Bodacious Bookworms

Giveaway extended

2011-10-19T11:47:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone, I am extending the contest deadline to Saturday, October 22. I will draw the name on Sunday morning! The contest is running on both of my blogs!

Be sure to leave two separate comments for two entries and leave me your email address so that I can contact you if you win!

Missy

Book of Dreams by Davis Bunn and giveaway!

2011-10-15T08:34:00.000-07:00

I just finished reading Book of Dreams by Davis Bunn. What a great book! I read it in two days while I was sick and enjoyed it very much! The whole book is on the premise that God speaks to us through His Word and how we need to pay attention to our dreams because God may be speaking to us in our dreams. We need to open our hearts and listen when God speaks to us.

I always knew the banking system was corrupt, but I never understood how until Davis explained it in his book. We need to be aware of what is happening in our banks and how they operate with the politicians. Dr. Elena Burroughs is a psychologist who is just existing in her life after her husband passed away. She was content with how things were, but when she gets a new client - everything changes. She is swept up in the politics of the banks and gets a very old book that helps her understand God, life and dreams better then she could understand on her own.

I would recommend this book to everyone. Even though I usually only read historical fiction, this book is great and will keep you focused to the end!

To read the first chapter, go here:

http://books.simonandschuster.com/Book-of-Dreams/Davis-Bunn/9781416556701/excerpt_with_id/17972

To win a copy of the book read the first chapter and tell me what you think of the book!

For another entry "like" Davis Bunn on facebook and leave me another comment letting me know you "liked" him.

https://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=hp#!/pages/Davis-Bunn-author/134762129885578

Be sure to leave two separate comments for two entries and leave me your email address so that I can contact you if you win! The contest will end on Tuesday, October 18. I will draw the name on Wednesday morning!

I have some interview questions to share with you from Davis Bunn about his book!

In Book of Dreams, you revisit a theme from one of your earlier books, The Warning. Why did you write about the crisis in the banking industry?

The Warning, published in 2003, focused on the then-current financial crisis. It was about a man who felt called by God to warn people that financial upheaval was coming, and the difficulties he had in getting his message across. That book was in the top five on the CBA (Christian Booksellers Association) best-seller list for 14 months.

The week I started writing Book of Dreams, the news broke that not one single banker responsible for the mortgage crisis and bank crisis had been convicted of a crime. The banking industry came out of this crisis relatively unscathed while 3 million American families lost their homes — that’s almost 15 percent of all homeowners in America. That, to me, is just not right.

The banking industry is all about self-interest and making money. The American banking industry spends $1 million a day lobbying Congress, while the international banking industry spends another million per day lobbying the American political system. With that much money on the table, there’s a potential for huge profits – the banking industry wouldn’t invest that much money for any other reason.

The question became: “What could happen that would stymie this self-absorbed lobbying?”

The answer: An independent commission that would oversee these transactions so there’d be nowhere for these people to hide. I built Book of Dreams around that premise.

Your story explores how God uses dreams and visions to communicate with people. What inspired that idea?

My wife and I did a wonderful Bible study on the book of Daniel, in which we explored how dreams were one component of Daniel’s gift of prophecy.

When I wrote the book, I tried to build in two key components about communicating with God through dreams or visions. The first is humility. Rather than using a vision or dream for one’s own aggrandizement, I believe that the less the person is involved, the more God can shine through.

The second component is, “How does this vision tie in to the scriptures?” When I was in the Middle East, I saw beautiful cryptograms of the Lord’s Prayer. It was so telling to see the Lord’s Prayer in terms of artwork. This inspired the idea of a book written in Aramaic – the language Jesus spoke – with each verse of Lord’s Prayer on one page of the book.

As I drafted the story, I looked at the Lord’s Prayer one verse at a time and that became my prayer time. It took three months to write the book and I did not finish the Lord’s Prayer in three months. It was a beautiful experience for me.

When the character of Elena follows God’s lead, her life takes a different path than the one she planned or expected. Davis, in what ways does your own dependence on God’s leading take you in surprising directions?

It’s remarkable how this question comes up now, because it seems like this entire year has been one of being open to God’s OTHER direction. This has been true both in my creative work and in my walk of service.

Obviously I had no idea what was in store for us when I wrote the Book of Dreams (remember, the story is completed between nine and twelve months before its publication). But this really has been a reflection of what the story has tried to reveal – that sometimes the most important gift is what at first is what we fear.

Change often feels threatening, but so long as we struggle, we can’t see the true divine intention. To arrive at this point, where our prayer becomes one of genuinely seeking God’s call and His illumination, we must first embrace the change that is there in front of us.

Is a sequel for Book of Dreams planned? If so, when can we expect it?

I am this very moment completing the sequel, which is entitled Hidden in Dreams. Howard/Simon and Schuster have this slated for release in July 2012.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

My website, blog, and interactive discussion group are at www.davisbunn.com

I update my blog at least three times per week. To subscribe to my latest posts via your feed reader or via email, click http://feeds.feedburner.com/DavisBunn

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Davis-Bunn-author/134762129885578

Twitter: @davisbunn - http://twitter.com/davisbunn

E-Newsletter: My free e-newsletter always includes a giveaway contest for my latest book. To subscribe, fill out the form at www.davisbunn.com or send a blank e-mail to davisbunn@aweber.com. You’ll receive a confirmation e-mail. Click the link in that e-mail, and you’re all set.

I hope you enjoy the book as much as I did!
Missy

By the way, don't forget to check out my other blog about homemaking stuff! missyscakesandaprons.blogspot.com

Free e-books

2011-09-07T09:55:00.000-07:00

I felt like I needed a picture on this post, so here is a picture of my Tiger. He'll be one on Saturday, isn't he big? He's between 10 and 11 pounds. I hope he gets even bigger.

I have been finding lots of free e-books. I'm still trying to figure it all out, but my husband downloaded a free app for the Amzon kindle on my phone. I can download free ebooks from Amazon onto my phone to read them. Here is a link for some free books, but not all books are Christian fiction so you will have to sift through them. If you don't have a kindle, you can download them onto your computer, but I don't like being confined to one spot with my books.
http://www.facebook.com/l/QAQBVEvcV/www.amazon.com/gp/bestsellers/digital-text/ref=pd_dp_ts_kinc_1

I have also downloaded an app from Christianbooks.com, and they have free books too.
I'm sorry I have been quiet on here, I've mostly been blogging on my other blog about homemaking stuff, so come see me over there!
missyscakesandaprons.blogspot.com

Enjoy!
Missy

"The Word, God Will Keep It"

2011-09-01T05:42:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share a book my Pastor wrote, my husband helped to put it in book format. This is a great book on the history of the King James Bible, be sure to order a copy for yourself!

"The Word, God Will Keep It: The 400 year History of the King James Bible Only Movement."
By Joey Faust

17 chapters. 335 pages.

Did you know that “King James Onlyism” has been the most popular view among Christians for the past 400 years?
This book, filled with hundreds of quotes, takes you on a detailed journey through the past four centuries to behold the vast number of Christians that believed the King James Bible is the infallible, preserved Word of God! Many of these early Christians also warned future generations of the terrible consequences that would arise as a result of forsaking this Holy Bible – consequences that our age has seen come to pass. This book also exposes a web of occultists and false teachers – outside – as well as inside, Christian churches – that have worked to overthrow the faith of multitudes in the King James Bible.

Some of the chapter titles include:

“Conditioning for a One-World Church”

“The Originals-Only Scheme”

“The Necromancy of Westcott and Hort”

“Heretics Behind the ASV”
Etc.
Order online from http://www.fundamentalbooks.com/

Or send $16.00 to:

Fundamental Books
700 Cordes Dr.
Venus, TX 76084

.

Here Burns My Candle by Liz Curtis Higgs

2011-06-13T09:00:00.000-07:00

Here Burns My Candle is an excellent book! I have read several books by Liz Curtis Higgs and enjoyed them all! This book is set in Scotland during the Jacobite Rising. It is set in the Lowlands but the main character is a highlander married to a Lowlander. Elisabeth Kerr has been raised on superstition for her religion but does not get any satisfaction and cannot understand why until she starts reading the Bible. She learns the only way to happiness is through God only. This revelation has changed her life and helps her to cope with the heartaches that are coming her way.

Her mother who is a Lowlander and relishes her social status has many secrets she wishes to remain hidden. Which way should she be swayed when Bonnie Prince Charlie rides in with his Highlanders? Should she support him and the Jacobites or stay loyal to England? There will be consequences either way.

Be sure to visit eighteenth-century Scotland to find out how God works in the lives of these two very different women whose lives have been thrown together because of their love for the same man. A motherly love and a wifely love.

You can go here http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/easy_find?Ntt=Here+Burns+My+candle&N=0&Ntk=keywords&action=Search&Ne=0&event=ESRCN&nav_search=1&cms=1 to buy the book.

You can go here http://www.lizcurtishiggs.com/ to learn more about Liz Curtis Higgs and her books.

Happy Reading!

Missy

The Girl in the Gatehouse by Julie Klassen

2011-06-11T09:00:00.000-07:00

The Girl in the Gatehouse by Julie Klassen is a very good book. It is about a young lady, Mariah, who made a mistake and is banished from her father's house. She finds a home in her aunt's gatehouse where she and her companion is basically ignored by her aunt.
Captain Matthew Bryant has one goal in mind, to win the heart of his lost love by proving himself worthy to her and her father.
Then he meets Mariah when he rents her aunt's manor. She is not the woman he wants to marry, so why is he so intrigued about this girl with her many secrets?
This book is very well written and hard to put down. There is a couple of spots that I felt was too descriptive of Mariah's indescretions that I feel could have been left out though.

Missy

Lion of Babylon by Davis Bunn

2011-06-09T22:14:00.000-07:00

I loved this new book by Davis Bunn. I hate politics and do not always pay attention to what is going on. I know the basics, but most of it is just too confusing to try to figure out. I know we went to war because terrorists bombed the twin towers on 9/11. Aside from that I have never eally understood what was going on over there, until I read Lion of Babylon by Davis Bunn. He explains what is going on in Iraq without being boring. It's like somthing just clicked in my brain while reading it This book would great for a man or woman because it is not a romance book at all.
Lion of Babylon is about an ex CIA operative who gets pulled back into service when an operative who is a good friend of his goes missing in Iraq. When he arrives in Iraq, he actually joins forces with the Iraqees to find out what is going on, there is more going on then just a missing person. Is he missing because of political reasons or religious reasons? How do the religious factions in Iraq and Iran tie in with his disapearance? Will God help him on his quest to unravel the truth? This is a must read for everyone to help you understand the political, socila and religious aspects of the war we are in right now. Davis does an excellent job of interweaving a fictional story with the facts of what is happening right now.
If you don't care about any of that, read it anyways for a great suspenseful, focus grabbing book!
Unfortunately the book will not be available until July, but you can pre-order the book here: http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/easy_find?Ntt=lion+of+babylon&N=0&Ntk=keywords&action=Search&Ne=0&event=ESRCN&nav_search=1&cms=1

Be sure to follow this link http://www.scribd.com/doc/55895986/Lion-of-Babylon to read the first chapter!

Davis Bunn is an award-winning novelist whose audience spans reading genres from high drama and action thrillers to heartwarming relationship stories, in both contemporary and historical settings. He and his wife, Isabella, make their home in Florida for some of each year, and spend the rest near Oxford, England, where they each teach and write. Visit Davis at www.davisbunn.com .

Here is a quote from Davis about the book:
"This is the first time I have based a story upon my experiences of working and living in the Middle East. I wrote the outline over a six month period, coming back to it time and again between other projects.

My desire was to have half the story told from the point of view of an Arab Christian. I asked myself:

• What does it mean to live as a member of a minority faith?

• What are the current circumstances faced by such a person and their family?

In order for such issues to NOT get in the way of the overall story, I needed to grow utterly comfortable with this man, his world, and his ‘skin’, during the outlining phase of the writing process.

Then I just sat on it for months, knowing I needed something more, but not sure what it was. Finally I showed it to my editors at Bethany House Publishers. It was only when I received their feedback that I felt the book begin to genuinely solidify.

In general, the crucial change between outline and first draft is the climax. I have never had my first vision of the climax actually become the book’s culmination. Lion of Babylon is no exception. As usual, what I envisioned as the climax actually became one of the crucial moments LEADING to the climax. I find I like this uncertainty, this unexpectedness. If I don’t know, the reader normally can’t anticipate."

Be sure to reserve your copy today!

Happy reading!
Missy

Davis Bunn

2011-06-09T14:18:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to share a nice comment I got from Davis Bunn about the book review I did for him.

"Dear Missy,

I just wanted to thank you for the truly beautiful review. I have commented publicly about how you really came to grips with the story's heart, and now having reread your comments I wanted to write you personally and say how much the words have meant. There is not often that chance to read a critic's response and say, 'they really got it!' In your case, it not just went to the heart of what we intended, but was written with such lovely crafting. I really appreciate the time and effort that went into this, and hope your health issues are now in the past.

Warm personal regards,

Davis"

Pretty flattering!

I'm sorry I haven't written much lately! I've been pretty busy. To see what I have been up to, check out my other blog: http://missyscakesandaprons.blogspot.com/ I've been baking, sewing and trying to get my house clean, not to mention a new kitten! She's only about five weeks old. She's a rescued feral kitten.

My two nine month old kittens have been pretty good babysitters though! LOL

Have a great day ya'll!
Missy

Kaydie by Penny Zeller

2011-05-15T15:15:00.000-07:00

Penny Zeller has written another great book in Kaydie, the second book in the Montana Skies series. For my review on the first book in the series is here: http://bodaciousbookworms.blogspot.com/2011/03/mckenzie-by-penny-zeller.html

Kaydie is about Mckenzie's sister. Kaydie has been hurt and neglectected by her dead husband. He is now gone, but has left behind a lot of pain and a sweet baby growing inside of Kaydie. As Kaydie prepares for the arrival of her baby she learns how to trust God and how to trust herself to make the right decision when it comes to trusting another man.
Jonah Disckenson is a man with a hurtful childhood. His mother abandoned him with his drunken father when he was a little boy. He does not have anything against marriage but does not think it is for him. As he helps Kaydie with getting ready for her baby, he grows closer to Kaydie. But can he trust another woman not to abandon him like his mother did? He also needs to learn to trust God.

Check out Penny's website here:
http://www.pennyzeller.com/
I would recommend Kaydie as a good book to read. To buy the book go here: http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/easy_find?Ntt=penny+zeller&N=0&Ntk=keywords&action=Search&Ne=0&event=ESRCN&nav_search=1&cms=1
Happy Reading!
Missy

Jane Kirkpatrick

2011-05-08T12:56:00.001-07:00

Jane Kirkpatrick had a Mother's Day contest where we were supposed to write about our mother. I only had like five minutes to write it before I went out of town. Boy was I surprised I won Runner's Up. If you want to get to know me a little better through my mother's story, go here:

http://janeswordsofencouragement.blogspot.com/2011/05/mother-daughter-stories-of-secrets_07.html
I had an amazing mother!

Happy Mother's Day!

The Damascus Way by Davis Bunn and Janette Oke

2011-05-02T11:48:00.000-07:00

What a great book! I was supposed to have written this review weeks ago, but I was suffering from terrible sinus headaches and have not written any reviews in a while! Then I was out of town at camp meeting last week! I have several books to tell you about!
The Damascus Way is the the finale to the best-selling Acts of Faith trilogy co-authored by Davis Bunn and Janette Oke.
The first book is The Centurion's Wife, the review is here: http://bodaciousbookworms.blogspot.com/2010/07/centurions-wife-by-janette-oke-and.html
The second book is The Hidden Flame, the review is here: http://bodaciousbookworms.blogspot.com/2010/08/hidden-flame-by-davis-bunn-and-janette.html
I was so excited to read the third book!
The Damascus Way is about a young rich girl named Julia. She has everything money can buy, a mother and father who loves her, but something is missing. They don't have any friends and company never comes over. She does not understand why until a terrible secret is revealed to her. The only one she can turn to is Jesus, but it is dangerous to be a follower of The Way.
Abigail's brother, Jacob, is now a young man. He is a believer, but does not where he belongs in the world. He feels that he is treated as a child still by his guardian. Should he continue as a caravan guard, or does God have another way for him to travel?
The book also tells about the Apostle Paul before he was saved and how terrified the Christians were of him. The title of the book comes from Paul's salvation on the Road to Damascus.
The book is very well written, at one point there is a terrible sand storm, and I could just picture myself there. I live in TX, and while I was reading the book we were having very high winds and dirt was blowing everywhere and I was covered with dirt from the wind storm, but it was nothing compared to the sand storms in the Middle East!
This is a must read to help you understand what it was like to be a Christian and have to hide from authorities and friends when going to church services, and not being able to talk openly about your faith without fear of persecution.
We ave many freedoms here in America that are slowly being taken away. We need to pray for our country and it's leaders to make sure this does not happen here!
Find out more about the book here: http://www.davisbunn.com/book/the-damascus-way.htm
You can buy the book at your local bookstore or here: http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/easy_find?Ntt=the+damascus+way+by+davis+bunn&N=0&Ntk=keywords&action=Search&Ne=0&event=ESRCN&nav_search=1&cms=1
Be sure to buy yourself a copy today, it is a great book!
Happy Reading,
Missy

McKenzie by Penny Zeller

2011-03-11T09:00:00.000-08:00

McKenzie by Penny Zeller is a great book. I could not put it down! McKenzie Worthington is part of Boston's High Society and expected to marry one of Boston's elite bachelors. She loves the high life of Boston and plans to live in Bosotn forever as the wife of a rich Bostonian. There is only one thing that stands in her way. The love she has for her sister. Her sister married a con artist and was dragged to the Montana Territory and is being abused by him. The only way McKenzie can think of to save her is by becoming a mail order bride.

Zachary Sawyer is an orpahn who now owns a rach in the Montana Territory. He adopted his best friend's son after he died. Davey needs a mom and Zach needs a wife, but women are scarce in his town. He decides the only way is to pray and ask God to send him a mail order bride.

God has his own plans. You'll have to read the story to see how God works a miracle in the lives of McKenzie, Zach, and her sister, Kaydie. This is a great book and you can tell that Penny has a close, personal relationship with God. The book is very uplifting with many biblical truths woven in.

For more information visit Penny's website here: http://pennyzeller.com/books.html

You can buy the book here: http://www.christianbook.com/mckenzie-montana-skies-penny-zeller/9781603742160/pd/742160?item_code=WW&netp_id=806674&event=ESRCN&view=details

I can't wait to read the next book Kaydie, it will be out April 5.

Be sure to buy this book, I loved it!

Happy Reading,

Missy

Code of Justice by Liz Johnson

2011-03-09T14:10:00.000-08:00

Liz Johnson sent me Code of Justice to review. It is a short novella, but I could hardly put it down. The book is about an FBI agent who's sister was killed in a helicopter crash. "Follow the drugs" were her sisters last words, but Heather does not know what it means. Heather Sloan almost died in the crash with her sister. Sheriff's deputy, Jeremy Latham, is assigned to the case. As Heather and Jeremy work together to find out why someone tried to kill her, they uncover many things - not only about the case, but also about themselves. Deep secrets and insecurities about themselves rise to the surface as they not only get closer to solving the case but get closer to each other also.

Liz Johnson is an excellent writer who is able to bring her readers into the lives of the characters of her book. Code of Justice has many biblical truths woven into the story. It's a great book that I would highly recommend.

To find out more about Liz Johnson visit her website at: http://www.lizjohnsonbooks.com/

You can read the first chapter here: http://www.lizjohnsonbooks.com/?page_id=1888

You can buy the book at your local bookstore or go here to buy it: http://www.christianbook.com/code-of-justice-liz-johnson/9780373444342/pd/444342?item_code=WW&netp_id=856153&event=ESRCN&view=details

I'm sure you'll enjoy this book as much as I did!

Happy Reading,

Missy

Deadly ties by Vicki Hinze

2011-02-28T07:35:00.000-08:00

Multnomah Publishing Company sent me a another book to review, Deadly Ties by Vicki Hinze. Deadly Ties is a contemporary fiction mystery, CSI type book. I believe this is the fisrt book I have read by Vicki and I really enjoyed it, in fact I had a hard time putting it down!
The book is about Lisa Harper. She had an ideal childhood until she saw her father murdered when she was seven years old. Her mother married an evil man named Dutch who had ties with some pretty bad people. When Lisa was 16, her mother gave her to a friend who worked at the Crossroads Crisis Center. There she learned how to defend herself and make a life for herself with the single goal of rescuing her mother from her stepfather.
Vicki does a great job of of illustrating how even when we think God is not blessing us, He is preparing us for things we are not aware of. God is always in control and doesnot make any mistakes. I would definitely recommend reading this book. Here is a link to the first chapter of the book: http://authoriam.wordpress.com/2011/01/16/deadly-ties/

The book deals with Human Trafficking, for more information go here: http://web.mac.com/vickihinze/Vicki_Hinze_Author/HumanTraffickingResources.html

For Vicki's website, go here: http://www.vickihinze.com/

You can go here, to buy the book: http://www.christianbook.com/deadly-ties-crossroads-crisis-center/vicki-hinze/9781601422064/pd/422064?item_code=WW&netp_id=828146&event=ESRCN&view=details
Deadly Ties is the second book int the "Crossroads Crisis Center" series. The first one is Forget Me Not, which is now on my list of books to read.

I hope you enjoy the book as much as I did!
Missy

Summerhill Secrets Volume 1 by Beverly Lewis

2011-02-11T13:14:00.000-08:00

When I worked at a book store, I was in charge of the children's section but whenever anyone had a question about the Christian Fiction section, they were sent to me. Why? Because I had read every single book in that section, that I thought was worth my time. I don't like fantasy books, so I didn't read those. It was great, because we could "borrow" books from the store, so as soon as we got a new book, I borrowed it. I can read a book in two to three days (but then I don't get any housework done!) I had a young Christian girl in her teens ask me for a recommendation for a book in the teen section. That was pretty hard because most of the teen books were wicked. Books about vampires, sex, ghosts, cliques, etc.

"....but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine."

I Timothy 4:12, 13

None of those books would be honoring to God, why would any parent allow their child to fill their mind with such wicked stuff? But, I had noticed some new books had come in by Beverly Lewis. I love Beverly Lewis and had read almost all of her books written for adults. So I recommended "Summerhill Secrets" by Beverly Lewis. She came back to the store a couple of weeks later thrilled with the book. She bought volume two and when she came back I was able to steer her to a few other books by Christian authors. I still had not read Summerhill Secrets yet though! My husband and I were at Mardel's last week and they had several books on sale for a dollar! He pointed out these books to me, and I bought them. Volume one is 5 books in one volume.
The stories are short and follow the life of Merry Hanson. She is a modern "Englischer" who lives in Amish country. Some of her best friends are her Amish neighbors, another girl she grew up with who claims to be an atheist, and a new christian she led to the Lord. The books follow her struggles and her walk with the Lord. Even though it is geared for teenagers, I thoroughly enjoyed it! I would recommend this as a good book for you and your daughter!
You can check out Beverly Lewis's website here: http://www.beverlylewis.com/ME2/Sites/Default.asp
You can buy the book here: http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/easy_find?Ntt=summerhill+secrets+1&N=0&Ntk=keywords&action=Search&Ne=0&event=ESRCN&nav_search=1&cms=1
or check out your local Mardels and see if you can score one for a dollar!
Happy Reading!
Missy

Charade by Gilbert Morris

2011-02-03T18:53:00.000-08:00

I usually love Mr. Morris's books, but this one was a very dark novel in my opinion. It is about a man who weighs over 400 pounds. He writes a computer program and becomes an instant success but he is taken in by a scam artist. The book is about the revenge that he wants to take and how the hatred is eating him alive. The book does have a very clear plan of salvation, which I think every Christian novel should have. This book is not a book I would read again, it is too dark.
If you are interested in this book, you can buy it here:
http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=charade+gilbert+morris&tag=googhydr-20&index=aps&hvadid=3587560245&ref=pd_sl_vsoroeil7_b
Happy reading!
Missy

"The Preacher's Bride" by Jody Hedlund

2011-02-02T11:06:00.000-08:00

Bethany House Publishers sent me this book. I have never read anything by Jody Hedlund before(I think this might be her first book, I couldn't find any other titles by her). She did a great job on this book, it is loosely based on John Bunyan's life story. Jody changed the names, some of the time lines, and of course took liberties with the dialogue, etc. I really liked how in the back of the book she tells you what is true and what is fiction.
The book is set in England with Elizabeth, a young Puritan maiden, as the main character. Jody does a great job bringing Elizabeth to life with her fears, desire to serve God, and her insecurities. John Costin is a young man who loses the love of his life during the birth of their fourth child. John is a tinker by trade, and preacher by passion. Can the Lord bring these two people together despite all the obstacles in the way? Is it the Lord's will? All of these questions are answered in the book.
I would recommend reading this book, it will give you an idea of what England was like in the 16th century, and why the Puritans made the dangerous voyage to America. For some fun facts and a quiz go to Jody's website here: http://jodyhedlund.com/reader-fun/
You can buy the book here: http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/easy_find?Ntt=the+preacher%27s+bride&N=0&Ntk=keywords&action=Search&Ne=0&event=ESRCN&nav_search=1&cms=1
or you can go to your local bookstore.
I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did!
Missy

The Pirate Queen by Patricia Hickman

2011-01-25T08:09:00.000-08:00

Waterbrook Multnomah sent me another book to review. The title would have discouraged me from reading it, but it is not about pirates at all, I think the only thing I did not like about the book was the title. Patricia is an excellent authoress who does a great job bringing her readers into the story and making you a part of the family.

Saphora is the envy of all her friends and strangers. She has the perfect life: a handsome rich husband, the "perfect" family, a beautiful home that is being showcased in a magazine, and even a great vacation home. Outward appearances don't always tell the whole story though. Saphora is tired of it all. She's tired of always having to maintain an image for people by having the perfect hair, clothes and smile. She's tired of smiling and pretending like everything is fine while her husband is sleeping around with other women. She's lonely and ready to start a new life on her own so she packs her suitcase and is ready to move to the vacation home by herself to try to find her real self, wear comfortable clothes, relax and be lazy for a while. BUT, her husband comes home and announces he has brain cancer and wants to move to the vacation home while he is being treated.

The first day they are at the new home they meet a special boy who needs love and compassion. He was born with AIDS and people treat him like a leper. He's always smiling and trying to make other people at ease around him, but he is lonely too. These two lonely peole come together and find the love they have been looking for and bring a whole family back together.

This is a great book, very intense. It will make you cry so be sure to have your tissues ready. I believe this book is a must read for everyone!

You can visit Patricia Hickman's website here:

http://patriciahickman.com/2009/10/25/the-pirate-queen/

Waterbrook Mutlnomah's website here:

http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?isbn=9781400072002

And also buy the book here:

http://www.christianbook.com/the-pirate-queen-patricia-hickman/9781400072002/pd/072002?item_code=WW&netp_id=717605&event=ESRCN&view=details

It is also available in kindle, so you have many different places to choose from to buy this great book!

Happy Reading,

Missy

White Christmas Pie by Wanda Brunstetter

2010-12-29T17:35:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-20T09:10:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-09T17:49:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-02T15:35:00.000-08:00

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

2010-09-21T07:08:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-09-11T15:58:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-09T11:51:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-09-07T12:42:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-02T12:21:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-30T08:11:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-27T10:43:00.000-07:00

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?

2010-08-25T12:36:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-19T06:35:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-03T09:44:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-23T18:50:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-21T07:46:00.000-07:00

"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!

2010-07-19T06:25:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-07-15T08:17:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-14T13:30:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-07T11:53:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-17T19:21:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-11T07:45:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-04T07:46:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-03T11:19:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-28T11:13:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-25T11:56:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-17T12:43:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-13T13:59:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-10T12:18:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-03T18:55:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-15T12:00:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-03T15:33:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-01T08:22:00.000-07:00

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

2010-03-28T15:13:00.000-07:00

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

2010-03-22T18:19:00.000-07:00

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)

2010-03-20T07:02:00.000-07:00

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

2010-03-17T08:03:00.000-07:00

"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

2010-03-10T12:21:00.000-08:00

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

2010-03-08T14:25:00.000-08:00

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

2010-03-07T18:14:00.000-08:00

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

2010-03-02T07:23:00.000-08:00

"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

2010-02-26T10:29:00.000-08:00

"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)

2010-02-25T06:46:00.000-08:00

"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

2010-02-19T21:51:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-16T06:03:00.000-08:00

"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"

2010-02-14T09:37:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-11T09:20:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-08T10:56:00.000-08:00

"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?"

2010-02-04T09:56:00.000-08:00

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!

"The Last Confederate" battles

2010-02-01T07:06:00.000-08:00

Morris does an excellent job while describing the battles to make you think you are there. It makes me so sad to think of the civil war and all of the friends and relatives who fought on different sides.
When Morris describes his characters, especially the lawyer, Harry, I can visualize them. He's a good writer.

"The Last Confederate"

2010-01-29T07:14:00.000-08:00

I'm kind of slow on my reading this week, I have been pretty busy. I was kind of glad about him quoting Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God." Thad was asking Pet what it means to be saved. She never really came out and told him how to be saved though.
A few pages later he said "d... yankee", and I was very upset about that. He has never included a bad word before, so why start now?
There is a lot of conflict about a yankee living in the south.
I'll tell you more on Mon. I shouldahave finished the book by then.

"The Last Confederate" by Gilbert Morris

2010-01-27T05:51:00.000-08:00

I am now reading book 8 in "The House of Winslow Series". This is a very funny book. I read to go to sleep, but last night there was such a funny scene that I couldn't stop laughing! My poor husband had to get up early to go to work. Morris has finally stepped out of his mold and is writing with a different plot. I'm still not sure what is going to happen. I'm almost halfway through with this book.
I'm gonna start writing about every other day, unless I come across something that has to be shared now! I need to take the weekends off though because my husband is home then and hogs the computer.
When I get done with this book I am going to read a book I got from the library: "Sunday Clothes" by Thom Lemmons. I'll probably start reading it in a couple of days, so if you are reading along with me be sure to go to your library or bookstore and pick it up.

"The Reluctant Bridegroom" by Gilbert Winslow

2010-01-25T07:27:00.000-08:00

"The Reluctant Bridegroom is book 7 int "The House of Winslow Series" by Gilbert Morris. It was one of his better books I think. It still had the two girls, but not the same as last time. This book is about Sky Winslow, the 1/4 Indian son of Chris and Dove Winslow. He had a bad first marriage, I believe from what the book says he did not look for a Godly wife but a pretty, popular wife. He and his son both were victims of her infedility and it scarred them for a long time. This was a very good book and has the typical ending but I would still recommend reading it.

Busy, busy

2010-01-20T06:32:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to let everyone know that I won't have time to blog this weekend. I have three cake orders I need to get out. I'll be back on Monday. Right now I am reading "The Reluctant Bridegroom" by Gilbert Morris, number seven in The House of Winslow Series. If you are reading along, I want you to think about a few things. Why did Sky marry his first wife? Do you think he prayed first for a Godly woman? How should a man choose a Godly wife? Would you be a Godly wife for someone? What could you do to become a Godly wife? Do you think he should have left his son in someone else's care for almost a year? What kind of repercussions do you think there will be? I'll talk to you on Monday!

The Great Awakening's influence on the Winslows.

2010-01-19T08:02:00.000-08:00

The last two books #four, five and six all talk about the Great Awakening and Whitfield, Edwards, and later Peter Cartwright. One thing that I have found intersting is when he is talking about the Methodist style of preaching and the "fanaticism" that went on during the preaching. People would start shaking, screaming, and sometimes just faint while there. People would, shout, bark and run when they were converted. They said the the Spirit was fighting for their souls. Many had true conversions this way. The Winslows (from the books) were divided about how they felt about it. I can understand why. I know that I have been to many revivals which have had people, laughing softly because they were so happy to find Jesus, crying because they were so convicted and even lifting up their hands in worship of our Lord, but I have never seen these kind of reactions. Were those extreme reactions from God or Satan? We just happened to have a sermon last Sunday on these kind of behaviours.
"But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves." Jude 1:10 Definiton of brute: "brutus, irrational, senseless"
"Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord..." Isaiah 1:18 How can you "reason togehter" if you are barking like a dog or in a faint?
Charles Parham and William J. Seymour started the Pentecostal movement. Pentecostals have a lot of irrational behaviour like this. Here is a qoute from Frank Bartleman How Pentecost came to Los Angeles, 1925. "Brother Seymour usually...kept his head inside the (shoebox) during the meeting...Men would fall all over the house...I was truly sealed in the forehead, ceasing from the works of my own natural mind fully...My mind had always been very active...Nothing hinders faith and the operation of the Spirit so much as..the wisdom, strength and self-sufficiency of the human mind...This phenomena violates human reason..."
Here is another article from the Saint Paul Pioneer Press, Jan. 10, 2004 "Toronto-Ten years ago this month, worshippers at a small church a stone's throw from this city's airport began laughing uncontrollably. They also made animal noises - braying, barking, howling and roaring. They collapsed to the floor, staggered about as if drunk, shook and jerked; wept, wailed and yelped. Faces contorted with tics. Groans and guffaws hung in the air. Bodies lay prone on the carpet. To the unitiated, this was eerie stuff..." This was obviously from Satan.
2 Peter 2:1 "But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you...
2:2....the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.
2:3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you...
2:12 But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not...
2:19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption...."
Isn't it scary how similar these circumstances are? We all know the great Awakening had severall revivals that brought people to the Lord, but where did these strange behaviours come from? Definitely something to think about!!
If you would like to hear the sermon, here is a link:

http://kingdombaptist.org/videoplayer/Video-player.cfm?media=http://sermon.kingdombaptist.org.s3.amazonaws.com/The-War-On-Reason-01102009.mov&videoID=821

If this link does not work, go to kingdombaptist.org and look under the videos, all videos, you want "The War On Reason! Part 1" date 01/10/10

"Holy Warrior" Finished

2010-01-15T10:27:00.000-08:00

I finished Holy Warrior today. The book talked about the first missionaries to the Indians. Can you imagine how scary that would have been? As usual the main character has two women he needs to decide between. However Morris changed it up a bit this time. It is a quick read. More to come later.

"The Holy Warrior" by Gilbert Morris

2010-01-14T09:49:00.000-08:00

"The Holy Warrior" is book # six in "The House of Winslow Series. Gilbert Morris is does a good job of interconnecting the books together through the different family members, yet you don't have to read the books in order. "The Holy Warrior" is about Christmas (Chris) Winslow, the son of Nathan and Julie. I have read about halfway through the book. He is running from God, but God is chasing him to bring him into God's family. Through the books Morris mentions "bad blood" that runs in the Winslow family and pops up in the men to make them wild. I disagree with this concept because the Bible clearly states: "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." However it does make a good story line! Is anyone reading along with me?

Questions for "Though Waters Roar"

2010-01-13T07:12:00.000-08:00

There are a few things you might want to think about if you are also reading this book. A lot of feminist issues are raised. Do you think women should be equal with men? I say yes and no. God created us differently. He made man, and he made woman. He created woman to be a helpMEET. Not a doormat. He made us equal but different. It is really hard for a man to step into a woman's role as a homemaker, just as it is really hard for a woman to step into a man's role as the bread maker. Can the roles be switched? Yes, but it is extra hard for that person because that is not how God made us. Women are emotional which is why we have such great mothering instincts - but it is really hard for us to fire someone in the work place because we feel sorry for them. Men are great decision makers but they usually don't understand why the child is crying or why we have pretty curtains that have to match the rug. I help supplement the income by decorating cakes from home, which allows me to keep my home in working order without being frazzled and tired all the time. Men have a hard time in life without a wife and a woman has a hard time in life without a husband. Sure, I could support myself and make it in the world without my husband, but why would I want to give up his love, security, and leadership for loneliness? "To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed." Titus 2:5

Lynn Austin

2010-01-11T11:03:00.000-08:00

Here are some of the books that Lynn Austin has written, I have read most of them.
All She Ever Wanted
Eve's Daughters
Hidden Places
A Proper Pursuit
Though Waters Roar
Until We Reach Home
Wings Of Refuge
A Woman's Place
The Refiners Fire Series
The Chronicles of the Kings Series
I finished "Though Waters Roar" today. It is an excellent book. It brings up a lot of good questions and answers about a lot of stuff that affects us today even though it is set from the civil war to the roaring twenties. I would definitely recommend reading it.
My next book I will be getting back to reading "The House of Winslow Series", and I will read book six "The Holy Warrior". Please be sure to join my blog and become a follower. I'll put up some questions tomorrow for "Though Waters Roar" for you to think about as you read the book.

"Though Waters Roar" quotes

2010-01-09T06:42:00.000-08:00

I absolutely LOVE this book. Lynn Austin is very good at weaving characters, God, and history together. The temperance movement was such an important part of our history, and the different reasons people became involved are varied. Grandma Bebe had a hard life, and it did not get easier for her. She had to learn to put her whole trust in God and she learned that her parents' faith was enough to sustain her. She needed her own faith. I'm only halfway through with this book, but it is a definite must read.
Here are some quotes: Talking about the suffrage movement: One lady had a very good point: "But if the government does grant us equality with men, might we also be required to take up arms and fight in the event of another war?" Hasn't this already happened? Of course we need the right to vote, but us women have fought so hard to be "equal" with men, that we are not treated as something "special" by men anymore. It used to be that when a woman walked into the room all the men would stand, they would open doors for us, let us go first, etc. I sure do miss those days even though they were pretty much gone by the time I was an adult. This what Bebe's mom had to say: "It's not a question of who is superior; it's a question of who is head of the household. Someone has to assume leadership in the home, and God decreed that it should be the husband. ... We can't change what is written in the Bible" Have you noticed how many divorces there are out there because both the man and woman struggle to be the head of the home? It doesn't work.
Tomorrow is Sunday, so I'll talk to you again on Mon. Have a great weekend!

"Though Waters Roar" by Lynn Austin

2010-01-08T05:45:00.000-08:00

I love Lynn Austin's books!I have only read three chapters so far, it was really hard to put the book down last night to go to sleep! The main character is recounting the history of the ladies in her life to explain how she got where is. I have learned about her great-grandmother Hannah so far. She was an amazing lady who put her faith in God to help with the underground rail road. Did you know if you got caught harboring slaves you could get a $1,000 fine(which was probably almost a million back then!)and six months in jail! You had to have total trust in God to be able to help out those poor people. I think I would have done it too, We are all created equal in God's eyes, and no body has the right to own another person. Some countries still have a form of slavery when fathers sell their daughters to men for wives. It is despicable! But I digress. :)
Like I said I read 3 chapters last night before bed it is such a good book! I would definitely recommend getting this book and read along with me. If you are one of my local friends, let me know if you want to borrow this book!

"The Journey of Yung Lee" by Judith McCoy-Miller

2010-01-07T11:07:00.000-08:00

Judith Miller is one of my favorite authors. I found this book on paperbackswap.com and did not know until I received it that it was a kid's book. I figured I would go ahead and read it so that I would know wether or not to recommend it. "The Journey of Yung Lee" is part of a series called "The Immigrants' Chronicles". The book is recommended for ages 8-12, but I think young teens would like it also. It is about a young chinses girl who learns about Jesus from missionaries in China. Her brother, who is not a believer, decides they need to move to America to look for gold. He is the only family she has. The book talks about how hard it is for children to move, and the struggles chinese women have with bound feet. There is some very good facts about China woven in also. I have only read half the book so far, but I would recommend it. I'll tell you the rest tomorrow!

Conclusion "Watch Over Me"

2010-01-06T05:21:00.001-08:00

I finished "Watch Over Me". It really was a good book, after all I did read it in four days. :) It spoke to me because it talked about how heart-breaking the foster care system can be, getting a baby, getting attached and not knowing if you would have to give "your" baby back that you have become a family with. The book is about a soldier, a vegan hippie, and a genius deaf teen finding a family together through God. It talks about coming back to God and how only he can heal your hurts, and how hard it is to just live happily without making Christ the center of your life. The book definitely makes you cry in parts. I really wish she would take out the marital references so that I can read her other book because she is a very good author.
Next I am going to read a book I ordered, I didn't realize it was a kid's book but it still looks good and I'll see if it is one I want to pass around to the kids at church. It is "The Journey of Yung Lee" by Judith McCoy-Miller. I love her books, it will probably only take me day.
Then I am going to read a new book by another favorite author, Lynn Austin. That book is "Though Waters Roar"
Have a blessed day everyone!!!

Is this stuff really needed?

2010-01-05T04:58:00.000-08:00

Okay seriously, when I read a Christian fiction book it is because I want to read stories about other Christians and their struggles and adventures. I want to read a "clean" book. So why would a "Christian" author write references about marital relations? Christa Parrish does not go into details or anything, but when she mentions that Abbi's husband "checked" her out (she was very descriptive) it put those images in my mind. She also talks about when they have relations(not descriptive). I don't want those images in my mind. Parrish is an excellent author, but I won't read another one of her books.
"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 a good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."
Phil. 4:8

Quotes from "Watch Over Me"

2010-01-04T09:31:00.000-08:00

I am about half way through the book. It is very hard to put down! Here are a couple of quotes that I liked.
Abbi was helping pass out stuff at a retiremnet home and she had free cabbage for whoever wanted it and offered it to an old lady and this was the old ladies response "What do I want that for? I don't buy cabbage 'cause I don't like it, so why would I take it now it's free?". It made me think of my pack rat-itis (made up word) that I have. If it's free I need it, actually no I don't. I was accumulating free junk from people and I have since learned that just because it is free does not mean I need it. That old lady hit it on the nail!
Here is another quote from the beginning of the book: "Startled by the light and the rush of air against its body, the newborn scrunched up its face and wailed, fists flailing like a prizefighter's, knuckles bluish-gray and filmy. The umbilical cord hung from its-her-belly, a dirty shoelcae knotted near the frayed end."
Parrish is very good at descriptions and capturing your attention. When I read that I felt like I was the with the deputy when he found her. Made me want to cry!

Recipe for Gharge (Sweet Pumpkin Puris)

2010-01-03T14:53:00.000-08:00

Here is one of Benjamin's favorite recipes from "Watch Over Me". The authour sent this recipe to me with the book. I can't wait to try it!
Ingredients:
1 cup grated/minced pumpkin (canned pumpkin can be used)
1/2 cup rice flour (white flour can be substituted)
1/2 cup cream of wheat
1/3 cup of whole wheat flour
1 cup unrefined sugar or brown sugar
1/2 tsp cardamom powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 tbsp warmed vegetable oil (I wonder if I can substitute a mild EVOO or grapeseed oil?)
Oil for frying.
1. Combine pumpkin and sugar in a saucepan and cook together on med. heat until pumpkin is cooked and the mixture is a thick sticky mass.
2. To the warm mixture, add the warmed oil, cardamom powder, salt and flour and cream of wheat. Knead well.
3. Make small golf-ball sized balls of this mixture. Flatten each ball into a circle about the thickness of a pancake. This can be done easily between wax paper.
4. Deep fry the gharges until golden brown in about 1 in. of oil.
5. Drain on paper towels. When gharges are cool, store them in an airtight container.
As soon as my two weeks of my raw food fast is up I am definitely going to try this!

"Watch Over Mae" Christa Parrish

2010-01-03T14:42:00.000-08:00

I started reading "Watch Over Me" by Christa Parrish yesterday. She is a new author for me. Her writing style is a lot like Jodi Picoult. She is very skillful at drawing her readers into the characters lives. It is about a man of Indian (from India) blood who is married to a hippie. He was raised in an Indian home with Indian culture here in America. He changed after serving in hte military in Afghanistan. She reminds me some of me in the way she likes to dress (broomstick skirts, and t-shirts - which I love to wear when the mood strikes), she's a healthnut (probably a vegetarian?), she's not used to having a family and rules. They are both Christians, very liberal though - she has a nose ring. They are trying to build a relationship back together after he comes home but do not know how to.
I don't agree with how they choose their church. She wants to go to the catholic church because it is more "fun", he wants to go to the Baptist church because it reminds him of his church bnack home, so they compromise and go to an ssembly God of church if I remember correctly. Whatever happened to choosing a church because you agree with their doctrine? The sad part is that is how a lot of people choose their church. When my husband and I chose our church we looked for a church that believed salvation by grace, water baptism, and other things. Of course we are not sheep led by the nose, but you should go to a church that preaches the bible 100% (KJV - because it has never been changed and is the inspired Word of God).
But back to the book - The wife, Abbi, cannot have kids and Benjamin, the husband, has always wanted to have kids. He is a policeman and finds a baby just a few hours old in an abandoned field and they take her in as foster parents. Will the baby draw them together? Or farther apart?

The House of Winslow Series by Gilbert Winslow

2010-01-02T17:58:00.000-08:00

Right now I am reading the Winslow Series by Gilbert Morris. I just finished book five "The Saintly Buccaneer". I really like this series. It is about the lineage of a family, the Winslows. The first book starts with Gilbert Winslow and how he ends up on the Mayflower and comes to America from England. He was not a puritan. It describes his struggles with God and personal relationaships. Morris includes a lot of historical facts (do you ever wonder how accurate some of these authors are?). I love reading historical fiction and learning about history. Book four and five are about two of his grandsons during the Revolutionary war, one is a Loyalist and one is a Patriot. They are full of action and romance. He talks about salvation, but he is not very clear on how to get saved. Have you read any of these books? What did you think about them? I am taking a break from the series to read "Watch Over Me" by Christa Parrish. I have not read her before, I'll let you know how it is.