Mary, the mother of Jesus: an inspirational woman

Everyone knows that Mary was a young woman, a virgin, from a poor family in an obscure village in Galilee. Everyone knows that she was a young woman who showed an unusual faith and humility. What everyone may not realize is that her unqualified yes to God’s plan for her life entailed great personal risk and suffering. She may not have realized at the time that her yes would open seasons of confusion, fear, doubt and darkness in her life as events unfolded. She would know sorrow as she watched her firstborn son as he was shamed, tortured and left to die like the worst criminal.  However, her greatest joy would be to see him raised from the dead as her Lord and Savior. Everyone knows her name but do they truly know her story? 

A small village in the middle of nowhere. Nothing particularly special about it. Until one day as a young woman going about her day, completing her chores as her life would be changed forever. She is approached by a man in brilliant white. He tells her that she is highly favored and the Lord is with her. Can you imagine her surprise and disbelief? Her? Highly favored? However, it was true. As the mysterious man tells her God’s plan, she must have been hit with a tidal wave of emotions: Confusion. Fear. Awe. Gratitude. Joy and Peace. She simply replies, “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be as you have said” (Luke 1:38). She must have rushed home, filled with more questions and fear of the responses from others. She became pregnant and gave birth to Jesus in a lowly manger in Bethlehem. She watched him grow into a man and set out on his ministry. She witnessed some of his miracles. She heard about others. And as she stood by his cross at his crucifixion, did she truly understand what was happening? Or did her mother’s heart wish there was another way? 

Mary had a unique perspective in the life of Jesus. She is the only human who was present at this birth to be present at his death. She saw him arrive as her son and die as her Savior. One of my favorite songs is the song Mary, Did you know? written by Michael English in 1991 and has been covered many times over. It is often dismissed by some people as ridiculous. “Of course, Mary knew. The angel told her. She knew the Scriptures” they say. But did she really? Did she truly understand what her son would go through as the Messiah? Did she look down at her newborn son and see the great I AM? Did she see him grow up from a baby to a toddler to a child to a teen to a man and see the Son of God? Or did she simply see her son? Many believers have the privilege of centuries removed from the situation to easily dismiss the possibility that Mary didn’t fully understand the task God had given her. It wasn’t until I became a mother that I began to see Mary through a mother’s eyes. As I held my own child in my arms, moments after her birth, how could I possibly fathom the person she would grow up to be? Mary may have known what the Scriptures said but knowing the Scriptures and seeing them unfold before your eyes in two very different experiences. 

Women are highly valued in God’s eyes. Despite history and society telling us differently. Even today, some would use the Bible to devalue women. However, anyone who truly knows the Bible knows there are women who were instrumental in God’s plans. From the Old Testament to the New Testament, many women were placed in situations to be God’s instrument. None of these women were perfect but they all had faith to believe in God who can make the impossible possible. Rahab, the prostitute, in Joshua 2 risked her life to hide God’s spies. Esther risked death at the hands of her very powerful husband to save God’s people. And Mary risked being an outcast and shunned from her community for claiming to carry the Messiah. Imagine if a woman came forward today, claiming to be a virgin and carrying the Messiah, conceived by God. I doubt many of us would believe her. Mary’s story reminds us that God’s best servants are often ordinary people who are asked to be a part of extraordinary events. Also, most importantly to me, is that a person’s character is revealed by his or her response to the unexpected. Some would fall and be broken while others would rise up and be extraordinary. 

In conclusion, Mary is inspirational to us as a woman and as a mother. We can be like Mary. A woman who brings Jesus into our world by expressing his character, his forgiveness and his grace. As women, we can pray to be like Mary, a woman who was willing to be available to God and says “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be as you have said” with faith. Being willing to be a part of God’s plan can be scary and with most certain risk to our lives as we know it. However, when we do, God will provide us with the strength and courage that we need. I highly recommend checking out Michael English’s Mary, Did You Know? Even if you know the song already, take a closer listen and see Mary in a new light. 

My top 5 favorite books from 2022

The end of the year is here! I usually do a post recapping my year. Well, this year was filled with fun activities and events. But it was also a year filled with books. I decided to look back on the books of 2022. I read many books across multiple genres and had some that have stuck in my mind long after I closed the final chapter. Some books were good. Some were great and some not so great. I chose my top 5 favorites. It was hard to choose five but here they are, in no particular order.

1. Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley

This young adult novel is a story about a young woman torn between two worlds, two cultures and where she fits in. Daunis Fontaine is feisty and ready to fight for herself and those she loves. It is a book to be read slowly as the author presents complex issues with honesty and without blaming one side or the other. As I mentioned before, it is a young adult novel; however, all readers, young and old, will enjoy and benefit from reading this amazing story. I highly recommend Firekeeper’s Daughter. 

Firekeeper’s Daughter is available in hardcover, paperback, eBook and audiobook

2. The Bodyguard by Katherine Center

Katherine Center is always good for a great story. This romantic comedy is a laugh out loud funny, witty and snarky conversation between Hannah, the unconventional bodyguard, and Jack, her superstar client. It is a heartfelt story with emotions, struggles and laughter. I enjoyed Hannah and Jack as individuals with their relatable struggles as well as together as a couple. I closed the book with a sigh of happiness and contentment. The Bodyguard is the first book in a long time that made me laugh, cry and cheer. Highly recommended! 

The Bodyguard is available in hardcover, eBook and audiobook

3. A Limited Run by Karen McQuestion

Recreating a beloved tv show for two million dollars sounds easy peasy, right? There is more to the billionaire’s request than just to recreate this beloved show. This story was gripping and compelling from beginning to end with twists and turns that keeps you guessing about the true motives behind the request. It is filled with suspense and intrigue without being frightening. It is a book that is hard to pin down to a genre. A Limited Run is part psychological thriller, part spy like intrigue and part human interest kind of story. 

A Limited Run is available in hardcover, eBook, and audiobook

4. Did Not Finish by Nicola Marsh

This romantic comedy has it all. It is funny, romantic and oh-so-steamy! I laughed. I grinned. I sighed the way only romance stories make one sigh. I could not put this book down! I enjoyed both Mia and Axel as they start as enemies and when a sudden snowstorm keeps them together, they can’t deny the sparks between them. I even enjoyed the silent but present Mr Darcy, a grumpy cat that will melt your heart. Did Not Finish is a great romantic comedy that will leave you wanting more! 

Did Not Finish is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

5. A Time-Travel Christmas by Karen McQuestion

A Time-Travel Christmas is a beautifully heartwarming novella filled with miracles and Christmas magic. It will give all the warm and fuzzy feelings for Christmas spirit and belief in the impossible. The time travel aspect wasn’t overly complicated, just a touch of Christmas magic. I loved all the characters with their strength, their feistiness and their cool head in the midst of a troubling situation. The little twist at the end adds to the miracle magic of the story. Fast-paced and engrossing, I turned the last page with a smile. 

A Time-Travel Christmas is available in paperback and eBook

There are many, many great books out there! These are just a few of my favorites from 2022. My reading list for 2023 is already full. Can you believe it? You’re probably thinking, “yes, yes I can!” I can’t wait to dive into the books on next year’s reading list and hoping to find more great reads to share with you. As always, thank you for taking the time to read my posts and learn about these wonderful reads this year. I hope you all have a great New Year’s and here's to great reads for 2023! 

The Heartwood Wedding: a great romantic read for a lazy weekend

The Heartwood Wedding is the fourth book in the Carter’s Cove series by Elana Johnson. After a bad first date with a local journalist, Brad Keith, a former pro football player, needs an out. He tells her he’s engaged but he really isn’t. He needs to find a fake fiancée quickly. Celeste Heartwood is the event planner for the inn and just happens to walk by. Brad quickly pulls her into his lie. She agrees only because she wants a guaranteed date for the summer. She’s tired of attending events by herself. They strike a deal: a fake engagement for the summer. No strings, no entanglements. But soon their fake relationship becomes very real. Will they be able to walk away as planned? Or will they risk their hearts for love? 

The Heartwood Wedding was a cute, sweet romance. Brad tries to get a pushy woman off his back with a fake relationship, so he makes a deal with Celeste. Let the fake romance begin! However, wouldn’t people know that the local celebrity and a member of the prominent Heartwood family know they weren’t dating to become engaged? Some were skeptical but quickly accepted the news.  Of course, any fake relationship will often turn into a real one. Their relationship becomes sweet and endearing. Celeste is very bossy and uptight but reveals her true self as her relationship with Brad blossoms. I loved Brad’s very public gesture in order to win her heart for real. It was a quick read, great for a lazy afternoon of romance. I recommend The Heartwood Wedding. 

The Heartwood Wedding is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

Forest, Fishing and Forgery: more hijinks in Normal, Kentucky

Forest, Fishing and Forgery is the third book in the Campers and Criminals Cozy Mystery series by Tonya Kappes. It’s Labor Day weekend in Normal and the Happy Trails Campground is busier than ever. Unfortunately, a rumor circulates that the Daniel Boone National Park is in danger of being closed due to a drought. The park closure would devastate the campground as well as Normal. The residents are scrambling for business ideas in order to survive the possible shutdown. When a local resident with the power to shut down the park is found dead, there is no shortage of suspects. Added to the drama a hiker is missing and another local is found dead. Are they connected? It’s up to Mae to find out! 

I like the alliteration in the titles of this series; however, I failed to see how forests, fishing and forgery fit into this story. Granted some of the story takes place in the forests of the national park. However, most of the action takes place in the campground and in town. And there was little fishing or forgery occurring. The mystery was nice but given the title, I was expecting a crime other than murder. How many murders can occur in one small town? Overall, I enjoyed Forests, Fishing, and Forgery. It was a quick read for a cold, bundle up kind of morning. And I look forward to reading the rest of the series. If you enjoy cozy mysteries, you may enjoy Forests, Fishing and Forgery. 

Forests, Fishing, and Forgery is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

The Heartwood Beach: when a bodyguard/fake boyfriend comes very real

The Heartwood Beach is the third book in the Carter’s Cove series by Elana Johnson. Sheryl Heartwood loves tending the grounds around The Heartwood Inn. She finds peace among the plants, flowers and trees. She’s content with the beach-side life she has always known. However, she is not happy with the ex-boyfriend who keeps showing up where he’s not wanted: at her house, at the inn. Every time she turned around, there he was. She hires Gage Sanders, a retired Marine, as a bodyguard but he has to act as her boyfriend. Gage works various security jobs on the island. Acting as Sheryl’s bodyguard/boyfriend should be easy peasy. The lines quickly become blurred as the attraction between them becomes very, very real. Will the stalker leave her alone? Will Sheryl and Gage act on their attraction? 

The Heartwood Beach is a sweet, clean romance. Sheryl was hard to like. She ran so hot and cold with Gage, I often wondered what she was doing. And Gage was so secretive about weird things that it was odd. And their conflicts were over stupid things. The stalker plotline was poorly done. The reason he was stalking Sheryl was ludicrous and her solution to resolve it was just as ludicrous. A man stalks her, scaring her so much that she hires a man to act as her fake boyfriend and she does what?!?!? I did like that the story overlapped a bit with the previous book, so readers get to see the other perspectives from those events. Overall, I did enjoy The Heartwood Beach and it was a great book to read on a lazy afternoon. 

The Heartwood Beach is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

A Christmas Star: can the season bring healing and new love?

A Christmas Star by Judith Keim. It is the first book of the Seashell Cottage series which are standalone books all connected by the cottage. Two years ago, Noelle North’s fiancé left her at the altar on Christmas Day. She cannot endure another holiday season at home. She rents the Seashell Cottage on the Gulf Coast of Florida for the holiday. One day while walking along the beach, she meets Silas Bellingham, a young boy, and his dog, Duke. Noelle comes to learn that his great-grandmother, Althea, is being abused by her caretaker. A trained nurse, she is spurred into action. Soon she meets Silas’ father, Jake. Jake and Noelle immediately start butting heads. After getting off on the wrong foot, Jake realizes that Noelle is just what the family needs. Can the Christmas season be healing for them all? 

A Christmas Star is a story of healing and the miracles of Christmas. All the characters are nursing broken hearts and hurts from broken relationships to the death of the loved one. Each character finds themselves opening up to new love and new possibilities as well as healing and learning to move on. Noelle has a heart for others but hides her own broken heart. Jake is a broken man who has poured himself into his work. And a little boy whose innocence and wonder will bring them together. It has a Hallmark holiday feel. It is a great read for the holiday season or any time one wants to recapture the magic and possibilities of Christmas and love. It is a sweet, second chance romance with a bit of Christmas magic. I recommend A Christmas Star. 

A Christmas Star is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

The Heartwood Inn: a second chance romance

The Heartwood Inn is the second book in the Heartwood Sisters/Carter’s Cove series by Elana Johnson. Olympia Heartwood has her days filled with running the family empire. She is content and is not looking for romance especially after her heart was broken. She has sworn off men. She can’t trust them and definitely doesn’t need them. Or so she tells herself. Chet Christopher is a man on the run. He comes to the island to lick his wounds and find his feet again. He rents the penthouse at the inn. He is instantly attracted to Olympia but he hides his secrets. But he can’t help being drawn to her. As they grow closer together, the truth becomes harder and harder for him to tell. Will he tell her the truth? Will she open her heart to love and trust again? 

The Heartwood Inn is a sweet, clean romance. Olympia is a woman who has been burned by a very deceitful man. In order to protect her heart, she pours herself into her work and stays away from romance. She is immediately suspicious of Chet. How can he afford the penthouse? When nothing comes from her background checks, she decides to give him the benefit of the doubt. I enjoyed their romance. I enjoyed seeing the ice around Olympia’s heart thaw and melt. I expected a bit more drama especially when Chet’s secrets are revealed. Overall, I enjoyed The Heartwood Inn. It is a fun weekend/beach read. A story filled with second chances, romance and rebuilding yourself. I recommend The Heartwood Inn and I look forward to the rest of the series. 

The Heartwood Inn is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

Two Friends and a Funeral: friends to lovers rom com

Two Friends and a Funeral by Wendy Dalrymple is a friends to lovers rom-com. Amy Grimes has no intention of getting married. She is happy making her IT company thrive, traveling to exotic places and living life to the fullest. When her childhood friend, Owen Durant, approaches her with a plan. His uncle passed away and his will places Owen in an awkward situation: he must marry or forfeit his inheritance. Owen has the brilliant idea: a marriage of convenience, one just long enough to get his inheritance. Amy agrees and as the two get caught up in the wedding planning, they begin to find something inconvenient about marriage of convenience: their own mutual attraction. The attraction they have denied for years. Will their marriage of convenience become one for real? 

From the description, I was expecting a laugh-out-loud story filled with comedic situations. Unfortunately, it was not. The story felt rushed and fell flat. There was no real suspense. No real drama. Only one person was suspicious of their sudden engagement and rush to marry. However, nothing comes from their suspicions. It’s actually brushed aside fairly quickly. Why didn’t anyone question their sudden romantic relationship especially after the reading of the will? There wasn’t really any time to get to know Amy or Owen and their history. Even their transition from friends to lovers felt off. It wasn’t bad. It wasn’t great either. It just wasn’t the story I was expecting. The ending was the worst of all. All the build up for that?!?!? I did not enjoy Two Friends and a Funeral. 

Two Friends and a Funeral is available in paperback and eBook. 

The Heartwood Sea: falling in love again with an old flame and one's hometown

The Heartwood Sea is the first book in the Heartwood Sisters/Carter’s Cove series by Elana Johnson. Alissa Heartwood is captain of the fishing boat which supplies The Heartwood Inn, her family-owned and operated business on an island off the coast of South Carolina. She’s content until one day her ex-boyfriend arrives in town. Shawn Newman grew up on the island and has returned to acquire land for his boss’s new resort planned for the island. The land he must buy is the land the Heartwoods own. He knows they won’t sell so he doesn’t put his energy into making the deal. However, he finds himself drawn back into the beauty of the island and the woman he left behind. But will Alissa open her heart to him again? 

The Heartwood Sea is a clean, sweet second chance romance. Alissa still stings from the heartache left behind when Shawn left the island and she resists seeing him when he returns. But the old flame still has some spark. I enjoyed Alissa and Shawn’s rekindled romance. I enjoyed Shawn as he realized there was more to the island than just his hometown and his old love. He rediscovers the magic of the island community. Overall, The Heartwood Sea is a great quick, weekend/beach read. It has a bit of romance, a bit of drama and a heartwarming conclusion. I look forward to reading the rest of the series. I recommend The Heartwood Sea. 

The Heartwood Sea is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

If The Dress Fits: Southern social graces, sass and undercover sleuthing

If the Dress Fits is the follow up to Deconstructed by Liz Talley. Cricket Crosby has gotten her private investigator license and is ready to snoop and solve cases! Fresh off her divorce, she is ready to get running with her PI skills. When Juke, a local PI, is hired to solve the case of the theft of luxury items, he hires Cricket to go undercover. She is willing and ready to go; however, in her eagerness, she shines the focus on her employee and new bestie, Ruby Balthazar. Ruby’s past is always right under the surface. She can’t hide it but she certainly wants to rise above it. Her fashion line, Deconstructed, is a finalist in a local fashion competition. She receives an invitation to New York City’s Fashion Week. Ruby can’t believe her luck. But when she is arrested for the thefts, it rocks her to her core and feels everything she has dreamed is unraveling. The only solution now is to catch the thief. But can they before the thief strikes again? 

If the Dress Fits is such a fun book! I laughed at their antics. I cried with them. I sighed at the romantic moments. I even cheered as Cricket and Ruby battled through the theft case, their own insecurities and moving on with their lives with a new sense of purpose. I enjoyed seeing Cricket and Ruby in their new paths. I particularly loved that these women were not going to let their misfortunes dictate their lives. Outside of Cricket and Ruby, my favorite character is Gran, Ruby’s grandmother. She offers so much wisdom, tough love, and humor that she would be someone fun to have around. I also enjoyed that you didn’t necessarily need to read Deconstructed first (although I highly recommend it), in order to enjoy If the Dress Fits. Ms. Talley gives enough background detail that you can follow the relationships and the story without being lost. If the Dress Fits is filled with Southern social graces and sass that will leave you in stitches. I highly recommend If the Dress Fits.   

If the Dress Fits is available in paperback and eBook

Deconstructed is also available in paperback and eBook

The Taste of Ginger: one's journey to find home

The Taste of Ginger by Mansi Shah is a story of one woman’s journey to find where she is truly home. Preeti Desai, a first-generation immigrant, hasn’t lived the life her parents mapped out for her. She seemingly bucked every tradition her parents hold dear. She was barely on speaking terms with her parents when she moved in with her white Christian American boyfriend. Even after the relationship ends, the only thing she has going for her is her prestigious career at a Los Angeles law firm. When a family tragedy brings her back to the city of her birth, she learns more about the complicated past that her parents left behind and their reasons for moving to America. As she realizes the family’s battles with class, tradition and sacrifice, will she discover what home truly means? 

It’s not good when my first thought after finishing a book is “I really wanted to like this story.” It came so highly recommended that I was looking forward to it. However, Preeti is such an unlikable character with no redeeming qualities or even growth. She whines about everything! She is selfish, immature and self-absorbed. There are pages and pages where Preeti is essentially arguing with herself. The internal monologues were way too often. It was hard to believe she was supposed to be a professional woman of 30 and not a teenager. The story overexplains just about everything that it felt like a condescending lecture, especially about the cultural differences between America and India. The author wasn’t nice about either culture. It’s hard to say but I do not recommend The Taste of Ginger. 

The Taste of Ginger is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

Deserts, Driving and Derelicts: returning to Normal, Kentucky where nothing is normal

Deserts, Driving, and Derelicts is the second book in the Campers and Criminals series by Tonya Kappes. Readers return to Normal, Kentucky where nothing is normal. Mae West has settled into the community and her role as the owner of The Happy Trails Campground, a local campground, nestled in the Daniel Boone National Park. Suddenly, Mae finds herself face to face with someone from her past and another murder investigation. She tries to stay out of it but her own curiosity keeps pulling her back in. Mae won’t stop until the murderer is found. Now that she has found a community to love and belong to, she will do what she must to protect her new home. Can she find the killer before he strikes again?

 Deserts, Driving and Derelicts is filled with the hijinks of the colorful and quirky residents of Normal as they once again have a murderer in their midst. From rumors and petty feuds, everyone has an opinion about who the killer is but they are right? The identity of the killer surprised me but made sense as the motive was revealed. It was a quick and fun read for a lazy afternoon. There were moments of laughter and gasps of surprise. I look forward to reading the rest of the series and read about the town’s future adventures. If you enjoy a cozy mystery filled with quirky characters, I highly recommend Deserts, Driving and Derelicts. I would recommend starting with book 1 Beaches, Bungalows and Burglaries. 

Deserts, Driving, and Derelicts is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

Empire of Ice and Stone: the ill-fated arctic expedition and the two men who would define it.

Empire of Ice and Stone: The Disastrous and Heroic Journey of the Karluk by Buddy Levy is the true and harrowing story of the ill-fated 1913 Canadian Arctic Expedition and the two men who would define it. It was the summer of 1913 when Captain Bob Bartlett, the world’s greatest living ice navigator, took the wooden-hulled Karluk and its crew to the Arctic Ocean. The expedition was fueled by the flamboyant Vihjalmur Stefansson, a man who had vision, ambition and hunger for fame. After six weeks, giant ice formed about the ship, trapping her and her crew, Stefansson would leave for a hunting trip, only to never return. Twenty-two men and an Inuit woman with two small daughters were left on board. They would look to Captain Bartlett and his leadership for their survival. He would make a difficult and courageous decision. Would his plan work? Will they survive the harsh Polar environment? 

I don’t know much about the expeditions to the icy regions of Earth but I have heard of some of the men made famous from these adventures. The expedition of the Karluk and the men in charge was a story I hadn’t heard before. Set at a time of great expeditions and discoveries, as well as historical events like the Titanic disaster and World War I, Empire of Ice and Stone is the story of two men and their very different leadership ideas. One would be selfless, the other self-serving. One would be remembered as a hero and the other would be vilified. From bad decisions and hurried organization, in the search for fame and glory,  the journey of the Karluk and her crew were truly doomed from the start. Empire of Ice and Stone is a very interesting historical book filled with the words of the men who were there. I highly recommend Empire of Ice and Stone. 

Empire of Ice and Stone: The Disastrous and Heroic Journey of the Karluk 

is available in hardcover, eBook, and audiobook

The Season of Silver Linings: wrapping up the Sweet Lake series

The Season of Silver Linings  is the third book in the Sweet Lake series by Christine Nolfi. Jada Brooks is the pastry chef at the Wayfair Inn that her friends, Linnie and Cat, have brought from the brink and restored it to its former glory. While Linnie is focused on her upcoming wedding and Cat is basking in the glow of newly wedded bliss, Jada focuses on her role at the inn. She has a love/hate relationship with Philip Kettering, a widower with a six-year-old daughter. That love/hate relationship turns into a blooming romance as they decide to take a chance on love. But she has one secret, a secret that could tear them apart once and for all. When a guest checks into the inn, asking very curious questions, Jada is forced to confront the past she would rather forget. 

I have enjoyed the Sweet Lake series; however, The Season of Silver Linings was not my favorite of the series. Although I enjoyed Jada and Philip and their romance, I didn’t care for Philip’s daughter, Fancy. Fancy is a very precocious, bossy, and at times, annoying six year old. Then there are the Sirens with their hearts in the right place; but their actions would be very frustrating. There was a bit of a mystery as to who the guest with the curious questions was; however, it was a mystery that came clear to me before it was clear to the characters. I appreciate that Ms Nolfi handles difficult topics with heart and great care. In The Season of Silver Linings, the topics of mental illness, suicide and the effects on relationships are explored. Overall, I did enjoy and recommend The Season of Silver Linings along with the first two books. 

The Season of Silver Linings is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

Books 1 and 2: Sweet Lake and The Comfort of Secrets

are available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

Come Tomorrow: a chance meeting and single act of kindness

Come Tomorrow by Tess Thompson is the first book in the Castaway Christmas series. It is a story of how one chance meeting and a single act of kindness can change the course of two young lives. Christmas Eve 1904, twelve year old Luci Quick is left to raise her newborn sister when her mother dies during childbirth and her father would rather spend his days at the gaming tables. She is sure they will starve as the community looks down at the Quick family. When fourteen year old Wesley Ford stumbles upon the shambles of the Quick home, his heart is moved to help. He secretly brings a basket of food and then disappears. Luci wonders what happened to her savior? Six years later, Wesley returns after the death of his father. He shows her that he never forgot her. As the two grow closer, family secrets and whispered rumors threaten to tear them apart. 

Come Tomorrow is a sweet romance story filled with Christmas magic and acts of kindness that can change one’s life. I enjoyed the themes of hope, love, and kindness to others. I loved Luci’s resolve, resilience, and determination to survive and rise above the community’s expectations. I also love Wesley’s kind heart and determination to help someone in need. One of my favorite quotes from the book: “A man can’t save the whole world, but he can surely save his neighbor.” It’s a reminder that one act of kindness may not change the world but it can change the world for one person. It could be the change in the tide that their life flows in a new and better direction. A great book to read at Christmas or any time of the year when we need reminding that love is worth fighting for. I’m looking forward to the rest of the series. I highly recommend Come Tomorrow. 

Come Tomorrow is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

Gomer: a story of unfaithfulness, redemption and love

Gomer is known in the Bible as the unfaithful wife of the prophet Hosea. We don’t hear from her in Scriptures. We only know of her actions. After she married Hosea, she carried on numerous affairs. She would give gifts to her lovers than were gifted to her by Hosea. She is the symbol of spiritual adultery. A picture of Israel’s unfaithfulness to God. However, Hosea continued to love her despite her unfaithfulness. She is more than just an unfaithful wife. She is an illustration of the redeeming love that God has for us despite our unfaithfulness. What’s her story? What is a redeeming love? How is she an illustration? 

Hosea was a prophet. An important man in Israel. He was the mouthpiece of God to His people. He would be the man to steer the nation with his prophecies; but, he couldn’t control his wife. God had instructed Hosea to take Gomer as his wife and love her as God loved Israel. Many scholars believed that Gomer was faithful in the beginning. Hosea 1:3 says that Gomer bore Hosea a son. However, in verses 6 and 8, Gomer has two more children. However, Hosea’s name is not mentioned. It has led scholars to believe that the last two children were not Hosea’s biological children but the children of her lovers. Sometime after the birth of her first child, she became unfaithful. When Gomer is mentioned again in Hosea 3, Hosea is instructed to buy her back. The Bible doesn’t say why she had to be bought back. Two possibilities is that she sold herself into prostitution or she was another man’s mistress. But he pays and he brings her home. 

A redeeming love is a love that frees someone from a burden. Hosea redeemed Gomer from the burden of being a prostitute or another man’s mistress. God has redeemed us from sin through His Son, Jesus Christ. God loves us and remains faithful even when we are not. He waits with open arms for us to repent and turn back to Him. God remains faithful at all times. When we get busy and put others before Him. Whether it is work, family responsibilities, and even our church and charitable obligations. Like many people, I am prone to pay attention to what needs my immediate attention and push, even unwittingly, aside my time with God. But He always welcomes me back with open arms and forgiveness for my inattentiveness. I try to do my best but I’m not perfect. I will never be perfect. I will fall from time to time but God will be there to help me up when I do. He will let me try again. You may think you are too far gone for help. But you are not. He is there waiting. He will welcome you back and let you try again. 

Gomer becomes an illustration for us. A person who seeks other pleasures and desires, turning from the One who remained lovingly faithful. Like Hosea, with every reason to cut ties with Gomer, God could have walked away from us. Leaving us to our choices and consequences. But God doesn’t walk away from us. He is not asking for perfection. He is asking for consistency, regular meetings. A prayer as you head to work, before a meal, and even before bed. You can pray whenever and wherever you want. A quick “Help me, Lord” in a moment of frustration or a stressful situation counts and He will hear. One of my favorite quiet times is bedtime as I lay my youngest daughter down to sleep, I pray. I pray for my shortcomings as a mom, a wife, and an overall person. I pray for my daughters and their successes and struggles. I pray for my husband as he prepares to rest and face work the next day. I pray in thankfulness for God’s love and mercy. I pray for this continued help as I live this life that He has given me. No fancy words needed, just words from your heart. 

In conclusion, Gomer was a woman who was unfaithful. She turned from her husband who loved her. She is later redeemed when she deserved to be left behind. God doesn’t want to leave us behind. He wants to love us and provide for us. We just need to come to Him. Through His Son, Jesus Christ, we are redeemed. Hosea redeems Gomer with valuables but we are redeemed through the precious blood of Jesus (1 Peter 1:18-19). Many people would focus on the fact that Hosea was forced to marry Gomer, a prostitute; however, they miss the most important picture. Gomer’s story is a story of redemption and love. 

Symbol Maker's Daughter: the end of the War of the Roses

Symbol Maker’s Daughter by Clare Gutierrez is a tale of intrigue, mystery and destiny as the fight for the English throne continues. The War of the Roses has been ranging between two houses of the Plantagenets: Lancaster and York since 1455. In 1483, Edward IV died, leaving his throne to his young son, but his ambitious brother, Richard, took the throne in the young boy’s place. Edward’s two sons were placed in the Tower under the guise of their protection. But there is a growing, secret support for another claim to the throne, a young man named Henry Tudor.. Lord Weldon began to have dreams, dreams with vivid images that he recreates the symbols for the images he saw. He entrusts his daughter, Nicola, to deliver these symbols. Nicola sets out on a perilous journey that could be life and death for her and the crossroads of history. 

The War of the Roses has always been taught in passing and I know very little how it began or how it ended. This book is the tail end of the war as Richard, Duke of Gloucester, becomes Richard III and meets Henry Tudor on the battlefield. While history already tells us Henry wins the crown to become Henry VII, political alliances, rumors of witchcraft and murder, everyone questions who or what they can trust. History could have been different. Symbol Maker’s Daughter is an interesting take on the events that lead to the end of the War of the Roses. It is a very detailed story with many moving parts. I read the book in about a week, which is a rarity for me. However, because the story was so detailed and intricate, this story requires a slow read to understand the events. I recommend Symbol Maker’s Daughter. 

Symbol Maker’s Daughter is available in paperback and eBook