Huldah: a prophetess who wasn't afraid to speak the truth and deliver a harsh message

Huldah is the focus on my Bible study this month. Her story is told in 2 Kings 22:14-20. Just a few verses with a big impact. Huldah is one of four women with true authentic prophetic ministry mentioned in the Bible. She is a relatively unknown name in the Bible but she played a big role. She was trusted by the king with an important task. She was a prophetess whose word generated a significant religious reform in the kingdom. As a prophetess, she had the great privilege to be a messenger of God; however, she witnessed God’s people refusing to respond to him with loving obedience. She witnessed the people repeatedly ignoring God’s warnings about the consequences of their disobedience. 

King Josiah wanted to know if the word of the Book of the Law, a scroll that the high priest Hilkiah discovered had come to pass or will be a future event. The scroll, which was core material from Deuteronomy, was given to Huldah, who carefully read as the words spawned vision after vision from the past and the future. She has visions of the people’s past sins (2 Kings 17). She also sees destruction to the land (2 Kings 22:16). Huldah tells the king that the prophecy has come to pass and the Lord will punish those deeds. Her words confirmed the king’s fear: that Judah was on the edge of judgment and its infidelities had not gone unnoticed. A hundred years prior, Judah would have witnessed the northern kingdom of Israel being marched away by Assyria (2 Kings 17:5-6). Josiah went into action, purging all paganism from his kingdom. It was one of the greatest religious reforms. Unfortunately, thirty-five years after Huldah’s prophecy, Judah would be taken away in chains to Babylon (2 Kings 24). 

While 2 Kings 22 doesn’t tell us what portion of the Book of the Law was found. A part of the Law is the Ten Commandments In Deuteronomy 5:6-21. Everyone knows the prohibitions against stealing, murder, adultery, false testimony, and coveting (verses 16-21) and keeping the Sabbath and honoring one’s mother and father (verses 12-15). What about the others? First, no other gods before Him (verse 7). A god can be anything you put before God. A spouse, children, job, family, money, power, anything that replaces God’s importance in your life. Second, no worship of idols in the forms of anything in heaven above, on earth, or in the waters below (verses 8-10). A physical idol can be statutes of angels, saints, even of Jesus Himself which are worshiped in place of God. Third, do not misuse the name of God, often quoted as taking the Lord’s name in vain (verse 11). What does it mean to take the Lord’s name in vain? It is using the Lord’s name in a perverse way such as using it as a curse word, using phrases like “Oh my God,” “Good Lord” or as a threat, “I swear to God.” It is using His name in ways that do not honor Him or glorify Him. 

One might look at the Ten Commandments and think there’s no way to follow all of them. It’s too hard, so why try?  However, Jesus wrapped all ten in a few sentences. In Matthew 22:37-40, he states that we are to love God with all our heart, with all our soul, and with all our minds and to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. Our neighbors are the world around us, even those who would be against us. We are to love our friends, family, allies and our enemies. Love takes action and treating someone better than they deserve is grace and mercy. James 1:19 calls us to be like God and be slow to anger just as God is slow to anger. There are numerous verses which tell us that God is slow to anger, quick to forgive and abounds with love. Exodus 34:6, Numbers 14:18. Psalm 103:8 and Nehemiah 9:17 to reference a few. God’s anger is a serious consequence of who He is: just, fair, and good. His love and compassion for us, His mercy and forgiveness, far outweigh His anger when we come to Him in repentance. 

In conclusion, judgment and mercy, law and grace, punishment and salvation that were characteristic of God’s love affair with his people. Huldah was a woman who understood the paradox and was not afraid to proclaim the truth. She cherished the words of God in a time of crisis. The Ten Commandments are about loving God and loving our neighbors. Love is slow to anger and quick to forgive (1 Corinthians 13:4-7). Yes, some people make it hard to love and forgive them. How do you love someone who does something unlovable? Always treat them with kindness and pray for them. Ask God to open their eyes and hearts. Acts of kindness can send a message that we may not be friends but we can be friendly. 

A Woman of Fortune: one woman's journey from the ashes to the life she always wanted

A Woman of Fortune is the first book in the Texas Gold series by Kellie Coates Gilbert. Texas socialite Claire Massey was on top of the world, living the dream. Designer clothes, luxury cars, stunning homes and a life most people would envy. There was very little room for complaints in her book. Until it comes crashing down when Tuck, her charming, savvy cattle broker husband, is arrested for fraud and other charges. She suddenly finds herself facing lawyers, the media, and a trail of angry people with broken hearts and broken dreams. Feeling betrayed, humiliated and devastated, Claire must find a way to rise from the ashes and create a new life, a life she didn’t know she truly wanted, and pursue a dream she didn’t know she had. 

A Woman of Fortune is an emotional roller coaster for Claire as she goes from the envy of Texas society to vilified and mocked from the very people she thought were friends. The reactions, responses and personal crises and turmoil are very realistic. However, the story left me conflicted. Would I respond like Claire did if my husband had done what Tuck did? Would I stay by my man if he lied, cheated and essentially stole from hard working people? Would I trust him again? I loved that she finds herself strength and fights for what she wants despite the “image” that she has been raised to portray. And the constant mentions of food made it hard to read because it was making me hungry! The mention of BBQ brisket alone made my mouth water! Overall, I enjoyed the story and look forward to reading the rest of the series. I recommend a Woman of Fortune. 

A Woman of Fortune is available in paperback and eBook. 

A Parade of Wishes: when the impossible becomes possible

A Parade of Wishes by Camille DiMaio is the sixth book in The Wishing Tree series. Liz Guidry is the It-Girl in New York City for painting murals in posh Park Avenue nurseries. But something is missing. The accolades feel empty and the wait-lists leave her feeling uninspired. When she crosses paths with Neva Cabot, who orders a commissioned piece, her life begins on a path that will change her life. After delivering the piece to Linden Falls, Neva asks Liz to return a little boy’s lost wallet on her way out of town. She reluctantly agrees, not knowing that the love she wants is awaiting for her up ahead. Will she open her heart to the love she craves? Will she allow herself to believe in the magic of the Wishing Tree? 

A Parade of Wishes is a sweet story of finding your heart’s desires in ways that can only be beyond human explanation. I loved how Liz, despite being skeptical, decides to grant a wish. She grabs one that seems impossible to fulfill. Or is it? It is a fast read but a heartwarming story that reminds us that the best things in life are often unexpected and greater than we ever thought we wanted or needed. I loved the characters of Mark and his nephew, Cameron. I love the little pearls of wisdom like “people never say what they want..they say what is expected of them. If you listen closely, you hear what their heart desires most.” I highly recommend A Parade of Wishes as well as the previous five books of The Wishing Tree series. 

A Parade of Wishes is available in paperback and eBook. 

Twice a Quinceanera: a story of strength, self-discovery and second chances at love

Twice a Quinceanera by Yamile Saied Mendez is a story of strength, self-discovery and second chance at love. One month before her wedding, and her thirtieth birthday, Nadia Palacio stood up to her cheating fiancé for the first time in their long relationship. She breaks off their engagement. While she congratulates herself on her strength, she dreads telling her Argentinian family. As the family struggles with the news and what to do next, Nadia sees a magazine that gives her an idea. With the wedding venue paid for and family from around the world coming into town, Nadia is determined to create her own happily ever after. She will celebrate her double quinces or treintanera. As the first professional in her family, she sees the opportunity to raise a glass to her achievements. Until she discovers that the man in charge of the wedding venue is none other than her college fling, the one she let get away, and he looks more delicious than ever. Can her journey of self-discovery lead to a second chance at love? 

Twice a Quinceanera is touted as “a pure delight for every woman who needs to be her own biggest fan—and who dreams of a second chance at first love” and “full of exuberant heart.” While it certainly lived up to this sentiment, I’m conflicted about the overall story. I felt the pace was off. I liked Nadia’s journey of finding the strength to end a relationship and be herself. The story clicked all the boxes for inclusivity and representation. There were so many characters that I stopped trying to keep track. I enjoyed the Spanish phrases that were mixed in with the story. However, I felt there wasn’t any explanation or translation as to what was said in the following text to give non-Spanish speaking readers a clue what was said. My Spanish is basic so I can decipher many phrases; however, I found myself stopping to Google search some phrases. Toward the end, I stopped and just skipped over the Spanish. Overall, Twice a Quinceanera is a good story of self-discovery and second chances at love. 

Twice a Quinceañera is available in paperback and eBook

Workout Wishes and Valentine Kisses: when love is right before your eyes

Workout Wishes and Valentine Kisses by Barbara Hinske is the fifth book in The Wishing Tree series. In Linden Falls, wishes are tied to the branches of the linden tree in the town square. Wishes of hopes and dreams. Some believe in the magic of the tree and others do not. Can anything change their minds? Pam Olson and Steve Turner have been childhood friends who are now work colleagues at the local gym. They are perfect for each other except they do not see it. Fortunately, there are a few who do and are willing to bring these two together. After disastrous online dating, Pam joins Steve in a no-dating pact. What they don’t know is that there is a covert mission to bring these two together. Will they finally see the sparks between them? 

I love The Wishing Tree series and its magical town of Linden Falls. In this story, Pam and Steve have seen their share of heartbreak and are determined to never be hurt again. Reluctantly, Pam agrees to try online dating and it ends as horribly as she imagined. I thoroughly enjoyed Pam and Steve. They have a history and a friendship they don’t want to jeopardize in case their romance fizzles. I felt for Pam as each online date she goes on is worse than the one before. I enjoyed the involvement and the covert mission that those close to Pam and Steve put in action as they see these two belong together. I highly recommend Workout Wishes and Valentine Kisses as well as the previous books in The Wishing Tree series. 

Workout Wishes and Valentine Kisses is available in paperback and eBook

Fatal Affair: murder mystery with a sexy, steamy romance

Fatal Affair by Marie Force is the first book in the Fatal series. Washington D.C. Metro Police Detective Sergeant Samantha “Sam” Holland needs to salvage her career as well as her confidence after a disastrous investigation that left her shaken. She needs a big case, a big win. Soon she will be assigned to the biggest case of her career.  Senator John O’Connor is found brutally murdered in his bed. Things get complicated when she discovers that O’Connor’s Chief of Staff and best friend is none other than Nick Cappuano, the man she had one memorable night together years ago and never heard from again. Nick always thought about Sam and their night together and wondered why she never returned his calls. They discover their chemistry is still hot but they need to stay focused. There’s a murderer to find. As the danger builds, can they deny their connection any longer? 

Fatal Affair is a suspenseful whodunit with the unexpected twists and turns as they get closer to the identity of the killer. From page one, the murder mystery grabs your attention and the steamy, sexy tension between Sam and Nick adds to the danger. From the political intrigue, suspects everywhere and the personal secrets that are threatened to be revealed, I thoroughly enjoyed the story. I enjoyed the relationship between Sam and Nick as well as her relationship with supporting characters. I loved that Sam had the bravado of a seasoned cop but also hides a fear of inadequacy and self-doubt. I enjoyed that I couldn’t figure out who the killer was and the reveal of his or her identity was a great suspenseful moment. I look forward to reading the rest of the Fatal series. If you enjoy a murder mystery with a sexy, steamy romance, I highly recommend Fatal Affair. 

Fatal Affair is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

Dark Earth: historical fantasy about two sisters

Dark Earth by Rebecca Stott is a story that takes the discovery of an artifact found while building in London. An artifact that asks the question who left it? On an island in the Thames River in AD 500, two sisters, Isla and Blue, find themselves fighting for survival in the harshness of the Dark Ages Britain. Not far from them is the Ghost City, the abandoned ruins of Londinium, the glorious Roman settlement. The ruins are said to be haunted by vengeful spirits. Isla, Blue and their father, the Great Smith, were exiled to the island when he was accused of using dark magic to forge his swords. Osric, the local warlord, places the family under close guard and decrees that the magnificent swords are to be made only for him. When their father suddenly dies, Isla and Blue face enslavement by Osric and his cruel son, Vort. Their only option is to escape into the Ghost City, hoping the fear of the ruins would keep them safe. They discover that in order to survive, they must use their skills and ingenuity to fight back.

I was intrigued by the premise and the author’s note in the beginning of the story that explains the discovery of a brooch in the ruins of Londinium. I usually enjoy stories that are inspired by a piece of history. Unfortunately, the story did not satisfy my curiosity. Dark Earth was a very hard book to get into. I did enjoy the relationship between the two sisters. Isla was the level headed sister who secretly learned her father’s trade. Blue was the fanciful/weird one. Touted as a “heart-in-mouth adventure” that brings a female perspective to a historical period dominated by men, however, beyond the sister’s relationship, the story was dry and bland. The author certainly knows her history and the descriptions of the time are vivid; however, the story is a lot of “telling” instead of “showing” for example “Mother said …” or “Father said…” when I would have preferred to be shown the action as the sisters retell their stories. It was supposed to have a mystical feel, but it wasn’t coming across for me. If you enjoy fantasy with a historical time period, you may enjoy Dark Earth. 

Dark Earth is available in hardcover, eBook, and audiobook