On Magnolia Lane (A Blue Ridge Romance) by Denise Hunter

Book Description:

From the bestselling author of The Convenient Groom (now a beloved Hallmark Original movie) comes the final book in Hunter’s Blue Ridge Romance series.

Pastor Jack McReady has secretly carried a torch for Daisy for two long years. She’s a member of his congregation, after all, and she’ll never see him as more than a trusted counselor. Jack’s best friend Noah has taken every opportunity to encourage his lovesick friend, but when Noah catches wind that Daisy has joined an online dating site, he takes matters into his own hands and orchestrates a meet-cute of the most unconventional kind.

Owner of the local flower shop, Daisy Pendleton is content with her small-town life, but she’d sure like someone to share it with. After several disastrous first dates, she’s about to give up—and then she finds a seemingly wonderful man online. Daisy gets to know TJ through a series of messages but finds herself spending more time with Pastor Jack outside of the church at the same time. What she doesn’t know is that her online prospect and Jack are one and the same. 

Just as Daisy’s love life starts to look promising, a mysterious woman appears in town. Daisy is faced with a revelation about her family that turns her world upside down, and she looks to both TJ and Jack for help.

Jack must find a way to reveal himself as her online suitor without breaking her heart and losing her trust. As Daisy faces Jack’s betrayal, she’ll have to learn to extend grace to herself, her family, and the man she’s grown to love.

My Review:
Denise Hunter has written a beautiful story of love. Not just a romance, but a tale of the how far love can go to mend a heart. Daisy is one of the most delightful characters I've met. She's a refreshing young woman who cares about her family and her community. Jack, a pastor, takes care of everyone else. Hunter weaves a beautiful story of forgiveness and understanding. I'd love to see this book as a Hallmark movie with Kate Corbett as Daisy and Niall Matter as Jack. Also, this book can be read as a standalone from the series. I love Hunter's writing. Reading her book is like sitting on the porch swing, with a glass of sweet tea; savoring each scene, yet needing to turn the page to see what happens next. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Be Ready

1 Thessalonians 4:16-18
For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words.

Sun bursting through clouds

I spent two hours in the surgeon's office going over what to expect, what to do, and what not to do for my upcoming surgery. In between talking to the nurse, the physician's assistant, and my rock star surgeon, I waited. As they spouted my much needed information, I took copious notes. Next, I'll sit down with paper and pen and create a list, in order, of all my instructions. I want to be as prepared as possible to face this important event, the one that will in time give me a better quality of life.

All this readiness reminded me what our minister encouraged us to think about this past Sunday—to be prepared for Jesus return. Whether I'm here when the trumpets blow and Jesus descends, or I'm taken home from this earth by him, I need to be ready. Bless God's heart, he gave us a road map to prepare for the trip. The Bible has all the information we need to make the journey. Which is a good thing, because my internal GPS doesn't know right from left.

I want to be as prepared as possible for this all important event, the one that will give me not just a better quality of life, but eternal life.

As I pray, read God's word, and do my best to live a faith filled life—I hope you'll join me as I wait for the Lord. Let's be caught being faithful!

Novella Collection Review: The Great Lakes Lighthouse Brides Collection, Seven Historical Romances

Book Description:

Lighthouses have long been the symbol of salvation, warning sailors away from dangerous rocks and shallow waters.

Along the Great Lakes, America’s inland seas, lighthouses played a vital role in the growth of the nation. They shepherded settlers traveling by water to places that had no roads. These beacons of light required constant tending even in remote and often dangerous places. Brave men and women battled the elements and loneliness to keep the lights shining. Their sacrifice kept goods and immigrants moving. Seven romances set between 1883 and 1911 bring hope to these lonely keepers and love to weary hearts.

My Review

The Great Lakes Lighthouse Brides Collection written by Lena Nelson Dooley, Rebecca Jepson, Carrie Fancett Pagels, Candice Sue Patterson, Kathleen Rouser, Pegg Thomas, and Marilyn Turk is a delightful gathering of the often romanticized life of lighthouse keepers. Throughout the stories you'll meet a variety of fascinating characters, including female lightkeepers, a lady doctor, backwoodsmen, sailors, gentlemen business owners and more. Every story brings to life the history of the Great Lake's shores. When I finished reading, I was impressed at how each author took a similar setting and topic and created such a unique story. Some based their writing on historical characters, while others were total fiction. I had some favorites, too — but I'll let you decide what yours are after you pick up a copy of this wonderful anthology and read for yourself. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Fiction Review: Things Left Unsaid by Courtney Walsh

Book Description:

An emotional novel of family, friendship and forgiveness from Courtney Walsh, the New York Times bestselling author of Hometown Girl.

Lyndie St. James is thrilled that her best friend, Elle, is getting married but unprepared for the emotional storm of the wedding week and returning to her childhood summer home of Sweethaven. The idyllic cottage community harbors some of her best—and worst—memories. It’s not only the tragic death of her childhood friend Cassie that has haunted her for ten years, it’s the other secrets she’s buried that have kept her from moving on.

But Lyndie isn’t the only one with secrets.

Cassie’s mother, father and brother, still struggling with the loss, have been drifting further and further apart. And Elle herself, the last to see Cassie alive, carries an impossible burden of guilt. Now reunited, each of them has a choice: to reveal the truths of that night or continue to live in its shadow. That means embarking on a personal journey of the heart—to escape the darkness and all its regrets and to finally come to terms with the past and, especially, with each other.

My Review:
I can't say enough good things about this book! Things Left Unsaid is a beautiful story of love and forgiveness. Courtney Walsh delves into the difficult territory of guilt and self-blame. Lyndie's heart has ached for years, taking her on a negative path, far away from the faith she once had. Her trip back to a place she once loved is both difficult and necessary. I absolutely love how Courtney handles the telling of this poignant story. She gets inside the characters' hearts and peals away the layers of years of hurt. After I finished the last chapter, parts of the story replayed in my head for days. If you enjoy well written fiction filled with meaning, read Things Left Unsaid. I guarantee you'll connect to at least one character and their story. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Waterfall Press through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

You Are Not Alone

Psalm 95:6-7

Come, let us bow down in worship,
    let us kneel before the Lord our Maker;

sheep free from Pixaby

for he is our God
    and we are the people of his pasture,
    the flock under his care.

During my childhood, I had the measles three times. Back then, we didn't have vaccines against that annoying disease. The German measles put me in bed, in a darkened room, for at least a week. My mom made sure I rested, fixed me my favorite foods, and watched over me. Even in the darkness, I knew my mom was there. 

As a mom myself, I've watched over my children; helped them through illness, surgery, and life's heartaches. You see my mom loves me, and I love my children.

Maybe you've not experienced a mother's care or a father's love. Maybe loneliness surrounds you, disappointment overwhelms you, or sorrow embraces you. Even in our deepest hurt, there is one who cares. God loves you. We are not alone. We are the people God cherishes. "We are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care." He calls each one of us to come to him. He wants to pour his love and hope over us. God's not in the business of watching people suffer. His desire is for all people to reach out to him. Even in the darkness, God is near. He wants you to come to him for comfort and peace.

When the world overwhelms, and the loneliness creeps in, look to God. Invite him in. He's waiting, nearby, ready to embrace you and pour his love over you.

Kari Job sings about God's nearness, that she is not alone. He goes before us and never leaves us. He's the one who loves us more than we can imagine.

Fiction Book Review: Reason to Breathe by Deborah Raney

Book Description:

Phylicia thought life was passing her by, but maybe this was love’s plan all along. . .

At twenty-nine, Phylicia Chandler put her life on hold to care for her dying mother with her sisters, Joanna and Britt. Now Mom is gone and their father stuns them all by running off with a woman young enough to be their sister. Life is moving forward all around her, but Phylicia feels stuck—until her father’s protégé, Quinn Mitchell, presents the sisters with an intriguing business opportunity to purchase a trio of cottages just outside of Langhorne, Missouri. Joanna and Britt are convinced the three of them should launch a vacation rental venture, but Phylicia remains skeptical.

To complicate matters, Quinn soon finds himself falling hard for Phylicia. But how can he pursue this beautiful, talented woman twelve years his junior when she’s still reeling over her father’s hasty engagement to a younger woman? Quinn is determined to give Phylicia her happily-ever-after. But first, he must help her come to terms with her discovery of long-held family secrets and persuade her that true love can transcend their differences.

My Review:
Deborah Raney's uplifting stories beat with the heart of everyday life. Every one of Deb's books has left me wanting more, including Reason to Breathe, the first book in the Chandler Sisters novel series. I adore Phylicia's spunk and determination even when she doubts the family plans. And Quinn is a sweetheart. His patience with Phee and her sisters goes above and beyond. But the part of the story I enjoyed most was the relationship of the sisters; three women, totally different, yet grounded with the same  upbringing. As the mom of three girls, I especially enjoyed their spot-on, tug-of-war interactions and the love they share, despite their disagreements. I found myself smiling as I read this story of new beginnings, old friendships, family secrets, and redeeming love. Reason to Breathe will appeal to all the fans of the fixer-upper shows on television, as the sisters consider diving into a huge project together. I can't wait to read more of the Chandler sisters' stories. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Gilead Publishing by way of NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.  

A Shepherd and a King

Psalm 23

A psalm of David.

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
    he leads me beside quiet waters,
    he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
    for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk
    through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
    for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me.

 You prepare a table before me
    in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
    my cup overflows.
Surely your goodness and love will follow me
    all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
    forever.

I've been reading my way through the Book of Psalm. When I opened to Psalm 23 this week, I paused. I didn't want to read through this familiar chapter too quickly. Instead I focused with a fresh perspective. As I studied the familiar words, I thought about the author, King David, and the stories I've read about him.

David was a shepherd. He understood life lived outdoors, 24/7. No doubt he spent days in the dust and dirt, sweating under the sun, and sleeping under the moon. He chased sheep back to the flock and played his harp. Yet, in this less than glamorous job, he lacked nothing. God went before him and supplied clean water, a comfortable place to lay his head, and refreshment for his soul.

David was a warrior and king. God guided him through the valleys of war. Then when David fell to temptation, wallowed in sin, and journeyed through the darkest of days, God went after him. David beat himself up; his heart ached due to his own mistakes. But through all of his cries for mercy, he eventually heard his Father say, "You're forgiven." He realized that the God of his youth was ushering him back into the fold, just as a shepherd leads his sheep to the flock. He understood that God was not going to desert him. Instead, God led him. David praised God for his constant presence and care.

I love the words that end this passage. "Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." God loves us and wants to give us his grace, just like he did David.

Psalm 23~what a beautiful reminder of hope!