Huldah: a prophetess who wasn't afraid to speak the truth and deliver a harsh message

Huldah is the focus on my Bible study this month. Her story is told in 2 Kings 22:14-20. Just a few verses with a big impact. Huldah is one of four women with true authentic prophetic ministry mentioned in the Bible. She is a relatively unknown name in the Bible but she played a big role. She was trusted by the king with an important task. She was a prophetess whose word generated a significant religious reform in the kingdom. As a prophetess, she had the great privilege to be a messenger of God; however, she witnessed God’s people refusing to respond to him with loving obedience. She witnessed the people repeatedly ignoring God’s warnings about the consequences of their disobedience. 

King Josiah wanted to know if the word of the Book of the Law, a scroll that the high priest Hilkiah discovered had come to pass or will be a future event. The scroll, which was core material from Deuteronomy, was given to Huldah, who carefully read as the words spawned vision after vision from the past and the future. She has visions of the people’s past sins (2 Kings 17). She also sees destruction to the land (2 Kings 22:16). Huldah tells the king that the prophecy has come to pass and the Lord will punish those deeds. Her words confirmed the king’s fear: that Judah was on the edge of judgment and its infidelities had not gone unnoticed. A hundred years prior, Judah would have witnessed the northern kingdom of Israel being marched away by Assyria (2 Kings 17:5-6). Josiah went into action, purging all paganism from his kingdom. It was one of the greatest religious reforms. Unfortunately, thirty-five years after Huldah’s prophecy, Judah would be taken away in chains to Babylon (2 Kings 24). 

While 2 Kings 22 doesn’t tell us what portion of the Book of the Law was found. A part of the Law is the Ten Commandments In Deuteronomy 5:6-21. Everyone knows the prohibitions against stealing, murder, adultery, false testimony, and coveting (verses 16-21) and keeping the Sabbath and honoring one’s mother and father (verses 12-15). What about the others? First, no other gods before Him (verse 7). A god can be anything you put before God. A spouse, children, job, family, money, power, anything that replaces God’s importance in your life. Second, no worship of idols in the forms of anything in heaven above, on earth, or in the waters below (verses 8-10). A physical idol can be statutes of angels, saints, even of Jesus Himself which are worshiped in place of God. Third, do not misuse the name of God, often quoted as taking the Lord’s name in vain (verse 11). What does it mean to take the Lord’s name in vain? It is using the Lord’s name in a perverse way such as using it as a curse word, using phrases like “Oh my God,” “Good Lord” or as a threat, “I swear to God.” It is using His name in ways that do not honor Him or glorify Him. 

One might look at the Ten Commandments and think there’s no way to follow all of them. It’s too hard, so why try?  However, Jesus wrapped all ten in a few sentences. In Matthew 22:37-40, he states that we are to love God with all our heart, with all our soul, and with all our minds and to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. Our neighbors are the world around us, even those who would be against us. We are to love our friends, family, allies and our enemies. Love takes action and treating someone better than they deserve is grace and mercy. James 1:19 calls us to be like God and be slow to anger just as God is slow to anger. There are numerous verses which tell us that God is slow to anger, quick to forgive and abounds with love. Exodus 34:6, Numbers 14:18. Psalm 103:8 and Nehemiah 9:17 to reference a few. God’s anger is a serious consequence of who He is: just, fair, and good. His love and compassion for us, His mercy and forgiveness, far outweigh His anger when we come to Him in repentance. 

In conclusion, judgment and mercy, law and grace, punishment and salvation that were characteristic of God’s love affair with his people. Huldah was a woman who understood the paradox and was not afraid to proclaim the truth. She cherished the words of God in a time of crisis. The Ten Commandments are about loving God and loving our neighbors. Love is slow to anger and quick to forgive (1 Corinthians 13:4-7). Yes, some people make it hard to love and forgive them. How do you love someone who does something unlovable? Always treat them with kindness and pray for them. Ask God to open their eyes and hearts. Acts of kindness can send a message that we may not be friends but we can be friendly. 

A Woman of Fortune: one woman's journey from the ashes to the life she always wanted

A Woman of Fortune is the first book in the Texas Gold series by Kellie Coates Gilbert. Texas socialite Claire Massey was on top of the world, living the dream. Designer clothes, luxury cars, stunning homes and a life most people would envy. There was very little room for complaints in her book. Until it comes crashing down when Tuck, her charming, savvy cattle broker husband, is arrested for fraud and other charges. She suddenly finds herself facing lawyers, the media, and a trail of angry people with broken hearts and broken dreams. Feeling betrayed, humiliated and devastated, Claire must find a way to rise from the ashes and create a new life, a life she didn’t know she truly wanted, and pursue a dream she didn’t know she had. 

A Woman of Fortune is an emotional roller coaster for Claire as she goes from the envy of Texas society to vilified and mocked from the very people she thought were friends. The reactions, responses and personal crises and turmoil are very realistic. However, the story left me conflicted. Would I respond like Claire did if my husband had done what Tuck did? Would I stay by my man if he lied, cheated and essentially stole from hard working people? Would I trust him again? I loved that she finds herself strength and fights for what she wants despite the “image” that she has been raised to portray. And the constant mentions of food made it hard to read because it was making me hungry! The mention of BBQ brisket alone made my mouth water! Overall, I enjoyed the story and look forward to reading the rest of the series. I recommend a Woman of Fortune. 

A Woman of Fortune is available in paperback and eBook. 

A Parade of Wishes: when the impossible becomes possible

A Parade of Wishes by Camille DiMaio is the sixth book in The Wishing Tree series. Liz Guidry is the It-Girl in New York City for painting murals in posh Park Avenue nurseries. But something is missing. The accolades feel empty and the wait-lists leave her feeling uninspired. When she crosses paths with Neva Cabot, who orders a commissioned piece, her life begins on a path that will change her life. After delivering the piece to Linden Falls, Neva asks Liz to return a little boy’s lost wallet on her way out of town. She reluctantly agrees, not knowing that the love she wants is awaiting for her up ahead. Will she open her heart to the love she craves? Will she allow herself to believe in the magic of the Wishing Tree? 

A Parade of Wishes is a sweet story of finding your heart’s desires in ways that can only be beyond human explanation. I loved how Liz, despite being skeptical, decides to grant a wish. She grabs one that seems impossible to fulfill. Or is it? It is a fast read but a heartwarming story that reminds us that the best things in life are often unexpected and greater than we ever thought we wanted or needed. I loved the characters of Mark and his nephew, Cameron. I love the little pearls of wisdom like “people never say what they want..they say what is expected of them. If you listen closely, you hear what their heart desires most.” I highly recommend A Parade of Wishes as well as the previous five books of The Wishing Tree series. 

A Parade of Wishes is available in paperback and eBook. 

Twice a Quinceanera: a story of strength, self-discovery and second chances at love

Twice a Quinceanera by Yamile Saied Mendez is a story of strength, self-discovery and second chance at love. One month before her wedding, and her thirtieth birthday, Nadia Palacio stood up to her cheating fiancé for the first time in their long relationship. She breaks off their engagement. While she congratulates herself on her strength, she dreads telling her Argentinian family. As the family struggles with the news and what to do next, Nadia sees a magazine that gives her an idea. With the wedding venue paid for and family from around the world coming into town, Nadia is determined to create her own happily ever after. She will celebrate her double quinces or treintanera. As the first professional in her family, she sees the opportunity to raise a glass to her achievements. Until she discovers that the man in charge of the wedding venue is none other than her college fling, the one she let get away, and he looks more delicious than ever. Can her journey of self-discovery lead to a second chance at love? 

Twice a Quinceanera is touted as “a pure delight for every woman who needs to be her own biggest fan—and who dreams of a second chance at first love” and “full of exuberant heart.” While it certainly lived up to this sentiment, I’m conflicted about the overall story. I felt the pace was off. I liked Nadia’s journey of finding the strength to end a relationship and be herself. The story clicked all the boxes for inclusivity and representation. There were so many characters that I stopped trying to keep track. I enjoyed the Spanish phrases that were mixed in with the story. However, I felt there wasn’t any explanation or translation as to what was said in the following text to give non-Spanish speaking readers a clue what was said. My Spanish is basic so I can decipher many phrases; however, I found myself stopping to Google search some phrases. Toward the end, I stopped and just skipped over the Spanish. Overall, Twice a Quinceanera is a good story of self-discovery and second chances at love. 

Twice a Quinceañera is available in paperback and eBook

Workout Wishes and Valentine Kisses: when love is right before your eyes

Workout Wishes and Valentine Kisses by Barbara Hinske is the fifth book in The Wishing Tree series. In Linden Falls, wishes are tied to the branches of the linden tree in the town square. Wishes of hopes and dreams. Some believe in the magic of the tree and others do not. Can anything change their minds? Pam Olson and Steve Turner have been childhood friends who are now work colleagues at the local gym. They are perfect for each other except they do not see it. Fortunately, there are a few who do and are willing to bring these two together. After disastrous online dating, Pam joins Steve in a no-dating pact. What they don’t know is that there is a covert mission to bring these two together. Will they finally see the sparks between them? 

I love The Wishing Tree series and its magical town of Linden Falls. In this story, Pam and Steve have seen their share of heartbreak and are determined to never be hurt again. Reluctantly, Pam agrees to try online dating and it ends as horribly as she imagined. I thoroughly enjoyed Pam and Steve. They have a history and a friendship they don’t want to jeopardize in case their romance fizzles. I felt for Pam as each online date she goes on is worse than the one before. I enjoyed the involvement and the covert mission that those close to Pam and Steve put in action as they see these two belong together. I highly recommend Workout Wishes and Valentine Kisses as well as the previous books in The Wishing Tree series. 

Workout Wishes and Valentine Kisses is available in paperback and eBook

Fatal Affair: murder mystery with a sexy, steamy romance

Fatal Affair by Marie Force is the first book in the Fatal series. Washington D.C. Metro Police Detective Sergeant Samantha “Sam” Holland needs to salvage her career as well as her confidence after a disastrous investigation that left her shaken. She needs a big case, a big win. Soon she will be assigned to the biggest case of her career.  Senator John O’Connor is found brutally murdered in his bed. Things get complicated when she discovers that O’Connor’s Chief of Staff and best friend is none other than Nick Cappuano, the man she had one memorable night together years ago and never heard from again. Nick always thought about Sam and their night together and wondered why she never returned his calls. They discover their chemistry is still hot but they need to stay focused. There’s a murderer to find. As the danger builds, can they deny their connection any longer? 

Fatal Affair is a suspenseful whodunit with the unexpected twists and turns as they get closer to the identity of the killer. From page one, the murder mystery grabs your attention and the steamy, sexy tension between Sam and Nick adds to the danger. From the political intrigue, suspects everywhere and the personal secrets that are threatened to be revealed, I thoroughly enjoyed the story. I enjoyed the relationship between Sam and Nick as well as her relationship with supporting characters. I loved that Sam had the bravado of a seasoned cop but also hides a fear of inadequacy and self-doubt. I enjoyed that I couldn’t figure out who the killer was and the reveal of his or her identity was a great suspenseful moment. I look forward to reading the rest of the Fatal series. If you enjoy a murder mystery with a sexy, steamy romance, I highly recommend Fatal Affair. 

Fatal Affair is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

Dark Earth: historical fantasy about two sisters

Dark Earth by Rebecca Stott is a story that takes the discovery of an artifact found while building in London. An artifact that asks the question who left it? On an island in the Thames River in AD 500, two sisters, Isla and Blue, find themselves fighting for survival in the harshness of the Dark Ages Britain. Not far from them is the Ghost City, the abandoned ruins of Londinium, the glorious Roman settlement. The ruins are said to be haunted by vengeful spirits. Isla, Blue and their father, the Great Smith, were exiled to the island when he was accused of using dark magic to forge his swords. Osric, the local warlord, places the family under close guard and decrees that the magnificent swords are to be made only for him. When their father suddenly dies, Isla and Blue face enslavement by Osric and his cruel son, Vort. Their only option is to escape into the Ghost City, hoping the fear of the ruins would keep them safe. They discover that in order to survive, they must use their skills and ingenuity to fight back.

I was intrigued by the premise and the author’s note in the beginning of the story that explains the discovery of a brooch in the ruins of Londinium. I usually enjoy stories that are inspired by a piece of history. Unfortunately, the story did not satisfy my curiosity. Dark Earth was a very hard book to get into. I did enjoy the relationship between the two sisters. Isla was the level headed sister who secretly learned her father’s trade. Blue was the fanciful/weird one. Touted as a “heart-in-mouth adventure” that brings a female perspective to a historical period dominated by men, however, beyond the sister’s relationship, the story was dry and bland. The author certainly knows her history and the descriptions of the time are vivid; however, the story is a lot of “telling” instead of “showing” for example “Mother said …” or “Father said…” when I would have preferred to be shown the action as the sisters retell their stories. It was supposed to have a mystical feel, but it wasn’t coming across for me. If you enjoy fantasy with a historical time period, you may enjoy Dark Earth. 

Dark Earth is available in hardcover, eBook, and audiobook

The Bodyguard: hilarious rom-com with heart and soul

The Bodyguard by Katherine Center is a rom-com story of reversed roles, family secrets and finding love. Hannah Brooks doesn’t look like your typical bodyguard. At 5 foot 3, she easily looks more like a lovable kindergarten teacher than somebody who could body slam someone to the ground. But she can. She is an Executive Protection Agent, aka a bodyguard. She’s put in charge of the protection detail for Jack Stapleton, a superstar actor with a strange stalker. Jack is a household name despite being out of the spotlight for a few years. He is forced home to his family’s Texas ranch when his mom gets sick. However, he doesn’t want his family to know about the stalker or his protection detail. So to explain Hannah’s presence? She’s his girlfriend. No one thinks it’s believable, especially Hannah. But she goes along with it, telling herself it’s just another job. However, the more she spends time with Jack and his family, the more she wants it to be real. What could possibly go wrong? 

What a story! I love Katherine Center! She writes heartfelt stories with feelings, struggles and plenty of humor. The Bodyguard delivers on all fronts! I laughed. I cried. I grinned ear to ear! The story kept me on my toes with twists and turns that kept me guessing. Even the epilogue at the end had a few twists of its own. I related to Hannah quite a bit. She was an ordinary woman with no remarkable beauty, easily faded into the background. A plus for her job, not so much for her personal life. Until the right man comes along and shows her that she’s more than just ordinary. Jack was also a great character. The handsome superstar who has a downhome soul. I enjoyed the supporting characters as well, even the jerks we love to hate and cheer when they get their comeuppance. Overall, I highly enjoyed The Bodyguard. It’s the first book in the longest time that made me laugh, cry, and grin. I highly recommend The Bodyguard! 

The Bodyguard is available July 19, 2022 in hardcover, eBook, and audiobook

A Colorful Life: friendship, love and finding strength in life's twists and turns

A Colorful Life by Melissa Storm is a story of friendship, love, adventure and finding the strength to move forward. Life has been one disappointment after another for Daly English. She locks herself in her art studio, focusing on her art school portfolio rather than dealing with the hurt. However, fate is going to give her no choice but to face them. Three separate times, she comes face to face with a handsome stranger, Akash “Kashi” Malhorta, refuses to walk away from Daly and forces her to face the losses she has had and open herself to love and trust again. Their whirlwind romance takes them from her drab Midwest hometown to the bold and colorful country of India. Will Daly continue to live in the background of life? Will her journey teach her to live and love despite life’s disappointments and tragedies? 

A Colorful Life was a hard book to read. Daly was a hard character to like. While I sympathized with her grief and struggles, I felt she was very childish in many aspects even toward the end. The story itself seemed to be lacking something. The conflicts were too quick. At one point, as Kashi and Daly are flying to India, he reveals that he isn’t going to introduce her as his girlfriend and, of course, Daly is upset; however, she accepts this condition too quickly. Yes, they were already halfway around the world but to say “I don’t like it but ok” was just odd to me. Overall, it was a hard book to enjoy. There was so much going on and at the same time nothing really. It wasn’t a bad story, it just wasn’t the book I was expecting. 

A Colorful Life is available in paperback and eBook

Bet on it: anxiety, love and bingo

Bet on it by Jodie Slaughter is a story of anxiety, and learning to love and trust again. Aja Owens is fairly new in Greenbelt, South Carolina. The small town offers a new life. What she doesn’t expect is to meet the man of her dreams in the middle of the Piggly Wiggly during a panic attack. Then she meets him again. This time he is introduced as Walker Abbott, the semi-estranged grandson of her favorite bingo buddy, Ms. May. There are only two good things about his hometown in Walker’s mind: the peach cobbler at a local diner and his grandmother. He forces himself back in town after a decade away to help his grandmother as she heals from a fall. His plan: stay a few weeks and he’ll leave this town behind once again. Except there’s a snag in that plan: Aja. Friendly banter leads to a bingo-based sex pact. A pact that was supposed to keep their budding relationship casual and temporary. What happens when casual and temporary becomes deeper and permanent? 

Bet on it is a wonderful story of personal growth, anxiety issues and two very broken people who find a way to each other and become whole again. The story is filled with hard hitting emotional issues which are realistic and intense. The book opens with Aja in the middle of a very public attack and my heart went out to her. I loved her courage to work on herself, to step outside her comfort zone despite her anxiety. As Walker opens up about his own issues, my heart went to him as well. These are two very broken people. One is actively trying to overcome her issues and the other prefers to run from them. I laughed. I cried. And I cheered as they find a way to overcome. I would warn that the language may be too vulgar for some readers. I feel it adds authenticity to the characters so it was tolerable for me. The sex scenes between Aja and Walker are intense and very steamy. Overall, I enjoyed Aja and Walker’s story. I recommend Bet on it. 

Bet on it is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

Worth the Wait: family drama and non-so-secret love

Worth the Wait is the first book in the St James series by Jamie Beck. Vivi LeBrun has been in love with David St. James for thirteen years. Too bad he is her best friend’s older brother. Her love for him only grew over the years as the family’s friendship saved her from a lonely and rocky childhood. Now she travels to Block Island to vacation with the St James siblings, Vivi continues to daydream about David, their reunion and the hopes that he finally sees her as she sees him. After his mother’s death. David has been keeping a terrible secret which puts distance between him and his siblings. As the family gathers for a vacation, he is weary from his secret and a girlfriend who is pushing for a more serious commitment. The last thing he expected was a growing attraction to Vivi. As the tensions build, David triggers a series of events that may cost him his family, a love he has taken for granted and the only family Vivi has known. 

Worth the Wait is a story filled with family drama, sibling banter, hidden secrets and unrequited love. It is sexy with fun banter and deep moments of discussions of real issues with real reactions and responses. Most women can relate to the infatuation one has on a best friend’s older brother. I related to Vivi as she felt an outsider in many aspects. As an oldest child, as David is, I have had to keep my fair share of secrets from my siblings. While the truth was eventually told in due time, I understand David’s struggles to keep his promise and the urge to reveal all. How many family secrets are kept at the expense of someone else? While the story had the outcome I expected, the journey to get there was one I did not expect. Not all family issues are wrapped up in a neat little bow. I am looking forward to the rest of the series as I suspect that David’s secret will be revealed to his siblings in due time. I highly recommend Worth the Wait. 

Worth the Wait is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook. 

Maid for Love: a fun, sexy romance for a lazy afternoon

Maid for Love is the first book in the Gansett Island series by Marie Force. Single mom Maddie Chester has been the source of rumors and innuendos on the Gansett Island for years. She has been determined not to let them affect her. One day, on her way to work, she is knocked off her bike by Gansett’s “favorite son,” Mac McCarthy. The son of her bosses at McCarthy’s Resort Hotel. Mac is back in town to help his father sell the family resort and has no intentions to stay. But when he accidentally injures Maddie when she falls, he feels moved to help her as she heals. As he gets to know Maddie and her young son, he learns her history with the people and the island, he is moved to correct the misconceptions. He realizes that his heart has been lost to Maddie, but can Maddie allow herself to love despite her past hurts? 

Maid for Love is a cute, sweet romance. It was great for a lazy afternoon. The romance between Mac and Maddie was wonderfully sweet. As Mac tries to convince Maddie that he is sincere, she desperately attempts to keep him at arm’s length. She doesn’t think she deserves the love of the island’s Golden Boy and she definitely knows his mother wouldn’t approve. But little by little, she feels her resolve fade as Mac proves he’s not like his family and he certainly doesn’t believe the rumors. While Maid for Love is a predictable romance with a happy ending, there were some surprising twists and turns that kept my attention and rooting for Mac and Maddie. Overall, I enjoyed it. Maid for Love was a cute, sweet and sexy story. It is a great story to the series and I look forward to reading other love stories on Gansett Island. If you enjoy romances, I recommend Maid for Love. 

Maid for Love is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

Six Months in Montana: a sweet marriage of convenience romance

Six Months in Montana is the first book in the Sweet Western Romance series by Pamela M. Kelley. Molly Bishop loves living in Manhattan and soon she’ll have her dream job as General Manager of a luxury hotel. However, there’s a snag she never sees coming. Back in Beauville, Montana, Christian Ford discovers that his late grandfather put a last minute clause in his will. In order to inherit the family ranch, he must marry Molly and stay married for at least six months. Molly and Christian haven’t seen each other in over ten years, what was his grandfather thinking? Will Molly agree to leave her life and put her dreams on hold for six months? 

Six Months in Montana is a cute, fun and quick marriage of convenience romance. While the story is predictable, it was still enjoyable. One complaint is there was very little, if any, conflict. There was great potential for conflict but it seemed to be brushed aside fairly easily. I would have loved to have seen a bit more conflict especially from Molly’s rival, Isabella. Overall, I wasn’t expecting much but a fun romance and that’s what it was. I enjoyed Christian and Molly as well as their supportive cast of characters. I look forward to reading the rest of this series. If you are looking for a fun, sweet romance for a quick afternoon read, I recommend Six Months in Montana. 

Six Months in Montana is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

The True Love Bookshop: enemies to friends to something more?

The True Love Bookshop is the third book in the Somerset Lake series by Annie Rains. Tess Lane owning Lakeside Books has been a dream come true. She hosts a weekly book club there that has been her lifeline since her husband, Jared's sudden death three years ago. She’s ready to start a new chapter in her life, to finally move on until River Harrison shows up at the store. All her lingering unanswered questions come back. River is a former Marine turned private investigator. He is a reminder of everything she has lost. She tries to ignore him, but she soon realizes River is the key to finally getting the answers she needs. Together, they embark on a journey of discovery. Is she really ready for the answers she’s looking for? Once she knows, there’s no going back. Despite her misgivings, she forges forward and even finds joy and laughter in her life again. Can Tess find the strength to forgive, let go of the past and find love again? 

Annie Rains is a new author to me and I love the cover of this book that I picked it up. I didn’t realize that it is the third in the series and worried that it would affect my understanding. There were references to the previous two books, it didn’t overwhelm this story or my enjoyment. From the beginning, I felt for Tess and her struggles to move forward from her husband’s death. When River stumbles into her bookstore, she can’t quite be heartless and refuse his pleas for help. I enjoyed the chemistry and history between Tess and River. I also enjoyed that their story wasn’t a typical, formulaic romance. There were real issues that were discussed but didn’t magically disappear as their relationship grew from enemies to friends to maybe more? I even enjoyed the supporting cast. Overall, I truly enjoyed The True Love Bookshop and look forward to going back to the first two books and reading any future books in the series. I recommend The True Love Bookshop. 

The True Love Bookshop is available in paperback and eBook

Abigail's Shop: an enemies to lovers romantic comedy

Abigail’s Shop by Rachel Herron is the first book in the Cypress Hollow Yarn series. Abigail Durant gets the shock of her life when an old friend, Eliza Carpenter, left her an inheritance. A cottage and a plot of land on her sheep ranch. Cade MacArthur, Eliza’s nephew, is the other heir who inherits the rest of the ranch. Cade is not happy with his aunt’s will and becomes grumpier than usual. Despite Cade’s grumpiness and hostility, Abigail is determined to turn her inheritance into a second chance. She dreams of opening a knitting shop where she can spin her own yard, teach a few classes and knit until her heart’s content. While they seem to be at odds, the chemistry between them is undeniable. Was Eliza matchmaking from beyond the grave? When the past Abigail thought she left behind follows her to Cypress Hollow, she must decide if she can trust Cade with her secrets as well as her heart. 

Abigail’s Shop is a fun, cute  enemies-to-lovers rom-com with a bit of suspense. I don’t know much about knitting but the book gives enough details to inform readers without bogging down the story with extensive details. Many reviews have complained that the plot is formulaic and while it did hit all the enemies-to-lovers points, it was still enjoyable. It is not a book to take too seriously but to sit back and enjoy. In my experience, most romances regardless of the trope are formulaic but that doesn't mean that they aren’t enjoyable. There are sex scenes that are common for a romance novel. It doesn’t get graphic or explicit. It’s more hot and heavy, then fades to black. Overall, Abigail’s Shop is a typical romance with drama, headbutting, undeniable attraction and a force that is trying to keep them apart. However, I thoroughly enjoyed Abigail’s Shop and look forward to reading the rest of the series. I recommend Abigail’s Shop. 

Abigail’s Shop is available in eBook

Between Earth and Sky: friendship, betrayal and the sacrifices made in order to belong

Between Earth and Sky by Amanda Skenandore is a tragic story that intersects the white and Native American culture when a young girl learns about friendship, betrayal and the sacrifices made in order to belong. One morning in Philadelphia in 1906, Alma Mitchell reads a newspaper headline that shakes her to her core and brings to the surface a past she kept hidden. A federal agent was killed and Harry Muskrat, or Asku as Alma knew him, is the prime suspect. Asku was once the most promising student at the Stover School, a “savage-taming” boarding school that was run by her father. The school was created to assimilate the children of neighboring reservations. Assimilation at the cost of everything they've known: their language, customs, and their very names. Alma knows the boy she knew would never commit murder but doesn’t recognize the man he had become: an outcast in the white world and a ghost in his own. Stewart, her lawyer husband, reluctantly agrees to help defend Asku. Will they be able to successfully defend Asku? What will happen when Alma finally must reveal the secrets she hides? 

Between Earth and Sky is told between alternating timelines between Alma’s childhood and the present. It is a beautifully complex story that tells a haunting and yet true period of American History. While there were some motives that were altruistic, others were determined to kill the Indian in the man. It is a story that will break your heart as you read the harsh treatment that was done to ensure the Indian cultures were erased. In some cases, they have succeeded as many Indian languages have been lost to time while others are seeing a resurgence due to the careful preservations. It is a story about love, loss, justice and the journey toward understanding and atonement. The growth that Alma goes through from the beginning to the end of the book is difficult. At some points, I thought she would never truly see what her Native friends were trying to show her. I have read about the Indian boarding schools before and this book does an excellent job depicting the cruelty and harshness toward the native students. I enjoyed Between Earth and Sky and highly recommend it. 

Between Earth and Sky is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook. 

 

 .