Book Review - Liar's Winter by Cindy Sproles.

By Ian Acheson - @achesonian

Blurb

Lochiel Ogle was born with a red-wine birthmark--and it put her life in jeopardy from the moment she entered the world. Mountain folks called it "the mark of the devil," and for all the evil that has plagued her nineteen-year existence, Lochiel is ready to believe that is true. And the evil surely took control of the mind of the boy who stole her as an infant, bringing her home for his mother to raise.

Abused and abandoned by the only people she knows as family, Lochiel is rescued by a peddler and given the first glimpse of love she has ever known. The truth of her past is gradually revealed as is the fact that she is still-hunted by a brother driven to see her dead. Unsure if there's anyone she can truly trust, Lochiel is faced with a series of choices: Will she continue to run for escape or will she face her past and accept the heartbreaking secrets it reveals? Which will truly free her?

Set in the wild and beautiful Appalachian Mountains of nineteenth-century East Tennessee, Liar's Winter is an unflinching yet inspirational exploration of prejudice and choice. 

Review

Wow. What a story. This is frankly one of the best stories I’ve read in recent times. Certainly in 2018. It is simply breathtaking, as other reviews have mentioned.

There’s a whole sub-genre of stories based around the Appalachian Mountains in America. Having a writer friend who is a local Appalachian I’ve found it an intriguing sub-genre.

Lochiel (‘low-kill’) Ogle was born with a birthmark that disfigured one side of her face all the way down her neck and shoulder. In the late nineteenth century such disfigurement was considered the work of the Devil. Lochiel, as a baby, is taken from her sleeping mother’s arms and ‘adopted’ by another family. Besides having this birthmark she is also part Cherokee Indian that adds to the complexity of her background.

We meet Lochiel at 19 with frequent backstory inserts by her brother, Gerald, plus her own reflections. When we meet her she has been left for dead having been bashed by Gerald. He dumps her in the forest only for her to be found by a wandering trader who goes by the name of Walt. Walt rescues her but we’re soon involved in a chase when Gerald finds out she is still alive. Driven by hatred, Gerard wants her dead.

The themes of racism, superstitions, sibling rivalry, not fitting in, abandonment, and familial love are powerfully woven through this story. Love, forgiveness, and God’s truth are contrasted against the hatred and bitterness born out differences between cultures and race.

We see the transformation of a young girl from being fearful, untrusting non-believing to a loving, God-fearing secure in God’s love young woman. 

The descriptions of the Appalachian Mountains are spectacular as we follow Lochiel and Walt in a journey that transcends the beauty of nature but also the wonder of familial love and faith.

It is edge-of-the-seats suspenseful and spoken in the first person mostly by Lochiel we get to experience her native tongue (which I love) and all the variety of emotions she experiences on this journey of discovery and redemption.

Perhaps it wrapped up a little too well but that would be my only slight criticism.

Book Review: Love's Guiding Light by Andrea Boeshaar

Barbara Thompson | @barbmaci61

Love's Guiding Light

by

Andrea Boeshaar

Amanda Lewis is about to lose the only home she's ever known--the cottage at the North Point Light in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Her mother had received the commission to operate the lighthouse, but tragedy rips away that commission. 

Captain Ezra Danfield is new to the city. He plans to give his daughter stability, which includes a home and proper schooling. But a violent storm on Lake Michigan threatens their lives on the night of their arrival, and it’s Amanda Lewis, operating the North Point Light, who guides them safely into Milwaukee's harbour. He makes a point to thank her, and when she asks for his help, Ezra cannot refuse. 

However, Amanda has a few cockamamie ideas that could ruin her life, so Ezra must put a stop to them--even if it means shedding light on the darkest recesses of his heart and soul.

Review

Love's Guiding Light is my first book to read by this author. She immediately captured my interest with this storyline. I enjoyed the author's way of using the characters, romance and the historic information and it's fabulous. The book is well-written and well-developed and the author's writing is marvelous. I highly recommend to read Love's Guiding Light By Author Andrea Boeshaar.

I received a copy from the author, but was not required to review it. This review is one hundred percent my opinion.

BARBARA THOMPSON (aka barbmaci61) is an avid reader. When not reading, she likes to cross-stitch on her kindle. Reading is an important aspect of her life because she has quite a few health issues. While she doesn't have a blog she does try to promote great books anywhere she can. You can finder her on twitter at @barbmaci61

Book Review of Unexpected by Christine Caine.

By Keona Tann | @ACWriters

Unexpected 

By 

Christine Caine

Is it possible to have peace in an uncertain world? To not only expect the unexpected but embrace it?

Most of us want to have life under control. But God wants us to anticipate the unexpected with a faith deeply rooted in his goodness. He wants us to know that because he is in control, we don’t have to be.

In Unexpected, beloved author Christine Caine helps us walk into the life God has for us—unknowns and all. Using dramatic examples from her own journey, Christine offers real-life strategies and biblical inspiration to help us move from fear and worry about ourselves to hope and trust in God. As we learn new ways to manage disappointment, strengthen our hearts, and build our faith, we can enjoy a new adventure with God that is more fulfilling than any day we spend trying to anticipate what will happen next.

Stepping into our God-given destiny means stepping into the unknown, but we can embrace that calling because God knows it already. Nothing in our lives takes God by surprise. So even in the midst of personal upheaval, relational challenges, financial stresses, family transitions, career disappointments, and chaotic world affairs, we can expect God to be good and do good. What other expectation do we need to have? Listen to God’s dare to trust him in every unknown of your life today.

Review

After reading many of her devotions via her Propel newsletter I was intrigued about the release of Christine’s book “Unexpected”. The YouVersion Bible app had a devotion based around her book and I thought that would be a good way to see if I would like the content. I was so impressed with the 14-day devotion that I purchased the book.

The blurb states: “Every one of us is guaranteed to experience the unexpected. But when the unpredictable shakes our faith, we hide behind our defences, trade our hope for fear, and end up living a smaller version of the grand story God wrote for us. Is it possible to not only expect the unexpected, but even embrace it?

Unexpected offers encouragement and practical steps to move from anxiety about the unpredictable to confident faith in a good God. Through compelling stories and practical strategies, this book will help you anticipate the unexpected and live in the joyful freedom of complete trust in God.”

Unexpected is Christine’s 5^th book of her Un.. series, the previous books are: Unshakable, Unashamed, Unstoppable and Undaunted.

Christine has collated stories from people who have faced some of the most difficult situations that life has to throw at us: the loss of a parent; cancer; a gravely ill child; rejection; the long wait of singleness; childhood bullying; miscarriage; and ‘wilderness’ experiences. Christine also shares stories from her own life and experiences she has had through her global anti-trafficking organisation A21.

I love the variety of situations that are tackled in this book and even if we haven’t faced that exact situation there are still relevant lessons to be gleaned.

In her book Christine urges us to remember that even in the most desperate of moments we can we find hope! Whatever season we face God can use every moment for His greater purpose and regardless of our age we can be used for Kingdom work because when our lives feel completely out of control we can remember the One who is in control. The wonderful thing about Jesus is that He has walked this earth, He dealt with many of the emotions and tricky situations we find ourselves in so when He says: “I understand” we know that He does.

As I read Christine’s book I felt the long-term pain of rejection shift in my heart. Rejection for me started in my teens when I faced the utter disappointment of having friends really let me down. I was young in my faith but I knew that I needed to pray and as I did Jesus said: “yeah I know, remember the garden?”. I didn’t so I had to research and I read the story of Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane, found in Matthew 26:36-46. Leading up to the garden Jesus had just shared the Passover meal with His disciples and now they have gone to a garden so that they can pray. Jesus moves away to pray in private saying: “My soul is deeply grieved, so that I am almost dying of sorrow. Stay here and stay awake and keep watch with Me.” (Matthew 26:38b Amplified). Jesus is asking His closets friends, the men who had followed Him and see Him do many miracles, to support Him by praying. When Jesus returns to them He finds them asleep and urges them to stay awake and pray, this situation repeats itself 3 times. I mean imagine it there is Jesus in the most desperate moment of His life and His friends can’t support Him by praying, I can only imagine the frustration that He felt. I realised that in His most desperate moment Jesus asked His friends to help Him but they let Him down. So when Jesus said He understood I knew He did.

As I read through Christine’s book I was reminded of the moment Jesus said: “I understand”. As I journeyed through her book I was reminded that God’s light can shine bright even in the darkest of moments.

I love Christine’s challenge: “Let’s dare to open our hearts and minds to allow God to revive our hopes. Let’s risk giving him room to fulfil his plans and purposes for our lives in unexpected ways.”

Whether you’re facing the hardest challenge of your life right now or you’re still reeling from unexpected and unwanted things I believe you will find encouragement and hope by reading this book.

I’ve been so impacted by this book that I’ve purchased several copies for my family members and friends because the encouragement that Christine and her friends have received from God is truly inspiring.

I highly recommend you grab a copy for yourself and if you know someone wrestling with a tough situation this book will bless them immensely.

Many blessings, Keona

About Keona:
I’ve lived most of my life in Tasmania, which is one of the beautiful Australian states. Deliriously happily married to my college sweetheart for over 20 years, we consider ourselves extremely blessed to be raising 2 wonderful teenagers. Hubby and I have also been long time child sponsors with Compassion so we have overseas kids!
I struggled with illness and disease for most of my life. The biggest battles were: endometriosis for 28 years and adrenal/chronic fatigue which was severe for 28 months. In September 2016 healing was declared over my life, praise God, this set me on a path of deep inner healing, restoration and transformation. My passion to write was reignited and I wrote out a mission statement:
“He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the LORD.” Psalm 40:3 (NLT)
I desire to impact the world through the words I share. I long to enrich, empower and encourage others whilst delivering my stories with empathy and understanding.
In my new-found boldness I’ve started a weekly blog which you can find at: https://keonajtann.wordpress.com/
Many Blessings, Keona

Book Review – Portrait of Vengeance by Carrie Stuart Parks

By Ian Acheson - @achesonian

BLURB

Gwen Marcey has done a good job keeping the pain of her past boxed up. But as she investigates the case of a missing child in Lapwai, Idaho, details keep surfacing that are eerily similar to her childhood traumas. She doesn’t believe in coincidences. So what’s going on here?

No one knows more about the impact of the past than the Nez Perce people of Lapwai. Gwen finds herself an unwelcome visitor to some, making her investigation even more difficult. The questions keep piling up, but answers are slow in coming—and the clock is ticking for a missing little girl. Meanwhile, Gwen’s ex-husband is threatening to take sole custody of their daughter.

As Gwen’s past and present collide, she’s in a desperate race for the truth. Because only truth will ensure she still has a future.

MY REVIEW

This was a challenging story as there were many different plot points to it. The serial killer, the connection to Gwen’s upbringing, the separate issue of her parents (who were they, why’d they die, what they were investigating, what were their names), the dam incident and the possible romantic link between Gwen and Seth. The story sure kept me on my toes. And then there was the suspense that made sure I was never at ease when reading it.

I find Carrie’s 1st person style engrossing and Gwen Marcey is such a remarkable character that it’s very easy to cheer her on. Gwen is so real and vulnerable, she makes mistakes. I love that. So many authors (myself included) don’t allow our characters to make mistakes. And Beth – she is such a good sidekick. And their friendship is delightful to watch. Seth was very real too.

The pace was good. I always felt I had to be alert and on my toes to keep abreast of all that was going on and with all the plot twists I certainly was never bored and there were one or two plot twists that surprised me including one relating to a key character.

I also particularly appreciated the setting being The Nez Perce Indian Reservation that added a strong flavour to the story.

I didn’t want this story to end and I so hope Gwen, Beth and Winston make another appearance. I believe there’s plenty of legs left in the Gwen Marcey series. This is the second I’ve read after the “A Cry from the Dust” and I’ve loved both. Principally because of Gwen, she is simply such a great character. I’d like to see her on TV. Her vulnerability, her honesty about breast cancer, prosthetic breasts, divorce struggles, mothering struggles, her forensic skills and so on. Just brilliant.

You don't have to have read any of the preceding 3 stories (I've only read one) to be thoroughly captivated by Gwen Marcey and her best mate, Beth. Give one of them a try, you won't be disappointed.

BTW, “Portrait’ recently won the Carol for Best Mystery/Suspense/Thriller to add to its INSPY from earlier in the year.

Ian Acheson is an author and strategy consultant based in Sydney. Ian's first novel of speculative fiction, Angelguard was recognised with the 2014 Selah Award for Speculative Fiction.You can find more about Angelguard at Ian's website, on his author Facebook pageand Twitter

Book Review: Kappy King and the Pickle Kaper (An Amish Mystery #2) by Amy Lillard

Barbara Thompson | @barbmaci61

Kappy King and the Pickle Kaper (An Amish Mystery #2) by Amy Lillard

BLURB

Kathryn "Kappy" King is happy being a plain-spoken unmarried odd-woman-out in her Pennsylvania Amish hometown. Her talent is making the special kapps local women use to cover their hair. But her skill at uncovering trouble in this quiet valley is about to be truly tested . . .

At first, young Sally June Esh's tragic death doesn't look like murder. Even in peaceful Blue Sky, collisions between buggies and Englisch cars aren't unheard of. Still, the Eshes are skilled drivers used to delivering their popular pickles for miles around. And after Kappy notices Sally's buggy was deliberately run off the road, her ex-Amish friend Edie gets strange texts saying the crash was no accident . . .

Kappy won't let her community's silence keep justice from being done. And even though a still-shunned Edie thinks of moving back to the city, she and Kappy start rooting out secrets about the Eshes' long-time neighbors--and new pickle-producing rivals. But when they learn that Sally's brother is secretly courting an Englisch girl, their investigation takes a disturbing turn . . .

REVIEW

Kappy King and the Pickle Kaper is a great reading book. Author Amy Lillard combined mystery, humor and a hint of romance for an amazing book. I enjoyed reading this book. The author was excellent as I was reading, I thought I knew what happened then there was a twist or turn. This is a great mystery. Author Amy Lillard kept my interest through the whole book. An amazing book I recommend to read. Kappy King and the Pickle Kaper is Book Two in Amish Mysteries by Author Amy Lillard.

I received a copy from the author, but was not required to review it. This review is one hundred percent my opinion.

BARBARA THOMPSON (aka barbmaci61) is an avid reader. When not reading, she likes to cross-stitch on her kindle. Reading is an important aspect of her life because she has quite a few health issues. While she doesn't have a blog she does try to promote great books anywhere she can. You can finder her on twitter at @barbmaci61

Book Review - Call of the Wattlebird by Victoria Carnell

by Jeanette O'Hagan @JeanetteOHagan

The Book

Duty’s demand or heart’s call?

In nineteenth century Tasmania, Catherine Nicolson enjoyed the privileged lifestyle on the grand estate of Willowbank, and inspired by her grandmother Kate, she possesses a deep-rooted compassion for those less fortunate.

When her idyllic life is shattered by unexpected tragedy, Catherine’s circumstance becomes difficult and precarious, and she wishes to escape it's drudgery and danger. She is torn between two choices. Should she follow her heart and risk her place in society? Or should she marry well, pleasing her family and securing the means to fulfil her life-long desire to help the ‘Ordinary Folk’?

Will Catherine pursue intimacy or seize convenience? What path will she choose? Where will her faith and choices lead her?


Published: October 2017
Available at Amazon (ebook & print) or from the author.

The Author

Though a late-comer to the field of writing, Victoria Carnell's formative years were influenced by her mother, an avid reader, and by her father who indulged his passion: the philosophy of language. As an adult, serving in Christian ministry in Wesleyan Churches in Australia, alongside her husband, and being employed in the spheres of management and education in the wider community has afforded many valuable experiences. Her children, their partners and her grandchildren delight her life. Due to the many opportunities to interact with people from all walks of life, She have garnered an abundance of subject material to inform her writing. Since She approaches life from the perspective of a Christian worldview, her aim is to encourage her readers to develop a relationship with the Redeemer, by identifying with her characters, as they wrestle with the issues of life and faith.  Find out more on her website.

My Thoughts

Catherine Nichols is a delightful heroine who throws herself into life and has much to learn. Initially, her biggest concern is her annoying younger brother but tragedy shatters the safety of her world and she finds herself searching for a meaningful future. Should she submit to societal expectations or follow a larger vision of the meaning of life and her heart.

Call of the Wattlebird is set in late nineteenth century Tasmania and the setting with its wealth of historical detail is a definite strength of this book. In particular, I liked how Victoria Carnell explored the different strata of society from the landowners to the those far less fortune. In many ways a coming of age story with a Anne of Green Gables vibe, Call of the Wattlebird also includes a faith element and romance, with Catherine having to decide between the family's choice of a moneyed suitor or following her heart.

While not a fast-paced novel, I found it a charming and enriching read and look forward to the sequel.

Disclosure: I designed the cover for the Call of the Wattlebird and helped in the formatting and publishing, but was otherwise not involved.

-----



Jeanette started spinning tales in the world of Nardva at the age of eight or nine. She enjoys writing secondary world fiction, poetry, blogging and editing. Her Nardvan stories span continents, time and cultures. They involve a mixture of courtly intrigue, adventure, romance and/or shapeshifters and magic users. She has published numerous short stories, poems, two novellas and her debut novel, Akrad's Children and new release Ruhanna's Flight and other stories.

Jeanette has practised medicine, studied communication, history, theology and a Master of Arts (Writing). She loves reading, painting, travel, catching up for coffee with friends, pondering the meaning of life. She lives in Brisbane with her husband and children.


Find her on:

Facebook |Jeanette O'Hagan Writes | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Book Review - Crafting a Rule of Life by Stephen A. Macchia

By Ian Acheson @achesonian

BLURB

Your personal rule of life is a holistic description of the Spirit-empowered rhythms and relationships that create, redeem, sustain and transform the life God invites you to humbly fulfill for Christ's glory. 

All of us have an unwritten personal rule of life. We wake at certain times, get ready for our days in particular ways, use our free time for assorted purposes and practice rhythms of work, hobbies, and worship. There is already a rule in place that you are following. Isnt it time to give up your unwritten rule and prayerfully write one that more closely matches the heartbeat of God? 

In this practical workbook Stephen A. Macchia looks to St. Benedict as a guide for discovering your own rule of life in community. It is a process that takes time and concerted effort; you must listen to God and discern what he wants you to be and do for his glory. But through the basic disciplines of Scripture, prayer and reflection in a small group context you will be lead forward in a journey toward Christlikeness. 

The invitation is transformational, so brace yourself for sweet release. By letting go and trusting God, you will receive the gift of life in its fullest and richest form.

MY REVIEW

To borrow another reviewers headline: "We all arrive somewhere ... very few of us get there on purpose." Macchia provides a compelling rationale and detailed workbook on how we can all draft our own 'rule of life' and be intentional in observing it.

Having studied the Spiritual Disciplines work of Foster, Willard and co, Macchia helps bridge the gap between how we can successfully orient our lives around intentional rhythms incorporating the disciplines so we can live a life that does indeed bring glory to the Lord. In much of modern ministry there's a lot of energy around the doing but action should only come out the essence of our heart that is being increasingly filled by more and more of the heartbeat of God. But we need to be intentional about how we draw close to God's heartbeat. Macchia's work helps provide a roadmap.

Providing examples from the Bible and a historical figure in each chapter, Macchia challenges us to contemplate and respond to a series of questions around each priority of our lives: relational, missional, vision, giftings and desires.

This is a challenging workbook and one needs to give yourself plenty of time to work through it. I suspect it will be something I refer back to regularly as we should with our 'rule of life' as we enter different seasons in life.

Ian Acheson is an author and strategy consultant based in Sydney. Ian's first novel of speculative fiction, Angelguard was recognised with the 2014 Selah Award for Speculative Fiction.You can find more about Angelguard at Ian's website, on his author Facebook pageand Twitter

Book Review: The Masterpiece by Francine Rivers

by Carolyn Miller @CarolynMAuthor

Whenever I see a lot of buzz about a particular book I haven't yet read I get curious. When I hear it's a book by Francine Rivers, author of such thought-provoking best-selling novels like Redeeming Love, and one of my favourite series 'Mark of the Lion' then I'm tempted to find out more. And when it's staring me at the face in Koorong, okay, I'll bite. And I'm so glad I did!

Here's the blurb:
A successful LA artist, Roman Velasco appears to have everything he could possibly want—money, women, fame. Only Grace Moore, his reluctant, newly hired personal assistant, knows how little he truly has. The demons of Roman’s past seem to echo through the halls of his empty mansion and out across his breathtaking Topanga Canyon view. But Grace doesn’t know how her boss secretly wrestles with those demons: by tagging buildings as the Bird, a notorious but unidentified graffiti artist—an alter ego that could destroy his career and land him in prison.

Like Roman, Grace is wrestling with ghosts and secrets of her own. After a disastrous marriage threw her life completely off course, she vowed never to let love steal her dreams again. But as she gets to know the enigmatic man behind the reputation, it’s as if the jagged pieces of both of their pasts slowly begin to fit together . . . until something so unexpected happens that it changes the course of their relationship— and both their lives— forever.

Why I like it:
* It reads 'real.' The characters of Roman and Grace certainly don't fit the squeaky-clean images one can read in many Christian fiction books (but probably do fit Francine Rivers's usual type of characters). Both have made mistakes, both are trying to overcome their pasts (and occasionally slipping back into old habits), both experience God's redemptive power at work. Their emotions, backgrounds, language, struggles, reactions all feel authentic. Love it!
* It's a fast-paced read. It's a nice balance of action, description and reflection. I wanted to keep reading because I care about the characters.
* I like the element of the supernatural. It seems rare to read such direct references to visitations from angels, demons, etc in such a mainstream book. But it reminds us how true this is, and how we shouldn't dismiss what we cannot see.
* I like the supporting characters. They seem like the sort of people I would like to hang with their mix of honesty, faith and fun. Oh, and did I mention they feel real, too?
* I like the elements to do with art. My new novel is based on an artist, so it's fun to read about a very different type of creator of artwork.
* I like the cover - so beautiful! (And the artwork was created by a real Californian graffiti artist!)
* It shows how easy it is to misjudge others, based simply on what we see rather than taking the time (and effort) to truly get to know others. This novel shows how true that can be for church people, too.
* Lastly, I love it due to the emphasis on grace - God's grace, big enough and available for anyone. One can never read too many books that encourage us to reflect on God's grace and to extend that to others.

Well worth reading.

Available at Koorong, Amazon, etc

Carolyn Miller lives in the beautiful Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia, with her husband and four children. Together with her husband she has pastored a church for ten years, and worked part-time as a public high school English and Learning and Support teacher. 

A longtime lover of romance, especially that of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer’s Regency era, Carolyn holds a BA in English Literature, and loves drawing readers into fictional worlds that show the truth of God’s grace in our lives. Her Regency novels include The Elusive Miss Ellison, The Captivating Lady Charlotte, The Dishonorable Miss DeLancey, Winning Miss Winthrop and Miss Serena's Secret, all available from Amazon, Book Depository, Koorong, etc

Connect with her:        website | facebook | pinterest | twitter| instagram

Book Review Fire Storm by Laura V Hilton

Barbara Thompson | @barbmaci61

Fire Storm 

by 

Laura V Hilton

Bridget Behr and her family migrate from the bustling Amish community where she grew up in Ohio to the mostly unpopulated Upper Peninsula of Michigan after a stalker breaks into their home. While her father and brother try to find work in the area, the family is forced to reside in a borrowed RV until the house and barn are rebuilt. While Bridget is hoping for a fresh start, she’s afraid to trust anyone—even Gabriel, the overly-friendly Amish man who lives nearby. Bridget thinks he’s a flirt who serial dates and doesn’t even remember the girls’ names.

Due to not enough construction work in his Florida community to keep him out of trouble, Gabriel Lapp has been sent to Michigan to work. His father is desperate for his son to settle down. When the family walks into Gabe’s home in the middle of a thunderstorm and he discovers their circumstances, he offers to help with construction. For Gabe, the beautiful girl he teasingly calls “the recluse” once he discovers she doesn’t attend youth events, confuses him like none other.

As Gabriel and Bridget grow closer, they realize there is more to a person than meets the eye. Just as Bridget is finally settling into her new life, and perhaps finding love, tragedy strikes. Now Bridget and her family must decide if they should move to another Amish community, or dare to fight for the future they’d hoped for in Mackinac County.

My Review

I believe Firestorm is one of the best books Author Laura V Hilton has written. One characteristic that the Author portrayed in this novel are Amish are the same as us - humans. Good and bad things happen to all of us, but God is still in control. I so enjoyed reading Firestorm and by saying this, I believe this is a must read book. Firestorm is Book One of The Amish of Mackinac County by Author Laura V Hilton. Magnificent Book!!

I received a copy from the author, but was not required to review it. This review is one hundred percent my opinion.

BARBARA THOMPSON (aka barbmaci61) is an avid reader. When not reading, she likes to cross-stitch on her kindle. Reading is an important aspect of her life because she has quite a few health issues. While she doesn't have a blog she does try to promote great books anywhere she can. You can finder her on twitter at @barbmaci61 

Book Review: Dancing in the Rain

by Jeanette O'Hagan  @JeanetteOHagan

The Book

Sometimes … life hurts.
What do we do then?
How do we keep going?
Who can help us?

The One who created you knows you by name. He draws near to the broken-hearted. He will gather you in His arms. He will hold you close. He will be with you always.

You will find—
• Comfort for your sadness.
• Peace for your fears.
• Hope for tomorrow.
• Light for the journey.
• And joy through every season.

Dancing in the Rain is a collection of poems, stories and life-giving words designed to bring you comfort and hope during life’s stormy seasons. 

Published March 1st 2018 by Armour Books
Available Books in Stock

The Author

Anusha delights in many things – life, the love of Jesus, people, the beauty of God’s Creation. She writes mostly for pleasure. She has decided never to grow old in spite of a body that is already defying her intentions! She enjoys the finer things of life including friendship and chocolate! Singing, walking, connecting with people and sharing God’s love are her some of her deepest passions. Like her writing, she is a work in progress! 

Anusha lives in Adelaide with her husband Shan and their son, Asela.

My Thoughts

I've been looking forward to reading Anusha's Dancing in the Rain as I'd enjoyed her story in Glimpses of Light and have also been encouraged and inspired by her regular blog of the same name. 

The book has a eye-catching cover that entices me to pick it up and read.  Inside, it has an interesting structure, broken up into sections such as Oh No! It's Raining; I need an Umbrella; It's OK to grieve; A Rainbow called HOPE; Splashing Through the Puddles; Laughter the Best Medicine; Tall Stories about Rainy Days; Sailing Paper Boats; How Green is my Valley; And Best of All - the progression seeming to follow, at least in part, the progression of emotional journey through difficult times. Each section is filled with reflections from the author (divided into Part 1 and Part 2), Friends' Stories (told in first person), Nuggets (quotes, epigrams, Scripture), My story (from the Anusha's experiences), a poem and a serialised story 'Each Monday'. 

It's an interesting mix, with different perspectives and approaches to our feelings, responses and options when facing difficulties and discouragement. The personal stories (both from Anusha and her friends) give testimony to depth of feeling, faith, and God in action in each one's lives. The reflections, nuggets and poems give both comfort, commiseration, as well as inspiration and hope in God's loving presence, spiritual meditations and practical ideas to gain a different perspective on the rain-soaked times, how to survive and even thrive. I think my favourite section is the Each Monday story, as I waited for the next instalment of the narrator's journey.

Overall, it's an easy to read, a part devotional, part inspirational gem that brims with Anusha's gentle and vibrant faith. Worth reading and also an excellent gift for those going through hard times.

Jeanette started spinning tales in the world of Nardva at the age of eight or nine. She enjoys writing secondary world fiction, poetry, blogging and editing. Her Nardvan stories span continents, time and cultures. They involve a mixture of courtly intrigue, adventure, romance and/or shapeshifters and magic users. She has published numerous short stories, poems, two novellas and her debut novel, Akrad's Children and new release Ruhanna's Flight and other stories.

Jeanette has practised medicine, studied communication, history, theology and a Master of Arts (Writing). She loves reading, painting, travel, catching up for coffee with friends, pondering the meaning of life. She lives in Brisbane with her husband and children.

Find her on:

Facebook |Jeanette O'Hagan Writes | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Book Review: Sensible Shoes: A Story about the Spiritual Journey by Sharon Garlough Brown

By Ian Acheson  @achesonian

BLURB

A 2013 Midwest Publishing Awards Show Honorable Mention Sharon Garlough Brown tells the moving story of four strangers as they embark together on a journey of spiritual formation: Hannah, a pastor who doesn't realize how exhausted she is. Meg, a widow and recent empty-nester who is haunted by her past. Mara, a woman who has experienced a lifetime of rejection and is now trying to navigate a difficult marriage. Charissa, a hard-working graduate student who wants to get things right. You’re invited to join these four women as they reluctantly arrive at a retreat center and find themselves drawn out of their separate stories of isolation and struggle and into a collective journey of spiritual practice, mutual support and personal revelation. Along the way, readers will be taken into a new understanding of key spiritual practices and find tangible support for the deeper life with God. If you want to travel this journey with others, you will find a group study guide and book club resources at www.sensibleshoesclub.com.

REVIEW

This is quite a unique story, part instructional non-fiction, built around the fictional account of four women from different backgrounds who meet at a Scared Journey retreat. It's compelling reading as we get into the detail of each of these women's lives and their journey towards God's heart. Even though I'm a man I was able to relate to all four of them at various stages of their journeys. Whether it was Charissa's perfectionism, arrogance and thirst for information, to Hannah's being lost in her calling, to Mara's struggle with a non-believing spouse and Meg's struggle with the loss of her parents and fiancé, I found a bit of myself in all of them.

I particularly enjoyed how Brown combines the heart journey and desire for intimacy with God with the telling of the ladies lives. It's a tremendous practical demonstration of how we can pursue the heart of God while going about our lives incorporating various spiritual disciplines plus the importance of community (ie, each other) and guidance from a mentor (in this story it was the leader of the retreat: Katherine).

The novel is filled with spiritual insight plus instructional guidelines as to how to incorporate various spiritual disciplines and provides a wonderful insight into a scared journey with the Lord.

I'm excited to read the next one in the series.

Ian Acheson is an author and strategy consultant based in Sydney. Ian's first novel of speculative fiction, Angelguard was recognised with the 2014 Selah Award for Speculative Fiction.You can find more about Angelguard at Ian's website, on his author Facebook page and Twitter

Book Review Liza's Second Chance by Molly Jebber

Barbara Thompson | @barbmaci61

Liza's Second Chance
by
Molley Jebber

The sweet welcome of straight-from-the-oven sugar cookies and hot cocoa. The warm invitation of apple pie and fresh cold milk. In 1912 Ohio, the Amish Charm Bakery is the heart of a close-knit, faith-nourished community, where people can find a refuge, a place to start again—and love that can make their lives new . . .

For Liza Schrock, the bakery her late husband bought was an unexpected haven from their unhappy arranged marriage. Now she's perfectly content to cook up mouth-watering delights for her hometown, and give to those alone or in trouble—and remain happily unwed. And though she's willing to give handsome, newly-arrived widower Jacob Graber all the help he desperately needs, she is sure they can stay just friends . . .

But as Liza also tries to aid Jacob's troubled teenage daughter, she starts caring far too much for his gentle ways and steadfast hopes. And when a wrenching secret she must keep comes between them, can Liza find the faith to risk opening her heart again—and reach for one more chance at real love?

Praise for Molly Jebber’s Keepsake Pocket Quilt novels

“Jebber is a talented author who always gives readers what they have come to expect from her books.”
– RT Book Review

My Review

Liza's Second Chance

Liza's Second Chance is a fabulous book. Author Molly Jebber wrote a story with twists and turns that kept me so interested. The characters are stunning and I love each one. I was impressed with this book and looking forward to Book Two in the Amish Charm Bakery series by Author Molly Jebber.

I received a copy from the publisher, but was not required to review it. This review is one hundred percent my opinion.

BARBARA THOMPSON (aka barbmaci61) is an avid reader. When not reading, she likes to cross-stitch on her kindle. Reading is an important aspect of her life because she has quite a few health issues. While she doesn't have a blog she does try to promote great books anywhere she can. You can finder her on twitter at @barbmaci61