Chateau of Echoes

Ok you are going to have to forgive me... I have been such a slacker as my pregnancy draws to a close... I did a week or more ago read Siri L. Mitchell's book Chateau of Echoes, but I am just now getting around to posting - oophs!

So as much as I can I will give you what a I remember ... I did like the book and the story line.  There were a lot of details that I found unnecessary but may intrigue other readers.  Overall a good read, she hasn't disappointed me yet!

The Perfect Match by S. M. Warren

Rounding out the Deep Haven Series by Warren is the third book, The Perfect Match.  This one may be my favorite of the 3... Welcome back to Deep Haven where we meet Ellie the new interim fire chief, who is battling to gain the respect of the men, her past that drives her, her faith, love and a suspicious number of fires.  Volunteer fire fighter and town Pastor, Dan isn't helping her out much in the department of keeping the flame low on love... Pick up the book to see what happens! 

My only complaint is that it seemed as if Warren might write a fourth book - a hint of it by mentioning towards the very end of the book an unknown character, some mystery and well I was hoping for a love story for one of the secondary characters, Liza... I haven't found any such book in my search - sigh.  However, if there is one such book please let me know!

Tying the Knot by Susan May Warren

Continuing on in the Deep Haven Series by Warren is book 2, Tying the Knot.  Another enjoyable read, with some real life struggles of faith and questions... Where is God when the bad things happen? Why? etc.  Join Anne as she struggles to trust in God's love and that He is always with her... and Noah as he battles his past and doubts to serve the Lord.

Happily Ever After by Susan May Warren

Happily Ever After is the first book in Warren's Deep Haven Series and it is a very enjoyable and quick read!  The perfect book to relax back with and enjoy a cup of joe on the side. 

Mona, is in the process of seeing her life long dream of owning a bookstore/coffee shop come to life... well that is if someone doesn't sabotage her efforts.  Mysterious handyman, Joe shows up to help out but he has some secrets he isn't willing to share... Is there really a happily ever after ending?!  Join these two as they discover that God's love, forgiveness and grace are so big and that it is personal.

A Hope Undaunted, Winds of Chage Series - Book 1

I have been soooo looking forward to reading Julie Lessman's newest book!  If you read her series, The Daughters of Boston I am sure you were eagerly awaiting it too!  In her newest series Winds of Change you rejoin the O'Connor family with the leading star being their youngest daughter, Katie.  She is headstrong and feisty and sure she knows what is best for her future...  Another great story, one that will keep you turning the pages and loathe to put it down.

Lessman again has a way of writing that just draws you in to the story, the rich characters and teaches you about God's love, grace, forgiveness and more... A very good read!

Driftwood Lane by Denise Hunter

Driftwood Lane is the 4th and last book in the Nantucket Love Stories (series) by Denise Hunter.  It is a quick and good read.  The story drew me in right away and I didn't want to put it down. Pick it up!

It looks like Hunter has a new series starting in the Spring of 2011 - excited!

Noble Legacy Books 2 and 3 by S.M. Warren

Well, I finally got some reading time in - yippee!  I was able to finish the Noble Legacy series by Susan May Warren and really enjoyed both books.

Book 2, Taming Rafe and Book 3, Finding Stefanie were both wonderfully written... with action, drama, romance and the story of God's redeeming love.  Definitely worth picking up to read.

Wish I had more time to write but if you read my previous post my time online is much, much less of late... I am even debating about continuing to do this blog ... So if you do keep up with my postings here and want it to stay around let me know!

Reading time oh Reading time where have you gone...

Sigh! You may have noticed that my reading has been cut back drastically and I have to say that it might not pick back up for a while... so sad!  Being pregnant with a youngster running around has exhausted me to where sleep is much more important than my books (shocking I know)...  And once the new little one arrives I have a feeling not too much will change in that area. 

However, when I get the chance to read I will continue to post! 

Currently I am doing Beth Moore's study on Revelation called Here and Now...There and Then. It is so good!  I will write more on it later when I am done.  Just wanted to throw it out there to those of you who may be interested!

In Harm's Way by Irene Hannon

Wow - I really, really liked this book!  In Harm's Way is the third book in the Heroes of Quantico series... and my favorite!  Wonderful characters, storyline... tugs at your heart, suspense, romance, and more make this a really good read. I would write more but just read the book! 

A Raggedy Ann doll is found by Rachel Sutton frozen in the snow and when she touches it she gets feelings of terror ... Eventually, she goes to the FBI and speaks with Agent Nick Bradley.  Is she crazy?  Is this for real?  What happens when they discover a link to a missing child and the doll?  Events and people collide where there is danger and more at stake... you will have to read the book to find out how it all plays out!

An Eye For An Eye by Irene Hannon

This is the 2nd book in Hannon's Heroes of Quantico series.  Another enjoyable read!
Good characters and storyline... once you get in you want to continue on with the characters and are sad to put it down.

In An Eye For An Eye FBI agent Mark Sanders is doing some field agent work in St. Louis for a while before he goes back to the Hostage Rescue Team and Quantico.  While there he has a run in with his first love and things start going crazy when they are being shot at! 
Read the story to find out who the real target is and will they figure it all out before it is too late?  Will Mark trust in God's love, goodness and will Emily learn to trust God with her life and future? 

The Weight of Shadows by Alison Strobel

I have had this in my stack of books and been waiting to wade through my stack to get to it and again Alison does not disappoint!  She took a difficult topic (domestic abuse) and handled it with sensitivity and insight.  Along with the topics of loss, in-law dynamics, guilt and more.... A compelling and well done story that keeps the pages turning!

Drowning Ruth (Book Club book of the month)

I recently finished reading our book club pick for this month, Drowning Ruth by Christina Schwarz.  This story takes place starting in the Winter of 1919 where Amanda Starkey is nursing soldiers from the war back to health.  However, circumstances cause her to leave her nursing duties and return to her family's farm on a remote lake.  She is there with her sister and three year old niece until one night when tragedy happens and her sister is found drowned beneath the ice covered lake... When her sister's husband returns home wounded from the war he finds things are a little strange and no one seems to know why his wife was out on the lake at night and drowned... not only that but his sister-in-law cares for his daughter with an intensity that is over the top. 

The story shifts from one person's perspective in the story to another and with flash backs to what led up to all the events... This is not what I would normally pick up to read but I will say that for this style of story it is very well written.  It is a tragedy with all the human failings and sadly not much redemption in the story.  It eventually grips you and you want to see how it will all work out.  Well written and engaging.  If I was scoring on that alone I would give it a higher rating but since again I am not a big tragedy reader where there is no redemption in the story, I liked it ok hence the lower score ( 3 1/2 stars).

Reclaiming Nick by Susan May Warren

I just recently finished the first book in Warren's Noble Legacy Series.  The story revolves around Nick the prodigal son who returns home and a journalist bent on proving he set up her brother for murder.  Piper Sullivan goes undercover at the Noble ranch as a cook to find the information she needs to prove Nick is the murderer... but what will she really find?  A story with some twist and turns, relationship intrigue and even more a story of redemption, forgiveness and healing.

To be honest at first I thought I liked it ok but then around chapter 10 she reeled me in and I couldn't wait to see how things worked out!  Some of the plot I did figure out ahead of time but I was wrong about a few things I thought were going to happen...a nice surprise.  I did really enjoy this read!

The Marriage Wish by Dee Henderson

Henderson weaves a wonderful story of loss, healing, faith and learning to trust God even when we can't see the "why" in circumstances that are tough.  I believe this is her first romance book and I enjoyed it.

The story centers around mystery author Jennifer St. James who has suffered much loss... her husband, parents, & a child in a short period of time. Still grieving, angry and hurt she encounters Scott Williams who has a wealth of friendships and faith and even success in the business world but is missing his other half... Join them on the journey through the ups and downs and the lessons God has for them to learn through all of this.

Against All Odds by Irene Hannon

Against All Odds is the first book in Hannon's Heroes of Quantico series and the first time I have read this author. FBI Hostage Rescue Team member Evan Cooper and his partner are assigned what might be a simple protection case but nothing is ever as it seems. Monica Callahan's life becomes threatened when her estranged diplomat father is dealing with a hostage situation in Middle East. Join the characters as they learn to "talk the walk" and what faith is... with rising danger, cunning terrorist who lack any mercy this is a good read!

Evidence of Mercy by Terri Blackstock

Evidence of Mercy is the first Book in the Sun Coast Chronicles by Blackstock.  I enjoyed the story and the character development... Lynda is a lawyer and a lukewarm Christian.  She is more wrapped up in herself and worshiping what God has given her than God.  Jake is a non-believer who is living life all out for himself, his own pleasure and gain... in one moment their lives will become intertwined and never be the same.  A story of learning to trust, to have faith, to love and serve others as well as to forgive.

Wonderful!

Ransomed Dreams by Amy Wallace

Ransomed Dreams is the first book in Wallace's Defenders of Hope Series and also the first book I have read by this author. 

Ransomed Dreams follows the lives of Gracie Lang and FBI Agent Steven Kessler.  Gracie has been hit hard with sorrows and losses but continues to try to walk with God.  Kessler has had his own bumps in the road and has distanced himself from God.... Circumstances will bring their two lives together and they will both have to learn to forgive those who have hurt them and turn to and trust God. 

This book had high ratings on Amazon... and I am not sure if it is just me and a busy schedule that kept me from really getting into it or that it just wasn't as good as the ratings would have you believe.  I found it to be something I liked ok but was kind of predictable.  I am not sure if I will finish the series... we will see.  Maybe I will give this author another shot down the road. 

Maid to Match by Deeanne Gist

I finished Gist's newest book last night and really enjoyed it! Set at the Biltmore Estate and the Asheville area of North Carolina in 1898 you follow the story of Tillie who is aspiring to be Mrs. Vanderbilt's lady's maid and mountain man turned foot man, Mack as they try to keep their jobs, not fall in love, and solve a cover-up at the town orphanage. 

Around chapter 3 I got hooked and didn't want to put it down!  A wonderful story... with several good insights into our humanness and our desire to be something more... for ourselves or for God? 

Indivisible by Kristen Heitzmann

Heitzmann's newest novel is a fast read, filled with wonderful characters, an engaging storyline and more! 

Police Chief Jonah Westfall is struggling to hold on to his sobriety, solve a weird crime involving animals that could escalate into something more dangerous, keep his town clean of drugs, and deal with some interesting relationships...

Four and half stars!

Before I Wake

Over my recent vacation I got to read this book - it is not fresh on my mind but I can tell you that I really enjoyed it!  There is one complaint I have and that is that I would have liked more... ummm like a second book to follow!   In one area Henderson leaves the conclusion to your imagination... sigh!  It was still a good mystery to read!

Sons of Thunder by Susan May Warren

This is the first book written by Warren that I have read and I really enjoyed it! Sons of Thunder, is the story of two Greek brothers and the woman they both love set just before WWII.  You follow their journey as they immigrate to America, find their way into World War II and eventually back to Greece. This story is an example of life when we struggle to go it on our own (without God), hardships, betrayals, sacrifice and finally redemption… Wonderful!

Love's Pursuit by Siri Mitchell

I just finished Love’s Pursuit and wow – you should read this book! Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful... I have to tell you as I picked up this book I was interested from the beginning, then a couple of chapters in I was glued and couldn’t stop reading! Gripping till the end. I would love a sequel!

Visit colonial Massachusetts, where Susannah Phillips will face choices, truth, love, betrayal… And have to find out for herself if it is rule following or your heart that counts. In essence is it grace or works?! This is much more than a love story … it is a journey where ultimate Love, His pursuit of us grabs hold and we find in Him all we ever need or desire. Sorry my mind is still caught up in the emotions evoked from finishing this book, hopefully this all makes sense! If not just remember to read it!

Here Burns My Candle by Liz Curtis Higgs

Higgs’ newest novel is another great read! Set in 18th century Scotland Higgs does a different take on the biblical story of Ruth. I didn’t realize it when I picked up the book but this is the first book in a series and is only the beginning of the journey that leaves off where Elisabeth chooses to leave with her mother-in-law. My only complaint is that I have to wait till next year to read the rest of the journey in Mine Is The Night, due out in the Spring. Sigh! Wonderful!

Roaring Lions, Cracking Rocks, and Other Gems from Proverbs by Warren Baldwin

Hello fellow readers! You may remember me mentioning a few times Baldwin’s book on Proverbs… well I just finished it and wanted to tell you a little about it! I took my time going through the book so I could meditate upon the gems found there. Baldwin has the book segmented in eight sections as follows: Husband and Wife; Mom, Dad and the Kids; Accepting God’s Will; Discipline; Responsibility; Wisdom in Relationships; Spiritual Living and Community.

Along with great insight into godly living were stories to help bring the gems home. I found several nuggets I am still thinking on. Right now one being where Baldwin talks about Prov. 27:17 – the verse on iron sharpening iron. He had an interesting point about how that happens through friction and that when we have said friction in our relationships that is not always a bad thing but that God may be using that friction to shape you or the other person for good.

I would like to recommend this book to you and encourage you not to rush through it but to take it a little piece at a time and meditate upon that gem and then move on to the next one!



Ps. If you would like to read more from WB check out his blog - click here.

The Witness

In Dee Henderson’s book The Witness you follow the story of Amy who has been on the run for eight years after witnessing a terrible crime. Really the main characters are actually the cops in this book: Police Chief Luke Granger and his homicide detectives Connor and Marsh. With two story lines unfolding that could intertwine, romance budding, and danger you will want to keep reading.

I did find the first part of the book that introduces the characters and story line to be a little slower reading but then it really picks up… My one complaint is that I feel like there should be a follow-up book! Sigh but it was like that with the last book in her O’Malley series too. You just want to know how things work out with the characters a little more in-depth. However, that is a credit to her ability to write characters you care about.

If there is a follow-up book out there and I have missed it someone please let me know!

The Bridegrooms

The Bridegrooms by Allison Pittman

As much as I loved Pittman’s first books I was disappointed with this one. I read through half of the book and then ended up skimming the rest to finish it. It did have some good life lessons but it just wasn’t one that gripped me.

She Walks in Beauty by Siri Mitchell

This is the first time I have read one of Mitchell’s books but I do plan to read more! I found this to be a wonderful, insightful and thought provoking read. What are you willing to sacrifice to fit in, to win the goal, to succeed? Is it worth the cost? These are questions that Clara Carter will have to ask and find out as she steps through the minefields of being a debutant during New York City’s Gilded Age. Do you sacrifice honor? Do you sacrifice friendship? Do you risk losing all you are told to value? And to that end what is it that is really of lasting value? Does God love you just the way you are? Very good read!

The Rescuer, Book 6 - O'Malley Series

In the final book of the O’Malley series we follow the story of Paramedic Stephen O’Malley who is running from the weight of his profession, his sister’s illness and from God with Whom he isn’t sure he wants to trust. Things getting interesting with an old friend Meghan, who is caught in the middle of stolen jewels turning up in unexpected places… a kidnapping, a tornado and more!

I was sad for the series to end and wished she would have written an extra chapter on them all but that is just because I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to the O’Malley family! Another wonderful read with some good insight too!

The Healer, Book 5 - O'Malley Series

This story was a little different from the previous ones… It was a great continuation of Rachel and Cole’s story not to mention the rest of the O’Malley family. It was not as suspenseful but it was still a great read! I really don’t want to give anything away but I will say that Henderson takes us a little deeper emotionally in this one, especially towards the end. Wonderful can’t wait to start the final book!

The Protector, Book 4

Firefighter Jack O’Malley is dealing with an arsonist who is making it personal… As things escalate will Jack be able to protect those he cares for, himself?  Even more will Jack finally entrust himself to the One who is his ultimate Protector. A very enjoyable read! 4 Stars.

Know What You Believe by Paul E. Little

I found this book to be a wonderful overall summary on the Bible; God, Jesus Christ; Christ’s Death; People and Sin; The Holy Spirit; Salvation; Angels, Satan and Demons; The Church; and Things to Come. If you are looking to go really in-depth into these issues this might not be the book you are looking for but for those wanting to study the basis/foundational truths of these subjects it covers them very well, even going into different views held on such things as baptism, the rapture, the Millennial reign of Christ and more. I will say there were a few times that I felt some things should have been made more clear or were not worded exactly right and some could have misunderstood if they didn’t grasp the overall statement Little was making on that subject. Part of this might be due to the fact that Little didn’t write this book but it is a compilation of his spoken messages and writings combined together. However, that does not diminish the overall value in any way of this book – I am just a stickler for those things. I would definitely give this book the rating of Recommended.

The Truth Seeker (Book 3, The O’Malley Series)

Lisa O’Malley is a forensic pathologist and she is very good at what she does… Join her and U.S. Marshal Quinn Diamond as they solve different cases from the past and present that seem to intertwine. Suspense, Romance and a journey to faith keep you turning the pages until the end! (Four and half stars).

Danger in the Shadows

This is the prequel book to the O’Malley Series I mentioned previously. I really enjoyed this read… wonderful characters and storyline! I give it four and half stars.

Danger in the Shadows follows the story of Sara who has been under FBI protection for quite some time because the man who abducted her as a child has continued to stalk her, threaten her and attempted to kill her. She along the way falls in love with a man who is too high profile for her to feel safe in dating and she cannot see a future for them…A story about facing your fears and trusting God… Wonderful!

Dawn's Prelude

Dawn’s Prelude is the first book in the Song of Alaska Series by Tracie Peterson. Lydia Gray who was married at a young age to an abusive widower finds herself now widowed. However, things are not that simple as by a fluke she stands to inherit everything from her husband and his children will not stand for it – one way or another they plot to get it back!

Lydia secrets off to Sitka, Alaska to join her Aunt leaving the handling of the financial situation to her lawyer, but even the great distance is still not a safe guard to her… Join Lydia on this journey not only to Alaska but to finding she can trust God with her heart and more. (4 Stars)

The O'Malley Series, Books 1 & 2

You may have noticed my reading has somewhat slacked of late… Either busyness or the fact that I haven’t even felt up to reading some days… That said I am still enjoying a good read when I can! As mentioned before I am still working my way through Roaring Lions, Cracking Rocks (a book on Proverbs), it has been so good! More to come on this…

Over the weekend I got to read a new author (for me) Dee Henderson. I started her O’Malley series books 1 and 2 (I did not realize there was a prequel book, Danger in the Shadows, to the series and will have to go back and read it later).

The Negotiator (Book 1) is about an FBI agent and a hostage negotiator who end up meeting through a hostage circumstance and from there the danger keeps coming…You will find wonderful characters and a good storyline that draw you in and keep you turning the pages. Not only that but you will find an honest look at someone dealing with real faith issue questions as they decide on trusting God and accepting He is who He says He is and His love is real and lasting. (4 Stars)

The O’Malley series is about seven orphans who adopt each other as family and legally all change their last name to O’Malley. When no one else has been there for them they have always been able to count on each other, now they must each through their own journey learn to have faith in the God who loves them.

In book 2, The Guardian you join U.S. Marshal Marcus O’Malley as he protects the only witness who can identify the killer of a federal judge. Another wonderful story line and the characters keep getting better… I can’t wait to read more in this series! (Four and half Stars).

Recent Reads

While traveling this past weekend I was able to read two of Jamie Carie’s books: Snow Angel and Angel’s Den. I really liked both of them. I have also started reading Warren Baldwin’s book: Roaring Lions, Cracking Rocks and other Gems from Proverbs.

Snow Angel is Carie’s debut novel and I read it front to back on my first flight. It was totally engrossing and a wonderful story that takes place in Alaska during the late 1800’s. A mysterious young woman half frozen arrives at the door step of Noah Wesley during a blizzard. She wants to keep her secrets to herself and he doesn’t know if he can trust her or not … Still Noah shows this snow angel God’s love, forgiveness and faithfulness. Four and Half Stars.

Angel’s Den is the story of a loved daughter who marries her prince charming only to find out that what is on the outside does not match what is inside. In the short time it takes to say “I do” it seems her prince has transformed into someone she never knew and wishes she could escape. He drags her along with him on an expedition to follow the trail that Lewis and Clark blazed a few years before. However, nothing from before they left or since is right… it is a trail littered with lies, theft, and murder. You have to read this story to see how it all works out! Four and Half Stars.

I am taking my time and really trying to absorb the truths in Roaring Lions, Cracking Rocks… I look forward to reviewing this book for you in the future!

LONESTAR HOMECOMING by Colleen Coble

Welcome back to West Texas where a runaway bride appears in her dress at a train station with her young daughter and five dollars … Gracie finds a place to hide with Michael, single father and seasoned soldier who is coming home from Iraq to raise his two kids and needs a nanny. Their moments of tranquility will not last long as danger lurks ever closer from his enemies and Gracie’s ex-fiancé who is now on the FBI’s wanted list…. Along the way Gracie has to learn to trust, forgive and let God take the reins. This is the prodigal story with a twist! Enjoy this fast paced, romantic suspense by Coble!

Love's First Light by Jamie Carie

This story takes place in France during the blood-soaked French Revolution. One of the main characters is an aristocrat who has escaped the guillotine and is in hiding in an ancient castle. He then has an encounter with a young widow with secrets of her own… This story has betrayal, love, envy, forgiveness and hope.

While I didn’t enjoy this book as much as her previous ones that could be due in part to the fact that I have read them all in order and maybe needed something different in between because of her writings I have read so far there a similar pattern to her stories. That said I liked this story ok, it wasn't a bad read I just can't give it fours stars.

The Duchess and the Dragon by Jamie Carie

This is a story of wealth, prestige, power, loss, hardship, lies, redemption and the triumph of truth and love over it all. Open the pages and travel back to Regency-era England and a young America where two unlikely (in the world’s eyes) hearts meet and begin a journey together through mistakes, lies, and more they will stumble and then grasp onto the only One who can set them free and help them to embrace all they are meant to be. Wonderful! I loved the flaws, the refining and redemption … and of course triumphant love.

Wind Dancer by Jamie Carie

This is the first book of Carie’s I have read but I thoroughly enjoyed it! This novel is full of rich and deep characters with passion, dedication and courage… Join Isabelle and Samuel in the frontier following the American Revolution when the boundaries were still being fought for and won in the Northwest. You will meet a free spirit and an adventurer that God brings together on a journey of love, pain, betrayal, faith and freedom…You will want the pages to keep turning and to continue on with them in their grand adventure … What a portrait of what God has for us – waiting open arms, love unceasing, excitement and adventure with Him (and it is never ending!).

Through Gates of Splendor - Elisabeth Elliot

(Book Club book #3 - my pick)

This is the amazing and inspiring account of five young men and their families who lived in the jungles of Ecuador to reach those who had never heard the name of Jesus. They followed God’s leading, walking in obedience, with zeal for the LORD, love for the lost and ultimately into martyrdom… In Jim Elliot’s words “Well, if that’s the way God wants it to be,” (said calmly) “I’m ready to die for the salvation of the Aucas.” And as he had once written in college: “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” (P. 173).

The courage and commitment these men and women had… the love and urgency for the unsaved to know Christ … Faith! To first of all leave all known comfort and society to go and embrace what was surely at times physical and emotional hardship… I can only help but think that if the Church (believers) would only walk so intimately with God setting Him first and the love for others above self what a different world this would be. Don’t get me wrong there are those out there living the abundant, fruitful life. However, there are those who instead of walking by faith and walking in love – living with our eyes set on what is eternal and lasting we are focused on the temporary, our own comfort – the here and now. Not to say that God is calling us to all go off to the jungle or to be martyrs but to each of us there is the life of purpose He has called us to and we should be living in obedience, joyfully to His glory.

I more that recommend reading this book… I ask you to let God speak to you through it… to touch your heart, to inspire you and to more than motivate you to (action) live a life focused beyond yourself, to full love poured out for His glory.

The Journey of Desire

The Journey of Desire by John Eldredge

Another wonderful book by Eldredge that will stir your heart, awaken you to truth about desire and our journey we are on. Reminds us to live the abundant life and to realize what all God has in store for us in the Kingdom – blessing, joy, LIFE! This book was so in tune with all that God is currently teaching me through Scripture and in my quiet time with Him… I definitely recommend it!

Beguiled

Beguiled by Deeanne Gist and J. Mark Bertrand

I hated for this book to end I really liked the characters and the story! Beguiled is a first time collaborative writing of Gist and Bertrand and I applaud them… Great job! I have read Gist’s (Christian) Romance books in the past and found her to have wonderful wit, characters and humor. Bertrand has added the mystery in to the mix and I can only hope they may collaborate on another book.

Beguiled takes place in Charleston’s historic area where Rylee is a dog walker to the wealthy that live there. There is a thief terrorizing the area and much more going on than meets the eye especially where Rylee is concerned. In comes reporter Logan Woods who is covering the break-ins and also hoping to write a book on the crime past and present in Charleston. Danger starts closing in and both Rylee and Logan will have to figure out who they can trust.

A book you should pick up. 4 ½ stars.

A Shepherd Looks At Psalm 23

A Shepherd Looks At Psalm 23 by W. Phillip Keller

I had a dear friend recommend this book to me… and I found it delightful. Keller’s look at Psalm 23 is full of insights and analogies sure to inspire you to a deeper walk and devotion to our good Shepherd. It is a small book so it could be a quick read however I decided to break it up and do it more as a devotional reading. Wonderful!

The Apothecary’s Daughter

The Apothecary’s Daughter by Julie Klassen

Another wonderful story from Klassen, who I have come to appreciate how she weaves wonderful characters, historical information, some mystery, some romance, and the journey of faith. In this story we follow Lilly through her time at home as the Apothecary’s daughter and then as she is taken under her Aunt and Uncle’s wing for the Season in London… She discovers the ups and downs of society and meets several interesting people along the way to discovering truth about her family, friends, love, life and faith. I kept turning the pages to see how it would all work out! A delightful read and very enlightening on the subject of Apothecaries and early medicine. 4 Stars.

Three Cups of Tea

Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin

(Book Club book #2) Three Cups of Tea is the true story of mountaineer Greg Mortenson and his impact in Pakistan (and later Afghanistan) by going into remote villages and building schools to educate boys and girls. There is so much more to this story … It is an amazing and inspiring story. I admire the courage of Mortenson and the men and women who work alongside him to accomplish these feats. You will see that Mortenson and others with him know what it means to be selflessness, to sacrifice. Beyond that it is also a story of honor, courage, hope, joy, sorrow, love and commitment.

The story begins in 1993 when Mortenson fails on his attempt to climb K2 and stumbles into an impoverished Pakistan village. The people there care for him and embrace him. While he is there he sees a need and he makes a promise… to come back and build a school for these people. However, this is not an easy feat as he is not a man with the means to do this. He does not let that stop him from trying and succeeding in his effort. Upon his return however he sees the greater need of the area far and wide … and so continues the story of the years after that first school was built, through the 9/11 era and after… Hardship, trials, perseverance and success are all part of the journey. This is a story of bringing about change through love and service, overcoming ignorance and hates to minister to those in need.

This was not a story about purposely having an eternal impact but definitely one on having a positive, earthly impact for potentially generations to come ... However, one hopes that what is being done will open a door or plant a seed that will blossom into something of lasting eternal value... Only God knows that but I am sure He has His Soverign hand in this. I applaud Mortenson and the others for what they are doing and for being an example of what commitment, sacrifice, humbleness, love and a servant heart look like. In that regard it was an example of following what Jesus has taught, commanded and by his life shown us to do. As followers of Christ this story should spurn us on to live and love as Christ did and to be as dedicated, selfless, courageous and loving for the eternal good of those we meet. This life is fleeting and will all pass away the only thing that remains is what is of eternal value... May this story of hope spurn you on to living beyond yourself.

If you are interested in purchasing this book or helping this cause go to their website (click here) and check it out.  If you purchase the book from their site 7% of the profits from the book sale will go to the cause.

Walking with God

Walking with God by John Eldredge

In this book you journey with Eldredge through a year… It is broken up into Seasons not into chapters. There are some wonderful things this book points you to look at and meditate upon as it pushes you to a deeper intimacy with God. You will find an ongoing discussion on Joy – and not letting the enemy stealing your joy. Constant prayer, asking God’s direction and listening… asking deeper questions for more clarification and direction – Prayer, prayer, prayer. Watching out for agreements/strongholds and fighting spiritual warfare. Discerning what is an attack of the enemy and what is of God. “You shall know them by their fruit”, is it good or bad… Is it from God or the Enemy? “Genuine conviction brings repentance – not judgment or contempt. Genuine conviction brings us back to God it does not say You’ve blown it so badly he has removed himself from you” (p. 194). This is just a sampling … there is much that is applicable and helpful in your walk. Recommended!

The Silent Governess

The Silent Governess by Julie Klassen

Join a nineteenth-century governess as she makes her way in an English manor where nothing is as it seems… mystery, romance and learning trust God are all part of the mix. Olivia seems to find herself in one mix-up after another, in what can be deemed wrong choices. However, we are to find that the unseen hand of God has been at work all along. Another good read by Klassen!

Lady of Milkweed Manor

Lady of Milkweed Manor by Julie Klassen

This is the first time I have read one of Klassen’s books but I do plan to read more of her writings! Lady of Milkweed Manor is a well written novel that shows us characters in their humanness, flawed and yet showing us those moments when we can live beyond ourselves… seeking what is best, the highest good for others. You will find this to be a novel about love, sacrifice, patience, endurance, and redemption. Wonderful!

The Parenting Journey

The Parenting Journey, Charting Your Family’s Spiritual Course written by Ron Brenning

You may remember I wrote a post a while back on the Parenting Class we were taking at our Church.  We have completed the first part of the class and are still working on the skills part - we focus on one skill at a time over the course of a 3 month period.  So for the year we have 4 skills total.

Any way I could just go on and on about how awesome this course is... We found it very beneficial, helpful, informative and changing.  Not only for us as parents but as individuals and for our family.  I wish that other Churches offered this ... who knows maybe it will spread from our Church outward?! 

Fantastic!