White Christmas Pie by Wanda Brunstetter

I've had the flu for three weeks so I have a few Christmas books that I read that I need to post about it.  I just read White Christmas Pie by Wanda Brunstetter.  I love Amish fiction.  I  find it very interesting to learn about other cultures and religions.  The book is about a young man who was abandoned by his father when he was six years old.  Will was raised by a childless Amish couple who raised him as their own son.  Will loves his "parents" but he still has a lot of resentment towards his birth father that he needs to work through.  He is engaged to be married to a sweet young Amish girl, Karen.  The book is about the struggles they face emotionally because of his resentment and how he needs to learn to forgive before he can move on with his life.  In the book, Will's favorite pie is White Christmas Pie, which is where the title of the book comes from.  Mrs. Brunstetter included a recipe for the pie in the back of her book.  I baked the pie and posted the recipe on my other blog here:  http://missyscakesandaprons.blogspot.com/
If you would like to buy the book you can buy it here:  http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/easy_find/1159947132?Ntt=white+christmas+pie&N=0&Ntk=keywords&action=Search&Ne=0&event=ESRCN&nav_search=1&cms=1
it is on sale for $1.99 right now so hop on over and order yours today!
Happy Reading!
Missy

Boo Humbug by Rene Gutteridge

Boo Humbug is such a cute, funny story!  It is the fourth book in the "Boo Series" by Rene Gutteridge.  I have not read the other books, but I was still able to follow along easily.  The title might turn off some people (Boo), but the book is not what you would expect.  The story is about a crazy old lady who decides to put on a Christmas Carol Play as a horror story.  Everybody tries to tell her how crazy that is, but she won't listen.  The story is about a man who can't figure out why he is so unhappy and what he needs to do to be happy.  We all know the only way to find true happiness is through our Lord, Jesus Christ.  The ending is totally unexpected and will make you smile.  I would definitely recommend reading this book.

Happy Reading and Merry Christmas!

Missy

http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/easy_find?Ntt=boo+humbug&N=0&Ntk=keywords&action=Search&Ne=0&event=ESRCN&nav_search=1&cms=1

The Best Christmas Ever by Cheryl Wolverton

I finished The Best Christmas Ever by Cheryl Wolverton a few days ago.  I've been sick, so I have been reading faster then I can blog!  It is a small novella about a little girl named Mickie.  All she wants for Christmas is a new mommy.
Sarah is Mickie's aunt and wants to heal past wounds and needs to learn how to forgive herself and not to feel guilty about stuff that is not her fault.  She believes the housekeeper/nanny job working for Justin, her deceased sister's husband, is the way to do that.
Justin is happy with the way his family is.  He wants to show Sarah forgiveness, will he learn how to not only forgive her, but treat her as part of the family?
I don't want to give anything away, so I won't give anymore details about the book.  It is a short, quick read.  Cheryl does a good job teaching what the Bible says and keeping on track with it.  She is very biblical with the way her characters conduct themselves and explaining what God would expect also.
I would definitely recommend reading this book.  You will have to get it from either your library, a used book store or from one of the used bookstores online.  Here is a link to one of them:
http://www.alibris.com/booksearch?qisbn=9780373870479&qwork=645384#search-anchor
Happy Reading!
Missy
P.S.  Yes you will be seeing a Christmas theme in the books I am reading this month.  Don't you just love Christmas and what it stands for?

Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball by Donita K. Paul

I got a new book to review from Waterbrook/Multnomah.  I have never read Donita's books before because she deals in fantasy.  The book was very well written and had a cute story line but she tries to justify wizards as okay with Christians.  She claims they are not the same as witches, this is not true.  Wizards and witches both have powers that are given to them from Satan, he (Satan) just wants you to think that it is okay to be a wizard.  That is how the serpent(Satan) deceived Eve, by saying "it's okay to eat the fruit, you won't die".  Here is an excerpt from the book ""Usually we associate wizards with God's mandate not to have anything to do with witches and necromancers."
"Of course I'm not in favor of witches and goblins and dealing with the dead.  Actually, the Anglo-Saxon term 'wizard' simply refers to older, wise people, as in 'wizened.'"
Donita is obviously trying to justify having wizards in a Christian book.  The story line is about a Wizard's Christmas Ball held every year.  There is a street that does not exist with a lot of fanciful shops lining the street and the wizards who run the shops match up people they think should get married and give them tickets to the ball so they will fall in love at the ball.  The dresses are "magical" and only the intended person can wear it or it will turn to rags.  Only the "right" people can see the street and shop there.  The buildings are sometimes there, and sometimes not.  The Bible says: 
Leviticus 20:27 "A man also or woman that hath a familiar spirit, or that is a wizard, shall surely be put to death: they shall stone them with stones: their blood shall be upon them."
Deuteronomy 18:10-12"There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer.  For all that do these things are an abomination unto the Lord:  and because of these abominations the Lord thy God doth drive them out from before thee."
The Bible is very clear not to have any thing to do with wizards and using a different version of the Bible to make it agree with what you want is wrong!
I would not recommend reading this book even though it has a cute story.
 
"I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review"

"Crown of Fire" by Craig and Janet Parshall

Crown of Fire by Craig and Janet Parshall is an amazing book!  It is about part of the Scottish Reformation with John Knox as one of the main characters.  Ransom Mackenzie is swept up in the reformation and has to struggle with what God's role for him is.  He also needs to decide if he is supposed to marry the refined, young lady from London, or the wild young lady from the Highlands, who has captured his heart?

The book follows young Ransom from when he is a young teenager who has to become an adult too soon due to the rebellion and his father being arrested for printing the scriptures through him becoming an adult and how he plays a role in the reformation. 

I cannot imagine what our forefathers of the Christian faith had to go through to bring God's written Word to the common people.  Did you know it used to be against the law to own a Bible?   Good men and women died to give us that freedom, yet Christians are standing by doing nothing while our religious freedoms are slowly being stripped away again.  Would you be willing to be burned at the stake for your beliefs?  You need to read this book that is chock full of history, yes it is a fiction book, but there is a lot of historical fact in the book also.

You can find out more about Craig Parshall in this interview I found about him:

http://www.harvesthousepublishers.com/books_fictioninterview.cfm?ID=21

Here are two resources to buy the book:

http://www.abebooks.com/servlet/SearchResults?an=parshall&sts=t&tn=crown+of+fire&x=78&y=15

and

http://www.amazon.com/Crown-Fire-Thistle-Cross-1/dp/0736912789

I believe there are more books in this series, but don't worry about being left hanging at the end because it wraps up very nicely.  Here are more of his books:

 http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/easy_find?Ntt=craig+parshall&N=0&Ntk=keywords&action=Search&Ne=0&event=ESRCN&nav_search=1&cms=1

I am sure you will enjoy this book as much as I did!

Happy Reading!

Missy

"When the Soul Mends" by Cindy Woodsmall and Winner Announced!

I just finished the last book in the series "Sisters of the Quilt"  When the Soul Mends does an excellent job of wrapping up the series.  You really become a part of the character's lives and I did not want the series to end!  LOL  Since it is the third book in the series, if I tell you too much about it, then I will give away endings for the other two books.  

Hannah struggles with forgiving her father for not being there when she needed him.  He had tried to help her, it just came out wrong and had the opposite effect of what he wanted.  He still won't allow her in his home even though they have forgiven each other.  I can understand how she feels.  My Dad won't let me come visit him (he's in his 70s).  We talk on the phone, when I call.  He says he loves me, but he has always been "set apart" from me since I've been an adult.  I still do not understand why he does not want me in his home, but it is something I accept.  I still love him and he still loves me, God has a plan for this situation. 

If you have not read one of Cindy's books, you need to go get one right now and read it!

Okay, are you ready for the winner?  The winner is Barb Shelton!  Congratulations, you get to pick one of Cindy's books to read and she will autograph it for you!

Happy Reading!

Missy

Cindy Woodsmall contest

This is a post to remind everyone that Cindy Woodsmall is giving away a book, you get to choose the title.  Go to my last my blog entry here:  http://bodaciousbookworms.blogspot.com/  and leave a comment and let me know whether you have read any of her books and what book you would like to win.  Did I mention she will autograph it?  You need to be a follower of my blog to win.  If you share the contest on facebook or your blog, you will receive a second entry, be sure to let me know if you do!  Don't forget to give me your email address so that I can let you know if you win!  I will have the drawing when I finish reading When the Soul Mends, the third book in the Sisters of the Quilt series.  Maybe by Saturday.  You can go here to find a list of her books:  http://www.cindywoodsmall.com/  You can also "like" her on FB here:  http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/authorcindywoodsmall?ref=ts  .  She has contests and stuff on FB sometimes.
I'm going a little crazy today.  Yesterday, my friend's baby pressed down on the pedal on my sewing machine while I was threading the needle, scared the living daylights out of me!  Then my cat found a SNAKE in my bedroom at 3:30 this morning. Praise the Lord for cats!  Now my printer won't work and I cannot print my material for my kid's class at church tonight.  Sigh, what a couple of days!  LOL
Thanks for listening to my ramblings today and be sure to read one of Cindy's books!
Missy

"When the Morning Comes" by Cindy Woodsmall and a contest!

 

I just love the "Sisters of the Quilt" Series by Cindy Woodsmall.  I just finished reading When the Morning Comes again.  It is a great book!  I can't wait to read the next one!  The book continues with the story of Hannah Lapp.  She is now living in the Englischer world trying to adapt to a new life.  The book does a great job of interweaving the life that Hannah is now living and also the happenings with all of  the characters in Owl Perch.  Is Hannah's life now with her Aunt Zabeth or does she need to return to her past and go back to Paul and Owl's Perch?  Should she shun all her Amish beliefs and embrace the English world?  What would God want for her to do?  It is a poignant book that is very hard to put down.  Be sure to go buy a copy, you can get one here:   http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/easy_find?Ntt=when+the+morning+comes&N=0&Ntk=keywords&action=Search&Ne=0&event=ESRCN&nav_search=1&cms=1

or go to your local bookstore to get a copy.

Here is some great news!  Cindy has agreed to do a giveaway on my blog!  I don't know which one of her books yet, but it will be a good one!  To enter the giveaway you must be a follower of my blog and leave a comment.  Let me know if you have read any of her books and what you thought of it?  You will get an extra entry if you share this giveaway on FB or on your blog.  Be sure to let me know, if you share it on your blog please be sure to give me link so I can check your blog out!  I forgot to add that I will draw the name when I finish the next book.  Don't forget to give leave your email address so that I can contact you!

Happy Reading,

Missy

"When the Heart Cries" by Cindy Woodsmall

I love Amish fiction, especially when the author is a good author!  I read When the Heart Cries "Sisters of the Quilt" series book one by Cindy Woodsmall when it first came out years ago.  You know it is a good book when you pick it up and read it again!  Both times I read it I sobbed!  Cindy is able to take you and put you in the place of the main character as if you are feeling and experiencing what the main character is.  It is a heart breaking story about a young Amish girl, Hannah, who has fallen in love with a Mennonite.  She tries to do the right thing and what everyone expects of her, but sometimes things happen out of our control.  Hannah has to learn some pretty harsh lessons and grow up faster then she wanted to.  Her life is confused by jealousy, gossip, accusations and unfounded blame.  Will she be able to endure what life throws her way?  Will she learn to lean on God, or will she turn away from him?  I will start reading the next book When the Morning Comes tonight.  This is a must read for anyone who likes Christian Fiction whether you are an Amish enthusiast or not, does not matter.  You will love this book  -be sure to have a box of tissues handy!

You can go here to find out more about Cindy and her books:

http://www.cindywoodsmall.com/

If you are on Facebook, be sure to "like" her!

You can buy her book here:

http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/easy_find?Ntt=when+the+heart+cries&N=0&Ntk=keywords&action=Search&Ne=0&event=ESRCN&nav_search=1&cms=1

Happy Reading and be sure to tell me if you have read any of her books!

Missy

This Child of Mine by Lois Richer

I just finished reading This Child of Mine by Lois Richer.  It is another short novella.  The only thing I don't like about this book is that the cover gives away the ending.  You know they are going to get married because of the picture and that  kind of takes away from the ending because of it.  Aside from the cover, the book is very good.  It talks about a young lady finding her way home and learning to ignore gossip and realizing that God loves her and she can find love, friendship, and forgiveness.  There were a few things introduced that were never developed, that was kind of disappointing. It talks about Darcy's parents pulling Luke out of the fire, but it never explains what they are talking about, and they weren' very clear on how Luke's family died.  But the book was still good.

For more information on Lois Richer and her books go here:

http://www.loisricher.com/index.html

Happy Reading!

Missy

Scared To Death by Debby Giusti

Scared To Death by Debby Giusti is a very good book.  This is the only book that I have ever read by Debby.  I read it in like two days, it is a short novella.  It is contemporary fiction, it's funny because I love historical fiction best, but I keep getting these contemporary fictions kind of dropped in my lap!  LOL

If you like mystery books, you'll like this book.  Kate Murphy was a scientist doing research to cure diabetes when her friend, Tina, called from out of nowhere.  She had not talked to Tina in over three years after growing up as best friends.  Tina had seen something and needed Kate's help to figure out what was going on.  She gets to Mercy, Georgia only to find out something tragic has happened to Tina and Tina's boss, Nolan Price, has secrets he's not telling. There is some religious talk sprinkled though the book. I can't tell you more without giving anything away, but if you come across this book I would recommend reading it. 

You can find out more about the author and her books here:

http://www.debbygiusti.com/biography.html

Happy Reading!

Missy

What are you reading right now? 

I just finished reading Shades of Blue by Karen Kingsbury. It is a great book. The book is about a man who lives in NY and is getting married in six weeks and a teacher in North Carolina. The book is about abortion and the devastation it can have on that man and woman ten years after the abortion. The book is about healing and getting God's forgiveness for killing your child. The book is excellent!

Yes, abortion is killing a child, it is not getting rid of a mass of cells. Ecclesiastes 11:5 "As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit, nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child: even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all." Jeremiah 1:5 "Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee..."  Yes, abortion will haunt the mother and the father for the rest of their lives! Yes, abortion does hurt the grandparents too. Yes, abortion is a sin. Yes, God will forgive you of this sin if you ask. Yes, you must learn to forgive yourself also. Luke 11:4 "And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil." 1John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."   Yes, there is another option besides abortion - it is adoption.

Brad and Emma made a bad decision in high school and tried to fix that decision with a decision that was even worse. They were in love and thought they would be together forever, but could not go back to the way it was before they lost control, and then after the abortion there was no going back. Ten years later they were both struggling with what they had done, but in different ways. This is an excellent book that needs to be read.
You can go here to buy the book:
http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/easy_find?Ntt=shades+of+blue&N=0&Ntk=keywords&action=Search&Ne=0&event=ESRCN&nav_search=1&cms=1


Happy Reading!
Missy

Stepping Heavenward by Mrs. E. Prentiss

I just finished reading Stepping Heavenward by Mrs. Elizabeth Prentiss.  This is an excellent book.  It is written as a diary and Mrs. Prentiss inserts herself and her "life stories" frequently.  The main character is Katherine who has a temper that she has a hard time controlling.  She reminds me of myself.  I have a bad temper too that I hate.  The book starts out when she is 16 yrs old and goes through her married life towards the her later years.  There are a lot of spiritual lessons to be learned from Katherine's daily struggles.  This book is written for teenagers, new mothers, wives, single people, ladies of all ages and walks of life.  If you want to be blessed spiritually, you need to read this book!

Here is an excerpt from the book about having devotions and prayers.

"I sometimes find it a help, when dull and cramped in my devotions, to say to myself:  Suppose Christ should now appear before you, and you could see Him as he appeared to His disciples on earth, what would you say to Him?"

There are all kinds of wonderful tidbits like this tron  throughout the book.  Be sure to get a copy today to read, you can get one for only $5 from here:   http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/easy_find?Ntt=stepping+heavenward&N=0&Ntk=keywords&action=Search&Ne=0&event=ESRCN&nav_search=1&cms=1

Here is a poem Mrs. Prentiss wrote after losing two of her children:

I thought that prattling boys and girls

Would fill this empty room;
That my rich heart would gather flowers
From childhood's opening bloom.

One child and two green graves are mine,
This is God's gift to me;
A bleeding, fainting, broken heart—
This is my gift to Thee. 
 
To find out more information about Mrs. Prentiss, you can go here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_Prentiss
 
To find out more about her books, you can go here:
http://puritan55.tripod.com/id64.htm
 
I hope you get one of her books today to read!  If you have read her books please share with me what you thought of them!
Happy Reading!
Missy

The Hidden Flame by Davis Bunn and Janette Oke

I finished reading Hidden Flame last week.  It is the sequel to The Centurion's Wife.  I don't know if I can wait until December for The Damascus Way! 

This book really makes you think about what it must have been like for Jesus's followers after He was crucified and rose again.  Bunn and Oke do a great job to make the members of the Sanhedrin and Pharisees come alive.  Not to mention the rulers at that time.  This story highlights Abigail, who was introduced in the last book, and her struggles and fears.  Abigail is an orphan who is one of Jesus's followers doing His working by serving.  The book also brings back Linux, the Roman who was Alban's friend.  The book takes a twist and has a different ending then you expect it to have.  I don't want to give away too much of the story, you will just have to read it for yourself!  It is a must read!

You can buy the book here:

http://www.christianbook.com/the-hidden-flame-acts-of-faith/davis-bunn/9780764207426/pd/207426?item_code=WW&netp_id=631377&event=ESRCN&view=details#curr

The Centurion's Wife by Janette Oke and Davis Bunn

Let me just say that Janette Oke is one of my all-time favorite authors!  I have most of her books, I am missing a few that I still need to get though.  She has collaborated with Davis Bunn (I also have a lot of his books)on several books.  I have all of the Song of Acadia Series they wrote together, and Heirs of Acadia which is the continuation written by Davis and Isabella Bunn, and now they are writing the Acts of Faith Series, the first one being The Centurion's Wife.
I just finished the Centurion's Wife and as usual I was not disappointed!  It is a great book!  Have you ever wondered what it must have been like in Jerusalem right after Jesus was crucified?  The Sanhedrin trying to cover up the facts about Christ's resurrection, Pilate and Herod trying to find out what happened to Jesus's body, and the disciples and His followers trying to figure out everything else.  There must have been a lot of confusion, speculation and hope going around the city.  This book covers all of it. 
We follow the lives of Leah, Procula's servant(Procula is Pilate's wife).  She is ordered by Procula to find out what is going on with the Judeans, but Leah finds a lot more then Procula bargains for.  We also follow Alban, a Roman centurion who is ordered by Pilate to get answers about what happened to Jesus's body.  He gets a lot more answers then he expected also.
I already have the Hidden Flame, book 2, sitting here waiting for me to start on tonight.  You can get a great deal on the book for only $5.99 at christian book.com
http://www.christianbook.com/the-centurions-wife-acts-of-faith/davis-bunn/9780764206542/pd/206542?item_code=WW&netp_id=532267&event=ESRCN&view=details
It looks like Damascus Way, the third book will be released in December, but I don't know if I can wait that long to read it!  It sure will be a great Christmas present for me though!
I know you will enjoy this book as much as I did!
Happy Reading and remember to honer God in all you read!
Missy

Never Say Never by Lisa Wingate

"Never Say Never" by Lisa Wingate is a hilarious book!  I laughed through the entire book.  If you need a good laugh, then I would recommend this book.

The story is about a young lady, Kai, and an older lady, Donetta, and what happens when their paths cross.  Kai's life is changed forever and she learns that God does truly care about her.  Kai has never had "roots" anywhere.  Her dad was a wanderer while she was growing up, so she thought she needed to be also.  A hurricane taught her a few things about God, friends, and family.  Be sure to go to the library or store and get your copy to read today!  The book is part of a series, but can easily be read without reading the other books first.   You can also get a copy here: 

 http://www.christianbook.com/never-say-daily-texas/lisa-wingate/9780764204920/pd/204921?item_code=WW&netp_id=639687&event=ESRCN&view=details

Here is Lisa's website, check it out!

http://www.lisawingate.com/

Happy Reading!

Missy

We have a winner!

Okay everybody!  I wrote down all the names of everybody who left a comment and put it in my penguin shaped box, put the lid on and shook it real good!  Then I closed my eyes and pulled out Carol's name from Carol N Wong.  Carol, I sent you an email, I need you to send me your address please!
Thank you to everyone who participated.  I will definitely try to have more giveaways - this was fun!
For those of you who did not win, be sure to go and get Marlo's book to read.  :)
Happy Reading!
Missy

My first book giveaway!

Hey y'all, I am so excited!!! Marlo Schalesky will be giving away a free autographed copy of her book, Shades of Morning, to one of my followers! I posted my review of her book yesterday and I just loved her book. It touched my heart and I know it will touch yours also! The giveaway is pretty simple, I have a couple of different ways you can follow my blog on the side bar. Become a follower and leave a comment letting me know you follow my blog! Please let me know if you have read any of her books and what you think of them. I will put all of the comments in a hat and have a little girl pull a name out for the winner on Monday, July 19, so make sure your comments are in by Sunday night!

Marlo has written several other books also: Fiction: Shades of Morning, If Tomorrow Never Comes, Beyond the Night, Veil of Fire, Only the Wind Remembers, Freedom's Shadow, and Cry Freedom. Nonfiction: Empty Womb, Aching Heart ( I suffer from infertility also and I cannot wait to read this book).

I want you to get to know Marlo a little better.
Follow her blog http://marloschalesky.blogspot.com/

or check out her website http://www.marloschalesky.com/

you can also follow her on FB http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/MarloSchalesky?ref=ts


Here is an interview I found on YouTube, she is discussing her book Empty Womb, Aching Heart and about the struggles she faced with infertility.



Don't forget to leave a comment and follow my blog so you have a chance to win her book!

Happy Reading,
Missy

Shades of Morning by Marlo Schalesky

This is the first book of Marlo's that I have read.  Multnomah sent me the book to review and blog about.  Shades of Morning is one of the best books I have read in a while.  The book is about Marnie Wittier who has had a hard life and a lot of regrets.  She puts all of her regrets in a box and hides it on a shelf.  Her sister, who she had not talked to in fifteen years suddenly dies and Marnie becomes the guardian of her 15 year old nephew, that she never knew about.  When he gets there, he is a down syndrome boy whom she has no idea how to take care of.  All of her memories from the past that she has tried to hide away comes back to the surface, including her old love, Taylor.  Marlo does a great job of of showing every body's point of view and feelings in this book.  It also has an ending that you will never expect.  I could not put this book down and I read it in two days.  This is a must read book!
If you are on FB be sure to friend Marlo Schalesky, she is a very nice lady.  http://www.facebook.com/MarloSchalesky
Here is her blog: http://marloschalesky.blogspot.com/
Her website: http://www.marloschalesky.com/
There are a lot of places to find out more information about her and her books.
You can go here to buy the book:  http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/results.php

I can not wait to read more of her books!
Happy reading!
Missy

Blind Hope by Kim Meeder and Laurie Sacher

Blind Hope is a true story of a young lady, Laurie, and her quest to be loved and accepted by the world.  She adopts an ugly, blind dog with bad breath, Mia.  Through Mia, Laurie learns that no matter how ugly and blind we are, God is always there to guide us and love us through life. She needed to learn to trust and obey her master , just as her blind dog also needed to learn these lessons. It is a short book and an easy read.  It is not to "weighty" like some self help books are.  This is a book that can be read by teenagers and adults, men and women, although it is written by women so it would appeal more to the way a woman thinks.  It's a pretty good book, here is a quote:  "Just like Mia chose to trust me, it was time for me to choose to trust God.  I needed to demonstrate confidence, not only in my heart but also with my actions, that God would lead me with His light.  It was time for me to believe that no matter how far I had fallen away from God, there was no darkness so deep that I could fall beyond his willingness to be my light."  The book is full of all kinds of truthful insights that would be a blessing to anybody.
Multnomah sent me this book to review and share with you!  You can go here:  http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?isbn=9781601422804 to find out more about the book and to purchase it. 
Kim Meeder operates Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch, where Laurie Sacher also works as a team leader.  You can go here:  http://www.crystalpeaksyouthranch.org/  for more information.
Happy Reading!
Missy

"The Defender's Duty" by Shirlee McCoy

I bought a bunch of these Christian "dime novels" at a library sale years ago.  Picked up this one to read and it is the 3rd or 4th book in a series of "The Sinclair Brothers"  That's okay though, it was still a pretty good book.
The only message in the book is that you should follow God, but it was not a very deep message.  The book was pretty shallow but well written.  Had a good plot line and a surprise ending.  It is about a cop who was almost killed by a hit and run and someone is still trying to kill him so he is pushing his friends and family away from him to keep them safe.  He almost lost his legs and is in a lot of pain when he walks or stands for too long.  His brother hires a home health nurse to take care of him.  He doesn't want her hurt so tries to get rid of her.
The book has the typical love at first sight scenario most dime novels have.  They are so short there is not time to develop a relationship.  Most of the book occurs within one week.  These books are great when you don't have time to get sucked into a long novel.
Happy Reading!
Missy

"How I learned to Cook" Edited by Kimberly Witherspoon and Peter Meehan

I just read half of "How I learned to Cook".  I love cookbooks, I read them like I do my fiction books!  I found this book at the library in the biography section and was pretty excited to read it.  Seriously, what could be wrong with a biography about famous cooks?  Right?
The first few stories were great, they talked about how they got "the cooking bug", who or what influenced them, it was good reading.  BUT (I know you are not supposed to start a sentence with but, but it fits!), the next story had cuss words, some famous chefs have the foulest mouths I have ever heard!  I thought it must be just this one chef, so I skipped the rest of that story and  I read the next story (each chef wrote their own stories), it was absolutely disgusting!
Needless to say, I did NOT finish reading this book!  I was so disappointed!  I try to keep my mind and thoughts clean and pure and you would think a cooking book would be fine, NOT.  So please do not read this book.  I have another biography to read about a blogger and her quest to cook all of Julia Child's recipes, I pray this one is better than the last book!
Happy reading!
Missy

"The Kitchen Linens Book" by EllynAnne Geisel

I just read "The Kitchen Linens Book" by EllynAnne Geisel and could not decide if this post should go on my baking website ( missyscakesandaprons.blogspot.com ) or here.  I put a picture of the author and her book at the top of my post.  I have a video of her on the Sunday Morning Show talking about her aprons here: 

http://missyscakesandaprons.blogspot.com/p/apron-pictures.html

Be sure to check it out, she is a true southern belle.

The book is a combination of vintage linens, history, memories and plain fun!  She shares many memories of her linens, why she chose the linens she has and how to pair them together when entertaining.  She gives entertaining tidbits and some recipes.  She also explains the different linens and weaves of the material and stuff like that.  She has lots of photos of linens, aprons, and pictures of her using her linens through the years.  Mrs. Geisel is fun and witty as she talks about her passion.  The book is easy to read and informative.   Here is a video where Mrs. Geisel talks about her book:

 Go to your bookstore or local library and get one for yourself! 

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_0_16?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=the+kitchen+linens+book&sprefix=the+kitchen+line

I also found her website, which I absolutely love!

http://www.apronmemories.com/

Happy reading and entertaining!

Missy

"Outlaw Marshal" by Al & Joanna Lacy

I love Al Lacy's books.  I met him about 13 - 14 years ago.  He was the guest speaker at either camp meeting or revival at my church in AR.  I tended to his book table while he was there so that he could mingle and talk to people.  It was a privilege, since we all know what a bookworm I am!  I had not read his books yet and as a thank you for helping him, he gave me several of his "Angel of Mercy" books, autographed.  I stayed up late every night reading them even though I was at church late selling his books, and got up early to help serve breakfast, then was at church all day for the services.  Bro. Al Lacy is an independent, fundamental Baptist evangelist who preaches the Word with no reservations.  He is KJV only.  I have almost all of his books.
His first books he wrote was the "Stranger" series.  Western books that even my husband likes to read, and he does not read fiction books but loves Bro. Lacy's books.  He brings the Stranger back in "Outlaw Marshal".  Outlaw Marshal is about a young outlaw who John Brockman, The Stranger, leads to the Lord and becomes a deputy working for him.  The book has a great salvation message (as all of his books do) and a great story line.  I would definitely recommend reading all of his books!

http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/easy_find?Ntt=al+lacy&N=0&Ntk=keywords&action=Search&Ne=0&event=ESRCN&nav_search=1&cms=1

I can't wait to read the next book: "Deadlock"  #2 in The Return of the Stranger Series. 

Happy Reading!
Missy

"The Last Christian" by David Gregory excerpts

Let me reetirate, this is a great book that I think every Christian needs to read.  It is a forecast of where Christianity in America is heading and is a real eye opener.  One thing he points out as part of the reason that people don't get saved anymore is that there is no real difference between some Christians and non Christians, and since there isn't a change, why bother?  That is so sad!  Can people tell you are a Christian by the way you act and dress, or do you have to tell people so that they will know?  Are you an example of Christ?  You don't want to be part of the reason Christianity falls in America do you?  Then you need to study God's Word and give yourself a "makeover"!
Okay, I'll stop preaching for now, :) and give you some qoutes from the book that I really liked.:
Remember, the book is fiction and set in the year 2088:
"Many people didn't keep up with either parent anymore.  The parents of my generation had never married and hadn't contracted to stay together more than ten years.  Parents had become a life stage, not a permanent commitment."  Don't you see this starting to happen already?
One of the many themes of the book is "Life", you have bioligical life and what would you consider the other Life"? God is Life. "This (pregnant) mother's life was constantly flowing into her baby.  The baby didn't have to do anything to get it.  It was already his.  ...Apart from her, he had no life. .... All he had to do was be at rest and receive that life."  This is just like a Christian's relationship with God.  We have no life apart from Him and He gives it freely to us.
Here is a link to his website with more information on him:
http://davidgregorybooks.com/index.php
This book tells it the way it is and makes no excuses.  Please read this book for a great blessing!
Happy Reading!
Missy

"The Last Christian" by David Gregory

I had never read David Gregory before and probably would not have read this one if Waterbrook had not sent this one to me.  I am so glad that I read it!  It is one of the best fiction novels that I have read in a long time!!!  Mr. Gregory is able to weave fiction with biblical facts and some great "what ifs" about the future.  Some of the laws he talks about has already come to pass.
The year is 2088 and America has changed tremendously.  Abby has lived in Papua New Guinea with a tribe that has had no outside contact with the world for over 20 years.  Her parents were missionaries and Abby was born in this village.  Abby has to leave the village to get help for her village and adopted daughter, Miraba.  She is thrust into a world where Christianity has been wiped out, people no longer get married and just have ten year contracts with their life partners instead, people have brain transplants, and morals are done away with.  Abby has to re-introduce Christianity into America, but is Christianity salvation only, or is there more to it?  Will she find the true meaning of "Life"?  You have got to read this book for a great spiritual lesson.  The ending is a surprise that you would not expect.

Here is a link to buy the book directly from Random House:
http://www.randomhouse.com/gm/results.pperl?title_subtitle_auth_isbn=the+last+christian

I'll post some great quotes from the book tomorrow on my blog!

Happy Reading,
Missy!

"Deadly Intent" by Camy Tang

I just finished another "short read" from Love Inspired Suspense.  Camy Tang is a new author for me and I really enjoyed her book.  There is a murder at an exclusive spa and the lady in charge, Naomi, is being framed for murder.  Her faith is tested as she tries to figure out why the Lord would let this happen to her.  I would recommend it.
I'm sorry this review is so short today but I have a terrible sinus headache and I don't want to forget the book.  :)
Happy Reading!
Missy

"A Cloud of Suspicion" by Patricia Davids

When I started to read the book  "A Cloud of Suspicion" I first made sure that it was not a part of a series.  Guess what?  It is right smack in the middle of a series!  UGGGH!  It is part of the series "Without A Trace" by Love Inspired Suspense.  That is very frustrating wondering what is going on!
Aside from the "series thing", it was a great book!  Patricia Davids does a great job writing.  She weaves the mystery and her characters together beautifully!  The book is about three murders and the disappearance of another.  Shelby is a Christian and does not apologize for talking about God and inviting people to church.  More people should have her attitude.
It's a great book and I can't wait to read more by Patricia!
Happy Reading!
Missy

"Indivisible" by Kristen Heitzmann

Waterbrook - Multnomah sent me this book to review and blog about.  I was trying to hurry up and finish "Uncle Tom's Cabin" so that I could start reading Indivisible.  I took the book with me on my camping trip this weekend and finished it in two days!  I expected it to last me the whole weekend, but I could not put the book down.  The first couple of paragraphs used too many descriptive words to set the setting and my mind started to blur, but after the first page the book just took off. Kristen is great at giving you just enough information to keep you interested, but not enough to give anything away, you have to keep reading it to find out what happens.
She takes several people who have "issues" to deal with and are very different and throws them together to become great friends.  You have Jonah, the police chief who had an abusive father growing up, Tia, the smart girl who could never please her mother and was emotionally abused, Piper, the Barbie look-a-like who just wants a normal life, Sarge, a grouchy old man who yells at everyone, and Miles, who has a germ-a-phobia.  These people seem to have nothing in common, yet they help each other in a big way.  She sets the tone of the book with Piper finding two raccoons sewn together, they killed each other trying to get apart.  Jonah has to figure out what kind of sick person would do such a thing.
The book had an excellent story line, was well written and taught a good lesson.  However, it contains stuff that should not be in a Christian book.  Yes the characters go to church and pray, but it never mentions salvation or anything else.  They drink alcohol, listen to rock music, etc.  She even talked about Jonah liking a girl's boobs,and one of the characters say a bad word.  Philippians 4:8:  "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."  This is why I read Christian books instead of secular books, to keep my thoughts pure, I wish all Christian authors would honor
Here is an interview Kristen gave about the book.
that.http://www.multnomahemails.com/wbmlt/audio/Kristen_Heitzmann.mp3

Happy Reading,
Missy

Uncle Tom's Cabin or Life Among the Lowly

I'm almost done with the book.  I have learned a lot of things about slavery they never taught in History Class.  They had men who would whip slaves for a living.  If a master or mistress was unhappy with a slave, they could be sent to these people who did nothing but whip slaves all day.  Often if the slave girl was pretty, the man would humiliate her in many ways. 
They had slave warehouses where slaves would be sent who were waiting for auction, and the warehouse owners would "fatten" up the slaves and make them healthy in order to bring more money at the "market".  Sounds like I am talking about animals, doesn't it?
Some slave owners would buy some women just to be breeders, so they could sell their children to make money.  This is kind of like what people do with horses, they would match them up with their best "bucks" to produce the best slaves.  Some men would buy the pretty girls just for their pleasure at home, and then sell their own children. 
"And behold, the tears of such as were oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of their oppressors there was power, but they had no comforter."  Ecclesiastes 4:1
Mrs. Stowe often talks about how these people will have to answer for their sins at the judgement seat of Christ, and she is absolutely right! 

Uncle Tom's Cabin Ch. 13-18

I think there is a lot of misconception about this book.  I have always heard that it was just about slaves being beaten, that is not true.  I am on Chapter 18 and so far she has only had slave owners who were kind to their slaves.  She also talks about how people thought of the slaves, that they were simple and lowly (The other title of the book is "Life Among the Lowly").  She doesn't realize it but even Mrs. Stowe believed they wer a "child like race".  Treat a human being like a child and they will act like a child.  She expresses that is why they were so slow, it is because they were suppressed into submission.  She also talks a lot about how people will have to answer for their sins at the Judgement Seat of Christ.
Happy Reading,
Missy

Uncle Tom's Cabin Ch. 11 and 12

Chapter 11 and 12 reintroduce George and let us know what he has been doing.  He is mostly white and has passed himself off as a rich white guy.  Chapter 12 has Uncle Tom with Harley buying up more slaves and what happens when the negroes are separated from their families.  Mrs. Stowe uses a lot of sarcasm when talking about the negroes (I have chosen to use therm negroes since that is what is used in her book).  If you read the book please keep this in mind.
I now want to address how people would twist the scripture to "justify" owning slaves.  Here a few of the verses and arguments found in these two chapters:
"But you know how the angel commanded Hagar to return to her mistress, and submit herself under her hand; and the apostle sent back Onesimus to his master."  "Let everyone abide in the condition in which he is called."  "It's undoubtedly the intention of Providence that the African race should be servants, - kept kept in a low condition....'Cursed be Canaan; a servant of servants shall he be."    Yes they do quote scriptures and stories in the Bible, but it is all taken out of context and twisted around.
They didn't look at the part that says:  "All things whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you, do ye even so unto them."    "My friend, .... how can you, how dare you, carry on a trade like this?  Look at those poor creatures!  Here I am, rejoicing in my heart that I am going home to my wife and child; and the same bell which is a signal to carry me onward towards them will part this poor man and his wife forever.  Depend upon it, God will bring you into judgement for this."
God does not allow for people to take His holy Word and twist it around they wilol stand in judgement for it.
Happy reading!
Missy

Uncle Tom's Cabin Chapters 9-10

Chapter nine starts off with a senator and his wife in Ohio discussing the new fugitive slave law that he just helped to vote in.  Mrs. Bird (the senator's wife) does not like the law at all and is asking her husband whether or not he could actually turn them in.  She says that she doesn't know much about politics, "but I can read my Bible; and there I see that I must feed the hungry,clothe the naked, and comfort the desolate; and that Bible I mean to follow."  How right she is!  Yes we are "to obey the laws of the land" according to the Bible, but only as long as they do not go against the Bible.  She also says:  "Obeying God never brings on public evils.  I know it can't.  It's always safest, all around, to do as He bids us." 
In the middle of this discussion who shows up but Eliza!  Of course they help her, who could turn away a mother trying to protect her child?
Chapter is about when Harley (the slave driver) comes back for Uncle Tom.  It is a very sad scene in the cabin as they eat their last breakfast together.  His wife and children are crying.  Even though Haley has been assured that Tom would not run away he puts leg shackles and handcuffs on him.  Master George, the 13 yr old son, is very upset about Tom leaving also.  George tries to convinve Tom to run away, but he won't do it, because it wouldn't be right.
Happy Reading!

"Uncle Tom's Cabin" Chapters 4-8

I had to make myself stop reading so that I would not get too far in my book!  Eliza escaped with her boy before, Harley, the slave trader could take her boy.  Uncle Tom would not go, because he knew that more slaves would have to go in his stead and that Mr. Shelby would be in trouble if he also ran off. 
Sam, another slave, has been "helping" Harley find Eliza.  Since it was obvious that Mrs. Shelby wanted Eliza to succeed, he has been causing all kind of delays.
Here is a discussion between the slaves about Mr. Harley and the Kingdom:  " 'Serves him right' said Aunt Chloe, indignantly.  'He'll get wus nor uneasy, one of these days, if he don't mend his ways.  His master'll be sending for him, and then see how he'll look! (Which "master" do you think Harley serves?)
'He'll go to torment and no mistake.' said little Jake.
.....'it's like what Mas'r George reads in Ravelations,-souls a callin' under the altar! and a callin' on the Lord for vengeance on sich!......'
'Pray for them that 'spitefully use you, the good book says,' says Tom.
'Pray for 'em!' said Aunt Chloe; 'Lor, it's too tough!  I can't pray for 'em'
'........I'm sure I'd rather be sold, ten thousand times over, than to have all that ar poor crittur's got to answer for."
How often do we forget that we will have to answer for our sins?  The Lord will judge us at the Judgement Seat.  He will judge the unsaved and the saved both.  Are you following the Lord according to His Book?  There is a Heaven and a Hell, where will you be?
Happy reading,
Missy

"Uncle Tom's Cabin" chapters 1-4

I have read the first four chapters of "Uncle Tom's Cabin"  What an easy read!  I am whipping right through it and I have to make myself put it down!  I am a little confused though.  Everything I have read about the book says that it starts off with the death of Uncle Tom.  He hasn't died yet!
It starts off in the first chapter with Mr. Shelby and a slave trader.  Mr. Shelby is a good, kind, Christian man.  He owns Uncle Tom, who is also a Christian.  He owes the slave trader money and is being forced to sell Uncle Tom even though he is his most dependable and trustworthy servant.  The slavetrader also wants to buy another slave's(Eliza)little four year old boy because he is "delightful" and is trying to force this "sale" with Mr. Shelby.  Eliza heard a snatch of the conversation is very worried.  She has never been treated like a slave but like a servant. 
Eliza is married to George who is owned by another plantation owner.  George is rented out to a factory, but when his owner finds out that George is smarter than he is and invents a machine, he forces George to quit and do the most menial tasks he can.  His owner won't let him stay married to Eliza anymore and is going to force him to marry one of his slaves to "sire" more children for him.
There is a side note in my book that there was a machine she describes invented by a young colored man in Kentucky.  Is that note in the newer versions?
George decides to run away to Canada rather than break his marriage vows.
Master George, Mr. Shelby's 13 year old son is teaching Uncle Tom how to read. 
In only four chapters Mrs. Stowe has done a great job of setting up the plot for the book.  I can't wait to read more to find out what happens!
Happy Reading!
Missy

"Uncle Tom's Cabin" by Harriet Beecher Stowe (Introduction)

I have started reading "Uncle Tom's Cabin" - finally!  The introduction was kind of boring and did not set my mood very well for the actual story.  Let me start off by saying that my book was published in 1885.  The original copyright date is 1851.    There was originally two titles for the book.  It is titled "Uncle Tom's Cabin or Life Among the Lowly."  I hear people say all the time that Mrs. Stowe was a northerner and did not know the truth.  That is not totally true.  She based several incidents on actual events from slaves and other people.  She knew a slave who's owner would let him travel with money and the slave would always return.  This slave was a christian.  She also let several slave children join her children's homeschool as she taught her children and her family's children.  She had lived for several years in "Ohio on the confines of a slave state, and had thus been made familiar with facts and occurrences in relation to the instution of American slavery.  Some of the most harrowing incidents related in the story had from time to time come to her knowledge in conversation with former slaves now free in Ohio."
She started writing the book as magazine articles in an anti-slavery paper.  "After many years' residence in Ohio, Mrs. Stowe returned to make her abode in New England."  "In New England, as at the west, professed abolitionists were a small, despised, unfashionable band, whose constant remonstrances from year to year had been disregarded as the voices of impracticable fanatics."  Mrs. Stowe was distressed when she heard people say that slavery was a "constitutional right, and that all opposition to it endangered the national Union."  She even saw christians close their hearts and eyes to slavery and even helped return slaves to their owners.  She decided people needed to know the truth about slavery; "and hence arose a purpose to write some sketches which would show to the world slavery as she had herself seen it."
"In shaping her material the author had but one purpose, to show the institution of slavery truly, just as it existed."  She wanted to show that slavery was because of a bad system, not bad people. 
"Uncle Tom's Cabin" was published March 20, 1852.  She says often in her introduction that she did not write the story, but it wrote itself.  She could feel the Lord guiding her as she wrote.  She prayed and cried through the entire book while she was writing.  She could not stop writing until everything was written down.  This is definitely a Christian novel.
The introduction was 49 pages long so I could not include it all.  I thought it would be interesting to know the background of the story before we started.
Happy reading!
Missy

"Lasso Her Heart" by Anna Schmidt

"Lasso Her Heart" is a short novella by Anna Schmidt.  It is an older book.  You have the modern day cowboy and the city girl who have both suffered losses.  They both have guilt over the loved ones' deaths.  She does not want ot get close to anyone, whereas he has learned to "go with the flow".  She keeps pushing him away but he sees the vuneribility in her eyes and keeps trying to help.  She has to overcome her fears before he can get close.  It has a good storyline and flows smoothly.  It is a very good book and I would recommend reading it.
Happy reading!
Missy

Author's comments

Okay, how cool is it that Irene Hammon read my review (or should I say comments?) about her book!  She even left a comment.  I have read a lot of her books and liked them all.
For my readers out there, I would just like to say it is very hard to tell you about the book I am reading with out giving any of the "fun" stuff away.
I'm trying to read Uncle Tom's Cabin, but I have not gotten past the introduction yet.  Since my book is almost 150 years old, there is a lot of information to process!
Happy reading!
Missy

"Rainbow's End" by Irene Hannon

Rainbow's End is a very good book about three people who have been scarred in different ways.  You have the recluse woman who stays hidden from the world.  She expresses herself through her art and has a personal relationship with God.  You have the mysterious man who deals with his pain by running from God and everybody he loves while searching for answers from God.  You have the mysterious little boy who shows up and won't talk to anybody.  God brought all three of these people together to teach them how to open up to other people and start loving again.  Not all scars are on the outside that can be seen, some are hidden deep inside your heart. 
I like this quote:  "When I inquired how  ..(to find peace with God).. the reply was simple: 'I stopped  searching for answers.  I stopped asking why.'....God doesn't call us to understand, instead He calls us to trust and understand.""
This is a good book that I would recommend.
I'm going to start reading "Uncle Tom's Cabin"  tonight. 
Happy Reading!
Missy

"Idle Hours" by Kathleen Y'Barbo

I'm already halfway through with another book, but I was busy decorating cakes this weekend and I have not had a chance to tell ya'll about the last story in Kentucky Keepers.  "Idle Hours" was very short, a little over 100 pages.  Kathleen did a pretty good job ending the book with a character who had been in every story, Joe.  A new woman moved to town (there had to be a woman or it wouldn't be a romance), Lia, who had to leave her previous job because of health.  She's good friends with Ruby(remember Ruby from the first story?)  You'll have to read Kentucky Keepers to find out what happens.
I was wondering about something though.  They went to the same church but did not realize it.  She went to the contemporary first service and he went to the more traditional noon service.  What is wrong with traditional services?  Why does a church need to change to get members?  Does that mean God should change to have people follow Him?  That's like going to your dad and saying "Dad, I love you, but if you want me to hang out with you, you will have to become more worldly".  That is wrong!  God says to separate yourself from the world, but so many churches are "changing" to attract the world.  I think it is more important for us to change and become more like Christ.
Let me know your comments!! 
I'll be reading "Uncle Tom's Cabin" in a few days.  If you haven't read it yet, go ahead and start reading it so that we can share our thoughts!
Happy Reading!
Missy

"Lured By Love" by Gail Sattler

"Lured by Love" by Gail Sattler is the third story in the KY Keepers book.  This one is about trust in a relationship.  Both people had been "burned" by someone they thought they had been in love with and had hard time trusting someone else. 
Here are some qoutes I like:
"Most people will say they believe in God, but they don't really.  It's like when you're halfway to work and it runs through your head that you've left the element on when you were making your breakfast.  If you did, that means there's the chance that your house will burn down.  If you really believed that, you'd turn around, knowing it would make you late for work, and you'd go home and turn it off.  But if you didn't really believe it, you'd continue on to work and forget about it.  The belief you need to get to heaven is the kind that makes you late for work."
"...mankind has found after years of research that a lot of things in the Bible are based on scientific fact, except God established those things long before man had the capability to analyze or prove or disprove them....."
There is a lot more good qoutes in this book, but you'll just have to read the book to find out what they are!
She has a lot of good lessons woven into this story.  It is a must read!
Happy Reading!
Missy

"Reeling Her In" by Jennifer Johnson

"Reeling Her In" is another short from Kentucky Keepers.  I did not think this one was as good as Hook, Line, and Sinker".  There was too much romance.  Johnson did a great job weaving in the characters from the first story though.  It was a very quick read.
Happy reading!
Missy

"Widows and Orphans" (2)

"Widows and Orphans" by Susan Meissner is a Rachel Flynn Mystery.  Meissner does an excellent job of "Who Dunit?"  She weaves mystery  into the book so well that you just have to keep reading to find out what is going to happen next.
Here is a quote that I really liked from the book:  "You and I don't believe in luck,' he murmured. ........But they shared the same view of luck.  She and Trace were convinced a powerful, yet personal God held the universe together,......And where luck was absent, a providential hand prevailed, especially when called upon."  That is so true, how many times have you said "wish me luck" even though you know God is in control and that there is no such thing as luck?
She did a great job describing the characters.  Rachel is a no nonsense, professional looking lawyer.  Her husband, Trace, is a free-loving artist with orange tinted hair and an earring cross in his ear.  Her brother, the one "working" for God has long hair.  They are the most devout Christians in her book.  God says that is a shame for a man to have long hair.  Wearring earrings and having long hair is effeminate.  The Bible says:  1Corinthians 6:9, 10 "Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor theives, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God."
You cannot argue with the Bible.
Aside from that, the book is very well written and a good read with a great ending!
Happy reading!
Missy

"Hook, Line and Sinker" by Lynn A. Coleman

I am reading "Kentucky Keepers" a compilation of four romance novels.  I like these books when I want a quick read without much thought.  The only thing is that the stories are so short, the people either get saved or right with God right away and they have to fall in love quickly.  But I still like them sometimes when I need some fluff without the trash.  I finished the first story "Hook, Line and Sinker" by Lynn A. Coleman.  It was about a single mom with terrible ex-inlaws and a murdered ex-husband and a super bright eight-year old son.  The man in the story is a carpenter (Jesus's trade) and a fisherman (Jesus's disciples were fishers of men).  Took me two nights to read.
Happy Reading!
Missy

"Widows and Orphans" by Susan Meissner

"Widows and Orphans" by Susan Meissner is a contemporary mystery.  She is a new author for me, picked it up at a yard sale or library sale, can't remember.  She starts off using a verse from the NIV, James 1:27 "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this:  to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the World."  The KJV says: "Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world."  Why do people think they have to change God's Word?  They changed the meaning of the verse by "trying o make it easier to understand".  I can understand it just fine.  Let's start with "Religion that God our Father accepts"  What do you mean "accepts"?  That is like saying that God will accept your religion as long as you do this also, that is not what He says, He says "Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father(notice that the NIV took out the trinity?)is this," He is saying that to serve the Lord and to be pure and undefiled before Him, not "accepted" by Him.  NIV: "to look after orphans and widows in their distress"  KJV:  "To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction"  Distress means:  "1. great pain, anxiety, or sorrow; acute physical or mental suffering; affliction; trouble.

2. a state of extreme necessity or misfortune. "  Affliction means:  "1. a state of pain, distress, or grief; misery: They sympathized with us in our affliction.

2. a cause of mental or bodily pain, as sickness, loss, calamity, or persecution. "  The words are similar but different.  Distress uses the words "great" pain, "extreme" necessity or misfortune.  Affliction is not as bad, it is a "state" of pain or distress or a "cause" of it.  According to the NIV the widows and orphans only need help when it is great, the KJV says fatherless not orphan.  A child can only be an orphan if both parents are dead whereas the fatherless can still have a mother.  "Unpolluted" and "unspotted" have different meanings too.  You can be walking on the street and step in a mud puddle and get a spot on your dress which is not bad because you can cover it up, but if your dress is polluted by the stench of that mud puddle then it cannot be covered.  God wants us totally unspotted from the world, not one tiny spot, according to the NIV it is ok to be spotted as long as you are not totally immersed.  That is not what God says  Stick to God's Holy Word!  It does not need to be changed by anybody!  I would suggest reading "New Age Bible Versions" by Gail Riplinger. 
I took up so much time on the verse that I don't have time to talk about the book!  I'll have to do that in my next post!
Happy Reading!
Missy

Ending of "Sunday Clothes"

I finished reading "Sunday Clothes" by Thom Lemmons.  I was very disappointed in the ending, he really need to write a second book to close it out.  He wrote an epilogue, but it just raised more questions.  She hired Willie so he could raise money to go to NY, but never says if he made it.  Ned was sent to NY for art school, he talked about the different challenges Ned would meet in NY, but never said anything else about Ned.  He was developing a relationship between Addie and George, but never said why they had not gotten married.  There was just a lot of loose ends that needs to be tied up.  It was an excellent book until the ending, he left me wanting more.
Happy Reading!

Sunday Clothes

I am really enjoying this book!  It talks a lot about different relationships:  dating, newlyweds, been married awhile, temptations, and family relationships.  Thom Lemmons is an excellent writer who is able to keep his readers interested.  There is a lot of sadness in this book.  It shows the difference between a "colored" funeral and a "white" funeral.   Do you think a funeral should be all somber and depressing?  Or do you think it should be a celebration of that person's life?  I want upbeat singing and a lot of laughter at my funeral.  When I die I want people to know that I enjoyed life while I was here and now I'm enjoying life up in heaven! 
Do you have any idea how hard it is to write about a book without giving away any of the juicy stuff?  I don't want to spoil it for anyone though!
While you are reading this book there are a few things I want you to think about.  What should Zeb do differently when temptation comes calling?  What should he do to keep the communication lines open between him and Addie?  Should Addie keep things bottled up or should she tell Zeb the truth about her feelings? Is it Addie's fault he is tempted?  Did Addie's dad do the right thing by cutting her out of his will?  What should he have done differently in raising her?
That's it for now, it is a very thick book and I have not had much time to read, right now my dishes are asking to be washed!  TTYL!

"Sunday Clothes" by Thom Lemmons

"Sunday Clothes" is a very well written book.  From what I have read so far, I would definitely recommend it.  It starts off in the year of 1898.  The father is a staunch Methodist and does not like Church of Christ.  He will not even help a person who is Church of Christ.  I never really thought of such a strong prejudism.  The Bible says not to be "unequally yoked with unbelievers", but how far should you go?  I always thought it to mean hanging out and dating , marrying, that kind of thing, but if someone needed my help I would not refuse it becuae of their belief.  Depending on what they needed of course.  I wouldn't give money to help someone with a building fund for their church or if they were a drug addict.  But I would give them food if they are hungry.  For example:  A lady approached us in the parking lot of the grocery store the other day.  She had on a long skirt, looked well groomed and had her daughter with her who was wearing pants, but she looked well groomed also.  She was selling flowers to raise money to buy groceries and pay bills.  They were cheap plastic flowers, but Chris still gave her a couple of dollars for one.  We did not ask her what religion she was before we gave her the money.  We saw a need so we filled it.  I am Baptist and I would not let my child marry someone who did not hold the same beliefs, but "train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it".  Therefore I will not have to worry about my child leaving my faith, or more importantly leaving Jesus Christ.
Go to your local library or bookstore today to pick up this book and you will understand more about why I have made these comments.
Have fun reading!

"How Do I Get These Kids To Listen?"

Have you ever wondered that while you were teaching a classroom full of children?  "How Do I Get These Kids To Listen?" by Ed Dunlop is a great help!  Whether you have have been teaching for fifty years or this is your first time, this is a must read!  In the first two chapters he talks about the efective use of visuals.  Flannelgraph is a great visual aid, but you need to change it up a bit!  There are a lot of great ideas in the book on what to use.  You can put your memory verse on posterboard or on an overhead projector.  Both will get the kids attentions, depends on how big your class is.
He also talks about being prepared for your class.  You should start studying next week's lesson, today!  Pray over your lesson, memorize it, be gathering your visual aids together.  Be early to class.  Never wait until the last minute, your students deserve better and so do you!