I am a Christian, a retired teacher, a mother and a grandmother. I love to read and I love the Lord Jesus Christ! Unless otherwise specified ,all visual illustrations are from the YOU VERSION APP of the Bible.
Many of us seek safety and security in things or in other people. But the Bible teaches that it is the Name of the Lord that is our safety, our strong tower into which we can run to seek shelter. Buffeted by the world and all of the bad news that is reported daily, I find myself frequently just withdrawing and calling on God. His answer is to calm my spirit and reassure me that He is in control in spite of circumstances. I have needed that reassurance this week and I am thankful for His strength that has carried me back to calm waters.
May your day be blessed with worship, peace and the love of the Almighty surrounding you.
This book gets my nomination for book of the year, hands down. It is he breathtaking and awe-inspiring story of a young woman named Mel Ellis who suffers from an eating disorder and a lack of self worth that is slowly killing her. With nothing to lose and everything to gain, she decides to take a pilgrimage on foot from Grand Rapids, Michigan to Mount Ranier in Washington state. The people she meets along the way are both memorable and inspirational. They don’t only insist on feeding her physically, but they also feed her hungry soul. What she is searching for is not found in a protein bar or fewer pounds on the scale, but it is found within herself if she can only survive to discover that truth. This book is a testament to the God who created each of us and who loves each of us as though there is only one of us. Mel realizes that she is damaged goods and throughout the book she has to come to terms with the fact that she can never do enough or be enough to be accepted. She just has to accept that she is. Her pilgrimage is a story that needed to be told and is told in a sweeping saga, complete with beautiful imagery of all that she sees and experiences. My favorite characters besides Mel are Chrystal and David, a sister and her young brother, who offer Mel shelter, first aid and a family that accepts her just as she is. I loved this book and all of its beautiful descriptive passages, but mostly I enjoyed the heartfelt message of hope that it gives. Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell via Netgalley. 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 is the author’s debut novel and it’s a wow read! This book deals with the sensitive topic of anorexia so may not be for all readers. It is Christian fiction and there are no objectionable scenes or expletives. Rated G.For information about this amazing new author, go to her website at https://autumnlytle.com
This book is available now and I cannot recommend it highly enough. Purchase Links:
I cannot thank Revell enough for introducing me to this debut author! If this book is an example of her stories, then I can’t wait to read more from her!
I am absolutely in love with the SNAP AGENCY series and could not wait to get my hands on this newest one. I was not at all disappointed as it is the best one so far. Telling the story of Kekoa, the gentle computer giant from Hawaii, was brilliant as he is a favorite character with a mystery in his past. I have wanted to know more about Kekoa since book one and this book definitely satisfied my thirst for knowledge about his background. In the latest story, Kekoa is tasked with finding out who is selling secrets from a lab and his discovery actually upsets him. His neighbor, the quiet and unassuming Elinor, appears to be the culprit and Kekoa is overwhelmed with dismay because he is attracted to her. I was also dismayed because I liked Elinor a lot and wanted her and Kekoa to get together. There is a lot of technical information in this book that I can’t say that I really understood, about pigpen codes and algorithms that are dangerous to the person with the skill to decode them. The characters were very well-developed, with a lot of information about Kekoa’s roots and family back in Hawaii as well as Elinor’s beloved grandfather who recently died. There were also some really humorous parts like when Kekoa and Elinor went out in the rain and slid down a grassy hill on boogie boards. Cheehoo! The entire regular cast of the Snap Agency is present, with Walsh taking more of a leading role in this book and Lyla and Garcia still teasing a romantic interlude between them. The plot is fast-paced and intense, with the security of the U.S. at stake and the team plus the FBI working together to find out what is happening and why. I must admit that I was fooled all the way until the reveal about who the villains were. One person I did guess, but not the real motive, so there were lots of great revelations for me at the end. I loved Kekoa’s story and look forward to the next Snap Agency book already. This team is like NCIS, only so much smarter and better! Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell via Netgalley. I also purchased my own copy because I love this series so much. 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.”
The third book in the Fallout Series is a stunner, with action on every page, romance blooming and the people of Shadow Ridge still surviving the unthinkable. The focal character in this book is Tess McQuaid, the youngest daughter of former sheriff Garrett McQuaid. Tess is a young woman with the heart of an artist and the courage of a mama tiger. She wants to find truth and justice and is willing to make sacrifices to pursue it. When her life is disrupted by unexpected danger, she is rescued by Deputy Kellen Grey and together they have to survive a winter storm and killers chasing them. The plot is fast-paced and riveting while the characters are realistically vulnerable as well as strong, in a way that complements each other. I love the family dynamics of the McQuaid family and have enjoyed meeting them in each of the books of the series. This book can be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend reading the prequel as well as the first and second books. I’m sure that you will not want to put them down and, just like me, you will be ready for the next book as soon as your finish this one. The genre is Christian romantic suspense, with plenty of action but nothing objectionable or too intense in it. Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via BookFunnel. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Clean Christian readFor info about Lisa Harris and all of her amazing books, check out her website at http://www.lisaharriswrites.com
All the books in the series. The ones on the first row and Frequency are all available NOW! Don’t miss out on this series that promises to hold you on the edge of your seat!
The story of Dawn Dixon and her mom Marnie is one that will long remain with me because of the relationship that the two establish during the course of the novel. Marnie is recently widowed and a breast cancer survivor, so she decides on what seems to be a whim to buy an ice cream shop and start her own business. Dawn becomes a reluctant participant in her mom’s plans after her own plans to get married to Kevin, the love of her life, fall apart. With a new perspective on life at the beach, in a little town called Chatham, a vision is born of a successful business and an enduring partnership. What a lovely, heartwarming story! The tale was not without conflict since there is a formidable foe in the shape of Mrs. Nickerson-Eldredge, the head of the Historical Commission who wants to stop the Main Street Creamery from opening. The way the characters all come together was magical, with a theme of preserving the past but also looking forward to a new future. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know all of the characters, but Linc, the handyman who just pitches in to help and seems to always know when Marnie needs him, was my absolute favorite. He was unassuming, humble and offered common sense advice that he gave from his heart. All of the characters were realistic and I could almost taste the ice cream flavors that Dawn created. Blackberry with chocolate chunk? Sign me up! This is a feel-good story that engaged me from beginning to end and made me cheer for a happy ending for all. With wisdom from the Bible subtly interwoven into the story as well as a heartfelt prayer or two, this is Christian fiction at its best! Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Books via Netgalley. 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.”
A completely clean Christian fiction suitable for all who enjoy reading!Image from the author’s website at http://www.suzannewoodsfisher.com Biographical information and info about her books can be found at this site.
This sweet book of faith and resilience can be purchased now by following one of these links:
Sometimes attacks come when we least expect them. Actually, most of the time, that’s when they happen. This last week was no exception in my life. First, our air conditioner stopped working. Bad news for me because I am asthmatic and need the “canned air” to breathe. The repair was completed last Friday and we were able to finance having it done. Not part of the budget, but it’s done. The really good news is that the entire time our AC was down, there was a cool wave in Virginia so the house stayed comfortably cool, meaning I was able to breathe well without the stultifying humidity that makes me gasp. Thus, God blessed us even during this trial.
A few days ago, my son told me that he had received a letter from our grandson in boot camp. Isaac has Covid-19 and as a result has been moved out of his division into quarantine. We have no idea when he will graduate now, but we do know that it will be delayed until he is completely well and has been placed into a new division. I have no doubt that God is working in this situation to redeem it, just as he did with the petty annoyance of our air conditioning. In the meanwhile, I can’t write Isaac (no address, since it’s by division) or call him (no phones allowed), but what I can do is pray for him to be encouraged during this time of waiting.
I don’t know that this is a test of Isaac’s faith as much as it is a test of mine. I have prayed for him faithfully every day (several times a day) to be successful and protected in boot camp. And then…Covid. Well, God didn’t say bad things wouldn’t happen, but He did promise to be with us through them. So, like the rock pictured in the Scripture above, I want to rise above the circumstances and praise God for what He is doing and what He is going to do in this young man’s life, and in the lives of the multiple other seamen recruits who have the same malady. It will be a great day when I hear that he is restored to his training, but in the meantime, I hope that you will join me in prayer for him to be strong in his faith at this time. That reminds me about the small Bible that we gifted Isaac to take along with him to Great Lakes. I wanted to give him a Bible but I didn’t know if he would even appreciate having one along with him. He was raised in a home in which Bible reading is reserved for church time, so thus my reluctance. I read the brochure provided by the USN about items the recruits could/could not bring along with them. One of the things they were told not to bring was their phones (no phone numbers available to them) or books other than religious materials. They were allowed a pocket Bible only. Thus, on the last day that we visited with Isaac before he left, we went to a bookstore and I purchased a pocket Bible for him. He was a little leery about this gift until I showed him the blank pages that could be his address book for phone numbers for family and friends. He grinned at what he considered my duplicity and was happy to accept the gift, along with the addresses and phone numbers that I printed neatly inside for him. I was not at all being duplicitous, telling him that the Bible would serve two purposes, one to encourage him to read God’s Word and two, to have that information about loved ones handy. After all, he had not memorized any phone numbers because he always had them in his phone and just touched the number and it dialed. Now, he has both resources. Thus, when I write him letters and include a Scripture for him to read, he can refer to his new pocket Bible/address book. 😉
In the meantime, God continues to work in our lives and to work out His salvation within each of us. Sometimes the process we go through is painful, but we know that God is in control, even when our lives take unexpected detours. He is the God of the mountains and the valleys!
May your day be blessed with the revelation of God’s presence in your life and the knowledge that He is rescuing you and He will rescue you, over and over again.
Two strong female protagonists find their strength in supporting each other when they try to leave the spotlight behind and move to Joanna’s former hometown. Joanna Rafferty Whitman has been divorced from her philandering celebrity chef husband for over a year when he is killed in an auto accident. Unfortunately, he has a young woman, Ashley Blake, with him in the car. From the beginning of the book, Joanna shows her heart for other people and how much she sincerely cares about their troubles. She unexpectedly shows up at the hospital and offers to shelter Ashley from the unscrupulous media pursuing both of them. Together, they go to Silver Point and Otter’s Nest, Joanna’s renovated childhood home that is a dream on a beach waiting for occupants. The story is fast-paced and totally engaging, with characters that were fun to get to know. By the end of the book, I was completely invested in happy endings for all. This is a book about second chances, new beginnings, misunderstandings and friendship that endures. I loved the messages and the way the story moved seamlessly between the lives of the characters, showing their weaknesses as well as how they could bond and help each other. The setting is scenic, the story is memorable and the characters are my new friends. Fans of romance with a little steam (not too graphic, though) will enjoy this sweet story of finding yourself again after two decades of floundering. Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. 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.”
Rated PG-13 because of content (teen pregnancy and extramarital affairs)Sarah Morgan is a USA Today and Sunday Times bestselling author of contemporary romance and women’s fiction. She has sold more than 21 million copies of her books and her trademark humour and warmth have gained her fans across the globe. Sarah lives with her family near London, England, where the rain frequently keeps her trapped in her office. Visit her at http://www.sarahmorgan.com. Social Links: Author Website Twitter: @SarahMorgan_ Facebook: SarahMorgan Instagram: @sarahmorganwrites Goodreads
Questions and Answers with Sarah Morgan:
Q&A With Sarah Morgan
1) I love the title and synopsis. Where did the inspiration for the book come from?
I’m fascinated by the idea of celebrity, and how it must feel to live in the spotlight. I was pondering on how much I’d hate that when I came up with the character of Joanna, who is an ‘accidental’ celebrity by virtue of her marriage to a high profile celebrity chef who both relishes and relies on media attention. Joanna didn’t just marry him, she married the lifestyle he’d chosen and she was never comfortable with it. As I was writing, I reflected a lot on how someone lives a private life, and how they keep secrets, if their every move is conducted under a spotlight. Those were some of the issues I wanted to explore. It was a fun book to write!
2) What was the best part about writing this book and why?
So many things. I enjoyed exploring the dynamics between the characters who are all quite different, and also being able to give Joanna a second chance at love (I’m a big believer in second chances!). But I confess that one of the best parts of writing this book was the setting. It takes me around six months to write a book, and during that time I’m immersed in the place as well as the people. Beach House Summer is set on the coast of California, which gave me the excuse to research beautiful beach houses. I was transported, and I hope the reader will feel that way too.
3) What was the most difficult part about writing this book and why?
Giving my characters a hard time – in particular subjecting poor Joanna to all the media attention, which she hated and found distressing. I felt so cruel! But writers sometimes have to be cruel to their characters, it’s part of the job, and a story where the characters are all happy in their lives and have no challenges to face would end on page one. But even knowing that, it’s always difficult when you’ve grown to love the people you’ve created. I remind myself that no matter how many obstacles I throw their way, I always, always give them a happy ending. That makes the whole thing easier.
4) Who is your favourite character and why?
That’s a tough question. I love all the characters, but in particular I enjoyed exploring the way that Joanna and Ashley interact, and how they gradually support each other and change over time. I find multigenerational friendships to be intriguing and interesting to write. With Joanna and Ashley, their age difference doesn’t stop them learning from each other and that part was such fun to write.
5) I have your books Sleigh Bells in the Snow, A Wedding in December and a Christmas Escape. Do you prefer writing books set in summer or winter and why? Which is easier or more challenging and why?
I love writing books set in winter and have done so almost every year since I’ve been published, but I wouldn’t want to only write Christmas books. It takes me around six months to write a novel, and by the time I’ve finished I’m ready to move on to a new set of characters, a new set of problems, and a new season! Each comes with its own set of challenges, but I enjoy writing both. In the end, whatever the season and whatever the setting, I aim to deliver and emotional story that will keep readers turning the pages.
6) The characters, plots and settings in your books are so memorable. What are your top tips for creating great characters, plots and settings, especially seasonal (summer, winter) settings?
The most important element is always the story itself. When you’re writing commercial fiction, you want to make your reader feel something. It’s important to create unique characters, with their own strengths and flaws, and to give them a problem or a dilemma that will keep the reader turning the pages. Sometimes you can turn the seasonal element to your advantage, and whenever possible I make sure that the season and the setting is integral to the plot. With a Christmas book, I try and give the reader all the magic of a cosy, snowy winter without any of the reality (freezing fingers and toes, scraping ice from the car etc). With my next book, Snowed in For Christmas, the season plays a big part in bringing the characters together, not just the weather but also the seasonal tradition of family gatherings. With summer books I want readers to feel as if they’ve had their own summer escape. If it’s a beach book (like Beach House Summer!) then I want them to feel the sand under their toes and the sun on their face.
7) Can you give some advice for those writing in the same genre as you?
Write the story that you’re passionate about. If you’re excited to write it, then there’s a good chance someone will be excited to read it. Create characters you really care about and give them a conflict that will keep a reader turning the pages. If you are rooting for that character, then the chances are the reader will be too.
8) Do you have plans for any other novels? When will they be released?
My next Christmas novel is called Snowed in For Christmas, and it will be out in September in the US and Canada. I had so much fun with this book and it includes all the elements I love including in my writing – family dynamics, friendship and romance. I laughed aloud when I wrote it, and I hope it will make readers smile when they read it.
This book was released on May 17, 2022. Purchase Links:
Once again, I am very grateful to HTP BOOKS for inviting me to participate in this blog tour and giving me the opportunity to read and review this amazing book about resilience.
I used to sing this song when I was younger, especially with my children and with the children that I taught in various church classes. It has been in my mind a lot lately, so when my devotional this morning led me to the verse below, I decided I needed to share it. It gives me hope because I’m not perfect yet, but He’s still working on me. Like a construction zone in Pennsylvania that seems to be endless, God is still making me into the image that He created me to be.
I have started many projects that I have never finished, but the good news is that God finishes everything He starts and I’m a project that is in the works. You are, too, and that is worth a big “Hallelujah” to the Lord, our Maker, our Creator and the One who finishes what He begins.
Have a wonderful day and may you be blessed with the knowledge that God isn’t finished with you yet, but you’re not what you used to be! Every day is a new day in Him and a day for Him to work on each of us some more! Hallelujah!
proverbs.bible/proverbs-18-10
Vickie's Book Nook and Meditation Corner 