Fiction Review: A Dazzle of Diamonds (Georgia Coast Romance Book #3) by Liz Johnson

Book Description:

Penelope Hunter loves her job as the events manager at one of Savannah's premier historic venues--until her ex-fiancé walks into her office with his new bride-to-be. To make matters worse, a scheming social matriarch is intent on seeing Penelope fired, especially if she insists on being seen with Tucker Westbrook.

Since returning from serving two tours in the Middle East, Tucker has built a thriving security company. His work is nearly as stabilizing as his friendship with Penelope, who has been by his side since childhood. But when the lone candidate for county sheriff goads him, Tucker loses his cool and ends up on the ballot--and on the receiving end of a smear campaign claiming the Westbrooks were traitors to the South.

To clear his name, Tucker and Penelope must join forces to find the truth behind a 150-year-old lost treasure. But the more time they spend together, the closer she comes to losing her job--and falling helplessly in love.

My Review:
Liz Johnson's writing is a breath of fresh air when it comes to fiction. The books in the Georgia Coast series host a bit of intrigue with the history of the area mixed with sweet and (sometimes humorous) romance. All three in the series are entertaining, but I enjoyed this one, A Dazzle of Diamonds, the most. Tucker is a sweetheart and Penelope is a straightforward, hardworking, intelligent young lady who would do anything for her dear friend. The mystery of the treasure is fun to follow and adds an exciting thread to the story. The people Penelope and Tucker interact with are quirky in a lovable, but sometimes annoying, sort of way. With Savannah as the setting, you can't go wrong. If you enjoy southern romance with a bit of mystery, you'll love Liz's latest book. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Training for the Race

1 Timothy 4:7-8

Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. 

He ran the race.

In the 1970s and 80s my husband, Tim, ran marathons; those twenty-six mile races created for people with great endurance. I can't imagine having the determination or fortitude to take on such a challenge.

But he did. He prepared every day right up to the race. He practiced until the running became a habit. Some days he prepared his muscles with a fifteen mile run at the pace he'd do in the marathon. Other days, he called recovery days, he slowed his steps and ran a shorter distance. Some days he sprinted. He varied his exercise as he created the habit of daily runs.

Over the last two years, Tim took another challenge. The doctor wanted him to lose weight. And he did. He changed his eating habits and started walking every day, at least five miles. He lost over seventy pounds.

Physical training is valuable.

Godly training is golden. It infiltrates every aspect of life. Which exercise pumps up spiritual muscles? Praying, reading the Bible, taking a walk and appreciating God's creation, sharing Jesus with children or a friend, listening to praise music, and attending church (in person or online.) And breaking bad habits—like self-doubt, fear, and worry.

Godly training looks different for each person.

Just as Tim made a habit of running every day to prepare for the race, we work to make a habit of learning more about Jesus and praying as we run with God.

Is there a habit that might bring you closer to Jesus? Or one that keeps you apart?

Necessary, Possible, Impossible

We've all heard the saying, "Practice makes perfect."

I'm not sure about perfect, but I do believe if I want to learn something new, 

or establish a new habit, 

I need to do it, not just talk about it.

If I want to understand something, I may need to read it several times.

If I want to write well, I need to write a lot.

If I want to run a marathon, I need to train on a regular basis.

If I want to change how I eat, I need to pay attention to what I put in my mouth.

Do the necessary-do the possible-do the impossible.

Fear-He is a Liar

Isaiah 41:13
For I am the Lord your God
who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, Do not fear;
I will help you.

I thought I was going to drowned.

Our neighbors pond was nestled in the middle of a field. As teenagers, I'd get together with my next-door friends, Cheryl, Brant and Mark, and we'd swim on those hot summer days. One day we played in the water, as usual, but something wasn't right. I'd swam out from the pond's bank, and I couldn't get back. I don't know what happened. I may have gotten my foot caught on something, for whatever reason, I got pulled under and couldn't get my bearings to stay above the water. The happy ending to the story—Brant jumped in and pulled me out. Ever since then I've feared putting my head under the water.

When I swim in the pool with my grandkids, I keep my head above the water. Because of that fear, I don't really swim. I know how, but I lost the desire. I love to splash and walk around in the pool, but I am afraid to go under.

Fear is vicious. Once it grabbed me, it wouldn't let go. The sad part is, I fear a fabricated "what if" that MIGHT happen.

This year has been difficult to say the least. When I went to the doctor's office the other day, I had an overwhelming fear of touching any surfaces. I've not experienced that until COVID-19. I have a feeling I'm not the only one. As I sat in the patient room, I asked God to help me, to calm my nerves and give me peace. And he did.

Instead of living in a state of fear, I want to live in peace. Instead of fear, I choose to trust the God of the universe, who cares for me more than I understand. The Bible says love casts out fear. That's God's love for us. His love pushes fear out the door.

I'm not sure I'll put my head under the water any time soon, but I know if I do, God is with me. That's comforting.

His love brings peace.

I fear a fabricated "what if" that MIGHT happen. Click to Tweet

Historical Fiction Book Review: An Appalachian Summer by Ann H. Gabhart

Book Description:
In 1933 Louisville, Kentucky, even the ongoing economic depression cannot keep Piper Danson's parents from insisting on a debut party. After all, their fortune came through the market crash intact, and they've picked out the perfect suitor for their daughter. Braxton Crandall can give her the kind of life she's used to. The only problem? This is not the man--or the life--she really wants.

When Piper gets the opportunity to volunteer as a horseback Frontier Nursing courier in the Appalachian Mountains for the summer, she jumps at the chance to be something other than a dutiful daughter or a kept wife in a loveless marriage. The work is taxing, the scenery jaw-droppingly gorgeous, and the people she meets along the way open up a whole new world to her. The longer she stays, the more an advantageous marriage slips from her grasp. But something much more precious--true love--is drawing ever closer.

My Review:
I love that Piper, a reluctant debutante, left behind her life of wealth to work in the horse stalls for Mary Breckenridge's Frontier Nursing Service. The girl digs in and tries to forget about the possibility of marriage and instead turns her attention to the horses and people she meets. Along with Piper's tale, Ann delights the reader with the story of Piper's aunt. I won't tell too much on her—just that I enjoyed Truda's character very much. Ann draws the reader into the beautiful Appalachian Mountains, a lovely respite from the world. An Appalachian Summer is Ann's second book featuring the horseback Frontier Nursing Service. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Check out my review of These Healing Hills Ann's first story on the Frontier Nursing Service.

Children's Board Book Review: Grandma Snuggles by Glenys Nellist, illustrated by Gail Yerril

Book Description:

Grandma, this one’s especially for you! Cuddle your grandchildren close with this adorable book. Written by bestselling author Glenys Nellist, this board book celebrates the loving relationship between a grandma and her little ones with sweet animal rhymes and charming illustrations.

Whether it’s Grandma Mouse who shares her cheese or Grandma Duck who splashes in the lake, this book shows special cuddles and love, relaying a message that all grandmas are special in their own ways.

So, hop, skip, and run with Grandma Rabbit and roll into a ball with Grandma Hedgehog. Most of all, celebrate Grandma who’s as sweet as pie!

Through the fields and gardens,
We hop, and skip, and run.
God made the world’s best Grandma—
She’s really lots of fun.

My Review:
I love everything by Glenys Nellist. Her beautifully written books are a joy to read and share. Grandma Snuggles is especially dear to me, as I see myself reading this to my youngest granddaughter. The lovely rhymes and the delightful illustrations make this book a keeper. Children will enjoy the animals and the sweet message of a loving Grandma. This would be a perfect gift for a grandchild to give to their grandma. Something they can enjoy together. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.  

Instead of Fear

Instead of fear, trust. Instead of fear, sing. 

Instead of fear, believe in the good. 

Instead of fear, embrace the power of God's Spirit.

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid,
but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
~2 Timothy 1:7