Never Too Old

Some birthdays seem more significant than others.

 

Sixteenth, thirtieth, fiftieth, and now my sixty-fifth.

I like this quote by C.S. Lewis:

"You are never too old to set another goal or

to dream another dream.

I may be an official senior citizen, but I choose to keep dreaming 

and goal setting because I know God has purpose for my life.

We're never too old to serve God and love people.

At 95, when she could do little else, my mom prayed for folks and sent cards.

At 92, my gram helped her friends, studied her Bible, and prayed.

Never discount your life in God's hands.

Romantic Suspense: Edge of Dusk (An Annie Pederson Novel Book 1) by Colleen Coble

What it’s About:
Even though secrets lie off the coast of Rock Harbor, the truth will set Annie Pederson free—if it doesn’t kill her first. Return to the beloved town of Rock Harbor in the first installment of a new series by bestselling suspense author Colleen Coble.

Nine-year-old Annie Pederson’s life changed the night her sister was kidnapped. The two had been outside playing on a dock, and Annie never forgave herself for her role in her sister’s disappearance. Twenty-four years later and now a law enforcement ranger, Annie is still searching for answers as she grieves a new loss: the death of her husband and parents in a boating accident.

But Annie and her eight-year-old daughter, Kylie, aren’t the only people in the town of Rock Harbor whose lives have been marred by tragedy. While managing the property around the Tremolo Resort and Marina she inherited, Annie discovers a dead body floating in the cold Superior surf and begins to work with the sheriff’s office to tie the death to a series of other mysterious reports in the area.

At the same time, her first love, Jon Dustan, returns after nine years away, reigniting the town’s memory of a cold case he’d been suspiciously linked to before he left to pursue his orthopedic residency. For the sake of her investigation and her heart, Annie tries to stay away. But avoiding Jon becomes impossible once Annie realizes she is being targeted by someone desperate to keep secrets from the past hidden.

In this new series, bestselling romantic-suspense author Colleen Coble returns to one of her most beloved towns, where familiar faces—and unsolved cases—await.

My Thoughts:
I enjoyed going back to Rock Harbor and thought the appearances of characters from Coble’s other Rock Harbor books was a great addition to the story. Coble’s layering of emotion, experience, and determination creates depth in the characters and makes the story more intense. Lots of mystery and uncertainty make Edge of Dusk a true page turner, and without giving anything away, the ending makes me want the next book in the series now. The setting is beautiful, yet full of mystery, like another character added to the story. If you enjoy romantic suspense, you’ll want to read Colleen Coble’s Edge of Dusk. I’ve never read a Coble book I didn’t like. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I See the Light

Psalm 27:1
The Lord is my light and my salvation—
    whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life—
    of whom shall I be afraid?

A green light shone every six seconds.

Seventy-seven steps. The number of stairs a person would need to climb to get to the top of Marblehead Lighthouse. Tim and I have climbed those steps to the top, in the daytime, where we stood against the railing and viewed Kelleys Island in Lake Erie. When we turned to face the lighthouse, we peeked in on the magnificent LED lights that shine in the night.

We are drawn to the lighthouse at dusk, when the green light flashes every six seconds. There isn’t a beam, like a search light, instead there is a steady lamplight warning boats of the hazard of the nearby land and rocks.

Boats aren’t the only thing aware of the light at night. Mayflies are drawn to it. They appear around May, June, and July on Lake Erie. If there are a large number of the flying creatures, the lake is clean because these insects choose a clean environment to lay eggs. On Kelleys Island, I asked a young lady if they were bothered with mayflies. She told me they mostly come out at night because they love the light.

In my everyday life, God is my lighthouse. He’s not shining a search light, instead He’s a steady beam of light which draws me to Him out of the darkness of our broken world. Like the boats, I need Him to warn me of the dangers, and like the mayfly, I’m drawn to Him as my shelter.

David reminds me God is my stronghold and my shelter. I have no need to fear, because He’s the light which draws me to Him and the salvation for my soul.

When I keep my focus to God’s light, as I walk through this dark world, hope wells up in me and I embrace His peace.

Seek God’s light and salvation.

Welcome: Author, Kathleen Friesen

I’ve invited author, Kathleen Friesen to visit my blog today. Kathleen lives in Canada and has been my critique partner for a while, now.

Let's start with a few quick get to know you questions: 

Coffee, Tea, or Water?

Yes! I drink all of them, but not together. :)

Do you have a favorite song?

It’s hard to choose, but the first one that came to mind is Great is Thy Faithfulness.

Do you have a favorite season?

Spring and Fall, but Summer in Saskatchewan is wonderful, too – not too hot, and we get to go camping.

If you could travel anywhere without worry about cost, where would you travel?

Health issues are an even bigger consideration than cost, but if neither were a problem, I would love to travel across Europe, to marvel at ancient, magnificent structures and enjoy the beauty of lands that have been inhabited for thousands of years.

What genre do you enjoy reading?

Christian Fiction is my favorite. Christian Romantic Suspense, Cozy Mysteries and intriguing non-fiction also draw me.

When you aren’t reading or writing, what do you like to do?

Interacting with family and friends, learning – especially digging deeper into God’s Word,
gardening and baking are great ways to spend time.

What is your favorite Bible verse? Why?

Depends on the need, but I often turn to Romans 15:13, because we so desperately need hope. God is the source of hope, and I’m forever grateful He chose me to be His child.

How can we pray for you?

I always need clarity of thought, wisdom and heaps of encouragement. That I would continue to be God’s vessel, whether in writing or anything else.

Kathleen's book Hearts Unbroken: embraces the aftermath of abortion in this story of faith, love, and abundant grace.

To Logan Rockwell, Paige Donnelly is his younger sister’s flirty friend—nothing more—until he rescues her from a horrific accident and yearns to be more than her hero.

Paige’s crush on Logan and dreams of catching his attention began years ago. Although the crash brought them together, her dreams died with a choice she’d made and would always regret.
Can Paige find forgiveness for what she feels is an unforgivable wrong? Can Logan be her forever hero, or will his ambition destroy their chance at lasting love?

Let’s talk about writing:

What has been the biggest challenge for you on your writing journey?

Discouragement, especially when it comes to marketing. The whole concept scares me!

How long does it take you to write a book?

Anywhere from one to five years. It depends of my health, physical and emotional, as well as the busyness of life. Sharing good stories is a passion but not my livelihood.

If someone were reading your books for the first time, which book would you recommend they start with?

Either Melody’s Song or Hearts Unfolding, since they each begin a series. Melody’s Song is followed by Nila’s Hope and Redemption’s Whisper.

I believe you have a new release can you tell us about it?

Hearts Unbroken, book 2 in the Rockwell Chronicles, is my new release, and it shares Logan Rockwell’s and Paige Donnelly’s story. Paige has had a crush on Logan for years, but a choice she made has destroyed her dreams of ever being worthy of love. Hearts Unbroken deals compassionately and honestly with the touchy subject of abortion and its aftermath.

Hearts Unbroken releases in e-book form July 1, 2022, and I hope to have the print version ready a month later. I’m also re-releasing the first book in the Rockwell Series, a second edition with a new cover. That’s supposed to happen this summer also. When they’re all ready to go, I plan to have a sale on both!

Do you find yourself returning to a similar theme in your novels or do you have a new message with each release?

In each of my books, faith, forgiveness and hope are vital, and I love watching my characters grow to realize that God is waiting to heal their brokenness.

Is there a certain Bible passage or verse that goes along with the theme of your book?

2 Corinthians 7:10 talks about the difference between a godly grief that leads to repentance and salvation and the worldly grief that can lead to death – such a vital difference! Paige needed to learn this lesson.

Ephesians 1:7 goes with the theme, too: In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.

Did you enjoy creating one character more than another? If so, why?

Because Paige was a troubled character, I loved watching her grow, but I’d have to say I enjoyed Logan more. He appeared in Hearts Unfolding, and this story gave me the chance to get to know him better.

If you could be any of your characters, which one would it be? Why?

Tough question! I guess I’d love to be more like both Miss Glorie and Stacey Rockwell. Their wisdom and compassion inspire me.

 I have to say, I loved Miss Glory. She’s a dear character.

How do you select the names of your characters?

I look up baby names for the years they would have been born and try them out. Some I have changed mid-story, because the original names didn’t fit their emerging personalities.

Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?

I never considered doing that, but it’s an intriguing idea!

Thank you for joining me today!

I’m excited about your book and can tell readers I enjoyed Hearts Unbroken. I love how Paige and Logan’s story begins and ends. The way God’s love and forgiveness works through Paige and Logan’s life is beautiful. Kennedy’s little boy, Levi, is a favorite of mine, he’s a sweet boy with a caring heart. Kathleen has written a wonderful story of forgiveness and starting over as Paige walked the path of grief and redemption.

Good News and a Gift!

Would you love to have good news come to your email box? Do you have friends who would enjoy Hope for Today’s Heart newsletter? I’d love to have you on board.

July is my birthday, and this one is a milestone. A lot of people don’t like to talk about age, but I don’t mind. I’m grateful everyday for one more day to spend with my family and friends.

To celebrate, I want to give one of my reader friends a gift for my 65^th birthday!

Sign up for my newsletter by July 12, 2022, unless you’re already a subscriber, then you’ll be entered automatically, to have a chance to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card. I'll contact the winner by July 15, 2022.

Here’s the link to sign up for the newsletter: Sign Up Here

When you sign up, check your email for a confirmation post. If you don't see it, it may be in junk mail. 

Thank you!!!

Be Still

When I sit on a rock under Marblehead Lighthouse, my mind stills.

Most days my brain spins a dozen directions, but God has given me
this one place where I can guarantee I will be still.

I also enjoy my flower bed when I water it or sit in my Adirondack chair
and soak in the beauty of the blooms.

Sometimes in our busy lives, sitting silent and 
letting the Holy Spirit speak is difficult, yet necessary.

Find a place to be still, and soak in
the love of God and His amazing creation. 

It's okay to rest the body and mind and allow yourself to recharge.

Fiction Review: The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip: A Novel by Sara Brunsvold

Book Description:
Aidyn Kelley is talented, ambitious, and ready for a more serious assignment than the fluff pieces she's been getting as a cub reporter for the Kansas City Star. In her eagerness, she pushes too hard, earning herself the menial task of writing an obituary for an unremarkable woman who's just entered hospice care.

But there's more to Clara Kip than meets the eye. The spirited septuagenarian may be dying, but she's not quite ready to cash it in yet. Never one to shy away from an assignment herself, she can see that God brought the young reporter into her life for a reason. And if it's a story Aidyn Kelley wants, that's just what Mrs. Kip will give her--but she's going to have to work for it.

Debut author Sara Brunsvold delights with this emotional multigenerational story that shows that the very best life is made up of thousands of little deaths to self. You'll want to be just like Mrs. Kip when you grow up!

My Thoughts:
The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip took great talent and understanding to write. Brunsvold created a beautiful story of life and death that touched on every emotion. Clara Kip believes in God and trusts Him in everything, but only after life had tromped on her heart. Aidyn Kelley wants to succeed as the journalist she knows she can be, if only the editor would give her the chance. Through connections unknown to Aidyn, she is given an assignment that involves Mrs. Kip. The more she learns about the woman, the more fascinated she becomes. If you want to read a story that tugs at the heart-strings and leaves you with hope, this one is for you. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.