The Joy of ART - Whiter Than Snow

I've always said that I was born during the wrong era, because I would fit perfectly in a Currier & Ives print . . . You know, one of those village scenes where skaters glide effortlessly across a frozen pond or sweethearts snuggle close in a sleigh.

Okay, I realize that I'm probably guilty of romanticizing snow because it's such a rarity where I live. The people in those paintings are always smiling - when in reality, I would either be too sore to stand up due to frequent falls on the ice or too cold to even think about smiling while gliding through the woods to grandmother's house!

However, there's just something so pure, calm, peaceful and ethereal about snow, at least to me. And the visual symbolism behind these words never fails to make me thankful . . .

"Though your sins are like scarlet,

I will make them as white as snow."

- Isaiah 1:18 NLT

"Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean;

wash me, and I will be whiter than snow."

- Psalm 51:7 NLT

I hope you will enjoy these winter scenes by various artists as much as I do. (Click on images to enlarge.)

"Morning Frost" by Terry Redlin

Robert Duncan

"Winter Evening" - Evgeny Lushpin

"Winter Patchwork" - Diane Phalen

William Mangum

"Evening Run" - Darrell Bush

"In the Still Light of Dawn" - Alan Giana

These two just might be my favorites . . .

"Friends in Winter" - Fred Swan

"First Light" - William Mangum

Does it show a lot where you live, or do you long to see more of it like me? Do you have a favorite painting? Comments are welcome and appreciated.

Review: The Abbot's Agreement

The Abbot's Agreement
By Mel Starr
The Chronicles of Hugh de Singleton, Surgeon, #7
Kregel, 2014


Summary

"My life would have been more tranquil in the days after Martinmas had I not seen the crows. Whatever it was that the crows had found lay in the dappled shadow of the bare limbs of the oak, so I was nearly upon the thing before I recognized what the crows were feasting upon. The corpse wore black."

Master Hugh is making his way towards Oxford when he discovers the young Benedictine - a fresh body, barefoot - not half a mile from the nearby abbey. The abbey's novice master confirms the boy's identity: John, one of three novices. But he had gone missing four days previously, and his corpse is fresh. There has been plague in the area, but this was not the cause of death: the lad has been stabbed in the back. To Hugh's sinking heart, the abbot has a commission for him ...


My thoughts

What an interesting and unusual story! I have long been a fan of British mysteries and am delighted to discover the medieval mysteries of Mel Starr. Seventh book in the Hugh de Singleton series, The Abbot's Agreement is centered around Eynsham Abbey in the fall of 1368. It's a world of castles, knights, monks, heresy, creative doctoring, and my favorite type of detection methods - questioning and observation. This is not an action-packed, fast-paced novel, but rather a steadily moving drama set during the 14th century, and all these elements are fleshed out by a narrative that contains some profound insight. Strong secondary characters - Abbot Thurstan, Brother Gerleys, and Arthur - added much richness. The Abbot's Agreement fascinated me and completely held my attention.

Church of St Beornwald

Master Hugh, surgeon and bailiff to Lord Gilbert Talbot, is a husband and father, with another child on the way, and we don't actually see Lord Talbot in this volume. The Abbot's Agreement stands alone, although I think reading the previous books would provide a deeper understanding of characterization and setting. These opening lines create a great sense of atmosphere . . .

"My life would have been more tranquil in the days after Martinmas had I not seen the birds. . . . It is said that curiosity killed the cat. It can prove hazardous for meddlesome bailiffs as well."

While I enjoyed the mystery element, this book's strength was the picture beautifully conveyed of medieval life in England. Not only does Mel have a wealth of knowledge and obvious love for those times, but he is able to communicate it in a way that draws readers in.  With a lack of modern technology, medical practice and criminal detection were greatly challenged, yet triumphs occurred in ways that would surprise us today.

There's another strength as well, and that is the spiritual insight that flowed throughout and gives cause for reflection. For example, in contrast to today - when Bibles are easily obtained, yet often gather dust - Master Hugh greatly desired his own copy of the Scriptures, and that's the meaning behind the title. In return for investigating the murder of a young novice, Abbot Thurstan promised to have scribes prepare a Bible for him, in the time between Martinmas (November 11) to St. John's Day (June 24).

But I think my favorite part was when Master Hugh recited Scripture passages with a dying Abbot Thurstan - Scriptures about being forgiven and "cleansed from all unrighteousness" . . . presented "holy, and blameless, and irreproachable in His sight." These words that bring us so much comfort and assurance were heretical thinking in those days, as evidenced in the words of Brother Gerleys:  "Who will give us lands and shillings to pray for their souls if there is no purgatory from which they seek release?"

I enjoyed The Abbot's Agreement very much and hope to read more of this series soon. Recommended, especially to those who enjoy historical mysteries.

Mel Starr

        Mel Starr was born and grew up in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He graduated from Spring Arbor High School in 1960, and Greenville College (Illinois) in 1964. He received an MA in history from Western Michigan University in 1970. He taught history in Michigan public schools for thirty-nine years, thirty-five of those in Portage, MI, where he retired in 2003 as chairman of the social studies department of Portage Northern High School.
        Mel married Susan Brock in 1965, and they have two daughters; Amy (Kevin) Kwilinski, of Naperville, IL, and Jennifer (Jeremy) Reivitt, of Portage, MI. Mel and Susan have seven grandchildren.

Meet Mel online at melstarr.net

Thank you to Kregel for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Review: The Dandelion Field

The Dandelion Field
By Kathryn Springer
Zondervan, 2014


Summary

This handsome firefighter makes a living coming to the rescue, but Gin doesn't need a man to fight her battles.

After Raine's dad walked out, Ginevieve Lightly never lived in one place too long, a rambling lifestyle that defined her daughter's youth. When their car dies in Banister Falls, Wisconsin, Gin promises Raine they can stay until she finishes her senior year of high school. Gin will do anything to make sure her daughter has a bright future . . . a future that's compromised when Raine reveals she's pregnant.

Dan Moretti has only ever called Banister Falls home. After losing his best friend in a tragic accident, Dan devoted himself to responding to fires, rescuing the helpless, and guiding Cody Bennett, his best friend's son, through life. With Cody being the epitome of the good kid, it was an easy job. Until he says four little words: "The baby is mine."

Knowing gossip of Raine's pregnancy will erupt sooner or later in the small town, Gin's reflex is to grab the suitcase and escape to a new city, a new life. But with each passing day, Gin's feet stay rooted in Banister Falls, and she falls a little more for this local firefighter who shows her not all men abandon women at the first sign of smoke.

As Gin and Dan do the best they can to guide the two teenagers through their early entry into adulthood, they discover together that romance can bloom in the rockiest of situations. And God can turn the pieces of a broken past into a beautiful new beginning.


My thoughts

I'm so glad I chose to read The Dandelion Field by Kathryn Springer because everything about this story appealed to me, making it one of my favorite reads. Writing style, characterization, dry wit, small-town setting, emotion and message . . . Sometimes everything just clicks for me, and that is certainly the case here. There's a lot of character depth, which is something I always look for. Kathryn's lyrical narrative is conversational and easy to follow, and the storyline reached out to grab me from the very first page. I especially like how Kathryn takes a topic not often seen in Christian fiction and handles it so well. Love for family and extended family, showing children you love them, freedom in Christ - it's all here.

The characters seem so real and easy to connect with. Gin avoided putting down roots, pursuing freedom and a clean slate by seeing what was over the next horizon. "Places, not people, filled the pages of the photo album on their coffee table." Raine is an insecure teen, the product of her mother's rambling lifestyle. Cody, with his strong faith and penchant for rescuing strays, naturally gravitated toward Raine. I loved the way his caring drew her out, and how they shared thoughts and goals that they hadn't been able to express to others.

Dan is one of my favorite fictional leading men - firefighter, local hero, and guided by his faith in God. The romance between Gin and Dan is a strong theme - fun, moving, and with a cute twist at the end. I love these thoughts of Gin's:   "Dan's eyes were clear, lit by a source Gin couldn't identify, and filled with gifts she was afraid to accept."

Spiritual themes are beautifully woven throughout, like the fact that even the strongest Christians fall, but what's most important is where we go from there. And as Gin learned, no matter what coping mechanism we might use on a human level, the past still rears its ugly head. True freedom and a new start only come through Christ.

I think it was the significant meaning behind the title, The Dandelion Field, that touched me most, though. You'll have to read the story to understand more, but it reinforces the importance of showing our children how much we love them with an image I don't think I'll ever forget.

Bottom line? I did not want to leave these characters. There's so much room for further story development that I really, really hope Kathryn will give us a sequel. The Dandelion Field is a thoroughly entertaining and inspiring novel, one that I highly recommend - and it's going on my list of 2015 favorite reads!

Kathryn Springer

Kathryn Springer is a USA Today bestselling author. She grew up in northern Wisconsin, where her parents published a weekly newspaper. As a child she spent many hours sitting at her mother's typewriter, plunking out stories, and credits her parents for instilling in her a love of books --- which eventually turned into a desire to tell stories of her own. Kathryn has written nineteen books with close to two million copies sold. She lives with her husband and three children in Marinette, Wisconsin.

Connect with Kathryn online at kathrynspringer.com and Facebook. Also be sure to visit the Litfuse tour page to learn more.

The Dandelion Field can be purchased online at Christianbook.com, DeeperShopping, Amazon, and B&N.

Thank you to Litfuse Publicity for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Author Spotlight + GIVEAWAY: Victoria Bylin, 2014 Best of the Best

Until I Found You by Victoria Bylin is a title from my 2014 Best of the Best list. While I've read several excellent contemporary romances in the last year, I could tell after a few pages that there was something special and unique about Victoria's writing - I think it's the way she realistically combines romantic tension and spiritual themes with unexpected character depth, setting, and environmental elements. Until I Found You (click on title to see my review) is a touching story that not only entertained, but made me think.

It is an honor to have Victoria visit The Power of Words again, and I hope many of you will try Until I Found You if you haven't already. She is also giving a copy of this book to one of you, details at the end of this post. Now enjoy Victoria as she shares some things about her writing with us . . .

Vicki:  I was fresh out of college when I sat down with a spiral notebook and wrote the first words of the story that eventually became Until I Found You.  That effort was considerably different from the manuscript Bethany House published, but the core of the story remained the same through three rewrites. Kate Darby, a twenty-something advertising executive, is looking for meaning, security and love. Like many of us, Kate wrestles with fear, but with the help of friends and family, she learns to trust God through faith.

My next release, Together With You (April 2015), is about grace.  Dr. Ryan Tremaine made a terrible mistake, one that destroyed his family. He’s doing his best to repair his relationship with his three kids, but nothing goes right until he meets Carly Mason, a woman from Kentucky who has the expertise--and the faith--Ryan lacks. The last thing Ryan wants to do is fall in love with the nanny, but that’s exactly what happens.

I love writing contemporary romance!  We live in a big messy world, but I’m a firm believer that with God, all things are possible, including happy endings.

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Carole:  I don't know what everyone else thinks, but your next release certainly has my attention, Victoria! One of the best things about this whole process is getting to connect with authors I enjoy, and you have been very special. Thank you so much for taking the time to be with us this week and sharing a copy with one of our readers. I look forward to your next visit!

Congratulations to our winner, Trixi O!! I have sent you an email, Trixi. And thanks to all who commented with book suggestions. I plan to post a list very soon.

GIVEAWAY

To enter the drawing for Until I Found You, simply answer the following question:

What is one contemporary romance - clean and family friendly - that you read last year and would recommend? If you didn't read a contemporary, another genre is fine.

DON'T FORGET TO LEAVE YOUR E-MAIL ADDRESS (required for the drawing), using a safe format - [at] and [dot].

"Likes" on my Facebook page, ThePowerofWordsBookReviews, are greatly appreciated, as are followers on Google+, Pinterest, Twitter, and this blog.

Contest ends at midnight PST on Wednesday, February 11. Winner will be chosen by Random.org and contacted by e-mail.

Giveaway is open internationally.

Exciting News from Amy Clipston . . .

It's contest time! Sign-up for Amy Clipston's e-newsletter and you'll be entered to win advance copies of her next two books, Miles from Nowhere and A Simple Prayer! The winner will be announced Feb. 14. Sign up here:  http://amyclipston.com/SignUpForm.html

        Chelsea Morris has always been responsible, dependable, and focused on her dreams of fashion design—a dream that will officially begin come fall, when she leaves for college in New York City. And as she settles into her role as the lead designer for the local summer stock theater group, she decides to make the most of her last summer in North Carolina. But with her best friend Emily busy working late and spending time with Zander, and tensions with Chelsea’s boyfriend, Todd, running high, the summer she envisioned seems to be falling flat.
        Then Dylan joins the latest summer production. There’s something about the college boy that makes her feel free and alive, and soon she’s broken up with Todd, and is sneaking out late to meet Dylan at parties and breaking rules at the playhouse. But before she knows it, her exciting nights are interfering with her job, her role on the play, as well as her relationship with Emily and with her parents. Worse, Chelsea finds herself feeling more and more estranged from God.
        As the summer becomes wilder than she ever dreamed, Chelsea must decide if her heart is leading her in the right direction after all.

        Life has taken much from Linda Zook. Now she dares to hope for a chance at love and a new beginning.
        Linda Zook, 32, works part-time at the Lancaster Grand Hotel. As the sole survivor of a buggy accident that left her orphaned at age four, she was raised by her unwilling Uncle Reuben. Linda longs to be worthy of someone, but the life-long effects of her injuries and her upbringing under the care of her embittered uncle have destroyed her self-worth.
        Aaron Ebersol, 32, left the Amish community 17 years ago when he could no longer bear the restrictions or the constant tension with his father. He’d written too many unanswered letters to his mother and found himself incapable of putting down any roots in his new home in Missouri. Success in work could not replace the family that denied Aaron, even after all of these years.
        Aaron hastily returns to the Amish community of Paradise, PA, after receiving word of his mother’s stroke. Hesitant to get too close to the family he was once a part of, he decides to stay at the Heart of Paradise Bed & Breakfast. He soon encounters Linda, working there part-time, and they begin to develop a friendship.
        Aaron’s return allows him to reconnect with his family as he jumps into home improvement projects, hoping to make his parents’ house more accessible to his handicapped mother. But before long, he is enraged to learn that his brother, Solomon, had hidden all of Aaron’s letters to their mother.
        Linda and Aaron must each learn to forgive the family members who have deceived and forsaken them. And Aaron must also show Linda that she is worthy of his love.

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Amy Clipston:  I'm super excited to announced that A Hopeful Heart is FREE with all major eBook retailers! Start downloading and tell your friends!  http://amzn.to/1A5eq6S

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Amy Clipston's eBook Gift of Love is included in @Zondervan's $2.99 ‪#‎ValentinesDay sale - http://bit.ly/1LQ0FMe


Ebook version, $2.99 at Amazon

Their odds were 100,000 to one.

Her faith was 1 in a million.

        In The Gift of Love, bestselling fiction author Amy Clipston shares her story of almost losing the love of her life to kidney disease and the ultimate sacrifice that kept their family together. An ordinary woman who cherishes family above all else, Amy was challenged in every way—from her strength of character to the depths of her faith to the close-knit family that surrounds her. Enduring the good, the bad, and the really bad, she was determined to help her husband once again be the husband and father their family needed.
        Amy’s story will give hope and encouragement to anyone who finds themselves waiting on God. Staring down adversity, Amy and her family received the most important gift of all, the gift of love. And regardless of your situation, this gift can be yours too.
        An inspirational story of strength and determination, The Gift of Love is the triumph of one woman’s faith against all odds, and a soul-filling reminder that no matter how hard life gets, it is worth fighting for.

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And An Amish Cradle is now available.  Amy is excited to be writing with Vannetta Chapman, author, Kathleen Fuller, and Fans of Beth Wiseman!!

An Amish Cradle can be ordered at Amazon