I don’t know about you, but this time of being isolated has left me a lot more time to think about relationships, both with people and with God.

Dr. Denison had an article today and ends it with a spiritual inventory checklist.

Dr. Denison April 16, 2020

I found the spiritual inventory useful since it helped me to ponder how I have used my time with the Lord each day.

Dr. Denison had an excellent article yesterday about coal and why we need each other and the bell of Notre Dame ringing. It’s all about hope. I still have it because I know a God of the hopeless, of those who are challenged to be overcomers.

Dr. Denison April 15, 2020

I hope that this missive finds each of you well and safe. It is getting harder to stay inside because the weather is beautiful and the flowers are blooming. I can’t go outside because of allergies and the problems with breathing that it might cause. Nevertheless, my husband filled the bird feeder today and I am waiting expectantly for the birds to return. There’s always something to look forward to if you only look around you. There is always something to be grateful for. I’m thankful for my family being healthy and for the companionship of my husband. I frequently think of those who are isolated and all alone. I hope that you will remember to pray for them, too.

I pray God’s blessings on each of you as you stay home and stay safe. I pray that He will give you a new desire to do a spiritual inventory and to be thankful that you are a piece of coal, still burning brightly for the Lord. You and God make a majority against anything! God bless and keep you, my friends!

D.J. Palmer has written a book to entertain, but it also scared me, kept me reading much later than I should have been awake, and had me cheering for a thirteen-year old and hissing whenever Simon appeared on the scene. The synopsis, briefly, is that Nina Garrity’s husband Glen disappeared seven months ago. Now, she has re-located herself and her two children into a smaller home and is living with Simon Fitch, a teacher at the middle school who seems to be the answer to her needs. Connor, her son, is as enamored with Simon as Nina because Simon plays ball with him and is teaching him to use power tools and build a robot. Maggie, the aforementioned thirteen year old, is not fooled by Simon and is determined to show her family the dark side that only she seems to be able to see. This book started slowly, but like a train, it quickly picked up speed and was hard to put down and a thrilling read. Nina does not see Simon’s dark side until she returns to work and then she is really in for a surprise as she works to protect her family from the evil that is all around them. I think my favorite character was Maggie’s new friend Ben. When all of her regular friends desert her, Ben sees her dilemma and sits with her at lunch. Ben is also the only character in the book willing to give Maggie the benefit of the doubt and listen to her qualms about Simon. I liked his calming presence and his attitude of attacking a problem with logic and thoughtfulness. All in all, this book was amazing! There were some really surprising twists that I had me dropping my jaw in absolute awe at how well the author tricked me. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys thrillers that will chill you through and through.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley and also a hard copy from St. Martin’s Press. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

This book is available today at your local bookseller and online. Here are links to purchase:

Amazon: The New Husband at AMZ

Barnes & Noble: The New Husband at BN

To find the book at an Indie bookstore near you, go to:

Indie

Enjoy the book and stay safe and well!