Review: Dwelling Places

Dwelling Places
By Lucinda Secrest McDowell
Abingdon Press, 2016


Summary

Do you long for serenity and refuge, peace and hope? Are you seeking a deeper spiritual life through a closer relationship with God?

If you're tired of dwelling in busyness and noise, then perhaps one word a day can change your life. Award-winning author Lucinda Secrest McDowell knows that if you spend time each day turning to God's Word for wisdom and guidance, your faith can flourish and grow.

Through short and inspiring readings, McDowell unpacks a single word---such as mercy, beauty, gratitude, or grace---to reveal a biblical blessing or challenge relevant to where you are. Full of stories and illustrations to empower you to live the word you have just read, each devotional ends with a benediction, written as if God were speaking directly to you.

These "dwelling places" that offer the joy of God's promise and presence cover four seasons: fall, Advent, Lent, and summer. Whether in the midst of busy holiday schedules, holy days, ordinary moments, or changing seasons, a deeper faith can be as simple as a single word.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/28U4tj1


My thoughts

Dwelling Places is an excellent devotional, unique in its focus on one word a day. It’s not a deep book, yet it delves into deep spiritual truths in a way that reflects on how God’s Word and our lives intersect. Lucinda Secrest McDowell draws from Scripture, personal experiences, and the words of classic writers – Amy Carmichael, Catherine Marshall, Andrew Murray, etc. – and the result is a collection of meditations that is informative and inspirational.

The meditations are even more meaningful because of their seasonal grouping into topics. Here are some examples:

Dwell (Fall) … abide, still, singing, refuge, home
Shine (Advent) … peace, stars, afraid, glorifies, thankful
Renew (Lent) … wept, defeated, sheep, near, engraved
Grow (Summer) … rooted, harvest, mature, unplowed

Something I found especially touching is the epilogue in which Lucinda shares a learning experience shortly after completing this devotional – how the nest is a refuge, a residency, and a release.

Dwelling Places is a great book to keep close at hand – as a way to begin your quiet time or simply when you need to get your mind in tune with God. And it can be used at the section for the current time of year. Each meditation ends with a short “God speaking to you” thought, which is purely based on Scripture.

I’d like to end with a quote from Elisabeth Elliot that spoke to me, taken from the meditation on “afraid” . . .

Without a clear understanding of the ultimate objective, the immediate objectives make no sense to us. But if we bear in mind that we shall, beyond any doubt whatsoever, finally dwell in the house of the Lord, settle down to stay in His presence, then the intermediate pastures and waters, even the valley of the shadow, are understood. They are stations and landings along the journey and they will not last long.

Recommended.

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Lucinda Secrest McDowell is the author of 11 books, including Live These Wo rds, Amazed by Grace, and Quilts from Heaven. She has contributed to an additional 25 books and has been published in more than 50 magazines. A graduate of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and Furman University, she speaks internationally through her ministry Encouraging Words. An award-winning writer who has earned accolades from prominent writers' conferences and retreats, McDowell has also worked in radio broadcasting, in retreat planning, and on church pastoral staffs. She writes from "Sunnyside" cottage in Connecticut.

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

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http://litfusegroup.com/author/LMcDowell

The JOY of Art - "The Dream Keepers" by Kathy Fincher

Kathy Fincher is a children’s painter and illustrator, a devout Christian who glorifies God through her art. Concerned that the heart of our Constitutional principles of “Faith and Freedom” were under attack after the events of 9/11, Kathy felt a responsibility to offer a message of hope to American families. “The Dream Keepers” came out of that concern, and the original painting is in the George W. Bush Library.

The Dream Keepers

By Kathy Fincher

In Kathy’s words . . .

        “Following the events of September 11th, I lost my desire to paint. However, I realized my responsibility and decided to fight back with a brush of the American spirit and my palette.
        “Illustrator Norman Rockwell painted illustrations that became a comfort to weary Americans following WW II. In the same light, I wanted to encourage today's generation during this tragic time. A blank canvas sat before me for a very long time as I contemplated what the heart of the message would be. I chose . . . Faith and Freedom.
        “To illustrate freedom, I drew a rectangle symbolizing the shape of the American flag.  Representing “faith” I drew the symbol of a cross to intersect the stars, (the states). Bringing the cross to life, I used light and shadows from a side window.  Light is a symbol of faith and represents hope and truth. Wasn’t September 11th a battle between darkness and light, I asked President Bush years later in the Oval Office?
        “There are seven children representing the seven continents; biblically, seven is considered the perfect number.
        “But it was a bystander that pointed out the bloodstained hand print on the finished painting as I was showing it to my mother and aunt on the Town Green in our hometown. He saw what we did not; a red hand print at the foot of the cross created by the footprints of the children.
        “My husband and I had the opportunity to visit Ground Zero months later and a policeman, hearing our story, took us inside the barricade to see and meet the REAL Dream Keepers. The destruction inside formed a mountain range of devastation. Yet the mood and attitude of these volunteers revealed a unity, strength, and hope greater than the mountains of rubble.
        “I felt that my painting was coming to life!  Just like the children in my painting, my husband and I witnessed adults - of all different backgrounds - united and working side by side.  They reflected a child-like hope and became united in their efforts; painting for us a picture of the American spirit.
        “Some say our innocence is forever lost; we will never be the same. Maybe so. However, painted in my memory are the young men and women, working together among the rubble, refusing defeat. Their example invites all of us, young and old, to join the children and offer our own hand prints as a testament of our faith and freedom.”

Freedom of Worship

By Kathy Fincher

Review: Jilted

Jilted
By Varina Denman
Mended Hearts, #3
David C. Cook, 2016


Summary

Lynda Turner has struggled with depression since her husband abandoned her and their young daughter fifteen years ago.

Yet unexpected hope awakens when a local ex-convict shows interest. As long-hidden secrets resurface, Lynda must fight for her emotional stability and for a life where the shadow of shame is replaced by the light of love.

Jilted tells of a woman who has lost the joy of living, a man determined to draw her back toward happiness, and a town that must—once and for all—leave the past where it belongs. It is a gentle reminder that all things can work together for good.


My thoughts

Quality. That’s the description that first comes to mind when I think back on the Mended Hearts series. Pure literary quality. And then I would have to add poignant, heartwarming, romantic, relevant, and even challenging to my faith. In these stories you will find richly-drawn characters, compelling storylines, and a masterfully-conveyed sense of place in the west Texas community of Trapp. Varina Denman deals with small-town prejudices, a church’s unjustness, and the issue of depression in a way that thoroughly entertains and fascinates.

When I talk about Jilted, it’s hard to separate it from the two previous books, Jaded and Justified, because they all continue as one gently-flowing stream. Although sufficient background is given so that Jilted can stand alone, I highly recommend reading the series in order, because these three novels have continued themes and characters that grow throughout. The storylines develop slowly, as with the gradual pealing back of layers, and the totally unique and endearing characters wormed their way into my heart, forever to be embedded. From the small-town setting and characterization, to the attitudes prevalent among the townspeople, both good and bad, everything has such a realness to it that I had to keep reminding myself that this is a work of fiction.

We first met Lynda, Ruth Ann’s mom, back in book #1, where she was a little … okay, I’ll just say it – unreasonable and unlikeable, yet I saw a glimmer of hope for her character by the end of that book. I loved her determination! Lynda lived with bitter memories that imprisoned her in the past … and in her words, “Anger had become a familiar blanket I habitually wrapped myself in.” Lynda’s daily struggle with depression felt so real that I wanted to cheer when she drew on that determined spirit and decided to be happy, which couldn’t have been easy.

Clyde also came on the scene in the first book when he returned to Trapp after a 20-year incarceration, where he also found Christ. Understandably rough around the edges, his gradual growth throughout the series is beautiful to watch. Lynda and Clyde are strong and unique characters, with the foundation of friendship on which attraction grows.

In Jilted, you will find love and laughter, as in the scene where Clyde asks Lyn to go out with him . . .

Clyde’s laughter bounced off the walls and echoed through my heart, and I realized I hadn’t heard him laugh like that since before he went to prison. His voice boomed as if his happiness came from deep inside, and the sound startled me so much, I took a step back and stared. Wanting to hear more.  (Lynda)

In Jilted, you will also find faith realistically played out . . .

Even if the baptized believers were a tangled mess of problems, God wanted Clyde in the middle of them – worshiping, forgiving, tolerating. If he expected them to overlook his faults, he needed to overlook theirs, too.  (Clyde)

Jilted reflects hope, second chances, encouragement when circumstances are bad, and the importance of being there for each other, especially in the sharing of burdens.

Jaded, Justified, and Jilted are well worth the investment of time and money. Read them slowly, savor every gentle nuance in Varina’s exquisite writing – and then read them again. I know I will.

Very highly recommended.

Varina Denman is author of the Mended Hearts series and a native Texan. She spent her high school years in a rural town and now writes stories about the struggles women face in similar small town settings. She and her husband live near Fort Worth, where they enjoy spending time with their five mostly grown children.

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

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http://litfusegroup.com/author/vdenman

Review: Silence in the Dark

Silence in the Dark
By Patricia Bradley
Logan Point, #4
Revell, 2016


Summary

Bailey Adams is running for her life . . . again.

When Bailey Adams left Logan Point two years ago she thought she was getting away from her problems. Running into her ex-fiancé Danny Maxwell was not part of the plan--neither was being chased through the city by the local drug cartel, the Calatrava. Now despite her best efforts, Danny is her only chance of escaping the people chasing her and getting back to Logan Point safely. Can Bailey find the strength to face what's coming? And in the midst of the chaos, can she keep herself from falling in love with her rescuer all over again?

With lean, fast-paced prose that will keep you turning the pages, Patricia Bradley pens a superb story of suspense and second chances.


My thoughts

I’m not a huge fan of romantic suspense, but Patricia Bradley’s novels are must reads for me. While having plenty of action and suspense, Silence in the Dark didn’t exceed my tolerance level for these elements. It was the southern setting of Logan Point, Mississippi that initially drew me to this series, and I have greatly enjoyed each story. In addition to tight writing, interesting storyline and sweet romance, the characters are richly drawn and spiritual themes are seamlessly woven throughout.

Danny and Bailey are likeable characters that I could easily relate to, and they struggle with spiritual issues that all of us can probably identify with in some form. Danny lived with guilt and couldn’t let go of the past, couldn’t forgive himself. Bailey allowed fear to control her life, becoming good at running and making excuses. I loved the wise counsel Bailey received from her mom, advising her to trust God with her fear . . . “The way I see it, you can keep holding on to it and nothing changes. Or you can turn it over to him, trusting he will give you peace. It’s your choice.” The book’s title also spoke to me, for sometimes it does seem that God is silent during our darkest times, which is why total trust is so important.

Having greatly enjoyed the whole series, I have to say that the first three stories were my favorites (see my review links below), and I wish more of the previous characters popped up in this book. I love southern fiction and the Logan Point setting was vividly conveyed in books 1-3, to the point of feeling like one of the characters – and I missed that sense of connection in Silence in the Dark. And this is just personal preference, but Silence’s theme involved Mexico and a drug cartel, which I’m not too fond of. Again, just personal preference, because Patricia is an excellent writer of romantic suspense, one of my favorites, and I did enjoy Silence in the Dark. I can’t wait to see where Patricia takes us next. I’ll definitely be along for the ride!

Recommended.

Series reviews . . .
#1 - Shadows of the Past
#2 - A Promise to Protect
#3 - Gone without a Trace

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Patricia Bradley is the award-winning author of Shadows of the Past, A Promise to Protect, and Gone without a Trace. Winner of a Daphne du Maurier Award and a Touched by Love Award, Bradley is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America, and makes her home in Mississippi.

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

Review: My Father's House

My Father’s House
By Rose Chandler Johnson
CreateSpace, 2016


Summary

Growing up, life is idyllic for Lily Rose Cates due to one constant --- her father's love.

But in her sixteenth summer, all that changes without warning. There begins Lily's struggle to find herself and the life she's lost. . . . Marriage promises fulfillment, but her happily-ever-after barely survives the honeymoon. Her husband's sophisticated façade hides a brooding man with even darker secrets.

When all illusions shatter, Lily must make hard choices --- abandon her husband or risk losing much more than her marriage. She flees their home in Detroit and sets out on a fearful journey to a house in Georgia that her husband knows nothing about. This is one woman's compelling tale of love and survival as she finds her way back home to who she's meant to be . . . in her father's house.


My thoughts

My Father’s House is an excellent debut novel that combines the elements of sweet romance, suspense, friendship, and Southern charm, and fits into the genre of women’s fiction that I enjoy so much. Rose Chandler Johnson has created a story that is primarily easy, pleasurable reading, yet it will keep readers on the edge of their seats at other times. Sometimes a book’s setting has such a strong presence that it becomes a major character, as is the case here. The author vividly conveyed the essence of the South – from the food, hospitality, and friendliness, to the way the small community looked out for Lily’s safety.

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The truth is, at that moment in my life, my heart longed for love.

I grabbed hold of its promise like a drowning person

grabs hold of a life jacket. It was vital for my survival. I flung

open my heart, he walked in, and I grabbed hold.

- Lily

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My Father’s House is told in the first-person voice of Lily, which worked well and fit this style of narrative. I fell in love with Lily Rose Cates from the very beginning – and while I understood how she was unwisely attracted to Manny, I wanted to reach out and shake some sense into her. I thought this description was totally accurate:  “What a twenty-two-year-old girl in love feels, is more real than reality, stronger than reason.”

Lily’s husband, Manny, is a Detroit lawyer who thrives for power, competition and winning. Although he’s a character that I hated to see walk onto the page, I wish more could have been revealed about his character, family, and the reason behind his actions. His physical and emotional abuse are portrayed realistically, but not overly graphic.

There are also some great secondary characters, my favorite being Annie Ruth, the family maid who practically raised Lily. This is a wonderful description of Annie Ruth (maybe you even know someone who resembles her):  “She had a way of parading life down the middle of the road in the broad daylight and looking it straight in the face. She never sugar-coated reality, and she never white-washed the truth. In her own dignified way, she made the best of what the good Lord gave.”

Neither does the author sugar-coat reality when it comes to serious issues such as abuse, spousal rape, depression, and divorce – all of which are handled in a graceful manner. At its heart, My Father’s House is a story of the healing and second chances found in Christ. I enjoyed this story very much and look forward to more from Rose Chandler Johnson.

Recommended.

Purchase a copy: http://amzn.to/217Bvib

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Rose Chandler Johnson is the author of the award winning devotional God, Me, and Sweet Iced Tea: Experiencing God in the Midst of Everyday Moments. My Father's House is her first novel. She happily makes her home near Augusta, Georgia.

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

Litfuse landing page:

http://litfusegroup.com/author/rjohnson

Review: My Mother's Quilts

My Mother’s Quilts
By Ramona Richards
Worthy Publishing, 2016


Summary

A quilt is love that serves a purpose.

Inspired by thirty family heirloom quilts, each devotion depicts the enduring legacy of faith, family and tradition. With humor and sincerity, Ramona Richards shares her memories and lessons learned from the quilters whose legacies live on in their work. Rich, personal, sometimes heartbreaking, often funny, each reading provides a lesson and encouragement from the faithful women who crafted the quilts.

Full-color photographs of each quilt show the style and artistry of each beautiful work. The quilts, sewn by several generations over more than one-hundred years, are as unique and lovely as the hands that created them. The oldest was buried during the Civil War to keep it safe and the author’s mother created the newest in the last years of her life.


My thoughts

My Mother’s Quilts: Devotions of Love, Legacy, Family and Faith is part memoir, part devotional, a collection of around 60 reflective thoughts drawn from 30 quilts passed down from generation to generation. This is a beautiful book, both in physical appearance and because of the thoughts shared. “The heritage of our faith and family lives in those around us. Just listening to them can bring treasures more valuable than gold.” My Mother’s Quilts is a book to treasure.

Just like the brightly-colored images pictured throughout, the book itself is a work of art – hardback with a burgundy cover, dust jacket, thick pages, and a ribbon to mark your place. Each meditation begins with a Scripture verse and ends with a prayer prompt. Like the title’s description, Ramona’s thoughts are sometimes humorous, sometimes heartbreaking - but are warm and vividly reflect the love, legacy, family and faith that have always been associated with the making and passing down of quilts.

My mom didn’t sew, but she knew a retired couple who quilted, and she made sure I received quilts upon marriage and the birth of my children. These quilts carried the same message of love and faith, and will continue to be cherished by my family.

I’d single out each meditation if I could because they are all touching, but these two especially stood out to me . . .

The Carolina Lily quilt, dating from the 1830s, was a faded symbol of something that never fades . . . a reminder that faith and family, and a belief that God will take care of us, endure in the same way: passed down to the next generation.

The Twenty-five Patch quilt with three bright blue squares amidst the pale reds and browns . . . In passing down this imperfection, my great-great grandmother inadvertently reminded all who came after her how impermeable and unchanging is God’s true love for us. It is a love that will come to us no matter what, showering us “as the spring rains,” always refreshing and new.

I believe anyone would enjoy My Mother’s Quilts, but this would be an especially meaningful collection for anyone who sews, quilts, or who has been blessed by receiving a quilt.

Highly recommended.

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Ramona Richards is an award-winning editor, speaker, author of nine books, and a frequent contributor to devotional collections. An avid live music fan, Ramona loves Nashville, which she’s called home since she was ten.

Sensing her mother was near the end of her life, Ramona documented her mother’s stories and lessons behind each family quilt. These stories form the devotions in My Mother’s Quilts. Find out more about Ramona and her books by visiting her online . . .

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Thank you to Worthy Publishing and FlyBy Promotions for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

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CONTEST OFFER!

Win one of the quilts featured in My Mother's Quilts: Devotions of Love, Legacy, Family and Faith.

Also up for grabs: loads of other prizes including quilting hand warmers, coloring books, and 25 signed copies of Ramona’s book.

Winners will be emailed after the contest ends on June 30, 2016. Click the image to get started!

Review + Blog Tour GIVEAWAY: The Amish Firefighter

The Amish Firefighter
By Laura V. Hilton
Whitaker House, 2016


Summary

A Beautiful Young Woman Banished from Home

Abigail Stutzman thought it was bad enough being dropped at the nearest bus station and sent to live several states away with some relatives she’d never even heard of, much less met. But now, just a week after her arrival in Jamesport, Missouri, she finds herself at the scene of a barn fire. An intentional barn fire. And all fingers are pointed at her. She’s desperate to prove her innocence and protect her reputation, but nobody’s making that easy to do. And God certainly doesn’t seem willing to help.

A Brave Firefighter with an Agenda of His Own

Sam Miller is in the process of turning over a new leaf. Determined to atone for the follies of his past, he is a volunteer firefighter, an EMT, and a doctor-in-training. With suspicious barn fires escalating, and the Miller family being among the victims, no one is more determined to see the perpetrators brought to justice than Sam.

A Kindled Flame Neither One Could Have Anticipated

When their paths first cross at the site of a barn burning, the emotional intensity rivals the warmth of the flames. Soon, they must decide whether this fire is one they should feed or fight. And they’ll discover that the truth can prove more dangerous than a blazing inferno.


My thoughts

I was eager to read this story because I enjoy Amish fiction and love discovering authors who are new to me – and from its intriguing cover to its emotion-filled narrative, The Amish Firefighter is a compelling read. Laura V. Hilton’s unique writing style reflects a realism and honesty that drew me to the characters and I look forward to more of her novels.

Readers who feel that Amish fiction paints too “perfect” a picture will have no complaint here, for Laura’s characters wrestle with temptations of the flesh just as we do, and they have a humanness and honesty that is most appealing. The Amish Firefighter tackles some serious life issues and does it well – issues like temptation, sex outside of marriage, pregnancy, close bloodlines within the Amish community, rejection, and criminal activity.

I loved Sam’s protective nature and the way he is growing as a new Christian, and I was pulling for him all the way. Abigail experienced the unthinkable as she was thrust away from her family with no explanation or contact, and I could understand how trusting God with her life was difficult. The chemistry between Sam and Abigail is delightful, and she loved everything about him– “his payers, his calm, his friendship, his willingness to fight for her, for those he loved.” There’s plenty of romantic tension, as well as several scenes that will make you melt.

One of this story’s strengths is the spiritual application that Laura beautifully weaves throughout, and there is much that spoke to me personally – themes of sin, confession, God’s forgiveness and grace, and how important it is to forgive oneself also. And one thought that I carry away from this book is that the battle is the Lord’s, not ours – something I need to constantly be reminded of.

I believe Sam is a character from a previous book, but The Amish Firefighter stands alone. Recommended to all who enjoy Amish fiction.

Purchase your copy of The Amish Firefighter here

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        Amish fiction lovers responded positively and immediately to Laura V. Hilton’s debut novel, Patchwork Dreams, when she burst on the scene in 2009 with her unique series, The Amish of Seymour, set in the tiny town of Seymour, in Webster County, Missouri. Fans of the genre immediately recognized Hilton’s insider knowledge, not only of the Webster County community, but Amish culture in general. Her natural speech and writing patterns, she says, are uniquely “Amish,” acquired from her Amish maternal grandparents. The Amish of Seymour, includes Patchwork Dreams, A Harvest of Hearts, and Promised to Another.
        Her second series, The Amish of Webster County, is comprised of Healing Love, Surrendered Love, and Awakened Love. A stand-alone title, A White Christmas in Webster County, was released in September 2014. The Birdhouse concluded Laura’s 2015 series, The Amish of Jamesport, and includes The Snow Globe, The Postcard and The Birdhouse.
        Laura is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and a professional book reviewer. Laura and her husband, Steve, have five children, whom Laura homeschools. The family makes their home in Arkansas.

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Thank you to Whitaker House and Celebrate Lit for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

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