Fiction Book Review: A Question of Destiny by Anita Higman

Book Description:
Lucy O’Brien is about to be given ten million dollars and a chance to live a life she never imagined. Will this new found wealth be Lucy’s undoing, or can she rise above the temptations within high society and choose to become a nobler version of herself? And will the solitary Andrew Whitfield—a man who watches over Lucy as she adapts to her new lifestyle—cause her to close the door on her dreams or be the key that opens the rest of Lucy’s destiny?

My Review:
When I read Anita Higman's stories I can almost hear her telling the tale. Her unique voice shines through in her quirky and lovable characters. I especially enjoyed Lucy  because of her positive, no-nonsense attitude. She spoke her mind in the midst of people she wasn't familiar with. And did it in a loving manner. Andrew's story warms the heart as he's overcome some tough obstacles. A Question of Destiny reminds me of an old fashioned love story with an ounce of whimsy and an extra measure of sweetness. If you're looking for a relaxing read, this one fits the bill. 

Book Review: Faithgirlz Bible NKJV

Description:

Every girl wants to know she’s totally unique and special. This Bible says that with Faithgirlz sparkle. Through the many in-text features found only in the Faithgirlz Bible, girls will grow closer to God as they discover the journey of a lifetime.

Features include:

• Book introductions—Read about the who, when, where, and what of each book

• Dream Girl—Use your imagination to put yourself in the story

• Bring It On!—Take quizzes to really get to know yourself

• Is There a Little (Eve, Ruth, Isaiah) in You?—See for yourself what you have in common

• Words to Live By—Check out these Bible verses that are great for memorizing

• What Happens Next?—Create a list of events to tell a Bible story in your own words

• Oh, I Get It!—Find answers to Bible questions you've wondered about

• The complete New King James Version (NKJV) translation

• Features written by bestselling author Nancy Rue

My Review:

Faithgirlz Bible is the perfect gift for pre-teens and teens. I especially like the features that make the scriptures approachable. Through the "Dream Girl" segments young ladies are encouraged to think about and imagine what people went through in their time. The "Oh, I Get It" sections help girls understand concepts that can be somewhat difficult.

The pink and purple illustrations and feminine designs make the book appealing. Introductions of each book give information to help the reader understand who wrote the book, where and when the events took place, the characters they'll meet, and the lessons and connections the reader's will find.

I wish I'd had a Bible like this for myself and my daughters. I recommend Faithgirlz Bible for young ladies ages 10+.

I received this book in exchange for a fair review.

Changing

Hebrews 13:8
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

The leaves, they are a-changing. As the green fades and the reds, oranges, and golds hang like jewels from the branches, I once again stand in awe of God's creation. On my drive to work, I take in the amazing changes on the hills that surround us. While I'm excited to see the season gradually fade into the next one, I'm not a huge fan of change in general. I get a little nervous when plans are altered. I struggle a little when I'm told I have one more new thing to learn for work. I need to adjust and that rattles my confidence. When life throws a curveball what do I do?   

I turn to the one I can depend on. Jesus. He never changes. He's the same every day. His love and compassion stay steady. When Peter betrayed him, Jesus kept loving him. Even though religious leaders mocked him, he continued to speak to sinners. Against the custom of his day, he spoke to women in a respectful manner. Jesus made changes happen, yet he remained the same. He's the one consistent anchor. No matter what kind of crazy day I've had, I can open my heart and pour out my prayers to the one who always cares. As the leaves change, I know Jesus stays the same. For this I am thankful. Praise God for Jesus.

Sit & Watch

Fiction Book Review: The Splendor of Ordinary Days by Jeff High

About the book: 

The pastoral charm of small-town Watervalley, Tennessee, can be deceptive, as young Dr. Luke Bradford discovers when he's caught in the fallout of a decades-old conflict.

After a rocky start as Watervalley's only doctor, Luke Bradford has decided to stay in town, honoring the three-year commitment he made to pay off his medical school debts. But even as his friendships with the quirky townsfolk deepen, and he pursues a romance with lovely schoolteacher Christine Chambers, several military veterans' emotional wounds trigger anger and unrest in Watervalley.

At the center of the clash is the curmudgeonly publisher of the local newspaper, Luther Whitmore. Luther grew up in Watervalley, but he returned from combat in Vietnam a changed man. He fenced in beautiful Moon Lake, posting "Keep Out" notices at the beloved spot, and provokes the townspeople with his incendiary newspaper.

As Luke struggles to understand Luther's past, and restore harmony in Watervalley, an unforeseen crisis shatters a relationship he values dearly. Suddenly Luke must answer life's toughest questions about service, courage, love, and sacrifice.

My Review:

Since I had not read any of the  Novels of Watervalley, I ordered the first, More Things in Heaven and Earth, and second one, Each Shining Hour from the library and read them before I opened The Splendor of Ordinary Days. Jeff High's writing is a dream to read. The emotion and explicit description are so well done I felt like I was living in the small town. I found all three books relaxing and enjoyable. Book three, laced with mystery and romance, can stand alone, but I'd recommend reading all three; simply because they're good. I'm hoping there's a fourth book soon. The only down side I can find is some of the language; I'd rate the series PG-13. The stories are not overtly religious. Instead they're a glimpse into the lives of Christian folk and a few skeptics who are trying to live everyday lives in the midst of a small town, country atmosphere. For me the stories are refreshing and reminiscent of my growing up years.

Purchase a copy

About the author: 

After growing up on a farm in rural Tennessee, Jeff High attained degrees in literature and nursing. He is the three-time winner, in fiction and poetry, of an annual writing contest held by Vanderbilt Medical Center. He lived in Nashville for many years, and throughout the country as a travel nurse, before returning to his original hometown, near where he now works as an operating room RN in open-heart surgery. He is the author of the Watervalley novels, including More Things in Heaven and Earth and Each Shining Hour.

Connect with Jeff: website, Twitter, Facebook

I received The Splendor of Ordinary Days in exchange for a fair review.

Love, Trust, Paddle

Love everybody, trust a few, paddle your own canoe. 

Nonfiction Book Review - Just Show Up: The Dance of Walking Through Suffering Together by Kara Tippetts & Jill Lynn Buteyn

Kara Tippetts was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer. You may remember that during her illness she reached out to Brittany Maynard as a voice against assisted dying. Kara's story involves more than dying; her story reflects the life and love of family and friends.

Kara and Jill joined forces to write about their difficult journey. These two young women shared a give and take friendship while Kara went through cancer treatment and eventually hospice. You might think Jill did all the giving and Kara all the taking, but that would be wrong. Through their fresh, new relationship each one learned from the other and depended on each other, as well as a slew of friends God set in their path.

Just Show Up is the most honest book I've ever read. Both authors bared their souls and wrote about the hard times, the good days, the laughter, and the tears. Most of all they shared their journey as a transparent story for the reader to experience in full. Many of Jill's chapters are prefaced by the notes she wrote in reaction to Kara's blog posts, but never mailed. As a relatively new friend of Kara's she shares the insecurity she felt as she plodded her way through giving. Kara gave excellent and raw insight into what it's like to be the person receiving the gifts. As I read the book, I witnessed an amazing faith.

This is not a my friend's sick, let's take a casserole sort of book. This is an inside look at what it's like to live out the end of life with a friend and the friend's family. This is a practical guide about when to call ahead, when to volunteer to watch the kids, and when to send a prayer up and remain quiet. As I read Just Show Up my heart went out to the women who circled around Kara and gave of themselves.  But at the same time, I saw how these young mothers were blessed beyond measure because they trusted God and just showed up. Five star and highly recommended.

The late Kara Tippetts was the author of "The Hardest Peace" and blogged faithfully at mundanefaithfulness.com. Cancer was only a part of Kara's story. Her real fight was to truly live while facing a crushing reality. Since her death in March 2015, her husband, Jason, is parenting their four children and leading the church they founded in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Read Kara's blog.

Jill Lynn Buteyn is the author of "Falling for Texas," an inspirational novel, and a recipient of the ACFW Genesis Award for her fiction work. She has a bachelor's degree in communications from Bethel University. Jill lives near the beautiful Rocky Mountains with her husband and two children.

Connect with Jill: website, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram

Read more about Just Show Up

I received Just Show Up free in exchange for a fair review.