Ever since they met as teenagers volunteering at a conference center in Costa Rica 20 years ago, Fern Espinoza and Lily Graden have shared a close friendship, even though they live in different states. They can hardly believe it when their teen dream of traveling to Africa together becomes a reality. It’s the trip of a lifetime–but life sure isn’t what they thought it would be back when they were young.
Along with their suitcases, each woman brings along emotional baggage that weighs heavily on them. Yet the people they meet and the places they experience have the power to change their hearts–but only if they surrender to the lessons God wants to teach them in this unexpected land of emerald tea fields, graceful giraffes, and rambunctious elephants.
Pack your bags and get ready for adventure as Robin Jones Gunn invites you on a safari of the heart in this vulnerable exploration of how to move forward in faith even when the future is uncertain.
About the Author
Robin Jones Gunn is the bestselling and award-winning author of more than 100 books, including Tea with Elephants,the Sisterchicks series, and the Christy Miller series for teen girls. Her books have sold more than 6 million copies worldwide. Robin and her husband have two grown children and four grandchildren and live in southern California, where she co-hosts the Women Worth Knowing podcast. Learn more at RobinGunn.com.
Review of Tea with Elephants
This author is one I love reading – whether it’s her fiction or nonfiction series. In fact, when I was sharing with another friend about how wonderful this book was, I was looking up the past series to tell her about as well, and found ANOTHER one of her series that I haven’t read and got all three! Tea with Elephants is wonderful. I fell in love with Fern and Lily right away and get immersed in the book from the very first page. The author is so descriptive – both of scenery as well as emotions. I felt as though I was on the first class plane ride with them, in the dark room when they first arrived after their fun taxi ride with Wanja, visiting the tea farms and heading out on the safari. I loved most, though, the emotional depth of the characters and their growth through such an amazing once-in-a-lifetime experience. I will definitely be reading more from this amazing author.
I was given this book as a complimentary copy but was not required to write a review. All opinions are mine. This may end up being one of my favorite series of this author after all!
Thanks for connecting today.
Have you ever thought about what it would be like to focus on seeing
I want to introduce you to a new author (and friend) to me … Alycia W. Morales.
Her debut book, Surviving the Year of Firsts: A Mom’s Guide to Grieving Child Loss, was published on September 17, 2024. This is a club no one wants to be a member of; this is a book no one wants to have to write. But if you’re dealing with the grief from child loss, this is a resource that I encourage you to pick up today. Email me if you’d like prayer.
About the Book
Your child is gone. Your heart is broken. How on earth do you survive this?
When we’re preparing for motherhood, we don’t expect to have to bury our children four, nineteen, or thirty-six years later. Nor are we prepared for grief’s assault on us and those we love. Is there any hope left in this life? And if so, where do you find it?
Alycia Morales knows your grief is as unique as you are and will help you navigate the foggy forest of child loss, a journey she’s survived multiple times.
In 52 bite-sized chapters, with deep biblical insight and genuine compassion, Alycia will help you:
push through the pain and heartbreak of grief, with hope to discover a new normal where the ache remains but death has lost its sting
continue to put one foot in front of the other, taking small steps toward getting back to living a life that not only honors the Lord, but honors your child’s memory as well
learn to refocus your thoughts, taking them captive to the Way, the Truth, and the Life, rather than dwelling on death’s doorstep
seek out the treasures in daily life and walk in gratitude as you journey down this path with God
Despite the heartbreak and devastation you currently feel, you can experience healing, hope, and joy. An abundance of life remains for you this side of heaven. Let’s go find it.
About the Author
I’m Alycia, wordsmith and mama of many stripes who is addicted to reading books, watching crime shows, drinking sweet tea, documenting life with my camera, creating beautiful things, and making mixed playlists on Spotify and YouTube (I might miss the original MTV).
In my day job, I’m the receptionist at a concrete construction company.
At my second job, I’m a writer, editor, and book coach. I share on the complexities of faith, life’s joys and heartbreaks, and stories. I create community for women who desire to live their best story and for writers who want to share their stories with a world in need of hope.
And in my other job, I feed and parent three young adults, which if you’re a mama to children of any age, you know is a full-time job on its own.
This is the first book of Alycia W. Morales’ that I’ve had the privilege of reading, and I hope she will continue to write many more. I have experienced a miscarriage myself almost 18 years ago; and also had to say goodbye to my in-laws, both within six months of each other, so grief and I have met.
While this book nails it regarding the feelings and emotions of grief when losing a child, it is not only for parents grieving the death of their children, it’s for any loss an individual is experiencing.
I felt as though Alycia had walked into my home and traveled the road of grief I’m currently on, that’s how well this book ministered to me. I found myself crying because I was experiencing those emotions again or simply crying for Alycia and her family as they walked a different path, equally (or maybe even harder at times) as mine.
She explains to the reader at the beginning that the chapters will be very short, have survival tools and also a Scripture verse because when you’re grieving, it’s hard enough to get through one day, let alone have anything of length to “have to” read. Have to’s and grief don’t mix, and she takes the “have to” out of the equation and instead offers bite-size lifelines which are the perfect size. Something for readers to look forward to, someone who understands, not one more thing that has to get done.
I loved how Alycia shared her heart with the readers, showing us the little “God hugs” He sprinkled throughout the first year to bring her extra comfort when she needed it most. I also loved how so much of what she experienced, I, too, had gone through, and didn’t realize it was normal or “okay.” I found myself crying when she talked about sobbing while grocery shopping, realizing she would never buy “___” for Caleb again. I, too, had found myself months earlier sobbing while passing the pork rinds, knowing I could never surprise my mother-in-law with them this side of heaven again either. Something little but of great importance, because it’s one more “joy” taken away from you to share with that person you loved so dearly.
This book is a wonderful encouragement to any individual struggling with surviving the first year after losing someone they love. It spoke directly to my soul, and I know it will do the same for others.
I was given this book as a complimentary copy but was not required to write a review.
Thanks for connecting today.
Have you ever thought about what it would be like to focus on seeing
Audrey Needham, Bay Area interior designer to the rich and pretentious, is down to her last nerve. Her boss is impossible to please, her future is in jeopardy, and her great-aunt Daisy needs support as her husband descends into Alzheimer’s.
When Daisy enlists Audrey’s help preparing for a move to assisted living, Audrey risks her career to return to the idyllic small town of Charity Falls, Oregon, the summer stomping grounds of her childhood. But Charity Falls was also the place that broke her heart when her father was killed in a tragic fire at the Sugar Pine Inn thirteen years ago.
Despite Audrey’s intent to avoid emotional entanglement, the pull of home is hard to resist. Something should be done about the deteriorating inn. A local girl with an incarcerated father needs a friend. And handsome local do-gooder Cade Carter is coloring Audrey all shades of uncertain.
Join award-winning writer and debut novelist Kit Tosello in this lyrical and often humorous exploration of how God redeems brokenness and draws us to the life we’re meant to find.
About the Author
Kit Tosello is an award-winning writer of evocative, small-town, contemporary women’s fiction with heart and humor, as well as inspirational essays and devotionals. Her debut novel, The Color of Home, releases September 24, 2024 with Revell Publishing and is now available for preorder.
Kit’s recognitions include a 2016 Cascade Award for published article and a 2019 Cascade Award for unpublished nonfiction book. Her inspirational essays appear in The Kitchen Devotional (Revell, 2024), So God Made a Grandma (Tyndale, 2025), So God Made a Mother (Tyndale, 2023), and Miracles Do Happen: 101 Glimpses of the Hidden Hand of God (Guideposts, 2019).
A former kitchen designer, Kit is a freelance newspaper correspondent and book editor. But her favorite gigs are wife, mom, and nana. When not writing or editing, Kit can be found in the loose-tea shop she operates with her husband, exploring the great Pacific Northwest, or enjoying the “great indoors”—which is to say, bookstores & libraries. Most likely with a matcha latte in hand.
Review of The Color of Home
The Color of Home is the first book I’ve read by Kit Tosello, but won’t be my last. I was drawn into the story from the first page. I loved the conflict between Audrey and Pilar, but even more important, I loved the connection between Audrey and Daisy. The storyline had an undertone of sadness to it; however, what put a smile on my face as I turned the last page was this quote when Daisy was praying: “Strengthen and refresh me, so I can refresh others. Show me where to find the holy in the hard. … Keep me facing homeward.” Without giving too much away, the “sad storyline” that weaved throughout the book ended up showing some of the biggest blessings at the end. No matter what season you are experiencing in life, this is a book that will bless you.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book to read and all opinions were my own.
Thanks for connecting today.
Have you ever thought about what it would be like to focus on seeing
Whitney Garrett is preparing to enter culinary school in the spring, but first she has to sell enough homemade pies at the local Christmas markets to pay her tuition. When her oven breaks, Whitney asks Marie Sloan, proprietor of the Red Door Inn, if she can use the inn’s kitchen to keep up with her orders. Marie agrees, with a catch: Whitney has to watch the three Sloan children and cook breakfasts for the Red Door in return.
The inn is busy with holiday guests–including Aretha Franklin Sloan’s perpetually single nephew Daniel and Ruby, a businesswoman in town to purchase Aretha’s antiques store. Intent on making a Christmas match for the two, Aretha enlists Whitney’s help in her schemes. But the deeper Whitney gets, the more she realizes that Ruby is definitely not the right woman for Daniel–and the more she thinks that she just might be his perfect match.
Cuddle up for some warm holiday cheer as New York Times bestselling author Liz Johnson explores the unforeseen consequences of meddling with mistletoe when love is on the line.
About the Author
By day Liz Johnson works in marketing. She finds time to write late at night and is a Christy Award finalist and a two-time ACFW Carol Award finalist. Liz makes her home in Phoenix, Arizona where she enjoys theater, exploring local history, and doting on her nieces and nephews. She loves stories of true love with happy endings. Find out more about Liz at www.LizJohnsonBooks.com.
Review of Meddling with Mistletoe
Meddling with Mistletoe is the first book of Liz Johnson that I’ve read. I have heard so many great things about her books that I couldn’t wait to dig in. I was not disappointed. I think, from looking at the books in the front cover, this one goes with others in the series, however, not having read the others, I believe it can be read as a standalone and still be quite enjoyable, but now I want to go back and read the others to find out more layers about Aunt Aretha and Uncle Jack, whom Aunt Aretha had married later in life.
I met Whitney, Daniel, Seth, Marie and their three kids immediately in Meddling with Mistletoe. Any book that has to do with the holidays, and baking, is a great book in my opinion. This was no exception. I loved the witty characters, I loved Whitney’s fun-loving spirit and I loved Aunt Aretha the most. She was a hoot! I’m not one who likes to give away spoilers so I won’t say much about the plot, but just know it lives up to its name with clean, wholesome, fun romance. It was a book that made me laugh, and we definitely need more of those books right now. I would definitely recommend it to many – who can go wrong with Christmas goodies, little kids, Christmas, and romance?
I was given this book as a complimentary copy but was not required to write a review.
Thanks for connecting today.
Have you ever thought about what it would be like to focus on seeing
How do you feel about books turned into movies and movies that were created from books? Do you like them? Do you say “no thank you friend”?
This summer I had the privilege of watching “The Baxters” on Amazon Prime, based off Karen Kingsbury’s novels. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to watch them because there is always more backstory in books than in film, but I decided to try them out after all, and binge watched all three seasons in less than a month. Due to time and constraints, much was left out of the TV series but if you’d read the novels, you had that richness for the characters already because you had savored the books. I really hope they are busy making more seasons because I’ll be watching them. Ashley and Landon were my favorites in the books and they proved to be my favorites on the TV series too.
Fast forward a few months back to the movie/book we’re talking about today. I have to be honest. I didn’t know much about The Forge. I saw it was made from the same producers who had made The War Room, and for that reason alone, I chose to request it at my library before the book was even published. I “set it and forget it” as they say.
To my surprise (and delight) the book was ready for pick-up right before our family vacation in the middle of August. I had to read the back cover to even remind myself what the book was about. I tucked the book into my backpack and hoped I would have time to read it. I was looking forward to continuing my time with this community I had grown to love during The War Room. I was super excited Miss Clara was back! (If you know, you know!)
I read it slowly that week for a number of reasons. It was vacation and when I have the opportunity to make memories with my family, I’m all in. Social media was put on the back burner and I was present. However, there was still some downtime in the evenings, and it was then that I savored the themes of the book. Slowly, enjoying the richness.
One of the main themes of the book was how to have a healthy relationship with your “young adult child.” I am smack dab in that season of life. I have two young adults (one who lives next door and comes over every day to visit) and one who just entered the third year of college and comes home when college is not in session. I also have a sophomore in high school, who still requires a little more hands-on parenting but I’m learning the importance of letting go in increments instead of all at once.
This book was so encouraging. I felt as though Cynthia and I were twins, instead of her and Elizabeth. I loved that her story was told in first person because I felt the same struggles she had. In fact, just this week, I overheard one of my children saying something and instead of jumping up and down in excitement in front of them, I quietly praised the Lord for the answered prayer, knowing the more I downplayed the victory on the outside, the better the outcome.
Another subtheme of the book involved Isaiah and his position at Moore Fitness. That part was exciting to read about in the book; but even more exciting to watch on the big screen. In fact, throughout the entire movie, I was eagerly waiting for that part of the story and it did not disappoint!
I was told by many “you have to go see this movie, Cheri,” but I hesitated because I had read the book, so I didn’t think it was necessary. However, my children wanted to see it and who am I to turn down a great biblical message for my kids (and myself), so off we went.
It. Was. Amazing!
We left the theatre and I said to my husband, “The book was as great as the movie!” “The movie was as great as the book!”
Today I want to highlight a few of the reasons I thought this book/movie was exceptional. If you like to read, I highly recommend reading the book FIRST and then going to see the movie.
My sons and husband did not read the book (and don’t plan on reading the book). They only saw the movie and they loved it too, so it’s powerful even without having read the book, but you will get even more layers from the movie if you read the book first to have more background to the characters’ struggles. I found myself leaning over during the movie and telling my husband, “he did such and such because this is what happened that you didn’t get to see,” multiple times. (I did the same thing watching The Baxters with my daughter this past summer!)
Below are some of the biblical themes that I loved throughout the movie:
Roman Road: they presented the gospel on screen, in a nonpreachy way, but read every single verse so that if there was someone in the theatre that the Holy Spirit was nudging, they could have come into the movie a nonbeliever and come out with a relationship in Jesus Christ.
I’m going to write out the Roman Road verses here in case there is someone who is being nudged by the Holy Spirit to surrender their life to God. It really is this simple!
Romans 3:23 “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God”
Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
Romans 10:9-10 “… that if you confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation”
Romans 10:13 “… for whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Luke 9:23 “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”
One of the characters on screen talked about how people want salvation, but not many people want discipleship. He explained there was a cost to following Jesus, but that cost is 100% worth it.
One of the phrases in the movie (and book was) “Either You’re Lord, or You’re Not, Either You’re Lord or You’re Not.” What is God asking you to give up so that nothing interferes with your devotion to Him first?
Hebrews 11:6 “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
Uncle Tony was talking to a group of men and was explaining a struggle he was having. He used the verse above to talk about his “aha moment.” He said if you’re earnestly seeking God, don’t be afraid of the gaps. That hit home because how many times am I worried about how to pay an unexpected bill, worried because I lost my job, worried about my health, etc. If I’m living in a way where I’m earnestly seeking God, I don’t have to be afraid of the gaps. There are no gaps when we’re children of the King. God always has a solution in His perfect timing. He’s not scared; He’s got it (and us!)
Forgiveness – this was another theme that I loved seeing played out on the screen.
Isaiah was wrestling with some things, and he acted out physically the internal struggle people have when we are choosing forgiveness and it hurts. I believe that anyone who has wrestled with choosing biblical forgiveness (and eventually won) will understand the struggle Isaiah demonstrated.
The other part of this theme that really spoke to me was when Joshua gave Isaiah his “forgiveness journal” to read, not revealing to him who he had struggled to forgive. Isaiah found out in God’s timing who the person was, but Joshua Moore showed his strength and Christian maturity by keeping the details to himself and keeping Isaiah focused on the process of forgiveness, not the details of the person. I want to be more like Joshua Moore.
The last main theme was so impactful to me. Every year when we go away on vacation, I excited expect God to show up and reveal something to me. I never know what; I simply know He will. It was the last day of vacation and the last page of the boo, but this was what He showed me.
“Gentlemen, The Forge needs to expand. But not by addition. It must be multiplication…We need more believers who are wholeheartedly following Jesus. That’s what the world needs to see. We have to go after them, because whoever wants the next generation the most will get them.”
It went on to say much more, but in essence, I felt as though God was whispering confirmation to me about how the JESUS in the EVERYDAY membership is for “such a time as this.”
For those of you who don’t know me and haven’t heard of the JESUS in the EVERYDAY membership, it was created for multi-generations of women to come together, first and foremost, to deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ, to focus on God’s promises instead of life’s problems, and to live that abundant life Jesus promised us in John 10:10.
Then, as we’re growing our relationship with our Heavenly Father, we come together, all ages, as a community to learn from each other what God is teaching us.
Finally, as we’re equipped and trained through the Word of God, we are able to share God’s truths to those who need it most. Not in a way that forces religion down someone’s throat, but sharing about what it means to have arelationship with Jesus Christ. This is done best as we live life together, one day at a time, building relationships with those who are hurt, lost, and need God’s love.
Do you have a heart that wants to grow closer to God while being surrounded by other like-minded believers who have the same vision?
A Portion of your membership will help support local and global missions
Bonus surprises throughout the year … because, why not?
To learn more about how to become a monthly member, head over here.
What about you? Have you read The Forge yet? Have you gone and seen the movie? Did you enjoy one more than the other? I LOVE to talk all things books, so leave a comment below and let’s have a conversation!
As the work begins, “Joey” discovers strange notes tucked deep in the crevices of the old stone walls–pages torn from a lighthouse keeper’s log signed by someone named Mae who recounts harrowing rescues at sea. Fascinated by a woman lighthouse keeper, Joey digs into the past only to discover there’s never been a record of a lighthouse keeper by that name.
Every family has its secrets. Josephina Harris wouldn’t mind if her family still had a few of their own after a lawsuit tarnishes their name. When an opportunity opens to become a temporary keeper of a decommissioned lighthouse on a North Carolina island, she jumps at the chance to escape her small town to oversee its restoration.
When things start to go amiss on the island, locals are convinced that it is the ghost of the lighthouse keeper and his daughter who were lost at sea during World War II. As Joey sifts through decades of rumors and legends and puts together the pieces of the past, what emerges is a love story–one that’s not over yet.
Multiple Christy Award winner Amanda Cox is your guide upon the raging seas of young love, heartbreaking loss, and learning to risk it all for a chance at happiness in this timeless novel.
About the Author
Amanda Cox is the Christy Award-winning author of The Edge of Belonging, The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery, and He Should Have Told the Bees.She holds a bachelor’s degree in Bible and theology and a master’s degree in professional counseling, but her first love is communicating through story. Her studies and her interactions with hurting families over a decade have allowed her to create multidimensional characters that connect emotionally with readers. She lives in Chattanooga, Tennessee, with her husband and their three children. Learn more at AmandaCoxWrites.com.
Review of Between the Sound and the Sea
I was introduced to this author a few years ago and now whenever she has a new book come out, I can’t wait to read it. I was excited for Between the Sound and Sea and it did not disappoint. I quickly fell in love with Joey’s personality and felt for her loyalty to both her dad and her brother and the conflict that ate her up between the two of them. Then, the dual storyline that ran alongside Joey’s story, I can’t tell you which one I enjoyed reading more. The characters are believable, the tension palpable and the action exciting. Thoroughly enjoyed this book and can’t wait to see what story she brings us next!
I was given this book as a complimentary copy but was not required to write a review.
Thanks for connecting today.
Have you ever thought about what it would be like to focus on seeing
A Mysterious Disappearance Shakes an Amish Family’s Faith
In book one of A Mifflin County Mystery series, after a night out with her boyfriend, Rosa Petersheim has disappeared from the Big Valley without a trace. Norman Petersheim always considered himself his sister’s protector, and he can’t believe she would have left home of her own accord. Clearly, he must have failed her. He throws all he has into helping the authorities search for Rosa, while trying to support his parents and siblings–who are struggling both mentally and physically. Salina Swarey loves Norman and hopes they are headed toward marriage, but his obsession with Rosa’s whereabouts is driving them apart. Can Norman find peace and contentment, even if he never learns where Rosa has gone?
About the Author
New York Times bestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter is one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre. With over 12 million copies sold, Wanda’s stories consistently earn spots on the nation’s most prestigious bestseller lists and receive numerous awards.
When Wanda visits her Amish friends, she finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and family ties. She and her husband, Richard, have been blessed with two grown children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
Review of The Protector
I have read many books by Wanda E Brunstetter and am a big fan. The backcover of this new series intrigued me and I couldn’t wait to read it. I loved the way the author wrote the story, completely from Norman’s point of view. We didn’t get to see what was happening to Rosa but were left with questions the same way Norman and his family was. I loved how the author dove into the emotional aspects of the characters and took us through their pain, how everyone in the family responded differently and then the friends, boyfriend of Rosa and girlfriend of Norman also reacted. It was very realistic and I was drawn into the story and it has stayed with me for days after turning the last page.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Thanks for connecting today.
Have you ever thought about what it would be like to focus on seeing
Young love means everything . . . until it leaves you with nothing.
The summer before her senior year of high school, Laney Jacobs and her best friend jump from a six-story beachside cliff in an attempt to impress their boyfriends. Laney rose from the water. Her friend did not.
Six years later, when Laney’s troubled mother’s memoir hits the bestseller list airing the family’s destructive secrets, Laney is forced to relive the trauma, this time in the public eye. To escape the scrutiny, she seeks shelter at her estranged grandmother’s seaside inn. But she can’t reconcile the loving woman with the heartless parent in her mother’s book. As she looks for answers, the ex-boyfriend who’d witnessed her darkest days reappears, stirring up both pain and hope.
When her mother’s vindictive fans threaten her grandmother’s livelihood and the lighthouse Laney has come to love, she turns to the century-old words of a young lighthouse keeper to help her find the courage to move forward. But once truths from the past come to light and old love finds new beginnings, will Laney discover that forgiveness is the only way toward true healing?
About the Author
Heidi Chiavaroli is a hope-inspired storyteller writing from the deep curiosity of her own heart. Her debut novel, Freedom’s Ring, was a Carol Award winner and a Christy Award finalist, a Romantic Times Top Pick, and a Booklist Top Ten Romance Debut. Her second Carol Award-winning novel, The Orchard House, is inspired by the lesser-known events in Louisa May Alcott’s life and led her to write The Orchard House Bed and Breakfast series, a contemporary twist on Little Women. Heidi makes her home in Massachusetts with her husband and two sons.
Review of the way back
This was the first book I’ve read by this author and it won’t be my last. The topic of the story drew me in and then kept me there. The way the author writes and the feelings the characters experienced, I felt as though I was right there. I loved the conversation between Jason and his father – how Jason had to let his father hear his hurt if he was going to heal from the pain of the past. He couldn’t simply dismiss his father’s apology as though it wasn’t important anymore; for both of their sakes, they needed to have that important difficult conversation to start the healing process. The book also got me thinking about the repercussions when people remember the narrative of their lives differently from others. There is serious pain and consequences involved if you don’t remember things correctly and damage an innocent person’s reputation.
This was an amazing book and I loved the dual history period aspect. Learning about the lighthouse was fascinating and I see this is a “book 1” so I’m excited to get to read more in this series from this author. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Thanks for connecting today.
Have you ever thought about what it would be like to focus on seeing
Mary Yoder Is Content Despite Challenges Thrown Her Way
Full of faith, hope, and romance, this new series takes you into the Heart of Amish country.
If God wills it, Mary Yoder will do it, even if that means using crutches for the rest of her life. She was badly injured in a buggy accident as a child. Still, she is content living in the Dawdi Haus connected to her parents’ farmhouse and with her work weaving baskets and raising specialty roosters whose feathers she uses to make excellent trout lures. She is truly happy at twenty-nine, but. . .she wouldn’t mind finding a husband—if the Lord wills it. Along comes Reuben King, a Mennonite doctor. They are attracted to one another, but how could they ever be together? She’s a baptized Amish woman, so it seems impossible. Also, he wants her to have surgery to improve her mobility and lessen her day-to-day pain. She’s sick and tired of surgeries! But if God wills it, she’ll do it. And just maybe there will be a way for these two unlikely souls to connect.
The Heart of the Amish Series Also Includes:
The Flower Quilterby Mindy Steele
Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise by Anne Blackburne
The Quilt Room Secret by Lisa Jones Baker
Courting the Amish Bishop by Mindy Steele
About the Author
Anne Blackburne lives and works in Southeast Ohio as a newspaper editor and writer. She is the mother of five grown children, has one wonderful grandchild, and a spoiled poodle named Millie. For fun, when she isn’t working on Amish romance or sweet mysteries, Anne directs and acts in community theater productions and writes and directs original plays. She also enjoys reading, kayaking, swimming, searching for beach glass, and just sitting with a cup of coffee looking at large bodies of water. Her idea of the perfect vacation is cruising and seeing amazing new places with people she loves.
Review of Mary’s Calico Hope
This book was a stand alone in “The Heart of the Amish” series and that’s why I wanted to read it. These books are whimsical, have wonderful characters, and are a breath of fresh air, especially in the summertime when reading books with a deep message but fun characters and plot lines are extra special. I enjoyed getting to know Mary, her family (especially her mom) and Reuben. They each had their own challenges to face but this book was great at continuing to point them back to growing their faith and trusting God. I loved the Amish/Mennonite element as well. Wonderful story line, great biblical truths woven in, and wonderful characters who became my friends.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review
Thanks for connecting today.
Have you ever thought about what it would be like to focus on seeing
By the time Thursday is over, Annie Lee is convinced God is telling her it’s her last day on earth.
Annie and her husband live in a small rural town in central Washington state—a place where almost nothing scary happens . . . until today. Hang on to her coattails as she navigates her tragic past, her frightening present, and her unknown future all in the space of twenty-four hours.
And ask yourself the same question posed to Annie: “What would I do today if I knew I’d die tomorrow?” Will your answer be the same one Annie discovers?
Deb Gorman, owner of Debo Publishing, was born and raised in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. She still lives in her hometown of Yakima, Washington, with her husband, Alan, and their very smart German Shepherd, Hoka. Deb is a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ, cleverly disguised as a wife, mom, grandmom, and author. Her purpose is to connect with God’s most beautiful and clever creation, the human family, using the literary talent and imagination God gave her. Her prayer is that as she journeys with you, together you will discover encouragement and redemption in your most important relationships.
More from Deb
No Tomorrows-A Novel for Today came about because of a question I heard.
“What would you do today if you knew without a doubt you would die tomorrow?”
It’s an old question that’s been kicked around for decades, but when I seriously put my shoes into its footprints, I found I could not answer it with anything other than cliches. Those cliches, like “Eat chocolate all day”, or “Do that last thing on your bucket list” didn’t sit well with me. I wanted a real answer, one I could hang my hat on—as one character in the book says. I suspected that my readers want a real answer for themselves, too.
Annie Lee, a typical suburban mother of four, is confronted with that question, and spends a harrowing twenty-four hours navigating the answer for herself. In the uncertainty of our times, this question is particularly important for us to consider. Perhaps we’ll agree with Annie Lee’s answer.
Along with a book and a $50.00 Amazon card, the lucky winner will receive a custom-made No Tomorrows pen, created by my author friend, Steve Hooley, at https://SteveHooleyWriter.com, from Big Leaf Maple wood grown and harvested in the Pacific Northwest.
My Review of No Tomorrows
This was the second book by this author that I read. I remember reading The Master’s Inn and loved the depth of it; I was looking forward to reading this one as well because the subject sounded intriguing and this author makes her stories come to life. All of that was true in No Tomorrows. I didn’t really like the supernatural aspect of the book. I couldn’t tell if it was supposed to be an angel that visited her on the swings, or was the old man in the park or someone or something dark and ominous. I think that was the point – you weren’t supposed to be able to tell, but I didn’t like that part. However, the book itself AND the message that was portrayed so beautifully throughout the entire book; well, let’s just say it changed my agenda for my today which was my tomorrow when I read the book. The truth behind what the author was sharing with the reader definitely has the opportunity to be life-changing. That part? I LOVED! I’m still thinking about how I can incorporate that into my everyday life and how I can live each day as though it’s my last (in a good way). I’ve always tried to live with no regrets and this book simply was a wonderful reminder.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was under no obligation to review it. All opinions are mine.
Thanks for connecting today.
Have you ever thought about what it would be like to focus on seeing
To celebrate her tour, Deb is giving away the grand prize package of a copy of No Tomorrows, a $50 Amazon gift card, and a custom-made No Tomorrows pen!!
