Historical Fiction Book Review: Yours is the Night by Amanda Dykes

Book Description:
A mysterious song in the forest . . .
A discovery in war-torn France . . .
A journey toward hope.

The trenches of the Great War are a shadowed place. Though Platoon Sergeant Matthew Petticrew arrived there with a past long marked by shadow, the realities of battle bring new wounds--carving within him a longing for light, and a resolve to fight for it.

One night, Matthew and his comrades are enraptured by a sound so pure, a voice so ethereal, it offers reprieve--even if only for a moment. Soon, rumors sweep the trenches from others who have heard the lullaby too. "The Angel of Argonne," they call the voice: a mysterious presence who leaves behind wreaths on unmarked graves.
 
Raised in the wild depths of the Forest of Argonne, Mireilles finds her reclusive world rocked when war crashes into her idyllic home, taking much from her. When Matthew and his two unlikely companions discover Mireilles, they must embark on a journey that will change each of them forever . . . and perhaps, at long last, spark light into the dark.

On the 100th anniversary of the dedication of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier comes an emotive tale inspired by the courageous soldiers of World War I.

My Thoughts:
Yours is the Night filled me with hope and a better understanding of what the military endured during WW1. In the darkest of times during a great war, sparks of light shine through the darkness. Amanda Dykes, an amazing storyteller, created such real characters they could walk off the page. I love Matthew and his constant awareness and desire to protect. Mireilles strength and faith inspire. George's journey of faith and Henry's documentation weave together the heartache of war with the hope of the future. Captain Jasper Truett carried his heart into battle, as he grew to admire the men in his charge. Written from five points of view, Dykes lyrical words painted such vivid pictures, I felt like I was in the midst of the war with the characters. This story kept me reading well past my bedtime. I've enjoyed every book she's written, but I think this one outshines them all. If you enjoy a great story filled with amazing characters, read Yours is the Night. (Sidenote: I love the gorgeous cover.) I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Most of All be Kind

Colossians 3:12-14
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Glitter, sparkle, shine, but most of all be kind.

When my kids were growing up, our home was kind of messy. We crafted, drew, glued, and sewed. If the girls had a school project with friends, our house was often the one where they made dioramas, science projects, and book reports. On Valentine's Day and Christmas the cards required as much glitter as they would hold. Little hands scattered the shiny sparkles over white glue and made a fine mess. Sort of like the sprinkles we shook over Christmas cookies. When I attempted to vacuum the tiny, sparkly pieces, I inevitably left some behind. It seemed like I'd find glitter for months, after a project.

What would the world look like if we sprinkled kindness and compassion like glitter? So much so, that the kindness stuck around and was difficult to remove. In the third chapter of Colossians, Paul addresses the church. A place where kindness and compassion should indeed be present. Yet, he had to remind the very people who said they loved Jesus to be kind. I imagine if Paul lived today, he would preach his message in homes, workplaces, at sporting events, and in public spaces.

In a world where we can be anything, shouldn't we be kind? Considerate? Thoughtful? And shouldn't those traits be so ingrained we don't have to think about them. I know sometimes I don't feel kind, I get grumpy like everyone else, but Jesus calls me to have compassion, so I need to work on that daily.

Jesus loves people. When he walked the earth, he showed kindness. Even when he rebuked or corrected someone, he did it with love.

Sprinkle kindness like glitter, so it sticks around. 

Catch the Wonder

As I was walking my daughter's dog, I enjoyed the flowers I found along the way.

I came across the one in the picture, which I'd never seen before.

After I snapped a photo, I checked my plant identification app.

This beauty is called the passion flower or maypop, a vine with an intricate flower.

If I hadn't been paying attention, I would have missed this interesting plant.

I want to catch the wonder of God's creation every chance I have.

 

Christmas Novella Review: A Christmas in the Alps by Melody Carlson

Book Description:
After a time of heartache and loss, Simone Winthrop discovers a tantalizing letter from her French great-grandmother, which seems to suggest that she is heir to a family treasure. Ever practical, Simone assumes the claim is baseless, but her best friend encourages her to find out for sure. Despite her deep-rooted fear of flying, Simone boards a jet to travel to Paris at Christmastime to uncover the truth.

During the long flight, Simone meets the charming Kyle Larsson, who's on his way to France to become an apprentice clockmaker. Though they abruptly part ways, an unexpected rendezvous in the French Alps at Simone's family's clock factory may lead to the discovery of the family treasure . . . and so much more.

For anyone who is wearying of staying home, Melody Carlson invites you to spend Christmas with her in the beautiful French Alps this year. So pull on your mittens, tie your scarf tight, and prepare yourself for a magical mountain holiday.

My Thoughts:
A Christmas in the Alps is a lovely story of family, reflection, and holiday joy. Melody Carlson has created the perfect story to sweep the reader away to the Swiss Alps for a beautiful holiday experience. I enjoyed the family history Simone discovered when she arrived in their little hometown, snuggled into the Alps. The setting is perfect for a holiday tale. As Simone searches for her family treasure, she finds much more than she ever expected. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Grieve With Hope

1 Thessalonians 4:13-14
Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 

As a believer, I grieve with hope.

About a month after I retired, we knew our lab-retriever wasn't long for this world. Tater's illness got worse every day. I had thought he'd be by my side as I sat in my chair and wrote stories and devotions. Because he enjoyed laying on the floor under the footrest, I had to be careful when I got up, or I'd bonk him on the head. As I watched him struggle to rise from the floor, realization sunk in that he'd go to doggie heaven (I’d like to think there is such a thing, but I have no proof) later that summer. I still miss my furry buddy.

When Tater passed away, I grieved. Yes, he was a dog but the sadness still overwhelmed me. When my dad, my grammy, my aunt, and my friends left this earth, I grieved. Grief is a natural part of life and the process looks different for everyone. I might cry, sit in silence, go through the motions of living, while someone else might go back to work or shut down.

Tim Peace, our associate minister, reminded us that if we have faith in Jesus, we grieve with hope.

Yes—it hurts, yes—we may get angry, yes—depression may set in, but even in our sorrow and sadness Jesus offers hope. At the end of 1 Thessalonians 4, Paul tells the people to encourage one another. Remind each other of the hope we have in Jesus so everyone will have the chance to claim the inheritance of heaven.

I believe in the hope of heaven and the hope of being reunited with my loved ones. Through faith, God offers the promise of heaven.

Look to Jesus for strength and peace.

Historical Fiction Review: The Warrior and Lady Rebel (Warrior Bride book 1) By Teresa Smyser

Book Description:
Lightning and thunder crash around her as Elizabeth runs from her pursuer. She rests for only a moment ... or so she thinks. Castles ... swords ... men of war ... Elizabeth is stunned! How did she arrive in England? Who brought her here? As she struggles to uncover the events that landed her at Fairwick Castle, nothing is as it should be. Danger surrounds her. Forced to put her trust in the arrogant Lord Nicolas Fairwick, Elizabeth prays for God’s intervention.

My Thoughts:
I enjoy reading stories set in the Middle Ages. Elizabeth, even though she has amnesia, pulls herself together to be a spunky, honest woman, determined to do what is right. Lord Nicolas Fairwick is a medieval overseer of the castle who sometimes lets his power get in the way of his intentions. They are two people who need each other. They just have to figure it out. This book is filled with adventure. At times I cringed because of the stories of the characters who caused heartache for the pair, while other times I cheered for the bravery and fearlessness of Lady Elizabeth and the kindness and caring of Lord Fairwick. There are some difficult circumstances in the story, but they make Lord Fairwick fight to be a kindhearted man. I enjoyed the comradery of the three brothers and their sister as well as the relationship between the staff and the royals. If you enjoy medieval historical novels with a bit more bite to them, you'll like The Warrior and the Lady Rebel. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

He Strengthens our Hearts

Following Jesus is not for the faint of heart.

The good news is, God will strengthen us. 

Bible reading, prayer, and relationship build spiritual muscles that include our hearts.

I pray He strengthens your hearts as we live for Him.