The In Between Time

This is the in-between time, summer in essence is abating, and autumn is well nigh.
I wait in expectancy for autumn to arrive.
Autumn in Texas is not a melodrama of beautiful colored fall foliage, and it will be a while before we start wearing sweaters and long sleeves.
Yet it will mean for us that we can say goodbye to temperatures of over 100 degrees, and hopefully even be finished with temperatures above 80.
This has been a long hot summer for Texas, and we are in a severe drought.
Where are you my readers? Has it been an unbearably hot and dry summer, or worse you feel in your spirit a parching dryness that cannot be quenched?

"O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water.
I have seen you in your sanctuary and gazed upon your power and glory.
Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you!
I will praise you as long as I live, lifting up my hands to you in prayer.
You satisfy me more than the richest feast. I will praise you with songs of joy.
I lie awake thinking of you, meditating on you through the night.
Because you are my helper, I sing for joy in the shadow of your wings.
I cling to you; your strong right hand holds me securely.
But those plotting to destroy me will come to ruin. They will go down into the depths of the earth.
They will die by the sword and become the food of jackals.
But the king will rejoice in God. All who trust in Him will praise Him, while liars will be silenced."
Psalm 63
The Transformation Study Bible NLT, General Editor Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe
Published by David C. Cook

Review-"Mark Of The Cross"

"Mark Of The Cross" by Judith Pella, Bethany House Publishers, Published 2006
448 pages

"Mark Of The Cross" is a saga of Philip de Tollard and Beatrice Marlowe. The time period stretches from 1263 to 1273. The story is set in southern England, France, and Jerusalem.
This is the age of knights, crusades, ladies in waiting, the fight for lands and power, the strength of the Monarchy, and women being used as pawns in the struggle for power, control, or dowries.
Philip is the illegitimate son of an English Lord, the legitimate son is Gareth. Gareth and his mother are both equally vengeful, calculating, manipulative, hateful, evil.
Beatrice is the only living child of Edmond Marlowe, Lord of Cassley Manor.
Philip and Beatrice as youth fall in love, yet much evil stands in their way.
Their story carefully and gradually unfolds through the chapters of the book and the chapters of their lives as they age. Various trials accompany them and the reader is inspired by both of their acts of heroism. There are many tense moments in the book, I felt the author was conveying a message to the readers about the act of waiting for God's answer, waiting in patience and in prayer.
All of the characters in the book were strong, vibrant, believable.
I enjoyed not being able to figure out the ending. The plot was unanticipated and this added to my pleasure of continuous reading of the adventure.
Their story is a story of God's forgiveness and blessings, that which we do not deserve, His perfect amazing grace.
I loved this book!

Blissful Reading!
Annette

The Next Blog Tours

The Next Blog Tours that I will take part in for WaterBrook Multnomah will be:

September 14-18 for "You Were Born For This" by Bruce Wilkinson

September 21-25 for "If God Is Good" by Randy Alcorn

I have 2 book to review for the publishing company David C. Cook B&B Media Group,
"In The Arms Of Immortals, A Novel of Darkness and Light" by Ginger Garrett----The tour date is September 17.
"The Transformation Study Bible" NLT, General Editor is Dr. Warren Wiersbe---The tour date is September 25.

Blissful Reading!
Annette

"Question Of The Week #31"

"Question Of The Week #31" From Becky @ Operation Actually Read Bible

Becky contacted me shortly after I'd announced that I did not know when we would have more "Question Of The Week" posts. She was able to post a number 31.

"Do you have a favorite bible study book for children? If you're a parent or grandparent, what books would you recommend for Christian families to have in their home libraries? Is there a particular author or a particular series that stands out as excellent? Or in case you're not around any little ones, which books do you remember-if any from your own childhood days? Or what things do you look for in a 'good' Christian book for children?"

I will have to go with the next to the last question in this number 31 question.

From my childhood the book that I remember the most (which I wish I still had) was:

"The Golden Children's Bible: The Old and The New Testament" edited by J. Grispino,
Random House Children's books.
The cover I have shone is close to the one that I remember, this new cover has been added in the most recent publishing of the book dated 2006.
The pictures are still embedded in my memory of the stories in the book. When you cannot read as a small child, pictures tell the story for you.
My mother often read stories to me from the book, the stories are only a few pages long. These are good memories of me snuggled in my bed with my mother by my side reading to me.

Find the book @ http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl/9780307165206.html

Review-"Rose House"

"Rose House" Book #2 in the "La Rosaleda" Series, by Tina Ann Forkner
WaterBrook Multnomah, a division of Random House
310 pages

The main character is Lillian Diamon and she has mourned not only the loss of her family, but her hopes and dreams, those she trusted, and her stability. She has been living in a fog, going through each day, and not wanting to live the life she has been left with. The book displays her struggle to move forward.
The setting is the Sonoma Valley of California.
I love the opening first line of the book.
"It seemed to be a cottage that was alive..."
Great first lines in books set the spark that will keep the reader reading.
I felt like something was missing in this book, maybe more struggle and depth of feeling from Lillian, we the readers are only taken to a certain point in Lillian's depth of sadness and pain.
I felt that her new love interest character came on too fast in the developing of their relationship. In real life it would have appeared suspicious and something to have been more carefully thought about.
The cover of the book (which is something I do not mention enough) was exceptionally beautiful.
The author embarked on issues that are tenderly guarded by a thick wall by many people.
Forgiveness and reconciliation is expressed in this story. The conviction that should precede it is not examined enough.
The plot is enticing and keeps the interest of the reader, but I longed for more insight into the hearts of its characters.


See the book @
http://www.randomhouse.com/waterbrook/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9781400073597

Blissful Reading!
Annette

Review-"The Sweet Gum Ladies Knit For Love"

"The Sweetgum Ladies Knit For Love" by Beth Pattillo
WaterBrook Multnomah a division of Random House
354 pages

"The Sweetgum Ladies" is a group of 6 women that meet to knit and discuss books. Sweetgum is an "everybody knows everybody" town in Tennessee. The group leader of this knit and book group is Eugenie and she chooses, "Great Love Stories in Literature" as the theme for a series of books they will read.
The title of the book could fool an unsuspecting reader into thinking this is a bubble gum-light read. The book is a panoramic view of many characters in the town of Sweetgum, not just the 6 women that meet for knitting and book discussion. I kept notes on all of the characters and their stories and this helped me to not get lost. Each of the 6 women are examples of women from different walks of life. The town of Sweetgum itself is mapped out, the reader becomes apart of the town as if we too are strolling the sidewalk on our way to a football game.
I loved the hometown feel of knowing the people that live in the town of Sweetgum. I loved the variety of women, each with a differing story. I loved that I could relate to many of their stories.
The 1 thing I would have liked is a character list in the book.


Find the book @
http://www.randomhouse.com/waterbrook/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9781400073955

Blissful Reading!
Annette

Review-"The Confidential Life of Eugenia Cooper"

"The Confidential Life of Eugenia Cooper" by Kathleen Y'Barbo
WaterBrook Multnomah Press, A Division of Random House
344 pages

Eugenia Cooper, or "Gennie" as she is called, lives a lush life in 1880's New York City. Her future life has already been determined by her wealthy family, but she covets an exciting western adventure like her paper back novel heroine. Gennie is handed a golden opportunity to fulfill this wish and she is off, off on an adventure unlike her pampered New York City life. Gennie being young and naive, meets her match in her future endeavor the be a governess and to break away from her traditional role.
The book is a simple story of a young girl wanting something opposite of her station in life.
The book is entertaining, enjoyable, it is light reading.
I enjoyed having another story within the main story of Gennie, there are short stories at the beginning of each chapter of the other story.
Gennie's character is naive and spoiled, yet her character develops in this exciting new life.
The character of the young girl Gennie is governess of, I would like to have seen more development in her story because she is a strong character. There are others in the novel that I would have also liked to have "known" more about.
The book is strong on doing the right thing, in being faithful, and for this I give it high marks.

Find the book @
http://www.randomhouse.com/waterbrook/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9780307444745

Blissful Reading!
Annette

Coming Up Next!

I will be reviewing 3 books this week for WaterBrook:
"The Sweetgum Ladies Knit For Love" by Beth Pattillo
"The Confidential Life of Eugenia Cooper" by Kathleen Y'Barbo
"Rose House" by Tina Ann Forkner

Blissful Reading!

Roundabout

I found several noteworthy blog posts from those blogs that I follow.

The post "A Miracle from God!" August 18, 2009 @A Child of the King

Becky's Book Reviews is always an interesting respite from our hectic world.

Edgy Inspirational Author is professional looking and updated often, many book give aways.

Garnetsgarden is a wonderful and relaxing oasis.

Over at Inspire the post "Keys to Writing a Dynamic Novel" posted August 19, 2009.

At lovely Jane Austen's World, the post on August 22, 2009 "Perils of the Sea: Shipwrecks off Dorset's Deadly Coast."

The blog Joyfully Living For His Glory on August 10, 2009, "At the Well...Moments with Jesus."

At Novel Matters, "Watch Your Mouth Young Man" from August 24, 2009, and also "When The Lord Shuts a Writer Down...or Up" from August 21, 2009.

At Stephanie's Written Word "Sex and the Austen Girl" posted August 24, 2009.

And over at my friend @WordVessel the post "When Godly People Do Ungodly Things" posted August 24, 2009.

Blissful Blogging!

BBAW

BBAW or Book Blogger Appreciation Week is September 14-18, 2009

First Day of School

Today was the first day of kindergarten for my granddaughter Celeste. I am so happy that I was able to be there to take her on this memorable first day. When it came time this morning for us to say goodbye to her in the school cafeteria, she ran back over to me for another reassuring hug. She realized that the moment had finally arrived for this "new thing" called school. I gave her a reassuring pep talk, telling her how much I loved her and that I was so proud of her, that I knew she would do just wonderful. I told her that all the other children feel just as she does, because it is all new to them also, but soon she would be a pro at this. After another kiss and hug she went and sat down, then we scooted out the door. It is a necessary thing this letting go, it is all apart of the process of growing up, to let go a little at a time until the final letting go that will happen when they graduate and or leave home.
I would not say I'm a pro at this, but I've sent 2 son's off to school many times when they were growing up, off to camp, off to their first time of driving on their own, off to their first date, off to basic training, off to war, off to a wedding, off to the hospital to take their wife to labor and delivery. And now it has come time to see the grandchildren off.
There is a lesson in this, isn't there always a lesson to be learned?
Mommies and daddies and grandparents have to at some point let their children go, sometimes in little bits, and sometimes like in sending your child off to war it is a great big bit.
What are we to do? Put our faith in God, not in the circumstance, nor in other people, but in God.
"So that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power." 1 Corinthians 2:5

New Challenge

Last Tuesday after breakfast dad said, "I have something I need to tell you." Whenever dad says those words my ears perk up because I know he is going to tell me he has a new health problem.
Dad told me he was seeing double vision.
I immediately made an eye appointment for him, we were in luck someone had just canceled their appointment and we were able to see the doctor the next day. I also called the Walmart pharmacy to check and see if any of dad's medications might could cause the double vision. They encouraged me to contact his primary care doctor. Early Wednesday morning dad had blood work, then later he saw the eye doctor and then his primary care doctor.
Dad has been diagnosed with 6Th Nerve Palsy in the right eye. The 6Th nerve controls the muscle in that area of his right eye, diabetes has caused the nerve to not work. This condition is supposed to last 2-3 months, and it has already gotten worse (which we were told it would.) Dad's right eye crosses. He has a patch to wear on that right eye which helps. Dad can read fine, the double vision occurs at distance.
I had been taking dad to Target to walk, but we are not comfortable with him doing this now. Dad was already unsteady on his feet, his balance is bad, he is weak in the legs. The double vision has made his walking more difficult. I am concerned that what strength he had, what balance he had, will now diminish with his inability to exercise. We have a stationary bicycle on our porch that he can ride, but only with me standing nearby.
Dad is positive, a joy, a blessing.
I told him that just as a smile is infectious to others, his positive outlook and his joy is infectious to others, and in that he is a blessing.

"Question Of The Week"

I wanted to let my readers know that "Question Of The Week" is on hiatus according to Becky at Operation Actually Read Bible. I don't know when the questions will begin again, or if she will decide to change and do something different.

Winner of Book Give Away!

The winner of the book "The Friends We Keep" by Sarah Zacharias Davis is..........

Cathy from TMI


Congratulations Cathy!

Review-"The Friends We Keep" and "40 Minute Bible Studies"

"The Friends We Keep, A Woman's Quest for the Soul of Friendship" by Sarah Zacharias Davis
Published by WaterBrook Multnomah 7-21-2009
210 pages

Why do we choose the friends that we have? And a greater question is why do we keep those friends that are not friends to us?
What I mean is why do we invest in a relationship with a person that does not also invest in the relationship? What are we holding on to?
How do we let those friends go?
The book is thought provoking and challenging. Sarah writes with deep insight and draws on her own personal experiences.
She describes the friendships that women in other cultures have, and the relationships that develop when women work together.
She writes that men have different levels of friends, where as women need the "safety net" of other women friends.
The questions alone in the book are valuable for the reading audience to examine!

I have decided to give myself time to ponder my own motives and expectations with my friends.
My oldest friend I met when we were both 9 years old, my mother which was our Sunday school teacher introduced us. We knew each other from elementary school, but became friends first in Sunday school. Often on Sundays we would spend the afternoons together at one of our houses, eat dinner, and listen to music such as Bay City Rollers, Leif Garrett, KISS, Elvis Presley. We continued to stay in contact all through our youth, even though we ended up going to different high schools, we stayed in contact...or rather I called her. We also saw each other at Church and in Sunday school. Our number one topic was boy's. I married after high school and had children, she married a few years later and had children. She moved to another state, yet we continued to give a phone call to each other at least twice a year....mainly me calling her, okay most of the time me calling her. We are now both in our mid 40's, both of us lost a parent in early 2008 and I called her and to minister to her.
I've remembered her birthdays and her anniversaries by sending her a card. I have every name in her family written in my prayer journal and I pray for them daily.
What are my expectations? Why have I always chosen to carry the relationship? Am I a doormat? Is it because I can't let go? What would I be missing out on?
I have another childhood friend, we share the same name. We were inseparable in high school.
She moved to another state and married about the same time as I did, we have children close in age to each other. Neither one of us will let much time go by before we will call each other. We remember each others birthdays, we lift each other up, we laugh with each others zanies. We rarely see each other but when we do it is as if no time has gone by at all, and we just click.

"The Friends We Keep" is an excellent read, I have many little purple sticky post it notes all through the book. It is a great book for a women book club group.

Direct link to the book.
http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9781400074396

Two New "40 Minute Bible Studies" by Kay Arthur, David and B J Lawson
"Forgiveness: Breaking the Power of the Past" and
"Building a Marriage That Really Works"

Summary for "40 Minute Bible Studies"
The 40 Minute Bible Study series from beloved Bible teacher Kay Arthur and the teaching staff of Precept Ministries tackles important issues in brief, easy-to-grasp lessons you can use personally or for small-group discussion. Each book in the series includes six 40-minute studies designed to draw you into God's Word through basic inductive Bible study. There are 16 titles in the series, with topics ranging from fasting and forgiveness to prayer and worship. With no homework required, everyone in the group can work through the lesson together at the same time. Let these respected Bible teachers lead you in a study that will transform you thinking-and your life.
Titles Include:
~The Essentials of Effective Prayer
~Building a Marriage That Really Works
~Forgiveness: Breaking the Power of the Past
~How Do You Walk the Walk and Talk the Talk?
~How to Make Choices You Won't Regret
~Money & Possessions: The Quest for Contentment
~How Do You Know god's Your Father?
~A Man's Strategy for Conquering Temptation
~Being a Disciple: Counting the Cost
~Discovering What the Future Holds
~Having a Real Relationship with God
~Living a Life of Real Worship
~Living Victoriously in Difficult Times
~Rising to the Call of Leadership
~Key Principles of biblical Fasting
~What Does the Bible Say About Sex?





http://www.randomhouse.com/waterbrook/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9780307457578





http://www.randomhouse.com/waterbrook/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9780307457592










****BOOK GIVE AWAY****
If you would like to win a copy of "The Friends We Keep" by Sarah Zacharias Davis
PLEASE leave a comment.

Review-"The Hope of Refuge"

There is a wonderful video interview of Cindy Woodsmall from 20/20 at
http://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/story?id=7676659&page=1


"The Hope of Refuge, An Ada's House Novel" by Cindy Woodsmall, WaterBrook Multnomah, published 8-11-2009, 341 pages.

Cara and her young daughter Lori are living in New York City where Cara works as a waitress.
Cara has lived a life of fear, mistrust of people, loneliness, insecurity, and hardship. Cara has built a wall of protection between her and other people in order to try and protect herself and Lori.
There is a warped man in the shadows stalking Cara. Cara and Lori escape to an Amish community in Pennsylvania. A kind Amish man named Ephraim takes it upon himself to help them. Cara struggles against the lifestyle of the Amish, and Ephraim struggles against his community in being uncomfortable with having an Englisch woman living amongst them.
Ephraim has a sister named Deborah, she is planning a wedding with a man named Mahlon. Deborah has been in love with Mahlon and has planned for a future with him for a long time. Mahlon is acting odd and secretive, Deborah is at a loss as to what to do.
I am expecting this book to be on the best seller list, it is marvelous.
In my earlier posts on the previous 3 books that Cindy Woodsmall had written on the Amish, she continues in this new Amish series with a new and stronger heroine, Cara. Cara is even more strong and independent in personality than the previous character Hannah in the "Sisters of the Quilt" series. Cara has a sharp bite in her demeanor, she is street smart some might say. She is mistrustful of men, she spends most of her thinking of surviving and providing for Lori.
Cara's character is complicated, coarse, dramatic, unpretentious, and she makes a bold statement for an Amish story. She is paired with a calm, focused, patient, determined, kind, and thoughtful Amish man Ephraim. These two characters though are harmonious.
The moving storyline sweeps the reader away, there are multiple plots, a wide variety of character types, and the book gives the reader a general feel and better understanding of the Amish way of life.
I feel the book is organized well in giving a main character list and glossary in the back of the book.
I highly recommend this book!

www.cindywoodsmall.com

Visit WaterBrook Multnomah a division of Random House in order to purchase the book,
www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9781400073962

Question

Do you pray before you post on your blog?


I must pray before I post a review or any other posting. I must have the Lord's guidance and direction. I am completely lost as to what to type without Him.

Review-"When The Soul Mends"

"When The Soul Mends" by Cindy Woodsmall, WaterBrook Multnomah, Published 9-16-2008,
354 pages.

"When The Soul Mends" is book 3 in the "Sisters of the Quilt" series, it is also the conclusion.

Hannah is my heroine. I admire her courage and her fortitude, I admire her teachable heart and faithfulness. I am thankful that the author listened to the prompting of the Holy Spirit in creating Hannah, and thankful that the reader is able to see in Hannah's story that we are a make-up of life experiences, but as a Christian there is comfort and peace in that God is at work in all of the details of our lives.
In book 3 Hannah's career goal is completed. She seems to have her life in order and planned, but there are loose threads from the past that must be repaired. Hannah must journey back to her beginnings, not knowing what response she will receive from her family, friends, and the Old Order Amish community.
In each of the books I never felt a longing for the story of Hannah to be finished, I could not wait for the next page to be turned and for the continuation of her story.
There have been several books written on the Amish in the Christian fiction genre. I believe what sets apart Cindy Woodsmall's books is an unhurried look at the tension of young Amish people and the temptation from the world. Cindy also gives the reader a large pool of characters in her books, each with a wider story of their own trials.

"When The Soul Mends" is a New York Times Best-Seller.

Stay tuned for the review of "The Hope of Refuge".

www.cindywoodsmall.com

Review-"When The Morning Comes"

"When The Morning Comes" by Cindy Woodsmall, WaterBrook Multnomah, Published 9-4-2007, 322 pages.

"When The Morning Comes" is book 2 in the "Sisters of the Quilt".
Hannah has began anew. She has left the Old Order Amish, the community that had been all she knew. She has left her family and friends. She is now living in a new place.
Hannah has goals that she is achieving and new friends. Her life is busy with day to day activities living in the Englisch world. Her mind often returns to those she left behind in Owl's Perch, Pennsylvania.
The series of books also follow the lives of Hannah's family and friends in Pennsylvania, her sister Sarah, brother Luke, best friend Mary, and friend Matthew. Hannah's old love Paul is also followed along in the books. New characters are introduced in book 2, these are the people that are in the "Englisch world."
Hannah is 2 people; 1 from the Old Order Amish, and 1 living in the "world." When reading book 2 I wondered how she would reconcile the 2. I also wondered if she would return to her former community and face her family. I was inspired by Hannah's strength in persevering after her crisis.
Book 2 is just as wonderful as book 1. I read all 3 in this series in 3 days, I just could not put them down.

See the author at www.cindywoodsmall.com.

Review-"When The Heart Cries"

"When The Heart Cries" by Cindy Woodsmall, WaterBrook Multnomah, Published 9-19-2006,
328 pages

"When The Heart Cries" is book 1 in the "Sisters of the Quilt" series.
All three books in the 'Sisters of the Quilt" series are engrossing and hard to put down.
The books follow the story of Hannah Lapp, the eldest daughter of an Old Order Amish family living in Pennsylvania. Hannah is an independent minded girl of 17 when book one begins, she has a blossoming relationship with a Mennonite boy named Paul. An incomprehensible act happens that turns Hannah's world upside down, and she is shaken, shocked. She wanders in a fog, not knowing what to do. The book ends with Hannah making a defiant decision.
"When The Heart Cries" is the authors first novel and it is brilliant.
I am taken with the main character Hannah, and wish that more in the series was possible.
Hannah's story is haunting and unforgettable.
I loved the different type of characters amongst not only the Englisch, but in the Mennonite and the Old Order Amish. The mix of characters were inspirational, choleric, persevering, profane, stoic, and determined.
The reader is given a descriptive depth into the lives of the Old Order Amish and also the Mennonite.
In book one the ground work is presented and the plot is building.

Visit Cindy Woodsmall at www.cindywoodsmall.com.

Roundabout

Noteworthy blogs for the first week of August.

At The Well...In Pursuit of Titus 2 From the post on August 6, "Born To Fix".

Garnetsgarden This is an intimate, personal, inspirational blog, it is a joy to visit.

Relz Reviewz While listening to music that puts you in the mood for something mysterious--read her reviews on 2 new books that will be published in 2010. The books are "A Woman Called Sage" by DiAnn Mills and "Blood Ransom" by Lisa Harris, books published by Zondervan.

Five Books by Cindy Woodsmall

I will be posting a review on "The Hope Of Refuge" by Cindy Woodsmall. The publishing date on this book is August 11, 2009. The Blogging For Books program by WaterBrook Multnomah is featuring this book during this weeks blog tours.
I had never read any of Cindy Woodsmall's books before, and I felt that I should read some of her previous books as well. One night I drove to 3 stores in our town in order to find her previous 3 books. I read all 4 of these books in 1 week. I loved all of them!
The following books are by Cindy Woodsmall:
"When The Heart Cries, Book 1 of the Sisters of Quilt"
"When The Morning Comes, Book 2 of Sisters of Quilt"
"When The Soul Mends, Book 3 of Sisters of Quilt"
Her newest book is "The Hope of Refuge, An Ada's House Novel",
"The Sound of Sleigh Bells" will be released October 6, 2009.

Winner

The winner of a copy of "Blue Like Play Dough" by Tricia Goyer is Carmen7351 also known as Desert Rose.
Congratulations!!!
Her copy is already in the mail.


Blissful Reading! Annette