Historical Fiction Book Review: An Appalachian Summer by Ann H. Gabhart

Book Description:
In 1933 Louisville, Kentucky, even the ongoing economic depression cannot keep Piper Danson's parents from insisting on a debut party. After all, their fortune came through the market crash intact, and they've picked out the perfect suitor for their daughter. Braxton Crandall can give her the kind of life she's used to. The only problem? This is not the man--or the life--she really wants.

When Piper gets the opportunity to volunteer as a horseback Frontier Nursing courier in the Appalachian Mountains for the summer, she jumps at the chance to be something other than a dutiful daughter or a kept wife in a loveless marriage. The work is taxing, the scenery jaw-droppingly gorgeous, and the people she meets along the way open up a whole new world to her. The longer she stays, the more an advantageous marriage slips from her grasp. But something much more precious--true love--is drawing ever closer.

My Review:
I love that Piper, a reluctant debutante, left behind her life of wealth to work in the horse stalls for Mary Breckenridge's Frontier Nursing Service. The girl digs in and tries to forget about the possibility of marriage and instead turns her attention to the horses and people she meets. Along with Piper's tale, Ann delights the reader with the story of Piper's aunt. I won't tell too much on her—just that I enjoyed Truda's character very much. Ann draws the reader into the beautiful Appalachian Mountains, a lovely respite from the world. An Appalachian Summer is Ann's second book featuring the horseback Frontier Nursing Service. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Check out my review of These Healing Hills Ann's first story on the Frontier Nursing Service.

Children's Board Book Review: Grandma Snuggles by Glenys Nellist, illustrated by Gail Yerril

Book Description:

Grandma, this one’s especially for you! Cuddle your grandchildren close with this adorable book. Written by bestselling author Glenys Nellist, this board book celebrates the loving relationship between a grandma and her little ones with sweet animal rhymes and charming illustrations.

Whether it’s Grandma Mouse who shares her cheese or Grandma Duck who splashes in the lake, this book shows special cuddles and love, relaying a message that all grandmas are special in their own ways.

So, hop, skip, and run with Grandma Rabbit and roll into a ball with Grandma Hedgehog. Most of all, celebrate Grandma who’s as sweet as pie!

Through the fields and gardens,
We hop, and skip, and run.
God made the world’s best Grandma—
She’s really lots of fun.

My Review:
I love everything by Glenys Nellist. Her beautifully written books are a joy to read and share. Grandma Snuggles is especially dear to me, as I see myself reading this to my youngest granddaughter. The lovely rhymes and the delightful illustrations make this book a keeper. Children will enjoy the animals and the sweet message of a loving Grandma. This would be a perfect gift for a grandchild to give to their grandma. Something they can enjoy together. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.  

Instead of Fear

Instead of fear, trust. Instead of fear, sing. 

Instead of fear, believe in the good. 

Instead of fear, embrace the power of God's Spirit.

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid,
but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
~2 Timothy 1:7

Cozy Mystery Review: Bite the Dust: A Low Country Dog Walker Mystery by Jackie Layton

Book Description:

Secrets can be deadly.

One steamy South Carolina morning, Low Country dog walker Andi Grace Scott discovers a client’s dead body. Police quickly decide she’s the prime suspect. Horrified, she knows she’ll have to turn detective if she’s going to convince them they’re barking up the wrong tree.

Proving her innocence could be a tall order. The local police never solved the hit-and-run that killed her parents; Andi Grace isn’t sure they’ll solve this crime either…not when they have a convenient suspect—one caught with the possible murder weapon in her hand. She’ll have to follow every clue and call in every favor, even if that puts her in danger.

My Review:
I love Jackie's cozy mysteries. Andi Grace is a plucky, determined, and caring dog walker. In book one she's trying to get her business off the ground when her dear friend and client is killed. Unfortunately the detective on the case pegs Andi Grace as a suspect. With help from a handsome new friend, she investigates the murder and discovers an unbelievable secret. The Low Country is the perfect place to spend some time as the story unfolds. I've read and reviewed book two of the series, Dog-Gone Dead, and loved it, too. If you enjoy clean, cozy mysteries, you'll love this book. Take this one on vacation! I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.  

Read about Jackie here.

A Fountain Mist of Refreshment

Philemon 1:4-6
I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, because I hear about your love for all his holy people and your faith in the Lord Jesus. I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ. Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.

If I could paint the feeling of peace, I'd paint it the new color of my walls— 

Fountain Mist.

My daughter, Maggie, planned to paint our living room, dining area, and hallway last fall. Circumstances rearranged the timing. Seven months later, she edged, rolled, and feathered with a brush a beautiful shade of light aqua-blue on our walls. As I watched and played gopher, a gorgeous transformation took place. The dingy white/gray walls disappeared and a refreshing peacefulness covered our home. With Maggie's expertise, she revived the dreary rooms and created a space for inspiration and contentment.

I love the new color and Maggie's generous spirit. Both brought a feeling of gratitude.

Going through this difficult year of 2020, my spirit needs refreshment. Whether from new wall color, time in God's word, praying, writing, reading, or enjoying nature, I seek God's encouragement. With all the negative news and comments, I beg for peace and search for understanding.

The Apostle Paul writes the best greetings in his letters to the churches and his friends. Philemon, must have been a man who encouraged and loved his brothers and sisters in Christ. He was a servant who "refreshed the hearts of the Lord's people." In this time of fear and doubt I pray I can be a servant who refreshes and encourages. I pray for peace to fill all hearts.

How can you refresh the people around you?

How can I encourage you?

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Children's Book Reveiw: Pugtato Finds a Thing by Sophie Corrigan

Book Description:

Enchanting illustrations. Giggle-inducing text. Unique and loveable characters. Join Pugtato and his cute and quirky pack of pals in this heartwarming picture book that celebrates the power of friendship, compassion, and believing in your own unique gifts. 

When Pugtato’s simple, quiet life is disrupted after he digs up a strange object in his garden, he enlists his best “spuddies” to help (they are more clever than he is, after all). Tweetroot is certain it’s a new egg for her nest. Tomatoad is quite sure it’s a toy just for him. And Purrsnip simply won’t stop scratching it! Luckily, Pugtato has another very special spuddy to ask …

My Review:
Pugtato is a delightful and fun read. Sophie Corrigans charming illustrations will make kids giggle. The vegetable/pet characters will stir a child's imagination and cause them to laugh out loud. Pugtato Finds a Thing would be great for children age 4-8. The rhyming text is spot on and easy to read aloud. And the ending is perfect for this little mystery. Preschool teachers could use this book to talk about different abilities and gifts and about friendship. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Refresh Someone's Spirit Today

Is there someone who needs refreshed today?

Someone who needs encouragement?

Be the one who lifts up others.

Historical Fiction Book Review: In Times Like These by Gail Kittleson

Book Description:December 7, 1941 - The Day that will live in Infamy

The Imperial Japanese Navy launched a surprise attack on the U.S. base at Pearl Harbor, killing 2,403 Americans, wounding 1,143, and destroying 18 naval ships including five battleships.

The following day the United State declared war on the Empire of Japan. Three days later, the US declared war on Germany and Italy.

In Iowa, the Heartland of America, best friends Addie and Kate are embroiled in their own private wars. Kate's pilot husband has gone Missing in Action, and Addie's overbearing and controlling husband vents his rage on her. Somehow, these heroic Women of the Heartland must find a way to overcome the adversities of the war without, and the war within.

My Review:
In Times Like These, book one of the Women of the Heartland is a heart wrenching story of determination and realization. Addie's friend Kate awaits news of her MIA husband while Addie suffers the emotional abuse of her angry husband. I love that the story is sprinkled with good people willing to help Addie, as she struggles with her circumstances. Jane is a God send with a mystery of her own. While Berthea, Addie's mother-in-law finds her way back to herself. This story is drenched in WW2 history, including the radio announcements folks clung to as they waited for their loved ones to come home. Addie and Kate's stories continue through the series, so I would consider this part of a serial rather than a stand alone. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

They Remind Me of Hope

Romans 12:12

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Every summer, for as long as I remember, I've looked forward to the black-eyed Susan's blooms. I love how they dot the fields and ditches as if they are attending a ball and dressed in their finest array. Yet they show a humbleness by bowing their heads in a friendly wave. Their golden yellow color reminds me of the summers of my youth when we'd play in the fields, take walks or ride our bikes down the one-lane road, and these lovely flowers would dance and sway.

They also appear around my birthday. As a child I thought God planted them just for me, in time to celebrate the day I was born. (Can you keep a secret? I still feel a little bit that way.) For whatever reason He created such a delightful yet simple flower, I'll be forever grateful. When this perennial beauty returns, I am reminded of the eternal hope I have in Jesus.

The verse in Romans encourages me to remain joyful because I have hope. Hope of eternal life, hope of salvation, and hope for a life filled with joy. But in this world I will have pain and sorrow. The writer of Romans calls it affliction. I think of that word as a medical malady, but I believe he refers to the difficulties of life. It's hard to be patient when Satan attacks, when I feel hurt and stepped on, and when life just stinks. Yet I am called to be patient, to wait on the Lord. He asks me to be faithful in prayer. Jesus wants me to call on him in my affliction. His desire is for me to talk to him and seek his help.

I'm thankful I have hope that gives joy. I'm grateful for patience (I kind of cringe when I say that, but I know patience is a blessing.) I'm more than appreciative that I can talk to God about life. He listens to me and takes what I say to heart.

When you see the black-eyed Susan's nodding their heads, remember there's hope in Jesus.

So Does Hope

Black-eyed Susan 

nods her head and waves hello— 

as summer days slide by

Take Heart!

John 16:33

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Summer peace...

I tucked myself into the old swing where maple trees shaded and cooled. In my hands I held my favorite book, probably a story featuring a horse or dog. Or maybe my favorite novel, Christy. I read Catherine Marshall's classic several times as a teenager.

Cincinnati at the Banks

Where I grew up, an awesome porch sat on the corner of the house. When the heat of the season pressed in on me (no air conditioning) I'd take my iced tea and book of the day and cozy into the porch swing. The back and forth sway cooled my skin as I lost myself in the story.

That was the peace of long ago summers.

I still enjoy porch sitting. Now we have a glider instead of a swing. And I still like to read on the porch to escape the chaos of life. When I sit in the quiet absorbed in a story, peace fills my soul.

In the book of John, Jesus speaks to his disciples, those he considered his friends, about his end days. He assures them they will have peace even though he is going to die. I'm not sure how I would have felt if I'd been with him. I'm guessing each of the disciples needed time to process and comprehend. They may have had a place to sit and think (their own form of a swing.) They may have contemplated the parables Jesus told. As we know, some of them didn't understand until Jesus had risen from the dead. Even then, a few had to be convinced. But Jesus promised they'd find peace if they trusted him.

As I seek calm in this chaotic world, I hang on to the promise Jesus shared with the disciples, "...take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Seek his peace.

Blessings of Peace

I've spent most of my life seeking peace. 

Quiet and calm encourage me.

Peace in the midst of chaos fills me with joy.

In my life, I've found only Jesus provides that kind of peace.

Fiction Review: The Peasant's Dream by Melanie Dickerson

Book Description:

In this reverse Cinderella story, a poor farmer’s son, who dreams of using his talent as a woodcarver to make a better life for himself, falls in love with a duke’s daughter and must fight for a chance to win her heart.

Adela is the youngest daughter of Duke Wilhelm of Hagenheim and is never allowed outside of the castle walls. She loves her family, but she sneaks away one day to the market in the town center. There she meets a handsome young man and wonders what it might be like to fall in love with a poor farmer with a kind heart instead of marrying the man her family is suggesting for her.

Frederick earns the income for his family and defends his mother from his father’s drunken rages. He also uses his talent and creativity to carve figures, animals, and scenes into wood, and he's asked to carve these scenes into cathedral doors when his talent is noticed. Frederick is inspired by the sweet and beautiful Adela, but he has no knowledge of her true identity. When he gets swept up into a plan to kidnap the duke’s daughter, both are shaken by what they learn about the other.

With the heartbroken Adela resigned to an arranged marriage with her noble suitor, Frederick must decide what he’s willing to risk for love.

My Review:
Be ready to swoon. Dickerson has created a beautiful fairy tale featuring a kind-hearted young man who wants nothing more than to provide a better life for his mother and sisters. Then he meets Adela, the lovely daughter of a duke. With elements from the Cinderella story, she's woven a delightful tale filled with adventure, chance meetings, deception, and of course love. The Peasant's Dream is book 11 of the Fairy Tale Romance series. I loved the setting and the story. This book made me smile, laugh and fret. If you enjoy fairy tales, or beautiful love stories, pick up a copy of The Peasant's Dream and drift off to another world and time. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

An Interview With Author Jackie Layton

I love cozy mysteries. Often set in small towns with quirky characters, the stories offer an escape and a bit of fun detective work. Last month I came across a cozy I loved, Dog-Gone Dead by Jackie Layton. The author's name sounded familiar. She and I had met on Instagram several years back. I was so excited to see her published!

I invited Jackie to tell us about her writing journey:

Hi Penny, 

Thanks so much for hosting me on your blog! 

I began my writing journey while my youngest son was in high school. I took online classes and attended conferences to learn more about the craft of writing. I worked full time and went to tennis matches and all the other things mothers do.

From the beginning, my husband has been very supportive. I appreciate him more than you know. I started out writing romances and romantic suspense stories. I did well in contests, but whatever I pitched to publishers was never the right fit for what they were looking for that year.

I’m a member of ACFW, and the last conference I attended was a huge turning point in my writing. I met with an editor looking for authors interested in writing cozy mysteries. As we chatted, a peace fell over me. I have always loved reading cozies, but at conferences romantic suspense was the thing everybody wanted. Very few authors were writing mysteries.

After that meeting, I prayed about my conversation with the editor. I began writing my first cozy mystery. I often learn by doing. It’s probably not the most efficient way to write, but it’s what works for me. I visited cozy mystery websites and studied the craft of mystery writing.

One of the most special aspects of cozies to me is the characters. I love that so many cozies are written as series. It allows each character to grow throughout the series.

I keep my notes in Scrivener, and I have secret Pinterest boards to help me keep up with details. I also have public boards so readers can get to know my characters and setting better. 

I’ve always loved the beach, and I set my first series on the coast of South Carolina. Heyward Beach is a fictional town with some of my favorite elements from various coastal towns. It’s got the small-town vibe, and I hope readers enjoy visiting Heyward Beach.

Thank you, Jackie. I love how God worked in your writing and gave you a sense of peace as you pursued the cozy mystery genre. I'll be reading Bite the Dust: A Low Country Dog Walker Mystery, your first book in this delightful series. Read more about Jackie on her website.

Trusting a Swing

Psalm 9:9-10

The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed,
    a stronghold in times of trouble.
Those who know your name trust in you,
    for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.

God has called me on an adventure of faith and trust.

When Hannah worked at Camp Lookup, I spent a week with her exploring the beautiful setting and experiencing an adventure. I hiked around the lake, met a little snake while I relaxed in the gazebo, and took photos of all the beautiful azaleas. Then the adventure happened. The camp has this huge swing that holds two people. Hannah and I climbed on the double seat and latched our harnesses (that's enough to scare a person.) A camp worker grabbed the rope and launched us into the sky. And yes, I screamed like a baby. But I had fun and trusted the swing to hold in place. As we sailed through the air, I believed I would be safely pulled back to the ground.

In Hebrews 11:1 the writer tells us, "faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." Hannah had assured me the swing was safe or they couldn't use it for campers. Made sense. If I could trust something so simple as a swing, how could I not trust the God of the universe. 

The "hall of faith" in Chapter 11 lists many Old Testament warriors who had faith in God, even as they lived in uncertainty.

We are living in chaotic times. Anger, hate, and judgment mixed with opinions, sickness, and financial burdens cause faith to slip. Trust rings hollow. Yet, God remains the same. He's still there for me to depend on. He's still there for me to run to. I'm confident in the hope I have in Jesus. I trust him to see me through the hard times and celebrate with me in the great times. God hasn't gone anywhere. He's still my refuge.

Have faith in the one who loves you more than you know.

Speculative Fiction Review: These Nameless Things by Shawn Smucker

Book Description:

Before Dan opened his door to find a wounded woman who had escaped from the tormentors in the mountain, his life had become rather quiet. He and the eight other people in the mostly abandoned town had become friends. They spent peaceful evenings around the campfire and even made vague plans to journey east one day and leave the ominous mountain behind.

But the woman's arrival changes everything.
Who is she? How does she know so much about Dan's brother, who is still held captive in the mountain? Why are long-forgotten memories rising to the surface? And why does Dan feel so compelled to keep her presence in his house a secret?

My Review:
I occasionally like to read outside my usual genres. I chose These Nameless Things because it looked intriguing. And it is. This book, written with the characteristics of an allegory left me pondering. Thinking about the handhold guilt has on a person. Dan is trying to do the right thing, while making poor choices all for the brother he loves. Smucker writes about wisdom, temptation, sacrifice, and fear like a master storyteller. He takes the reader on a journey that opens the eyes to the agony of guilt and the hope of deliverance. If you enjoy speculative fiction, you'll want to read These Nameless Things. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.  

His Unfailing Love