Herodias: an immoral woman who plotted a man's death

Her name means heroic but she did not act in any way heroic. Herodias was a proud woman who longed to be queen. She left one man to marry another. She used her daughter to manipulate her husband into doing her will. She acted arrogantly in complete disregard for the laws of the land. She was rebuked by John the Baptist for her sin and in response she plotted for his death. She may have relished in the face that she was able to get rid of John the Baptist and his message. What is her story? What is at the core of her story? What lesson can we draw?

Herodias was the granddaughter of Herod the Great, who ruled Judea for thirty-four years. His reign had brought prosperity to a troubled region of the Roman Empire. He built theaters, amphitheaters and race courses, palaces and a magnificent temple in Jerusalem and lowered taxes. However, his reign had its shadows. He had ordered the slaughter of Jewish boys in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:16-18).Herod also ordered the deaths of his favorite wife (her grandmother) and three of his sons for real or imagined intrigues. Herodias had married two of Herod the Great’s sons who survived his bloodlust: Philip and Herod Antipas. When Antipas was appointed the tetrarch of Galilee and Persia, she divorced Philip to marry Herod Antipas and Antipas divorced his wife for Herodias. With his new powerful position, they probably left untouchable. However, their marriage angered the people as it was against Jewish law. It forbade a man from marrying his brother’s divorced wife. It was seen as incestuous and unclean (Leviticus 18:16, Leviticus 20:21). One man dared be vocal about their marriage. John the Baptist cared nothing for diplomacy and he spared no one as he preached a message of repentance. 

Her family had been corrupted for many years. They knew how to use and abuse power. Each step of her family made down the path to sin until what would have been unconscionable is now acceptable and even reasonable. Herodias may not have even considered her act sinful but a political move. Herodias wanted John dead.. According to Mark 6:21-22, on Herod’s birthday, a feast was held and Herodias’ young daughter, Salome, performed a lewd dance for him and his guests. The dance so pleased Antipas that he promised anything she wanted. Urged by her mother, Salome requested the head of John the Baptist (Mark 6:24-25). Antipas ordered the beheading of John the Baptist, despite his own misgivings (Mark 6:26-27). At the core of her story is a closure against the gospel and the truth. Instead of listening to John’s correction, she found a way to silence him. She possibly was also giving a warning to others who would dare follow in his example. Herodias was a bitter, immoral and manipulative woman. She acted as if killing John would remove her sin, her guilt. She valued the power her marriage gave her rather than being living right with God. 

It is a natural defense to reject criticism. No one wants to be wrong. Being receptive to criticism simply means we are open to our sins, our flaws and our need for God’s forgiveness and help to change. When we are confronted lovingly about sin in our lives, it is an opportunity to repent and turn back to God. A habit of repentance makes one’s heart fertile soil for God’s grace. Proverbs 12:1 says “Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid” (The King James Version uses the word “brutish”). Hating correction is a problem with pride. This is a pride that is arrogant and a sense of superiority. Proverbs 11:2, “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” Developing a spirit of humility toward correction takes grace, a grace that only comes from God. It has been said that only the wise are teachable (Proverbs 21:11-12) as they are willing to listen and learn from their mistakes as well as the mistakes of others. When you are confronted with a sin, thank the individual for the bravery to confront you and take it to God. 

In conclusion, Herodias was an immoral woman who nursed a grudge. She was confronted with a harsh truth. And instead of heeding that correction, she orchestrated the death of the man who dared put out that truth. Her physical removal of John did not eliminate her guilt. Her story is a lesson against the anger defensiveness that can often bubble up when we are confronted. It takes humility and grace to acknowledge the truth and seek God’s forgiveness and guidance. Sin will devour and consume us if unchecked. God promises us that if we come to him in repentance, He will forgive us (Psalm 32:5, Psalm 103:10-12). Will you go to Him? 

Esperanza Rising: one young girl's journey through the hardships of the Great Depression

Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan is a coming of age story set during the Great Depression. Esperanza had a great life on her family’s ranch in Aguascalientes, Mexico. She wanted nothing: fancy dresses, parties and servants. Until a series of tragic events forces Esperanza and her mother to flee to California. Along with their former servants, they settle in a camp for Mexican farm workers. Esperanza isn’t prepared for the hard labor, financial struggles and the sudden prejudice she experiences, especially from other Mexicans. She has some hard lessons to learn. When Mama becomes ill, Esperanza finds the strength and determination to rise above the circumstances and a new hope for their lives. 

I first saw this book many years ago and have always wanted to read it. But I had forgotten about it until my oldest daughter read in school this past year. As she talked with me about the book, I was once again intrigued to read it. Inspired by her grandmother’s story of life during the Great Depression, Ms. Munoz Ryan writes a story about faith, hope, and survival against all odds. At a time when everyone was looking for work and coming to California, Esperanza saw the harsh realities of life outside the privilege she was accustomed to. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and discussed it further with my daughter. I highly recommend Esperanza Rising. 

Esperanza Rising is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Hitches, Hideouts and Homicide: what does an old bank robbery and a new murder have in common?

Hitches, Hideouts and Homicide by Tonya Kappes is the seventh book in the Campers and Criminals Cozy Mystery series. To celebrate the opening of the new Old Train Station motel’s grand opening, everyone is excited for the Hoe Down. The fun evening comes to an abrupt end when a sudden storm brings lightning and knocks out the power. And it always seems that Mae West finds herself in familiar territory as she discovers the body of Jay Russel, a local trainer. As she follows the clues and rumors of an old bank robbery and shady business deals, she discovers the motive for motive is much, much more dangerous. Can she discover the link between the murder and the rumors before it’s too late? 

How can one small town have so much crime? It seems to be normal for Normal, Kentucky. Luckily, Mae West and her Laundry Club friends are on the case. Despite the disapproval of her boyfriend, Sheriff Hank Sharp, Mae can’t help herself as her curiosity pulls her in. Even after one of her dearest friends is implicated in the murder, Mae knows she cannot stop until she finds the truth. This series is filled with fun, exciting suspense as Mae follows the trail with twists and turns as she, and readers, are on the hunt for the killer. If you enjoy a fun small town setting with a bit of mystery, I highly recommend Hitches, Hideouts and Homicide as well as the rest of the series. 

Hitches, Hideouts and Homicide is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

The Day He Left Town: a second chance romance

The Day He Left Town by Elana Johnson is the first book in the Hawthorne Harbor series. Anthony “Tony” Herrin is the youngest of the Harrin brothers and followed the family tradition into public service. He never expected to live in Hawthorne Harbor and eagerly awaits news of a job with the Forest Service. Catherine “Cat” Magleby didn’t want to be back in her hometown but after a humiliating break-up, she had no choice. She also definitely didn’t want to run into her ex-boyfriend. Despite their mutual love of the outdoors, Tony and Cat seem to be on different paths while still being drawn to each other. Can they find a second chance at a happily ever after? 

I like Elana Johnson’s clean second chance romances. They are fun, inspiring and a great weekend read. Unfortunately, The Day He Left Town didn’t have the same feel. It was a short read, almost too short. I felt as if I didn’t have time to get invested in Tony and Cat’s relationship. I didn’t care for Tony and Cat as individuals, at first. By the end, I enjoyed seeing them together. I was interested in the side characters which will probably be featured in future books. Overall, Tony and Cat’s story was enjoyable and I am interested in reading the rest of the series. I recommend The Day He Left Town. 

The Day He Left Town is available in paperback and eBook

In for a Penny: a disappointing cozy mystery

In for a Penny is the first book in the Seasoned Southern Sleuths series by Kelsey Browning and Nancy Naigle. When Lillian Summer Fairview’s husband died, he left a financial mess. Desperate to keep the prestigious family’s name intact and give her husband a decent burial, Lillian cooks up a shady deal that lands her in legal trouble. Lillian entrusts the care of the family estate to her best friend, Maggie Rawls. Maggie feels something is off about Lillian’s restitution order and may have discovered that she has taken the fall for someone’s crime. With the help of two other ladies, Maggie sets out to find justice for Lillian. But will the con man get away with his crime? 

I usually enjoy cozy mysteries as they are fun, fast reads; however, In for a Penny was neither fun or fast! It took way too long to get to any kind of action or conflict. I was bored as I turned each page. I didn’t care for Lillian and her predicament. Lillian’s crime, her restitution and taking the fall for someone else didn’t jive either. I didn’t find any humor that is usually standard with cozy mysteries. Southern ladies are usually depicted as sassy and no-nonsense; however, the older ladies are depicted as dimwitted and foolish. Overall, I did not enjoy this story and will not continue with the series. I do not recommend In for a Penny. 

In for a Penny is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

The Ambassador's Daughter: Peace talks after World War I and trouble is already brewing

The Ambassador's Daughter by Pam Jenoff is set in Paris, 1919, during the peace conference after World War 1. Margot Rosenthal has been brought to Paris by her father, a German diplomat. At first, she hates being trapped in the congested city where she is seen as the enemy. But life waiting for her back in Berlin isn’t a more pleasant alternative. Margot strikes up a friendship with Krysia, an accomplished pianist who has a secret to protect, and an attraction to Georg, a handsome German naval officer who is tired of war. As her relationships grow, Margot begins to question everything she knows and thinks to be true. As the world’s leaders gather to rebuild after the devastation of the Great War, there is a delicate web of lies forming and trust is a luxury one cannot afford. 

A prequel to Ms. Jenoff’s The Kommandant’s Daughter and The Diplomat’s Wife, The Ambassador’s Wife is a slow burn story featuring the tenuous period between the two world wars. A time when everyone thought the worst was over and they were making assurances that it would never happen again. Little did they know that the foundations of the second world war are already brewing, as pride, hatred and political ideologies breed division and animosities. At the beginning of the story, Margot is very much a naive young woman despite having lived through war. She has been sheltered by her widowed father and maternal aunt. It is through Krysia that Margot sees the world in its stark realities. Overall, I enjoyed The Ambassador’s Wife. I look forward to reading Ms. Jenoff’s other stories. I recommend The Ambassador’s Wife. 

The Ambassador’s Daughter is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

Canyons, Caravans, and Cadavers: murder, rumors and conspiracy

Canyons, Caravans and Cadavers by Tonya Kappes is the sixth book in the Campers and Criminals Cozy Mystery series. Mae West is asked to teach a semester on small town economics as she helped the economy in Normal thrive as she revamped the Happy Trails Campground. She is thrilled as it is a far cry from her image when she first arrived in town. But when a teacher and archery coach is found dead at the campground, it puts a damper on the campground and her excitement to teach. Of course, Mae begins to investigate and more bodies are piling up. She learns they are all tied to the school. Can she discover the killer’s identity and uncover a conspiracy? 

Tonya Kappes’ Campers and Criminals Cozy Mysteries are so fun to read. I thoroughly enjoy Mae as she gains more and more confidence, leaving her past behind her and finally finding a true home. Her eclectic group of friends, known as the Laundry Club, joins her in her sleuthing activities. The identity of the killer was a shocker as well as the motive. This book also introduces Hank’s sister, Ellis, and it will be interesting the role or drama she plays in future books. I highly recommend Canyons, Caravans and Cadavers as well as the rest of the series. If you enjoy cozy mysteries, you will enjoy the Campers and Criminals series and Canyons, Caravans and Cadavers. 

Canyons, Caravans, and Cadavers is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

The American Roommate Experiment: fun, romantic and heartwarming

The American Roommate Experiment by Elena Armas is the sequel to The Spanish Love Deception. Rosie Graham has a problem, make that “problems”. She quits her high paying job as an engineer to focus on her romance writing career. Her first book was a success and now the deadline for her second book is just weeks away and she has writer’s block. Then the ceiling of her New York apartment falls down around her. She simply packs up and heads to her best friend’s empty apartment. Lina is on her honeymoon and probably wouldn’t mind if Rosie crashes there. What Rosie doesn’t know is that Lind has promised the apartment to Lucas Martin, her visiting cousin from Spain. They come to an agreement to share the apartment. When Rosie confesses her writer’s block, Lucas offers to take her on a series of experimental dates meant to fuel her muse. What does she have to lose? Lucas’s stay has an end date and her deadline is looming.

I enjoyed The Spanish Love Deception so much that when I saw Ms. Armas had written a sequel, I grabbed it. The American Roommate Experiment is the same slow-burn, steamy and swoon-worthy romantic comedy as its predecessor. On the About the Author page, Ms. Armas states she hopes to “make your heart skip a beat or two, your palms a little sweaty, and your cheeks flush in that rosy pink that makes other people want to peek at the page you are reading.” And boy does she succeed! Wow! This story has it all. There are sexy flirting moments. Moments with deep hurt, heart and healing. And moments that would make any reader sigh. I loved Rosie. I loved Lucas. And I loved them together. I smiled. I laughed. I sighed and I even blushed. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this story! I highly recommend The American Roommate Experiment. Although it is not necessary to enjoy this book, I also recommend The Spanish Love Deception. 

The American Roommate Experiment is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Our Place on the Island: second chances, self-discovery and finding home again

Our Place on the Island by Erika Montgomery is a story of three women finding home and a new future on a familiar island. Many occasions have been celebrated at the Campbell family’s seaside cottage. The beloved matriarch, Cora, is getting remarried and the town gossip whispers that he was the one that got away. Her granddaughter, Michelle “Mickey,” is a renowned chef with a popular, successful restaurant with her boyfriend, Wes. However, she is hiding a secret. She has mismanaged the restaurant into the red. Cora’s wedding gives her an excuse to hide. She comes to the island to regroup and figure out a solution. Mickey’s mother, Hedy, is still mourning the passing of her beloved father and is having a hard time welcoming this new man in her mother’s life. Everyone knows a woman’s heart holds many secrets and Cora is about to reveal a story that will have the three women reevaluating their views on marriage, motherhood and the joys of following one’s heart. 

Two years ago, I read Ms. Montgomery’s debut novel A Summer to Remember and when I was offered a chance to read her newest novel, I took it! Our Place on the Island is a story of second chances, discovering your true passions and finding home again. It is a story that did not disappoint. I thought I had figured it out; however, as the story unfolded, it took a surprising, heartwarming turn. I enjoyed every character. However, my favorite character was Cora. Her words of wisdom and insights were spot on. Word of warning: DO NOT read this book on an empty stomach! Cooking and food is an important aspect as the women bond over food and you will be craving every delicious dish as you read! Even the descriptions of the ingredients made me wish I had them in front of me! Ms. Montgomery describes Cora’s garden so well, I swear I could smell the fresh herbs and produce. I highly recommend Our Place on the Island. 

Our Place on the Island is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

The Heart Hopes: can differences be put aside for the truth?

The Heart Hopes is the second book in the Opposites Attract series by Lyn Cote. Patience is eager to begin her first official year teaching the first grade. She immediately recognizes that one little boy, Jackson, needs a little extra attention. Unfortunately, she is selected for jury duty when she hears a case prosecuted by Gil Montgomery, the “by the book” DA and Jackson’s father. Her not guilty vote results in a hung jury and she becomes the pariah of their small town. However, Patience was not convinced the accused was behind the crime. Despite his annoyance at the mistrial, and at Patience, Gil realizes that she is the key to helping his son. Can he put aside his preconceived notions to hear Patience out about his son and new evidence in the case? 

Oh where do I begin? The Heart Hopes started out strong, then it fell off the deep end. I loved that Patience saw a little boy on the verge of being labeled “the troublemaker,” a label that would follow him, leaving him floundering. Then she gets a jury summons. I find it very unlikely that a juror who has a connection to anyone involved with the case, especially the DA, would be allowed to stay on the jury. A halfway decent defense attorney would argue for her removal. And the judge allowing it after she makes their connection known was unbelievable! I tried so hard to enjoy this series; however, after the disappointment of the first book and then the unlikely plot of the second book, I will not be finishing this series. 

The Heart Hopes is available in eBook. 

Barefoot Season: a brighter future with the magic of friendship

Barefoot Season is the first book in the Blackberry Island series by Susan Mallery. Michelle Sanderson appears to be the hardened army vet, a strong independent woman. However, deep inside, she is still deeply wounded by the past she left behind on Blackberry Island. After the death of her mother, Michelle returns to the island to claim her inheritance, the Blackberry Island Inn, and recover from a battlefield wound. The only winkle in her plan is the person who occupies the owner’s suite. The last person she wants to see. Carly Williams and Michelle used to be inseparable until a betrayal destroyed their friendship. As a single mother, Carly has had to weather rumors, lies and secrets. With her young daughter, she is finally in a place with a future. Until, that is, Carly is implicated in the financial disaster facing the inn. To save the inn and their futures, Michelle and Carly must find a way to work together. Will the summer bring a bit of luck and the magic of friendship? 

Barefoot Season is the first book by Susan Mallery I have read. Unfortunately, I was underwhelmed by the characters and the story. It was supposed to be a light, beach read about friendship and forgiveness. I was sympathetic toward Michelle for her battle wounds and the after effects of her military experiences. However, she was a hard character to like especially after reading what she did prior to leaving the island for the army. Carly is a little easier to like as she is trying to make it on her own with her daughter. But she was a little too naive to be dubbed like she was. Even after all the years and their experiences, these women, as well as others, revert back to high school pettiness. It was irritating. Overall, the story is very slow moving and I was bored. Unfortunately, I didn’t care much for this book and most likely will not finish the series. However, if you are a fan of Ms. Mallery’s work, you may enjoy Barefoot Season. 

Barefoot Season is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook. 

Only Her Heart: love, romance and faith

Only Her Heart is the first book in the Opposites Attract series by Lyn Cote. Annie Petrov is about to quit the job she loves. Why would she do that? She’s in love with her boss, Jack Lasater. The computer genius who understands code and computer security more than people only sees her as an executive assistant. Annie has had enough. However, before she can turn in her resignation, their personal lives explode and the focus becomes putting out the fires. Jack’s estranged father needs his help finding a computer hacker and Annie’s sister surprises everyone when she leaves her husband and twin sons. As they deal with business and their personal lives, will Jack open his eyes and see Annie as more than just an employee? 

Lyn Cote writes stories with love, romance, faith and a bit of mystery. It is a fairly quick read packed with lots of activity, perhaps too much activity. Unfortunately, Only Her Heart was a bit confusing with way too much going on. With Jack’s issues with his father, Annie’s situation with her sister, and other relationship developments, the mystery of the computer hacker was put on the back burner. When it was solved, it was not the shocking reveal I would expect. I enjoyed the characters. They were real, relatable with real life issues:  anger, resentment and forgiveness. There were times I wanted to tell Annie to mind her own business. Overall, I enjoyed Only Her Heart and will continue the series. If you enjoy stories of love and faith, you may enjoy Only Her Heart.  

Only Her Heart is available in eBook. 

The Bookshop by the Bay: mothers, daughters and second chances

The Bookshop by the Bay by Pamela Kelley is the story of four women, at different stages in life, when circumstances open their eyes to new possibilities and new dreams. Jessica Coleman’s marriage has gone cold. When she discovers her husband has been having an affair with his assistant, she retreats to her hometown on Cape Cod. Caitlin, her daughter, decides to join her mother on the cape. Allison Page, Jessica’s lifelong friend, is at a crossroad in her life. While her daughter, Julia, has opened a successful jewelry shop, Alison is looking for a change. When a local bookstore comes up for sale, it is too good to pass up for Allison and Jessica. As they reopen the store and add a coffee shop, they find new romances, stronger bonds of mothers, daughters and friends, and new life in second chances. 

The Bookshop by the Bay is a women’s fiction about the unexpected changes of life and the strength to rise above them. All the characters were believable as to their reactions to the circumstances. Even when some characters tried to be hard nosed and the villain, they were quickly shot down and put in their place. I enjoyed Jessica and Allison’s friendship. I enjoyed their relationships with their daughters. I loved to see Julia and Caitlin develop a friendship despite never being close growing up. The potential romances were fun to watch develop. I loved how the characters came to realize what they thought they wanted wasn’t what they truly needed. Overall, I enjoyed The Bookshop by the Bay. If you enjoy women’s fiction with friends and second chances, you may enjoy The Bookshop by the Bay. 

The Bookshop by the Bay is available in hardcover, paperback, eBook and audiobook

It Ends With Us: a hard hitting story of breaking the familial cycle

It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover is the story of one woman who swore to never repeat a familial cycle and finds herself doing just that. Lily’s life hasn’t been easy and she has worked hard to leave her past behind. When she meets Ryle Kincaid, the gorgeous neurosurgeon, she can’t believe her luck. Ryle is assertive, stubborn and a little arrogant but he has a sensitive side. As their relationship grows from occasional fling to serious, she begins to look back on her past relationships, especially her first love, Atlas Corrigan. He was her kindred spirit, protector, and a link to a past she wants to forget. As Atlas reappears in her life, her relationship with Ryle gets complicated and she finds herself in all too familiar territory. Can she find the courage and strength to say enough’s enough? 

Colleen Hoover’s books have been the talk of my book groups for a long time. I avoided reading her books for a while. Sometimes popularity doesn’t always mean great. It wasn’t until my daughter mentioned a classmate of hers was reading one. As a reader who started more adult themed books at a young age, I was curious. As I started this book, I wanted to hate it because Lily was following the life she swore she would never follow. However, I found myself wanting to see if Lily found the strength to finally break the cycle. It Ends With Us covers difficult topics with no clear answers and readers ask themselves “what if it were me?” Overall, I enjoyed It Ends With Us and I look forward to reading more of Ms. Hoover’s books. I highly recommend It Ends With Us. 

It Ends With Us is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

A Summer of Surprises: a story of second chances

A Summer of Surprises by Judith Keim is a part of the Seashell Cottage standalone series. Jill Conroy is tricked by her sister, Cristal, into being a housekeeper and cook for the summer at the Seashell Cottage where Greg Campbell and his nephew, Brody, have been hired to do maintenance projects on the property. Jill soon realizes that the time away from her home and the memories of her deceased, emotionally abusive husband is just what she needs. It isn’t long before Jill also realizes she needs to make a new life for herself. She begins her plans and her new future seems to be set. A sudden visit from Cristal, followed by their mother, forces Jill to reveal secrets she has been hiding. Can she close the door on the past for the open opportunity for peace, happiness and even love? 

Families and especially sisters can be complicated. Jill has spent her life in the shadow of her gorgeous sister which leads to an abusive marriage. Even though the tragic death of her husband has physically set her free, Jill is still trapped by her insecurities and familial bonds. The beach is truly healing in A Summer of Surprises as Jill finds a new strength, a new voice and a new purpose. I thoroughly enjoyed Jill and her journey. I cheered for her as she confronted the past and those who allowed her abuse to be such a secret. The Seashell Cottage series are all standalones and they are great stories of life-changing experiences and A Summer of Surprises is a great addition to the series. I highly recommend A Summer of Surprises as well as the Seashell Cottage. 

A Summer of Surprises is available in hardcover, eBook and audiobook