The Hideaway by Lauren K. Denton

Sometimes I select a book because of the cover, sometimes it's because of the author, sometimes it's the description. There are a times  a publisher will stand out and because of their reputation I'll grab up a novel. 

In this case it was the cover that caught my attention. The name of the title, "The Hideaway". Now, how is that not appealing to one who would at times love to escape from this world? The description of the novel is simply lovely. I love the idea of the present and the past colliding. I enjoy a novel when the author takes us from the present to a time remembered. 

When I choose a novel from Thomas Nelson I am expecting it to be a Christian novel. Especially when it is classified as such. So, for me to review this book I first have to review on the basis of this information. This novel is nothing even near a faith based novel. If a reader is expecting to pick up a novel that is a unputdownable read, but one that is based first in faith that's what one should receive from a publisher as Thomas Nelson. With this novel faith cannot be found within these pages. 

A Christian novel that surrounds itself around lies and an affair. That doesn't sound logical, right? If I had to simply do a review based on that alone this novel would receive a 3 out of 5 stars. But that is more so basing a review on what the publisher is selling as faith based. 

So, this is where it gets difficult. This is the debut novel of this author. I must then review this selection for her writing style, for the story told as it is penned by her hand. If this novel were on another shelf, found in another aisle I would give it 5 stars. 

This is where I am pulled as a reviewer. More and more we are seeing Christian publishers go in a different route, but still classifying their novels as Christian, faith based, when they contain nothing of the sort. 

As this writer's debut novel I am honored to read her work. She has penned a beautiful novel about love lost, regret, and finding that we come to truly know ourselves when we let go of self. 

When I began reading the first chapter I was caught, hook, line, and sinker. I didn't want to put this book down. Mags, a woman from the past. A time when everything was different. Women had their place. Men had theirs. Women were to make it work, and in essence know their place. My heart ached for Maggie. I was excited to get to the chapters where she was speaking of her life. Denton writes in such a way that brings the heart of the character to life. 

We flip from the 1960s to present day. This is where we find Sarah, a young woman, busy with her own shop. She seems to push away everyone who could possibly make room in her heart. She's an introvert. One who is talented on many scales, but one who hides herself away from the world around her. All except for the young man who works with her. He has his own style and she gives him room to be himself, but without intruding in her space. He is truly the only one who knows her. She's allowed him to see more of herself than any other. 

She receives a call that her grandmother has passed away. This is where the novel takes off. From here we get to know Sarah and Maggie. Their lives intertwine as we meet many characters who surround their lives. They all give something of beauty to this novel. No character is out of place. They all give way for this novel to weave a place in the readers heart. 

We can look at the life of Sarah and we can easily relate to her. In our busy world we are simply busy with what we want to be busy with and we forget about those who seem so far away from our daily schedule. We think we have another day to meet up, place a call, or have dinner, but sadly, that last meeting always comes sort of what we only now wish life would have held for us. 

I love how Maggie has Sarah restore the B&B to it's full glory of what it should be. Kind of like life, right? We let things go and they get run down and forgotten. While Sarah is restoring the house she learns more about her grandmother and in turn learns more about herself. About the life she no longer lets pass her by in busyness, but one she chooses to live fully with no regret. 

Maggie lived with regret. She lived her life wishing for another life. But she too lived with secrets. These secrets not only touched her life, but the lives of others. Keeping these secrets hidden didn't bring about a life well lived, but one that only remembered regret and loss. 

There is beauty to be found within these pages. A story unfolds that leads us to know the importance of living truth and knowing ourselves well enough to pursue a life beyond one that is only a lost dream. 

If you are searching for a novel that is penned in deep faith this isn't that novel. But it is one that is a lovely read where it can lead one to ponder their own life and to reach beyond the hidden deep into a life where we allow others to enter without fear of being wounded. 

I am excited to see what's next for this author. 😊

This novel was a gift from Thomas Nelson for sharing my review with you.

Lauren K. Denton Born and raised in Mobile, Alabama, Lauren K. Denton now lives with her husband and two daughters in Homewood, just outside Birmingham. In addition to her fiction, she writes a monthly newspaper column about life, faith, and how funny (and hard) it is to be a parent. On any given day, she's rather be at the beach with her family and a stack of books. The Hideaway is her first novel. 

I Give It All To You Today

I've been quiet in my writing. I sit down at the computer to share my thoughts and my fingers are numb to the keys. I ponder just what I should share. So much to share, but nothing comes. I have never come to my computer without something to share. I have been so hard on myself for not writing. It's always come so easy. 

Life happens, right? We get busy and other things come first. But this is so much more. I have realized I have been stumbling over my own writing because of being fearful to share the real. I cannot be fearful of what others may think or even if they can relate. I simply have to be transparent and follow the instruction of the Lord.

Friends, I am so tired. I feel empty at times and this isn't something normal. But it has been building since October 12th when my husband was hit by a drunk driver. Life changed for us. In that very moment everything changed. I have been squashing my emotions. I just keep pushing myself forward, but I simply can't move being numb to reality. I have to allow my emotions to come full force so I continue in this life we are now living. If just one life is changed. Just one person reads my writing and decided to not drink a drive, well then, it's all worth it. 

Every single aspect of our lives has changed. I've cried out to God. I've that question we all ask when life's earthquakes shake us to the core. "Why, Lord?" What do I know? God didn't do this. A drunk driver did. We now live the consequences of their actions. They get to carry on with their normal every day life. They get to hire defense attorneys to fight for their poor actions of that night. And us? We try to move forward. To pick up broken pieces that are shattered. How does one do that? How can you move forward when so much has changed? When your husband is still facing such tremendous issues from this person who chose to alter life by their own selfishness? 

Drunk drivers. How is it that you picture them? You know, they look just like us. They fit into the every day world, but there's something drastically different. They live with the idea that they are Superman. Except for the fact that Superman didn't break the law. He had the interests of others first. He wasn't selfish. He was about saving mankind. A drunk is about self. They think they can handle their drink. A long day of work, a weekend they have longed for, a night they think they deserve. They think they are bigger, better than other drunks. But see, a drunk is a drunk. 

How would you define drunk? Drunk cannot be measured by a number because alcohol affects every person differently. Intoxicated, inebriated, these are words that describe one who has consumed alcohol. When you choose to get behind the wheel of a vehicle there is NO way your driving isn't impaired.  

There's always that first time you receive a DWI. Maybe you have already had a DWI and with funds you had tucked away for a rainy day you used that money to get this extinguished from your record. You're feeling really lucky now and instead of taking this second chance to do something good, to never drink and drive again, you use this get out of jail free card to do it again. After all, you're not like other drunks, right? Your better. You wouldn't ever cause a crash. 

Maybe you aren't stopped when you know you should be. You feel lucky? You pull in your drive, get out of your car, and make your way inside. Another night you made it. How many of these nights have you taken for granted? How many of these nights could you have taken a life? You should feel disgusted enough to change! Count this as your second chance. Think about the variables that could have happened. 

Reality for thousands of people whose lives are drastically altered by people who with their second chance made the choice to destroy life. They didn't get that chance to pull in their drive way and make it safely inside. They didn't have the opportunity because of you. Because of your choice to drive impaired. Maybe you never get a second chance. Maybe it's the first time you make the choice to drink and drive. All it takes is one time. One time to tear apart life. 

The five bucks you spent on a drink, the dollars you have laid on the bar, the tip you gave the server, maybe it's the bottle you purchased, a girls night, an after baseball gathering, was it worth it? Was your night, your morning, your moment of self all worth it to see families changed forever? The lives you have changed are valuable! Life ended, life altered, love lost, broken lives. It's a reality for people just like me whose lives have been forever changed by people who by their own choices smash into the lives of others and give us a world we didn't want but now own. You may think you deserve a night out, but the family you crash into doesn't deserve the life you have now given them. Today make a choice to change!

This is the song that was playing in the early morning hour when I placed the key in the ignition to find my way to my husband at the hospital. Tears fell as I opened my hands to the Lord. Without Him I am not sure if we could make this journey. Without Him I don't know where we would be. But what I do know is that with Him we have everything. With Him we have hope. With Him we have strength to face this journey we now walk. 

I don't know your circumstances today, my friend. May today be the day you surrender all to Him. 

The Essential Amish Cookbook by Lovina Eicher

When you open this cookbook up you are going to find much more than recipes. You will find the heart of a woman. The photographs within this cookbook tell a story all their own. They are warm and inviting. Just as I imagine Lovina would be to one entering her kitchen. 

You too will find stories that go along with each recipe. Lovina shares with the reader how she used the recipe and what it means to her. These little notes make you feel as if she wrote the recipe down for you with her own pen. 

The chapter I enjoyed reading the most would be the chapter devoted to Amish Wedding Meals. Okay, these recipes are created for HUGE crowds of people. You can look at the photos, read her notes, and just imagine yourself nestled in a church service or around a table. 

This is one of those cookbooks that you can actually see yourself using. From breakfast, lunch, to dinner. Spring, summer, fall, or winter. There are recipes that cover every setting and season. Throughout my own life I have had many of these dishes. Lovina has a way of simplifying each of them to make them approachable.

There are many recipes for rhubarb that I am excited to give a try. Quite a few recipes call for lard. Some use Velveeta or your favorite cheese. There are recipes for canning, delicious beverages, desserts, breads, and main dishes. There's something in here for everyone, but most of all these are recipes to bring people to the table. 

This cookbook was a gift from Herald Press for sharing my review with you. 

Lovina Eicher is the author of the syndicated column Lovina's Amish Kitchen, which appears in forty newspapers around the United States and on a weekly blog. She is the author of several cookbooks. Lovina and her husband have eight children and live in rural Michigan. 

Maybe It's You by Candace Calvert (book 3 in Crisis Team Series)

I love being introduced to new authors. Now, Candace isn't new at all. I was going through the novels at Tyndale and this one stood out to me. I knew of Candace, but I hadn't read any of her work. Oh, what I have been missing. She is fabulous! 

For the first time ever, and I have been reviewing for many years now, I fell in love with the main character within the first two chapters. Within the first chapter Calvert had me so intrigued that this was a novel that was difficult to put down. 

When I chose this novel I had no idea it was third in this series. I always share with fellow readers that if you're going to read a series read them in order to get the best out of the penned words being offered. Not so with this novel! I was blown away when I realized it was the final book of the series. Although I have not read the first two, which I am now hoping to go back and read, I didn't feel at all that I was missing anything. This could totally be a stand alone novel. 

Just like with Lay's chips you can't eat just one, well, I think I just may be addicted. I cannot wait to read more of this author. This novel held a bit of everything. What sticks out to me is the heart of the characters that Calvert was able to bring to life. It was perfectly paced, heart-grabbing, and believable. I love when a novel is so believable that I can find myself within the characters. 

The back cover doesn't give a vast description of this novel. Sure, a romance, but there's also suspense, a kind of at the edge of your seat read. I also love that faith is woven throughout this novel. We see characters who are on the fence with God. We see their inner struggle with faith. They have believed at one time in their life, but as circumstances have brought them to come face to face with their fears, they have come to the conclusion that a relationship with God is the last thing that's possible. But, they will come to see that if God had a fridge their picture would be right on the front!

You know how there are books that come at the right time? This is one of those novels for me. Seven months ago my husband was hit by a drunk driver. He is still recovering from the crash. Everything about this drunk driver has changed our lives forever. Let me just say the characters in this novel brought me to a place I didn't feel comfortable with. Not in a bad way. But in that way that helped me to see what my deep anger was doing. See, there are many aspects to the characters in this novel that bring to light how drunk driving affects every aspect of life. This is one of those novels that can make a huge impact on the reader who is facing circumstances whether they are in the driver's seat, the passenger, or at the funeral of one killed by a drunk driver. So many different aspects and emotions collide with these characters. Candace wove masterfully wove them all together.

Not only medical drama, but there are many criminal aspects too! This is your favorite soap opera on steroids. This novel is explosive in bringing many characters together and entwining their stories to create this jam-packed creation. There are many twists and turns, stories within stories, and characters that will bring you to look closer at yourself. 

Maybe what I love the most is that these characters took their second chance and didn't waste it. I loved journeying with these characters. They knew what their past held, how far they had come, and what it took for them to be whole. They had to find forgiveness in others and in themselves. They were not about to give up what they had come to see as a journey where God had never left them.

This novel was a gift from Tyndale for sharing my review with you.

Candace Calvert is a former ER nurse and author of the Mercy Hospital, Grace Medical, and Crisis Team series. Her medical dramas offer readers a chance to "scrub in" on the exciting world of emergency medicine. Wife, mother, and very proud grandmother, Candace makes her home in northern California. Please visit her website at www.candacecalvert.com.

Beyond Justice by Cara Putman

Intelligent and thought provoking. Powerful writing and stand out characters.  This is a fast paced read. One that easily flows as the story grows. 

Good verses evil. Strong characters take part in this litigating suspense. Cara Putman is outstanding as she gives great attention to detail for the reader to have a front row seat. 

The main character is a great example of strength and tenacity. She is a woman of faith. She isn't afraid to take cases that others think are unwinnable. She's ready to not just fight for injustice, but to masterfully litigate using her strengths. 

She knows her limits. This is another aspect I love. Behind this strong woman are a group of friends who support, encourage, and inspire her. She's a character that doesn't waste time on things that are not leaving an impact in the world around her. She knows who she is and no matter what lies before her, she knows without a doubt where she is going. This is a woman not defined by what she does, but simply by who she is and how she lives her moments. 

Andrew and Emilie are also outstanding characters. Each having a strong presence.  I love how every character intertwines with the others. Cara didn't put in fillers and fluff. Nothing that didn't have to be there. She filled the pages with storyline to give the reader a jam-packed reading event. 

Immigration, illegal entrance, drug cartel, and a juvenile detainee center are all a part of this storyline. Murder, politics, government secrets, and blackmail are all woven throughout these black and white chapters to bring about a colorful array of mechanics that bring our main characters together. 

Our main characters bring friendship, family, honor, faith, and love to the story. I am excited for the next novel to release. Imperfect Justice sounds like another thrilling read! 

This novel was a gift from Thomas Nelson for sharing my review with you. 

Cara Putman graduated high school at sixteen, college at twenty, and completed her law degree at twenty-seven. She has published more then twenty books, teaches college courses, practices law, and is a home-schooling mom. She lives with her husband and children in Indiana. 

The Illusionist's Apprentice by Kristy Cambron

I want to begin this review sharing two reviews I was blessed to do. The Butterfly and The Violin and A Sparrow in Terezin. For me these two novels were masterpieces. Works of such exquisite beauty. They showed that Kristy Cambron is gifted with the pen, a master storyteller. They remain two of my all-time top favorites. 

It was for this reason I was thrilled to be receiving a copy of The Illusionist's Apprentice. Once again Cambron shows us a masterpiece of bringing a story to readers that speaks of faith and our Lord. Although throughout the novel these aspects are not boldly proclaimed, but are masterfully weaved throughout the story. 

Magic and illusion are not the same. I love how she brings this truth. Love that the main character was an apprentice to the master of illusion. She takes the use of being an apprentice and walks that road with integrity and hope. When we choose to walk with Christ we are His apprentices. We are to walk as the main character, Wren Lockhart walked. We hold true to what we believe, we are on guard for what traps that lie in wait around us carried out by the one of deceit and lies, Satan. There is much here about bringing about truth in a world of lies. When we walk in light the lies of darkness will be revealed. 

Wren Lockhart is protective of those she loves. She is a strong character. She doesn't fear the darkness around her, but knows the truth of trickery and hates what it does to people who totally believe. When we live faith we don't have faith in the seen, but in what is unseen. We believe the impossible is possible with God alone. Faith isn't meant to deceive people, but to bring out the best in them to shine light throughout the world around them. 

Although Wren Lockhart is one person on stage, she is another in her private life, but through both she is authentic to who she truly is in her heart. Even on stage she doesn't give in to worldliness as others have done. She hasn't allowed the stage to change her into someone she isn't to be, but being strong in faith she allows the characteristics of faith to light up a stage in a way others cannot touch. 

One of my favorite things about this novel is that Cambron masterfully uses  a scene in the novel to show us that only Christ can conquer the grave. See, in the beginning of the novel there is one who is trying to make a name for himself, to point a light onto only him, by proclaiming that he can bring a dead man to life. There was much deceit and trickery in his act, magic. This is something that Houdini debunked throughout his career. Again, bringing a darkness into the light so the truth can be uncovered. 

Suspense, romance, and faith are weaved throughout this novel. I love unexpected romance. There's a love that grows when two people allow a transparency and trust between them. With that said, throw in Harry Houdini, an apprentice who is gifted after years of learning from the master, magicians who sow deceit, a crime of murder to solve, two detectives willing to go the distance to uncover the truth,  and a few characters who test everything about them. 

If one takes there time in reading this novel they will uncover many beautiful aspects to living a life of faith. But, that's the key, taking their time. Yet, I found the first chapters very slow. Sadly, I didn't connect to the characters. I wanted to. I so wanted to fall in love with these characters of the 1920s in this vaudeville era. I enjoyed the history, the theme of the story, but something was missing for me. Maybe because this novel is so very different from those favorites I have shared with you. As much as I enjoyed the story I just couldn't connect with the characters. You know, that strong connection that drives you to turn pages. There was just a disconnect there for me that I wish wasn't there. But this novel was unlike the two I shared. With those the characters leaped off the pages. They were vibrant and heart changing. 

Oh, and the unexpected romance. This was a sweet growing one. Something else was the fact that Wren's early life wasn't so easy. She lived through tragedy, but what I love is that she didn't allow this tragedy to define her. She gained a strength from her passion for God that led her to pursuing life in an adventure, believing in a God who would show her great things impossible without faith. 

And Wren, just the name alone, gives us a story that points to our Savior. Oh, these things I LOVE! That's what I mean about Cambron being a master storyteller. Although I didn't really connect with the characters there was much to love about this novel. You may very well pick up this novel and walk away with a different experience and find yourself in these characters. You are sure to find something about Cambron's writing that will bring you to fall in love with reading all over again.

This novel was a gift from Thomas Nelson for sharing my review with you. 

Kristy Cambron fancies life as a vintage-inspired storyteller. Her novels have been named to Library Journal Reviews' list of Best Books of 2014 and 2015 and have received nominations for RT Reviewers' Choice Awards Best Inspirational Book 2014 and 2015. She holds a degree in Art History from Indiana University and has fifteen years of training and communications experience for a Fortune 100 corporation. She lives in Indiana  with her husband and three football-loving sons. 

Deadly Encounter by DiAnn Mills

This is my first introduction to reading a novel penned by DiAnn Mills. I am so excited I have the second book in waiting to review. I cannot wait to dive in and see what's next. 

This is an action packed total suspense novel. When you have to really ponder on where to begin in a review, well, you know you have just finished something jam-packed with everything a reader loves. 

Well written from beginning to end. This novel flows so well. It is continuous suspense. Really. I want to know what DiAnn had for dinner before the thoughts to this story came to mind. She doesn't just bring a story. She weaves many stories into this one. It's amazing how she has penned so many paths journeyed by these characters. 

So, the characters. LOVE them! Who of thinks we are gonna wake up and everything about life in one instant will change? We just are never prepared, but there is One who is. Right? God is weaved throughout this entire story. I love how some of the characters are strong in faith as others are just coming into their faith. A true faith journey to witness. 

The main character is an airport ranger. She leaves her home on an early morning to take a horse ride through the perimeter and it is here that all changes for her. What she uncovers is wide open, but this is where all the suspense begins. One would think it would be a simple crime, but evil is weaved in many forms and seems to attach itself where it is most unwanted. 

Now, if I found a body and a case had to be started, well, I would certainly want Special Agent Alex LeBlanc and Special Agent Ric Price covering the case. These are strong characters throughout the novel. We learn a great deal more about Alex than Ric. These two guys are everywhere and they aren't about to give up. Through them we see two strong men, willing to go the distance no matter. Love how together they go back and forth with their ideas of solving the incidents that just keep coming. They make a great team. 

Stacy Broussard is a pretty selfless woman. She serves as a volunteer, she loves working with animals, which gives her a connection with the community where she is always reaching out. She too has a love for a young boy in her community who is needing love and care. She is a great example for women to follow. She's a strong character with a heart that reaches out past herself, out past that comfort zone, to reach others with something beyond herself. She's one of those characters in which you could envision being friends.

That young boy's name is Whitt. He is that boy that doesn't have life easy. In fact, his home life isn't something of a storybook, but one that reads more of what we see on our nightly news. His parents are a mess. He has a high IQ, a heart of gold, and a great admiration for the woman who opens her home up to him. Their relationship is my favorite throughout the novel. I love seeing the growth in each of them. A trust builds, a genuine friendship, and they depend on one another more than they realize. They are strong for one another and help bring out the best qualities in each of them. 

I could go on and on, but then I would be giving away too much about this novel. If you enjoy reading fast paced suspense, this is one novel you will love. There's romance, but it builds sweetly and gently. Nothing fast paced and it doesn't overpower the story, but fits in perfectly. 

Yes, I cannot wait to continue reading this series with book 2, Deep Extraction. I'll let you know my thoughts on that one. 😉 Happy reading!!

This novel was a gift from Tyndale as a gift for sharing with you my review. 

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author whose novels have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne du Maurier, and the Carol Award contests. When she's not writing, DiAnn is busy teaching and doing research through the FBI Citizens Academy. She and her husband live in Houston, Texas. Visit her online at www.diannmills.com. 

Nothing To Prove (Why We Can Stop Trying So Hard) by Jennie Allen

If you peek at all of my reviews from previous books read by Jennie Allen you will notice something. Each and every book, although different, gives a tremendous blessing to the soul. I mean, that hungry soul, searching for something unlike anything else to fill it up. Jennie's books don't just fill it up, they satisfy. 

Her books speak to the heart. She lays all the truth on the table. What I admire most about her is her audacious love for Jesus and her transparency to share Him with the world around her. She is genuine and that is something rare today. 

I would say this is a book I needed to read right now. I am sure either in your past, maybe in your today, but certainly somewhere in your tomorrow, you too will need these words. This is that book you highlight so much, there isn't any black and white left. It's that read that you say, "Oh, me too!!" Jennie Allen is that girlfriend who tells us the truth and is ready with open arms when we realize where we have been and just where we need to be. Jesus is everything and she is willing to share that. 

Through her words she brings the reader straight to Jesus. She sharing from the heart, but in every chapter, every subject, she takes us to Jesus. That isn't shining light on her, not even us, but always Him. 

I am one of those girls who is forever trying too hard. I found this passage full of a wisdom that I often forget:

"We are made for dependency on God. We were built for that. Because God is invisible we put our neediness on people, and that becomes unhealthy one hundred percent of the time. It's called codependency. If we connect with people and we do t connect with God, we end up asking people to be our enough. People will always eventually disappoint you. Don't be surprised. They aren't enough either. Only GOD has the resources and ability to exhaustively meet your needs. Yes, we also were designed to need human relationships, but they can never be enjoyed if we're using them to replace the ultimate relationship."

Here's a few more faves:

"To get to the place where God can be enough, we have to first admit we aren't. Pretending we are okay-that is how a lot of us are making life work. With that illusion gone, we might have to live needing God."

"He is waiting. He is waiting and He wants to go crazy through you. You don't feel like you measure up? Then you are exactly who God is looking for. you are the one. You are the one He is after. He wants you and me: the losers, the broken, the sinful, the ones who know and accept how great our need is for Him. That is how He works. Every single person in the Bible, besides Jesus, was broken, afraid, insecure, fearful, busy, did not have enough time, did not have enough money, did not have enough anything-and God move through them to change history. Eternity is going to be shifted. Because finally a little army decided nothing on earth could hold them back."

That's good stuff, right? This is that book to share with a girlfriend, to share with your children, read with your husband, to use as a small group study. Bottom line..it's the book you need to read if you are feeling overwhelmed, not good enough, and just plain worn smack out from trying to do it all and succeed at everything and everyone. It's one I will keep on the shelf and go back to from time to time. 

This is one you need to grab up. I promise. You will not walk away empty.

This book was a gift from Waterbrook Multnomah for sharing my review with you. 

Jennie Allen is a recovering achiever who is passionate about Jesus. She is the best-selling author of Anything and Restless, as well as the found and visionary for the million-strong IF:Gathering, which exists to gather, equip, and unleash the next generation to live out their purpose. Jennie speaks frequently at conferences such as Catalyst and Q. She holds a master's degree in biblical studies from Dallas Theological Seminary and lives in Austin, Texas, with her husband, Zac, and their four children. 

The One True Love of Alice-Ann by Eva Marie Everson

Oh, just where do I begin? This is the stuff in which great novels are made. I made my way through this richly beautiful novel turning page after page with such deep emotion and thought. I couldn't turn the pages quick enough, but I didn't want it to end to soon. It's one of those novels you could continue reading as long as there were pages. No page just made of fluff, words with no meaning on the page. Every single line in this novel created a story that will last in my heart forever. 

Ms. Everson, I am so happy stories of the war were shared with you. Oh, to have your Sunday school teacher share with you, "You can't choose who you fall in love with, but you can choose who you marry", is a blessing that has now enchanted your readers. What a story you have weaved together. History penned with such depth, detail, and a story that captures the heart. 

This lovely story begins in 1941. The war has started. Picture a family gathered around the Zenith to hear the news. Everything changed this day. But even in war God brings blessings to those who love Him. Even in the storms that brew, He moves in much bigger ways. 

The characters in this novel touched my heart greatly. Alice-Ann is a character I will never forget. It was a privilege to see her go from a young teen to a woman. It didn't happen over a great amount of years. Only a few took place, but within that time frame God moved in Alice-Ann, growing her into the woman He created her to be. One could say it is a coming of age story. We see Alice-Ann with her girlfriends and right before our eyes they are growing up.

See, Alice-Ann doesn't see herself as beautiful. Oh, she can look at her girlfriends and see their beauty, but for herself she wonders just what happened to make her all plain. But, what I love so much is that as Alice-Ann struggles with her own self just as we do. I so admire how Ms. Everson allowed us to see this part of Alice-Ann. As she grows, as life unfolds,  she grows to see what beauty truly is. She comes to see the beauty that others have seen in her all along. Alice-Ann carries within her a beauty that surpasses most on their best day. 

Funny how as young girls we think we know what love is.  We are more in love with the idea of being in love, right? Alice-Ann too thought she was in love, but it wasn't until everything changed that love came to Alice-Ann in a way she never knew. True love to come once in a lifetime. 

Alice-Ann's family, the farmhouse, the relationships, it all just falls into perfection. It was like reading a true story of a family of this era. Her father, a man of great honor; her brother, a young man to be admired; her sister-in-law, one she would grow to call friend; and her aunt, the woman who holds this family together. All of these characters are all valuable in this story. They are all a part of who Alice-Ann is. 

The war takes so much away from the people of Bynum, Georgia, but together they have such hope. A faith that they didn't know was so great until that's all they had to carry them through. Throughout the novel we see not only the tragedy on the lands that held the war, but we see what home life was like for the farmers, the women who would now take the jobs of the young men carried off to fight. Together they all made it work. 

I think Alice-Ann is a girl we can all relate to. The guy who catches are attention isn't always the guy who captures our heart. A friendship begins and love soon blossoms for Alice-Ann and life continues to give every day struggles. I love how Alice-Ann waits upon God to direct her paths. This is all part of her growing years. Growing into not only a woman, but a woman of great faith. 

The words flow so easily. Penned as a masterpiece. These black and white words come to life and grab your heart. I cried as I read through chapters. I laughed at the sweet friendship between Alice-Ann and Carlton. Just through their conversations alone it was as if I was watching the big screen and this novel was being played out before me. 

If you love history this is a novel that will take you back in time. If it is a love story you are searching for, well, your heart will be moved from the first to the last chapter. A story about friendship, family, and faith, you will find it all right here. I simply cannot say enough good things about this novel. Yes, this is a place I could visit over and over again and never tire of returning. I do hope we get to return again to this extraordinary time and place. Of course I don't want to give away any spoilers. You're just going to have to believe me and grab this up for yourself.  😉

This novel was a gift from Tyndale for sharing my review with you. 

Eva Marie Everson is the award-winning, bestselling author of over 30 fiction and nonfiction titles. She is the president of Word Weavers International, the director of Florida Christian Writers Conference, and a member of a number of writer's organizations. She and her husband make their home in central Florida, where they are owned by a small black doxie. 

Having A Rabbit Ear Kind of Reception

Are we tuning in? Are we waiting with hope and assurance? We need to be waiting with anticipation and readiness. 

We have become a people that tunes everything out. We zone in to our phone, put our earbuds in, and let everything else around us go. Can you imagine the daily blessings we miss out on by living in our little zone? We live in such a way that we try to quiet all the noise around us. So much so that it causes us to become numb to our very own senses. 

Long ago when my children were young, well, not so long ago, but it seems a lifetime ago, we would gather together and watch American Idol. My husband would be working at night, so it was just me and the kids. We would get snacks and all scrunch in close on the bed and get ready to be wowed. 

On one particular night we weren't getting good reception. At the time we had rabbit ears for our antennae. Those were the good days, right? Well, up until they wouldn't give clear reception. One of the kids had knocked over the antennae. Upon crashing on the floor we all watched in horror as one of the antennae broke off. Oh mercy. Not on this night. Not on the finale. 

What would we do? Oh, this country girl has learned a thing or two about living in a rural area lol. I ran and got the foil paper. I glued that antennae back together with as much foil as possible. I think we could have reached aliens on Mars this night. 

Well, there was a catch to this creation of mine. One of us would have to hold the antennae to make it work. Let me tell ya. That's a LOT of American Idol love, right? So, that's exactly what we did. For the next two hours we took turns holding the antennae so we could tune in to see who would be the season winner. 

There wasn't any complaining. Just great laughter at our antics to watch this show that had captivated us. We couldn't watch the entire season and miss out on who would win, right? We went to great efforts that night to make sure we were tuned in. 

Everyone headed off to bed after the winner was announced. That night we were totally connected in. We were glued to the television and for us it was worth every effort with all of us working together to make sure that all of us got to watch together. Yep, a family thing for sure. 

How's your reception? How closely are you tuning in? Maybe the question we need to ponder is, just what are we willing to do to make sure we are getting the best reception possible? For one thing, we just gotta stop tuning out everything around us. We gotta set down those phones, take out those earbuds, and start paying attention. 

So often we are working so hard to tune out the world around us that we are missing out on the obvious. We are ignoring the very things right in front of our eyes. The thing is, we are trying to connect to all the wrong things. Our focus needs to be on Jesus. How long are we willing to hang on to the antennae?

Amazingly when we tune in to Jesus, seeking Him with everything in us, He is good to open our eyes and ears to the blessings around us. He is good to show us where to reach out and where there are needs. It is in our actions of helping others that His love his shown in a mighty way. If we are willing, if our hearts are ready, He will send us and equip us with everything we need. 

Through being His hands and feet we not only reach others, but our heart changes. Every time we see His glory in impossible situations our faith grows. The more willing we are, the more perceptive we will become to the Spirit moving within us. 

May we keep up those rabbit ears. Keep them ready in expectation at the amazing show before us. After all, we wouldn't want to miss one minute that leads to the long awaited finale, right?

"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:1-2

"I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law." Galatians 5:16-17

"Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind." Philippians 3:15-16

"Set your mind on things above, not on things of this earth." Colossians 3:2

"My son, if you receive my words, and treasure my commands within you, so that you incline your ear to wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding; Yes, if you cry out for discernment, and lift up your voice for understanding, if you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures; Then you will understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God." Proverbs 2:1-5