A Cup of Autumn: when love wasn't a part of the plan

A Cup of Autumn is the third book in the Silver Falls series by Melissa McClone. Keaton Andrews has always dreamed of becoming a tenured professor at an elite university. His plans come to a halt when he learns that his department has been cut and his contract has been terminated. With time on his hands, he heads to Silver Falls to spend time with family and focus on his options. One morning, at the local cafe, he takes a risk and orders something other than his usual coffee. Raine Hanover has been running on empty, trying to find reliable staff for her increasingly busy cafe when she is “volunteered” to organize the town’s annual Boo Bash. She has no time for romance and she especially has no time for a charming smile even if it is a nerdy yet handsome professor. When Keaton offers to help her organize the event, it takes long before the sparks fly. 

Silver Falls is a small town that I wish I lived in. The sense of community, friendship and family is heartwarming. I love this series and I was eagerly waiting for the nerdy professor’s story. Right off the bat, I loved Keaton and Raine. They were honest with each other about their expectations and plans for the future. He still had no plans to stay in Silver Falls and Raine wasn’t leaving. However, sometimes you can’t help it when you fall in love and are faced with a painful decision. Does one follow their long standing dream? Or do they embrace a new one? It is a sweet story and I couldn’t not put it down. I read well into the night as I wanted to see Keaton and Raine’s happy ending. I am looking forward to the final book in the series and the final Andrews sibling to have their story. I highly, highly recommend A Cup of Autumn. 

A Cup of Autumn is available in paperback and eBook

Lessons from a One Night Stand: can one wild night turn into a forever love?

Lessons from a One Night Stand is the first book in The Baileys series by Piper Rayne. Austin Bailey came home to Lake Starlight, Alaska to take care of his younger siblings after the tragic death of their parents. Now as his younger sisters are graduating, he is looking to start his dream job as a collegiate baseball coach. Over the weekend, he had a wild night with an amazing woman. They exchanged no names and no identifying information. Imagine his surprise when Monday morning, he meets her as the temporary principal at the high school where he teaches biology. Holly Radicliffe is in town on a mission of her own and didn’t expect to see him again, but she is determined to keep their relationship as professional as possible. It turns out it is easier said than done as their attraction is strong. Neither is planning to stay in town after the school year ends, so they can certainly stay apart…right? 

Piper Raye has become my go-to author for great stories with amazing emotional depth and steamy romance. Lessons from a One Night Stand is more than a steamy romance. It is a story with laughs, smiles and heartbreak. It is a story where we find where we truly belong while on the search of what we think we want and need. I loved Austin for his commitment to his younger siblings while also still keeping his own dream in mind. I also loved Holly as a woman who is searching for a part of herself and discovering it was better that she didn’t have it in the first place. I enjoyed their supportive friends who were quick with a kick in the pants when they needed it as well as a shoulder to cry on. I loved the rest of the Bailey siblings and I am looking forward to reading their own love stories. I highly recommend Lessons from a One Night Stand. 

Lessons from a One Night Stand is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Calloway Cove: can coming home bring a dream to life?

Calloway Cove by Tia Souders is the first book in the Bayshore Beach series. Andi Calloway is tired. As she lays her mother to rest, she is at a crossroad. Her mother’s dying wish was that Andi return home to Calloway Cove and pursue her dream of becoming a published author. Does she head back to her tiny apartment in New York or does she honor her mother’s dying wish? When she learns that literary legend Ford Delaney is staying in town and needs an assistant, she believes this is the sign she needed. She can work for him and spend her free time writing her own book. However, it doesn’t work out as easily as she hoped. Andi’s boyfriend, Peter, doesn’t support her decision and pressures her to return to New York. Her childhood friends are battling private situations and she develops an attraction to her new boss which adds to an already difficult situation. 

Calloway Cove is described as a “clean, lightly angsty, romance” with “a heroine running towards a new future, a hero running from a troubled past, and all the friends who help them along the way.” The story started off strong and interesting, unfortunately, it fell quickly. While I enjoyed the small town feel and Andi’s family history to the area, I found myself not caring about Andi, Ford, and the other characters. I’ve read books where the main character is an aspiring author and it was believable and enjoyable. I enjoy seeing the behind the scenes of writing. However, I just didn’t see Andi as an author. I was annoyed at her behavior and excuses. I enjoyed Ford a bit more. I understand the secrecy Ford is desiring and wants to make sure Andi keeps his presence secrets, but does she? Overall, I did not enjoy Calloway Cove and will not continue the series. 

Calloway Cove is available in paperback and eBook

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

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

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

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

Brotherless Night: one woman's journey through civil war

Brotherless Night by V.V. Ganeshanathan is the story of one woman’s journey through a thirty year civil war. Jaffna, 1981, sixteen year old Sashi wants nothing but to become a doctor. She wants to follow the path of her grandfather and older brothers. She has come to believe the medical mantra of “do no harm,” she studies harder and longer than anyone else. As she is ready to enter university, a vicious civil war rages on the island of Sri Lanka. Her dreams take her on a different path than she ever imagined as she watches those she loves and cares for get swept up in the radical political ideologies and the consequences of those beliefs. When she realizes that both sides are willing to commit atrocities, she finds herself on a dangerous path. Sashi finds herself asking: does anyone go through life without doing harm to others? 

Brotherless Night is set in the early years of the Sri Lankan civil war. I was intrigued by this period of history that I was not aware of. Sri Lanka, an island off the coast of India, is home to diverse cultures, languages and ethnicities which have led to conflicts. Brotherless Night is a compelling read with the heartbreaking choices that many had to make for the life they felt they deserved. While the outside world may have seen them as unworthy and expendable, through Sashi’s eyes, readers see people trying to do what is right and others taking extreme measures to have a place in the world. The author writes sweeping, lyrical descriptions of the people as they fight this battle, as one quote stood out to me and stuck in my mind as I read: “Divided by colonial power, ancestral angers and bullheaded pride.” I recommend Brotherless Night. 

Brotherless Night is available in hardcover, eBook, and audiobook. 

Paws & Pastries: a sweet, heartwarming story of second chances

Paws and Pastries by Barbara Hinske is the first book in the Paws and Pastries series. Clara Conway has had it with her cheating husband! After discovering he never ended his affair, she packs up her belongings and starts driving. She doesn’t need him and the heartache. Her plan is to find a new city that is large enough to support a patisserie she has dreamed of opening. Her plan is derailed when she has car trouble in the small town of Pinewood. While the town is charming with friendly and welcoming residents, she feels the town's too small for her dream. As another delay keeps her in town, she grows fonder and fonder of her new friends and the town. Will she recognize that her fate can survive in the small town? Will she realize that fate has placed her where she needs to be? 

Paws and Pastries is a sweet, heartwarming story of second chances. I easily fell in love with Clara and the residents of Pinewood. Paws and Pastries is a flowing story that pulls the reader in from the opening line. I could have easily read it in one day if I had the time. It is the type of story that just draws you in. I love Clara’s strength to declare “I’m done” and walk away. I loved that her journey was fueled by the “he-done-me wrong” songs that played on the radio. I loved how the residents welcomed Clara with open arms. I look forward to the rest of the series as book 2, Sweets and Treats was released this year. I can’t wait to read more of Clara’s adventures and misadventures as she still must deal with her devious soon-to-be ex-husband. What tricks will he pull? I highly recommend Paws and Pastries. 

Paws and Pastries is available in paperback and eBook

The Wishing Tree: a great introduction to a new series

The Wishing Tree is book one in The Wishing Tree series by various authors. In Linden Falls, Vermont is that picturesque, idyllic small town. Within the charming street of a community of people who care about each other and in the center of town is the famous Wishing Tree. It is an old beautiful tree with wishes tied to the branches. From simple wishes and dreams to heartbreaking and devastating hopes. As tourists flock to town and join the locals to hang ribbons to the branches of the tree. Some believe in the magic of the Wishing Tree while others believe it is the hooky gimmick to bring in tourists. If it’s magic or not, there have been beautiful stories of love, forgiveness and happily ever after that brings people to the tree and taking a chance to hang a wish. 

Book one of The Wishing Tree series is an introduction to the rest of the series. With a wonderful prologue which introduces Neva Cabot, one of the oldest residents and leads into a brief introduction to the first six books of the series. I read a lot of reviews that were upset that this book is not a full novel itself. However, I enjoyed the brief introduction into the premise of the series and the first six books. As an added bonus, this book is a free eBook that if you are interested in the series, this is a great way to give a highlight of what to expect and the feel for the series. I have the next six books in the series and will be reviewing them soon. If you are curious about Linden Falls and their Wishing Tree, I recommend checking out The Wishing Tree. 

The Wishing Tree is available in paperback and eBook

All That Charm: fame or love in the Big Easy

All That Charm is the third book in Liz Talley’s Morning Glory series. The Voorhees family has had a infamous reputation since 1909 and Eden has been desperate to leave Morning Glory and her past behind her. When her chance comes, she heads to New Orleans to pursue her dream that she put on hold in order to care for her disabled mother. Once there, her dreams are dashed. Her new job: gone. Her apartment: roach infested. Now with a shrinking bank account, Eden refuses to admit defeat. She takes a part time job as a caregiver for a young girl with cerebral palsy. Nick Zeringue juggles his family’s restaurant empire with the demands of his daughter, Sophie and her special needs. When Eden takes the nanny job, the attraction between them is obvious but Eden is determined to keep their relationship professional and her plan doesn’t include a man or love. As she begins to fall in love with Sophie and her father, her chance for Broadway comes her way. She must decide: love or fame? Can a dream change? 

All That Charm is Eden’s story and while a sweet romance, it was not as good as the first two books. I sympathized with Eden’s desire to leave Morning Glory behind especially after one scene with her mother. With a mother like that, I would want to run too! I also enjoyed Nick’s character as a devoted father reeling from his own heartbreak. Sophie was a sweet character too. Of course, I enjoyed seeing Rosemary and Jess return to give their love and support, as well as much needed advice, for their friend. If only I had friends like that. The setting and secondary characters were okay and not as fleshed out as Eden or Nick. However, it was enjoyable and a lovely continuation to the Morning Glory series. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.  If you have read the first two books of the series, I recommend All That Charm. If you have not yet read the series, I recommend starting with book 1, Charmingly Yours. 

All That Charm is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook. 

Book 1: Charmingly Yours is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Obachan: the story of one woman's struggles to chase her dreams

Obachan: A Young Girl’s Struggles for Freedom in Twentieth-Century Japan by Tani Hanes is the story of her maternal grandmother, Mitsuko Hanamura. Born in 1916 in rural Japan, as the oldest girl of eight children and no money, she wanted very little in life. Just a place to call her own with a garden with lots of flowers and shelves full of books. A place where she could be alone, no need to share a bed, meal or clothes, with anyone. The only thing she could depend on was her clever brain and her determined spirit. She held her head high as she was sent to live with relatives at 13, hired out as a maid at 15 to pay off the family debt. She was desperate for an education, when she found a way to educate herself and leave the poverty behind. With so much against her, will Mitsuko find a way to break free and achieve her dreams? 

From the very beginning I was drawn to Mitsuko’s story. From the countryside of Japan to war-torn Kawasaki, Ms. Hanes chronicles her grandmother’s journey as she fights for her dreams. Bound by the social expectations, Mitsuko secretly plots and searches for ways to escape to the life she has always dreamed of. Called ungrateful and selfish by her parents, Mitsuko’s spirit could have been beaten and broken by her lack of control over her very life. But she refused to give up. She would bide her time and wait until the moment is right to break free. And every time there was a roadblock to her plan, she would plan again. Nothing was going to stand in her way of achieving her dreams. I eagerly read as I wanted to learn if Mitsuko achieved her dreams.  I loved her determination and tenacity and I loved that Ms. Hani included family pictures as she retells her grandmother’s story. I highly recommend Obachan. 

Obachan: A Young Girl’s Struggle for Freedom in Twentieth-Century Japan

Is available in paperback and eBook 

The Things I Know: a sweet story but not one of my favorites

The Things I Know by Amanda Prowse is the story of Thomasina “Hitch” Waycott. She loves living and working on her family’s remote farm and B&B. But she wants so much more. She wants to see the world, to have a home of her own and to fall madly in love. Unfortunately, for Hitch, those wants are simply dreams. Her physical deformities and her parents’ overprotectiveness has kept her from taking risks and chances. Little does she know that it’s about to change. Grayson Potts comes to stay on the farm. He is unlike anyone she has ever met. He’s kind and undeterred by her physical flaws. The two form a bond that neither has experienced before and Thomasina dares to hope that her dreams are coming true. Is it too good to be true? Will her heart break? Or will her life become so much more than she ever dreamed? 

I have been a fan of Ms. Prowse for quite a while. While her books are usually great emotional journeys, The Things I Know didn’t grab my interest. While I felt for Hitch and understood her desires for love, I didn’t feel a strong connection with her. Although my favorite part is when Thomasina would write in her journal about the things she knew, the things she wished for, based on the previous chapter. She was bold in ways she couldn’t be in real life. She could speak her mind and say the things that kept her tongue tied. I kept expecting the story to pick up with Grayson’s arrival in the story. Unfortunately, the story dragged on and bordered on boring. I found myself struggling to keep interested. If you are a fan of Ms. Prowse’s books, you may enjoy The Things I Know. Unfortunately, for me, it is not listed among my favorites. 

The Things I Know is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

With Every Heartbeat: a great story with dancing, drama and passion

With Every Heartbeat by Melody Grace is the story of Annalise Taylor who is a member of the American Ballet Company studying in Rome. As the daughter of a prima ballerina, ballet has been her life and her dream until she met Raphael. One day while touring the city with her friends, she watches local street dancers and there she catches the eye of Raphael Gibraldi. Their whirlwind romance opens her eyes to new desires and new dreams. Does she desire to be a prima ballet and dance in the limelight? Or is she living someone else’s dreams? Annalise must decide if she is going to follow the path that has been laid out before her all her life or will she follow her heart?

With Every Heartbeat is a fascinating story about the cutthroat world of ballet where, as one character states, “You don’t get ahead without pushing someone else down.” Annalise is a great dancer but doesn’t live up to the expectations of her mother who gave up ballet when Annalise was born. The demands of training leaves Annalise with very little enjoyment in life. When she meets Raphael, her eyes are open to living life to the fullest. This book is filled with drama, tensions between Annalise and her friends as well as her rivals. It is filled with passion as Annalise opens her heart to Raphael and the excitement of life he offers. Their love scenes are breathtaking and heart stopping. There is a point in every one’s life when they must decide if they are chasing their dreams or the dreams of another. This is Annalise’s fork in the road life decision. With Every Heartbeat is a great weekend read with dramatic twists and turns with a great romance. I highly recommend it.

With Every Heartbeat

is available in eBook

Which end is up?: when the life you know is turned upside down

Which End Is Up? by Patricia Kay is the story of Grace Campisi, a New York lawyer who is about to have her life turned upside down. Her sister, Perry, shows up at her apartment, pregnant and needing a place to stay. Reluctantly, she allows her sister to stay. She soon delivers a baby girl she names Emily Grace. It quickly becomes apparent that Perry has no idea what she is doing and in an act of desperation, leaves baby Emily with her sister and runs to join her deadbeat boyfriend in Vegas. Grace is left to figure out how to take care of Emily and pursue her dreams of making partner at her law firm. When faced with tough choices, will Grace put her dreams ahead of her niece or will she find a new life and new dreams with Emily?

Which End is Up? is a story that you think you know where it is heading as you read. Oh no! The book did not go the way I thought it would. Grace is a typical older sister who feels she is always cleaning up after her wayward sister who has no faults in their mother’s eyes. She also learns that life has a funny way of turning out for the better in ways you could never have imagined or planned. Filled with family drama, old tensions and self-discovery, it is a beautiful, heartbreaking and tear-jerking story. You will cry at certain points and laugh and smile at others. I highly recommend Which End is Up?!

Which End is Up?

is available in paperback and eBook.

By the Light of Embers: a story of a young woman's fight for love and her dreams against the odds

By the Light of Embers by Shaylin Gandhi is the story of a young woman who must fight against the prejudice and societal expectations of the 1950s. It’s 1954 and Lucia Lafleur is a college graduate, engaged and just got accepted to medical school. Before heading home for the summer, her fiancé gives her an ultimatum: him or medical school. She heads home to Bellefontaine, Louisiana with her friend, Gretchen. Soon she befriends Nicholas Fletcher, a man from her childhood and someone she was supposed to stay away from. But Nicholas is unlike any man she has known, and she can’t help be drawn to him despite the danger. As their friendship blooms into something more, she realizes she is heading down a road that her hometown may not be ready for. Which man will she chose: the safe, logical one or the man who matches her passion and intelligence? Does she follow her heart or her dream?

By the Light of Embers is a story I wasn’t expecting. From the description I knew it was a story of a white woman and a black man in a relationship which was not acceptable in the South. As I read and was swept away by the passionate love story of Lucia and Nicholas, the drama of prejudice of those around them and the building of events which led to an amazing climax. The book didn’t end the way I thought it would, but it was a satisfying ending, wasn’t farfetched and just fit the story. It was a suspenseful and exciting story up to the very last page. I was so engrossed in the story that I didn’t realize it was coming to an end! I highly recommend By the Light of Embers!

By the Light of Embers

will be available May 9, 2019

in eBook

Seasons of the Moon: one man's journey through life

Seasons of the Moon by Julien Aranda (translated by Roland Glasser) is the one man’s story through life. Beginning with his birth, Paul Vertune was the youngest son of a farmer on the Brittany coast of France. From the very beginning, it was clear that Paul was not destined for a life as a farmer. From the age of 6, he dreamed of becoming a sailor and seeing the world. However, the world had other ideas. Soon World War II breaks out and his village is under German occupation. After a brief encounter with a German solider, who shows a young man in love mercy, Paul gives a promise that would he was determined to fulfill. He promises this German soldier to tell his daughter he loves her. At 18, Paul is drafted and spends his enlistment at the hands of a cruel drill sergeant. After his time in the army, he marries his childhood sweetheart, Mathilde, and sets out to fulfil his dream and his promise. Will he be able to find the German soldier’s daughter? Or will she be lost to the chaos in the aftermath of war?

Seasons of the Moon is a deeply retrospective, emotional story about the endless possibilities of life and finding the beauty in it all. While the book was slow in parts, I enjoyed reading Paul’s journey through life as he experiences life altering events which teach him that life is precious despite its hardships. It is a beautiful story of one man’s journey through life and his determination to fulfill a promise. I also enjoyed how Mr. Aranda used the phases of the moon as Paul enters a new phase in his life. I recommend Seasons of the Moon.

Seasons of the Moon

is available in paperback and eBook

Daniel and Hosea: a study in dreams, visions and warnings

This month’s study is on two books, Daniel and Hosea, and will be a bit longer than usual. Daniel was one of four men who were chosen to learn the language and literature of the Babylonians. He was even given a Babylonian name, Belteshazzar. Everyone knows the stories of the fiery furnace, the lion’s den and the writing on the wall. Few remember Daniel was also an interpreter of dreams and had dreams himself. These dreams foretold the future. Some were fulfilled quickly while others have yet be fulfilled. Hosea is a prophet in the northern kingdom. Hosea’s life is an illustration of Israel’s unfaithfulness to God and his desire for reconciliation. Hosea takes a wife who is unfaithful to him. Despite her unfaithfulness, Hosea remained married. His life became a living, prophetic example of Israel. Hosea also proclaims to Israel the changes against them and the coming punishments.

Daniel interpreted two dreams. First, in Daniel 2, King Nebuchadnezzar has a dream of a large statute. The statue had a head of gold, chest and arms of silver, belly and thighs of bronze and legs and feet of iron and clay. And a stone destroys each part, leaving no trace. No one could tell him the meaning of the dream until Daniel sought God’s guidance for the meaning (verse 18). Daniel interpreted the dream, telling the king that he is the head of gold. After his kingdom’s time, another kingdom will rise, inferior to his. Each succeeding kingdom will be inferior to its predecessor. The last kingdom is a mixture of iron and clay, mixed but not united. In this last kingdom, God will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed. Many scholars believe this alludes to Christ’s earthly kingdom. Many scholars believe that the silver represents the Medo-Persian Empire, the bronze the Grecian Empire, and iron and clay the Roman Empire. Although, some scholars now believe the iron and clay represents modern world powers and we now wait for the coming of Christ’s kingdom. Second, Daniel 4, King Nebuchadnezzar, once again, has a dream. This time he dreams of a tree. A large and strong tree which gave food and shelter until a messenger, an angel, comes to cut down the tree. Before Daniel gave his interpretation, verse 19 says he was deeply perplexed and it terrified him. The tree is the king and God has issued against him. He will be driven away from the people, to live among the animals. Seven times will pass by until the king acknowledges the Most High is sovereign. One year later, the dream is fulfilled with Nebuchadnezzar took credit for his kingdom (Daniel 4:28-37).

Daniel has dreams and visions himself. First, the dream of the four beasts in Daniel 7:1-14. The first beast was a lion with wings of an eagle. Its wings were torn off and it stood like a man. The second beast, a bear with three ribs in its mouth. A voice told the bear to get its fill of flesh. The third beast is a leopard with four wings like a bird and four heads. It was given the authority to rule. The last beast is the most terrifying, frightening and powerful with large iron teeth and ten horns. It crushed and devoured its victims. God reveals the meaning of the vision to Daniel (Daniel 7:15-28). The four beasts represent four kingdoms that will rise from the earth. Many scholars believe this is an end times vision. Second, the vision of a ram and a goat (Daniel 8:1-14). In it, there was a ram with two horns and a goat with one horn. The goat attacked the ram and the ram was powerless to overcome the goat. The goat’s horn would break off and four more grew in its place. The angel, Gabriel, gives Daniel the interpretation of the dream at God’s command (Daniel 8:15-27). The ram represented the kings of Media and Persia. The goat was the king of Greece. The four horns represent the four kingdoms that will emerge from his nation. These kingdoms will be less powerful than the original kingdom. 

In chapters 4, 5 and 7, Hosea details the charges against Israel. They have no faithfulness, no love, or acknowledgement of God (Hosea 4:1). God is angry at the priests who relished in the people’s sins for they profited from it. Hosea 4:7-8 says “The more the priests increased, the more they sinned against me; they exchanged their Glory for something disgraceful. They feed on the sins of my people and relish in their wickedness.” The more the people sinned, the more they offered as atonement. The priests would live on the offerings as stated in the Law (Leviticus 7:28-36). However, what they could not eat, the priests would sell. They were making money from the people’s sins. So what motivation would the priests have to help the people leave behind their wicked ways? God places the blame on the priests and the kings for the people’s sins. In Hosea 5:1, Hosea writes “Hear this, you priests! Pay attention, you Israelites! Listen, O royal house! This judgment is against you; You have been a snare at Mizpah, a net spread out on Tabor.” Mizpah and Tabor may have been prominent sites of worship to the god Baal. Leaders encouraged the people to worship and sin at these sites. With the kings and priests encouraging sins for their own benefit, how could the people of Israel stand a chance to obey God. God still held the people responsible for their sins; however, when the civil and religious leaders whom they looked to for guidance were disobeying God, why should they? God wants to save Israel but they do not call out to him, they do not repent (Hosea 7:13b-14).

The coming punishment for Israel’s unfaithfulness Hosea 9: 17 says “My God will reject them because they have not obeyed him; they will be wanderers among the nations.” Due to their disobedience and their failure to repent and turn back to God, Hosea 10:13 says that the Israelites “have planted wickedness,” they have “reaped evil” and “have eaten the fruit of deception” and depended upon their own strength and “many warriors.” They believed they were safe due to the military might of the northern kingdom. God promised them that with the roar of battle, their fortresses will be devastated (Hosea 10:14). They will live in tents once again like they did when they were brought out of Egypt (Hosea 12:9). However, God still loves this people. He still wants to see them turn from their wickedness. Hosea 14:9 states “Who is wise? He will realize these things. Who is discerning? He will understand them? The ways of the Lord are right, the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them.” It is an appeal to listen, learn and benefit from God’s word. To those who receive the message from Hosea, it meant the difference between life and death. God judges the sin but shows mercy to the sinner when the sinner repents and turns back to God.

In conclusion, the dreams in Daniel were messages, warnings to things to come. Some events could not be stopped like the dream of the statute. It was a look into the future of the major world powers. Some dreams were a warning from pride like Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of the tree. God used these dreams and visions to how his people that he is in control of heaven and of earth. He is the one directing the forces of nature, the destiny of the nations and the care of his people. In Hosea, God is the one who is forever faithful to an unfaithful people. In the book, God lists Israel’s sins against him and the terrible consequences if they did not repent and turn back to God. Despite Israel’s sins, God still loved the people. No matter what we do, God still loves us. There is still hope to turn away from sin and turn back to God. He waits for us with open arms, if only we are willing to walk into them. However, if we do not, we will suffer the consequences of our sins just as Israel did. 

The Girl from the Tea Garden: life in British India

The Girl from the Tea Garden by Janet MacLeod Trotter is the third book in the India Tea series. The story centers around Adela Robson, an Anglo-Indian girl, who dreams of life on the stage. When she meets the handsome Sam Jackman, she sees her dream coming more of a possibility. She seems to be at the height of society until she meets a charming yet spoiled prince and everything seems to fall apart. She soon finds herself in England, a country she doesn’t know. Will she have the courage and bravery to see through the bad times? Will she be able to return to her true home?

The Girl from the Tea Garden is set at the end of British rule in India, the turbulent political and social times are heavily felt as well as the outbreak of World War II. I enjoyed seeing World War II outside of the events in Europe. The author touches on events which occur in India during the war. I enjoy reading books which take the reader to a different part of the world and tells a story of what happened there while the war was going on. When I requested this book, I wasn’t aware it was the third in the series. However, the story was great to read and if there were any references to the first two books, they were subtle enough that it didn’t take away from the story. Now having read this book, I would like to read the first two and then read this one again. The author’s descriptions of the time and places were exquisite. If you enjoy historical fiction, you will enjoy The Girl from the Tea Garden.

The Girl from the Tea Garden

Is available on Amazon

In paperback and on the Kindle

The Promise of Rayne: one woman's choice between her family and her dreams

The Promise of Rayne by Nicole Dees is the story of Rayne Shelby, a woman who has spent most of her life in the shadow of her family’s powerful name and history. While trying to earn their approval, she seeks perfection while managing the family lodge. Until one day, when one mistakes dashes her dreams and jeopardizes her future. She realizes that she faces a choice: defy her family or deny her dreams. Levi Harding remembers the brief romantic night he had with Shelby as teens and was deeply hurt by her rejection. But when Rayne comes to him seeking help, he cannot resist. The spark is renewed between them but their new relationships is put at risk as a wildfire threatens everything they hold dear and old family secrets are revealed. Will Rayne and Levi be able to hold on to their relationship? Will the family secrets tear them apart?

The Promise of Rayne is a classic story of woman held tight by her family’s control and power and the man who seeks to break her of that hold. I enjoyed Rayne as a woman who cherishes her memories of her beloved grandfather and resents her uncle’s hold on her and refusal to let her grow. I also enjoyed Levi as the man from the wrong side of the tracks who sees Rayne as the brilliant woman she is and is drawn to her. The story has drama, suspense and shocking turns as the story unfolds. I recommend The Promise of Rayne.

The Promise of Rayne

is available with all major booksellers

in paperback and eBook

The Pattern Artist: one woman's courage to fulfill her dream

The Pattern Artist by Nancy Moser is the story of one woman’s dream to make her life better than what she lived before. Annie Wood is a housemaid for a wealthy English family. She has dreams of becoming a lady’s maid in the household as she travels with Lady Newly and her daughter, Miss Henrietta, to America. When she realizes that her dream isn’t going to become a reality, she strikes off on her own in New York City.

Set in 1911, Annie is a young woman with a natural talent for fashion and her skills for alternations and sewing are used to the advantage of the lady’s maids.  She sets out with Iris and Danny Dalking, servants from the household that she’s visiting. Alone on the streets with nothing to their names, the trio is taken in by a family who runs a bakery. Knowing that working in a bakery isn’t where she wants to be, Annie sets off and tries to get a job at Macy’s. To her surprise, she does and immediately begins to establish herself with great customer service and an eye for the fashions her customers desire. She soon gets involved with a pattern salesman, Sean Culver, who helps open another door which will lead her closer to a new dream of design fashions for the everyday woman. As she works, more and more doors of opportunity open. Does she dare walk through them, knowing there is no return? Can she trust God to guide her through those doors?

The Pattern Artist is a great story of the American Spirit where “humble beginnings are a badge of honor. It’s not where you begin but where you end up.” I loved Annie who struggles with her own worth but had the bravery to try anyway. I loved all the characters she meets along the way especially Sean. The budding romance between the two is sweet and heartwarming. The story has romance, suspense, heartbreak and joy. I highly recommend The Pattern Artist.

The Pattern Artist

is available

in hardcover, paperback and Kindle/Nook

on Amazon and Barnes and Noble

Life After Coffee: a story of one woman's struggles with life and family

Life After Coffee by Virginia Franken is the story of one woman’s journey from globetrotting coffee hunter to homebound mom. The story opens with Amy O’Hara late for her flight as she heads out for a six week work trip. She is a coffee buyer for a local coffee grindhouse, Mateo’s. She is also leaving on the day of her son’s birthday party. But on the way to the airport, she gets called back by her boss to inform her that she has been laid off as Mateo’s has been bought out. Amy goes home to the birthday party where the other parents there don’t realize who she is. When she informs her husband, Peter, about her job, he jumps at the chance to go back to work and have Amy stay at home. Peter dreams of selling a screenplay and dives into it, leaving Amy to her own devices. She and Peter begin to argue about who should be working and who should stay at home. Will Amy find her way in her new role as stay at home mom? Will she be able to get back to work? Will Peter sell his screenplay?

Unfortunately, I did not finish Life After Coffee to answer these questions. Amy is an out-of-touch mother who irritated me. I got through seven chapters before I couldn’t take anymore. I couldn’t stand the cussing. I understood why Amy was trying to be realistic about her husband’s dream of selling his screenplay; however, there are better ways to be realistic without deflating the person himself. As a woman who dreamt of being a mother and has struggled to have children, I couldn’t relate to Amy. Amy was a mother by birth only and not in action. Maybe she is able to find her motherly spirit but I found myself not caring to find out. I also found some of the dialogues of the children too unrealistic for a 5 and 3 year old. If this book seems to be your taste, then I recommend you give it a try. You may like it. I, however, could not enjoy it.

Life After Coffee

is available on Amazon in paperback and on the Kindle

and

on Barnes and Noble in paperback and audiobook

The symbolism of dragonflies

Recently, my husband and I suffered another miscarriage. We hadn’t made the announcement public yet so many of you didn’t know we were pregnant. I feel the need to share my loss with everyone so others know that they do not need to go through a loss alone. This loss was similar to our past losses as well as new. My pregnancy had warning signs that something was wrong and I couldn’t get anyone from my doctor’s office or the clinic to pay attention until it was too late. The strange thing is during the last month, my apartment complex has a swarm of dragonflies. I wasn’t sure where they were coming from and I’ve never seen them around our area in a very long time. Then suddenly they were gone!

Then one August night, I had a dream where I held a baby named Angel and I was in a place that I didn’t recognize. I woke up with a sense of foreboding that renewed my resolve to find out what was going on. When I finally was able to get someone to listen and set a doctor’s appointment for me, the doctor confirmed my worst fear, my baby was gone. He or she died at 8 weeks gestation (three weeks prior!). As my practice with my babies, I chose a name and an animal which I pick to associate with them. For this baby, I chose Angel as it was in my dream and the dragonfly because it was so prevalent in recent weeks. Then a good friend of mine informed me that she had a dream that included me being surrounded by dragonflies! I was curious about the symbolism of the dragonfly and what I found astonished me.

The myth surrounding dragonflies is that dragons of ancient days transformed themselves into today’s dragonflies. To the Japanese Samurai, the dragonfly symbolizes power, agility and victory. In Ancient China, they symbolize harmony, prosperity and a good luck charm. To the Native Americans of the Plains, the dragonflies symbolizes happiness, speed and purity. In some Native American cultures, the dragonfly symbolizes the flight of departed souls. To the Ancient Mayans, the dragonfly symbolizes creativity. Only the Europeans and Australians (via British colonization) have negative images of the dragonfly. They are called the witch’s tool and that Satan sent it to earth to cause chaos, confusion and punishment. I also looked into what others view the dragonfly as a spirit or totem animal. It helped me see more of the beautiful of this wonderful creature. There are three main themes of symbolism of the dragonfly as a totem animal: change and transformation, power and adaptability, and lightness and emotional flexibility.

First, dragonflies symbolize change and transformation. They symbolize the wisdom of when it’s time to change, to transform. Their transformations through their life cycles has come to symbolize the change in perspective. To symbolize a change in mental and emotional maturity and an understanding of a deeper meaning in life. I see the dragonflies as a reminder to appreciate every moment of the miracles in what we call life. I’ve learned not to take anything for granted. Life isn’t about the stuff you buy, the stuff you accumulate. It is about the people you surround yourself with. The husband who works hard for the home you build together. The daughter who loves to hug you and tell you she loves you. The mom who would give her last dollar if you truly needed it. The brother and sister who would drop everything to come to your aid at your most desperate times. And the friend who lends an ear when you need to vent, offers a new perspective when you can’t see the forest for the trees, and simply loves you for you. These are the true treasures of life.

Second, dragonflies symbolize power and adaptability. Since dragonflies can fly in any direction, they have come to symbolize the ability to adapt and tackle life situations from difference angles. The dragonfly has adapted to have amazing eyesight. Its eyes can see in 360 degrees and 80 percent of its brain power is devoted to its eyes. The power and adaptability of the dragonfly’s eyes have come to symbolize the opening of one’s eyes and to see beyond the mundane. I see myself in the symbolism of adaptability. I have gone through most of my life with plans not quite working out. I think of myself to be great when it comes to adapting when situations change quickly. Although, I will admit that I will resist at first and try to bring it back to the plan I had in place. However, I will quickly realize that it isn’t always possible. I see dragonflies as the symbol of the ability to stop on a dime and assess the situation, adjust if needed and continue on.

Third, dragonflies symbolize lightness and emotional flexibility. With the iridescence of their wings, dragonflies symbolize being a light in even the darkest moments. This lightness can be in the form of one’s thoughts and feelings. To keep a light and positive outlook no matter what. Even in my darkest moments, I find myself finding the silver lining so to speak. None of the doctors I saw during my miscarriage said my husband and I couldn’t try again. It gives me hope that I may still be able to bring another baby into the world. The only few negative comments about trying again were from people who never suffered a miscarriage and the emptiness that you feel. The desire for a child only grows more intense after pregnancy losses. I also learned that I am not one to easily give up. When my confidence has been low, I would quit and be filled with regret later that I didn’t keep trying. So I’m not going to quit until God or my body tells me enough’s enough.

As I researched dragonflies and saw myself in these symbols, I was curious about the other symbols I had chosen for my babies. For AJ, I chose a bumblebee simply because a playful bee is depicted on the last ultrasound I have of him/her. I was shocked and pleased to discover the symbolism of the bumblebee. Bumblebees are a symbol or reminder to trust in miracles! And I do, I believe in miracles. Even when logic and the world around you says “no way,” God will say yes. For Abby, my miracle and only surviving child (so far), I chose a butterfly. Butterflies symbolize playfulness, renewal and joy. She is certainly the joy in our lives. Although she has hit a resistance stage where she fights almost at every turn, she is still very sweet and gentle. I love her independence spirit. For Ziva, I chose a hummingbird simply because I’ve always loved hummingbirds. Hummingbirds symbolize resiliency, lightness of being and swiftness. Ziva was so tiny when she was born, I can see her as a hummingbird.

I realize now that the symbols I chose to represent my children are a reflection of me. The trust in miracles, the joy, resiliency, and ability to change are representative of me and my outlook on life. Despite the darkness in my life, I look to change and grow. I look to joy and renewal. I look to God as the source of all life. I believe these messages from my dreams, my friend’s dream and the presence of the dragonflies were God answering my prayers about Angel. Even though it wasn’t the answer I was hoping for, I feel at peace that God was talking to me in different ways. You may read this and think it’s crazy. A dragonfly is a dragonfly and that I’m searching for meaning in nothing. But there are many examples in the Bible in which animals have been messengers and helpers of God, so why couldn’t He do so today? And how is it wrong that I am filled with comfort and joy when I see a bumblebee or a butterfly or a hummingbird or a dragonfly? Do I believe it’s the spirit of my heavenly babies? No, I don’t; however, I can see these creatures, think of my babies and smile. And I see nothing wrong with that.