The Trinity: the mysterious nature, difficult to understand but does the Bible teach it?

The Trinity is one of the most difficult to understand for Christians and non-Christians alike. And yet it is one of the cornerstones to Christian beliefs. Simply, the Trinity is God the Father, God the Son (Jesus) and God the Holy Spirit. God exists three in one. They are consubstantial as they come from the same source and of the same substance. There are relational distinctions as in three distinct realities in relation with each other, but subsist in one being. Confused so far? The nature of the Trinity is mysterious and we can only know in part as full understanding is beyond us, at least for now, as I believe we will fully understand in heaven. What exactly is the Trinity? What does the Bible teach about it? Why is it so difficult to understand?

As stated above, the Trinity consists of three parts: God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. First, God the Father is acknowledged throughout Scripture. In Deuteronomy 1:31, Moses calls God a father who carried his son through the desert to the promised land. In Psalm 103:13-14, God is the father who has compassion on those who fear him. In 2 Corinthians 1:3, Paul calls God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ as well as the Father of compassion and of all comfort. Second, Jesus is God the Son saves the sinners. He is truly God and truly man (Philippians 2:6-8), born of a woman, born under the law to redeem those under the law (Galatians 4:4-5). Jesus also claimed an eternal existence as in John 8:58, he states “Truly, truly I say to you, before Abraham was, I am!” The “I am” statement, referring to Exodus 3:14, would not have been lost on the Jewish audience that they tried to stone him and Jesus left the temple (John 8:59). Third, God the Holy Spirit who adopts and unites the believer with God the Father. The Holy Spirit guides, testifies, speaks, discloses and glorifies. In 1 Corinthians 2:11, Paul writes that the Holy Spirit knows the thoughts of God. How can the Holy Spirit know the thoughts of God if he was not God? The image below is a conceptual diagram to give a visual of how the Trinity works. 

Trinity does not appear in the Bible as the term was first used by Tertullian (c AD 160-230) meaning TRI-UNITY (Kou, 2023, Winger, 2019). However, the concept can be seen throughout the Scriptures. In Genesis 1:26, God spoke in the plural: “Let us make man in our image.” John 1:1-18 summarizes the creation in Genesis: how God spoke, how his Word (Jesus) as the agent of creation, did the work (John 1:1-4) and how his Spirit hovered over the waters (Genesis 1:2). There is also a plurality in God. One of the many names of God, Elohim, is plural in Hebrew (Kou, 2023). There are three core elements of the Trinity (McGarry). First, they are equal. No one is greater than the others and they are equal in honor and eternality. Many skeptics who know the Scriptures might stop here and interject with “didn’t Jesus say “the Father is greater than I?” Yes, he did in John 14:28. However, Jesus willingly submitted to God the Father and while on earth, submitted to the limitations of his physical form. It is also temporary as Jesus also prayed in John 17:5 that he be glorified in the Father’s presence as he had before the world began. Second, they are distinct as Ephesians 1:3-14 states God the Father chooses us “before the creation of the world” (verse 4). Jesus as God the Son did the work to accomplish our salvation (verses 5,9). God the Holy Spirit is the one who secures our salvation like a seal (verses 13-14). Each person has a particular role and works together in perfect cooperation as they are one. Three, they are united. They are not isolated from each other. In John 17:20-26, Jesus prays for believers’ unity as he is united with the Father. 

I think The Trinity is so difficult to understand because we do not have a perfect analogy to help explain it. Sometimes the Trinity is taught as one person has different relationships. For example, I am one person; however, to my husband, I am a wife, to my daughters, I am a mother and to my mother, I am a daughter. However, this analogy fails to fully encapsulate the Trinity. Since my birth, I have always been a daughter, but not a wife and a mother. While I was born a daughter, the expressions of a wife and mother, I took on as I married and had children. As God is “a unity of three persons, not one person with three expressions” (McGarry). There are plenty of other bad analogies. One in particular is the egg analogy. The shell, yolk and egg white are all components of the same egg. However, this is faulty as the shell is discarded to use the yolk and the egg whites and even the yolk can be separated from the egg whites. Since the components can be separated and are not equal in value where every Person of the Trinity is equal in value and cannot be separated from one another. As James White wrote “Within the one Being that is God, there exists eternally, three co-equal and co-eternal persons, namely, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit” (Forgotten Trinity, 26). There are three persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, that share one essence or being of God (Winger, 2019). 

In conclusion, the Trinity is a unique concept that our human brains cannot easily wrap itself around and we may never truly be able to explain it to the satisfaction of skeptics and detractors. Our job as believers is not to fully understand and comprehend all things; but, to trust what God has revealed at this time. However, the question we have to ask ourselves is: do we believe the Bible teaches it? Yes? Then that is enough at this time as God may reveal more to help us understand in the future. It may be seen as a cop out to some but I can honestly say that I understand more now than I did when I first became a believer, so who can say what God will reveal to me as I study His Word and seek Him? 

References

Kou, Christopher (April 4, 2023). The Trinity 101: What Every Christian Should Know. Logos. https://www.logos.com/grow/nook-what-is-the-trinity-doctrine-101/. Retrieved December 1, 2024. 

McGarry, Mike (October 11). Teaching the Trinity to Students. Youth Pastor Theologian. https://www.youthpastortheologian.com/blog/teaching-the-trinity-to-students. Retrieved December 1, 2024. 

White, James (1998). The Forgotten Trinity: Recovering the Heart of Christian Belief. Revised and updated edition, November 5, 2019. 

Winger, Mike (2019). The Trinity: Can We Defend it Biblically? Bible Thinker. https://www.youtube.com/live/p0cLKtR5kfE?si=WUU3plLpG7Qbxb9X. Retrieved December 1, 2024. 

The Promise in Poppies: the story of Poppy Creek has come full circle

The Promise in Poppies is the eighth book in the Poppy Creek series by Rachael Bloome. Cassie Davis has built a wonderful life in Poppy Creek. With a surprise pregnancy, Cassie faces her fears of motherhood while trying to rebuild her relationship with her own mom. Donna Hayward has devoted the last two years maintaining her sobriety as well as making amends. She returns to Poppy Creek to help Cassie, determined to be the mother she needs now, while guarding a secret, the one piece of information that Cassie has been asking for: the identity of her father. The last thing Donna expected was to fall in love with Rhett Douglas, the ex-con who, burdened by his own past mistakes, helps her see that there may be a second chance for love. As the town bands together to save the beloved library from a land developer, shocking secrets emerge. Will the tight knit community of found families be able to handle these revelations? 

I love the community of Poppy Creek! The cast of characters and the beautiful setting makes for a great series of love, laughter and even a few tears as life lessons are learned. I love the author’s use of faith-based concepts and Scriptures without being preachy or heavy handed. The struggles of the characters are real without easy or simple solutions and there wasn’t  a character I didn’t love or not cheer for. The Promise in Poppies is an uplifting read that warms your heart with its hope, healing and happily ever afters. The books in this series can be read out of order, however, if you haven’t started the Poppy Creek series, I highly recommend starting in order with book 1, The Clause in Christmas which introduces Cassie to this beloved small town. The Promise in Poppies brings the series full circle. I hope there will be more books in this wonderful series. I highly, highly recommend The Promise in Poppies. 

The Promise in Poppies is available in paperback and eBook

His Spirit of Christmas: a retelling of A Christmas Carol in the Crescent City

His Spirit of Christmas by Liz Talley is a part of the New Orleans Ladies novel series with the themes of the Dickens' classic A Christmas Carol. It is Christmas time in the Crescent City and Brennan Henry doesn’t have time for the holly, jolly spirit of the season. He is too busy boosting the family business. However, it all changes when his grandfather hands over a lot of money to a complete stranger as part of his True Spirit of Christmas campaign. Mary Paige Gentry is kind, compassionate and plenty of sass to counter his humbug attitude. Brennan and Mary Paige spend time together as part of the campaign and Mary Paige’s outlook on life and Christmas challenges everything Brennan thought to be real or right. As sparks fly between them, will Brennan put aside his dollar-and-cents attitude for a true spirit of Christmas? 

His Spirit of Christmas is an enemies to lovers, grumpy-sunshine romance. Brennan is a man with a painful past who hides his pain behind a realist attitude. Mary Paige is a woman who despite having her own painful past is determined to spread kindness around her. I loved the themes of past, present and future from A Christmas Carol as Brennan and Mary Paige spend time together. I also loved the idea that a painful past does not mean a painful or empty future. I enjoyed Brennan’s grandfather as a man who is determined to make sure his grandson has joy and love in his life and not all business. His Spirit of Christmas is a cute, fast paced Christmas romance. There were great moments of laughter and tears filled with Christmas magic. If you enjoy Christmas romance, I highly recommend His Spirit of Christmas. 

His Spirit of Christmas is available in eBook

So This is Christmas: the magic of Christmas is shattered by a horrifying crime

So This is Christmas is the eleventh book in the best selling Hart’s Ridge series by Kay Bratt. The small town of Hart’s Ridge is glowing with holiday magic as the quaint town is decked with festive lights and holiday cheer that draws visitors from all around. However, this year, Deputy Taylor Gray hopes for a quiet holiday as she recovers and learns how to enjoy her new role as the family celebrates. However, in another part of town, the peace and quiet of the Christmas spirit is shattered when four bodies are discovered. Detective Shane Weaver must solve this crime without Taylor as she becomes torn between her promise to Sam to stay out of the investigation and focus on her recovery and her sworn duty to keep the town safe. Who would do such a horrendous act at Christmas? And can Taylor keep her promise? Will Shane leave her out of it? 

The Hart’s Ridge series just keeps getting better and better! To say that I enjoyed this story would be an understatement. Inspired by real life crime stories, So This is Christmas takes readers on a journey into the unthinkable and asks the question what would drive someone to commit such a crime. So This is Christmas opens with the shocking crime as a family is gunned down and keeps readers on the edge of their seats as the twists and turns come at a fast pace. Intertwined with the case, Taylor is faced with a decision: when will she realize that taking time for yourself and your health isn’t selfish but necessary? It is a question that many caregivers must face. What will be Taylor’s breaking point? If you are a fan of the Hart’s Ridge series, I highly, highly recommend So This is Christmas! If you have not yet started the series, I highly, highly recommend it. 

So This is Christmas is currently available in eBook

Mistletoe Between Friends: a friends to lovers, fake dating Christmas romance

Mistletoe Between Friends by Samantha Chase is a Christmas romance. Lifelong friends Lily Cavanaugh and Cameron Greene know each other inside and out. Their matchmaking mothers seem determined to pair them up on blind dates. As the Christmas season is approaching, they come up with the perfect solution: pretend to date each other and break up after the holiday. It will get their meddling mothers off their backs at least for a while and have a chance for a peaceful Christmas without the constant questions. Simple, right? What could go wrong? As they pretend to date and suddenly the feelings are becoming very, very real. Will they continue to pretend? Or will they face the possibility that they have fallen in love?

Mistletoe Between Friends is a sweet friends to lovers, fake dating Christmas romance. A quick paced, page turner, it was easy to fall in love with Lily and Cameron, to root for them and cheer as they reveal their true feelings. I loved their friendship banter and their uneasiness as they experienced more romantic feelings for each other. I cheered when Cameron defended Lily against her sister’s backhanded comments. I especially loved the epilogue. I won’t say why because it would spoil the ending but it was so good! Mistletoe Between Friends is a great read for an afternoon of romance and the magic of Christmas. If you love a friends to lovers, fake dating romance with the magic of Christmas, I highly recommend Mistletoe Between Friends. 

Mistletoe Between Friends is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Sugar Pine Holiday: a fast paced clean holiday romance

Sugar Pine Holiday is the first book in the Fireside Holidays series by Elysia Strife. Ava Williams doesn’t want anything to do with winter, the snow of the mountains of Colorado. When the Sugar Pine Lodge resort coordinator calls her, requesting her dance lessons for the holiday retreat, with an offer she can’t refuse, Ava finds herself in the snow capped mountains surrounded by memories of happier times. She is only there to give dance lessons, nothing more. However, at every turn, Ava runs into Cade Callahan, the handsome member of the local search and rescue team. Cade can see there’s more to Ava than meets the eye and he will do anything to pull her out of her shell. As they spend time together, they find their attraction too hard to deny. Ava plans to leave at the end of the week but will her heart stay behind at the Sugar Pine Lodge?

Sugar Pine Holiday is a quick, fast paced romance with a cute meet and some real emotions. Ava is still hurting from a family tragedy but reluctantly heads up to the resort. The descriptions of the resort were wonderful and I felt as if I was really there with the detailed descriptions of the weather. I loved the moment when Ava and Cade meet and Ava immediately notices how attractive Cade is but acts like she doesn’t care. I loved how Cade helps Ava understand that living her life to the fullest isn’t ignoring the tragedy but recognizing that life is unpredictable and yet cannot be ignored. There are heartbreaking moments. Moments of angst and emotions and yet there is warmth and heart. Overall, I loved this story and I look forward to reading new books in this series. If you enjoy fast paced, clean romance, I recommend Sugar Pine Holiday. 

Sugar Pine Holiday is available in paperback and eBook

Promise of Love: a predictable a la Hallmark romance

Promise of Love is the first book in the Holiday Family Christian Romance series by Tamie Dearen. Noelle Holiday doesn’t feel the magic of Christmas. Everything about the holiday seems to be cursed for her and she would rather avoid the holiday all together. When good things begin to happen for her, she starts to be suspicious. What’s the saying? If something is too good to be true, it probably is. First, she agrees to adopt an injured Golden Retriever, then she meets a guy who seems to like her and cares for her. For the first time in ages, she feels like she could have a family of her own. But when disaster strikes, Noelle feels she has lost the dog and the guy. The curse strikes again, or so she thinks. Is Noelle doomed to be alone? Or can the magic of Christmas find her once again? 

A predictable a la Hallmark romance, Promise of Love is touted as a faith filled romance of a believer who struggles with her faith and finds real love for the first time. While I love a faith based story especially with a believer who struggles with faith, because let’s face it we all have at some point, it irks me when the same old misquoted and misused Bible verses are used. For example, Noelle tells a character that “God says not to judge,” referring to Matthew 7:1 and yet ignores the rest of the chapter that teaches more than that. I didn’t care for Noelle who was so negative that it was hard to root for her. I really disliked that she ignored every warning in her head about a guy and then laments when he turns out to be a jerk. Like seriously!?!? I do not recommend Promise of Love. 

Promise of Love is available in eBook

The Thistle and the Rose: Scottish historical romance with secret missions and secret identities

The Thistle and the Rose is the first book in the MacPherson Clan series by May McGoldrick. Celia Muir escapes into the Scottish Highlands. With only her loyal friends and servants, Celia is determined to protect the infant Kit from enemies lurking in the shadows. To help her hide, she takes a desperate deception and introduces herself to the Campbell clan as the seductive Lady Caithness and Kit is her son. Colin Campbell knows that Lady Caithness is trouble but he can’t help being drawn to her. However, he knows Celia is hiding something and he is determined to find out what as well as his determination to take her into his arms. As the danger closes in, will Celia trust Colin enough to tell him the truth? Will they give in to the desires of their hearts? 

The Thistle and the Rose is more than just a romance. It has secrets, political intrigue and a host of historical figures. I was hooked from the beginning as I tried to figure out the mystery of who Celia really was and who Kit truly is! The Thistle and the Rose reminded me of the romances I used to read as a teen. I loved Celia and her fierce independence. She was not a shrinking flower. She was ready to fight if need be. Colin is the ultimate hero who will fight for those who cannot fight for themselves. As the two clashed, the battle of wits and wills was so entertaining! I also enjoyed all the side characters, especially Colin’s friend, Alec, and I am looking forward to reading his story. If you love Scottish historical romance, you will enjoy this story. I recommend The Thistle and the Rose. 

The Thistle and The Rose is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

His Christmas Wish: rediscovering the joy and magic of Christmas after a loss

His Christmas Wish is the first book in the Mountain Rescue Romance series by Melissa McClone. Carly Bishop loved Christmas until tragedy struck that left her distraught and grief-stricken. Unable to stay in the small town of Hood Hamlet after the deaths of her brother and fiancé, Carly packed up and moved as far away as she could. Now, six years later, her family needs her. She reluctantly returns to help with her niece and nephew, hoping to survive the days until she can leave Hood Hamlet behind once again. Jake Porter is a Bishop family friend and a volunteer mountain rescue climber. He lives with the guilt that he could not save his two friends on that fateful day and the heartbreaking loss that Carly carries. When she returns to town, he is determined to make amends. As Jake and Carly help give the kids the best Christmas ever, can he help her rediscover her love of Christmas? Can he also help her open her heart again to love? 

His Christmas Wish is a sweet, emotional Christmas romance. It is a brother’s friend, second chance romance with hard hitting emotions. Melissa McClone does a beautiful job handling the sensitive topic of grief and guilt as life moves on. One of my favorite quotes sums up the story beautifully, “Life is about taking risks…and love makes those risks worth it even if we end up disappointed or hurt.” I loved Jake and Carly. They have a beautiful history together as they grew up together and have past crushes on each other that they never acted on. I loved their supporting characters, especially the niece and nephew as children can bring the infectious joy and magic of Christmas. There were a few tears as Carly confronted her grief. There are great moments of smiles and heartfelt connection between Carly and Jake. I loved this story and I look forward to reading the rest of the series. If you enjoy a Christmas romance with heart and real emotions, I recommend His Christmas Wish. 

His Christmas Wish is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

A Firefighter's Christmas Gift: a small town Christmas romance

A Firefighter’s Christmas Gift is the first book in the Holidays in Heart Falls series by Vivian Arend. Bradley Ford is the new fire chief in the small town of Heart Falls . He returned to help his father, Patrick, after an accident and what he didn’t expect is to have Hanna Lane catch his eye and his heart. Hanna is a single mom and her only concern is taking care of her eight year old daughter. She is looking to date but something about Brad keeps drawing her in. When a fire destroys their home, Hanna and Crissy are left  homeless weeks before Christmas. Brad offers them shelter on his family’s homestead under the guise that he needs help with his injured father. As they settle into their routines, Brad and Hanna find themselves drawn more and more together. There is no denying their chemistry but can Brad convince Hanna they have a future? 

A Firefighter’s Christmas Gift is a sweet Christmas romance with a happy ending. The chemistry and interaction between Brad and Hanna was sweet. Especially Brad as he seems to understand that she is gun shy and hesitant for a relationship. He is determined to show her he wants a future, not just a fling. There isn’t much drama or tension in the story other than Hanna’s own self doubt. My main issue with the story was Hanna’s daughter, Crissy, is supposed to be eight years old; however, I feel she behaves and speaks more like a six year old. It was a bit distracting. Overall, it is a nice Christmas romance. It was a quick and entertaining read. However, I felt no real connection to the characters and I probably will not be continuing the series. If you love small town Christmas romance, I recommend A Firefighter’s Christmas Gift. 

A Firefighter’s Christmas Gift is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

Christmas at Sleigh Bell Farm: a sweet romance filled with the hope, love and luck of Christmas

Christmas at Sleigh Bell Farm is the first book in the Elliotts of Montana series by Kaylie Newell. Jim “Lucky” Elliott is the ultimate country boy next door. Charismatic, ruggedly handsome and charming, he catches the ladies’ attention wherever he goes. However, the beloved family farm is in trouble, he drops out of vet school to rescue his grandparents’ sleigh ride business and family farm. He needs a plan to drum up business when a flyer catches his eye. Rachel O’Rourke has dreams of making her podcast a full time job. She holds a contest for the best first kiss story to feature on her podcast as well as free advertisement for a local business. When she reads Lucky’s submission for his grandparents’ story, it is exactly the story she is looking for. As Lucky and Rachel begin to spend time together, Lucky revisits a dream he has had for a long time. However, to follow that dream would mean putting another dream aside. 

Christmas at Sleigh Bell Farm is a cute, sweet romance filled with the hope, love and luck of Christmas. It is a quick read, perfect for the holiday season. I loved Lucky as a man who will do anything for his family, even put aside his dreams to help them. But when his ultimate dream could mean a future for the farm, will he have the strength to take that risk? Enter Rachel. I loved Rachel as a woman who has had her share of broken hearts but still believes in love, even if it may not be in the cards for her. Lucky and Rachel together were cute and inspirational as they encouraged each other to take that leap to pursue their dreams. I loved the small town setting with a great cast of supporting characters. I enjoyed this story and will continue the series. If you love small town romance with a Christmas setting, I recommend Christmas at Sleigh Bell Farm. 

Christmas at Sleigh Bell Farm is available in paperback and eBook

The Art of Inheriting Secrets: one woman's journey into her mother's past

The Art of Inheriting Secrets by Barbara O’Neal is a story of discovery of a loved one’s past holds the key to one’s future. After the sudden death of her mother, Olivia Shaw learns she has inherited an English estate and the title of countess. With grief still raw and her head swimming with so many questions, Olivia leaves her home in San Francisco and heads to England, unsure what she will find but determined to unravel her mother’s secrets. Once in England, Olivia learns that Rosemere Priory, a magnificent estate, is in desperate need of repair and holds the secrets to her mother’s past. With personal issues and a job back home needing her attention, Olivia can’t help but fall in love with the English village, its residents and Rosemere itself. Will she return to San Francisco? Will she stay in England? Will Olivia finally understand why her mother kept it all a secret?

The Art of Inheriting Secrets is a great story of a woman’s discovery of her mother’s past and finding a future she didn’t know she wanted. However, where the story fails is that it leaves too many loose ends. The story builds up to this great mystery as to why her mother left and never told her about her life in England. The author is great with the descriptions and yet poor at unfolding the mystery to a satisfying end. The end felt rushed and left me asking WHAT? As I closed the final chapter. I still had questions. The writing is beautiful. I truly felt as if I could experience the weather of the English countryside. The author’s descriptions of the food truly made me hungry! There is a romance aspect that was beautiful and added to the tension. Overall, I did enjoy the story, despite the unsatisfying ending. I recommend The Art of Inheriting Secrets. 

The Art of Inheriting Secrets is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Keeping 13: the exciting conclusion to Binding 13

Keeping 13 is the second book of the Boys of Tommen series by Chloe Walsh. The story begins immediately after the events of book 1 Binding 13 as both Shannon and Johnny face life changing decisions, each with their own fallouts and dire consequences. After a devastating injury, Johnny is sidelined while he recovers and struggles to stay the course for his ultimate dreams. Feeling lost and insecure, he sets his attention to unraveling the mystery and secrets of the only other person who has been able to take his sights off his goals. Keeping secrets is second nature for Shannon as her family life demands it. Traumatized and desperate to protect herself and her little brothers, she finds herself falling into old patterns with cover-ups and walls in place to keep everyone out. However, Johnny is the only one with the ability to climb those walls. Falling in love with each other was the easy part, what they now face will be the test. 

Keeping 13 is a story of friendship, first love, friendship, and horrifying secrets in this love story of two teenagers from opposite sides of the tracks. After reading Binding 13, I couldn’t wait to finish this heartbreaking story and hoping for a happy ending. Picking up right where Binding 13 left off, Keeping 13 was a wild ride that kept going with its dips and turns until the very end. There were a number of surprises especially at the end. Just when I thought the story was over, it wasn’t!  It had heartbreaking moments with sobs and tears as well as heart gripping fear. However, there were side splitting laughter and smiles for miles as the teenagers will be teenagers. As I warned with Binding 13, I will give the warning again. It is written in the Irish teen vernacular with heavy foul language. I loved this story and I can’t wait to finish the rest of the series. I highly, highly recommend Keeping 13. 

Keeping 13 is available in paperback and eBook

The Christmas Window: a sweeet, cute and clean Christmas romance

The Christmas Window is the first book in the Silver Falls series by Melissa McClone. Callie Andrews has found her passion running a doggy daycare in the small town of Silver Falls. The town has a holiday window display contest that she is determined to win. To prove to her parents and older brothers that she is thriving on her own. Brandt Winslow has reluctantly returned home to Silver Falls. He left many years ago after being betrayed by someone he trusted. He hopes to spend his vacation avoiding the past and quietly checking off the days. When his well meaning, matchmaking aunt has decided that her nephew needs to find love, Brandt finds himself spending time with Callie and discovering hope and magic in the holidays. Is there enough magic to find love under the mistletoe? 

The Christmas Window is a sweet, cute and clean Christmas romance. I enjoyed Callie and Brandt as they met on the wrong foot and through forced proximity, they find common ground and a growing friendship and eventually love. I also enjoyed Brandt’s aunt and the other residents of Silver Falls. They were great support for Callie and Brandt. This story also brings the importance of standing up for yourself, for your passions and dreams as well as confronting the past in order to move forward. The story flowed smoothly and I enjoyed reading Callie and Brandt’s romance that I read well into the night. I am looking forward to the rest of the series. If you enjoy small town romance with a Christmas atmosphere, I highly recommend The Christmas Window. 

The Christmas Window is available in paperback and eBook

The Cure for Women: Victorian medicine and the challenging fight for change

The Cure for Women: Dr Mary Putnam Jacobi and the Challenge to Victorian Medicine that Changed Women’s Lives Forever by Lydia Reeder sets out to expose how Victorian male doctors used false science to argue that women were only fit to be wives and mothers and the bring to light the one doctor who proved them wrong. After Elizabeth Blackwell became the first woman to graduate from medical school and practice medicine, more and more women came forward for the chance to study medicine. Barred from prestigious universities, these women built their own medical schools and hospitals. When their success was too large to ignore, a group of elite, white male doctors set out to shut them down and prove that a woman’s menstrual cycles make them unfit for college and professions. Enter Mary Putnam Jacobi, the daughter of New York publisher George Palmer Putnam, armed with a medical education from the Sorboone medical school, she conducts the first ever scientific research on women’s reproductive biology. Her results would open the door for women and their higher education futures. 

When I received the invitation to read an advanced copy of The Cure for Women, I was intrigued to be introduced to the pioneers of women who paved the way for future generations of women. Touted to expose “the birth of a sexist science that still haunting us today as the fight for control of women’s bodies and lives continues,” I knew I was in for a wild ride. However, I was bored. I feel it was more about Elizabeth Blackwell and her sisters than Mary Putnam Jacobi. The author also went off on too many tangents that I was lost. By the time that Mary Putnam Jacobi was the focus of the book, I didn’t care. Another turn off for me was the political stance. I was hoping to read a book about women fighting for their chance, instead it became a book about female superiority and the male fight to keep women down. Overall, I feel that this book did little to bring Mary Putnam Jacobi to light. I do not recommend The Cure for Women. 

The Cure for Women: Dr Mary Putnam Jacobi and the Challenge to Victorian Medicine that Changed Women’s Lives Forever is available in hardcover, eBook and audiobook