Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Book Review: The Light Across the River by Stephanie Reed

In Book 1 Across the Wide River the main character is the oldest Rankin child--Lowry. In The Light Across the River we are introduced to the 7th child in the Rankin's family of 13 children. His name is Johnny. The Rankin family lives in southern Ohio and just across the Ohio River from Kentucky. The year is 1837. The Rankin family is apart of the network of the Underground Railroad. Not only are the parents involved in helping black slaves escape to Canada, but the Rankin children when they are old enough are also involved in this mission. When the book begins Johnny is considered "too young to keep a secret," he has the reputation in his family of not being able to discipline his mouth from telling any kind of information. Johnny feels pushed aside, unimportant. But as the story unfolds Johnny will become apart of a sweeping and dangerous journey that has touched many American lives, and is considered to have pushed emotions to the edge in bringing about the Civil War.
The story of the Rankin family is based on true historical information that the author Stephanie Reed worked tirelessly to bring in to the two books:
Across the Wide River
and
The Light Across the River.

I have loved these two books!
For the main reason is that they are just good stories of people that were willing to sacrifice all that they had and loved, in order to help others to reach freedom. 
I felt the author wrote in perfect detail what it must have been like for a slave to flee in fear to an unknown land, knowing that the slave-traders and their slave-masters were pursuing them. 
I felt the author has a gift for descriptive writing that makes the reader feel as if they are "there."
In story the author makes comparisons such as the kindness and gentleness and extravagant sacrificial love of the Rankin family--versus--the cruelty abuse and horror of the slave-trader.
The author writes of the warmth of a fireplace and plenty of food to eat in a free persons house--versus--the sparsity of clothing and food in a bare and cold slaves home.
The mistrust of a slave towards any white person is understandable, as of yet they'd only encountered those white people that wanted them in bondage. It took patience and the earning of trust for any slave to accept the kindness of these strangers across the river. I felt Stephanie did a great job of bringing these issues in to the story. 

Thank you to Stephanie Reed and Kregel Publications for my free review copy.
View from the Rankin family home looking across the Ohio River
Map of the routes of the Underground Railroad

Published by Kregel Publications April 2008
216 pages
For ages 9-12

My previous review of Book 1 Across The Wide River by Stephanie Reed:
http://awell-wateredgarden.blogspot.com/2011/08/book-review-across-wide-river-by.html

Link for the book @ publisher:
http://store.kregel.com/productdetails.cfm?PC=1195
Paperback $10.99

Link for the book @ Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Light-Across-River-Novel/dp/0825435749/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1319461493&sr=8-1
Paperback $9.34
Kindle $8.79

I did not find The Light Across The River @ Christian Book, only book 1 is available there, Across The Wide River. 

Blissful Reading!
Annette


Sunday, October 23, 2011

The Sunday Salon


Over the past week I've read:
Galatians and Ephesians again, this makes 3 times this year and twice this month. The past week I read these books in the ESV, the week before I read them in the NIV.
Also 1 Thessalonians and 2 Thessalonians, 1 Timothy and 2 Timothy, Titus and Philemon all in the ESV.

I've given updates over the past week on the books I'm reading so I won't repeat in this post. But I will leave you with a great article I read recently from Ray Pritchard of Keep Believing Ministries. It is entitled Why Christ Came, Bible passage is from Luke 19:10.
He wrote, "If Christ came, man's responsibility is increased. In the spiritual realm the greater the privilege, the greater the responsibility. Sometimes we say 'ignorance of the law is no excuse,' but we rarely act that way. If a man deliberately breaks the law, we treat him more harshly than the man who unwittingly breaks the law. So it is with God. If Christ did come, then our responsibility is increased. Jesus said, 'To whom much is given, from him much will be required." Luke 12:48 NKJV

Have you ever given thought to what responsibilities God has given you in your life? How often you've said no, or during the responsibility you gave up? Or maybe you have persevered and finished the task?

I heard a quote this week that has really stayed with me, "In the kingdom of God there is no retirement."

Are you reading your Bible?
Blissful Blogging!
Annette




Friday, October 21, 2011

Currently Reading

Currently I'm reading:

Lit! A Christian Guide To Reading Books by Tony Reinke----I'm more than 1/2 way finished.

The Acts, An Exposition by Charles R. Erdman (this is a small old book of my dad's). The copyright is 1919. The Bible translation is American Standard Edition of Revised Bible---this translation is a little harder to read. The commentary itself is wonderful! Can't wait to share with you after I've finished.
Link for a free eBook copy:
http://books.google.com/books/about/The_Acts.html?id=FIup7wVXeVwC

I'm also reading for the 10th time this year Romans, this fulfills the commitment made in January 2011 to read Romans 10 times in 10 different translations. I'm currently reading from The Amplified Bible.

Next and hopefully soon, The House of Hope--God's love for the abandoned orphans of China by Elisabeth Gifford.

Blissful Reading!
Annette


Book Review: Daughter's of Caleb Bender Series Book #1 Paradise Valley by Dale Cramer

I've read several Amish Christian fiction books. I liked it that this story has an added element that previous books in this genre did not, in that the Bender family emigrates to Mexico to escape the governments enforcement on their family. This gave the characters in the book an added adventure in moving to another country. I also liked it that the story is based on factual history.

When the book begins the Amish Bender family lives in Salt Creek Township in eastern Ohio. The year is 1922. The patriarch of the Bender family Caleb Bender, and several other fathers, are arrested for failing to send their minor children to public school. Caleb then decides that he will move his family to Paradise Valley, Mexico, where the American Government will not interfere in "their Amish way of life." One of the daughters is named Rachel and throughout most of the book she is age 15. She is a mature, steadfast, reflective, and easy to like character. Two other sisters are Emma and Miriam, Emma was (I would consider) a more minor character, Miriam--especially towards the end of the book was a more pronounced character. But, it is Rachel that we read about the most. Their travel to Mexico and then establishing a homestead and farm is written about in detail. The family is close-nit, loving, forgiving. Caleb Bender has an adventurous spirit. His family trusts in him and in His deep faith to make the right decision for their family. The daughter's of Caleb Bender each have romantic interests, and each of these stories are as varied as the daughter's are in their personalities.
The wild and rugged high plains and mountains of Mexico are where the Bender family settles. The environment is a reflection of the local peoples, this too becomes apart of the Bender's family story.

I liked this book a lot!
I felt that often romance and the conflicts in pursuit of romance are often the main theme of Amish stories. Yes, trust and faith in God is the thrust of the stories, but romance is how the storyline usually unveils. But, in Paradise Valley there is a western/cowboy type feeling. A character we are introduced to after the Bender families arrival, gives the book some added umph! (Okay I'm just going to say it) This character gives the book masculinity. Amish stories are usually bought my women, I think that some men might would be more enticed to read this book because of this new twist in Amish books. (Of course my own opinion) I would love to see an entire book evolved around this character. I'm anxious to read book 2 that will be available in January 2012, a good guess is that the book will follow the storyline that develops from Miriam.

Thank you to An Open Book and Bethany House for my free review copy.

Published by Bethany House January 2011, 400 pages

Daughters of Caleb Bender Series Book #1

Link for the book @ Christian Book:
http://www.christianbook.com/paradise-valley-daughters-of-caleb-bender/dale-cramer/9780764208386/pd/208380?product_redirect=1&Ntt=208380&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP#curr
Paperback $9.49
eBook $9.69

Link for the book @ Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Paradise-Valley-Daughters-Caleb-Bender/dp/B0057DBH0W/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1319203661&sr=1-2
Paperback $6.00
Kindle $8.54

In January 2012 Book #2 of Daughters of Caleb Bender series will be available, The Captive Heart.
Blissful Reading!
Annette

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Christian Publishing University

This is my second post on information about Christian Publishing University. I "just" signed up for 1 class--Introduction to Christian Publishing--What is my purpose? I ordered this class in a CD format. I'll keep you posted on my thoughts on this class!


Christian Publishing University Launched!
 
CPU is offering a special promotion for
bloggers interested in learning more
about Christian Publishing
 
September 1 marked a giant step forward in the Christian publishing industry as a team of highly experienced industry professionals have launched a major new Web site—ChristianPublishingUniversity.com. Organized as an online university campus, the site is intended to become a one-stop clearinghouse of trainings, resources, and networking for both newcomers and veterans of the industry. It pulls together a wealth of valuable information that has never been assembled in one place before. Its purpose is to serve Christian publishers, editors, proofreaders, authors, composers, artists, photographers, retailers, pastors, church leaders, and many others.
 
Are you interested in taking a look at what is offered at CPU?
Keep reading for more information especially for bloggers--
and find out how you could win a Kindle!
 
A two-year project, the 150-page Christian Publishing University (CPU) site includes dozens of impressive features, such as numerous recorded classes and courses on publishing topics, links to several hundred publishers of Christian materials, 60+ Christian literary agents, a Christian store locator service, 780,000+ quotations, various bestseller lists, all the public and national libraries in America, and hundreds of affiliate organizations, websites, and blogs.
 
CPU also offers an extensive publishing dictionary, a huge library of downloadable documents and helps, a campus store of publishing-related books and products, an interactive social media student center, an industry master calendar of events, a blog that discusses current publishing issues, and much more.
 
Top Christian author, Max Lucado, who is often called “America’s Pastor,” praised CPU by saying, “The Christian Publishing University is a timely response to an increasing need. Christian writing needs to set the standard in published literature. CPU takes us in that direction. Aspiring writers now have a resource for guidance and instruction. I can envision this ministry as a blessing to so many people.”
 
CPU is supported by an advisory board of well-known Christian publishing industry leaders, such Dr. Paul Brownlow (CEO of Brownlow Gifts), Dr. Thelma Wells (CEO of A Women of God Ministry and former speaker for Women of Faith), Mark Sweeney (president of Mark Sweeney & Associates literary agency), Dr. Jim Underwood (professor at Dallas Baptist University and New York Times bestselling author), Dr. Terry Johnson (former president of Oklahoma Christian University), Dr. Helen Young (former professor, Pepperdine University), June Hunt (Hope for the Heart), Dr. Sheila Bailey (Sheila B. Ministry), and others.
 
 
CPU director of communications, Mary Hollingsworth, bestselling author of more than one hundred Christian books and a 27-year veteran of the industry, said, “Christian Publishing University is a dream come true for our industry’s seasoned professionals, as well as for gifted Christians who want to participate in God’s mission of spreading His Word through the avenue of publishing. For the first time ever, an enormous storehouse of resources, trainings, networking connections, social interactions, and other valuable features can be found in one place.”
 
“So far, we’ve only scratched the surface. We’ll be constantly adding new resources, classes, and opportunities as we go forward. We have some really exciting expansion plans for the future,” Hollingsworth said.
 
“Christian publishing is as old as the Bible itself,” she continued, “and God’s wise man, Solomon, said, ‘Of making books there is no end,’ so we’re here to stay. Until now, though, it’s been a difficult industry to navigate for newcomers, because the information they needed to get started was scattered all over the Web, in a multitude of books, in hundreds of magazine articles, and in a myriad of professionals’ minds. It was incredibly hard to assimilate.
 
“At long last, by compiling so many resources in one place, CPU gives them a chance to learn much of what they need to know to join this great ministry of the Word. It gives them hope. And it gives publishing professionals a place to refer newcomers who want to join us. We’re excited about the service it can provide both to those in house at our publishing companies, retailers, and to up-and-coming industry participants.”
 
Unlike printed books which, by the very nature of printed materials, are somewhat out of date by the time they hit the bookstore shelves, the CPU website can be constantly updated and, as the Bible says, “new every morning.”
 
CPU is a membership site and is open to anyone who wishes to participate in its ministry. The annual membership fee is $39.99. As Hollingsworth noted, “It’s less than the price of one Starbucks latte a month and far more valuable in the long run.”
 
For more information and to enroll, visit www.ChristianPublishingUniversity.com.
 
Are you interested in finding out more about
Christian Publishing University?
 
For a limited time, bloggers will be able to use a one-month look-before-you-blog promotional code for full access to the website for free. This code is active for the entire month of October and expires on November 1. Enroll by using the code freeonemonth.
 
If you blog about CPU and decide that you would like to continue your membership, you will be eligible to receive a $24.99 one-year discount as a thank you. If you would like to take advantage of the first year special, you can renew after your free month by using the code savefifteen.
 
For each blog post you make about CPU, you will be entered into a drawing to win a free Kindle. The second prize will be a free membership for one year.
 
You must send your links to ajennings@tbbmedia.com by November 4 to be entered in the drawing.
  


Blissful Blogging!
Annette

Sunday, October 16, 2011

The Sunday Salon

Over the past week I've read Galatians and Ephesians. Also reading Acts chapters 9, 10 and 11 for BSF.

Did you know?
There are 1,189 chapters in the Bible.
31,173 verses and 774,746 words.
39 Old Testament Books.
27 New Testament Books.
Total of 66 Books in the Bible.
The Bible was written over a period of 1500 years by almost 40 writers.

The phrase "the Word of God" is stated 40 times in the New Testament.
"For the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." Hebrews 4:12 NIV

"What a person thinks about God's Word, in reality, reflects what a person thinks about God."

Above information from the MacArthur New American Standard Study Bible
John MacArthur General Editor
Thomas Nelson Publisher

Are you reading your Bible?
Blissful Reading!
Annette


Thursday, October 13, 2011

Your Role

"People don't want to merely read stories or watch stories or even tell stories. They want to live stories. There is in each of us an innate desire to have a role to play-a major part in the saga that is life."
Lucinda Secrest McDowell

What is your role, purpose?

Blissful Blogging!
Annette

Monday, October 10, 2011

Memorizing Scripture

I came across this YouTube video of John Piper speaking on Why Memorize Scripture?


I started memorizing Scripture this past January, 2 per month. Hopefully by the end of this year I'll have at least 24 memorized. Not just blandly memorized..... but imprinted in my mind and in my heart.
I know you feel like you don't have time, or you'll do that later in your life when you do have more time, or maybe in all honesty it's just not important to you.
It's all about priorities. Those things that are important to us, we make time to do. 
The first verses I memorized in January was from 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 NIV
"Therefore we do not loose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."
Twice this year I've shared these verses with 2 friends that were very ill, for 1 of them it was the last thing I said to her before she went to her eternal home. I was able to share this verse with my friends because I had memorized them. We never know when we will be given an opportunity to share or minister to someone. 
Those same verses from 2 Corinthians have helped me as well, they've encouraged comforted and "lifted me" up.
"I waited patiently for the LORD; He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD."
Psalm 40:1-3 NIV

Blissful Blogging!
Annette

Book Review: While We're Far Apart by Lynn Austin


Books that have a World War II theme catch my eye because I am the daughter of a World War II soldier. My dad is a Veteran of D-day Normandy Omaha Beach and the Battle of the Bulge. I'm very proud of my daddy and the history that he took part in.
In While We're Far Apart Lynn Austin has written a memorable story of the home front during World War II, of those families that waited patiently and with great hope for their loved ones to return home safe and sound. I can relate to that. I am the mother of a Veteran, a soldier, my own son was deployed twice during Iraq Enduring Freedom. Just typing that last sentence brings back waves of memories. Shortly before my son David was deployed for the first time my dad told me, "Annette you'll have more good days than bad," and "David will be back." It was true I did have more good days than bad and David by the grace and mercy of God did come home; but the David that left was not the David that returned. War does that. It changes people. And it is irreversible. I think back to the before David left, we were all so innocent (except dad) and naive (but dad) of war and the experiences and after affects of it. During David's second deployment we were not, and it was more scary and more (is there a word?) Sometimes the human mind is deficient of expressing in words those things that are too painful, too frightening.
Lynn Austin in While We're Far Apart tells a penetrating and absorbing story through the voices of family, and this includes the young daughter of a soldier, and friends, that are in America during World War II. Through these characters we understand and empathize with the fear anxiety and uncertainty, while their loved one's are at war. We too are with them in their experiences of waiting for word from their loved ones, and trying to understand why there is hatred and strife in the world, or in the pain and suffering that families endure until they embrace again their loved one. Yet, we understand in the characters portrayed in While We're Far Apart, that the outcome is not always as we'd hoped. On the back of the book cover a statement is made, "God's presence and love, even when He is silent." Sometimes God is silent. We define silence as the absence of work, at least in our human mind we feel that way. Yet, I know from experience it is in the silence that we grasp God's hand tighter. It is on our knees in prayer that we hold on to Him closest. It is during the silence that our faith grows. It is also in the silence that God is stating, "not yet, this journey is not yet complete, just a little longer, hold on to me, and I'll sustain you through my grace."
I love it when the story unfolds other stories that are not there to just entertain us, but to teach us that the resolve is not in the satisfying conclusion, instead is is the journey a character takes.
I'd mentioned earlier in this post that one of the characters and voices was the daughter of a soldier, her name is Esther. Esther's voice as a child and developing adolescent gives the reader another prism to look through. Another words a child sees the world differently than an adult, and gives other views and feelings that an adult would not give. Esther and her younger brother to me are a stark picture of innocence, against the horrific image of war.  

Thank you to Bethany House and An Open Book for my free copy for reading/reviewing.

Published by Bethany House 2010
Christian Fiction/Historical Fiction/World War II/Coming of Age Story/Romance/Holocaust
416 pages

Christian Book Link:
http://www.christianbook.com/while-were-far-apart/lynn-austin/9780764204975/pd/204970?item_code=WW&netp_id=762105&event=ESRCG&view=details
Paperback $8.99
eBook is---FREE

Amazon Link:
http://www.amazon.com/While-Were-Apart-Lynn-Austin/dp/B0054U5GPU/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1318258830&sr=1-1
Paperback $6.00
Kindle eBook is FREE

Blissful Reading!
Annette

Sunday, October 9, 2011

The Sunday Salon

Over the past week I've read in the NIV Acts chapters 3, 4, 5, 6,  and 7 for BSF.
I also read Romans all 16 chapters in The New Testament An American Translation by Edgar J. Goodspeed.
This was the 9th time for me to read Romans this year. My goal in January was to read Romans 10 times in 10 different translations. I'm near the goal. Soon I'll read from the Amplified version and then I'll post on my reflections.
I've decided that for 2012 I'll read the NT book of Hebrews 12 times in 12 different translations. This is in addition to reading the OT and NT in 1 year.

I have 2 fiction books that I'll be reviewing this next week:
Paradise Valley by Dale Cramer and While We're Far Apart by Lynn Austin

I have stacks of Christian fiction books waiting for me to read--I'm hoping that in this last quarter of 2011 I'll be able to read several of them.

I bought a new non-fiction book today from the book store at my Church--by John MacArthur---------
The MacArthur Bible Handbook, A Book-by-Book Exploration of God's Word
I'm looking forward to utilizing this book during my Bible study time. 

Soon I'll be reading:
The House of Hope, God's love for the abandoned orphans of China by Elisabeth Gifford
Lit! A Christian Guide To Reading Books by Tony Reinke
And a book I've been trying to find time to read, Radical by David Platt


On a personal note my hubby goes back to work tomorrow, limited duty. He had 2 tears in his left shoulder and had surgery September 14. He has been home recuperating. Physical Therapy starts this week.
Rain! We've had 2 1/2 inches over the past 24 hours of refreshing soothing quenching rain! This is a big answer to prayer!

Are you reading your Bible?
Blissful Reading!
Annette


Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Roundabout

It's been a long time since I've posted a Roundabout. For those of you new to my blog, Roundabout is a post of a links and websites that I've found and thought might be of interest to my own followers.
I follow 99 blogs, I don't get to visit them as often as I'd like, but I do visit all of them for my Roundabout post.

An interview with Christian fiction author DiAnn Mills over @
http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/
Chance to win a free copy of DiAnn's book Attracted To Fire

Bonnie Calhoun over @
http://bonniescalhoun.blogspot.com/
has several reviews on newly released Christian fiction books.
For example: The Mercy by Beverly Lewis, Dangerous Mercy by Kathy Herman, Captive Trail by Susan Page Davis, Naomi's Gift by Amy Clipston, and Here's To Friends by Melody Carlson.
Bonnie is the founder and publisher of:
http://www.christianfictiononlinemagazine.com/home.html
The new October issue is available.

Anne @ Building His Body writes short devotionals on her blog. Season of Drought really speaks to me.

I've mentioned Jenifer Jernigan before on my blog, she has a great way to pray for husbands.
http://jeniferjernigan.com/covering-your-husband-in-prayer

A blog for writers thats subject is on Colonial America.
http://colonialquills.blogspot.com/

A review of Robert Whitlow's newest book, Water's Edge
http://heartofabookworm.blogspot.com/2011/09/waters-edge.html

Inspiring You to Save is a one stop place for coupons and other savings at stores

Review of Not A Fan by Kyle Idleman. Not A Fan is a newly released Christian non-fiction book.

A review by Tracy Krauss of Danger At The Door by Michelle Sutton. Michelle has a blog for book reviews in addition to being a writer.
http://edgyinspirationalauthor.blogspot.com/

Thoughts of a Sojourner has several book reviews on recently released Christian fiction books.
Kathy Herman's newest book Dangerous Mercy, Amy Clipston's Naomi's Gift, Deadly Pursuit by Irene Hannon, and Passion to Action by Jay and Beth Loecken.

A post on How Do You Handle Distraction

An update on fellow blogger Sandi Rog
http://sandirog.blogspot.com/2011/09/im-worst-case-senario.html
Please continue to pray for her and her family.

Great interview with Julie Lessman plus a book give-away
http://relzreviewz.blogspot.com/2011/10/familyfiction-plus-julie-lessman.html

Book review of Lit! A Christian's Guide To Reading books by Tony Reinke
http://operationreadbible.blogspot.com/2011/10/book-review-lit-christian-guide-to.html
Also by the same blogger--Becky--she has a lengthy list of websites in order to listen to on-line sermons
http://operationreadbible.blogspot.com/2011/10/thinking-about-2012-goals.html

Post entitled What is Truth?

There are 2 topics being talked about on evangelical websites:
Bloodlines, Race Cross and the Christian by John Piper (a book review)
Trailer for the book....in my opinion one of the best book trailers I've watched:
http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2011/09/13/the-trailer-for-john-pipers-bloodlines-documentary/
Tim Keller's forward to Bloodlines, Race Cross and the Christian
The above links from The Gospel Coalition
And from John Piper's own website, his reason for writing Bloodlines, Race Cross and the Christian:
http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/bloodlines-race-cross-and-the-christian
And the 2nd topic is:
http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/thabitianyabwile/2011/10/01/collateral-damage-in-the-invitation-of-t-d-jakes-to-the-elephant-room/

Blissful Blogging!
Annette








Sunday, October 2, 2011

The Sunday Salon

Good Sunday morning to you! I'm happy to say on this October morning it is 58 degrees! Fall is my favorite season, it is refreshing after such a long hot summer.

I finished reading Romans (again) by reading from J. B. Phillips The New Testament in Modern English translation.
J. B. Phillips is the author of the tiny book with the big teaching "Your God is Too Small."
I had made the commitment early this year to read Romans 10 times in 10 translations. J. B. Phillips was my choice for reading Romans for the 8th time.
My next choice in translation will be Edgar J. Goodspeed's The New Testament An American Translation.

For an example of J. B. Phillips Romans translation:
"The Spirit of God not only maintains this hope within us, but helps us in our present limitations. For example, we do not know how to pray worthily as sons of God, but his Spirit within us is actually praying for us in those agonizing longings which never find words. And God who knows the hearts' secrets understands, of course, the Spirit's intention as he prays for those who love God. Moreover we know that to those who love God, who are called according to his plan, everything that happens fits into a pattern for good. God, in his foreknowledge, chose them to bear the family likeness of his Son, that he might be the eldest of a family of many brothers. He chose them long ago; when the time came he called them, he made them righteous in his sight and then lifted them to the splendor of life as his own sons."
Romans 8:26-30

Are you reading your Bible?

Blissful Blogging!
Annette

Saturday, October 1, 2011

Book Review: Larkspur Cove by Lisa Wingate

"A little girl was watching me through the back window. She'd turned in her seat, climbed onto her knees, pressed a palm to the glass, her head tilted slightly to the side, as if she were curious about me, or confused by my presence on the road. Her dark hair floated in wispy, tangled curls around her face, her pale blue eyes regarding me with a concern that seemed out of place in the round orb of a child's face. She couldn't have been more that five, maybe six. Leaves were tangled in her hair, and her skin was brown from the sun, her cheeks a combination of pink sunburn and smudges of dirt." page 12
With this opening statement of the description of a little girl that seems half woods fairy and half angel, we are introduced to Birdie. Birdie is not the main character of Larkspur Cove although I wish she had been. In my opinion it would have been unique and a more enticing read than the main focused character--Andrea Henderson.
Andrea Harrison is a middle age, recently divorced, single mom, having to depend on her parents for support, she also recently entered the world of employment. Her new job is as a counselor for a small practice. Andrea spends most of her work time out of her office visiting various homes interviewing children.
Birdie is one of her clients.
Weaved in to the story is Andrea's communication struggles between her and her son Dustin. Both of them  still grieving over dramatic life changes.
Andrea needs help from her parents. They have provided a lake house for her and Dustin to live in. Yet, she dislikes their strong critical influence.
And of course their is a handsome game warden named Mart McClendon.

I know this is my own personal problem, but I'm a little bored with the same ole story line of a woman with an issue, or several issues, then meets a new man, they have at least one problem that might keep them apart, but in the end ....well you know.

But, to have centered a story around a young girl, and the story would be from the voice of the young girl. Now, that is a story!

After giving the above opinion, I do feel this book is an entertaining read. My favorite part of the book would be the scenes of Birdie and Andrea's interaction. I also feel that Andrea maybe an encouragement to single mother's out there who struggle with the same issues that Andrea faced. Even in a fictional character we can feel encouraged and uplifted. 


Thank you to Bethany House and Open Book for my free review copy!
Moses Lake Series Book 2, Larkspur Cove by Lisa Wingate
Published by Bethany House 2011
352 pages

Link for the book @ Christian Book:
http://www.christianbook.com/larkspur-cove-moses-lake/lisa-wingate/9780764208218/pd/208218?product_redirect=1&Ntt=208218&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP#curr
Paperback $8.49
eBook $9.69

Blissful Reading!
Annette