Thankfulness

I thought I would take a few minutes to be thankful. There are so many things in life that people complain about (myself included) but if you look hard enough, you can find a way to be thankful for just about anything.

I’m thankful that I have a job that allows me to stay at home with my kids while still earning a living. It means that I can pay the bills I need to cover and sometimes have a little left over to help cover other expenses that always inevitably come up.

I’m thankful for my messy house. I would rather have a house filled with family, kids, chaos, and the occasional dog hair (along with lots of dust bunnies) than a neat and tidy house that only I can enjoy.

I’m thankful for my husband who is also my best friend. I’m thankful for his patience, his sense of humor, and the kindness that he shows not just to me and our kids on a daily basis but extended family, strangers on the street, and friends. I’m thankful that he is teaching our kids by example how to live as a responsible, kind, productive adult.

I’m thankful for my children. I’m thankful for the unexpected, “I love you’s,” being the one to comfort them when they are sad, the one they want to tell their secrets to, and the one who gets the privilege of watching them grow up.

I’m thankful for my health. I may not be where I want to be, but I’m a lot healthier than I could be, and I’m healthy enough to work toward the goals that I want to achieve. I’m thankful that I have the opportunity to choose to exercise, to choose balance in my diet, and to choose how I take care of my body by what I put in it and what I don’t.

I’m thankful for my friends. I’m thankful that they care about me, make time to spend with me, and share their hearts with me. I’m thankful that I can rejoice with them in good days, cry with them when there just aren’t the right words, and pray for them always.

I’m thankful for family, whether close by or miles apart. I’m thankful that distance is only as far away as your heart is from someone, not the actual mileage between homes.

I’m thankful for hand-me-down clothes, Mom-to-Mom sales, long summer days, cold winter nights, lots of hot coffee, rainbows, animals, children, rainy days curled under a blanket, bike rides, funny movies, and family activities, and the memories that are made with all those activities.

Most of all, I’m thankful that God loved me enough to want me as His child and provided a way for that to happen.

© Cheri Swalwell 2021

About the Book

Book: Christmas Grace

Author: Mindy Steele

Genre: Amish Romance

Release date: October 26, 2021Second chances and the Christmas spirit abound in Mindy Steele’s heartwarming novel, one of faith, love, and the power of community.

Grace Miller believed herself in love with the charming Englischer who eventually broke her heart. Now alone except for the secret life growing inside her, she arrives in the unfamiliar small village of Walnut Ridge, Kentucky, to hide and hopefully gain forgiveness.   She is pleasantly surprised, however, to find a tight-knit, welcoming group who help her heart grow right alongside her belly. And with the holidays around the corner, there’s plenty of preparations to occupy her mind. Also occupying her mind? Her strong, protective neighbor, Cullen Graber, the town’s blacksmith, who seems intent on not allowing her to ever suffer alone.

Cullen Graber gave up on love after too many losses early in life. He planned to live out his days focusing on his smithy business, yet the beautiful and mysterious Grace refuses to leave his thoughts. But can they open their hearts to God’s grace and create a new family together before Grace must return home?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Mindy Steele writes sweet Amish fiction as well as romantic suspense. She is an author of 7 novels. The Miller’s Creek Amish series, Christmas Grace, Christmas in Cranberry, His Amish Wife’s Hidden past, and An Amish Flower Farm, releasing 2021. If not gardening or visiting her Amish neighbors, she is on the family farm writing her newest inspiration.

More from Mindy

Behind the scenes with Christmas Grace:

1. Many are fascinated with the Amish. Their lifestyle, their faith and family. They are talented craftsman, extraordinary bakers, and wonderful stewards of the land. For me, it was their community as a whole. The Amish are some of the best examples of community. How they tend to one another and work alongside each other even without the need of a disaster or tragedy to occur. I didn’t even realize until a close friend who reads my manuscripts pointed it out, but every book I have written thus far has been mostly centered around community. ( I thought that was cool) Walnut Ridge was the first community I ever fictionalized and I still find myself wanting to go back and writing more about the wonderful people who live there.
2. As an avid reader of Amish fiction I wanted to write a story that wasn’t so…perfect, because none of us are. Grace Miller made a mistake, and finds herself having to face the consequences of that. I think we all can relate somewhat to her. Getting to know the three local communities near me, I find myself drawn more to the imperfect and how they carry on more than the upright and grounded. There is a scene where a group of women share their imperfections with Grace. It became a turning point in her life.
3. Walnut Ridge, Kentucky is completely fictional, as are all of my book settings currently. I have a love for setting a stage, building a place from the ground up. Although my hero, Cullen Graber was born and raised in Walnut Ridge, Grace Miller was not. Getting to know a character like Grace was a pleasure, but required a lot of research. Although I have seen much of our great country I live less than a half an hour from my birthplace.
4. Many books and films paint a picture on the meaning of shunning, but it doesn’t happen as often as you think or to the severity portrayed. I met a woman the year this book was wrote and learned a lot from her own personal plight. She had been shunned from her community and never returned, but still speaks to her mother and siblings, often. Grace was shunned for a time in her community, but even after confessing her sin, asking forgiveness and receiving it from her church and community members, her father sent her away from his house out of shame. As a parent to five, there are few times in those teenaged years I wanted to bann a kid or two, but my heart went out to Grace here.
5. I love creating characters who are realistic and relatable, but also swoon worthy and Cullen Graber is one I have had in my back pocket for a while. The gentle giant, slow to speak, fast to listen, and has a past too. I hope you come to find him as stoic yet imperfect as I wrote him.
6. There is a scene in the book where Grace finds herself completely alone and facing monsters. (No, I’m not giving out a spoiler here) I have found myself in such a place a time or two as I imagine many have. That moment when fear and bravery collide. This scene was actually inspired by a horrible nightmare while writing Christmas Grace. After reading, I bet you can guess what I’m afraid of.
7. I am a panster, not a plotter, but even I was shocked that I wrote this book in three weeks while working full time. I have tried my hand at plotting, but find once my characters start to reveal themselves, I have no more control over the story than I did my children’s choice in careers. My process is scary actually, according to Mr. Steele that is. (wink wink) I get an idea, start drafting out characters, setting, and pace or walk for two days while my head figures it all out. Then its pen and paper until that first draft is complete.
8. When you hear the word Amish, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Yep, food. I happen to be a food lover and an expert on the subject. Grace found herself unable to work at the job her aunt had set up for her but found she had a purpose, and a place to fit in. We all have a purpose, and a place in our community.
9. When I first signed with my amazing agent, Julie Gwinn, we both had hopes for the first book I wrote. She had planned on pitching it two months later so there was time to polish it until it shined. Then she called me up and asked me how quick I could write a second book to pitch too, not wanting to simply go in with one book I assume, but I know nothing about the stresses of a agents work. My mother insist this is who I am, the one who best performs under pressure, without time to prep, think. I tend to disagree. But in three weeks Christmas Grace was finished and ready for editing. I have wrote two contemporaries in short time spans, but Grace’s book, my first contracted book, will always be that one I always remember. Mostly because of I ran out of coffee twice, forgot to shower and eat a few days and learned it’s alright to talk to yourself if you really need someone to hear your thoughts. Oh, and the publisher bought a second book too. I can’t wait to share A Cranberry Christmas with you.

Much love, Mindy

My Review of Christmas Grace:

What a beautiful Amish story. And the fact it centered around Christmas will make it appeal to even more people. I think this author is a new one for me, and she sure delivered a great story. I loved, loved, loved (did I say loved?) Cullen! He reminded me so much of my husband! Grace was someone readers could fall in love with and relate to as well. The wolf/dog scene? Wow! The author painted that picture so vividly I felt as though I was there. I loved the scene of Grace’s baby’s birth. And I loved how the community welcomed her in. The side story about Tess was awesome – truly an asset to the entire book. This is a book I highly recommend and loved it all – including the epilogue in the end!

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit but was not under any obligation to write a review. All opinions are strictly mine.

Thanks for stopping and connecting here at Spoken from the Heart: If you want to subscribe to my email to receive the latest updated information or to just be encouraged, sign up here: www.cheriswalwell.com

As my way of saying thanks, you will receive a free eBook – Spoken from the Heart: Choosing Grace

Just sign up at: www.cheriswalwell.com

Don’t forget to check out the other blog spots listed below for your convenience.

Blog Stops

The Avid Reader, October 27

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 27

Texas Book-aholic, October 28

Inklings and notions, October 29

Britt Reads Fiction, October 29

lakesidelivingsite, October 30

Lighthouse Academy Blog, October 30 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Blogging With Carol, October 31

For Him and My Family, October 31

Older & Smarter?, November 1

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, November 1

She Lives To Read, November 2

deb’s Book Review, November 2

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 3

Elly Gilbert, November 3

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, November 4

Simple Harvest Reads, November 4 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, November 5

Mary Hake, November 5

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, November 6

Splashes of Joy, November 6

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, November 7

Spoken from the Heart, November 7

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 8

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, November 8

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, November 9

Vicky Sluiter, November 9

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Mindy is giving away a copy of her book to five winners!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/12b80/christmas-grace-celebration-tour-giveaway

About the Book

Book: A Season on the Wind

Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher

Genre: Amish Fiction

Release date: October 5, 2021

Ben Zook had only two loves in his life: books and birds. In a stroke of good fortune, he’d stumbled onto a way to cobble together those two loves into a career, writing books about rare birds. He was as free as a bird–until a chase for a rare White-winged Tern takes him to the one place on earth he planned to never return: his Amish home in Stoney Ridge.

Desperate for photographs of the elusive tern, Ben hires a local field guide, Micah Weaver, and boards at Micah’s farm, planning to “bag the bird” and leave Stoney Ridge before anyone recognizes him. But he neglected to plan for Micah’s sister, Penny. One long-ago summer, Penny had introduced Ben to birding, even sharing with him a hidden eagle aerie. That eagle became his spark bird–the one that inspired his lifelong love.

Ben. He was Penny’s spark bird. That was when she knew true love. She’d always hoped Ben would come back to Stoney Ridge. Back to his Amish roots. Back to her. The only problem? Ben has absolutely no memory of Penny.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

With over one million copies sold, Suzanne Woods Fisher is a bestselling, award winning author of over 30 books, ranging from novels to children’s books to non-fiction. She is a Christy Award finalist, a Carol and Selah award winner, and a two-time finalist for ECPA Book of the Year. She writes stories that take you to places you’ve never visited—one with characters that seem like old friends. But most of all, her books give you something to think about long after you’ve finished reading it. Suzanne lives with her very big family in northern California.

More from Suzanne

Did You Know? 8 Facts about the Christmas Bird Count

1) The year 2021 marks the 122^nd National Audubon Society’s annual Christmas Bird Count (CBC) which, ironically, wasn’t always about counting live birds.

2) In 1900, the first CBC was launched as an alternative to the traditional Christmas “side hunt.” This holiday tradition encouraged people to go out into the woods on Christmas Day, choose “sides” to team up with and then, in the words of Frank Chapman, “kill everything in fur or feathers that crossed their path – if they could.” The winner was the “side” with the largest pile of dead birds. (Ugh!)

3) Frank Chapman was a prominent ornithologist, conservationist, and writer/editor who published Bird Lore magazine. He led the charge to end to this senseless slaughter and invited his readers to begin a new holiday tradition of counting, rather than shooting, birds.

4) Twenty-seven people participated in 25 counts that first year (in 1900). They counted 90 species of birds.

5) The idea caught on. Big time.

6) During December and January of each year, thousands of Christmas Bird Counts take place across the U.S., Canada, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Islands. The purpose of the CBC is a scientific census—to assess the health of bird populations and help guide conservation action.

7) Each CBC has an established 15-mile diameter circular count area. On a pre-arranged date, registered teams go out (with an assigned volunteer observer) and count the number of birds of each species they can identify within their assigned area. Each count has a volunteer compiler who sums up all of the lists and inputs the total numbers for each species into Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count database.

8) The CBC is the longest-running citizen science project and wildlife survey in the world. In fact, the CBC is considered the gold standard in citizen science.

And you don’t have to be an experienced birdwatcher to participate in the CBC! Bird lovers of all skills are welcomed. Even me! I’m a very enthusiastic amateur.

To learn more about the Christmas Bird Count, or to find a survey near you, go to https://www.audubon.org/conservation/science/christmas-bird-count

To learn more about Suzanne and the story about the Christmas Bird Count featured in A Season on the Wind, go to http://www.suzannewoodsfisher.com.

My Review of A Season in the Wind:

I absolutely love Suzanne Woods Fisher’s books. They draw me in and keep me turning pages to the last one. This one I loved especially as our family is a bird loving family I could relate to the birds she talked about, I could picture the birding that the characters were doing and I loved the sweet story underneath all the bird references. Wonderful book. Wonderful characters that drew me in. Wonderful story that keeps me thinking a week after I read it.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit but was not under any obligation to write a review. All opinions are strictly mine.

Thanks for stopping and connecting here at Spoken from the Heart: If you want to subscribe to my email to receive the latest updated information or to just be encouraged, sign up here: www.cheriswalwell.com

As my way of saying thanks, you will receive a free eBook – Spoken from the Heart: Choosing Grace

Just sign up at: www.cheriswalwell.com

Don’t forget to check out the other blog spots listed below for your convenience.

Blog Stops

The Avid Reader, October 23

Lighthouse-Academy, October 23

She Lives To Read, October 24

lakesidelivingsite, October 24

Southern Gal Loves to Read, October 24

Artistic Nobody, October 25 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

For Him and My Family, October 25

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 26

CarpeDiem, October 26

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 26

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, October 27

Inklings and notions, October 27

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, October 28

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, October 28

Blogging With Carol, October 28

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, October 29

Texas Book-aholic, October 29

deb’s Book Review, October 30

Simple Harvest Reads, October 30 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Jeanette’s Thoughts, October 30

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 31

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, October 31

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, November 1

SusanLovesBooks, November 1

Mary Hake, November 1

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, November 2

Blossoms and Blessings, November 2

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, November 3

Splashes of Joy, November 3

Pause for Tales, November 3

By The Book, November 4

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, November 4

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, November 5

Spoken from the Heart, November 5

Vicky Sluiter, November 5

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Suzanne is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/126b3/a-season-on-the-wind-celebration-tour-giveaway

About the Book

Book:  Rising Danger

Author: Jerusha Agen

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

Release date: May 25, 2021

It’s up to a K-9 handler and her canine partner to stop a bomber before it’s too late.

Someone’s planting explosives on dams in the Twin Cities, and Bristol Bachmann and her bomb sniffing dog must move quickly to find them before everything ends up underwater. That means relying on the dams’ supervisor—an ex-boyfriend Bristol never thought she’d see again. Hopefully Remington Jones has grown up from the rakish charmer she knew in her academy days. Because lives now depend entirely on them…

It’s an environmental terrorist who wants the dams gone, and his bid to set the waters free has lethal consequences. When he sees Bristol and her K-9 working to stop him, he sets his sights on them. Can they evade him in a lethal game of cat and mouse and protect their cities from devastating destruction before the clock runs out?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Jerusha Agen imagines danger around every corner, but knows God is there, too. So naturally, she writes suspense infused with the hope of salvation in Jesus Christ.

With a B.A. in English and a background in screenwriting, Jerusha is a speaker, writing instructor, and Fear Warrior who sounds the call to battle against fear in our everyday lives.

Jerusha loves to hang out with her big furry dogs and little furry cats. You’ll often find her sharing irresistibly adorable photos of them in her newsletter and on social media.

Get a free suspense story from Jerusha and find more of her thrilling, fear-fighting novels at www.JerushaAgen.com.

More from Jerusha

Hi, readers! For those of you who are familiar with my suspense novels, you know I love to interweave fast-paced suspense with powerful character journeys of redemption. I got to do just that in my romantic suspense novel, Rising Danger.

But what I especially loved about writing Rising Danger was the chance to feature a canine hero. Bristol Bachmann, the heroine of Rising Danger, partners with Toby, an explosives detection K-9, to stop a bomber from unleashing terror on the Twin Cities.

As a lifelong lover of dogs, I’ve always been fascinated by working K-9s like Toby. Getting to portray this black Labrador’s heroism in Rising Danger was so much fun.

I also feel that writing about Toby and the other K-9s in this tale who are part of the Phoenix K-9 Security and Detection Agency was a way to honor the heroic dogs I’ve had in my own life. No, I haven’t known any working K-9s, but I’ve shared my life with dogs who were heroic in different ways.

Take Lancelot, my first Leonberger. Lancelot was one of the sweetest dogs I’ve ever known. With his huge size, he was a true gentle giant. At an early age, he became terribly afraid of strangers and new places. I worked with skilled trainers to help him battle his fear, and he did have some improvement. But he would always struggle with meeting new people or visiting locations away from home.

Even so, he never stopped fighting against his fears. He continued to get better the more he fought. And while he battled his fears, he taught me how to battle mine.

Then, the worst battle of all commenced when he was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Doctors gave him only three to four months to live—a frightening and devastating death sentence for the dog of my heart.

But God had more to teach me through Lancelot. This courageous dog fought cancer as hard as he had fought his fears. He taught me how to find joy in every moment of life, even when there’s pain or sadness. He taught me how precious and powerful love can be. And God used him to give me unforgettable evidence of God’s loving providence and sovereignty at work.

Because God had a different plan for Lancelot. God gave me the gift of over 1,000 more days with my heroic dog.

Right up to the end of his days, Lancelot remained my hero. I’m so pleased to begin a series of books with prequel Rising Danger that feature K-9 heroes who, in different ways, remind me of the heroic dogs I’ve been privileged to love.

My Review of Rising Danger:

This was a great book. I loved meeting and getting to know the characters. I loved meeting Bristol and her dog, Toby along with Remington (I love that name, by the way). It was a great storyline. I thoroughly enjoyed it and loved how it all ended. It had the right mixture of suspense, thrill, and mystery with a slight hint of romance. Great story, great author. Great book!  I would definitely recommend this book to my friends who love suspense with a hint of romance.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit but was not under any obligation to write a review. All opinions are strictly mine.

Thanks for stopping and connecting here at Spoken from the Heart: If you want to subscribe to my email to receive the latest updated information or to just be encouraged, sign up here: www.cheriswalwell.com

As my way of saying thanks, you will receive a free eBook – Spoken from the Heart: Choosing Grace

Just sign up at: www.cheriswalwell.com

Don’t forget to check out the other blog spots listed below for your convenience.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, October 20

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, October 20

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, October 21

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, October 21 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 22

CarpeDiem, October 22

Betti Mace, October 23

Daysong Reflections, October 23

lakesidereadingsite, October 24

Texas Book-aholic, October 24

Inside the Wong Mind, October 25

deb’s Book Review, October 25

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, October 26

Blogging With Carol, October 26

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 27

Simple Harvest Reads, October 27 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Inklings and notions, October 28

An Author’s Take, October 28

Through the fire blogs, October 29

For Him and My Family, October 29

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, October 30

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 30

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, October 31

Just Your Average reviews, October 31

Mary Hake, October 31

Pause for Tales, November 1

Spoken from the Heart, November 1

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, November 2

For the Love of Literature, November 2

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Jerusha is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Barnes and Noble gift card, one signed copy of Rising Danger, and book swag!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/126b0/rising-danger-celebration-tour-giveaway

About the Book

Book: A Picture of Hope

Author: Liz Tolsma

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Release date: October, 2021

A Photojournalist Risks Her Life to Save Children

Full of intrigue, adventure, and romance, this new series celebrates the unsung heroes—the heroines of WWII.

Journalist Nellie Wilkerson has spent the bulk of the war in London, photographing pilots taking off and landing—and she’s bored. She jumps at the chance to go to France, where the Allied forces recently landed. She enlists Jean-Paul Breslau of the French underground to take her to the frontlines. On the journey, they come upon an orphanage where nuns shelter children with disabilities. Can they help save them before the Nazis come to liquidate it?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Liz Tolsma is the author of several WWII novels, romantic suspense novels, prairie romance novellas, and an Amish romance. She is a popular speaker and an editor and resides next to a Wisconsin farm field with her husband and their youngest daughter. Her son is a US Marine, and her oldest daughter is a college student. Liz enjoys reading, walking, working in her large perennial garden, kayaking, and camping. Please visit her website at http://www.liztolsma.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter (@LizTolsma), Instagram, YouTube, and Pinterest. She is also the host of the Christian Historical Fiction Talk podcast.

More from Liz

Why Another WWII Novel Set in France

You may well read the back cover of my latest release, A Picture of Hope, and wonder why on earth we need another WWII novel set in France. After all, Kristy Cambron just had one. Melanie Dobson and Sarah Sundin will be coming out with theirs in 2022. So why did I feel the need to write my novel with the same setting?

First of all, I’m a Francophile. I love all things French. It started when I took French in high school. Everyone else was learning Spanish, but I wasn’t into being part of the crowd. There were only a few of us in the class, and it was great fun. We had a wonderful teacher. Being able to pull out some of that French, refine it a bit, and use it in the book was a blast. But I also love French food (who doesn’t?) and everything else.

Secondly, I hadn’t written about France before. When I wrote this proposal at least five or six years ago, I didn’t know France would be so hot. God did, and the book came about in His perfect timing. I’d explored the Netherlands, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Czechoslovakia, and the Philippines. Such a shame that I was leaving out France, so I set about to write a novel located in that country.

Thirdly, there was so much good material to pull from. The French resistance, while small, did good work and sacrificed a great deal to get Jews out of the country and into Switzerland or Spain. The books that Kristy, Melanie, Sarah, and I write are all so different. Only the setting is the same. And when I found out that the famous mime Marcel Marceau was part of the resistance, I couldn’t help but giving him a cameo. Be on the lookout!

Along the way, I discovered some truly heartrending incidents that took place in France. They also compelled me to write this book. I long for the world to remember what happened so that we will never forget. And so that the atrocities committed there will never be repeated.

Fourthly, this was originally the third book in a series. Don’t worry – it’s a stand-alone. Maybe someday I’ll get to publish the other two. The women in the series are all American journalists in Europe. One is a reporter, the other is a broadcaster, and so I decided to make Nellie, the heroine in A Picture of Hope, a photojournalist. And where better to take pictures than on Omaha Beach soon after D-day. How she gets there is based on a very interesting true story, so be sure to read to the end for that one.

There are so many stories about WWII to be told and so many countries that participated in the conflict in one way or the other. The ground is so rich that we aren’t plowing the same parcel. You’ll find all of these books to be very different from each other, each with its own message, its own voice, and its own plot.

The focus in my book is on children with Down syndrome. I have a background in special education, and my husband and I adopted a child from the Philippines with an intellectual disability, so I’ve always had a heart for people with special needs. My daughter brings us so much joy that I wanted to share a glimpse into what these remarkable people are truly capable of.

So that is why I wrote a WWII novel set in France. Make yourself a cup of café au lait, butter up a croissant, and enjoy A Picture of Hope!

My Review of A Picture of Hope:

This was a book that stayed with me long after closing the last page. I usually don’t like reading books about WWII, especially with the way the world is today, but this one grabbed my attention from the back cover copy and held my attention throughout. I love stories with children in them, 1944 is the year my parents were born, and my dad has French ancestry in his blood. All things that captured my attention and made me want to read more about this time in history. I love how the title accurately portrays the book – it was full of hope despite the “yuck” surrounding them. A book I will be recommending to others. A great way to read about history and hopefully not let it repeat.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit but was not under any obligation to write a review. All opinions are strictly mine.

Thanks for stopping and connecting here at Spoken from the Heart: If you want to subscribe to my email to receive the latest updated information or to just be encouraged, sign up here: www.cheriswalwell.com

As my way of saying thanks, you will receive a free eBook – Spoken from the Heart: Choosing Grace

Just sign up at: www.cheriswalwell.com

Don’t forget to check out the other blog spots listed below for your convenience.

Blog Stops

A Baker’s Perspective, October 28

Life of Literature, October 28

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, October 28

Genesis 5020, October 28

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 29

The Book Chic Blog, October 29

Blogging With Carol, October 29

Texas Book-aholic, October 30

Sodbuster Living, October 30

Spoken from the Heart, October 30

Elly Gilbert, October 30

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 31

Inklings and notions, October 31

Labor Not in Vain, October 31

CarpeDiem, October 31

Splashes of Joy, November 1

Reviewingbooksplusmore, November 1

Life, love, writing, November 1

For Him and My Family, November 1

deb’s Book Review, November 2

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, November 2

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, November 2

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, November 3

Betti Mace, November 3

Worthy2Read, November 3

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, November 3

Daysong Reflections, November 4

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 4

Vicky Sluiter, November 4

Southern Gal Loves to Read, November 4

Older & Smarter?, November 5

By the Book, November 5

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, November 5

Connie’s History Classroom, November 6

For the Love of Literature, November 6

Bigreadersite, November 6

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 6

Rebecca Tews, November 7

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, November 7

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, November 7

She Lives To Read, November 8

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, November 8

Where Faith and Books Meet, November 8

Pause for Tales, November 9

Christian Bookaholic, November 9

Through the Fire Blogs, November 9

To Everything There Is A Season , November 9

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, November 10

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, November 10

Mary Hake, November 10

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Liz is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and copy of A Picture of Hope!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/12b83/a-picture-of-hope-celebration-tour-giveaway

About the Book

Book:  The Well

Author: Cathy Primer Krafve

Genre: Nonfiction

The Well: The Art of Drawing Out Authentic Conversation

Does your spouse refuse to hear? Do your children stare without comprehending? Does your parent or boss habitually raise objections to your good ideas? 

Oh, the frustration! Conversations often break down instead of breaking through.

She changed from a woman alone to a woman of influence. Her faith transformed a whole community. How did she do it? In The Well, Cathy Krafve points out 40 strategies Jesus used to prompt authentic conversation—by analyzing just one conversation with the woman at the well.

These strategies will help you:

• Initiate simple communication principles to transform all your conversations. Go from magical thinking to miraculous results in a matter of a few biblical truths.
• Invigorate your closest relationships with terrific communication. Watch the ripple effect as your conversations spread truth and joy throughout all your relationships.
• Inspire others through authentic conversations. Enjoy the intimate companionship our hearts all crave.

Are you ready to foster tender, effective conversations with everyone around you? Don’t miss your chance to transform all your relationships!

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Queen of Fun and Coffee Cup Philosopher, Cathy Krafve delivers creativity and encouragement in every word. Cathyputs a snappy spin on deeply spiritual truths with journalistic fervor and a knack for story-telling.

Cathy and David, her husband of almost 40 years, live in East Texas, with their three grown children, two delightful sons-in-law and 8 grandchildren (so far) nearby. 

Author of The Well: The Art of Drawing Out Authentic Conversationsand Marriage Conversations: from coexisting to cherished, she also hosts Fireside Talk Radio. Her weekly podcasts and blogs reach millions annually. Join the Fireside Tribe today!

Truth with a Texas twang!

Sign-up for our weekly interviews with heroic people.

Follow us on FACEBOOK

Follow us on TWITTER

Find Camp Krafve on Pinterest.

Download FREE podcasts about the stuff women ponder in our hearts!

More from Cathy

From Isolated to Influence

“He’s not listening,” Cathy fumed, as the civic leader towered over her. She went home and “plopped open” her Bible.

There’s got to be something here about people who don’t listen. She found over 40 ways Jesus communicated.

Plus, she gained new respect for one of the most fascinating women in scripture. Jesus, the Master Communicator, engaged the woman at the well in just one conversation. She immediately zipped from lonely to leadership. We can, too!

Queen of Fun and Coffee Cup Philosopher, Cathy Krafve delivers creativity and encouragement on every page of The Well: The Art of Drawing Out Authentic Conversations.

Does your child stare back with dull eyes? A spouse who refuses to hear? A parent or boss who habitually raises objections? Oh, the frustration!

Conversations often break down instead of breaking through.

The Well is perfect for your book club, Bible Study, or Sunday school class. Each chapter ends with thought-provoking questions, personal applications, and prayer.

Cathy puts a snappy spin on deeply spiritual truths with journalistic fervor and a knack for laughter and story-telling. A self-described “social dork,” her kryptonite is a bag of potato chips. Yep, a whole bag. Don’t judge!

Host of Fireside Talk Radio, her weekly blogs and podcasts reach over 3 million people annually.  She is also author of Marriage Conversations: From Co-existing to Cherished.

How do we go from isolated to influence? She understands good communication tools can change everything! Companionship begins with authentic conversations. Order two copies today; one for yourself and one to give to a friend!

Truth with a Texas twang spoken here!

My Review of The Well:

The book offers a wealth of information regarding communication and conversations with others. I love the one part that the author repeats multiple times. It’s useless to try and continue a conversation with someone who is resistive. That’s when you choose to “rest” and find someone else who is receptive to your message until either the other person is receptive or Jesus tells you otherwise. The reminder that it’s the Holy Spirit who convicts people and also that even when Jesus had conversations with people, they didn’t all end well is a great reminder to us that the outcome is not in our hands. We are only to deliver the message and it’s wise to know when we should stop talking and walk away.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit but was not under any obligation to write a review. All opinions are strictly mine.

Thanks for stopping and connecting here at Spoken from the Heart: If you want to subscribe to my email to receive the latest updated information or to just be encouraged, sign up here: www.cheriswalwell.com

As my way of saying thanks, you will receive a free eBook – Spoken from the Heart: Choosing Grace

Just sign up at: www.cheriswalwell.com

Don’t forget to check out the other blog spots listed below for your convenience.

Blog Stops

Inklings and notions, October 16

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 17

Texas Book-aholic, October 18

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, October 19

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 20

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, October 21

The Sacred Line, October 21

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, October 22

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, October 23

deb’s Book Review, October 24

For Him and My Family, October 25

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, October 26

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 27

Artistic Nobody, October 28 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, October 28

Spoken from the Heart, October 29

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Cathy is giving away the grand prize package of a $100 Amazon gift card and a copy of both The Well and Marriage Conversations!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/1229d/the-well-celebration-tour-giveaway

I created a problem. He has the solution.

Remember how I shared I had been running on fumes this past spring? Our family had planned a getaway, and I knew having a chance to get away would help me refresh. During that week long vacation, I chose to stay off social media and I only read half a book. I was intentionally present with my family…and more importantly, with God.

I have talked about in the past how I keep up a running conversation with God throughout the day. That occurred on the trip, but the key that made the difference was I was doing more listening and less talking.

For the past six weeks prior to going away, He had been teaching me it was safe to come to Him with all my feelings – whether I was actively obeying, stubbornly disobeying or asking Him for help. He reinforced that He wasn’t going to turn His back on me. He used gentle conviction instead of harsh condemnation when needed, and He always, always reminded me of His unconditional love for me, His daughter.

For the past six weeks I had heard His unwavering message of love. That got my heart ready for an extended period of time to sit and listen instead of constantly giving Him a list of what I need, how I need it, and when it would be nice for my needs to be met. That experience took what I knew about His truths as head knowledge and transitioned them into heart knowledge.

Along with listening, I started really talking to God. I told Him about the problems I was facing. Instead of giving Him solutions, I thanked Him ahead of time for the solutions I knew He had that would be better. When my mind would go into “fix-it” mode, I’d stop myself and thank Him again, reminding myself His solutions were better and speaking back to Him my confidence in His way, His time, His solution.

And you know what? God always shows up when we put our trust in Him. Always. One example of that centered around the trip itself. My husband asked me in March what I thought about taking an impromptu family vacation in May. There were many reasons why it needed to occur in May, and while I was wondering if we had enough money saved, I felt complete peace that God was blessing this trip and wanted us to go. So I prayed back to Him, “God, one of the words You gave me for this year is Jehovah Jireh, You are our Provider. I am choosing to trust that You will provide the finances, the time off, the schedule for us to enjoy this family vacation.” We took the money we had saved and for the next two months added to it, not completely knowing how much we would need, but trusting God it would be enough.

We went on vacation and had an amazing time. We could feel God’s presence every single day and in every single experience. When we got home I sat down to record the bills against the amount we had saved. God provided with $26 to spare!

Going on vacation isn’t a problem. I realize that. But if God loved our family enough to provide the money we needed for the refreshment we definitely needed, it was tangible proof to this child who used to worry about money way too much that He always has the solution to whatever issues we face. And that was a real faith builder for me.

What is one problem in your life that you need God to show you His perfect solution? Do you trust Him enough that He will provide?

© Cheri Swalwell 2021

Our family went away this past spring for a week. I told my friends it was a time for me to rest my brain and move my body. Not only did my mental health benefit from that break from technology, but it was a chance to get quiet and really hear God.

One thing that He spoke to me about was the issue of control. What I can and cannot control. Not in a mean way. He didn’t yell at me or tell me all the ways I’ve blown it this past year. I honestly really felt like He was pulling me up on His lap and letting me know He cared about my health. He wanted me to focus on letting Him be in control. He wanted me to save my energy instead of trying to control things that really weren’t mine to control in the first place.

Once I heard His message that way, I relaxed. The self-condemnation left and I was able to practice my new “non control” lifestyle. I found that instead of jumping in to answer my kids’ questions, it allowed their dad to give his wisdom (he is wiser than I in many areas). I listened more and encouraged our kids to think about solutions themselves (they are wiser than me in many areas too!).

Our Father has a sense of humor. As He was teaching me this lesson while on vacation, I couldn’t resist buying a shirt with a sloth (one of my favorite animals) that said, “Relax. God is in control. Philippians 4:6-7 as a reminder He’s got us.

After returning home, we were worshipping in church on Sunday, and I panicked. I had been gone for a week. I needed to catch up with two bosses, and both meetings would take longer than normal because of my week off. I debated working on the Sabbath to get ahead and have enough time. But I knew isn’t God’s way. So I bowed my head right then and said to God, “You’ve got this. I’m choosing to relax and let You handle my schedule tomorrow. Working on the Sabbath is not Your way. I’m trusting You to handle this.” Then I went back to worshipping and any time that day I started to worry, I’d remind myself it was God’s problem, not mine.

Monday rolled around and I was ready for two meetings. Neither one happened that day. I had a great day catching up, getting ready for the meetings that both occurred on Tuesday instead. It was probably the easiest transition back from a vacation, ever. All God.

Trying to control things that aren’t my responsibility only harm my health. Choosing to trust God’s schedule for my life and relaxing makes for a more peaceful me.

Let me encourage you today. Relax. God is in control.

© Cheri Swalwell 2021

“Maybe it’s not working out because God’s working out something better” – Toby Mac

Do you hear the truth in the above statement? When you read those words do you get a sense of hope for something better, or dread because what you planned isn’t happening?

I used to live as Eeyore. Waiting for the other shoe to drop. Waiting for the valley to come, so much so that I couldn’t enjoy the mountain top at all since “if I’m at the top, there’s no place to go but down.”

I want to offer you hope today my friends. It took me years, yes, years to get this truth cemented in my heart instead of just swimming around in my head.

God. The God we serve isn’t sitting up in Heaven waiting for us to mess up so He can punish us. He doesn’t hear our prayers and then sift through them, only to grant them to a select few.

God loves all of His children equally. The way we as parents love our children equally. We may connect with our children on different levels, but we love them all equally. And we know that each of our children are created uniquely with various talents, passions, and gifts. God knows the same about us.

We may think we want “what he’s having,” when we look at someone else and see a glimpse into his success, her position, or his promotion. But we don’t know all the details that led to that outcome.

God loves each of us so much that He is always working out the best for our lives, our situations, our outcomes. Romans 8:28 became my verse for the season of 2020. It talks about how God works out all things for good to those who love him and are called according to his purpose. ALL things. Not some. Not for a select few. All things for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.

Are you His child? Have you surrendered your life and your agenda to God’s plan? Than you can relax and trust that He is working all things out for good for you, according to His purpose.

God sees the big picture. We see only a glimpse. It’s because of that promise and because of those truths that we can find hope in the statement above, instead of becoming Eeyore.

Next time you’re disappointed because things aren’t happening as fast as you had hoped, maybe you could remind yourself God’s working out something better than what you had in mind. Then watch and wait, remembering to thank Him ahead of time for the answer He’s working on for you. I bet when it comes it’ll be more than you could’ve hoped or imagined. I’m excited for you!

 © Cheri Swalwell 2021

Being able to tell people what you need, rather than expecting them to read your mind, is a sign of maturity.

When I read this statement a few months back, it really struck me. I was in a season of very busy, and looking back, I realize now my communication skills were severely lacking. I expected my husband and my kids to read my mind. I needed help and I expected them to look around, see what needed to be done, and do it without any communication on my part. I guess you could say my mindset was quite immature.

But God. He is so good. He saw my lack of communication was more from exhaustion than from trying to be difficult. He saw how much I needed help and gave me a family that loves me through good seasons and difficult seasons. And He gave me a husband who models grace and unconditional love.

I guess the turning point started when I sought God’s wisdom first. I told Him what my problem was, what I needed, and gave Him my hurt feelings. Then I prayed asking for wisdom to know how to approach getting my needs met without sounding selfish or demanding. I knew I wasn’t the only one in my family who was busy. I didn’t want to add more to their plates, but I couldn’t keep adding things to mine either.

Turns out, we didn’t need to add more things to any of our plates, we just needed to rearrange the plates. There were some things I was doing that others could do better. There were things they were doing that I could do better. Whether because of skill sets or schedules, when we started communicating with each other what was needed, our house ran smoother.

As our school schedule shifted over to a summer schedule, I asked God how to create a smooth transition for all of us. We were integrating a “gone to college during the year adult, a new high school graduate, and a middle schooler,” each at a different stage in life. I wanted to give the proper respect to the adult children while still maintaining the “we’re family, we all work together to keep this house running” mentality. I didn’t want anyone feeling as though they were only appreciated for the work they do, and I wanted to allow plenty of time for everyone to figure out their own schedule while still making sure the house stayed running well.

Again, I went to God and He had the best solution. I presented the idea to the family and so far, things are going fairly well. We have our moments where more communication is needed, but overall, we’re able to express what we need and then someone steps up and helps. Sometimes it’s me. Sometimes it’s their dad. Sometimes it’s one of them.

Our family has always worked really well together. That’s one of the many things I love about us – we work together to accomplish family projects and we work well together serving others. My husband, and myself, also make sure to reward our kids’ hard work with plenty of fun.

I’m glad I worked on my communication skills before this summer. It’s made our time together much more enjoyable than it could have been. Isn’t there a saying about a “nagging wife is like a dripping faucet?” I sure don’t want to be that dripping faucet as a wife, or mom.

© Cheri Swalwell 2021