Historical Fiction Book Review: Forgotten Memories by Penny Zeller

What it’s About:
Some memories are best forgotten…

The Wyoming Territory is rife with lawlessness and disorder, something Annie Ledbetter and her parents discover when their wagon train is robbed. Seven years later, Annie settles into her lifelong dream as a teacher in the small town of Willow Falls. When she meets handsome rancher Caleb Eliason through a humorous misunderstanding, she is quickly drawn to his kind heart and charming smile.

Former outlaw Caleb Eliason embraces his chance at a fresh start. Gone are the days of robbing stagecoaches and wagon trains. When he falls in love with the new Willow Falls teacher, he doesn’t realize they’ve met before—under much different circumstances. When his past comes to light, will it put the growing love between them at risk?

Can forgiveness and redemption heal two broken hearts or will the past keep them from sharing a future?

My Thoughts:
I enjoy books set in the old west with settlers trying to make their way. Regardless of a rocky start to the settlement, and a haunting memory, Annie Ledbetter grew up loving her new home. As she sets out on her own to become the new school teacher in a nearby town, something about handsome rancher, Caleb Eliason seems familiar. They getting to know one another when Zeller throws in an unexpected twist. I liked this story because Annie and Caleb had an unsurmountable obstacle to overcome without an easy solution, and the faith and forgiveness woven into the story give the promise of hope. If you enjoy stories set in the old west, you’ll want to read Forgotten Memories. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

In the Storm

On Lake Michigan, the storm created ocean-like waves. 

They surged toward the beach and washed the land. A man, we met by the lighthouse, jumped in the waves and rode his paddle board to shore. 

Rather than fear the waves, he plunged in. 

I'm not sure I would take on a challenge like that, but I have learned to ride out the storms of life with Jesus by my side. 

He gives me confidence and hope for better days.

 

Book Spotlight: Forgotten Memories by Penny Zeller

 

Some memories are best forgotten…

The Wyoming Territory is rife with lawlessness and disorder, something Annie Ledbetter and her parents discover when their wagon train is robbed. Seven years later, Annie settles into her lifelong dream as a teacher in the small town of Willow Falls. When she meets handsome rancher Caleb Eliason through a humorous misunderstanding, she is quickly drawn to his kind heart and charming smile.

Former outlaw Caleb Eliason embraces his chance at a fresh start. Gone are the days of robbing stagecoaches and wagon trains. When he falls in love with the new Willow Falls teacher, he doesn’t realize they’ve met before—under much different circumstances. When his past comes to light, will it put the growing love between them at risk?

Can forgiveness and redemption heal two broken hearts or will the past keep them from sharing a future?

 

Purchase Forgotten Memories:

Amazon

Penny Zeller is known for her heartfelt stories of faith and her passion to impact lives for Christ through fiction. While she has had a love for writing since childhood, she began her adult writing career penning articles for national and regional publications on a wide variety of topics. Today, Penny is the author of over a dozen books. She is also a homeschool mom and a fitness instructor.

When Penny is not dreaming up new characters, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters, camping, hiking, canoeing, reading, running,
cycling, gardening, and playing volleyball.

She is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency and loves to hear from her readers at her website www.pennyzeller.com and her blog, random thoughts from a day in the life of a wife, mom, and author, at www.pennyzeller.wordpress.com.

 

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Christmas Book Review: A Quilt for Christmas: A Christmas Novella by Melody Carlson

What It’s About:
Christmas should be celebrated with family. But for Vera Swanson, that's not an option this year. Widowed and recently relocated, she is lonely in her condo-for-one--until little Fiona Albright knocks on her door needing help. With her mother seriously ill and her father out of town, Fiona enlists Vera's help, and when she finds out her new neighbor is a quilter, she has a special request--a Christmas quilt for Mama.

Vera will have to get a ragtag group of women together in order to fulfill the request. Between free-spirited artist Tasha, chatty empty nester Beverly, retired therapist Eleanor, and herself, Vera has hopes that Christmas for the Albright family will be merry, after all--and she may find herself a new family of friends along the way.

Bestselling and award-winning author Melody Carlson invites you to cuddle up this holiday season with this cozy story of giving, forgiving, and a little bit of romance.

My Thoughts:
I look forward to Carlson’s Christmas novella every year. This one is a lovely story centering around a woman whose traditional Christmas’s have been derailed, then she meets a sweet child who changes everything. Four-year-old Fiona spreads Christmas joy just by being her sweet, precocious self. As the quilt comes together, so do the lives of the most unexpected quilters. This story is about healing and transformation and Carlson does a beautiful job telling this wonderful story. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The God-breathed Word

1 Thessalonians 4:11-12

...and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.

The Bible speaks to our hearts.

photo from pixaby

In a book launch team I am part of, I was asked which of the four seasons is my favorite. For anyone who knows me well, you know I answered winter. I also love spring when beautiful flowers bloom, summer when I swim with my grands, and of course fall, a gorgeous time to be outside appreciating the colorful leaves.

Yet, winter remains my favorite because it is a time of peace. When snow blankets the ground and the nothing has touched the pureness, I’m reminded of 1 Thessalonians—my life verse. I love quiet, and strive to lead a quiet life. I try to mind my own business, unless God lays on my heart to speak up. I work with my hands, either on the computer, with arts and crafts or around the house. Tim and I depend on God, daily. He is the one who provides us opportunities to work and grow.

Do you have a life verse, a scripture that speaks to your heart about everyday life? Is there a scripture God has placed on your heart? One you strive to follow? There are many verses in the Bible I rely on for wisdom and guidance. Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord..., “ John 3:16, the book of James, the Psalms. 

We have so many wonderful, life-changing scriptures at our fingertips.

God has given us the gift of the Bible. Have you read any scripture today?

2 Timothy 3:16-17
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Look for the Beauty

With summer whirling to a close and fall nipping at its heals, 

there's a beauty which takes place in the transition. 

As the black-eyed Susans and zinnias begin to fade, 

the leaves plan their fashion show for fall.

Don't miss it-don't miss the loveliness of every day.

Take a glimpse of the goodness of God's creation.

Soak in the color and embrace the change.

Too busy? Stop--and look, smell, taste, touch, see the 

incredible nature that surrounds us.

 

Cozy Mystery Review: Mabel Get the Ax (Mysteries of Medicine Spring Book 1) by Susan Kimmel Wright

What it’s About:

Mabel plans to bring the thrills of volunteering to the masses—if she doesn’t get the ax first.

After losing her job of twenty-three years, Mabel decides to launch what will surely be a glamorous new career as an author. Having recently inherited her late grandmother’s house, she has the freedom to spend time volunteering and writing about her experiences.

Unfortunately, Mabel’s plans soon go off the rails. Her inheritance comes with decades of clutter, an overgrown lot, a dog named Barnacle, and a neighbor with an ax to grind. And her first assignment as a Medicine Spring Historical Society volunteer is to lead a tour of the Sauer Mansion, locally known as the “Ax Murder House,” site of a notorious 1930’s double homicide.

As Mabel shepherds her tour group through the house, it appears history’s repeating itself when she stumbles across a body in the parlor. Finding herself on the suspect list, Mabel scrambles to figure out who swung the fatal ax. In the process, she can’t help being drawn into investigating the unsolved historic murders, teamed up with PI John Bigelow, a man she isn’t sure she can trust. With an ax murderer on the loose, will Mabel be next?

My Thoughts:

I enjoyed reading book one of the Mysteries of Medicine Springs series. Mabel is a hoot. She’s older, awkward, and self-deprecating. The woman tries so hard to do the right thing, and sometimes that gets her into deep trouble. John is the perfect balance for her, but in her heart she’s not sure she can trust him. She’s not sure she can trust anyone. Through all the escapades and efforts, Mabel plows forward to find the truth. If you enjoy cozies sprinkled with humor and quirky characters, you’ll enjoy Mabel Gets the Ax. I read this copy from Kindle Unlimited.