Historical Fiction Book Review: Dreams Rekindled (Mesquite Springs #2) by Amanda Cabot

Book Description:
Though she hopes for a quiet, uncomplicated life for herself, Dorothy Clark wants nothing more than to stir others up. Specifically, she dreams of writing something that will challenge people as much as Harriet Beecher Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin seems to have. But in 1850s Mesquite Springs, there are few opportunities for writers--until newspaperman Brandon Holloway arrives, that is.

Brandon Holloway has seen the disastrous effects of challenging others and has no intention of repeating that mistake. Instead of following his dreams, he's committed to making a new--and completely uncontroversial--start in the Hill Country.

As Dorothy's involvement in the fledgling newspaper grows from convenient to essential, the same change seems to be happening in Brandon's heart. But before romance can bloom, Dorothy and Brandon must work together to discover who's determined to divide the town and destroy Brandon's livelihood.

My Thoughts:
I enjoyed returning to Mesquite Springs in Dreams Rekindled. Dorothy has determined she’ll never marry. If she doesn’t fall in love, life will be easier, less hurtful. And she’s determined to follow her dream of being a writer like Harriet Beecher Stowe. Brandon fears repeating the mistakes of his past, so he’s playing it safe as the new editor of the local newspaper. The two work together and fall into a comfortable rhythm until they see each other as more than friends. Dorothy’s character is strong, independent, and trusts God with her future. Brandon is humble, honest, and kind. I love the comradery they share working together and the story of their possible romance. The story also has plenty of excitement and action when deception and danger come to town. Cabot’s depiction of the era invites the reader to walk the streets of Mesquite Springs with the characters and maybe visit Polly’s Place. Cabot’s references to the folks from book #1 of the series was fun, as well. If you enjoy books set in small towns in the 1800s, you’ll love this series. Dreams Rekindled can be read as a standalone, but why not read them all? I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Book #1 Out of the Embers review.

Look for Wonder in Spring

March offers the first warm days that lead into spring.

Green sprouts from the ground.

The daffodils, hyacinth, and tulips awaken.

Crocus open in colors of joy.

Embrace the Wonder!

 

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Window to the Soul

Ephesians 1:18-19a
I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. 

Due to COVID-19 rules, all the spectators wore masks in the gym.

The fifth-grade boys ran up and back, shot baskets, and defended their team. We cheered them as they played hard. Tim and I especially enjoyed the enthusiasm of one of the grandparents. She said she played ball back in the day, and I could tell she loved cheering for her grandson.

A week later in a different gym, we sat at the top, away from most everyone. But after the game, I saw the grandma we sat near the week before. Even though we wore our masks, I could see the smile in her eyes. She waved and pumped her hands in the air because she saw me as a co-conspirator and cheerleader for our team. But her eyes told the story. They shared joy, recognition, and excitement.

In our mask wearing society, I’ve noticed peoples’ eyes more. Some look weary and sad, some happy and smiling, while others stare into the distance hoping for better days.

Some say the eyes are the window to the soul.

Paul prayed for the Ephesian church, that the eyes of their heart would be enlightened to hope in Jesus. What do my eyes reflect? Hope—or despair and sadness. As a believer in Jesus, I’m called to show the Lord to the people around me. I pray my eyes glimmer with hope, kindness, and love, for those are the things God asks me to carry in my heart.

Eyes express genuine feelings and reflections of the heart. What do our eyes show others? Confidence? Contentment? Anger? Fear? Peace? Love?

With your eyes as the window to your soul, what will you show the folks you meet?

A Dare to the Soul

Our eyes may only see the obvious.

Yet, our hearts long to see more.

God created us to see beyond ourselves and dare to choose faith.

 

Book Review: Blackberry Beach (Hope Harbor Novel #7) by Irene Hannon

Book Description:
Katherine Parker is on the cusp of having everything she ever wanted--fame, money, and acclaim. So why isn't she happy? In search of answers, she comes incognito to Hope Harbor on the Oregon coast for some R&R. Maybe in her secluded rental house overlooking the serene Pacific she'll be able to calm the storm inside.

Coffee shop owner Zach Garrett has found his niche after a traumatic loss--and he has no plans to change the life he's created. Nor does he want to get involved with his reticent new neighbor, whose past is shrouded in mystery. He's had enough drama to last a lifetime. But when Katherine and Zach are recruited to help rehab a home for foster children, sparks fly. And as their lives begin to intersect, might they find more common ground than they expected . . . and discover that, with love, all things are possible?

My Thoughts:
I absolutely love all the Hope Harbor books, and Blackberry Beach doesn’t disappoint. In book seven, Katherine arrives in Hope Harbor to relax and ponder her future. She’s on the verge of success and burn-out as she tries to figure out her future. Zach, Hope Harbor’s barista and coffee shop owner, considers his dating life, or the lack thereof. A kind young man with no prospects in sight meets Kat and the sparks fly, but she needs to hide her identity. As I read of Zach and Kat ambling along Blackberry Beach, I felt the ocean breeze and smelled the salt air of that magical place. Of course, Gladys, Floyd, and Charlie are back. They always bring fun and insight to the story. Hannon delves deep into her characters’ emotions as she ties in their backstory (including a story about Zach’s aunt) and spiritual threads. The references to other Hope Harbor residents who appeared in the first six books is like finding hidden treasure. If you haven’t read the series, Blackberry Beach can be read as a stand-alone. But the series is oh-so-good! If you enjoy reading entertaining and heartfelt stories, you’ll love this one. And I’ll warn you, you may be craving chocolate truffles by the end. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Start Fresh

1 John 1:8-9
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 

I’m sorry Mrs. McGinnis.

He looked at his feet as he placed the picture book, swollen with water damage, on my desk. Every single page rippled. Mold had started growing around the edges. The book, deemed ruined, lay there like a sad proclamation of what not to do. The little guy had left the book under the tree in his backyard. That evening the skies opened and the rain poured. By the time he found the book, the water had done its damage.

What a brave boy to bring the book back to me and confess what happened. Embarrassed, he stood before me no doubt wondering what kind of punishment he’d receive. I knew he had little money and couldn’t replace the book, so I had to think of a way to instill the care of books without him thinking it was okay to leave a book outside.

I knelt in front of him, and we talked about what happened. He understood he couldn’t do it again, but there might be consequences. I asked him if it was okay with him if I showed the book to the class and talked about what water damage does to a book. I promised not to use his name. He beamed over helping the class, even as he showed remorse over his mistake. You see, I forgave him, and he knew he got a second chance.

God gives me second chances (notice the plural.) I know I sin. Whatever the sin is, God has mercy and grace and will forgive me, if I ask. Yes, it’s on me to communicate with God and let him know how sorry I am, and I won’t do it again.

Often, consequences result from sin. Like the little guy with the book. He had to own up to his error and he knew there would be some repercussion. But he was willing to seek forgiveness and do what needed done to right the wrong.

When I sin and seek forgiveness, God pours his grace over me and says try again. Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead as a sacrifice for all sins. He gave his life for mine. That blows my mind, he loves me so much.

I am overwhelmed by the beauty of Jesus' love for me.

When you sin, seek God. In his great wisdom, with grace and mercy, he forgives. Then start fresh with renewed hope.