My dear friend, Phoebe, gave me this beautiful blossom in a sweet bouquet.
Blue blooms are not as common as pink, white, or yellow flowers, but they are so lovely.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
Friday, June 8, 2018
Fiction Book Review: A Vast and Gracious Tide by Lisa Carter
Book Description:
A wounded veteran and the police chief’s daughter must work together to bring a
killer to justice.
Caden Wallis lost friends, his girlfriend, and even his leg to the ravages of war. He arrives on the Outer Banks broken and still reeling, struggling to make peace with his new life.
McKenna Dockery has been stuck in limbo since her fiancé died three years ago. Now, when the handsome yet heartbroken Caden arrives at her doorstep, she starts to wonder if there may be hope for her heart after all . . .
But no sooner do they meet than a man is found murdered on McKenna’s property — and Caden is the prime suspect. The two must learn to trust each other, or no one will be safe in the tangled web of conspiracy, greed, and deceit lurking in the tidal marshlands of the Outer Banks.
Caden Wallis lost friends, his girlfriend, and even his leg to the ravages of war. He arrives on the Outer Banks broken and still reeling, struggling to make peace with his new life.
McKenna Dockery has been stuck in limbo since her fiancé died three years ago. Now, when the handsome yet heartbroken Caden arrives at her doorstep, she starts to wonder if there may be hope for her heart after all . . .
But no sooner do they meet than a man is found murdered on McKenna’s property — and Caden is the prime suspect. The two must learn to trust each other, or no one will be safe in the tangled web of conspiracy, greed, and deceit lurking in the tidal marshlands of the Outer Banks.
My Review:
I loved reading A Vast and Gracious Tide. Not just the intriguing mystery, but the story of Caden's life after war, an injured soldier, both physically and mentally. I enjoyed reading Caden's story as it unrolled and intertwined with McKenna's. The setting for the story, the Outer Banks, is written beautifully. The small town feel creates a cozy background for the mystery. If you enjoy small town life, ocean settings, and well-written mystery with romance, I recommend A Vast and Gracious Tide. I received this book from NetGalley with no expectation of a good or bad review.
I loved reading A Vast and Gracious Tide. Not just the intriguing mystery, but the story of Caden's life after war, an injured soldier, both physically and mentally. I enjoyed reading Caden's story as it unrolled and intertwined with McKenna's. The setting for the story, the Outer Banks, is written beautifully. The small town feel creates a cozy background for the mystery. If you enjoy small town life, ocean settings, and well-written mystery with romance, I recommend A Vast and Gracious Tide. I received this book from NetGalley with no expectation of a good or bad review.
Wednesday, June 6, 2018
Fiction Review: Justice Betrayed by Patricia Bradley
Book Description:
It's Elvis Week in Memphis, and homicide Detective Rachel Sloan isn't sure her
day could get any stranger when aging Elvis impersonator Vic Vegas asks to see
her. But when he produces a photo of her murdered mother with four Elvis
impersonators--one of whom had also been murdered soon after the photo was
taken--she's forced to reevaluate. Is there some connection between the two
unsolved cases? And could the recent break-in at Vic's home be tied to his
obsession with finding his friend's killer?
When yet another person in the photo is murdered, Rachel suddenly has her hands full investigating three cases. Lieutenant Boone Callahan offers his help, but their checkered romantic past threatens to get in the way. Can they solve the cases before the murderer makes Rachel victim number four?
My Review:
Rachel Sloan sticks her neck out in Justice Betrayed, Book #3 of the Memphis Cold Case series. Rachel is new to the homicide department so she wants to prove herself worthy of the job. She's smart and skilled, but her emotions tend to get the best of her. In other words, she's a realistic hero. I enjoyed the banter and friendship between Rachel and Lieutenant Boone, as well as the relationship Rachel has with a young friend. If you love Elvis, that adds another plus to the story. There are plenty of references to him and his legacy. This story is an exciting mix of CSI and Cold Case. I received this book for free from Revell with no expectation of a good or bad review.
Rachel Sloan sticks her neck out in Justice Betrayed, Book #3 of the Memphis Cold Case series. Rachel is new to the homicide department so she wants to prove herself worthy of the job. She's smart and skilled, but her emotions tend to get the best of her. In other words, she's a realistic hero. I enjoyed the banter and friendship between Rachel and Lieutenant Boone, as well as the relationship Rachel has with a young friend. If you love Elvis, that adds another plus to the story. There are plenty of references to him and his legacy. This story is an exciting mix of CSI and Cold Case. I received this book for free from Revell with no expectation of a good or bad review.
Sunday, June 3, 2018
Fiction Review: Where Hope Begins by Catherine West
Book Description:
Sometimes we’re allowed to glimpse the beauty within the brokenness . . .
Savannah Barrington has always found solace at her
parents’ lake house in the Berkshires, and it’s the place that she runs to when
her husband of over twenty years leaves her. Though her world is shaken, and
the future uncertain, she finds hope through an old woman’s wisdom, a little
girl’s laughter, and a man who’s willing to risk his own heart to prove to
Savannah that she is worthy of love.
But soon Savannah is given a challenge she can’t
run away from: Forgiving the unforgivable. Amidst the ancient gardens and musty
bookstores of the small town she’s sought refuge in, she must reconcile with
the grief that haunts her, the God pursuing her, and the wounds of the past
that might be healed after all.
Where Hope Begins is the story of grace in
the midst of brokenness, pointing us to the miracles that await when we look
beyond our own expectations.
My Review:
Where Hope Begins is one of those books that draws the reader in and doesn't let go. Then after you finish, the story lingers. Savannah Barrington's life is filled with sorrow, confusion, and trouble. But God has a plan. While I read, my emotions roller coastered up and down. At one point I thought I knew how I wanted the book to end, then changed my mind several times. I was pleased that the author created the perfect ending for Savannah. Catherine West is a talented writer who tackled some very difficult subjects in this book. Some that are hard to think about but need to be understood. If you do read this book, read the author's notes after you finish. FYI-Some of the characters drink alcohol even though this is considered an inspirational/Christian book. I'm not a fan of that, but that said, the story is five star. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Where Hope Begins is one of those books that draws the reader in and doesn't let go. Then after you finish, the story lingers. Savannah Barrington's life is filled with sorrow, confusion, and trouble. But God has a plan. While I read, my emotions roller coastered up and down. At one point I thought I knew how I wanted the book to end, then changed my mind several times. I was pleased that the author created the perfect ending for Savannah. Catherine West is a talented writer who tackled some very difficult subjects in this book. Some that are hard to think about but need to be understood. If you do read this book, read the author's notes after you finish. FYI-Some of the characters drink alcohol even though this is considered an inspirational/Christian book. I'm not a fan of that, but that said, the story is five star. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Friday, June 1, 2018
A Life Long Foot Race
Acts 20:22-24
"And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not
knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in every city the
Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However,
I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the
race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of
testifying to the good news of God’s grace."
Kati sprinted up the slight grade on North
Sandusky Street in Delaware (Columbus). She'd already trekked over six miles
and had six plus to go to reach the half-marathon mark of 13.1 miles. Along
with Kati and many other runners, a group of people accompanied individuals who
couldn't run the course by themselves. These inspiring people pushed their
friends' wheelchairs and helped them finish their race.
As I sat along the side of the street and
witnessed runner after runner complete the course, Paul's words in Acts came to
mind; "my only aim is to finish the race and complete the
task the Lord Jesus has given me." All Paul wished to do was finish
his service to Jesus, the race of his life. As a follower of Christ, I am right
there with Paul. But sometimes I need someone to run alongside me.
I can't quite wrap my mind around running so many steps
at one time. Even though I'm not able to physically run anymore, I can support
my family and friends who do. With positive words and just being present to boost their
spirit, I can support and cheer. Just like Paul who depended on his friends to
help him to the end of his race, we need each other's encouragement and the
Holy Spirit's urging to stay the course and cross the finish line. The race we
run for Jesus is filled with obstacles. But with a little help from our friends
and sustenance from God's word, we can finish the race "of testifying to
the good news of God’s grace." One step at a time wins!
Who can you encourage this week?
Saturday, May 26, 2018
Stinky or Pleasant, What's Your Scent?
John 12:3
Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.
Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.
Sometimes the world stinks, literally. Like when
we drive past Mount Rumpke, the local
For years I grew herbs in my flower beds. Not so
much to cook with, but to inhale the lovely smells. Herbs have an earthy,
natural scent that not only refreshes me, but reminds me of the goodness of
Jesus. Chives and garlic, with the purple tufts on top of their long slender
green stems, give of an odor of strength and protection. People use garlic to
ward of colds and illness. The refreshing fragrance from those pretty seed
heads on dill remind me of bursts of joy. Then there are the spicy herbs like
oregano that give a boost, encouragement, and enthusiasm. My favorite of all
the herbs, lavender, produces a scent that fills me with a peace beyond my
comprehension, much like the peace Jesus pours over me when I believe no peace
can be found.
As Jesus followers, we leave a distinct odor in
our path. Whether a smelly garbage dump or a lovely scent of peace and
encouragement. When Mary, Martha's sister, went to Jesus she had a desire to
fill the room with the most beautiful scent she had available to her. She took
the most expensive perfume, usually saved for burial, and poured it over Jesus
feet. The love she poured out with the oil created a lasting scent of dedication
to her Savior.
What fragrance or odor do you leave behind? A
stink or a pleasant reminder of faith in Jesus?
Ephesians 5:1-2 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Wednesday, May 23, 2018
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