Anna: a woman of faith and devotion

Anna was an extraordinary person who demonstrated great faith and devotion. A prophetess who spent her days seeking God. After only several years of marriage, her husband dies, leaving Anna with no family to take care of her. As a widow, Anna was among the most vulnerable in society. She spent the rest of her life in the temple, praying and fasting. She worshiped day and night. She was one of the first to bear witness to Jesus, who she longed to see, as the coming Messiah. She is only mentioned in Luke 2:36-38.Two short verses detail a woman of devotion. 

At 84 years old, Anna has spent her time at the temple in Jerusalem. She spends her days praying the words of the psalms. She was a woman with a great spiritual appetite, giving her life to God. One day begins like any other day for Anna. Until Old Simeon holds a baby to his chest and loudly proclaims, “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised…” (Luke 2:29-32). Anna gazes at the infant in his arms and her heart feels lighter, her hope unsinkable. Was it true? This infant was the coming Messiah? Her devotion was rewarded as she was present when Jesus was presented at the temple as dedicated by the Law. She marveled at this child. She sees God’s words being revealed before her eyes. Anna witnesses the beginning of the walls being torn down between God and the people. He was revealing himself to all who hungered to know him. When she saw the infant Jesus, she gave thanks to God and spoke about Jesus to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem (Luke 2:38). 

The temple in which Anna worshiped was the second temple. It replaced Solomon’s temple which was destroyed after the Jews were taken into exile to Babylon. The second temple was begun by Zerubbabel when the Jews returned from Babylon and completed by Herod the Great (between c. 516 BCE and 70 CE). This temple had four courts, each more exclusive than the one before. First, the Court of Gentiles. This court is where non-Jews were allowed. It was also primarily a bazaar. Vendors sold souvenirs, sacrificial animals and food. Currencies were also exchanged. This is the court Jesus would clear (Matthew 21:12-17, Mark 11:15-19. Luke 19:45-48, and John 2:13-16). Second, the Women’s Court. This is the court in which Anna would have been allowed to worship and pray. Third, the Court of Israel. This court was exclusively for men only. Lastly, the Court of Priests. This court is where the priests would conduct their services and rituals. 

What can we learn from Anna? One thing sticks out in her story. Prayer. Anna was a prime example of praying without ceasing as Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians 5:17. Luke 2:37 says she never left the temple, worshiped day and night, fasting and praying. There are many benefits to prayer. First, prayer helps us develop a relationship with God. Through prayer, we can learn about Him, His will for our lives and helps us become more like Jesus. Second, prayer provides answers and directions in our lives. We pray, he listens. God often answers in the firm of thoughts and dreams, through reading of Scripture and the words and actions of others. One of my favorite examples of God’s answers through prayers is when I was a new believer, I prayed one night without really knowing what to pray for. In church the next morning, the pastor was preaching on Romans 12:12. “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” I was amazed that he answered that way. Not all my prayers have been answered like that but they can be! 

In conclusion, Anna was a woman of devotion and prayer. Her devotion was rewarded as she got to witness the coming Messiah in her lifetime. Prayer can often be the one aspect of a Christian’s life that is often forgotten or pushed away. However, prayer doesn’t have to be hours long or, in Anna’s story, all day. It can be simple prayer as you head to work, as you shower, cook a meal and even as you fall asleep at night. It is as simple as talking. God wants to hear from us. Be like Anna and talk to him. 

No More Lies: when your past finds you, do you run or do you fight back?

No More Lies is the second book in the No More Words trilogy by Kerry Lonsdale. Jenna Mason seems to lead the perfect life. A successful career as an animator, a town house near the beach and a great relationship with her son, Josh. However, she hides a terrible secret, something she has been running from for thirteen years. After years of constant moving, Jenna concedes to Josh’s wish for a permanent home. After a while, it seems they are safe. No one is following them and they can have a normal life. Until one day, a reporter starts asking the wrong questions which opens the door for the wrong people to find her. She has no choice but to run again. As they go off the grid, Josh goes missing. Jenna is forced to seek help from the one person she didn’t think she’d ever see again. 

No More Lies is a wild ride as readers learn Jenna/Lily’s story, the events which lead Josh to Olivia’s doorstep in No More Words and leading into the third and final book, No More Secrets (release date March 14, 2023). It is a family story and dynamic built on lies, secrets, and emotional abuse that the children are fighting to break free from those cycles that caused them pain. I thoroughly enjoyed Jenna’s story. Jenna has taken every precaution to make sure she and Josh are safely hidden. She even opens her heart to love again. As those in her past show up in her present, she goes into protection mode more for Josh than for herself. She must decide if the time has come to fight back against those who would harm her. I highly recommend No More Lies. However, I would recommend reading No More Words first. 

No More Lies is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

No More Words is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

Nocturne: one young woman and a mysterious benefactor who will change her life forever

Nocturne by Alyssa Wees is a haunting story about one young woman and a mysterious benefactor which changes her life. Grace Dragotta grew up in Chicago’s Little Sicily and dreamed of becoming a ballerina. After losing her family, she finds herself orphaned and without a home. She chooses the North Ballet Company as her home and begins to imagine her life center stage. As the Great Depression is in full swing, Grace becomes the company’s new prima ballerina. Soon she attracts the attention of the mysterious and secretive Master La Rosa as her personal patron and she will learn the world is far greater than she ever realized. Who is Master La Rosa? What does he want from Grace? As she begins to learn about her patron, she discovers there is another way to find the excellence she desires. 

I don’t know anything about ballet but Nocturne has it all. It has a mysterious patron a la The Phantom of the Opera, a deal a la Beauty and the Beast and a mix of legends and myths woven into a magical story. As I started the story, it was hard to get into it; however, once I truly sat down to read the story opened up and I couldn’t put it down. The story flowed from the pages and would not let me go. I needed to find out who Master La Rosa was, who his equally mysterious assistant, Mr. Russo was and what role did Grace play within the mystery. It was beautifully lyrical with hauntingly detailed imagery. The beautiful cover drew me in and the story kept me there until the very last page. I highly recommend Nocturne. 

Nocturne is available in hardcover, eBook and audiobook

Mother of Pearl: how far would a mother go for her child?

Mother of Pearl by Kellie Coates Gilbert asks the questions how far would a mother go for her child? Barrie Graeber has a great life. Two wonderful kids, a loving husband and a job as a respected high school counselor in their tight knit community. Suddenly, her teenage daughter, Pearl, seems to unravel before her eyes. Barrie is at a loss how to help Pearl. Nothing prepared her for this helplessness as her attempts to help her daughter fail and Pearl pulls farther and farther away. When the unthinkable happens, Barrie is at a loss how to move forward. Until she discovers a terrible secret about her nemesis, Michael Warren, the football coach. When Barrie decides to go up against the coach, she finds herself without support. Fueled by love for her daughter, she learns to trust in something bigger than herself and fight back. 

Going into this story, I knew it was described as “emotionally riveting and profoundly moving,” so I was expecting emotions. However, this story was more of a roller coaster of emotions. Without giving up plot points, which spoils the emotional impact, it truly was a roller coaster. It is a powerful story of one mother’s determination to do right by her daughter and protect other daughters from the same situation. I loved the Christian faith aspect. It wasn’t overdone. It was a great and honest portrayal of faith and even the resistance to such a faith. I enjoyed all the characters especially Jackie who becomes a source of comfort for Barrie. I also enjoyed the double meaning of the title which is fairly subtle if you aren’t looking for it. I enjoyed this book so much! I highly, highly recommend Mother of Pearl. 

Mother of Pearl is available in paperback and eBook

Hidden in Plain Sight: a romantic suspense story

Hidden in Plain Sight by Elana Johnson is the first book in the Forbidden Lake series. Jonathan “Jon” Addler is a member of a local prominent family finishing his degree at Northwestern Michigan College. He takes a cooking class as an elective as well as the hopes it will help him impress a woman. Cassandra “Cassie” Caldwell is the professor who holds a secret. Cassie is trying to keep her twin brothers safe. They moved to Forbidden Lake to hide and off the radar of a violent man. She can’t risk her family’s safety for anything. Until she meets Jon. Their instant connection tests Cassie’s resolve and Jon can’t help but want to protect her. As she is on constant high alert, can Jon convince her she is safe in Forbidden Lake with him? Or will she run again? 

Hidden in Plain Sight is a fast paced, sweet romance with a splash of suspense. It was a fast read as I was able to finish it in a few hours. It was engaging with a sweet romance and attention getting as the suspense builds. I enjoyed Jon and Cassie’s characters. Jon had a Romeo vibe as he takes the class to impress one woman but falls in love with another! I loved their flirty banter even though Cassie knew she needed to keep her distance. I loved Jon’s instant protection of Cassie and her brothers. He offered help without a second thought. I also enjoyed the hints at future stories especially with Jon’s reclusive brother. There’s definitely a story there! I am looking forward to the rest of the series. I highly recommend Hidden in Plain Sight. 

Hidden in Plain Sight is available in paperback and eBook

Mustard Seed: what a little faith can achieve

Mustard Seed by Laila Ibrahim is the second book in the Freedman/Johnson trilogy. It’s been three years since the end of the Civil War, Lisbeth Johnson and Mattie Freedman are raising their families in Oberlin, Ohio. Lisbeth receives news that her father is dying, she is summoned back to Virginia and the plantation where she grew up. She must face the proud Confederate family she left behind when she married an abolitionist and moved north. Mattie and her daughter, Jordan, return to Virginia, as well, to save the family they left behind who still suffer in oppression. As these women confront injustice as well as the bitterness and violence that fuels it, they must find the courage and strength to free themselves and their families from the past. Will Lisbeth find the peace she craves? Will Mattie and Jordan be able to move forward from their past? 

After reading Yellow Crocus, I was looking forward to this story. The story started off slow for me as the characters make their way back to Virginia with their various missions; however, the last third was action packed. The story showcases the horrible attitudes left in the hearts of the former slave owners as well as a few white Northerners who were there to “help.” Mustard Seed delves deeper into the Reconstruction period which is often sped through in history class. There was still a fight to fight after the war ended. I loved the illustration of the mustard seeds throughout the story and the reminder that all we need is a little faith even against insurmountable odds. While readers do not need to read Yellow Crocus in order to enjoy Mustard Seed, the story gives enough background to catch readers up, I still highly recommend it. I highly recommend Mustard Seed. 

Mustard Seed is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

It Can't Happen Here: a cautionary tale where it certainly can!

It Can’t Happen Here by Sinclair Lewis is a cautionary tale of the fragility of democracy and an alarming look at how extreme politics can undo the foundation of America. It is 1936 and over the last seven years, the Great Depression has left little hope for the American people. With little hope, Americans are looking for a leader to help them out of the economic tragedy. Who could that be? Newspaperman Doremus Jessup thinks himself a smart man, an even keeled fellow and he doesn’t get swept up in the swinging extremes of politics. When the charismatic presidential candidate Windrip gains ground, people are hoping he can bring prosperity back to America while others are very weary at the further cost Americans will pay. As Jessup begins to question and warn people of the hidden agenda, will the people listen? What happens to those who dissent against Windrip? 

It Can’t Happen Here was written at a time when Americans were largely oblivious to Hitler’s aggressions in Europe. Lewis uses political satire to postulate a chilling tale of the rise of a President who becomes a dictator in the name of “saving the nation.” When it was published in 1935, it was called “a message to thinking Americans” and it is a message that is still needed today. The statements made in this story echo statements that are still being made today. One statement that gave me chills was “We’ll do a whole lot better when we get Communism!” Communism is communism regardless of the country. It Can’t Happen Here should be required reading along with Orwell’s 1984 and Animal Farm. It is a bit hard to read as the language structure is much different than ours today; however, it is as relevant today as ever. I highly recommend It Can’t Happen Here.

It Can’t Happen Here is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

Mountain Angel: healing, romance and finding home

Mountain Angel is the second book in the Northstar series by Suzie O’Connell. A story of healing, romance and finding home. Aelissm “Aeli” Davis returns to her home in Northstar, Montana to hide. After the death of her fiancé, her friend, Adam, becomes obsessed with her and won’t leave her. Thinking she’d be safe in the secluded valley, one phone call from Adam makes it clear that he won’t give up. When her Uncle Bill sends one of his best detectives to offer protection, Aeli begins to breathe a bit easier. Patrick “Pat” O’Neil is a man with his own haunted memories as he struggles to recover from his own traumatic experiences. Under the big sky of Montana, Aeli and Pat begin a friendship that soon leads to an attraction that will soon become too hard to resist. Will they both find the peace and healing they need? 

Mountain Angel is the second book that I’ve read by Ms. O’Connell and she isn’t afraid to tackle difficult situations. Aeli and Pat are both in need of healing and together, they find someone who understands the trauma and the questions that are left in its wake. Readers know Aeli’s story from the beginning but Pat’s story takes a bit to be revealed. Once it was revealed, my heart broke for Pat as he still struggled to move forward. Their romance is very sweet. Their banter made me laugh. I cheered for them by the end. I enjoyed all their supporting characters and look forward to seeing them get their own stories in the series. While Mountain Angel is the second book in the series, you do not need to read the first book, First Instinct, in order to enjoy it (although I do highly recommend it). I highly recommend Mountain Angel. 

Mountain Angel is available in eBook and audiobook

Lucy in the Sky: danger, family secrets and a fight to survive

Lucy in the Sky by Kay Bratt is the second book in the Hart’s Ridge series. Lucy Gray doesn't usually start trouble but it certainly knows how to be wherever she is. As she is running away from her hometown, she ends up in New York City and in front of the famous Dakota. When she is mistaken for someone else, a split second decision changes her luck for once. Or so Lucy thinks. A turn of fortunes leads to a situation of life or death. Meanwhile Taylor is dealing with a revelation that will tear apart everything she thought she knew about her family and their past. Once she is on the case, she can’t stop until she knows the truth. Will Lucy find a way to escape and survive? Will Taylor’s investigation help rebuild her family or tear it apart further? 

Lucy in the Sky picks up right after the end of Hart’s Ridge as Lucy arrives in New York City. She isn’t there long when she finds her luck changes with a job of a lifetime. The book was a bit slow in the beginning but once Lucy reveals a secret she has been hiding and her new employer offers a way out, the pace picks up quickly. And if you thought Taylor’s heart was on her sleeve in Hart’s Ridge, you will see her torn in two as she investigates a family secret. I can’t say much without spoiling plot points but this story will leave you in awe and eager for book 3, In My Life (release date March 14, 2023). I highly recommend Lucy in the Sky. If you haven’t read Hart’s Ridge, I highly recommend it before reading Lucy in the Sky. 

Lucy in the Sky is available in paperback and eBook

Hart’s Ridge is available in paperback and eBook

Christmas, Criminals and Campers: Mae West is at it again!

Christmas, Criminals and Campers is the fourth book in the Campers and Criminals Cozy Mystery by Tonya Kappes. Librarian Abby Fawn is fangirling when her favorite romance author, Nadine White, is coming to Normal! Nadine is renting a cozy camper at the Happy Trails Campgrounds for the winter months in order to write her next novel. Unfortunately, Abby is heartbroken to learn that Nadine is nothing like her public persona and even uses a ghostwriter. Nadine is a fraud in her eyes. When Nadine is found dead in the local library, Abby Fawn is now suspect number one! Of course, Mae West steps up and uses her sleuthing skills to clear Abby and find the real killer. 

Christmas, Criminals and Campers is a very fun and engaging addition to the series. It is my favorite story so far in the series. It has a great mystery with a nice twist and a fast paced story. I am enjoying Mae’s further development. More and more of her history is being revealed and readers are beginning to understand why she behaves the way she does. She is a fighter. A fighter for herself and those she cares for. I enjoyed the addition of new characters to the Normal community. I enjoyed the further development of Mae and Hank’s relationship. I recommend Christmas, Criminals and Campers as well as the first three books in the series. 

Christmas, Criminals and Campers is available in paperback, eBook, audiobook. 

Welcome Aboard: a prologue book introducing each story in the series

Welcome Aboard is the prologue book in the new Sail Away series with different contributing authors including Jessie Newton, Tammy L Grace, Kay Bratt and many more. In Welcome Aboard, the prologues from each of the eight books are presented to pique your interest for the rest of the series. Each book takes place on a cruise in which the main characters learn lessons in friendship, healing, and even a little romance. 

The Sail Away series is in the similar format as last year’s The Wishing Tree series. The difference with this series is each book is standalone. There is no interconnectedness between books. So you can read all, a few or out of order and you will be able to enjoy the story. As I read the prologues, some of the stories intrigued me to want to read the full story while others did not bring me into the story. However, the full story may be more intriguing than the prologue is presenting. I look forward to reading this series. I recommend Welcome Aboard. 

The books in the series are as follows as well as the release dates:

Book 1: Welcome Aboard – prologue book (available now)

Book 2: The Sound of the Sea by Jessie Newton (available now)

Book 3: Uncharted Waters by Tammy L. Grace (available now)

Book 4: A Not So Distant Shore by Ev Bishop (available February 15, 2023)

Book 5: Caroline, Adrift by Kay Bratt (available February 22, 2023)

Book 6: Moonlight On the Lido Deck by Violet Howe (available March 1, 2023)

Book 7: The Winning Tickets by Judith Keim (available March 8, 2023)

Book 8: Lost At Sea by Patricia Sands (available March 15, 2023)

Book 9: The Last Port of Call by Elizabeth Bromke (available March 22, 2023)

The Fourteenth of September: a pivotal time in the anti-Vietnam War movement

The Fourteenth of September by Rita Dragonette is a one woman’s journey through a pivotal time in the Vietnam War. On September 14, 1969, Private First Class Judy Talton celebrated her nineteenth birthday. She secretly joins the campus anti-Vietnam War movement and jeopardizes her army scholarship and her relationships with her family. As the Draft Lottery draws up her birthday, Judy realizes that if she was a man, she would be the first to be sent into war. Doubts creep in and she is torn between her conscience and her scholarship. The stakes get higher as she is faced with a life-altering choice as the clash between young adulthood, age of conscience, feminism and anti-war sentiment heats up to a look into the domestic politics of protest as the world burns. We all know the era but do we know the psychological battle of those who were there? 

I was looking forward to The Fourteenth of September. I don’t normally come across Vietnam era stories especially from the perspective of a young woman. I found the first half of the story to be fairly slow. I’d admit I was bored. There was a bit of confusion as I wasn’t clued into why Judy was nervous joining the movement until much later. Although I also admit I didn’t reread the book blurb before I dove into the story. However, the second half of the book was on fire as Judy finds herself in a no win situation and the war hits closer to home. Judy reminded me of Lucy from the 2007’s Across the Universe. Both women find themselves up against radicals they didn’t agree with and on a path they didn’t truly want to be on. Overall, I enjoyed and recommend The Fourteenth of September. 

The Fourteenth of September is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook. 

Love on the Ice: a sports romance

Love on the Ice by Kerry Evelyn is a novella prequel for the Palmer City Voltage series. Ginny Perdita has put her Olympic figure skating dreams behind her when a tragic accident leaves her niece and nephew orphaned. Alexei Kriz is new to the Palmer City Voltage and is ready to throw himself into his new teams and the sport he loves. One day, he runs into Ginny, the one who got away. Ginny does not enjoy seeing Alexei again, especially since he never called her again. When they are forced to work together on a fundraiser, Ginny finds the ice around her heart melting and Alexei is determined to not let her get away a second time. However, will she open herself to a second chance at love? 

I was looking forward to this story. I’m new to the sports romance genre. However, I was not impressed. I enjoyed the Czech phrases that the characters spoke from time to time but the constant translations in parentheses instead of translating in the responses or in another subtle way was tiresome. I also didn’t care for Ginny. The constant reminders that she left her dreams behind to take care of her niece and nephew was annoying. Alexei was a better character. As a novella, the story was way too fast. There was no real character development or growth. There was just way too much going on for a novella. I wish it was a longer story. I do not recommend Love on the Ice. 

Love on the Ice is available in paperback and eBook

Love at Last: a steamy happily ever after romance

Love at Last is the second book in the Last Frontier Lodge series by J.H. Croix. The story picks up after the events of Take Me Home. Garrett Hamilton is Gage’s brother. He is THE ladies man, a sexy, wealthy corporate lawyer. After his last case, he has lost his drive to win and without a second thought, finds himself on a plane to the Last Frontier Lodge. Delia Peters is a single mother who has had a hard lesson that lust isn’t always love. She finally has a great job, money to pay the bills, and life is good. The sudden appearance of Garret throws Delia for a loop. One unexpected kiss ignites a fire that they cannot deny. Falling in love wasn’t on the horizon; however, will they take the chance to find lasting love? 

Love at Last is a steamy romance. I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I did with Take Me Home. One issue I had with the first book, I also had with Love at Last. The repetition. How many times do the readers need to be reminded that Garret’s presence was helping Gage as he prepared the ski lodges? Yes, we get that his help is speeding the process along. It doesn’t need to be said over and over. Even as a single mom, Delia still seemed very immature. As if she really hasn’t learned her lesson. Overall though, Love at Last is very steamy, happily ever after romance. It was a quick read with a bit of drama and a whole lot of romance. I recommend Love at Last. 

Love at Last is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook.