Suspense Book Review: Crosshairs by Patricia Bradley (Natchez Trace Park Rangers #3)

Book Description:
Investigative Services Branch (ISB) ranger Ainsley Beaumont arrives in her hometown of Natchez, Mississippi, to investigate the murder of a three-month-pregnant teenager. While she wishes the visit was under better circumstances, she never imagined that she would become the killer's next target--nor that she'd have to work alongside an old flame. 

After he almost killed a child, former FBI sniper Lincoln Steele couldn't bring himself to fire a gun, which had deadly and unforeseen consequences for his best friend. Crushed beneath a load of guilt, Linc is working at Melrose Estate as an interpretive ranger. But as danger closes in on Ainsley during her murder investigation, Linc will have to find the courage to protect her. The only question is, will it be too little, too late?

My Thoughts:
I've enjoyed the books in the Natchez Trace Park Rangers series. Crosshairs is the best one yet. Filled with suspense from start to finish, Bradley kept me on the edge of my seat, as I kept turning pages. Ainsley is a strong protagonist, set on making things right for her aunt and grandmother, even though she is in danger. Linc is scarred by his past, but he cares for Ainsley and wants to protect her, even when he thinks he can't. The many twists and turns kept me guessing who the killer was up to the end of the book. If you enjoy a good suspense story in a unique setting, you'll enjoy Crosshairs. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Our Fingerprints Don't Fade

Luke 1:1-4
Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.

Our fingerprints don't fade from the lives we touch. -Judy Blume

For the last few weeks I've been a member of the launch team for a book called Heirloom: Living and Leaving a Legacy of Faith by Kathy Howard. As I read through stories Kathy included in her collection, I was inspired and encouraged. Many wrote of their grandparents and the example of faith which left an imprint on their lives. I like that Kathy suggests ways to impact our families.

My grammy lived to ninety-two years old, so I enjoyed knowing her into my late forties. She worked as a dorm mom at KCC, where I went to college, managed a trailer park in Florida, and worked in hospital food production. She read and studied her Bible every day and prayed for everyone. She played piano at church and loved listening to Billy Graham. Her faithful fingerprints touched my life. Looking back, I know she influenced me in ways I didn't understand until years later.

The Bible holds four accounts of Jesus life. Luke's writing is the one I read time and again. Known as a physician, he was also a follower of Jesus, and he chose to capture the events he witnessed about his Savior in writing. He says himself other accounts have been drawn up or written, but he wants to leave a legacy of Jesus life for his friend Theophilus.

Luke chose to tell Jesus' story again so others could read it long after he was gone. And we have. The book of Luke, written so many years ago still bears truth and inspires today.

So my question comes to this: What do I want to leave for my family and friends? What fingerprints do I want to leave behind? What footprints? Ones that follow Jesus or the world?

I pray the words I leave on my blog influence others to seek Jesus. I hope my words and actions inspire folks to look to God. I also hope my grandchildren see Jesus in me.

What legacy are you leaving today?

P.S. The photo was taken on the beach at East Fork Lake. Even the animals leave their footprint.

Entering the Season of Thanks

Four-hundred years ago, the the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Native Americans prepared and sat together for the first Thanksgiving meal.

Eighty years ago, the fourth Thursday in November was declared

the national holiday Americans call Thanksgiving.

My word for 2021 has been gratitude. I've tried to keep my focus on what I'm thankful for and the love God pours over me. Even though I've grieved over loss and celebrated with joy, I know whatever my circumstance,

God calls me to be thankful.

As I prepare to enter the month of November, and the season of thanksgiving, I appreciate the example the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoogs set for us.

Let's sit down together in peace and celebrate what we have.

 

Fiction Book Review: A Flicker of Light by Katie Powner

Book Description:
For generations, the Jensens have raised their families in the small Montana town of Moose Creek, where gossip spreads faster than the wind. Yet some secrets need to be told.

When twenty-one-year-old Bea discovers she's pregnant on the heels of her husband losing his job, she's forced to admit she needs help and asks her dad for a place to stay. But past resentments keep her from telling him all that's going on.

Mitch Jensen is thrilled to have a full house again, though he's unimpressed with Bea's decisions: dropping out of college, marrying so young--and to an idealistic city kid, of all things. Mitch hopes to convince Bea to return to the path he's always envisioned for her, but she's changed since her mom died. And he refuses to admit how much he's changed, too, especially now that he might be losing his mother as well.

Grandma June is good at spinning stories, but there's one she's never told. Now that her mind is starting to fade, her time to tell it is running out. But if she reveals the truth before her memories are gone forever, the Jensen family will never be the same.

My Thoughts:
A Flicker of Light is a beautiful story filled with hope, heartache, and possibilities. Mitch Jensen's heart still aches for his wife, who passed away. Bea and her hubby need to start over and figure out their future, with a baby-to-be in tow. Rand wants the best for his wife, whose mind is fading. Grandma June throws an unexpected twist into the story as she begins to forget. The characters and their stories found a place in my heart as I read this heartrending story. I love the next-door neighbor, and Mitch's friend, the pastor. They added so much to this already wonderful story. Katie Powner knows how to write a lovely story. The spiritual thread and family ties blend together beautifully. If you enjoy a good story filled with heart, read A Flicker of Light. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Heirloom: Living and Leaving a Legacy of Faith by Kathy Howard

Book Description:
You WILL leave a spiritual legacy.
The faith, convictions, and sacrifices of those who lived before us help shape our lives today. What will your faith story build for your family?

Heirloom: Living and Leaving a Legacy of Faith tells stories of the past that will impact our faith today. These 52 heart-felt inspirations reveal the seeds of our faith―seeds that sprouted and took root, growing through the centuries to touch our lives today. Heirloom weaves these stories of faith and family history with Scripture, beautiful artwork, and ancestry research tips and techniques. Through these stories of persevering faith, you’ll discover the potential your story has to impact future generations.

Heirloom features 52 inspiring stories of faith from family research, history, and the Bible. It includes genealogy research tips to help you explore your own family tree. And, it also shares biblical and practical tips to inspire you to live out your faith in ways that will impact your family tomorrow. Heirloom encourages you to trace your heritage and document the stories of your ancestors.

My Thoughts:
Heirloom's gorgeous illustrations drew me in as I started reading the stories about the past that connect with the present. As I've gotten older, I've wondered what kind of a legacy I'd leave behind. Would my grandchildren know how much I love Jesus, or how much I love them? Would my writing leave a trail that leads to the heart of God? I hope so. As I read through the stories Kathy gathered, I enjoyed the memories and examples of faith. Kathy Howard has also added wonderful tips for genealogists and those interested in finding out more about family history. There is also a place in the back to write your own heirloom legacy story. If you enjoy stories that inspire, you'll want to order a copy of Heirloom. This would make a lovely gift as well. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.  

He Can Handle It

Philippians 4:13
I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Cool weather, apple cider slushies, and grandkids at the pumpkin farm made for a wonderful fall day.

Photo by Sara Hatch

My daughter, her husband, and three of my grandkids took our annual trip to the pumpkin farm to celebrate the arrival of autumn. The day progressed from chilly to cool as the sun shined on us. We climbed on a wagon and road through the fields on an old-fashioned hay ride. The kids played games and climbed on the hay bales in the barn. They peddled three wheelers and looked at a python (I kept my distance.) Then we discovered an obstacle course and mini-zipline. Zeke wanted to run the obstacle course, and I said, "Sure, go for it." I asked Eli if he'd like to do it. He replied, "If you go, I will." Being the Grammy I am, I couldn't say no. We walked tight wires, uneven bars, treaded through tires, and climbed bridges, and I only fell off once. Thankfully the course sat low to the ground, and I didn't have much chance of getting hurt. Eli, Zeke, and Ella Cate tried the course several more times while I basked in the glory of going once.

Sometimes, God tests us, He gives us challenges. If we think about them too long, fear may creep in. An attitude of "I can't" may color our decisions. But God won't leave me hanging if I take the challenge, or face the test. There is a saying "God won't give us more than we can handle." The truth is God won't give us more than He can handle. I can't rely on myself when I'm faced with trials, challenges, or circumstances beyond my control. I can however, depend on God. He has the power to overcome. He takes my fears and turns them into courage. Whether I believe in myself or not, I'm comforted by the fact that God believes in me.

Trust God with the challenges of life.

Harvest or Seeds

Farmers are in the midst of harvest. Corn, soy beans, apples.

To get to this point in the growing season, they had to plant. 

Life isn't just about reaping what we sow. 

There's a season of sowing. Whether planting seeds or planting a tree, 

anyone who expects to gather must first plant.

What seeds are we scattering today?

What seeds are we planting in our children?