Home at Last by Anita Higman

Anita’s latest with Heartsong, Home at Last, takes the reader on a roller coaster ride of emotions as Olivia and Noah discover that everything they believed may be tumbling down around them.

Olivia set aside her own goals and dreams to care for her employer for more than twenty years. Noah believed his mother and resented his father. Two people caught in a web of deceit struggle to regain trust. Only God can lead them to the truth.

Anita delivers a tender story of love even as Olivia’s innocence and Noah’s worldliness clash. Through emotion and searching, the story carries the reader through the ups and downs of discovery and acceptance. The beautiful, but rundown old house where Noah grew up and Olivia’s lived for more than twenty years is a fascinating backdrop. I love when a home or town act as another character in a story.

Anita’s writing, as usual, paints a beautiful picture of life and the abundant love God has for His people. This quick read will stick with you as you contemplate how trust in God can change your life.

A little hope for winter...

A January Bride by Deborah Raney

A January Bride is the second book in A Year of Weddings novellas penned by twelve different inspirational authors.

These are perfect books for an evening read, while you wrap up in a blanket, and sip hot chocolate.

Writer, Madeleine Houser, moved her life from New York City to Kansas to help out her sister. Unfortunately, her sister’s home is being remodeled which means no peace and quiet to write. Neighbor, Ginny has the perfect solution— Arthur Tyler’s Inn.

Deborah creates a sweet story with a delightful twist. If you enjoy well written happily ever after stories of love, you’ll like A January Bride.

I plan to read them all. A December Bride by Denise Hunter is also available.

Found this interesting poem contrasting reality and dream

Winter Sleep

by Edith Matilda Thomas

I know it must be winter (though I sleep)--

I know it must be winter, for I dream 

I dip my bare feet in the running stream, 

And flowers are many, and the grass grows deep. 

I know I must be old (how age deceives!) 

I know I must be old, for, all unseen, 

My heart grows young, as autumn fields grow green 

When late rains patter on the falling sheaves. 

I know I must be tired (and tired souls err)-- 

I know I must be tired, for all my soul 

To deeds of daring beats a glad, faint roll, 

As storms the riven pine to music stir. 

I know I must be dying (Death draws near)-- 

I know I must be dying, for I crave 

Life--life, strong life, and think not of the grave, 

And turf-bound silence, in the frosty year. 

Today's poem is in the public domain.

Shadows of the Past (Book 1 of the Logan Point series) by Patricia Bradley

What happens when the victim profiler becomes the victim? In Shadows of the Past, psychology professor and criminal profiler, Taylor Martin, knows she’s being stalked. Yet she’s determined to push the thought away while she works to find her father, who left the family years ago.

Mystery writer, Nick Sinclair searches for his brother, Scott, a teen on a self-destructive binge. When Taylor and Nick cross paths they are drawn to each other. But, the past pushes them apart.

From the first chapter of this romantic suspense to the last, Patricia Bradley’s engaging voice and fast-paced story grabbed my attention and kept me reading. She took her characters through intrigue, romance, danger, and a revelation of self-awareness. I grew to respect Taylor as a professional and a woman who handled herself in the eyes of danger. Nick’s gentle, caring personality balanced Taylor’s need to be independent. I love the way the author wove together Taylor’s impossible situation with the mystery of her father’s disappearance and Scott’s self-destruction. With a perfect blend of dialog, description and tension, Ms. Bradley’s story pulled me in and didn’t let go until the very end.

The secondary characters played an engaging role to the story. With each one, I gained a better understanding of what made Taylor’s and Nick’s personalities tick. The author included the home where Taylor grew up as a part of the story. This intrigued me and made me appreciate the history that went into creating Taylor’s persona.

I recommend this book, especially if you’re a fan of Terri Blackstock or Dee Henderson. Five stars.

Book 2 in the Logan Point series comes out in the fall 2014.

To find out more about Patricia Bradley, go to: http://ptbradley.com/

Church Building Repurposed

I love church buildings. And ironically, I attend church in a high school. This one inspired the idea for the cafe/bookstore in Peace, Love, and Mashed Potatoes. Turtle Creek Cafe and The Book Nook are housed in a repurposed church.

Remember

When someone asks me about people I admire or respect or even consider a hero, a few come to mind. I tend to admire people who have faith in what they believe. Especially folks who trust God for their strength and guidance. 

Today as I think about people who made a difference, I remember Harriet Tubman, who took numerous chances on her life to rescue her fellow men and women from slavery. Continuing in that vein, Martin Luther King, Jr. spent his short life working to make life better for others. As we remember this man and the efforts he put forth, I want to share a few of his quotes:

• “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
• “Forgiveness is not an occasional act. It is a permanent attitude.”
• “I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.”
• “Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.”
• “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’”