Fiction Book Review: From This Moment: A Novel by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Book Description:

A lost ring brings together two wounded souls—

Growing up in the foster care system, Jase Edgar always dreamed of one day starting his own family. But his fiancée's untimely death shattered his plans. Moving to Kansas and serving as a youth minister should be a fresh start, but he can't seem to set aside his doubts about God's goodness long enough to embrace his new life.

Newly-appointed church custodian, Lori Fowler is battling her own challenges. Her strained relationship with her father and her struggles with overeating convince her she's not worthy enough for love. When an Amish weaver enlists their help locating the owner of a ring found among the donated clothing she uses as fabric, Jase and Lori find themselves drawn to each other. But will they be able to release the past and move forward from this moment into a joyful future?

My Thoughts:

There are so many wonderful people in this story—including the minister and his wife and Kenzie, the Amish weaver. Lori is a delightful character who suffers from overeating, which I rarely see in a novel. Kim Vogel Sawyer addressed Lori’s issues in the most beautiful, hopeful way.  Jase is struggling with his faith, even as he takes on the role of youth minister in a small church. I love his story and his personality. Despite his faith struggle, he pushes forward. From This Moment is a refreshing read that takes me back to the basics of my faith, the church I grew up in, and wonderful memories of the youth group activities I enjoyed. If you like sweet stories with lovable characters pick up a copy of From This Moment. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Hope of Wisdom

The best advice I can think of, to navigate this world, is to seek God's wisdom.

Without wisdom and understanding, 

I'd be floating like flotsam and jetsam on a sea of despair.

With God's wisdom and understanding, 

I have hope that leads to joy and peace.

 

Historical Fiction Book Review: Beauty Among Ruins by J'nell Ciesielski

Book Description:
In Ciesielski’s latest sweeping romance, an American heiress finds herself in Scotland amid the fallout of the Great War, and a wounded Scottish laird comes face-to-face with his past and a woman he never could have expected.

American socialite Lily Durham is known for enjoying one moment to the next, with little regard for the consequences of her actions. But just as she is banished overseas to England as a “cure” for her frivolous ways, the Great War breaks out and wreaks havoc. She joins her cousin in nursing the wounded at a convalescent home deep in the wilds of Scotland at a crumbling castle where its laird is less than welcoming.

Alec MacGregor has given his entire life to preserving his home of Kinclavoch Castle, but mounting debts force him to sell off his family history bit by bit. Labeled a coward for not joining his countrymen in the trenches due to an old injury, he opens his home to the Tommies to make recompense while he keeps to the shadows. But his preference for the shadows is shattered when a new American nurse comes streaming into the castle on a burst of light.

Lily and Alec are thrown together when a series of mysterious events threatens to ruin the future of Kinclavoch. Can they put aside their differences to find the culprit before it’s too late, or will their greatest distraction be falling in love?

My Thoughts:
Ciesielski has created a story filled with beauty, love, and mystery.  I love books where the setting is as much a character as the people. Beauty Among Ruins is a wonderful book to get lost in as you travel to the beautiful Scottish highlands and walk the hills and gardens. Lily, a delightful character, brings joy and charm to an otherwise sad situation. I love her spunk and fearless ways. Alec, the brave, strong, brooding Scot, fights to hang on to his beloved home. A variety of intriguing characters enhance the story of Lily and Alec as they try to solve the mysteries surrounding Kinclavoch Castle. If you enjoy stories set in the early 1900s with romance and intrigue, you'll love Beauty Among Ruins. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Pure Joy!

James 1:2-4
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 

The pain in my knee nearly crippled me.

I hobbled into work each day from the handicapped parking spot. My good knee, replaced a few years earlier, carried the other swollen and pain filled knee, as I lurched down the hall. Every day, I persevered even as the pain shot through me, because I knew hope waited at the end of my journey. In a few months, this knee would also be replaced, and I'd regain my ability to walk pain free.

Two years later, after enduring physical therapy and exercise, I've taken walks in the neighborhood, hiked in parks, climbed hills, and kayaked. I thank God every day that he led me to the surgeon who could heal my knees, and that I was able to carry on despite the difficulty and endurance required. The trial of pain led me to a time of thanksgiving and joy.

As a follower of Jesus, I've endured trials, some of my own volition, some put on me by other's choices. The one thing I've learned is—if I curl up in a ball and hide, I accomplish nothing. But if I pray and move forward as the Holy Spirit shows me, the testing of my faith produces perseverance and maturity in my walk with Jesus. Without the trials of this world, I wouldn't understand the joy, peace, and hope that fills my soul.

No matter the circumstances, if I continue to open God's word and seek him in prayer, my faith will grow. But if I choose to hunker down in fear and hide, I'll remain stagnant in my faith, with little to give. God wants faithful followers, prayer warriors, Bible readers, and folks who share His truth. Those all come through perseverance and learning to grow in this world, despite the negativity and stress.

When trials come, seek Jesus and embrace the time to grow in him.

Click to Tweet: Consider it pure joy!

Seek Jesus

When the shadows fall, 

seek Jesus.

When faith is challenged,

seek Jesus.

When called to endure,

seek Jesus.

He is our refuge and strength in times of trouble.

 

Nonfiction Book Review: Centered: Trading Your Plans for a Life That Matters by Jason Brown with Paul Asay

Book Description:
This riveting story of a top-earning NFL center and his family who walked away from it all to follow God's call to alleviate hunger as farmers—a life they knew absolutely nothing about—illustrates the sacrifice and ultimate reward of obedience to our heavenly Father even when it doesn't make earthly sense.

NFL lineman Jason Brown had everything in the world. He was the highest-paid center in the game. He lived in luxury. Millions of people saw and admired him every week. Then in 2012, Jason heard a call from God that changed everything. 

Leaving behind an incredibly successful football career that paid millions, Jason turned toward a life he knew nothing about: farming. It was only the beginning of his journey. Through third-party mismanagement and a run of bad luck, Jason lost most of the money he’d saved from his NFL days—the same money he’d planned to use to start his new career and donate fresh produce to hungry kids. Only a miracle could save Jason’s new dream.
 
And that’s exactly what happened. 

Centered is an inspiring riches-to-rags-to-true-riches story of one man willing to risk it all for the sake of his family. For the sake of loving others. For the sake of seeking God’s dreams first—and reminding each of us to do the same.

My Thoughts:
Jason and Tay Brown's story is so inspiring. Even though he never planned on playing football, God led him in a different direction. In high school, he picked up football and found he was good. He played in college and went on to be a talented athlete in the NFL. As he played the game and lived the life of one ensconced in a wealthy life, Jason knew he needed to get back to his faith before his family fell apart. He and Tay went through some tough times, even when they had whatever they wanted. But God can turn any life around, if they're willing to listen. I enjoyed the story of Jason and Tay as they moved their family to a farm in North Carolina and trusted God with their future. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Be His Light

Matthew 5:16
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

For the first time in ten days, the sun's rays broke through the clouds and warmed the earth.

When the yellow dwarf star at the center of our universe hides behind the clouds, people notice. In southwest Ohio, we've experienced a cloudy, gray January. Darkness infiltrates the morning and dusk arrives early. But oh how the absence of light makes Ohioans grateful for the dazzling sun.

Dark days cause rejoicing when the brilliant rays brighten the sky.

As I read the news and listen to family and friends, I'm reminded of the darkness surrounding our lives. Between the COVID-19 virus and the political climate, it's difficult to feel anything but doom and gloom. But, there is a light which outshines any darkness.

No matter the situation, no matter the sorrow, the worries, the fear—Jesus light shines brighter.

I read posts on social media which disturb me. Family and friends fighting over what they believe to be true. It's time to stop arguing and embrace God's call to be the light. In professing to follow Christ, I promised to obey his word. In Galatians 5 I read, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. I'm not asked to shout my opinions out loud. Instead I'm asked to illuminate the radiant fruit God wants me to share and offer the fruit of the Spirit through my actions and words.

God calls his followers to be the light—the ones who shine brighter than the evil and distress of the world. Is it easy? Not always. Is it necessary? Yes!

Let the beam of God's goodness overpower the fear and darkness.

Click to Tweet: Be His Light!