Mary of Bethany: a woman of faith and discernment

Mary of Bethany was a faithful woman completely devoted to Jesus. She was also a woman of few words (compared to her sister, Martha, who never lacked something to say). As Jesus neared the time of his triumphal entry into Jerusalem prior to Passover, Mary performed a gesture of great prophetic significance and one that greatly offended Judas Iscariot. When she wept at the tomb of her brother, Lazarus, and showed great sorrow at the cross. Mary was a woman who was unafraid to express her love for Christ and was determined to seek the heart of God. Her story is an example of how gestures speak louder than words. Mary was a woman of thoughtful worship. Her story is an example of hospitality. What lessons can we take from her story? 

When Jesus returned to Bethany before the Passover, Martha prepared a feast. While Jesus reclined at the table, Mary entered the room with a pint of expensive perfume and anointed Jesus’ head with it. Judas, failing to appreciate the gesture, objects and asks Jesus to admonish Mary for wasting such an expensive item. She did not defend herself in the face of criticism. She was so confident and secure in her faith that she allowed Jesus to defend her. And defend her, he did. Jesus praises Mary instead, stating that Mary has prepared him for burial. And he makes the claim that when the gospel reaches the world, her act will be remembered. Throughout her story, Mary had one goal: to have the closest relationship possible. She soaked up his teachings, taking in his promises to heart and she picked up on clues that others had missed. Somehow, she had the insight or discernment that Passover would not be a time of honor for him but a time of darkest and dishonor. Mary knew how to embrace the difficult parts of the gospel as well as the joyful parts. 

Hospitality was highly valued in the Jewish community. God had commanded it in the Old Testament. It is defined as “the friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests, visitors, or strangers.” It is an art to make sure guests are welcomed, warmed and well-fed. It requires creativity, organization, and, oftentimes, teamwork. It is also an important aspect for the Christian community as it can become an opportunity for sharing the gospel. Romans 12:13 says “share with the Lord's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” We are to show hospitality to strangers (Hebrews 13:2) and not just the people we know. 1 Peter 4:9 states that we are to “offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.” When we offer hospitality “with all your heart” we do so “as working for the Lord, not for human masters” (Colossians 3:23). Mary and Martha offered different aspects of hospitality. As Martha prepared a feast for her guests, Mary was making sure they were welcomed and entertained. For Mary, hospitality was giving more attention. She would rather talk and listen than cook. For Martha, it was in the preparation of and providence of the food and drink. 

There are lessons we can take away from Mary’s story. First, small acts of obedience and service have widespread effects. I think this lesson is one we all can understand. Remember when someone’s small, simple act of kindness had a huge impact on yourself. Second, when we focus on Christ, he will become our greatest passion and our tendency to self-absorption diminishes. Mary was so focused on Christ that the cost to herself was secondary. The perfume is said to have cost a year’s wages. It is understandable that Judas questioned why she would waste just an expensive item, although his motives behind his objection were purely selfish. When she was moved to honor Jesus this way, did she consider the cost? Maybe, maybe not. All that mattered to her was to honor Jesus. Third, Christ is our greatest comfort. As Mary grieved for her brother, she turned to Jesus and he wept with her (John 11:32-36). When we come to Christ, we find comfort, peace and security. We experience the truth of “weeping may remain for a night but rejoicing comes in the morning (Psalm 30:5b).

In conclusion, Mary is an example of faith and discernment. She was perhaps the only person who understood and accepted Jesus’ coming death. Mary took, what turned out to be her final opportunity, to anoint Jesus, to show her love and devotion to him. She took her grief and sadness to Jesus for comfort and security. We can too. Coming to Jesus in prayer with our grief and he will comfort us. Hospitality is a perfect opportunity to show Christ’s love for each other and share the gospel. And every time we offer hospitality, we do so as if Jesus was sitting at our home. Whether or not our guests are appreciative or receptive to our hospitality, we do so for the Lord. In the hopes that through us, our guests see Jesus. 

Sisters Under the Rising Sun: a story of strength, survival and resilience

Sisters Under the Rising Sun by Heather Morris is a story of sisterhood, bravery and friendship in the darkness of war. As World War II spreads through the Pacific, Norah Chambers places her eight year old daughter on a ship leaving Singapore, hoping to keep her safe from the advancing Japanese army. Sister Nesta James, a Welsh Australian nurse, enlisted to tend to Allied troops but as Singapore falls to the Japanese, she joins a ship of terrified people. When their ship is sunk off the coast of Indonesia and surviving hours in the sea, the survivors find themselves on the beaches of a remote island, only to be captured by the Japanese and held in one of their notorious POW camps. With disease, brutality and starvation rampant, the survivors must find a way to fight back with resourcefulness, determination, and courage. 

Heather Morris has gained a reputation for writing about little known stories filled with amazing inspiration of survival and courage. Sisters Under the Rising Sun is no exception. With most World War II stories focused on the European theater, it is great to finally see a story featuring events in the Pacific theater. The descriptions of what these people endured and survived is horrifying and yet inspirational. It is a testament to the strength and reliance of the human spirit to survive. There is a slow build to the events, but once the story builds up, it is a hard book to put down. I worried and hoped these amazing people survived and were reunited with their loved ones. If you enjoy World War II stories and want to read the different areas of the war, I highly recommend Sisters Under the Rising Sun. 

Sisters under the Rising Sun is available in hardcover, eBook, and audiobook

Unlocking Your Inner Zelensky: words of wisdom from the speeches of the Ukrainian president?

Unlocking Your Inner Zelensky: Lessons We Can All Learn From an Unexpected Leader by Jessie Asya Kanzer is part self help manual based on the speeches and words of Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky. The newly elected president was relatively unknown until Ukraine was invaded by Russian forces in February 2022. The world becomes captivated by the inspiring statement he has made with a simple message, “We are all simple people.” Toted as a spiritual leader for our times by the author Unlocking Your Inner Zelensky seeks to highlight the deep philosophical ramifications and supplies life lessons from the president’s words and life. From his highly criticized background as a comedian as he was elected president, the author offers tips on spreading graciousness and how to lose the “it’s all about me” mentality and erase differences in backgrounds. Is Zelensky a man, a leader to look to for inspiration? 

When I was given the chance to read this book, I only knew about Zelensky from what was highlighted in the media. I was curious about the man and why someone would want to emulate him because while many like him, there are many people who call him a “monster.” Kanzer herself has a small part in Zelensky’s life story as she had acted in one of his movies. She self-described herself as a “spiritual nerd” who followed Zelensky for a long time and her admiration for Zelensky is so evident. A lot of the tips are nothing new or groundbreaking. I feel a book about Zelensky as this point is a bit premature. Overall, Unlocking Your Inner Zelensky is nothing spectacular. I think it is a bit too early to hero worship Zelensky. If you are interested, read Unlocking Your Inner Zelensky: Lessons We Can All Learn From an Unexpected Leader. 

Unlocking Your Inner Zelensky: Lessons We Can All Learn From an Unexpected Leader 

is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

The Haven: a gothic suspense thriller

The Haven is the second book in the Outer Banks series by Nicola Marsh. The Haven has been a refuge for many; however, for Rylee it has been a sheltered life. While she loves her father, John, and her grandmother, Leah, she wonders about life outside of her home. When an opportunity to work at the Arcania, a wellness retreat near her home, Rylee is excited but Leah isn’t thrilled. Rylee is also on a journey to search for the mother who left suddenly when she was a newborn with long buried family secrets ready to be uncovered. What Leah is hiding is that decades earlier, she arrived at The Haven and got a job at the nearby Arcania. However, horrors she witnessed there sent her running. As Rylee’s fascination with finding her mother and the Arcania grows, Leah believes Rylee is now in harm’s way. How far will Leah go to protect her family? 

OMG! What a story! As I began the book, I was curious how the Haven could be related to the Arcania, the story we see in The Retreat (2023). Although you do not need to read The Retreat first to enjoy The Haven, I would highly recommend it. As Rylee begins to subvert her grandmother’s control and truly begins her search for answers, the gates open and the story begins a twisted tale of suspense, thrills, and turns of events you won’t see coming! I love how Rylee finds her courage and stands up for herself as she demands answers. And the ending! Are there plans for a third book? Oh, I hope so! With the haunting setting and unexplained happenings, this story will draw you in until the final page. I highly recommend The Haven as well as the first book, The Retreat. If you enjoy gothic suspense thrillers, you cannot miss the Outer Banks series! 

The Haven will be available on October 31, 2023 in paperback and eBook

The Day He Stopped In: a sweet friends to lovers romance

The Day He Stopped In by Elana Johnson is the third book in the Hawthorne Harbor series. Janey Germaine is a widowed park ranger who is raising her twelve year old son, Jess. Adam Herrin is the Chief of Police and long time friend. Little does she know but Adam has been keeping an eye on them as a promise to her late husband as well as his own personal feelings. Adam has had a crush on Janey for a long time. But out of respect for her late husband and her son, Jess, he has kept a friendly distance. One day, when Jess gets in trouble, the door opens for Adam and Jess to spend more time with each other. He begins to wonder if the opportunity is finally here to show his true feelings but would Janey be ready to take their relationship out of the friend zone? 

The Day He Stopped In is my favorite book of the Hawthorne Harbor series so far and Adam is my favorite Herrin brother. This story is so sweet, funny, and relatable. Adam is a great character who takes his job as Chief of Police seriously. Janey’s hesitation for a new love and the fear of losing it again is relatable. She questions whether falling in love again would be disloyal to her late husband. I know many readers groan and cringe at third act breakups but the make up scene was so romantic, my heart melted and I fell in love with Adam all the more. Jess is a great character as a young man who is growing up and helps connect his mom and Adam. If you enjoy sweet, clean friends to lovers romance, I recommend The Day He Stopped In as well as the first two books in the series. 

The Day He Stopped In is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook  

Winnifred Cottage: an unexpected inheritance and a family secret

Winnifred Cottage by Jennie Alexander is a story of fresh starts and old family secrets. Everything seems to be crashing down for Abigail “Abbie” Morgan. Her home burns down and she breaks up with her boyfriend. Her only option seems to move to the Winnifred Cottage in the Lake District. A surprise inheritance from her late grandmother, the cottage offers her a new start. Once she arrives, she realizes that the cottage needs a lot more work than she realized. After meeting her great aunts and other villagers, Abbie also realizes that the cottage holds a family secret and a glimpse into her grandmother she never knew. Can this move be a dream come true or her worst nightmare? 

Winnifred Cottage is a lighter reading with a happy ending. It opens with Abbie in the hospital after a fall and she decides to move to the cottage. Feeling the need to escape and clear her head, the cottage offers the best option. Once there, she sees it’s not the dream she imagined. I always laugh at characters, and people in real life, who act shocked when they learn that their grandparents, or even their parents, had a past. Of course, they did. They didn’t come into this world as your parents. They were young adults who made life changing decisions. Overall, I enjoyed Winnifred Cottage. If you enjoy a slower paced story with family secrets, I recommend Winnifred Cottage. 

Winnifred Cottage is available in paperback and eBook

The Day He Drove By: a second chance romance

The Day He Drove By by Elana Johnson is the first book in the Hawthorne Harbor series. Ten years ago, paramedic Andrew Herrin delivered Gretchen Samuels’s baby girl on the side of the road when she and her husband couldn’t make it into town. It was a story Andrew told time and time again and it is a reason he loved being a paramedic. Their paths cross again, now Gretchen is a widow and the baby is ten year old Dixie. He once again comes to her rescue when her van gets a flat tire. As their new friendship grows, Gretchen finds herself falling for Andrew but she remains unsure. Can Andrew convince Gretchen that he wants her and her daughter in his life? 

The Day He Drove By is a sweet small town romance. I enjoyed Andrew as a man who had his heart broken before and trying to find his own happiness in life, love and career. Gretchen is a woman who is afraid to love again. When circumstances keep putting Andrew and Gretchen together, she can’t help but be drawn to his sweet and kind nature. Even though the misunderstandings are predictable for a romance, they were realistic and common misunderstandings. I enjoyed all the supportive characters and the small town community feel. There is even a hint at the couple for the next book. If you enjoy clean, sweet small town romance, I recommend The Day He Drove By. 

The Day He Drove By is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

Someone Else's Bucket List: finding a new life after the death of a loved one

Someone Else’s Bucket List by Amy T. Matthews is a story of grief and finding new life after the death of a loved one. Bree Boyd was an outgoing, successful Instagram influencer with millions of followers, who lived life by the seat of her pants. When a sudden diagnosis of leukemia forces her to face her death, she plans for a life changing adventure for her introverted sister. Jodie Boyd is shy, anxious and unsure what to do with her life. She learns that Bree’s dying wish is for Jodie to finish her bucket list and if she does, a corporate sponsor will pay off the remaining medical debt as well as debt for other cancer patients. At first, the idea of doing very public events terrifies Jodie; but knowing that her family and others will benefit, she reluctantly agrees. As she checks off the remaining items on the bucket list, Jodie never imagines that she would find herself and the life she has always wanted. 

Someone Else’s Bucket List is a heartbreaking story of grief and finding a new life. It is also a sweet story of finding the courage to truly follow one’s dreams despite fears and doubts. It has P.S. I Love You by Cecelia Ahren vibes, except it’s sisters instead of a husband and wife. While I expected more of an emotional impact, Someone Else’s Bucket List is a great depiction of grief reactions and the journey of learning to live a new life without a loved one in it. Grief is not a straight line from sadness to acceptance. It is a windy road from sadness to being okay and back to sadness. One of my favorite quotes from the book that explains this windy road is “Grief was like weather: it had seasons and moods, and it could always take a turn for the worse.” Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this story. There were moments of laughs and tears. I highly recommend Someone Else’s Bucket List. 

Someone Else’s Bucket List is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

My Paper Heart: one summer and a life changing decisions

My Paper Heart by Magan Vernon is the first book in the My Paper Heart series. Libby Gentry has done everything she was supposed to. Getting into her top choice sorority? Check. Dating a hot guy from the biggest fraternity? Check. However, it all goes wrong when she fails out of college and her parents force her to work for her great aunt in rural Louisiana. The tiny town of Elsbury has nothing for her and she stands out like a sore thumb until she meets Blaine Crabtree, the small town charmer. As the two grow closer, Libby is faced with a seemingly impossible choice. A new opportunity arises in Chicago, she must decide to wait for Blaine or move on. 

I really wanted to like this story. Right off the bat, Libby is unlikable, shallow and vain. She tried to use her past as justification for her current behaviors and I just don’t buy it. And Blaine? Oh Blaine! His introduction in the story is not in the greatest light. And his reputation around town isn’t the greatest either. At one point, someone tells Libby that he is a playboy and will “sleep with any woman under 30.” WHAT?!?!?! By the end of the story, I was over their antics and back and forth that I didn’t care if they had any growth at all. Overall, I did not enjoy this story and I do not recommend My Paper Heart. 

My Paper Heart is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

The Darling Songbirds: a sweet, spicy romance

The Darling Songbirds by Rachael Herron is the first book in the Songbirds of Darling Bay series. Adele Darling comes back to Darling Bay after the death of her uncle to the sleepy gold-rush town that her great-grandfather founded. Her uncle had run the saloon, hotel and diner in the small town and Adele was looking forward to either taking over the business or selling. However, when she comes back, she finds that the business is in ruin, broken and the customers are rare. She wasn’t expecting the handsome, guitar-playing bartender. Nate Houston has always believed he would be the next owner but Adele puts a winkle in this plan. Can their affection for the rundown saloon led to a greater love? 

The Darling Songbirds is a sweet, spicy romance set in a small town in Northern California. I thoroughly enjoyed Adele and Nate as individuals and as a couple. Both are dealing with deep hurts from the past and seeking forgiveness and a brighter future. While Adele was hard to like at times as she focused on her wants, needs and desires without thought to how it would affect those around her. However, by the end, I felt she had some great personal growth. I also enjoyed the supporting characters, especially Dixie, the other bartender, and Molly, Adele’s sister. Overall, I thoroughly enjoy the story and I look forward to the rest of the series. If you enjoy sweet, spicy romance, I recommend The Darling Songbirds. 

The Darling Songbirds is paperback, eBook and audiobook

Alexander Hamilton and the Battle of Yorktown, October 1781: an in depth account of the famous battle

 Alexander Hamilton and the Battle of Yorktown, October 1781: The Winning of American Independence by Philip Thomas Tucker is a detailed look into the decisive battle which brought to the end of the American Revolution and the role that Alexander Hamilton had played. While everyone is now aware of Alexander Hamilton and his role in the shaping of America, thanks to Lin Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton (2015), however, many still don’t know the details of Hamilton’s key contributions in the Yorktown battle. Hamilton led the assault at the Redoubt Number Ten, a strategic position on the left flank of the British defensive line and captured the defensive bastion. This accomplishment helped ensure the defeat and surrender of Cornwallis and the British Army and changed the course of world history. 

Anyone who knows me knows I love history, especially little known history. While everyone knows Ron Chernow’s award winning biography and Miranda’s hit musical, however, according to Philip Thomas Tucker, both don’t go into too much detail about Hamilton’s role at Yorktown. Thomas Tucker decides to truly get into the nitty gritty about Hamilton’s role and accomplishments leading up to and in the battle itself. As with many non-fiction historical books, it was a little dry at times. Thomas Tucker tended to repeat himself about certain Hamilton’s traits or personal history. I did enjoy learning more about the Yorktown battle in detail rather than just date and significance. If you enjoy learning about American History, I recommend Alexander Hamilton and the Battle of Yorktown. 

Alexander Hamilton and the Battle of Yorktown, October 1781: 

The Winning of American Independence

is available in hardcover, eBook, and audiobook

Fear Has a Name: Christian suspense with real issues and real struggles

Fear Has a Name is the first book in the Crittendon Files by Creston Mapes. A stranger breaks into the home of Jack Crittendon while his wife, Pamela and young daughters were home. As the police chalk it up to another in a string of home invasions, something feels off. Only personal items were taken and personal items destroyed. As a journalist, Jack is put on a story of a missing pastor, who reportedly left a suicide note. His investigation leads him into a dark world of lies, greed and danger. When a name surfaces from Pamela’s past, is there a connection between their home invasion and the missing pastor? It is a race against the clock as Jack knows he must uncover who this person is and what he wants with Jack’s family before it’s too late. 

A Christian suspense? An oxymoron? No, this story is filled with suspense, intrigue and faith. As a Christian, I find many Christian fiction to be too overly positive. The same goes with books labeled as Christian suspense. With the same basic, repetitious sunshine and rainbow versions of faith and believers, the story would fall flat. However, the Christian message in Fear Has a Name is real and deep which didn’t shy away from the issues that many Christians struggle with. These characters aren’t perfect, they are deeply flawed and struggle with their faith and their human nature. Fear Has A Name is a slow burn suspense story with a fast paced ending that will leave you hooked. Overall, I enjoyed Fear Has a Name. If you enjoy suspenseful stories with a Christian message, I recommend Fear Has a Name. 

Fear Has a Name is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Love on the Edge: suspense, faith and healing

Love on the Edge is the first book in the Crane’s Cove series by Kerry Evelyn. Lanie Owens has survived a horrific attack by an obsessed stalker. Her grandfather, a retired army colonel, decides to hide her at a remote resort in Maine so she can heal in peace away from the constant fear and threat. She is horrified to learn that he has hired a bodyguard to pose as her new husband. Matt Saunders is an Army Ranger who has spent the last year recovering from a battlefield injury. Anxious to prove he is ready to go back overseas, he accepts the bodyguard job. While the resort is tranquil, safe and certainly a place to heal, their own individual debilitating nightmares stay with them. As they open up to each other, they realize they have a lot in common and help each other heal from their traumas. Soon a crack in their security net allows the stalker to find her, they must fight their psychological demons in order to confront the very real threat in front of them. 

Kerry Evelyn’s books have been hit and miss for me. I haven’t been able to truly connect with her characters or writing style. However, Love on the Edge is a definite hit! A friends to lovers, bodyguard, fake marriage romance, it is sweet, suspenseful and deeply emotional. Ms. Evelyn doesn't hold back as she describes the PTSD Lanie experiences after the brutal attack as well as Matt’s own PTSD as a soldier. My heart broke as Lanie and Matt breakdown under the weight of their hurts. However, I loved that despite their breakdowns, they refused to give up and they fought back. I love that, despite the character’s religious faith, they still struggle with doubt as they try to reconcile their trust in God and the horrible events which they have experienced. It is an honest and real depiction and Ms. Evelyn doesn’t sugar coat it. The build up to the stalker finding Lanie and the final confrontation was very suspenseful. I look forward to the rest of the Crane’s Cove series. I highly recommend Love on the Edge.  

Love on the Edge is available in paperback and eBook

Country Heaven: an enemies to lovers romance with deep emotion

Country Heaven is the first book in the Dare River series by Ava Miles. Famous and infamous country singer Rye Crenshaw has a PR problem on his hands. When he walks into the diner, Tory Simmons wants nothing to do with him. She has no time for an arrogant bad boy who indulges himself in everything. But when he makes an offer she can’t refuse, she finds herself as his personal chef on his multi-city concert tour. Tory is a sassy, no-holds-bar woman that Rye is certain he can stay away from but her wholesome, small town image wouldn’t hurt his public image. As her food is both comforting and seductive, Rye soon finds that Tory is just as comforting and seductive. When a family emergency calls him home for the first time in years, the only person he wants at his side is Tory. With her support and encouragement, Rye finds the strength to confront the ghosts of his past. In turn he realizes his feelings for Tory are becoming all too real. Will he risk his heart to let Tory in? Can their own country heaven survive his real and public world? 

Country Heaven is more than just an enemies to lovers romance. It is a deeply sweet, steamy and emotional story filled with breaking free from family expectations, following one’s dreams and finding a new life and purpose. I was surprised at the depth in Rye, who has a reputation for being the bad boy of country music. However, that bad boy persona finds a deeply hurt man who drowns his sorrows in women and booze. Tory is a young woman who is dealing with the deaths of her parents as well as the recent deaths of her grandparents. She is struggling under mountains of debts as well the mountain of expectations her grandparents left behind. When these two wounded people meet, it is an instant cat and dog fight. However, under all the bravado are two passionate people who find the other part of themselves. I thoroughly enjoyed Country Heaven. I was hooked from the very beginning and could not put it down until I turned the final page. I look forward to reading the rest of the Dare River series. If you enjoy enemies to lovers with deep emotions, I highly recommend Country Heaven. 

Country Heaven is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook