The Wise Woman of Abel: what is wisdom?

Wisdom is sought by many, but only a few find it and apply it. Many think they are wise but few truly are. Greek poet Sophocles (496-406 BCE) said “Wisdom outweighs any wealth.” And Roman statesman Lucius Annaeus Seneca (5 BCE - 65 CE) stated that no man is wise by chance. The wise woman of Abel is a short story told in 2 Samuel 20:14-22. In a few verses, she is able to avoid innocent bloodshed and destruction of her city. While her faithful city is infiltrated by a rebellious leader, she shows wisdom and courage in the faces of grave danger. She acts quickly and decisively to save the citizens of her city from King David’s besieging army. What were the events that led to the siege of her city? How was she able to use wisdom? What is wisdom? And what does wisdom entail? 

Hostilities were high between the “people of Judah” (David’s tribe of origin in the south) and “the people of Israel” (the ten northern tribes) following David’s suppression of Absalom’s revolt (2 Samuel 19:41-43) (Camp, 1999). The wise woman’s story begins in 2 Samuel 20:14 when Sheba from the tribe of Benjamin attempted to revolt against the king. Joab, the king’s commander, chased him to Abel Beth Maacah in the north. The city was a walled fortified city and served as protection for the surrounding areas. Sheba hides in the city as Joab sets up siege ramps in preparation to take the city. Before he calls for the siege, a woman appears on the wall requesting to speak to the commander. She gives a simple speech in which she reminds the commander that Abel Beth Maacah is a faithful and peaceful city known as the “mother of Israel” (2 Samuel 20:19). Joab demands that Sheba be handed over and he’ll leave the city alone. The woman then states Sheba’s head will be thrown over the wall. She rallies her fellow citizens to act and soon Sheba’s head came over the wall (2 Samuel 20:22). 

Wisdom is often difficult to define because it can encompass so much. Merriam-Webster defines wisdom as “knowledge that is gained by having many experiences in life” or “a good sense or judgment.” Psychologists tend to define wisdom as the integration of knowledge, experience and deep understanding as well as a tolerance of the uncertainties of life with a sense of calm. Three components have been identified that are often found in wise individuals. First, cognitive components. This is where knowledge and experience play a role. Wise individuals often engage in intellectual humility. Intellectual humility is recognizing and owning one’s intellectual limitations while pursuing deeper knowledge, truth and understanding. There is also an open-mindedness component in which wise individuals are usually receptive to a wide variety of ideas, arguments and information. Even if they could eventually reject these ideas, arguments and information, they will, at least, consider it before making their final decision. Second, reflective components. The ability to examine one’s self and situations. Wise individuals have the ability to engage in perspective-taking which involves seeing a situation through the perspective of another. Third, prosocial components. This is where benevolence and compassion are involved. The wise woman of Abel certainty had the citizens of Abel in mind when she found the courage to confront Joab and negotiate a peaceful resolution.

One of my favorite verses on wisdom is Proverbs 3:13-18 which describes the blessings one receives when they find wisdom and gains understanding. How does one find wisdom? Essentially wisdom sees the big picture rather than the small picture directly in front of us. Wise living starts with fearing the Lord. Fear the Lord is not being afraid of Him; but, the deep respect and reverent humility for God’s majesty, recognizing Him as the Creator (Stilley, 2014). Wisdom grows with receiving God’s word. Psalm 19:7 says “The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple.” God’s word imparts wisdom to the humble, to those who exercise a childlike submission to Him and follow His commands. We often must ask for wisdom. James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” This idea reminds me of the Serenity Prayer. Written by American theologian Reinhold Neibuhr (1892-1971), the simple prayer asks for the wisdom to know between what can be changed and what cannot. 

What made this story special? The men in the story took the stereotypical, macho approach to seek and destroy. Yet one woman sought a peaceful solution to spare the many innocent lives who would have been in harm’s way. Joab only saw his immediate goal: to capture Sheba. The wise woman of Abel saw the bigger picture of many innocent lives lost and a city destroyed just for one man. Wisdom often comes with knowledge and experience. Cato the Elder (234-149 BCE) once said that the wise learn from fools while fools rarely imitate the success of the wise. Wisdom comes from asking for it in prayer and seeking it through God’s word. From my own experience, wisdom comes from always seeking knowledge, to never stop learning because there is always something more to know and discover. Wisdom also takes courage and bravery to stand up against all odds. 

References

Camp, Claudia V. (December 31, 1999). Wise Woman of Abel Beth-Maacah: Bible. Jewish Women’s Archive. https://jwa.org/encyclopedia/article/wise-woman-of-abel-beth-maacah-bible. Retrieved December 28, 2021. 

Stilley, Lloyd (January 1, 2014). Sermon: The Wisdom of God - Romans 16, 1 Corinthians 1. Lifeway. https://www.lifeway.com/en/articles/sermon-wisdom-god-romans-16-1-corinthians-1. Retrieved December 28, 2021. 

A Man of Honor: if you are a fan of Barbara Taylor Bradford, you may enjoy this book

A Man of Honor by Barbara Taylor Bradford is the prequel to her bestselling A Woman of Substance saga. Opening five years before the start of A Woman of Substance (1979), A Man of Honor opens as 13-year old Shane “Blackie” O’Neill faces an uncertain future in rural County Kerry. Orphaned and alone, he must leave his home and set sail for his uncle’s home in Leeds, England. There, he will learn a trade as a navvy, a laborer who works on civil engineering projects and dreams of greater things. Fueled by his tumultuous life and the obstacles in front of him, Blackie is ambitious, driven and determined to leave a life of poverty behind and move up in the world. 

I am familiar with Barbara Taylor Bradford’s name but I have never read any of her works, especially A Woman of Substance. But since A Man of Honor is a prequel, I figured I didn’t need to read the other books to understand the story. Unfortunately, I could not get into Blackie’s story. While the language is lyrical and the descriptions beautiful, I was bored. There is very little going on, even with a bit of mystery, I found myself losing interest and it was hard to finish. I did enjoy Blackie’s characters, although at times he seemed too perfect, too optimistic. In the future, I may pick up A Woman of Substance and read A Man of Honor again. If you are a fan of Barbara Taylor Bradford, you may enjoy A Man of Honor. 

A Man of Honor is available in hardcover, eBook and audiobook. 

In the Cards: sometimes you have to bet it all

In the Cards by Jamie Beck is a story of fate, coincidences and the strange turns our paths may take. Lindsey Hilliard is weeks away from her wedding when she learns of her fiancé's infidelity. Filled with self-doubt and confusion, she flees her charmed life in New York to hide out at a beach house in Malibu. She quickly learns that her sexy neighbor is Levi Hardy, the cocky man who humiliated her many years ago. Hardened by a grim past, Levi maintains a comfortable distance from everyone in order to conceal his secrets and protect his heart. But when a motorcycle collision leaves him critically wounded, he is forced to accept her assistance. Sparks are undeniable as the insecure Lindsey teaches the cynic Levi to have faith in others and he encourages her to find her voice and be heard. Does he dare allow his heart to hope that they have a future together? 

As I read In the Cards, I wasn't sure if I would enjoy it. I didn’t feel a connection with Lindsey and Levi was a closed book. But I kept reading and I’m glad that I did. Lindsey and Levi are very complex characters with real hurts and real challenges that by the end of the story I felt a connection with them both. By the end, I understood Levi’s wall and Lindsey’s naivety. The secondary characters were great as antagonists and voices of reasons. The sparks that flew between them were as hot as any romance I’ve read. I cheered for them as their lives seem to be heading to be together. But would they? I eagerly turned each page, hoping that someone would say something to crack the wall between them. In the Cards is my first book by Ms. Beck and it will not be my last. I highly recommend In the Cards. 

In The Cards is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook. 

A Morning Glory Wedding: a short but sweet ending to the series

A Morning Glory Wedding is a short story by Liz Talley as part of the Morning Glory series. When Brandy Robbins came back to Morning Glory, Mississippi, she never expected to fall in love with another woman’s husband, but she did. And now she is known as the other woman. It didn’t matter that she was lied to, manipulated and left as broken as the marriage that ended. Brandy is treated as a pariah in town, she deserves forgiveness or a second chance. Father Geoff Harper is the new priest at the Episcopalian Church. He is drawn to Brandy and hopes to show her that she still deserves love. As they both prepare for the wedding of Jess and Ryan, could there be a chance to mend fences and find a new beginning? 

A Morning Glory Wedding is a very sweet story. Short but sweet and packed with great moments. It is a story filled with second chances and forgiveness. There’s a great moment between Jess and Brandy that I hoped would be in the story. It was a beautiful example of extending forgiveness and mending fences. I also enjoyed the introduction of Geoff as a man of God who isn’t afraid to shake things up a bit. I would love to read more and catch up with all the characters; however, A Morning Glory Wedding was a nice short story to say goodbye to these wonderful characters. If you are a fan of the Morning Glory series, you will enjoy A Morning Glory Wedding.  

A Morning Glory Wedding is available in eBook. 

The Pier at Jasmine Lake: the next step in an adoptee's journey

The Pier at Jasmine Lake by Danielle Stewart is the second book in the Missing Pieces series. Mark Ruiz’s life has been a structured routine and after exhausting days and forty one years of hard work, he was looking forward to retirement. The only problem is retirement is better in theory than in actual practice. In three months, he realizes that retirement is as stale as old bread. His cabin on Jasmine Lake was supposed to be a place of relaxation but he can’t seem to find peace. Filled with boredom and resigned to the ins and outs of retirement, he receives a letter that will change his life forever. A glimpse into a life he could have had but dangerously complicated. As Gwen searches for her father, she faces another dilemma. Is she willing to be a part of his struggles as well? Is not knowing better than the burdens truth can bring? 

The Pier at Jasmine Lake is a continuation of Gwen Fox’s adoption story and details the complexity of one’s journey to discovery of where they come from and the lives impacted when the story is revealed. Told between the perspectives of Gwen and Mark, we see both sides of Gwen’s journey to find her birth father and how Mark handles learning he had a daughter he didn’t know about. I enjoyed seeing that Gwen still struggled with her decision to find her birth parents, despite reassurances from her parents that her journey doesn’t change their feelings or her place in their family. Her continued struggle shows the reality of an adoptee’s search. That once the truth is discovered, it doesn't mean life is sunshine and roses. There is still questions that Gwen struggles with and as she gets closer to who her father is, will she like what she finds? I recommend The Pier at Jasmine Lake. 

The Pier at Jasmine Lake is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook. 

Prince Not Quite Charming: can the city girl learn to be country?

Prince Not Quite Charming by Liz Talley is a novel in the Morning Glory series. The story picks up right after the events of book 2, Perfectly Charming. A city girl can survive…she hopes. Frances Genovese agrees to stay in Morning Glory after her brother’s wedding in order to finish the remodel of his new pizzeria. She may not know small town Mississippi but she does know the restaurant business. What she doesn’t bargain for is a country boy contractor naysaying her every decision. Clemson “Clem” Aiken III knows two things: what it means to be a country boy and the small town market. When he and Frances clash on ideas for the restaurant, he knows he needs to teach her a thing or two about country life. Frances reluctantly gives Clem three days to teach her country life and change her mind about the restaurant design. What can be so hard about fishing, frying chicken and line dancing? 

Prince Not Quite Charming had me laughing and smiling from the opening chapter. There were many laugh out loud moments and moments that left huge smiles on my smile. Frances, the hard nosed Italian New Yorker, spends a few weeks with Clem, But there’s more to the country boy Clem than meets the eye and as the two spend time together, the attraction is obvious from the start. I loved the flirty banter between the two especially from Clem, reminds me of my husband and I. There were sweet moments of heart-to-heart talks between the two. One of my favorite moments is when Frances and Clem were frying chicken with Ida Mae Robinson and Frances made a comment about being a woman and doing things on her own. To which Ida Mae replies, “Well, baby, I can do it too but why would I want to?” I highly recommend Prince Not Quite Charming. Opposites certainly attract in this fun novella. 

Prince Not Quite Charming is available in eBook and audiobook. 

Third Time's the Charm: a story of finding home and love again

Third Time’s the Charm by Liz Talley is the fourth book in the Morning Glory series. “When you find someone who has no hope left, give the bracelet to her…” was the final request from Lacy but who would it be? Sunshine “Sunny” Voorhees David would rather be anywhere but back in Morning Glory, Mississippi. But after losing both her husband and a pregnancy, she had no choice but to come back home and fulfill a promise to her sister, Eden. While she waits for her chance to escape again, she’ll fix up the rundown family while trying to convince her mother to move. Oh! And avoid the man who broke her heart many years ago. Henry Delmar has been haunted by the mistake he made years ago and now that Sunny is back in town, he wants her forgiveness. But Sunny is nothing like he remembered. She is hurt, angry and has an impenetrable wall around her heart. Fate intervenes when Henry’s teenage son backs over Sunny’s Harley and the two are thrown together. He must find a way to rekindle their romance and prove to Sunny that her place is in Morning Glory with him. 

Third Time’s the Charm is a sweet romance about regret, redemption and finding love and home again. Sunny is a hardened woman who is struggling to find a new place in life. I sympathized with Sunny as she is reeling from her husband’s tragic death in Afghanistan and the loss of her preterm baby. As a woman who has suffered numerous miscarriages including a preterm infant loss, my heart broke for Sunny. I also liked that she was gutsy enough to ride a Harley. I’ll ride a Harley but someone else needs to be driving! I enjoyed Henry as a man who recognizes that he was a stupid kid that resulted in their ultimate break up. I also laughed at the “we were on a break” mentality he had when discussing their break-up and waited for the Friends reference to come up sooner or later. While not my favorite of the Morning Glory series, I enjoyed the growth and development in the relationships between Sunny and her mother, Betty, who was a piece of work, and Sunny and Henry. If you have read the previous Morning Glory books, you will enjoy Third Time’s the Charm. If you haven’t started the series, I highly recommend starting with book 1, Charmingly Yours. 

Third Time’s the Charm is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Book 1, Charmingly Yours is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

A Single Swallow: a heartbreaking story

A Single Swallow by Zhang Ling, translated by Shelly Bryant is a story about the devastation of war, forgiveness, redemption, and the enduring power of love. On the historic day, August 15, 1945, the Jewel Voice Broadcast aired the speech of Emperor Hirohito which announced Japan’s surrender to the Allied Forces, bringing an end to World War II. Three men made a pact. After their deaths, each year on the anniversary of the broadcast, their souls would return to Yuehu, the Chinese village where they fought and survived in a war that shook the world and changed their lives forever. Now seventy years later, the pledge is being fulfilled by Pastor Billy, an American missionary, Ian Ferguson, a brash gunner’s mate, and Liu Zhaohu, a local soldier. All that is missing is Yao Ah Yan. She was the girl each man loved in his own profound way. As they retell their personal stories of the war and the woman who touched his life, the story of Ah Yan is revealed. What was her story and how did she profoundly influence the lives of these three men? 

A Single Swallow is a beautiful story told from the memories of three dead men who talk about their wartime experiences. Experiences centered around one woman. From the opening chapter, I was pulled into the interesting premise of these men visiting after death. I eagerly turned each page as I read how each man knew this woman and how they changed each other’s lives, for good and bad. It was a book I could not put down. I happened to finish it in a few hours. But the story was so engaging that I barely noticed the time. Ms. Zhang weaves a complex tapestry of cause and consequence that can forever shape one’s life and how our inner strength determines how we respond to those situations and challenges. I also enjoyed the ending and felt it was very fitting. It was a captivating read which figures a part of the World War II story that is overshadowed by stories of the European front. A few reviews I read disliked that Ah Yan’s voice is never heard; however, I enjoyed this aspect as it gave her a mysterious air. I highly recommend A Single Swallow. 

A Single Swallow is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

At the End of the Matinee: a lyrical love story

At the End of the Matinee by Keiichiro Hirano, translated by Juliet Winters Carpenter is an extraordinary love story. Classical guitarist Satoshi Makino has toured the world and after one particular concert in Tokyo, he lays eyes on journalist Yoko Komine. Their bond is instantaneous. They begin a conversation that would go on for years through phone calls and emails. Even when they had spells of silence, they would always pick up where they left off. Makino is drawn to her refinement and intellect and she is drawn to his sensitivity and tenderness he displays through his music. But both of them are unfamiliar with love to see it blooming and lack the confidence to make the first move. Like the notes on the page and the duet of instruments in a symphony, they seem to be drawn together in a melody only they can hear. Will their love endure or will fate keep them apart?

At the End of the Matinee is a lovely, thought-provoking love story. I enjoyed the poetic and lyrical love story that Makino and Yoko engage in. It had the highs and lows and sweeping movements of a great symphony. It is a slow read as the author’s words describe the beautiful dance that these two seem to be a part of. The two meet late in their lives when their lives are centered around their careers and thoughts of love seem like a distant, foolhardy dream. But love can spring up at any moment. At the End of the Matinee is not a traditional romance that I am most familiar with but I enjoyed the connection Makino and Yoko have and the honesty and openness they have with each other. They discuss many serious topics such as war, PTSD and the lonely side of music. It is a beautiful story.  I recommend At the End of the Matinee. 

At the End of the Matinee is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook. 

All That Charm: fame or love in the Big Easy

All That Charm is the third book in Liz Talley’s Morning Glory series. The Voorhees family has had a infamous reputation since 1909 and Eden has been desperate to leave Morning Glory and her past behind her. When her chance comes, she heads to New Orleans to pursue her dream that she put on hold in order to care for her disabled mother. Once there, her dreams are dashed. Her new job: gone. Her apartment: roach infested. Now with a shrinking bank account, Eden refuses to admit defeat. She takes a part time job as a caregiver for a young girl with cerebral palsy. Nick Zeringue juggles his family’s restaurant empire with the demands of his daughter, Sophie and her special needs. When Eden takes the nanny job, the attraction between them is obvious but Eden is determined to keep their relationship professional and her plan doesn’t include a man or love. As she begins to fall in love with Sophie and her father, her chance for Broadway comes her way. She must decide: love or fame? Can a dream change? 

All That Charm is Eden’s story and while a sweet romance, it was not as good as the first two books. I sympathized with Eden’s desire to leave Morning Glory behind especially after one scene with her mother. With a mother like that, I would want to run too! I also enjoyed Nick’s character as a devoted father reeling from his own heartbreak. Sophie was a sweet character too. Of course, I enjoyed seeing Rosemary and Jess return to give their love and support, as well as much needed advice, for their friend. If only I had friends like that. The setting and secondary characters were okay and not as fleshed out as Eden or Nick. However, it was enjoyable and a lovely continuation to the Morning Glory series. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.  If you have read the first two books of the series, I recommend All That Charm. If you have not yet read the series, I recommend starting with book 1, Charmingly Yours. 

All That Charm is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook. 

Book 1: Charmingly Yours is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Sweet Talk: a sweet, sexy romance

Sweet Talk by Julie Garwood is the tenth book in the Buchanan/Renard/MacKenna series. When Special Agent Grayson Kincaid encounters Olivia MacKenzie, she leaves an impression. Olivia, beautiful but tough attorney, accidently stumbled into the middle of an FBI sting and chaos ensues. She isn’t fazed. She’s on the trail of an elaborate Ponzi scheme and her investigation has provoked some ruthless people and now her life is endangered. While she is no stranger to tight situations, she’s smart enough to call for help. Does she dare call for Grayson’s help? As their investigations intertwine, they learn they make a great team but they are also fighting an intense attraction. A battle they are certain to lose. 

I have enjoyed Julie Garwood’s romances since I was a teenager. And I have enjoyed the Buchanan/Renard/MacKenna series since Heartbreaker (2000). Sweet Talk is a sweet, sexy  romance that hits all the right moments. The tall, dark and handsome FBI agent meets a sassy, no nonsense woman and sparks fly. It was a fast read and enjoyable. However, I don’t feel it's on the same level as previous books in this series. The mystery about who is behind the threats against her life has been done before. Overall, I did enjoy Sweet Talk. There were moments I laughed and sighed as their love story blossomed. If you are a fan of Julie Garwood, you may enjoy Sweet Talk. 

Sweet Talk is available in mass market paperback, eBook and audiobook. 

Wish Upon A Christmas Star: filled with love, community and Christmas magic

 Wish Upon A Christmas Star by Karen McQuestion is a Christmas novella about the love, hope and magic of the Christmas season. When Gwen Hayward moves to the small town of Poplar Creek, it’s not quite the move she was expecting. Still reeling from an unexpected divorce from her husband of 32 years, she moves to the town that was supposed to be their retirement home. She has been wallowing in misery that she barely knows the town, let alone her neighbors. On a whim, one afternoon, she enters the local bookstore where she spots a little girl leaving an anonymous wish on the store’s Christmas tree. Moved by the selflessness of the wish, Gwen is compelled to fulfill it. But she must find the girl first. Gwen begins by asking around town and eventually enlists the help of local business owner, Ben “Lucky” Gallagher. With holiday magic in the air, perhaps more than one Christmas wish could come true. 

Karen McQuestion is one of my favorite go-to authors. Her stories never disappoint to educate, entertain and uplift your spirits with inspirational characters who will warm your heart. Wish Upon A Christmas Star made me cry which most books cannot do. I loved the sense of community about the neighbors and the steadfast belief of the little girl that her wish would come true. She refused to let anything damper her belief that Santa would come through for her. I also loved and identified with her mother’s desire for her to keep a realistic approach to wishes. I loved the budding relationship between Gwen and Lucky and wished they would end up together. I usually don’t read Christmas based stories but I am so glad I read this one. It lifted my spirits when I was feeling down and gave all the warm fuzzies that you would expect from a Christmas story. I highly recommend Wish Upon A Christmas Star. 

Wish Upon A Christmas Star is available in paperback and eBook. 

The Churchill Sisters: an intimate look into the daughters of Winston Churchill

The Churchill Sisters by Dr. Rachel Trethewey is a deeper look into the daughters of Winston and Clementine Churchill. Bright, attractive and well-connected, the Churchill girls, Diana, Sarah, and Mary, were not just members of any family. They are the daughters of the greatest Englishman. From their larger than life father to their golden boy brother, Randolph, to their eccentric and exciting cousins, the Mitford Girls, they were often overlooked but lived lives filled with passion, drama and tragedy. The eldest, Diana, was intense and shy. Sarah was glamorous and stubborn. She even nicknamed herself “The Mule.” The baby, Mary, was dependable and determined. As each sister is different, they still had a strong sense of responsibility toward their family and their country. They were eyewitnesses to some of the most important events in world history from Tehran, Yalta and Potsdam. What stories could they tell? 

The Churchill Sisters is an intimate look into the lives of these three women. Dr. Trethewey draws from previously unpublished family letters from the Churchill archives as well as memories and impressions from their children. Before reading The Churchill Sisters, I knew very little about Winston Churchill’s daughters and even less about Winston as a father. Dr. Trethewey brought these women out of the shadows of historical obscurity and tells their amazing stories. From their early lives, to their relationships with their parents, to the major historical events of the early 20th century, The Churchill Sisters is a fascinating read. It was a joy to read as Dr Trethewey wrote the historical events and the sisters with ease that I eagerly turned each page to discover more. Heartfelt, honest and enjoyable, the sisters come alive on the page as we discover their joys and hardships. I highly recommend The Churchill Sisters. 

The Churchill Sisters is available in hardcover, eBook and audiobook. 

Mistletoe at Moonglow: a quick, fun Christmas story

Mistletoe at Moonglow by Deborah Garner is the first book in The Moonglow Christmas series. In the small town of Timberton, Montana, the Timberton Hotel has always provided the perfect Christmas retreat for its guests. When resident chef and artist, Mist, arrives, she brings a unique new age flavor to the old west town. When guests check in, they bring along worries, fear and broken hearts from a grieving widow to a grieving family to a grumpy visiting professor but Mist has a magic at work. Mist has a sixth sense to what people need even if they don’t know themselves. Can her magic warm even the coldest heart during their Christmas stay? Because at the Timberton Hotel, once you walk in, you’re family. 

I usually don’t read Christmas books but this novella caught my attention. It is a short read with lots of Christmas magic. Each guest comes to the hotel with the hurts and pains from the year and with the togetherness of the holiday, they find a way to heal, even a little bit, from their worries, grief and pain. I enjoyed Mist who has a way to thaw even the most frozen heart and offer the warmth of friendship through her food, her paintings and her warm personality. I also enjoyed the recipes Ms. Garner included at the end of the book which I can’t wait to try. If you are looking for a quick Christmas read, I recommend Mistletoe at Moonglow. 

Mistletoe at Moonglow is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Deconstructed: sometimes you need to tear apart to make something better

Deconstructed by Liz Talley is a story of tearing down to rebuild something better. Catherine “Cricket” Crosby is an antique store owner whose seemingly perfect life is about to turn upside down. After overhearing a gossipy conversation, she learns that the rumors about her husband Scott’s affair are true after all. She sets a plan into motion: hire a private investigator, find an attorney and, with the help of her assistant, make her husband pay. Ruby knows all too well how quickly life can change. Trying to leave her dicey past behind her, she is determined to build a better future by working for Cricket and establishing herself as a designer of deconstructed vintage haute couture. Cricket is determined to use her newfound sleuthing to find the truth, no matter how hurtful or dangerous it gets. Can Cricket repair the life she had or will tearing down and rebuilding lead to the life she always wanted? 

Deconstructed caught me by surprise. At first, I wasn’t sure I would like Cricket. She seems like a typical stuffy high society lady who doesn’t want to rock the boat. But as she digs deeper into her husband’s secrets, she dries her tears and feels the anger burn. She’s ready to rock the boat. She goes from uptight lady to the sassy Southern woman I have come to love in movies and books. I loved Ruby who helps Cricket embrace her inner woman scorned and helps her along with her plan as she recruits a couple of less than savory cousins. I laughed with them as they planned and plotted to make sure her husband Scott gets his comeuppance. I cheered alongside Cricket when she finally confronts Scott. Deconstructed is a great book with fun, relatable characters. It’s The First Wives Club (1996) meets Steel Magnolias (1989) with its sassiness, comedic moments and camaraderie between Cricket and Ruby. I highly recommend Deconstructed. 

Deconstructed will be available February 1, 2022 in paperback, eBook and audiobook. 

Perfectly Charming: a great read for a pick me up

Perfectly Charming is the second book in Liz Talley’s Morning Glory series. Jess Culpepper is desperate to move on from her divorce. When the chance to get out of Morning Glory for a while comes up, she takes it. She takes a temporary nursing job in Pensacola, Florida, And thanks to the bequest of her late friend, Lacy, she rents a condo right on the beach. Little does she know she is in for the surprise of a lifetime. Living a few doors down from her is Ryan Reyes, her old high school chemistry lab partner. Once known as “The Brain,” Ryan has worked hard to be more than the shy nerd. Walking away from a brilliant science career, he now runs a charter fishing business and spends his time catching up on the debauchery he missed. He is thrown for a loop when the girl of his teenage fantasies enters his life. At first, their relationship starts as old friends catching up but soon turns into an attraction neither can deny. Their no-strings-attached fling becomes complicated when they return to Morning Glory for a friend’s wedding and they are forced to confront the painful past. Can they find their happily ever after? Or will old wounds keep them apart? 

After reading a previous book that was deep and depressing, I needed a light, fun pick-me-up and Perfectly Charming delivered. It is a very sweet story filled with sexy fun and heartfelt moments between friends and lovers. There were a lot of sighs, smiles and laughs. I loved Jess’s vulnerability and hesitation moving forward from her divorce. She doesn’t trust herself to feel again and is determined not to get hurt again. She decides a good, fun fling is what she needs and she decides that Ryan is good for that. I also loved Ryan who I identified with as the shy nerd. While I wasn’t bullied as he was, I was known as the brain among my classmates and was looked to for the answers. I understood and related to his desire to be more than “the smart guy.” Their inevitable conflict was believable and the resolution was sweet. I loved Jess’s friends, Rosemary and Eden, and their tough love as they help Jess realize her fling has become more than that. I’m loving the Morning Glory series and can’t wait to dive into book 3. I loved Perfectly Charming and recommend it as well as Charmingly Yours, which I recommend reading first. 

Perfectly Charming is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook. 

Book 1, Charmingly Yours, is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook. 

Tears of Amber: a haunting story of two families during World War II

Tears of Amber by Sofia Segovia and translated by Simon Bruni is the story of two families uprooted by war and united by the bonds of love and courage. The Hahlbrock and the Schippers families are living quiet lives on their respective farms. As war breaks out, they shout in support of the Fuhrer and the Fatherland. But as war looms close to home, they must learn the hard lessons of survival. In the harshness of winter, the Hahlbrock join the massive exodus as the Russian army is closing in, leaving their future full of more uncertainty. Ilse Hahlbrock listens to the enchanting stories of the family’s young Polish laborer, Janusz. His stories of the besieged kingdom in the Baltic Sea keeps her mind off the cold, the hunger and the horrors surrounding them. Not far away, the Schippers  family is also trying to flee from the Russian army while hiding out in the ruins of a mansion, holding onto the hope that their fractured family would be together again. Arno and his mother find themselves dodging bombs and scavenging in the rubble. Caught in the crosshairs of two warring enemies, hope is the only thing that carries Ilse and Arno as they learn resilience against extraordinary odds. 

Tears of Amber is the type of book that you need to take your time on, stopping at moments when you need a break and picking it back up. Told in an epic style, Tears of Amber is the story of two families and their wartime experiences. The connection between the two families isn’t made clear until the end. It is heartbreaking at times but a story that needs to be told and read. I had read a lot of reviews that knocked down their rating based on the depressive moments. To me, that is not a good enough reason to knock down a rating. War is depressing and destructive with women, children and families torn apart by the actions of those in power. Tears of Amber serves as a reminder that while governments can claim victory, it is the people who suffer and survive to tell their stories are the true victors. It is a bit slow at times but it is a satisfying story of the resiliency of the human spirit and their ability to survive when times seem their bleakest. The details that Ms. Segovia describes is breathtaking and heartbreaking at times but she captures the horrors these people witnessed and survived. I highly recommend Tears of Amber. 

Tears of Amber is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook. 

Tamar, daughter of King David: a story of injustice and the consequences of sin

Tamar was the daughter of King David. Her story is told in 2 Samuel 13:1-22. It is a hard story to study as it could still easily occur to someone we know and care for. Tamar was a beautiful woman with a bright future ahead of her. Until she was savagely raped by her half brother, Amnon, and let down by her father when he does nothing to punish him. She is left broken and an outcast as her hopes for a marriage and a future is taken away from her due to one man’s lust. It is only when her brother, Absalom, takes matters into his own hands to see that Amnon is punished. What were the events that led to the rape? What is rape and what does God’s word say about it? How can we help a victim? 

Tamar was a beautiful young woman, destined for a marriage designed for political alliances. Amnon was her half brother and David’s eldest son and heir. To say he was used to getting his way would be understatement. One day, he was despondent, restless because he was desperately in love with Tamar, his half sister. Pretending to be ill, he asked that Tamar come to his bedside and care for him. When she arrives, he tries to lure her into his bed. She refuses which infuriates Amnon that he rapes her. Afterward his infatuations turned to hatred, Amnon tossed Tamar out of his rooms, blaming her for what he had done. Traumatized and grieved, Tamar wanders the streets until her brother, Absalom, finds her and learns about the terrible events. When King David finds out about the rape of his daughter at the hands of his son, he is furious. However, he does nothing. Furious at the lack of action by his father, Absalom vows revenge for his sister and bides his time, waiting for his chance. Two years later, the opportunity came and Absalom killed Amnon. 

Rape is a type of sexual assault that usually involves sexual intercourse or other forms of sexual penetration without consent, with physical force, coercion or abuse of authority (Humboldt). It is a serious crime with an estimated victim every 68 seconds in America (RAINN.org). And the majority of assaults will happen at or near the victim’s home. Rape is the most underreported crime around the world. There are many reasons why a victim would not report a rape: 1) fear of retaliations, 2) not wanting the offender to get into trouble, especially when the offender is a family member or friend, 3) fear of getting in trouble themselves, and 4) not trusting law enforcement (RAINN). God’s law took the matter of rape very seriously, calling it detestable. In Deuteronomy 22:25-27 there are safeguards to victims from punishment even calling for the offender to be put to death. In this text, the Hebrew verb, chazaq is used, which implies violence. “Chazaq can refer to the violent overpowering of another person” and in this verse, the “describes coercive force, i.e. rape” (McCoy, 2017). 

Unfortunately, rape is an experience that will stay with a victim. However, it does not need to forever define their future. As a valued and wonderful creation of God (Psalm 139), a victim can find hope. What can we do to help? First, assure them that it takes great courage to open up about rape and that they are not alone. Psalm 9:9 says “The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.” Second, assure them that they are not at fault. A victim does not “ask for it.” While rape is a sin, it is not their sin. It was a sin against them. Even though Amnon blamed Tamar for the rape, she was not at fault. All she did was serve food to her “sick” brother. Third, be a safe place for them to talk when they need it. Sometimes just talking about it is the biggest healing experience. Fourth, check in periodically. Remind them you are still there for support, comfort and a sounding board. Lastly, if you feel they need professional help, contact a rape hotline and organizations for recommendations. 

Tamar was an innocent young woman who had no idea how much danger she was in when she came to take care of her “ill” brother.  And for her father to do nothing only added to her trauma. Did David favor his son over his daughter? Maybe. Or was his moral compass so damaged from his own sexual affair that he felt he couldn’t confront and punish Amnon? Possibly. Whatever his reasons, David’s inaction would lead to the destruction of two more lives as Absalom took matters into his own hands. Rape is a violent act against another. It is a crime that goes unreported for many reasons. It can leave a victim without a sense of safety and needless blame. But there is hope for victims. There are resources for victims and it can start with us. Be a support and comfort for victims. 

National Sexual Assault Hotline

800-656-HOPE (4673)

References

Humboldt (no date). Stop Rape: Response and Prevention. Humboldt State University. https://stoprape.humboldt.edu/statistics. Retrieved November 21, 2021. 

McCoy, Katie (December 11, 2017). God is not silent: What the Bible teaches about sexual assault. The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission. https://erlc.com/resource-library/articles/god-is-not-silent-what-the-bible-teaches-about-sexual-assault/. Retrieved November 28, 2021. 

RAINN (no date). Statistics. RAINN. https://www.rainn.org/statistics. Retrieved November 21, 2021.