My Dear Hamilton: a historical fiction novel of Eliza Schuyler Hamilton

My Dear Hamilton by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie is the novel about Eliza Schuyler Hamilton, a founding mother who is responsible for preserving the legacy of Alexander Hamilton. A general’s daughter, Eliza Schuyler came of age during tumultuous times in the colonies and the fight of independence hanging on by a thread. When she meets Alexander Hamilton, he is a handsome, passionate aide-de-camp of General George Washington. Penniless yet brilliant and charismatic, Hamilton wins Eliza’s heart. After the war, as the country struggles to establish itself, Eliza and Alexander find themselves in the middle of glittering highs and bloody lows including the Reynolds Affair, America’s first sex scandal. After Hamilton’s death in the famous duel in 1804, Eliza struggles to survive and later preserve her husband’s legacy as a founding father as well as other prominent figures in the Revolutionary War.  

I have always loved historical fiction, fueling my own research into the real historical events and figures. I am also a fan of the musical Hamilton (2015) and I have read the Ron Chernow biography. I have eagerly read other historical fiction books about Hamilton and the Revolutionary War. While My Dear Hamilton is a historical fiction novel, I feel the authors strayed too much from what is known about Eliza to try and fill in the holes of what is not known, especially with modern attitudes that, I feel, would have been too progressive for the time, even for a rebellion against a monarchy. My Dear Hamilton just didn’t live up to my expectations and I found myself skimming sections. I did not have an emotional reaction to this story and I was glad it was over. I do not recommend My Dear Hamilton. 

My Dear Hamilton is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Who are the anointed? Why can't we come against them? and the misinterpretation

Every time a pastor or church leader is criticized or accused, I will always hear “You can’t come against the anointed” in defense against the criticism or accusation. Instead of addressing the criticism or accusation, wagons will be circled and people will be told you can’t do that. Even personally, when I have raised a concern about a pastor’s teaching or use of a Bible verse, I was told you can’t come against the anointed. Alarm bells go off in my head when I hear this statement. Even God allows our questions (Matthew 7:7, Isaiah 1:18, Proverbs 2:6), so why not pastors or church leaders? So I wondered who are the anointed? Why can’t we come against the anointed? What happens if someone does come against an anointed? And are all pastors or church leaders automatically anointed? 

The anointed ones are individuals set apart by God for special services, primarily kings, priests and prophets. Kings like Saul, David and Solomon. Priests like Aaron and his sons. Prophets like Moses, Elijah and Elisha. Even Cyrus the Great, a non-Jew, was anointed by God for a divine purpose. The anointing was done with oil showing God’s selection and support with His Spirit for a task, representing His presence and blessing. 1 Chronicles 16:22 (also Psalm 105:15) states, “Do not touch my anointed ones; do my prophets no harm.” These verses signify God’s protection over those with a specific divine assignment. This command was for a specific person for a specific purpose. Queen Jezebel is a famous example of someone who came against the anointed prophet Elijah (1 Kings 21) and died horribly (2 Kings 9:30-37). Anointing was more prevalent in the Old Testament. The closest thing to anointing in the New Testament is the practice of laying of hands (Acts 8:18); however, there is no mention of special protection (Gonzales, 2019). Even Paul writing to Timothy in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 about the qualifications of pastors and deacons, he makes no mention of any anointing or special protection for being God’s anointed (Gonzales, 2019). 

“Touch” means physical harm, slander, malicious mockery or interfering with their God given mission. However, this does not mean no constructive criticism or concerns. It is often used by a televangelist, a faith healer or a proponent of the prosperity gospel in defense of their actions, which makes them no better than false teachers who utilize these verses for control and their own personal gain (Gonzales, 2019). The scriptures are filled with examples of the anointed  and church leaders and teachers being challenged and demonstrates that the anointed are not above reproach as they are still flawed people. Nathan openly criticized and confronted King David after he sinned with Bathsheba and tried to cover it up (2 Samuel 8:1-14). Paul confronted Peter about his hypocrisy (Galatians 2:11-21) and the Bereans questioned Paul’s teaching (Acts 17:11) and examined the Scriptures every day to make sure they were true. Even Jesus gives us instructions on how to confront a fellow believer in Matthew 18:15-17. First, we are to speak to the individual privately about the sin (verse 15). Second, if he or she doesn’t repent, then we are to bring two or more witnesses to discuss the matter (verse 16). Lastly, if he or she still doesn’t listen and repent, then we are to take the matter to the church leaders (verse 17). The purpose is restoration and protection. Paul writes in 1 Timothy 5:20 “Those who sin are to be rebuked publicly so that the others may take warning.” 

The warning not to touch the anointed has been massively misinterpreted and used to shield religious leaders from accountability and using the verses in ways God did not intend. The passages are often used in Pentecostal and Charismatic circles to defend and deflect preachers from criticisms and accusations; however, they aren’t the only ones who misuse these passages. People who promote themselves as pastors and their ministries as “anointed” to warn off their critics. It is used to preempt any questions and scrutiny and allows them to spread falsehoods, bad theology and even predatory behaviors. Some in the prosperity gospel circles have also interpreted these passages to mean that all Christians are promised protection from all bad things. God never promises protection from harm from evil people, He only promises that he will deliver us from troubles (Psalm 34:19). In John 16:33, Jesus teaches “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Jesus tells Paul, “my grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). 

In conclusion, in the Old Testament, the anointed were people given a special purpose by God. Kings, prophets and leaders, to attack them maliciously was to attack God Himself. The demise of Queen Jezebel being a prime example of divine judgment and retribution. However, In the New Testament, no special anointing is described for pastors. In fact, every believer in Christ is anointed with the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 1:21-22). We are allowed and encouraged to bring legitimate concerns and criticisms to the individuals, the church and the public with the purpose of repentance and restoration. To claim to be anointed is not a free pass to do and say what you want and avoid accountability. The next time, when you bring up a legitimate concern or criticism and you are told you can’t do that, know that you can and should. 

References

Gonzales, Nitoy (April 30, 2019). 6 Reasons Why “Touch Not the Anointed” Verses Are Not for Pastors. Delighting Grace. https://delightinggrace.wordpress.com/2019/04/30/6-reasons-why-touch-not-the-anointed-verses-are-not-for-pastors/. Retrieved February 3, 2026. 

Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing: a painful and gritty memoir with humor, wit and stark realism

Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing by Matthew Perry is a painful and gritty memoir. The opening line: “Hi, my name is Matthew, although you may know me by another name. My friends call me Matty. And I should be dead” says it all. The riveting story of acclaimed actor Matthew Perry from his childhood and his dream of fame, to addiction and recovery in the aftermath of a life-threatening health scare. A story of a young boy being shuffled from his mother’s in Montreal to his father’s in Los Angeles. A story of a fourteen year old nationally ranked tennis star in Canada. A story of a twenty four year old who would land the role of a lifetime and the fame he always dreamt of. To the outside world, Matthew Perry had it all. However, hidden behind the smile and wise cracking jokester was a man who was lonely, feeling unworthy of love and in a dark battle of addiction to drugs and alcohol. Matthew Perry’s journey to sobriety is filled with his trademark humor and a stark realism that many have never seen and he takes readers on this journey with frankness, self-awareness and extreme vulnerability. 

Many who know me know that I love Friends. It is my comfort show. A show I watch when I want to laugh and to relax. My favorite character has always been Chandler Bing. The vulnerable man who uses humor to hide his fears, insecurities and loneliness. Matthew Perry has been one of my favorite actors for years and his death in 2023 hit me hard. When he released this memoir, I was torn about reading it. I wanted to read it and yet, I was afraid. Recently, I got the opportunity to listen to the audiobook. I usually don’t listen to audiobooks; but there is something about this book and listening to Matthew Perry narrating it. It was difficult to listen to. It is deeply intimate and eye-opening. I was in tears, knowing he had come so far, so filled with hope and yet he is gone from this world. His voice reminds me of someone else I know who battled with addiction and it added to the pain of his story. He intended his memoir to help those who struggle with sobriety and I pray that it does. I highly recommend Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing. 

Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing 

is available in hardcover, paperback, eBook and audiobook

 

What New Beginnings Are Made Of: an abandoned inn and new beginnings

What New Beginnings Are Made Of is the first book in the Star Gazer Inn of Corpus Christi Bay series by Debra Clopton. After the sudden death of her husband, fifty-five year old Alice McIntyre visits Star Gazer Island, where she first met her husband. There, she finds the abandoned Star Gazer Inn for sale and on a whim, she buys it. Her four adult sons are not happy; but she needs a fresh start. Her oldest son, Jackson, is shocked by his mother’s decision but he is determined to help her move on. Lisa, Alice’s best friend and recent divorcee, comes to the inn to join Alice in opening the inn. Nina Hanson is an artist who lives next door to the inn. She loves the quiet life especially since she has a reason to keep a low profile. 

Debra Clopton is a new author to me, even though her name is one I recognize from bookshelves. I like storylines of new beginnings and from the opening chapters, I enjoyed the introduction of Alice, Jackson and Nina. I especially enjoyed Jackson’s and Nina’s first meeting over a wayward puppy. However, going forward, I feel there were too many storylines and some were not fully developed. I quickly became bored and the story slowed down. I would have liked to see more into Nina’s story and the past she was trying to leave behind. I did enjoy Ms Clopton’s description of the island and the beach was gorgeous. Overall, I did not enjoy this story and will not be continuing this series. However, if you enjoy Debra Clopton’s books, you may enjoy What New Beginnings Are Made Of. 

What New Beginnings Are Made Of are available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Ice Falls: a romantic suspense in an Alaskan small town

Ice Falls is the first book in the Firelight Ridge series by Jennifer Bernard. Molly Evans credits her three best friends for their support as she grew from a misfit to a successful attorney. When one of them suddenly goes missing, Molly makes it her mission to find her friend, Lila. She tracks Lila to Firelight Ridge, a small town in Alaska, and she immediately stands out in a town who stays out of each other’s business. It doesn’t take long before she finds herself in the middle of a local mystery and a reclusive group and must deal with a surly but very attractive pilot. Sam Coburn is the ultimate lone wolf; keeping to himself. When Molly steps onto his plane, he is intrigued by the feisty and fierce woman. Little does he know that she will provide a way to access the wilderness family he had tried and failed. A whirlwind of events will change their lives forever. 

I have read Jennifer Bernard’s books before and loved them. When I found Ice Falls, I was looking forward to this romance suspense. I liked that Molly was willing to jump on a plane to find her friend. Even though Lila was always a bit flighty, Molly felt enough intuition to think something was off and find her and make sure she is okay. Her first interaction with Sam was funny with great banter. From there, the story seemed to be all over the place introducing Lila’s new life in town, the mysterious family who Sam is trying to get information about and the mystery that is supposed to tie it all together. The pace was slow and lost my attention. Overall, I was bored and really didn’t care for the characters or the mystery. I am not sure if I will continue this series; however, if if you enjoy romantic suspense, you may enjoy Ice Falls. 

Ice Falls is available in paperback and eBook

Metal Slinger: a romantasy with action, magic and adventure

Metal Slinger is the first book in the Fire and Metal series by Rachel Schneider. With no memory of her origins, Brynn grew up among the Alaha. Even though she’s not one of them, she has been training to be a guard. The chance to attend the annual market hosted by the Kenta is one every young guard looks forward to; however, Brynn does not count on breaking a century long peace treaty. One encounter with an enemy soldier threatens everything including what Brynn believes about herself and the people she thought she knew. Her loyalty to the Alaha is tested when the enemy soldier reveals her true identity and his mission to return her to her true home. Now she is in a fight for her life as she learns a whole new world of magic and fate with questions of loyalty, love and betrayal. 

With the second book in this series releasing in June this year, I was given the chance to read Metal Slinger. I usually do not reach for a romantasy book; however, I do enjoy a good fantasy book and a good romance book, so I decided to give this romantasy book a chance. The beginning of this story was a bit slow as the author built the world around these characters. However, when Brynn leaves the Alaha people and enters a world she knows nothing about, the story picks up speed. As the story went along and I thought I knew where the story was going to go, the last quarter left my jaw on the floor. It does end with a cliffhanger and I can’t wait to see how this story continues in book 2. If you enjoy romantasy books, I recommend Metal Slinger. 

Metal Slinger is available in hardcover, paperback, eBook and audiobook

The Wordsmith: can love be stronger than familial duty?

The Wordsmith is the seventh book in the Emerson Pass Historical series by Tess Thompson. Adelaide “Addie” Barnes didn’t want to fall in love with him. He was too old, too English and too much her sister’s best friend. At least that’s what she tells herself as James West arrives in Emerson Pass to spend the summer with the Barnes family. What was worse, James is set to marry another woman at the end of the summer. Addie had grown into a beautiful and ambitious young woman who dreamed of becoming a published author. James must marry the daughter of one of the richest men to save his family from ruin and his own career. Duty pulls him in one direction; but his heart started to pull him in another. He has fallen in love with Addie and yet he knew he could not have her. Would he be able to walk away from the only woman he loves? And would Addie let him? 

The Wordsmith picks up four years after the end of The Musician. Addie is now a young woman with a heart filled with unrequited love. James was hoping the summer with the Barnes family would be his last great time before he married. Of course, summer is a time of change, of hope and courage. Addie and James’ romance was sweet. I felt for Addie as she was willing and ready to let James walk away because she thought it was what he wanted. I enjoyed watching James come to the realization that he loves Addie and yet doesn’t feel worthy of her. There were twists and turns with a few tears and gasps and a happy resolution that brought a smile to my face. I have thoroughly enjoyed this series and it breaks my heart a bit that there is only one book left. If you enjoy clean, sweet historical fiction, you will enjoy the Emerson Pass Historical series. I highly recommend The Wordsmith. 

The Wordsmith is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook