A Dog's Wisdom

James 3:17-18
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

Let's make common sense more common.

When our dog, Rosie May, was a puppy, we took her for training. She learned to sit, lay down, stay off (well, kind of) and shake. She still doesn't get the concept of stay, but at least she sits when she needs to. The good thing about dogs is they have great instincts. She knows when I don't feel well, and she wants to comfort me. Rosie May loves kids and wants to friend them. She senses when someone is outside and goes to the windows to see if she needs to protect us. Dogs listen to their gut. They hear things we don't and respond accordingly. In their own way, dogs have an internal wisdom.

When I think of wisdom, I also consider common sense. The innate instinct to do the right thing. I love how James shares his understanding of wisdom. Wisdom comes from God and loves peace. It's considerate (thinks of others) submissive to God's guidance, merciful, filled with the fruit of the Spirit, fair and discerning, and sincere and truthful. If there is any doubt as to whether something is a wise choice, measure the wisdom against James 3:17. The wisdom of a believer comes from the Holy Spirit. When I make decisions, I want to check my judgement against the wisdom that comes from God.

While Rosie May has instincts, I have the Holy Spirit to guide me in decisions. His voice speaks to my heart to be a peace-loving person who is kind to others, submissive to God, and considerate of situations.

Seek God's wisdom and use His common sense as you navigate life.

Cozy Mystery Review: Dog Days of Summer, book 2 Gone to the Dogs series by Kathleen Y’Barbo

What the story is about:
Trina Potter, Nashville country music star, buys a ranch near her hometown in Brenham, Texas, to help her niece open a rescue facility for dogs. Her presence in town stirs up some old high school rivalries—and romance. Finding property to buy is a challenge, convincing her mother to move there with her is daunting, and navigating a string of strange accidents is perplexing. Sometimes Trina feels like she’s purchased her own three ring circus instead of a beautiful piece of land. But her first priority will be figuring out who wants Second Chance Ranch shut down before they even have the grand opening.

My Thoughts:
I enjoy cozy mysteries, and this series has been a treat. Trina Potter wants to help her niece get her rescue business up and running, but in the meantime, someone is sabotaging Second Chance Ranch before they even get set up. I like the idea of dog rescue and love the pups in this delightful mystery. There is a thread of romance, but the kennel and the mystery take the limelight. If you enjoy cozies, give Dog Days of Summer a read and make sure to read book 1, Off the Chain. Book 3, Barking Up the Wrong Tree will be available January, 2023. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Cozy Mystery Review: Off the Chain (Book 1-Gone to the Dogs series) by Jan Thompson

About the Book:

The Town of Brenham, Texas, Has Gone to the Dogs!
 
Curl up with your pup and sink into a delightful small-town mystery as riddles and rescues stack up in book one of a new cozy mystery series.

 
Marigold Evans’ first attempt at rescuing an abandoned pooch lands her in a drainage pipe in Brenham Texas. . .and almost in jail, until Parker Jenson comes to her rescue. Then a bad day only gets worse as the Lone Star Vet Clinic, where they both work, is vandalized and the list of suspects starts to climb. With the help of her fellow employees, Marigold sets out to simultaneously solve the crime, rehab the rescued dog, and help more dogs in crisis. But why would anyone continue to work against all their good efforts?

My Thoughts:
I enjoyed this first book in Barbour Publishing's Gone to the Dogs series. Marigold Evans is a delightful character whose heart for furry four-legged creatures endears her to the reader. As she works as a vet tech, she dreams of owning her own dog rescue. Right after she saves her first pup, she and her coworkers find the vet clinic broken into and vandalized. As they try to find the culprit, Marigold discovers who has her back and who is out to stop her. If you enjoy a fun read with delightful characters, you'll want to read Off the Chain. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Ode to Olive

Losing a pet is hard. 

This little lady came to live with us when she was about six or seven years old.

By then she'd had several litters of puppies 

and been abandoned with her last litter of eight.

She was a survivor, determined to be a good mom, 

as she journeyed to a neighbor's farm

and ate cat food, then she would return to her pups and nurse them.

The farmer with the cat food followed her one day 

and found she'd been left behind, to fend for herself.

His sister took Olive to a dog rescue. 

After needed surgeries, Olive went up for adoption. 

By the time we met her at Petsmart, all her puppies 

but one were adopted. 

We fell in love with this cranky little dog 

and shared a home with her for more than eight years. 

We'll miss the clip-clop of her toes on the floor and her funny bark. 

Olive taught us to be patient and to share.

She loved eating toast with me :)

Is having a pet worth the grief you feel when they pass on? 

Yes, it is. 

RIP Miss Olive.

 

Historical Fiction: Ever Constant (The Treasure of Nome series, book 3) by Tracie Peterson & Kimberley Woodhouse

Book Description:

She's always determined to be the stable, reliable one. But now her commitment may destroy her.

On the surface, Whitney Powell is happy working with her sled dogs and welcoming the new additions to her family through her sisters' marriages and an upcoming birth. But her life is full of complications, including an estranged father, that have her on the edge of losing control. Growing up, she was the strong sister, and she can't give that up now.

When villagers in outlying areas come down with a horrible sickness, Dr. Peter Cameron turns to Whitney and her dogs for help navigating the deep snow, and they become close while ministering to the sick together. Peter has long recognized her finer qualities but is troubled by the emotions and secrets she keeps buried within. He wants to help but wonders if she is more of a risk than his heart can take.

As sickness spreads throughout Nome and another man courts Whitney, she and Peter will discover that sometimes it is only in weakness that you can find strength.

My Thoughts:
When I chose to read Ever Constant, I didn't realize it was book three of a series. It didn't matter, as I read, I learned enough about the other two books to understand this beautifully written story. Whitney is an amazing and strong woman, who raises sled dogs. She had taken care of her family for years and tried her best to always be strong. Dr. Peter Cameron is the perfect hero, flaws, fears and all. The two of them try so hard to make up for past mistakes while heading into difficult situations. I read the story during a winter snowstorm here in Ohio. While I can't imagine living in Alaska in the early 1900s, tromping out in the snow with my dog brought a better picture of what life might have been like for them. Peterson and Woodhouse have created memorable, strong characters, addressed an addiction, showed family love, and amazing faith in this wonderful story of perseverance. If you enjoy historical fiction with heart, you'll like Ever Constant. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Grieve With Hope

1 Thessalonians 4:13-14
Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 

As a believer, I grieve with hope.

About a month after I retired, we knew our lab-retriever wasn't long for this world. Tater's illness got worse every day. I had thought he'd be by my side as I sat in my chair and wrote stories and devotions. Because he enjoyed laying on the floor under the footrest, I had to be careful when I got up, or I'd bonk him on the head. As I watched him struggle to rise from the floor, realization sunk in that he'd go to doggie heaven (I’d like to think there is such a thing, but I have no proof) later that summer. I still miss my furry buddy.

When Tater passed away, I grieved. Yes, he was a dog but the sadness still overwhelmed me. When my dad, my grammy, my aunt, and my friends left this earth, I grieved. Grief is a natural part of life and the process looks different for everyone. I might cry, sit in silence, go through the motions of living, while someone else might go back to work or shut down.

Tim Peace, our associate minister, reminded us that if we have faith in Jesus, we grieve with hope.

Yes—it hurts, yes—we may get angry, yes—depression may set in, but even in our sorrow and sadness Jesus offers hope. At the end of 1 Thessalonians 4, Paul tells the people to encourage one another. Remind each other of the hope we have in Jesus so everyone will have the chance to claim the inheritance of heaven.

I believe in the hope of heaven and the hope of being reunited with my loved ones. Through faith, God offers the promise of heaven.

Look to Jesus for strength and peace.

Cozy Mystery Review: Bag of Bones: A Low Country Dog Walker Mystery by Jackie Layton

Book Description:

Does one good turn deserve a murder?

Despite all her good intentions to focus on a healthy lifestyle and leave crime solving to the professionals, Andi Grace Scott has run right smack into another investigation--literally. Who’d have thought caring for stray cats and a healthy morning beach run could lead to murder?

Andi Grace has found another body and a young woman who needs help. Solving this puzzle will come with a cost. This time, catching the killer will require Andi Grace to confront her past relationships and truths about her deceased mother.

My Review:
I love Andi Grace Scott. Despite wanting to live a simple life, she winds up in the middle of a murder investigation, again, and helps a young woman with a rough past. And who wouldn't love Marc Williams, Andi's patient and attentive boyfriend. There were some surprises and twists I didn't expect, which makes the book that much more appealing. Bag of Bones, the third Low Country Dog Walker mystery is a great story. It's one of those series, when I finish reading, I miss the characters and hope there's another book coming. I have enjoyed all of Jackie Layton's Low Country Dog Walker books. If you enjoy cozy mysteries, you'll love Jackie Layton's books. I purchased this copy, and all opinions are 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.

Children's Book Review: Piper and Mabel: Two Very Wild but Very Good Dogs by Melanie Shankle, illustrated by Laura Watkins

Book Description:

When the family plans a vacation to the beach, Piper and Mabel are shocked to discover they won’t be joining their people. Instead, they’re headed to doggie day care at the Happy Tails Ranch where they create all kinds of mischief when they discover the accommodations are not exactly what they were expecting.

My Review:
Piper and Mabel are two adventurous dogs. When their family sets out for vacation and leaves them at a kennel, they are less than impressed. So begins the adventure. I love the detailed illustrations by Watkins. They will entertain the littlest reader to the adult reader. The color palette she uses is a bit muted, which is a perfect contrast to the two very wild but very good dogs. Children will enjoy the mischief the two dogs get into and the very satisfying ending. My granddaughter loves animals, especially dogs. I know she'll enjoy Piper and Mabel. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Children's Book Review: The One & Only Wolfgang: From Pet Rescue to One Big Happy Family by Steve Greig & Mary Rand Hess; Illustrated by Nadja Sarell

Book Description:

What makes a family? Is it sharing favorite foods, cuddling up for snuggle time, loving each other no matter what you look like in the morning?

For Steve Greig’s oddly wonderful, real-life family of senior dogs, chickens, rabbits, and a pig named Bikini, family is all those things and then some! And this lovable bunch is now starring in their very first children’s book that showcases the importance of family.

Meet the Wolfgang, a loveable bunch of animals belonging to Steve and each other. Greig looked for the most “unadoptable” animals and gave them a home … his home! Strange and unique, The One and Only Wolfgang will remind readers that no matter how old or how odd, everyone has a place where they belong.

My Review:
The One & Only Wolfgang is a delightful story based on a real-life family. I checked out Steve Greig's Instagram and looked through the fun pictures of his menagerie. His book encourages kids and adults to consider how much each person or in this case pet brings to the family. I like the colorful illustrations mixed with the photos of all the animals. Steve's animals are also seniors. I find this a wonderful way to show kids that seniors, whether animals or people, should be valued and respected. This would be a great gift for anyone who loves animals. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zondervan. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

God is Love

1 John 4:7-10
Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.

This week has been a tough one. I've been in prayer—a lot. For dear friends who have physical ailments, surgeries and recoveries. For grandchildren and children who need some extra special care. For Tim and I as we let go of one of our best friends, our dog Tater. I don't really know how to say goodbye to our dog. He came to us as the sweetest little puppy. Now fifteen years later, yes that's a long time for a big dog, his body is giving out. But when I look into his face, I see that puppy who stole my heart. Some folks won't understand losing a pet, but many will. He's been part of our family, a comfort at times and a buddy always. The same grief we experience for a loved one has been pounding me ever since we knew he'd be gone soon. I've been angry, sad, relieved, comforted, all those emotions and sometimes all at once. But the one thing I know...we have wonderful memories with a fabulous pet. He protected and loved us.

I don't know if dogs will be in heaven. They are part of God's creation, so I hope they are. But even if they aren't, I'm thankful God made them for us here. Tater has loved us unconditionally. He's given us a glimpse of the bigger love God has for us. I've learned a lot of things from my dog, but the best lesson is love. His love is pure, without manipulation or selfish ambition.

God's love, the purest love, reaches across the universe to every person. Through his love he sacrificed his son, Jesus, so our sins would be forgiven. That had to be hard. His own son. Think about that. God's love is so huge we can't comprehend it. How can he love me, a sinner? Not just love, but forgive. He loves and wants to be loved back. 

Love God and love people. There is no greater commandment.

Fiction Book Review: Finding Riley by Dan Walsh

Book Description:

An unexpected surprise brings the Mitchell family of Savannah a chance to experience the Christmas trip of their dreams. An unexpected disappointment threatens to turn it into the worst Christmas of their lives. John Finch and his friend Alfred live in the woods. Been doing it for decades. He likes wintering in Florida, but this year’s been particularly harsh. Between the cold, freezing rain and terrifying lightning storms, John’s starting to wonder how much more of this lifestyle he can take. A new friend enters the picture and changes everything. Kim Harper, the dog trainer introduced in Rescuing Finley, is contacted by a billionaire philanthropist seeking her help with a new dog training project that will help the homeless. Is he for real? And is her co-worker right? Does this rich, handsome man’s interest in Kim go much deeper than her dog-training skills?

My Thoughts:
Dan Walsh has written many wonderful books, of them all the Forever Home series are my favorite. Finding Riley is the second book of the series. One of the things I like most about these stories are the chapters where we get to hear the voice of Riley. Written in a realistic way, I could easily imagine the dog having the exact thoughts that Dan portrayed. In the story we are introduced to a homeless camp. I learned from and appreciated Dan's presentation of this. He also does an excellent job of portraying the animal shelter and the role they play. And I loved Jeff, a sweet, sweet boy. And of course I enjoyed the twist of romance lightly threaded through the story. If you love dogs, need a pleasant, uplifting read, or want to escape into a sweet Christmas story, read Finding Riley. I received this book for free.

Happy National Dog Day!

Olive & Tater

Olive joined our family about four years ago, She was a rescue dog we found at Pet Smart. The eight puppies she birthed had been adopted, and she sat in the cage looking lonely. Part Corgi and part Dachshund, she herds us with an attitude. 

The first time we saw Tater, he was a tiny bundle of fur. Adam's dog Mia had become a momma during one of the worst ice storms that hit our area, in 2004. The electric was out and Adam was watching over the new family with kerosene heaters to keep them warm. We stopped by to check on the pups a few days after their birth. And we fell in love with that sweet baby. Part Golden Retriever and Black Lab, he's a kind-hearted, loving dog. 

I hope you enjoy your dogs as much as we do ours!

Fetching Sweetness Give-Away

A recipe for love and loss, merriment and mayhem, fun and faith in the backwoods of the Pacific Northwest can only be found in Fetching Sweetness by Dana Mentink. It should have been so simple for Stephanie Pink: Retrieve a reclusive author's valuable new manuscript and be promoted to a full-fledged literary agent. But when the author's canine companion, Sweetness, makes a break for it and Stephanie has to track Sweetness down, she meets Rhett Hastings. They’re in for a surprising string of adventures and misadventures.

Celebrate the release of Fetching Sweetness with Dana by entering to win the Sweetness Unleashed Prize Pack!

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of Fetching Sweetness
• A $75 Visa cash card
• A library book necklace
• A dog-inspired insulated shopping tote

 

Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on August 24. The winner will be announced August 25 on Dana's blog.

Fiction Book Review: Rescuing Finley (#1 book in A Forever Home series) by Dan Walsh

Book Description:

Amy Wallace has made plenty of mistakes in her young life, but she didn’t see this one coming. Chris Seger is a marine serving in Afghanistan. His life is forever altered by a single, fateful step. A mother of another Afghan war vet suffers a devastating loss, which changes the course of Finley’s life for good. Finley is a mostly golden retriever, who suddenly finds himself alone and confused in a dog shelter. Later, he’s brought to a local prison to be trained in a special program for female inmates. Could this prison actually become the place where Finley finally finds his freedom? Rescuing Finley tells the story of how one rescue dog powerfully impacts three tragic lives and puts all of them on a road toward redemption and healing.

My Review:
I stayed up past my bedtime to finish this wonderful story of love and redemption.  There are so many things I enjoyed about this book. Finley has his own point of view in this heart-warming story, which shows animals have feelings, too. Dan's characters  are realistic with honest emotions and issues. I learned about a program for dogs I had no idea existed, and witnessed how God places people in each other's path on purpose. Each person's story evolved as they put their trust in one another but mostly in Finley, and finished with a satisfying ending. Anyone who loves dogs and appreciates character-driven stories will enjoy reading Rescuing Finley. Another aspect of Dan's book which touched my heart was his wife's input. She's a dog trainer who knows the ins and outs. Bottom line-this is the type of book that reminds me why I read fiction. I just love it and look forward to the rest of the series.  Rescuing Finley would be a great gift for a dog lover or a military family. I received this book in exchange for a fair review.

Learn more about Dan Walsh and his books.

National Puppy Day

I heard today is National Puppy Day. I'm not sure who made up the day, but I bet they love their dogs as much as we love ours.

When we got Tater as a puppy, he was a sweet furry bundle of joy. He laid in my lap when I was sick and followed us faithfully from room to room. He's been a blessing. He's about eight years old now, seventy-five pounds and still a joy.

Olive came to us as an adult. She's a rescue dog found with eight puppies. Poor thing had physical problems from her previous life. She's been a bit of challenge, yet a soothing little dog.

Do you have dogs who are part of your family?