Month: April 2024

Review of JUST FOR THE SUMMER by Melody Carlson

On By vickleaIn Book ReviewLeave a comment

ABOUT THE BOOK

ISBN-13:9781493444755. Publisher:Baker Publishing Group. Publication date:03/19/2024. Pages:288

Ginny Masters manages a popular boutique hotel in Seattle and manages it with aplomb. But the daily challenges and irritations of a fast-paced job and a demanding boss are starting to get to her. Jacqueline Potter manages her grandfather’s fishing lodge in Idaho because it was the only job she could find after graduating with her hospitality degree. She’s grateful for the work but longs for a more sophisticated and cosmopolitan life she’s just not going to find in this backwoods town.

The solution to both their problems seems obvious. Just for the summer, they’ll swap jobs and lifestyles. But they never anticipated swapping love interests . . .

In this fabulous new twist on an age-old fable, award-winning and bestselling author Melody Carlson introduces you to two career-focused women who are about to discover that there’s more to finding happiness than just switching up the scenery.

My Thoughts

Ginny and Jacqueline have similar occupations, both managers of very different places. Ginny manages a boutique hotel in Seattle and is under the thumb of a demanding boss who treats her more like her personal servant than a valued employee. Jacqueline, feeling displaced by her mother’s new choice of a husband, flees that situation to manage her grandfather’s fishing lodge in a beautiful rustic setting. Jacqueline wants to do bigger and better things with her life, so she is not happy with fish, smelly fishermen and log cabins. Since neither young woman is happy, the perfect solution is for them to swap jobs for the summer. This is an amusing story with some deep undertones about finding happiness within yourself instead of expecting circumstances to always go your way. Once the young women switch jobs, Ginny continues to be a stellar employee, looking for ways to improve the lodge and to make everyone as happy with the setting as she is. Jacqueline, on the other hand, has taken her demanding and self-centered personality along with her and manages to alienate the other employees at the hotel while enraging her new boss. The two young women have several conflicts, some drama and a lot of fun finding out what their strengths and weaknesses are and discovering how to be their best selves, no matter where that may take them. I enjoyed the characters, especially the fishing guide Ben at the fishing lodge and the grandfather Jack. Both are common sense, no nonsense men who have learned to cope, adapt and adjust with changes. All of the characters are fully developed and fun to get to know. Even spoiled and entitled Jacqueline ended up having some redeeming qualities, making her one of the most dynamic characters in the book. The plot was well-paced, perfect for a rom-com with some drama mixed in. With life lessons about moving forward, taking chances and learning from mistakes, this is a book not to be missed by fans of entertaining and engaging reads.
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 and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

Christian Fiction, Rated G

About the Author

Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of more than 250 books with sales of more than 7.5 million, including many bestselling Christmas novellas, young adult titles, and contemporary romances. She received a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award, her novel All Summer Long has been made into a Hallmark movie, and the movie based on her novel The Happy Camper premiered on UPtv in 2023. She and her husband live in central Oregon. Learn more at http://www.MelodyCarlson.com.

Purchase Links

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Christian Book

Baker Book House

Target

Audible

With much appreciation to Revell for their Blogger Program and the entertainment I once again received from reading a great Christian book!

Review of LETHAL DANGER by Jerusha Agen

On By vickleaIn Book Review2 Comments

ABOUT THE BOOK

ISBN-13:9781956683325. Publisher:Sdg Words, LLC. Publication date:04/25/2024. Series:Guardians Unleashed ,#4. Pages:430

This K-9 team is trained to eliminate threats. This threat could eliminate them.

Being a loner is getting old. Jazz Lamont still can’t fit in at the Phoenix K-9 Agency, and she’s losing her best friend. At least providing security with her K-9 partner at the Tri-City Fair will mean revisiting the only place where she once belonged. But a series of accidents threatens her beloved fair and puts lives at risk.

Thriller author Hawthorne Emerson suspects foul play after the first “accident.” Moonlighting as fair security to investigate the death of his sister’s boyfriend, he’s eager to find the truth. He doesn’t expect the task to lead him to the cult he escaped.

Finding the culprit behind the sabotage is personal for Jazz and Hawthorne. But someone else has a personal stake, too. Someone who wants Jazz dead. When everything she thought was true is dismantled, can Jazz risk trusting others-including God-to survive?

My Thoughts

I raced through the story of Jazz Lamont with my heart in my throat and my fingers drumming anxiously as I read all of the threats that were coming Jazz’s way and her calm way of “taking care of business as usual.” Jazz, as a member of Phoenix K-9 Protection and Detective Agency, is accustomed to danger, but she is not ready for the danger to explode in her personal life. The assignment seems like a normal one, to guard and protect the Tri-City Fair that has had a few weird events there lately. Since Jazz’s aunt is the manager of the fair and Jazz spent her childhood summers there, she is attached to the good memories she has and more than willing to participate in protecting it. The threats continue to ramp up, the danger gets closer and more deadly, and Jazz is eager to work alongside author and temporary security guard Hawthorne Emerson. (Swoon!) I really enjoyed the nail-biting suspense because I never knew when or how another attack would occur, either at the fair or to Jazz personally or even to Hawthorne. The story is a gripping tale of escalating tension which features crisp writing and a sparkling, low-key romance. This is a rich story that is infused with spiritual truth, adding to the realism of the characters and the danger they constantly face as well as their close relationships with each other. There are several mysteries to be solved in the storyline, with intricate plot threads masterfully woven together to make one very riveting and action-packed tale. The multiple layers flow together and keep the intrigue and intensity of the plot moving quickly and brilliantly. I really enjoyed the edginess that persisted throughout the story as well as the characters with their complicated personalities and individual strengths. Of course, I loved the canines because they are so intuitive and well-trained that I was confident that they could protect their owners from whatever threat suddenly manifested itself. This head-spinning book had me captivated from beginning to end and I loved every minute I spent getting to know Jazz’s backstory and why she made the choices she did. This cleverly written page turner has me already wanting the next book in the “Guardians Unleashed” series. Addictive and book coma inducing, this book is one of the best romantic thrillers I have ever read and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants engaging entertainment that will keep you intrigued and guessing.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

Christian Fiction with Intense Suspense, Rated G

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jerusha Agen imagines danger around every corner but knows God is there, too. So naturally, she writes suspense infused with the hope of salvation in Jesus Christ.
With a B.A. in English and a background in screenwriting, Jerusha is a speaker, writing instructor, and Fear Warrior who sounds the call to battle against fear in our everyday lives.
Jerusha loves to hang out with her big furry dogs and little furry cats. You’ll often find her sharing irresistibly adorable photos of them in her newsletter and on social media.
Get a free suspense story from Jerusha and find more of her thrilling, fear-fighting novels at www.JerushaAgen.com.
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/JerushaAgenAuthor/
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/jerushaagen/
BOOK BUB: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jerusha-agen-fd78bc82-831e-41c0-81d6-d02a6ddade0e
GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7281400.Jerusha_Agen
NEWSLETTER SIGN UP: https://jerushaagen.com/newsletter-and-blog-subscription/
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/SDGwords

Purchase Links:

http://lethaldanger.com/

http://jerushastore.com/

Other Books in the Guardians Unleashed Series

Falling Apart of Falling into Place

On By vickleaIn Scripture, YouVersion AppLeave a comment

www.bible.com/reading-plans/44313/day/2

Perspective, perspective, perspective. How you look at things is how you approach them to try to solve them. A few weeks ago, my husband and I went to see a Christian movie in town and as we were leaving the theater complex, we had to stop at a red light. Looking across the way, my husband got very concerned because there was a caravan of emergency vehicles, lights flashing and totally stopped. I saw the same thing my husband did, but with a different perspective. I could see that the vehicles were stopped on the right shoulder of the road. To my husband, who has cataracts and really needs surgery that he refuses go get, the fire truck, which was the vehicle in front of all the others, was totally blocking our lane. I assured him that was not the case and he would see that when he actually turned and could get a better perspective. He argued with me a minute or so, but when he turned, he got quiet because I was right. I saw things the way they actually were, not the way I feared they would be.

Sometimes, I am like my husband when I am approach problems or challenges of any kind. I see them as totally blocking my path instead of actually not being in the path at all. I know that God can change circumstances, but I don’t really expect that to be the norm in my life. My perspective is one of independence and planning a solution myself instead of leaning into God, especially for the big things. I know that I really need to have a God’s-eye view of the situation and, using His perspective, I can see things more clearly and have a better idea of how He wants me to approach things. I can’t sit at the red light forever waiting for the big truck that isn’t even in my way to move. I have to move first and then I will see things more clearly and with the vision of how things really are. Trust means stepping out and having your perspective get clearer as you move closer to God.

Growing Trust

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www.bible.com/reading-plans/44313/day/1

“Trust” is my faith word for the year and I had an inkling when I prayed about it and chose it that this would lead to some testing. Well, of course, it has, but that is okay, because it has also led to my pressing in closer to God and being more willing to wait for Him and to listen for His voice. Trust isn’t an easy thing for me, but I am learning what it means to trust and planting seeds of trust along my journey of life’s challenging and bumpy road.

Be Thankful

On By vickleaIn Scripture4 Comments

In the days of waiting for test results, surgery, more results and appointments, I have to confess that the peace that I needed to feel just weren’t present. When I talked to Isaac last night, that peace finally burst forth…like I was holding my breath and I was finally able to exhale.

Isaac saw the oncologist yesterday and I think his final decision is to have testing every two months, although he has until mid-May to give the oncologist his decision about preventative chemotherapy. I am not feeling peace about his decision necessarily, but I am feeling peace that this chapter seems to be coming to a close and he is moving to the next one.

Prayers are appreciated for wisdom for him to make the decision best for his life and health and for him to have a closer relationship to God. This experience seems to have embittered him and that breaks my heart, but God knows his heart and I am at rest knowing that God will continue to work with Isaac and meet him right where he is.

Relying on God

On By vickleaIn Scripture, YouVersion App1 Comment

www.bible.com/reading-plans/13952/day/24

How often do we pray, wait impatiently for a few days for an answer and then seek our own solution? I have read the story of the Israelites looking for help in Egypt many times, but this is the first time that I applied it to my own life. I want God to work in my life, but then I try to help Him out or prod Him to use the solution that I have already worked out in my own mind. I need to rely on God, step back and just be willing to wait. When I do wait, the answer is always exactly what I need even though it may lead me in an unexpected direction. Trusting that God wants and knows what is best for me is hard because I am a controlling type personality. But leaning on God takes the pressure off of me and allows me to see His awesome love for me and His power at work on my behalf.

Steadfastly Clinging to God

On By vickleaIn Scripture, YouVersion App1 Comment

www.bible.com/reading-plans/13952/day/23

This devotional really spoke to me about not being wrapped up in circumstances but rather clinging to the hope that we find in God. Yesterday was a tense day around our house since we knew Isaac was seeing his specialist and getting his test results back. Our son Scott called as soon as Isaac was done at the doctor’s office and we were all on speaker discussing what the doctor had said.

First, the good news. Isaac’s CT scans and bloodwork were clear, showing no malignancy currently present. So, there was rejoicing when we heard that.

The doctor presented three options for treatment because the cancer they removed is extremely aggressive. According to the doctor, this type of cancer most often attacks the abdomen and all of the organs there. The first option is testing every two months. Isaac will have to have bloodwork and or CT scans every two months, regardless of whether he chooses to do the other options or not. The second option is preventative chemotherapy. Of course, there are numerous side effects. Isaac plans to discuss this option with the oncologist when he sees him tomorrow. He is leaning towards just option one and hoping (praying) for the best outcome. The third option is very radical in that they would do surgery and remove his lymph nodes in his abdomen as well as part of his intestines, the area that they think the cancer would head for next. The doctor did not recommend that but he said that if what the cancer attacks is no longer there, it cannot survive, so it is an option. Isaac definitely does not want to do surgery again unless it is necessary. He is still suffering from being sore from the first surgery.

So, in the good news department, clear tests and more to follow. Apparently, this cancer does not just disappear as the doctors had originally reported. So, vigilance is key. Isaac will talk to the oncologist tomorrow and listen to his recommendations before he makes the final decision, but he is leaning towards just getting tested every two months and dealing with the cancer problem if it rears its ugly head again. I would prefer the preventative chemo, but that does interfere with his normal routine and I can understand why he doesn’t like that idea.

Isaac is handling this well, if a bit stoically. He is resigned to whatever comes next and needs a big faith boost. I would like to spend more time with him feeding him with the Word and prayer, but so far, he has no time or interest. His “why, me” attitude has not turned into bitterness, just a resignation that somehow he is under a dark cloud that he cannot escape. I should say here that Isaac had a tough childhood because his sister is non-verbal autistic and from the time he was six, Iris became the priority. So, this is another blow for him and I want to be able to reassure him that God loves him all the time, in all ways and that He didn’t send the cancer to punish or pick on him. Please pray that my husband and I get the time to share truth with Isaac and that God will open his heart to hear and accept it. He has always been curious about our faith, so I pray God will open the door and let us in to help him through this.

I appreciate all of the prayers so far; your love and caring have helped me to face each day’s new challenges. I will post what Isaac finds out from the oncologist and what he recommends once I know anything. I am not enjoying this journey, but I am so thankful that I am not taking it alone.

By the way, my son sent me a nice photo of Isaac in the doctor’s office, looking out the window and wearing his eclipse glasses. He got to see part of the eclipse anyway. And he is really looking forward to his trip to Austin the first week of May. I am happy that he has something to look forward to that will be fun for him. God is good, even when the situation stinks.

Think Good Thoughts

On By vickleaIn Scripture, YouVersion App3 Comments

www.bible.com/reading-plans/28752/day/1

In my younger days, I was known as an “Eeyore” type person. I looked at the positive but spoke about only the negative. I could see the positive clearly enough, but I just couldn’t seem to focus on it. God has dealt with me repeatedly about this tendency and I have worked diligently to overcome this weakness. I am here to report that God is helping me to see positive things in a new light and to focus more on them. Yes, Isaac has cancer, but the good news is that they found it early. He has good doctors who are on top of the situation. He is getting a lot of support from his parents, especially his dad. And he is focusing on his future and not what is happening to him right now. When we look at bad situations and ask God specifically to show us something good in it, He comes through. It’s not because the situation is good (it isn’t) or everything is fine (not true), but it is because we know Who is in control, even of cancer. I once told Isaac my mantra for life: “Nothing will happen today that you and God cannot handle together.” These days, God seems to be testing me on my belief in this…I hope I will pass the test and be a good encourager for Isaac and his family.

The Battle Belongs

On By vickleaIn Scripture, YouVersion App2 Comments

www.bible.com/reading-plans/26710/day/3

I have listened to this song repeatedly, letting the lyrics minister to my heart and soul as I cling to the hope and truth that it offers. We saw Isaac yesterday, but he wasn’t feeling too well so we didn’t get to talk to him much. He was silent, saying he was tired and just wanted to go back to sleep. I also talked to our son, his dad, while Isaac and my husband went to a nearby bookstore. Scott told me that Isaac got another blood test back without any malignant markers on it. So, praise God! He also told me that Isaac already has an oncology appointment scheduled for this Wednesday. Scott is hopeful that the news they receive from the scan tomorrow will allow them to cancel the oncology appointment. I am joining him in faith and hope. Finally, he told me that Isaac has to have a scan every three months for the next five years. I am approaching the whole thing with cautious optimism, knowing that this is not my battle, but God’s, and He loves Isaac more than I could ever conceive.

The last news Scott gave me is that Isaac has reservations to go to Austin, Texas, for a gaming conference on May 7th. I asked what if the doctor advise that he not go because he needs to be here. Scott said, with a stern face of a daddy-warrior, that Isaac deserves some fun and should be allowed to take a few days off to attend something he has looked forward to all year, especially since he doesn’t get to see the eclipse as he had planned. Isaac is excited about the prospect of traveling to a new place, meeting new people who share his interest in video games and getting away from the medical reality of his life for four days. And I am content, knowing that God will go with him.