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

Sexual sin and immorality: what is it? What is it's high cost? Is there redemption?

Sexuality is powerful and the nature of sexual intimacy is progressive. Sex is a deeply intimate act with one’s own body and another. The longer a couple lets each other be physically affectionate, the harder it becomes to resist temptation to proceed further. Once again I chose a difficult topic to discuss in my blog. I struggled with the amount of information and trying to organize it in a way that made sense. It took awhile to get the right words down in a way that was truthful and yet encouraging to those who may struggle with sexual sin. I wasn’t sure I would even write this one, let alone post it; however, I feel it is too important not to and my prayer that readers will have their eyes opened and turn to Jesus for guidance and forgiveness. What is sexual immorality? What is the high cost of sexual sin? Is there redemption if you are in sexual sin? 

Wherever we look, sex is everywhere. It is in our media. It is in our music, our television and movies. It is online. Sexual content has never been more accessible and available to us at the click of a button. Sexual immorality is any sexual activity outside of the covenant of marriage of a man and a woman. Any sexual contact including adultery and premarital and extramarital sex. Hebrews 13:4 says that marriage should be honored and the marriage bed kept pure. Biblically, sex is more than just the physical act, it is a connection of two souls. Two shall become one (Genesis 2:24). Any sex outside of a husband and wife is dishonorable in God’s eyes. When can a couple be considered married? The Bible isn’t clear about the exact requirements. Although traditions were developed that marriage is created through a religious ceremony. In modern terms, it is the legal documentation and a ceremony of some kind. Another question that may be on most Christian couples minds: can there be sexual immorality within marriage? There are some Christian leaders who would teach the prohibition of certain sexual acts and positions. However, I believe each couple should bring their questions before God and seek His guidance. If there is any doubt in their minds, then it should be prohibited for them.

There are people who believe there is nothing wrong with sleeping with whomever you want, whenever you want. The higher your body count the better. However, there is a high cost to sexual sin. Sex is everywhere. It would be difficult to go about our day and not see it, think about it or be exposed to it. 1 Corinthians 6:12 tells us that just because things are lawful doesn’t mean it is helpful. Alcohol and tobacco are legal but are harmful to your bodies. In the same way, just because sex outside marriage isn’t illegal, doesn’t mean it doesn’t harm us in some way (Proverbs 7:22-23). Sexual sin is a sin against the self. 1 Corinthians 6:18 says “Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body.” It always hurts someone with a broken trust and deep emotional wounds that are difficult to repair. It can physically harm our bodies through diseases and infections. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, in 2021 the rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including gonorrhea, syphilis and chlamydia were at an all time high in the US (more than 2.5 million). These infections can lead to other health issues including pelvic inflammatory disease, HIV, certain cancers and infertility. Therefore, the high cost of sexual sin isn’t just spiritual. It is emotional. It is physical. And it can be even socially. 

Is there redemption? Yes, there is. In 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, Paul lists the sins that we can commit that we cannot inherit the kingdom of God, including sexual immorality, adulterers, prostitutes and homosexual offenders. However, he continues in verse 11, “And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” When we come to Jesus in repentance, those sins can be wiped away and we can be made clean and whole again. 1 John 1:9 tells us that “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” When we admit our sins, we acknowledge that our acts were sinful and we need to turn from it and rely on Him to overcome it. It takes a great deal of humility to admit we are wrong and need help. There are ways to overcome sexual sin. First, remember your true identity as an adopted child of God (Romans 8:14-17) and focus on Him. Second, never let your guard down. 1 Peter 4:8 says “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour,” Third, when you are tempted - RUN (1 Corinthians 6:18).

In conclusion, the Bible is clear about sex. From the beginning, God designed and intended sex to be between a man and a woman who entered the covenant of marriage. Jesus would confirm this design when he condemned divorce. The proper context for sexual activity is within a marriage and all conduct outside of marriage is prohibited. Sexuality is powerful and an intimacy that is clearly meant to be expressed between a man and a woman who are fully committed to each other in marriage. Sexual sin harms ourselves as well as others with a wide range of possible consequences in all areas of life. However, you can be forgiven and leave sexual immorality behind to find new purpose, meaning and fulfillment in Jesus Christ. It is not an easy path, but there is hope. I pray this information is helpful and those who are in sexual sin that you find the strength to turn away from it and turn toward Jesus. 

 

Forever and Ever, Amen: the heartwarming stories behind some of the greatest songs in country music

Forever and Ever, Amen: The Heart-Warming Stories Behind the Music of Paul Overstreet by Paul Overstreet with a foreword by Randy Travis. Paul Overstreet, a humble songwriter, chose to write songs that affirm family, the joys of marriage and faith. He would change the face of modern day country music as he no longer wanted to write about misery or “love gone wrong” songs. His songs would end becoming big hits for artists like Randy Travis (Forever and Ever, Amen, On The Other Hand), Keith Whitley and Alison Krauss (When You Say Nothing at All) and the Judds (Love Can Build a Bridge) and many, many more. Featuring the story behind the writing of some of his biggest hits, as well as personal testaments to the impact on the songs had the audiences who wrote about the influence his words had on them. 

Paul Overstreet’s success is in the power of a simple song. I loved reading about the story behind his lyrics as well as the letters from audiences about the impact his words had on their lives. I was reminded about the great music Mr Overstreet wrote for country music as well as songs I did not know he wrote. As I read about each song, I quickly went to my music app to add my favorites to my playlist. Forever and Ever, Amen is a quick read as readers will be drawn into the simple story of a simple man bringing beautiful songs to the world. It is not a complicated book. Just a man discussing his life, his faith and his inspiration behind some of the greatest love songs in country music. If you love country music or inspirational stories, I highly, highly recommend Forever and Ever, Amen. 

Forever and Ever, Amen is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

The Scholar: two broken people find love, healing and made whole together

The Scholar is the third book in the Emerson Pass Historical series by Tess Thompson. Theo Barnes has been in love with Louisa Lind since they were kids. However, she fancied his twin brother, Flynn. When he returns to Emerson Pass after studying at medical school, Flynn is married and Theo’s love for Louisa burns brighter than ever. Louisa feels she’s not worthy of love and marriage. A past that still haunts her, she feels she is too broken. However, after tragedy strikes her family. Louisa finds herself at the Barnes charity and tender, gentle attention of Theo and her heart begins to wonder if love and marriage is possible. Their road to marriage is rocky with obstacles, doubts, and wounds of the past. Can they find a way to heal together and build a life, love and marriage worthy of them both? 

I love the Emerson Pass series so far and I think Theo is my favorite Barnes family member. Even from the first book, I eagerly awaited his story and The Scholar does not disappoint. Deeply haunted by his memories of his childhood and the Great War, he comes home from medical school hoping to find his purpose and maybe even love. His ongoing love for Louisa is sweet and endearing. I cheered as she started to see him for the strong and loving man he had become. It is a clean romance with only references to sex and fade to black scenes. Overall, I loved this story. There were sweet, tender moments, heartbreaking moments and moments that tears fell freely. I am looking forward to the rest of the Barnes children’s stories. I highly recommend The Scholar and the Emerson Pass Historical series. 

The Scholar is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Destination: Remarkable: one woman's journey from darkness to a brighter life

Destination; Remarkable: Surviving the Dark Side of Success by Mary Grothe is a memoir, autobiography of one woman’s journey from darkness to a deeper meaningful life. Raised by an alcoholic mother and abusive father in a filthy house. At fourteen years old, she watched her entire life being auctioned off as her parents fled their town. She dreamed of dancing as her ticket to freedom but when a teenage mistake causes her dream to fall, she finds herself doomed to repeat her parents’ mistakes. When she gets a job in sales, she discovers she has a knack for it and her success is sudden and overwhelming. Her success should have been her redemption but it only led her down a darker path she never imagined. Then one fateful Christmas, at rock bottom, she found Jesus. She began to turn her life around, and while not easy, Mary Grothe finds new strength to become a new success in business as well as a wife, mother and Christian. 

I had never heard of Mary Grothe but when I was offered the chance to read her memoir, I was intrigued. From a harrowing upbringing, to teenage rebellion to huge success at a young age, she thought she had finally made it. Little did she know but her demons would follow her and she slowly sank deeper. She is brutally honest about her past, her own mistakes and her journey to a healthier, fuller life. Even now, as she is in a better place, she is honest about the struggles she still has and has to actively work on in her daily life. I enjoyed her honesty especially with issues that she has risen above. Her story reminds me of a famous movie quote that states that our demons are never truly gone, we just rise above them. By acknowledging her demons, she is able to confront them with confidence. If you would like to read an inspirational story of a woman’s journey, I recommend Destination; Remarkable. 

Destination; Remarkable: Surviving the Dark Side of Success 

is available in hardcover, eBook and audiobook

The Soulmate: a suspense thriller of marriage, betrayal and secrets

The Soulmate by Sally Hepworth is a suspense thriller of marriage, betrayal and secrets. There’s a cliff known as the Drop which has become a popular suicide spot. There’s a cottage that sits on that cliff. It’s the home of Gabe and Pippa Gerard. As people come to the cliff with the intent to end their lives, Gabe comes to the rescue to talk them back. Until one night, he doesn’t. Questions begin to swirl in Pippa’s head as to what happened, what did she see and is there more to Gabe’s story than he’s telling. But would Gabe, the love of Pippa’s life, her soulmate, lie? As the investigation into the victim’s death begins, Pippa begins to see cracks in their perfect façade and Gabe begins to act more and more erratically. What will Pippa do when she discovers that Gabe is hiding deeper and darker secrets? 

Sally Hepworth has a reputation for suspense thrillers. So when I got the opportunity to read her newest book, I jumped at the chance. Unfortunately, I was disappointed in this story. With short, quick 87 chapters, the story was choppy and disjointed. Switching between Pippa and the victim, and past and present, the story didn’t give enough time to truly get invested. I didn’t like Pippa or Gabe or their perfect façade. At one point, Pippa discovers Gabe’s indiscretion and she accepts it? Really? Just like that? “Ok, I forgive you.” Some women may eventually get there but for Pippa, it was almost instantaneously. I also didn’t enjoy how long it took to identify who was who in the story. I had to guess who was a daughter, a sister, etc. Overall, I did not enjoy The Soulmate. However, I will give Ms. Hepworth’s previous works a chance. 

The Soulmate is available in hardcover, eBook and audiobook

Rewrite the Stars: marriage, PTSD, and finding happiness

Rewrite the Stars by Christina Consolino is a story of Sadie Rollins-Lancaster, a mom of three who is struggling with her crumbling marriage. Her husband, Theo, had initiated a divorced but wishes to try and salvage their marriage as he struggles with PTSD. Though they are still married, they live together and yet live apart. When a chance encounter with a handsome stranger ignites feelings she never expected to feel again, Sadie finds her world turned upside down once again. She is torn between Theo, wanting the man he once was, and the man who keeps her awake at night. Will Sadie fight for the future she wants? Will Theo defeat his demons and win Sadie back?

Rewrite the Stars was touted as “an honest, moving portrayal of life and love that reminds us how much of our happiness lies within our own grasp.” While it is a brutally honest portrayal of PTSD and how it affects the individual and their families, the rest of the story fell horribly flat for me. I didn’t care for most of the characters, especially Sadie. The only character I had any sympathy for was Theo. Sadie was unlikable and selfish as she complained about how much she did and took care of and yet the children were constantly being handed off with a babysitter. What exactly did she do? Unfortunately, it was not the story I was expecting. I do not recommend Rewrite the Stars. 

Rewrite the Stars is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

No Thanks: One woman's journey to live life on her own terms

No Thanks: Black, Free and Living in the Martyr-Free Zone by Keturah Kendrick is a collection of eight essay as Ms. Kendrick chronicles her journey to freedom. She shares her stories as well as the stories of other women who have freed themselves “from the narrow definition of what makes a ‘proper woman.’” Ms. Kendrick especially puts a spotlight on the cultural bullying  that puts pressures on women to become wives and others and the expectation that one must follow the spiritual traditions of previous generations. Through her wit and humor, Ms. Kendrick speaks directly to black women as she imagines a world where black women can like choices that center on their needs and desires rather than the choices society offers them. No Thanks is a mixture of memoir and cultural critique to paint the 21st century black woman free from the chains of someone else’s expectations. 

Even though I am not Ms. Kendrick’s target audience, I enjoyed her candor and wit as she examines her fight to live her life her way. Right off the bat, she tells her readers that our families, mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, etc, are not entitled or allowed to edit the “blueprint” or path of our lives in order to suit their wants and desires. She even dives into the growing criticism of the selfishness of women who choose not to have children. While I have always known that I wanted to be a wife and mother, I have never thought of another woman who didn’t want the same as selfish. The essays are short and easy to read. I found her very interesting and even when I didn’t agree with all of her premises, she was clear about her reasons. I recommend No Thanks. 

No Thanks: Black, Free and Living in the Martyr-Free Zone is available in paperback and eBook.  

Best friends and spouses: one in the same or not?

A couple months ago, I came across a tweet in which the individual definitely stated that your spouse cannot be and should be your spouse. I laughed because I consider my husband my best friend. And judging based on the responses this tweet got, many people agree and disagree with the statement. I had a few people I consider a best friend, people who have known me for years, who have seen me through the best and worst of my life. However, it got me thinking: what is a best friend? And can a spouse be considered a best friend? So I set out to find out what other people thought and what I discovered is that how you answer the best friend question is how you define what a best friend is and the problem is many people define a best friend in different ways. 

According to Merriam-Webster, a best friend is “a person's closest and dearest friend.” Urban dictionary describes a best friend as someone who is there for you through thick and thin, someone who listens and understands, a person you can call anytime about anything and someone who will stand up for you in times of struggle. Both definitions do not exclude spouses. Nowhere does it say, “a woman’s closest female friend” or “a man’s closest male friend.” It says a person’s closest and dearest friend, someone who supports, listens, and understands. So why can’t it be a spouse? Some people still say no. In the no category, non-romantic friendships can be an escape from the pressures of adulting (Health Essentials, 2019). Does that mean my romantic friendship with my husband always reminds me or him of our adulting responsibilities and pressures? I don’t think so. My husband and I can have relaxing fun together without thinking about our responsibilities. According to Amanda FitzSimons, calling your spouse your best friend is “eye rollingly cliche” with too many expectations on one person to be both best friend and spouse (2019). 

According to my research, overwhelmingly many people are saying yes, spouses can be, and actually should be, your best friend. According to Skye Cleary, a philosopher and lecturer from Columbia University, if aspects of friendships are brought into romantic relationships, the foundation of the relationship is stronger (Yu, 2017). To some, it is even a Biblical example of a husband and wife becoming one flesh. “Two of the closest and dearest friends who have a profound trust of one another. Husband and wife of one human nature, glued together in Christ'' (Wobscall, 2020). Friendship is one aspect of a marriage, just like sexual intimacy is one aspect. Both are important to the longevity of a relationship. If you don’t have a friendship with your spouse and what is important to you is separate from your spouse, then you aren’t married. You are roommates with benefits. There are no hard and fast rules, what matters is what works for your and your relationship (William, no date). David William has a great list of reasons why your spouse can be your best friend, which leads me to my thoughts on the topic. 

My husband is my best friend. He is one I can be myself. I can reveal all the bad stuff about me: the weaknesses, the insecurities and the dark moods. And he is the same with me. A couple years ago, I made a statement about my husband’s grumpy moods and someone commented with “such a wife thing to say.” To which I replied back, “Well, I see him day in and day out. I’ve seen him at his best and I’ve seen him at his worst.” We do fun, childlike things together. Recently, we had a water balloon/water gun fight in the backyard. We laughed until we were breathless. We do things together like watch certain tv shows and movies, but we also have our own activities apart. I have my reading and blog and my favorite tv shows and movies that I don’t force him to watch. He has his own favorite movies to watch without me and he has his toy hunting activities apart from me.. When I need a female perspective and companionship, I have female friends to call upon and my husband has his male friends for male perspectives and companionship. 

In conclusion, you can be best friends with your spouse. And being best friends doesn’t mean that 100% of your time and activities is spent together. That is unhealthy in any relationship. What it boils down to is how you would define a best friend. If your idea of a best friend is drinking wine and bitching about your spouse and kids, then your spouse isn’t your best friend. But if your idea of a best friend is someone who supports you, who knows you inside and out, who you love to spend time with, then your spouse can be your best friend. Another important note, no one gets to dictate who you decide is your best friend. The important thing is to have that person who is all things that a best friend should be, whether or not it's your spouse. 

P.S. I think the best way to illustrate the idea of a spouse being your best friend is this scene from The Gilmore Girls (2000-2007) from season 4, episode 20, It’s Luke Can See Her Face

Guy on tape: "Whose phone calls or visits are never unwanted or too long? Do you see her face? Who would you most like to have in your life to ward off moments of loneliness? Do you see her face? When you travel, who would make your travels more enjoyable? Do you see her face? When you're in pain, who would you most like to comfort you? Do you see her face? When something wonderful happens in your life, a promotion at work, a successful refinancing, who do you want to share the news with? Do you see her face? Whose face appears to you, my friend? Whose face?"

References

FitzSimons, Amanda (September 3, 2019). Please Don’t Call Your Spouse Your Best Friend. Shondaland. https://www.shondaland.com/live/family/a28724108/please-dont-call-your-spouse-your-best-friend/. Retrieved April 25, 2021. 

Health Essentials (October 1, 2019). Should Your Spouse Be Your Best Friend? Cleveland Clinic https://health.clevelandclinic.org/should-your-spouse-be-your-best-friend/#:~:text=%E2%80%9CHaving%20a%20partner%20who%20is,template%20for%20a%20successful%20marriage.%E2%80%9D. Retrieved April 25, 2021. 

William, David K. (no date). 15 Reasons Why Your Partner Should Be Your Best Friend. Life Hack. https://www.lifehack.org/articles/communication/15-reasons-why-your-partner-should-your-best-friend.html. Retrieved April 25, 2021. 

Wobschall, Dan (September 7, 2020). Can Your Spouse Be Your Best Friend? BeBroken. https://2.bebroken.com/be-broken-blog/can-your-spouse-be-your-best-friend. Retrieved April 25, 2021. 

Yu, Christine (August 8, 2017). Should your spouse be your best friend? Headspace. https://www.headspace.com/blog/2017/08/08/should-spouse-be-best-friend/. Retrieved Apriln 25, 2021. 

Home to You: a Christian love story

Home to You by Jenn Faulk is the story of Faith Hayes and Sam Huntington. Faith has been in love with Sam since she was 6 years old and used to sit next to him in church. Sam is 10 years older than Faith and always saw her as a sweet little girl in church. But after 10 years apart, and on leave from the Marines, Sam sees Faith again and doesn’t recognize the little girl in the young woman. After realizing that Faith is the little girl from church, he cuts off all contact and heads to combat in Afghanistan. Heartbroken, Faith pours herself more into her studies and tries to forget Sam Huntington. The story fast forwards again, 8 years later, Faith is now 24 years old and a midwife at a Houston women’s clinic where another chance meeting puts her face to face with Sam. Sam is a broken man, plagued by nightmares of his time in combat and trying to put the pieces of his life together. Is this the chance for Faith and Sam to finally be together? Can Faith help Sam recover from his emotional battle scars? Is there anything that stands in their way?

Home to You wasn’t the book I thought it was. It started out great with the interactions between Faith and Sam, despite their age differences, had an obvious attraction. Then toward the end, Faith starts acting strange and, to me, out of character. There is one scene in which Sam turns her away from their make out session because he wants to be honorable and wait for marriage. Sounds reasonable for two Christian people, right? Well, Faith starts distancing herself from Sam because he “rejected” her? For a character who has a strong faith in Christ and raised in a Christian home, this behavior seems odd. Then there are two characters, despite being Christian, are openly hostile to Sam because he is former military, “We’re in the job of saving lives, not ending them.” Like seriously!?!?! There are other events that turned me off about the story. Overall, I liked the story. I loved and sympathized with Sam’s character and wanted to see him happy and leading a better life. Faith, I didn’t care so much for. Her drive for perfection and everything according to a timetable seems unrealistic for a woman who chose midwifery as a career. I’m torn if I recommend this book or not. If this seems like you would enjoy this book, check it.

Home to You

is available in paperback and eBook

Christy and Todd: The Baby Years series

At last! The Baby Years are here for Christy and Todd. The author, Robin Jones Gunn, has written about Christy, Todd and their friends for almost 30 years. I loved forward to seeing Christy and Todd as they grow their family and relate to them as new parents and laugh and nod as they go through the challenges faced as new parents and learning to be a couple with the demands of life.

Sandy Toes is the first book in the series. It begins where One More Wish ended, Christy has found out she is pregnant. She’s at the doctor to confirm the pregnancy and right off the bat, new trials come her way. Her father is facing early retirement, her aunt is thinking of selling her house and she must help Todd with his struggles as he comes to terms with his mother’s lack of involvement in his life. Todd is presented with a new job opportunity which could be the stabilizing factor in their life as they prepare to welcome their baby. Will God open the door for Todd? The top question in the series, is she having a boy or a girl?

Salty Kisses is the second book in the series. The story opens 18 months after the birth of their baby. They are at the airport keeping up their friend, Katie, who is coming home for the funeral of her father. As they deal with their friend’s loss, Christy is desperate to connect with her friend again but the timing is never right. Soon Christy and Todd are leaving on their road trip to Glenbrooke, Oregon to see other friends. During the trip, Christy realizes how isolated and alone she feels without a friend who is also a mother is connect with back home. And as Todd opens the discussion for baby #2, Christy feels overwhelmed. Will she be able to connect with other mothers once they get home? Will there be another baby in their future?

Sunset Lullaby is the final book in the series. The story opens after the birth of their second child and the challenges that Christy and Todd faces as their lives get busier with the children, work and social commitments. Christy faces questions about the decisions she’s made in her life as she struggles to juggle the responsibilities of wife, mother, and friend. As she and her new friend and neighbor, Jennalyn, discuss the cultural and society expectations of women as career women, wives, and mothers, Christy learns a deep lesson that she cannot and doesn’t have to do it all. Where does their lives go from here? What else is in store for them as they build their lives together?

I loved this series as I have loved the original Christy Miller series and all the books which have branched off from the original series. I grew up with Christy. I started reading the series when I was a teenager and followed her as she struggled with every teenage drama and issues one can face as well as what it truly means to trust in God and follow him. I look forward to reading the series again as I can relate to Christy’s struggles as a mom, wife and woman in today’s society. I look forward to the day when my daughter is old enough to be introduced to the series and grow with Christy as I did. If you are fan of the series, you will enjoy seeing our beloved characters in the next stage of their lives.

Song of a Captive Bird: based on the life of Iranian poet Forugh Farrokhad

Song of a Captive Bird by Jasmin Dapzink is a story inspired by the life and poetry of Forugh Farrokhzad. Born in 1935 to her father, a man she only knew as the Colonel and his wife, Turan, Forugh was a child who found pleasure in breaking the rules and even greater pleasure in the storytelling afterward. In the summer of 1950, she met her cousin and future husband, Parviz Shapour. He was a satirist who encouraged her to write poetry. They were married in 1951 when she was 16 and her only son would be born two years later. However, she felt trapped by the bonds of marriage and motherhood, she began to travel to Tehran seeking to publish her poetry. Once her poems were published and gained attention, she finds her life at a crossroad. Parviz grants her a divorce and she loses custody of her son, she tries to rebuild her life and gain her voice as a feminist and a poet at a time when Iran was in turmoil.

Song of a Captive Bird is an interesting story of a woman ahead of her time. I wasn’t familiar with her or her poetry but as a lover of poetry I was intrigued. Her life was filled with horrors and heartache. First at the mercy of her father, then her husband (who didn’t treat who horribly but expected her to conform), and then at society who wasn’t prepared for her voice. Ms. Dapzink describes Forugh’s life with such details that I cringed and cried at her pain and at her frustration. Sadly, Forugh was killed in a car accident on February 14, 1967. Her poems would be banned and censored by the government but her poems still found their way into the hands of the people and have been read for decades after her death. I enjoyed how Ms. Dapzink used Forugh’s poems throughout the story so the reader can understand the situation which inspired her work. I highly recommend Song of a Captive Bird.

Song of a Captive Bird

will be available on February 13, 2018

In hardcover and eBook

“Why should I stop, why? 
the birds have gone in search 
of the blue direction. 
the horizon is vertical, vertical 
and movement fountain-like; 
and at the limits of vision 
shining planets spin. 
the earth in elevation reaches repetition, 
and air wells 
changes into tunnels of connection; 
and day is a vastness, 
which does not fit into narrow mind 
of newspaper worms.”

-verse taken from “It is Only Sound that Remains”

Home: a story of confronting the past to have a future

Home by Ginny L Yttrup is the story of Melanie and her husband, Craig. Melanie is a writer who is struggling with her next book with looming deadline fast approaching. Craig is a custom home builder who is struggling with their marriage and their lives. He has a beautiful client who makes him feel exciting and important in ways that have been lost with Melanie. Meanwhile, their best friend and next door neighbor, Jill, is in a deep struggle with memories which her mother claims never happened and the feeling as if she is losing her mind. With the help of a fellow writer, Valerie who is also a psychiatrist, Melanie and Jill face their demons and confront the truth they both have been running from. Will Craig give in to his desires? Will he walk away from his marriage? Will Melanie discover what is causing her writer’s block? Will she be able to finish this book on time? Will Jill figure out what is wrong? Will she truly lose her mind?

Home was a interesting book as there were three perspectives shown in the story. While Melanie and Craig were the main plotline, I enjoyed Jill’s story far better. It was much more interesting and gut wrenching as she learns the truth behind her “memories” and mental issues. I loved the insight into a writer’s writing methods. As a writer myself, I enjoyed seeing the rituals and patterns Melanie follows in order to write her story. I highly recommend Home for its drama and realistic portrayal of life’s struggles and the road back to a place of peace and contentment.

Home

is available on Amazon

in paperback and for the Kindle

Christy & Todd: The Married Years series

I have grown up with Robin Jones Gunn’s books. I reviewed The Christy Miller series, The Sienna Jensen series and Christy and Todd: The College Years and The Katie Weldon series last year. I’ve finally been able to finish the Christy and Todd: The Married Years series. Forever with You is the first book in this new series and it picks up immediately after the Katie Weldon series ended. Christy has an announcement to make and her plans to tell Todd are interrupted when a series of events prevents her from sharing the news. Soon they will face trials and hardships that will test their marriage, their faith in God and their faith in each other. They must learn that plans will go awry and new dreams will be pursued together. Will they stand firm together as the tough times come?

Home of Our Hearts is the second book in the series. The story begins as Todd and Christy make ready to start their journeys to the weddings of Todd’s dad in the Canary Islands and Christy’s friend, Katie, in Kenya. Everything seems to go smoothly until a sudden medical emergency seem to derail those plans. Despite the bumpy start, the two are on their way. Christy begins to question where she and Todd are meant to be at home as she sees her father-in-law and her best friend enjoy their adopted homes. Will she and Todd ever find the home of their hearts?

One More Wish is the final book in the series which begins with Christy’s 26^th birthday as she makes a birthday wish. She makes a wish and realizes she forgot one thing to wish for. She and Todd begin to discuss having children and Christy questions if she’s ready for a family. When their dear friends, Doug and Tracy, face unexpected trials, Todd and Christy’s resolve for their future family is tested. She sees what could possibly change when children do arrive. Will Christy ever be ready for children of her own? Can she make one more wish?

Christy and Todd: the Married Years has been a series of nostalgia as the earlier series are referenced and old friends are met again. Although I found Christy still a little naïve about what it means to be a wife and possible future mother, I enjoyed seeing her grow through her trials. If you grew up the Christy Miller and her friends, you will enjoy this series. Ms. Gunn as continued Christy and Todd’s story in a new series, The Baby Years, and I will review those books when the final book is available.

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

Always and Forever: a story of the aftermath after an impossible choice

Always and Forever by Soraya Lane is the story of Lisa and Matt Collins who must make an impossible choice and struggle with the aftermath of that choice. The story opens as Lisa and Matt learn they are finally pregnant after years of trying to start their family. Things are going smoothly until Lisa gets a devastating diagnosis. Now the couple must an impossible choice: her life or the baby’s. As they make their choice, life as they knew it falls apart. Lisa falls into a deep depression and Matt struggles to return to the life they had before. They decide to go on a road trip, thinking that leaving home will help them leave everything behind. Will the road trip be the therapy they are looking for? Will they return to the life and love they had before? Or did the choice they made destroy everything they cared for?

Always and Forever is a wonderful story which features a topic and a choice which many couples never think they will face. A fast read which gets to the heart of the conflict between husband and wife. They both rationalize their choice in different ways. As I read, I kept asking myself what decision I would make. Which decision would my husband make? Would be able to live with the choice? I highly recommend Always and Forever!

Always and Forever

Is available at all major booksellers

One Hundred Years of Marriage: life and marriage through the years of one family

One hundred Years of Marriage by Louise Farmer Smith is a story of one family’s journey through life’s ups and downs, marriage good times and bad times. The story opens in 1960 as Patricia, the narrator, is home from college to take care of her mother, Alice, who is ill. She is trying to figure out what is wrong her mother as she tries to figure out her own future with her boyfriend, Tom. The story then turns to the past to1934, when Alice meets her future husband’s family. The story then turns to the past again to 1923 when Alice was a little girl. And then to the past again to 1894 and this is where I stopped.

I couldn’t finish One hundred Years of Marriage. I was too bored with the story. There were way too many characters to try to keep track of without any real indication about who they were. Maybe it would have been revealed later in the story about how it all fit. I also felt the going back in time exasperated my confusion. The mystery behind Alice’s illness was the link that connected the different marriages through Patricia’s maternal family but it wasn’t enough to hold my interest. If the story peaks your interest, you can check it out. Unfortunately, for me, it didn’t hold my interest.

One Hundred Years of Marriage

is available

at major booksellers

Save My Place: a touching love story

Save My Place by Oliva deBelle Byrd is a heartwarming and heart wrenching love story set in 1960s and 1970s. It was recently honored with two Gold Medals in Florida Fiction for Adults and Cover Design by the Florida Presidents Book Awards. It is the story of love through various stages of courtship, marriage, war, and personal tragedy.

The story opens with Elisabeth Belle Sterling, a young college student who is “creative, independent but not rebellious.” She begins to enter the dating scene and after a lot of misses, she feel she’s doomed to be an old maid. Until she meets Kincaid Patterson, an Army buddy of her roommate’s boyfriend. The two immediately hit it off and before they know it, they are married and settling into life together. He is stationed at Fort Banning and she becomes a second grade teacher. Soon their wonderful life is halted as Kincaid is deployed to Vietnam. Before he leaves, Kincaid tells Elisabeth to “save his place.” She ends her letters to him with “your place is saved.” Will Kincaid return home? Will Elisabeth be able to learn to live without him?

I loved this book. It was sweet and tender. It had shocking moments when you gasped and hoped for a positive outcome. I can’t give more without ruining the entire book but there are moments when you cry and your heart aches for the characters as they deal with different tragedies. I especially loved the ending. It showed a great loved between these characters and I can imagine them living today still hand-in-hand. I highly recommend Save My Place. It definitely has a place on my keeper shelf. 

Love sayings: quotes about love, men, women and marriage

Love Sayings wit and wisdom of romance, courtship and marriage by Bradford G. Whaeler is a collection of quotes covering various topics from love through the ages, to dating to women, men and pets. Throughout the various quotes are beautiful paints and photographs by various artists.

The quotes cover everything from ancient philosophers, like Plato (424/423 BC – 348/347 BC) who said “If women are expected to do the same work as men, we must teach them the same things” and Ovid (43 BC -17 AD) who said “Whether they give or refuse, it delights women just the same to be asked.” Famous quotes by Woody Allen, Zsa Zsa Gabor and other celebrities who bring their own insights to love and marriage. Zsa Zsa Gabor is quoted, “Husbands are like flies. They go out if left unattended.” The some quotes are thought provoking, some are humorous and others are crude and blunt but each gives a unique perspective on the various aspects of love.

Love Sayings is a great book filled with insightful quotes and beautiful pictures. The pictures and paintings are from various artists from all around the world. I’ve featured a few of my favorites with this post. The book also features brief biographies of each artist.  

Love Sayings: wit and wisdom of romance, courtship and marriage

is available on Amazon

for free on the Kindle

and

$24.95 for paperback