Matthew: from hated tax collector to gospel writer; from an old life to a new purpose

Capernaum was a key military center for Roman troops with a thriving business community as several major highways passed through bringing merchants as far away as Egypt and Mesopotamia. Matthew was a tax collector in Capernaum who was called by Jesus, left his booth and followed Jesus, observing and taking notes. His observations would become the Gospel of Matthew. There is not much known about Matthew. In the other gospels, Matthew is referred to as Levi, son of Alphaeus. The name may reflect his Jewish heritage as Levi is one of the tribes of Israel. The name, Matthew, may be the name he used when dealing with the Romans. It was common for people to have more than one name especially if they interacted with both Jewish and Roman cultures. Why is Matthew’s occupation an important note? What is special about Matthew’s gospel? What can we learn about the two major changes in Matthew’s life?

Tax collectors were collecting taxes from citizens and merchants passing through town. They were expected to take a commission on the taxes they collected. Tax collectors developed a reputation for overcharging in order to take a greater profit. It was financially profitable, albeit corrupt, therefore, tax collectors were hated among the citizens for cheating as well as their support of Rome. Matthew was a Jewish man, appointed by the Romans to be the area’s tax collector. Matthew may have been hated more as a Jewish man, taking taxes, and handing it over to the Romans, the pagan occupiers. When Jesus called Matthew to follow him, Matthew did more than just follow. He left his wealth (Luke 5:28). He left a lucrative career, guaranteed unemployment. Matthew would not have a job to go back to, unlike the other disciples like Peter and John, who had a trade to fall back on. The first thing Matthew does after he answers Jesus’s call, he invites friends to his home to meet Jesus (Matthew 9:10; Mark 2:15; Luke 5:29). He didn’t waste any time to witness. He was a changed man and he wanted others to see the reason for that change and hopefully be changed as well. 

The purpose of Matthew’s gospel is to prove that Jesus is the Messiah, the eternal King, particularly for the Jewish audience. The gospel opens with the genealogy of Jesus (Matthew 1:1-16). The purpose of this genealogy was to show Jesus in the kingly line from the connection Abraham to King David to Jesus. Matthew’s genealogy also includes four women: Tamar, Rahab, Ruth and Bathsheba. Three of these four women were involved in sexual scandals: Tamar and Judah in Genesis 38:15-19, Rahab was a prostitute in Jericho (Joshua 2:1) and Bathsheba committed adultery with King David (2 Samuel 11:1-4). Ruth was a Moabite (Ruth 1:4). Why is this important? It is an example that God works through all people, ordinary people, for his purpose. His work is not limited to human failures or sins. The gospel of Matthew is also the only gospel to record the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). As Matthew is writing for the Jewish audience in mind, this sermon serves as the fulfillment of the Torah as Jesus reveals the true spiritual intent of the Law that is more than simply observance. It is a deeper righteousness and call to true discipleship through love, humility and purity of heart. 

When Jesus called Matthew, there were two changes. First, a new life. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says that we are new creations in Jesus as the old has gone and the new has come. Matthew went from hated to accepted. He was a despised outcast because of his job; but in Jesus, he has a new life. In Jesus, hope is restored and death is reversed like a new bud on a dying plant, God gives us new hearts to love, new eyes to see Him and new minds to bear witness to His miracles. Romans 6:4 tells us that God gives us a new life just as He raised Jesus from the dead. Second, a new purpose. When he decided to follow Jesus, Matthew wasted no time introducing other Jesus. Sometimes new believers are taught that they need to wait for spiritual maturity before introducing others to Jesus. However, believers can and should share their faith regardless of where they are in their journey because God can use whatever knowledge, skill or experience they already have for those in their lives at the moment. There is always an opportunity to share the gospel whether you are a new believer or a lifelong believer. 

In conclusion, little is known about Matthew beyond a handful of mentions in the gospel and his presence at the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-13) with no substantial record on his role in the early church. Christian tradition honors Matthew as a martyr; although, there is no record of where or how he died. Some traditions say he was stoned, beheaded, burned or stabbed. Other traditions suggest he died of natural causes like John. However, the important lesson from Matthew’s life is that Jesus accepts people from every level of society. Jesus eating with sinners at Matthew’s home shows that God’s love and message is for everyone. The Gospel of Matthew emphases Jesus’s compassion for sinners, the sick, the outcasts and the ignored. Being a follower of Jesus is not for people who think they are already good or righteous. It is for people who know they have failed and need a Savior. 

A Girl Called Samson: an unsung Revolutionary War hero

A Girl Called Samson by Amy Harmon is a fictionalized story of a real life Revolutionary War hero. In 1760, Deborah Samson is born in Plympton, Massachusetts. When her father abandons the family and her mother is unable to support Deborah and her siblings, she is bound out as an indentured servant. She lives and works with the Thomas family, she yearns for a life of freedom and adventures. As the colonies are battling for their independence, Deborah disguises herself as a soldier and enlists in the Continental Army. With her height and lanky build her transformation is persuasive and soon she finds herself witnessing the horrors of war. As Deborah fights for her country’s freedom, she must protect her secret at all costs and finds something she did not expect: love. Will she survive the war? Will her secret be discovered? 

I love history and especially American history. I have never heard of Deborah Samson. A woman born ahead of her time, Deborah fought with bravery, ingenuity and courage. Amy Harmon’s story is a fast paced story, told through letters and from Deborah’s point of view, readers will witness battles and the fight for freedom with Deborah. I found myself cheering for her, urging her on and holding my breath that she wouldn’t be caught. I also enjoyed seeing more Revolutionary War figures than the usual suspects. I learned about real life General John Paterson and Agrippa Hull, a freeman. After I finished this story, I immediately looked up the individuals and read more into their lives before, during and after the war. If you enjoy strong women characters and history, I highly, highly recommend A Girl Called Samson. 

A Girl Called Samson is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Falling for You Again: an ex-husband, a marriage of convenience and rules made to be broken

Falling For You Again by Kerry Lonsdale is a story of family, love and a marriage of convenience. Meli Hynes is a furniture artisan, raised by her uncle Bear and takes his truisms to heart. After a twenty four hour marriage during a Las Vegas fling, Meli gave marriage a shot and decided that her family’s wood crafting shop was the legacy she wanted to live for. When she learns that her uncle decides to sell to a competitor, the promised inheritance is threatened and Meli is ready to right for it. The competitor just happens to be her ex-husband’s family business and she approaches him to stop the deal. His idea? A marriage of convenience. With his own controlling family, Aaron Borland proposes a marriage in name only with public displays of affection and living together as happy newlyweds. And most importantly, never let real feelings get in the way. It may be the hardest rule of all. 

I was very excited to read the newest story by Kerry Lonsdale and when I won a copy, I immediately jumped in. From the opening page to the closing chapters, Meli and Aaron’s story was filled with heart, growth, humor and love. Overall, I liked Meli’s growth through the book. She was certainly a character I wanted to shake some sense into. However, I loved Aaron’s character from his introduction and throughout the story. Meli’s friend, Emi, was a great supporting character. A very direct, someone who will call you out on your nonsense. I loved the scene where Emi meets Aaron for the first time and gives him the “If you hurt her” speech! A few characters had a lot of jaded opinions about marriage, which I get as many haven’t had pleasant or great marriage experiences. Overall, Falling for You Again was a good, entertaining story. I was not able to put it down. I highly recommend Falling for You Again. 

Falling for You Again is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Now and Then: an innocent man behind bars? Graystone Investigations is on the case

Now and Then is the thirteenth book in the Hart’s Ridge series by Kay Bratt. Taylor traded her badge, and alongside her husband Sam, launched Graystone Investigations. A private detective agency fueled by grit, intuition and the pursuit of justice. Their latest case is a chance to overturn a decade old conviction when new evidence puts further doubt on the case. A man spent ten years in prison for a brutal crime, a crime he insists he did not commit. The only person who stands by his side, his wife. Taylor and Sam begin to dig into the case and discover missing evidence, unfollowed leads and truths buried. At the same time, Anna has finally found purpose in her nursing career. When a chance encounter with a new patient puts her face to face with her ex-husband, Anna finds herself falsely accused of a crime and begins the uphill battle to clear her name. 

The Hart’s Ridge series has grown to a wonderful story of family and resilience with suspense and the journey to justice. Now and Then is a story that starts slowly like a fire you didn’t know was there until it burns into a raging inferno. A man convicted by a shortsighted investigation, a wife who never gave up hope and Taylor and Sam fueled by a drive to find the truth seemingly lost in time. Anna’s story was equally engaging as I wanted to wring her ex-husband’s neck. The story does end with a cliffhanger, a heart stopping cliffhanger that I am eager to see resolved in the next book, coming soon. I loved this story as I could not put it down. If you have not read the Hart’s Ridge series, I highly, highly recommend it. If you are a fan of the Hart’s Ridge series, you will love Now and Then. 

Now and Then is available in paperback and eBook

Sisters of Fortune: three sisters at the crossroads of family tradition and their modern dreams

Sisters of Fortune by Esther Chehebar is a story of three sisters as they search for love and a place in the world all along with the growing pains of adulthood. From a Syrian Jewish family, living in Brooklyn, the Cohen sisters find themselves in a tug of war between tradition and modern society, between what their community expects and what they want for themselves. Nina, the eldest sister, is happily single at 26 and ignores the talk of spinstership. Fortune, the middle sister, is engaged but wonders if she truly wants to marry her fiancé. Lucy, the youngest sister, is a senior at her yeshiva high school, and begins a relationship with an older man. Adding to the tug of war, their charismatic grandmother, Sitto, who fled Syria in 1992 and their mother, Sally, who is anxious about her daughters’ futures. Can the sisters truly find happiness while managing family tradition and their own dreams? 

In her debut novel, author Esther Chehebar writes a coming of age story about dating, ambition and the immigrant community. Described as “hilarious” and “heart-warming,” Sisters of Fortune has themes of remembering where family comes from and looking forward to where they are going. While there were humorous moments; however, the story did not have much going on. The family dynamics were interesting as I have not read many books with Syrian immigrants; but I was bored with the sisters themselves. The story features each sister’s point of view. I feel Fortune and Nina had the most growth in the story. I felt for Fortune as she is unsure of marriage and feels inadequate. Nina feels the pressure to marry. Lucy’s story was just uncomfortable. Overall, the story wasn’t the hilarious, heart-warming coming of age story I was expecting. However, I do recommend readers check out Sisters of Fortune as it may speak to them in ways it did not speak to me. 

Sisters of Fortune is available in hardcover, eBook and audiobook

No Fake Dating for a Cowboy: romance and suspense in a small town

No Fake Dating for a Cowboy is the first book in the Escape to Cowboy Crossing series by Alexa Verde. When their family is threatened, former policewoman Jessie Ashford makes sure their temporary home in a small town is as secure as possible as secure as the wall around her heart. She also has a secret she will die trying to protect. However, when Ronan O’Neill, the local police officer, helps investigate the suspicious events around Jessie and her family, her defenses begin to fall. As Jessie is a woman who has a chip on her shoulder, Ronan is a cop with his heart on his sleeve. Still reeling from the loss of his fiancée, he wasn’t expecting to be drawn to Jessie. Can Jessie learn to trust Ronan and open her heart one more time? Can Ronan convince her that he is worthy of her love and trust? 

From the opening page to the closing chapter, No Fake Dating for a Cowboy has all the charms of a small town with the suspense of a mystery thriller. There is a mixture of love, humor and nail biting excitement. However, there was a bit too much jumping back and forth in time. There was a lot of internal monologue. Too much information that other characters discuss without being revealed by another. Did I miss when particular information was revealed? I did like the characters. They were believable with flaws and yet band together to support one another. I loved the interactions between Jessie and her sisters and Ronan and his brothers. Ms Verde definitely captured sibling relationships and interactions. Overall, the story was good and I am still debating if I will continue the series. If you enjoy a small town romance with suspense, I recommend No Fake Dating for a Cowboy. 

No Fake Dating for a Cowboy is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Broken Summer: one man is forced to confront the past, the secrets and lies that surround it

Broken Summer by J.M. Lee and translated by An Seon Jae is a story of a mysterious death, lies and a secret that one man spent 26 years running from until one fateful day. Lee Hanjo is an artist who is envied and celebrated. On the morning of his 43rd birthday, he wakes up to find his devoted wife gone and a completed, not yet published book she had secretly written. A story about an unsavory past and the questionable past of an artist that was eerily similar to his own and one summer when a deadly lie tragically destroys two families. Dread fills him as he realizes that his life is about to shatter and the demons he has been running from have caught up with him. Why did his wife do it? And why now? 

Described as a master storyteller, J.M. Lee is a renowned Korean author. He delivers an unforgettable story of hidden truths, lies, and the inevitable consequences. The past won’t stay buried and deceptions will be unraveled. The writing is beautifully poetic and with every twist and turn, readers will be on the edge of their seats. The story does start off a bit slow; but as Hanjo remembers the details of that fateful summer, the story picks up pace as he tries to discover who his wife really is and what her motivations could possibly be. With multiple points of views, dual timelines and very character driven. They may not be characters to root for or care about; however, they are intriguing as the mystery unfolds. If you enjoy a sleepy thriller with a fast paced ending, I highly recommend Broken Summer. 

Broken Summer is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Broadway Butterfly: The real life unsolved murder of Dot King. Who killed her and why?

Broadway Butterfly by Sara DiVello is a true crime fictional account of a 1920s unsolved murder. New York during the Roaring Twenties was in full swing where power, politics, and secrets often bury the truth. On morning in 1923, scandalous flapper Dot King is found dead in her Midtown apartment. A bottle of chloroform is discovered near her body as well as thousands of dollars in jewels and high end items are missing. The news of her death makes headlines as it swirls stories of secret lovers, illegal activities and blackmail. Sprinkle in the upper crust of New York society, political connections as Julia Harpmann, a Daily News crime reporter, is hot on the case while navigating a male-dominated industry. John D. Coughlin, the righteous NYPD detective, who struggles against politics and corruption that sought to bury the truth. Ella Bradford, the victim’s Harlem maid and closest confidant who holds her deepest, darkest secrets. Will the murderer be found or will the powers that be bury it along with the victim? 

I never heard about Dot King and her horrifying death until I came across Broadway Butterfly. While described as a thriller, Broadway Butterfly is more a true crime historical fiction as the author did great research on the case and the individuals involved in investigating the crime as well as those trying to hide the truth. Ms. DiVello brings to life the real individuals who were involved with the case and the affect the case had on their lives. It is a good story about all levels of New York society of the 1920s. From the millionaires to showgirls, to the politicians and gangsters. The murder of Dot King remains unsolved to this day. Broadway Butterfly circulates the theory of the crime at the time as well as the theories that have developed since. Overall, I was interested in the story and while I knew the crime is officially unsolved, I still hoped for some type of resolution for Miss King. If you enjoy true crime stories with a historical fiction vibe, I recommend Broadway Butterfly. 

Broadway Butterfly is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

The Cypress Maze: a tale of secrets and learning to live again

The Cypress Maze by Fiona Valpy is a tale of secrets and learning to live again. In 2015, Tess is still reeling from the loss of her husband that she is sent to the Villa delle Colombe where her grandmother’s childhood friend, Beatrice is one of the caretakers. She is looking for a place of peace and solace in order to come to grips with her loss. That peace is shattered when the absent owner, Marco, arrives and they discover his plan to develop the land. Beatrice is particularly grieved at this prospect. She tells Tess a story of her time at the villa during World War II and a secret hidden within the villa’s elaborate cypress maze. In order to protect the innocent, Beatrice holds a haunting secret. Could telling her story now set her free? Can Tess convince Marco of the villa’s greater value than just land? 

Fiona Valpy is an author who has been able to blend past and present to tell a story and a lesson of hope and resilience. The Cypress Maze is such a story. However, I found it hard to get into this story. There was a lot of internal monologue, especially with Tess’ point of view. While her internal monologue makes sense in the beginning, it drags on for a little too long. Too much telling and not enough showing. Beatrice’s point of view was heartbreaking. The author’s description of the region, the villa and its grounds were gorgeous and vivid. Overall, I did enjoy the story although some parts dragged a bit. I love reading about the power of resilience and the strength to fight back. I love this story for its theme of grief, hope and resilience. If you enjoy dual timeline stories, I recommend The Cypress Maze.   

The Cypress Maze is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Obsidian Throne: the final chapter in the Lochlann Feud series

Obsidian Throne is the fourth and final book in the Lochlann Feud series by Robin D Mahle and Elle Madison. Picking up eight weeks after the end of Crimson Kingdom as Evander and Rowan prepare for their wedding in Bear and dealing with Iiro’s sudden succession to the Obsidian Throne. The war their marriage was supposed to stop seemed to bring the threat of another one. As Rowan learns the customs and rituals of her new home, an enemy waits in the shadows, biding their time to make a move. With secret alliances and spies around every corner, Rowan and Evander must figure out who they can trust, can they trust each other? 

This series has been an exciting story of romance and intrigue. I enjoyed the Obsidian Throne immensely! From the opening chapter to the final epilogue, it was a story that kept me on the edge of my seat. Told between Rowan’s and Evander’s points of view, readers get a fast paced adventure of romance, political intrigue and battlefield strategy with lots of jaw dropping moments. I enjoyed the growth Evander had from his first introduction in the Scarlet Princess. I also enjoyed Rowan as she takes charge in order to help the war effort. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the Obsidian Throne. I highly recommend Obsidian Throne and the rest of the Lochlann Feud series. 

Obsidian Throne is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Hot Shot's Mistake: grumpy-sunshine hockey sports romance

Hot Shot’s Mistake is the first book in the Tennessee Thunderbolts series by Gina Azzi. When Devon Hardt signed with the Tennessee Thunderbolts, he only had two goals: prove his injury hadn’t ended his career and get back to his team in New York. He didn’t count on his new physical therapist, Mila Lewis. With her girl-next-door look and professional attitude, she was not like any physical therapist he had ever known. Her sad eyes that hints at a tragic past. At first, he, the grumpy hockey player, wanted nothing to do with his sunshine physical therapist, but slowly he is drawn to her. Getting involved with Mila is a mistake, a mistake he can’t help but do. It is complicated. He wasn’t staying and Mila would never leave her small town. However, they are drawn together and he starts to think of a happily ever after with her. Will he change his goals for love and a future with Mila? 

I enjoy a good hockey sports romance and a grumpy-sunshine couple. Devon is definitely the definition of grumpy. He arrives in town with a huge chip on his shoulder. Mila is sunshine while trying to hide her pain from her small town, a well meaning town that doesn’t seem to allow her to forget it. As Devon and Mila interact and spend time together, he finds Mila to be a soothing balm to his wounded body and soul. I loved how Devon softens toward Mila and finds himself open to a romantic relationship with Mila and even friendship with his new teammates. I enjoyed Devon and Mila as individuals and as a couple. I also enjoyed their friends and teammates. There were plenty of laughs, sweet moments, spicy scenes and plenty of drama. Overall, I enjoyed Devon and Mila’s story and I look forward to the rest of the series. If you enjoy hockey sport romances, I recommend Hot Shot’s Mistake. 

Hot Shot’s Mistake is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Cowboy Taking a Chance: a sweet, clean romance short story

Cowboy Taking a Chance is a Coming Home to North Dakota series prequel by Jessie Gussman. After a quilt gets ruined, Marigold Baldwin finds herself owing a favor and agrees to a blind date. Dodge Powers has always had a bit of attraction for Marigold, his best friend, for a while. When he hears she has been set up with a blind date, he realizes he wants to take a chance and suggests they forget that they are best friends and go on a real date. Dodge is taking a chance for something more; but could he lose everything? Or will the best friends actually fall in love?

Cowboy Taking a Chance is a sweet, clean romance. It is a short story, only ten chapters long. In my opinion, too short. There was not enough time to develop the relationship between Marigold and Dodge. There wasn’t really enough time for readers to get to know Marigold and Dodge as individuals as well. There is no time for any real conflict or resolution. The story does set up the town and its community well. Overall, I did enjoy the story. I just wish it was a bit longer and I may continue with the rest of the series. If you are looking for a quick sweet, clean romantic read, I do recommend Cowboy Taking a Chance. 

Cowboy Taking a Chance is available in eBook and audiobook

The Wrong Game: sports romance with fun banter and angsty drama

The Wrong Game by Kandi Steiner is a sports romance with angst and spicy romance. Gemma Manchini is a diehard football fan. She bought season tickets to the Chicago Bears as a gift for her late husband. Reeling from his death and a secret she keeps heavily guarded, Gemma has zero interest in a relationship; however, in order to get her back into the dating scene, her best friend, Belle, comes up with a plan: take a new hot, preferably funny, single guy every week to the games. However, Bartender Zach Bowen offers to be a practice round for Gemma and she agrees. Gemma finds him infuriating, overbearing but undeniably gorgeous. She is still determined to keep her heart out of their arrangement. One night. One game. And he’s done. However, Zach wasn’t ready to step aside and decided to play a new game in order to show her he was worth taking a chance on. Will her plan play out? Will Zach win this game and her heart? 

I have been waiting to read this book ever since I saw an ad on Facebook and the premise intrigued me. When the chance came to read it, I dove right into it. I loved the football aspect from a fan’s perspective rather than a player. From the very beginning, Gemma is a woman who has been deeply hurt and yet has to play the grieving widow for the sake of her late husband’s family. From the opening chapter to the ending page, Gemma goes through an amazing growth and my heart broke for her when she finally hit rock bottom and shattered. However, my favorite character, by far, was Zach. He was a man who has a heart for Gemma and will do all he can to prove himself to her. Overall, I enjoyed this book. It was worth the wait. I read it through the night as I could not put it down. If you enjoy sports romance with some spice, I highly recommend The Wrong Game. 

The Wrong Game is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Crimson Kingdom: as the threat of war grows, Rowan must choose a marriage alliance. Which man would she choose?

Crimson Kingdom is the third book in the Lochlann Feuds series by Robin D Mahle and Elle Madison. Rowan thought she had escaped as a prisoner when she stepped foot back in Lochlann. She thought being home would make everything better. However, even safe at home, she is haunted by the memories of Socair and everyone she left behind.  While the talk of war surrounds her, Rowan realizes that entering a marriage alliance is the only way to keep her kingdom safe and prevent another war. She doesn’t have a shortage of options as many marriage proposals flooded in from all over Socair. Only two options have her conflicted. Does she play it safe and choose the man who makes it obvious that he cares for her? Or does she choose the man who seems cool and uncaring and fuels a fire inside of her? 

I have read through this series with eagerness. The first two books were gripping and exciting. I took the chance to read Crimson Kingdom soon after finishing Tarnished Crown. While this story was good, Crimson Kingdom was not as exciting as the first two books. The story was bogged down by the negotiation talks. However, I enjoyed finally seeing Rowan with her family and their interactions. Who she would choose kept me guessing and was shocked and not so surprised at the same time with her choice. There were great emotional moments and fun banter. The story does end on a cliffhanger as the first two books did. Overall, I did enjoy this story and I am looking forward to the rest of the series and a resolution to the feud. If you enjoy the fantasy genre, I recommend Crimson Kingdom and the entire Lochlann Feud series. 

Crimson Kingdom is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Always Mine: a small town friends to lovers romance

Always Mine is the first book in the Honey Mountain series by Laura Pavlov. Niko West has been Vivian Thomas’ best friend since kindergarten. Now he is the most beautiful man she has ever seen as a broody, chiseled firefighter. She has never crossed the line of their friendship as he has been the most solid person in her life. However, when her family gets a wedding invitation from her ex-boyfriend, Vivian decides she needs a fling, to discover what she has been missing, and makes Nike an offer he can’t refuse. It was supposed to be a one time thing; but they didn’t realize it would add fuel to the fire that slowly burned between them. Can they go back to just being friends? Or will they take a chance to have the kind of relationship they could only dream of before? 

Always Mine is a sweet and spicy friends to lovers romance with plenty of banter, drama and great emotional moments. In the small town of Honey Mountain, everyone is a big family community. I enjoyed Vivian and her family. The love and banter between the sisters is wonderful. Her relationship with her father is lovely. I also loved how Niko is a welcomed additional member of the family and her romantic relationship with him is encouraged. I loved Niko and my heart broke as he deals with his less than loving family. Overall, I loved the romance between Vivian and Niko. I loved the introduction of the supporting characters and setting up the possibility for their own stories in the series. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series. If you enjoy small town, friends to lovers romance, I highly recommend Always Mine. 

Always Mine is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Story of My Life: when you hit rock bottom what can you do but move to a small town and start over

Story of My Life is the first book in the Story Lake series by Lucy Score. Hazel Hart is at rock bottom. She is being forced from her apartment in the Upper East Side by her ex-husband and her publisher gives her a final warning: write and publish or be dropped. When she sees an article about a small town rallying around a neighbor in need and a house up for action, Hazel takes the plunge and buys the house sight unseen. Taking her agent and best friend, Zoey, along, Hazel moves to the rural Pennsylvania small town of Story Lake. She hopes she can rediscover her writing mojo in the small town life. Swoon worthy inspiration hits when she meets hot but grumpy contractor Campbell “Cam” Bishop. In the name of research, she begins to fully live the small town life and a fake relationship with Cam, what possibly could go wrong? 

As a fan of the Gilmore Girls, Story of My Life was recommended to me. And after reading the note from the author, “This series is my love letter to every reader who said they wanted to move to a fictional town . . .,” I had to take a chance on this book. Lucy Score is an author I have seen all over social media and BookTok; however, I have not read any of her books before. I am so glad that I picked up Story of My Life. There was fun banter, sweet emotional scenes and spicy scenes with plenty of angst and grand gestures. At first, l didn’t like Hazel but once she arrived in Story Lake and goes head-to-head with Cam and the town, she grew on me. I loved Cam and the whole Bishop family. Their interactions were so fun. Overall, I loved this story and I am eagerly looking forward to future books in this series. I highly, highly recommend Story of My Life. 

Story of My Life is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Nathanael: a man of honesty, straightforwardness and faith

Nathanael, sometimes called Bartholomew, is a disciple which little is known but a lot can be learned from. It is thought that his two names are derived from his full name: Nathanael Bar-Tolmai. Nathanael means “God has given” and Bar-Tolmai means son of Tolmai. While his occupation is unknown, Nathanael was a man of honesty, straightforwardness, insight and faith. Even though he initially rejected Jesus, he recognized him as the Son of God and the King of Israel. He was a man in “whom there is nothing false” by Jesus (John 1:47). From Nathanael’s example, we learn that Jesus respects honesty in people and even if they challenge him because of it. Nathanael becomes a key leader in the early church. Who was Nathanael? Why is skepticism normal and even healthy? Jesus saw an authentic believer in Nathan. How did he know? 

Philip found Nathanael and told him about Jesus (John 1:45); however, Nathanael responded with skepticism, “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” (John 1:46). Nazareth was hated with the Roman garrison there and the town had a poor reputation in morals and religion among its residents. Nathanael’s hometown is Cana, about four miles from Nazareth and he would have been well aware of the town. Nathanael was well versed in the Law of Moses and the prophets. However, he was not a member of the academic elite. He undertook the study of the scriptures as a hobby, a personal passion and not a profession. However, despite his prejudice, Nathanael still came to meet Jesus. As he approached, Jesus knew him before they physically met. It is evidence that Jesus knows us all who we really are before we come to him. God knows the real you and still wants you to follow him. God knew us before he formed us in our mother’s wombs (Jeremiah 1:5) for a plan and a purpose (Jeremiah 29:11). 

While Judeans saw Galileans as lower, even the Galileans viewed Nazareth as rough, uncultured and uneducated. A modern comparison would be that many people outside of California see its residents as “loony leftists” or “the land of fruits and nuts.” Even though the description doesn’t describe everyone here. It is understandable why Nathanael was skeptical when Philip announced that Jesus of Nazareth was the one the Law, Moses and the prophets wrote about (John 1:45). Skepticism is defined as doubt as to the truth of something. Honest skepticism is a healthy and constructive attitude characterized by a willingness to question claims and being open to new evidence and reason. There are five characteristics to honest skepticism. First, openness to evidence. There must be a willingness to consider new evidence and arguments. Second, critical thinking. An ability to analyze information, to identify potential biases and evaluate the validity of claims before accepting or rejecting them. Third, self awareness. One must recognize their own susceptibility to bias and error in their personal judgment. Fourth, humility. There must be a willingness to be wrong and adjust views in light of new evidence. Lastly, respectful inquiry. Honest skepticism respectfully engages with others to seek understanding of new perspectives and reasonings. 

Despite Nathanael’s skepticism and prejudices, Jesus saw in him an authentic believer. There was nothing fake or insincere about him. Essentially, Nathanael was not a hypocrite. Jesus saw through the sinful, the imperfect and the ordinary to the eager heart who was willing to leave everything to follow Him. In Matthew 5:8, Jesus says “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” The Greek word for pure is katharos meaning “clean, blameless, unstained from guilt” and the Greek word for heart is kardeeah meaning the physical heart as well as the spiritual center of thoughts, desires and sense of purpose. Being pure of heart means to be free from hypocrisy and ulterior motives and a focus on God. Seeing God refers to experiencing His presence. Being pure of heart does not mean believers are free from sin or struggles, it just means that they are driven by love and devotion to God. A pure heart is a willing heart for God. Answering God’s call with eagerness (Isaiah 6:8) and focusing our actions as if for God and not for man (Colossians 4:9). 

In conclusion, after the resurrection and the ascension, the last verse that speaks of Nathanael is Acts 2:1-4 on the Day of Pentecost. Church history suggests he traveled and ministered to parts of Persia and India, even as far as Armenia where he is claimed as a saint. Nathanael was a man of honesty and despite his prejudice, he was willing to meet Jesus and examine the claims and believed when the claims proved to be true. Honest skepticism is normal as we examine and weigh new evidence. God sees our heart and when we are eager and focused on Him, we can experience His presence in a deep and meaningful way. Nathanael may not have been as prominent as Peter or John; but his honesty and faith is still a lesson we can learn from and an example to strive to be.