Historical Fiction: Ever Constant (The Treasure of Nome series, book 3) by Tracie Peterson & Kimberley Woodhouse

Book Description:

She's always determined to be the stable, reliable one. But now her commitment may destroy her.

On the surface, Whitney Powell is happy working with her sled dogs and welcoming the new additions to her family through her sisters' marriages and an upcoming birth. But her life is full of complications, including an estranged father, that have her on the edge of losing control. Growing up, she was the strong sister, and she can't give that up now.

When villagers in outlying areas come down with a horrible sickness, Dr. Peter Cameron turns to Whitney and her dogs for help navigating the deep snow, and they become close while ministering to the sick together. Peter has long recognized her finer qualities but is troubled by the emotions and secrets she keeps buried within. He wants to help but wonders if she is more of a risk than his heart can take.

As sickness spreads throughout Nome and another man courts Whitney, she and Peter will discover that sometimes it is only in weakness that you can find strength.

My Thoughts:
When I chose to read Ever Constant, I didn't realize it was book three of a series. It didn't matter, as I read, I learned enough about the other two books to understand this beautifully written story. Whitney is an amazing and strong woman, who raises sled dogs. She had taken care of her family for years and tried her best to always be strong. Dr. Peter Cameron is the perfect hero, flaws, fears and all. The two of them try so hard to make up for past mistakes while heading into difficult situations. I read the story during a winter snowstorm here in Ohio. While I can't imagine living in Alaska in the early 1900s, tromping out in the snow with my dog brought a better picture of what life might have been like for them. Peterson and Woodhouse have created memorable, strong characters, addressed an addiction, showed family love, and amazing faith in this wonderful story of perseverance. If you enjoy historical fiction with heart, you'll like Ever Constant. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Gracious Words

Proverbs 16:23-24

The hearts of the wise make their mouths prudent,
    and their lips promote instruction.
Gracious words are a honeycomb,
    sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

The purple powder puffs attracted bees. 

Along the shore of Lake Erie, on a Port Clinton beach, nodding thistle grew. Their purple heads bobbed in the breeze as bees buzzed around them. The little winged creatures sought out the sweet nectar the thistle offered. So content to collect the liquid from the plant, the bees ignored me as I snapped their photo. They were intent on gathering the ingredients to make honey, a sweet reward.

Unfortunately, in our busy lives sweetness doesn't always abound. Have you ever said something you wished you could take back as soon as the words left your mouth? I have. Instead of lifting someone up; I said things that hurt. In junior high school, before I became a Christian, I remember saying something offensive to a girl I barely knew, to this day I wish I hadn't said anything. I not only hurt her feelings, but I carried the burden of speaking without thinking with me. I don't even remember what I said, but I know it upset her.

Maybe it's a good thing the pain I caused stayed with me—as a reminder that God wants me to choose my words wisely, to run what I say through His filter and determine if it is hurtful or kind. The lesson has stuck with me for years.

Every person is going through something. Difficulties have touched everyone, especially during the pandemic. Proverbs tells me gracious and kind words sooth and heal. With February proclaimed the month of love, help me spread love, kindness, and joy to every person. Instead of spitting negative thoughts into the air, let honey pour from our lips.

Speak with the graciousness and spread God's love.

 

Keep Making a Difference

We need honeybees to keep our food and flowers growing.

These little creatures nab the nectar and pollen and pollinate other plants.

And they make delicious honey.

Humans may measure God's plan by their standards,

but in God's eyes, we all have an important role in His kingdom, 

not matter how big or small.

Be like the bee and keep making a difference. 

 

Time-slip Fiction Review: Where the Last Rose Blooms (Heirloom Secrets book 3) by Ashley Clark

Book Description:
Alice runs a New Orleans flower shop alongside her aunt, but thoughts of her mother, who went missing during Hurricane Katrina, are never far from her mind. After getting off on the wrong foot with a handsome yet irritating man who comes to her shop, Alice soon realizes their worlds overlap--and the answers they both seek can be found in the same place.

In 1861 Charleston, Clara is known to be a rule follower--but the war has changed her. Unbeknownst to her father, who is heavily involved with the Confederacy, she is an abolitionist and is prepared to sacrifice everything for the cause. With assistance from a dashing Union spy, she attempts to help an enslaved woman reunite with her daughter. But things go very wrong when Clara agrees to aid the Northern cause by ferrying secret information about her father's associates.

Faced with the unknown, both women will have to dig deep to let their courage bloom.

My Thoughts:
I've adored each book in the Heirloom Secrets series, but I think I enjoyed Where the Last Rose Blooms the most. Book 3 ties up the series in a beautiful way, with family helping family and weaving all the pieces together. I love the references to what flowers mean throughout the story and the incredible coding system used by Rose. This book is filled with wonderful characters and a few rogues. If you enjoy time-slip novels and stories connected to the Civil War, you'll enjoy this story. I've been to New Orleans and Charleston where much of the story is set and loved visiting again through Clark's rich description. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Embrace Courage

Acts 4:13
When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. 

I zipped across the water.

Not a fan of heights, I stood on the wooden tower, harness fastened, and looked across the lake to my daughter. She waited for me to step off the platform and fly across the expanse on a cable. And I did. I raised my arms and screamed as I flew to the destination. Stepping off the secure place where I stood took courage. I had no experience with ziplining, but I wanted to give it a try. The camp counselor gave me the equipment I needed to accomplish the task. 

I'd worked years on my manuscript, here and there when time allowed. After editing and tweaking. I finally typed the end. God gave me the opportunity to send the full manuscript to a publisher. My stomach quivered, and my hand shook a little as I pressed send. Sending my book baby out into the world took courage. God gave me the tools and resources to accomplish the task.

After Jesus death and resurrection, His disciples, Peter and John, were given the power to heal. They moved through the community and placed their hands on the sick and weary and restored them. Those who witnessed their deeds spoke of their courage as ordinary men who loved Jesus. Just weeks before, Jesus had died a horrible death and there were people who hated Jesus and wanted to see his ministry end. Those same adversaries kept an eye on Peter and John as they bravely continued teaching about and living for Jesus. God gave them the gift of healing to accomplish the task.

Even in America, land of the free and home of the brave, it's not always easy to speak freely about Jesus and his grace. God calls each of us to serve Him, and He equips us in whatever task He sets before us.

Whatever God puts on your heart, embrace courage, use the resources and gifts He gives, and go forward.  

Let Go and Let God

I've not crossed an ocean, 

but I have had to take my eyes off my comfort zone

and allow God to work in my life.

Writing and publishing seemed like the wide expanse of the sea,

with me swimming in choppy waters.

If I hadn't let go of my fear and anxiety and allowed God to work through me, 

I'd not know the joy of embracing courage 

and experiencing the journey God set for me. 

What do you need to let go of and give to God?

 

Writing Article on Blue Ridge Mountain Conference Blog

 I have a writing article on Blue Ridge Mountain Conference blog today.

Write What Your Character Tells You