a room and there is furniture every where. Sometimes I feel claustrophobic even thinking about entering their rooms.
This book is just the book for a person like me. It is very practical, and well layed out making it an easy and enjoyable read. The down-side, if you could even consider it thus, is that you will feel motivated to tackle each room - even the ones that are pretty well organized. I particularly enjoyed the fact that she included helpful websites and products and that much of it was very reasonably priced.
This is certainly a book I would recommend - as it is helpful and does not leave you feeling utterly discouraged by the clutter you once thought was so very organized.
Thanks to Revel for this review copy.
This book is just the book for a person like me. It is very practical, and well layed out making it an easy and enjoyable read. The down-side, if you could even consider it thus, is that you will feel motivated to tackle each room - even the ones that are pretty well organized. I particularly enjoyed the fact that she included helpful websites and products and that much of it was very reasonably priced.
This is certainly a book I would recommend - as it is helpful and does not leave you feeling utterly discouraged by the clutter you once thought was so very organized.
Thanks to Revel for this review copy.
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Showing Love and Hospitality to Others By: Roxanne Packham, author of "Inspired Design'
Before we are inspired about how to show love to others, we must first ask why?
Quite simply it is because in Romans 12:10 & 13 we are told to be devoted to one another in brotherly love, to honor one another above ourselves. We are also told to share with God’s people who are in need and to Practice Hospitality. Notice the vocabulary: practice, not perfect.
In America, as a culture and as individuals, we are suffering in part because popular media gears everything to perfection. We are bombarded with messages that if we aren’t the very best at something, we just shouldn’t bother. We compare ourselves to others, rather than knowing our worth in God’s eyes.
I suffer from insecurity and wonder if I can be creative enough to inspire. Are my tips original? Are the photographs beautiful enough? Are my suggestions too simple for some, but too fancy for another? The problem: my thoughts revolve completely around me. My creativity, my skills, my ability. This is not about me but about God’s purpose for me. I suddenly realize the bigger picture; I can’t do it, but I can through Christ who strengthens me.
This dance in my mind between my preciousness in His sight and the enemy’s interjections has slowed me down at times, but God showed me this dance is the very reason for us to love others; to encourage each other. Because we are human we suffer from doubt, insecurity, and rejection of one sort or another. We are God’s tool to encourage others. God uses us as His hands to love others, but make no mistake it is His power, His grace and the Holy Spirit that do the real work, not ours.
God’s path of creativity in me began with a family history of silversmithing eight generations back, a degree from USC, design school in Paris, then design school in Los Angeles. Call them spiritual or otherwise, but they were the gifts God saw fit to give to me. Who am I to argue with my Creator? They are unique and I celebrate them. What are your magnificent and unique gifts that you can use to inspire others?
I do not want the gifts received as a blessing from God to “turn into spiritual dry rot,” as Ann Voscamp suggests in her book One Thousand Gifts, as the manna did when it was hoarded in Exodus 16:20. I want to use my blessings.
Inadequacies and all, imperfections and all: I want to inspire others to practice Hospitality and to LOVE others.
Creative Ways to Encourage Others on Valentine’s Day
KIND WORDS
A handwritten note with quotes, scriptures and words of encouragement is a wonderful thing to find in the mailbox.
Leave a sticky note on your child/husband’s pillow or be bold and write your note on the bathroom mirror or car window in red lipstick saying “I love you”.
Even an email just to say “thank you for your hard work, you bless me” can make a person’s day. A cute poem, scripture or old photograph will remind them they are remembered.
If someone has lost a loved one, kind words of some way that loved one inspired you to do something better will let them know that their loved one’s legacy is living on.
AN INVITATION, TIME
Take some time out of your days to meet someone for coffee, lunch, a long walk, or even just leave a phone message with a sweet sentiment. If you have more time, take a picnic basket to their home. Set up a lunch, tea or coffee, with all your tea cups and a candle. It is a lovely surprise! Just rinse when you finish and pack back up so they don’t even have to do dishes. They will have a lovely memory of a special time.
THOUGHTFUL GESTURE
Hang flowers on the front door handle, leave a pretty tiny package in the mailbox with a beautiful red bow, or cookies delivered to the front door. Create a breakfast plate for your child that says you are special . This is especially significant if your child has struggled with something recently.
A BEAUTIFUL DINNER
Of course this takes more time, but try for a beautiful table setting complete with candles, fresh greens or flowers and a lovely menu either handwritten or printed out on your computer. (Visit Roxanne’s Pinterest account, via the Inspired Design blog, for darling printouts, including gift tags, and much more.) Don’t concentrate on the gourmet or complicated quality of the meal: remember it is about relationship and encouragement!
VALENTINE’S DINNER
A beautiful table for Valentine’s simply consists of reds, pinks and perhaps some purple. (Although it could be beautiful in all white too.) Of course, it has to have some hearts and some colorful candles. Leave kind words of some sort on each place setting. Every Valentine’s table should have its share of sparkle, of course!
Visit Roxanne Packham’s blog at www.InspiredDesignPublications.blogspot.com
for more pictures and Inspired Design ideas for Valentine’s Day.
Quite simply it is because in Romans 12:10 & 13 we are told to be devoted to one another in brotherly love, to honor one another above ourselves. We are also told to share with God’s people who are in need and to Practice Hospitality. Notice the vocabulary: practice, not perfect.
In America, as a culture and as individuals, we are suffering in part because popular media gears everything to perfection. We are bombarded with messages that if we aren’t the very best at something, we just shouldn’t bother. We compare ourselves to others, rather than knowing our worth in God’s eyes.
I suffer from insecurity and wonder if I can be creative enough to inspire. Are my tips original? Are the photographs beautiful enough? Are my suggestions too simple for some, but too fancy for another? The problem: my thoughts revolve completely around me. My creativity, my skills, my ability. This is not about me but about God’s purpose for me. I suddenly realize the bigger picture; I can’t do it, but I can through Christ who strengthens me.
This dance in my mind between my preciousness in His sight and the enemy’s interjections has slowed me down at times, but God showed me this dance is the very reason for us to love others; to encourage each other. Because we are human we suffer from doubt, insecurity, and rejection of one sort or another. We are God’s tool to encourage others. God uses us as His hands to love others, but make no mistake it is His power, His grace and the Holy Spirit that do the real work, not ours.
God’s path of creativity in me began with a family history of silversmithing eight generations back, a degree from USC, design school in Paris, then design school in Los Angeles. Call them spiritual or otherwise, but they were the gifts God saw fit to give to me. Who am I to argue with my Creator? They are unique and I celebrate them. What are your magnificent and unique gifts that you can use to inspire others?
I do not want the gifts received as a blessing from God to “turn into spiritual dry rot,” as Ann Voscamp suggests in her book One Thousand Gifts, as the manna did when it was hoarded in Exodus 16:20. I want to use my blessings.
Inadequacies and all, imperfections and all: I want to inspire others to practice Hospitality and to LOVE others.
Creative Ways to Encourage Others on Valentine’s Day
KIND WORDS
A handwritten note with quotes, scriptures and words of encouragement is a wonderful thing to find in the mailbox.
Leave a sticky note on your child/husband’s pillow or be bold and write your note on the bathroom mirror or car window in red lipstick saying “I love you”.
Even an email just to say “thank you for your hard work, you bless me” can make a person’s day. A cute poem, scripture or old photograph will remind them they are remembered.
If someone has lost a loved one, kind words of some way that loved one inspired you to do something better will let them know that their loved one’s legacy is living on.
AN INVITATION, TIME
Take some time out of your days to meet someone for coffee, lunch, a long walk, or even just leave a phone message with a sweet sentiment. If you have more time, take a picnic basket to their home. Set up a lunch, tea or coffee, with all your tea cups and a candle. It is a lovely surprise! Just rinse when you finish and pack back up so they don’t even have to do dishes. They will have a lovely memory of a special time.
THOUGHTFUL GESTURE
Hang flowers on the front door handle, leave a pretty tiny package in the mailbox with a beautiful red bow, or cookies delivered to the front door. Create a breakfast plate for your child that says you are special . This is especially significant if your child has struggled with something recently.
A BEAUTIFUL DINNER
Of course this takes more time, but try for a beautiful table setting complete with candles, fresh greens or flowers and a lovely menu either handwritten or printed out on your computer. (Visit Roxanne’s Pinterest account, via the Inspired Design blog, for darling printouts, including gift tags, and much more.) Don’t concentrate on the gourmet or complicated quality of the meal: remember it is about relationship and encouragement!
VALENTINE’S DINNER
A beautiful table for Valentine’s simply consists of reds, pinks and perhaps some purple. (Although it could be beautiful in all white too.) Of course, it has to have some hearts and some colorful candles. Leave kind words of some sort on each place setting. Every Valentine’s table should have its share of sparkle, of course!
Visit Roxanne Packham’s blog at www.InspiredDesignPublications.blogspot.com
for more pictures and Inspired Design ideas for Valentine’s Day.
Friday, January 13, 2012
Wayward Son, Tom Pollack with Jim Alves & John Loftus
Wayward Son is one of those unique novels you stumble across ever so often that is both interesting and thought provoking. The captivating plot draws the reader into an adventure of a life-time that crosses ages and centers around a person of historical and biblical magnitude.
What would happen if the one cursed by God somehow 'cheats' death and lives throughout the ages influencing many people in many different time periods? Find out in this exciting novel that encompasses world history and biblical history. A theme that seems to be explored is the danger of greed, and self-sufficiency.
Amanda, a beautiful (overly stated in the novel) and intelligent young lady is called upon to use her amazing (again over stated) Linguistic skills to translate a door that is found after an earthquake. Apparently our lead character is a master of multiple modern and ancient languages and so brilliant that she is highly sought after for this and her unbelievable beauty.
In the course of going to this archeological site Amanda is faced with a great offer to become a television host and make more money in one year than she could make in a life time at the Getty working ancient artifacts and translating ancient texts. This temptation is a lure to keep her from what lays in wait for her at the archeological site.
Could it be that the modern world is still plagued by a god who is faceless, and just as ruthless as ever? A deceiver in the purest form - the ancient enemy of the one true God?
See this epic adventure unfold as you are invited into a modern world that collides with the ancient and see the battle of the adversary and God.
This is truly an interesting book.
Thanks to the Publisher for this free review copy.
What would happen if the one cursed by God somehow 'cheats' death and lives throughout the ages influencing many people in many different time periods? Find out in this exciting novel that encompasses world history and biblical history. A theme that seems to be explored is the danger of greed, and self-sufficiency.
Amanda, a beautiful (overly stated in the novel) and intelligent young lady is called upon to use her amazing (again over stated) Linguistic skills to translate a door that is found after an earthquake. Apparently our lead character is a master of multiple modern and ancient languages and so brilliant that she is highly sought after for this and her unbelievable beauty.
In the course of going to this archeological site Amanda is faced with a great offer to become a television host and make more money in one year than she could make in a life time at the Getty working ancient artifacts and translating ancient texts. This temptation is a lure to keep her from what lays in wait for her at the archeological site.
Could it be that the modern world is still plagued by a god who is faceless, and just as ruthless as ever? A deceiver in the purest form - the ancient enemy of the one true God?
See this epic adventure unfold as you are invited into a modern world that collides with the ancient and see the battle of the adversary and God.
This is truly an interesting book.
Thanks to the Publisher for this free review copy.
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