Where Lilacs Still Bloom, a book for my Nature Lovin’ Bloggers

Have I ever mentioned that Jane Kirkpatrick is my number one favorite writer? And not just because she’s friends with my high school volley ball coach. And not because she moved from her homestead to Bend, Oregon. And not just because I got to listen to her speak a time or two in Central Oregon. But because she is a fascinating historian and story teller.

Where Lilacs Bloom is a great example of how it starts.  Someone knows of a really great story, about a woman, who did things no one did at the time.  They give the information bit by bit to Jane, until she’s hooked and passionate about it, and then she feeds us the passion. One thing that makes a great read for me, is when my eyes are opened to something I did not know previously, when it sparks passion in my own heart, when it makes me want to learn more about the area or person, and when I’ve left the book feeling like I’ve gained wisdom or insight from reading and learning about the story. I’ve visited towns and museums mentioned in her books. I’ve met a few of the people mentioned as well. Thrilling.

This book – Where Lilacs Still Bloom – Weaves a tale of a woman who loved to garden. But not just gardening, horticulture.  She had challenging goals of finding a sweeter crisper apple, deepening the color of a daffodil, and creating a white lilac with seven petals – to name a few.  This was during a time when man really wasn’t encouraged to change what God had created. Especially during a time when women needed to be baking bread and mending socks.

I really enjoyed a quote on page 41: “I was doing something simple housewives didn’t do and, even more salacious, taking pleasure in it.”  This is how I feel as a photographer and blogger.  I feel the sting from other ladies as well as men, as they try to judge my time online. Judge my time as a homeschool mom. Wonder about how much time the boys and I enjoy nature. But I know that these passions must be pursued. I know that I still can have a delicious meal on the table, the laundry sorted, the math work done, and have a wonderful time in the canoe taking photos of birds in the morning after Facebook time with my online gal pals.

So many of my friends that do support my time outside with a camera – question the amount of time spent, giving excuses of why they lack the time or desire. I enjoyed what Jane wrote on page 78: “Beauty matters, Bertha; it does.  God gave us flowers for a reason. I think so we’d pay attention to the details of creation and remember to trust Him in all things big or little, no matter what the challenge.  Flowers remind us to put away fear, to stop our rushing and running and worrying about this and that, and for a moment have a piece of paradise right here on earth.” I can’t tell you how the Lord speaks to me through my gardening. I have not done a lot of it these past two years, just upkeep, but the morning lessons – of planning and planting. Weeding and watering. Harvesting and preserving. Seeing the cycle continue each year. The unexpected among the faithful fruits.

I enjoyed following Mrs. Klager from her youth to her passing. Of watching a life lived out, the sweet, painful, triumphant, celebrated life. I lead a pretty open life online, and in real life. Especially in our home now, which is a retreat to many, my policy is to keep the door open to visitors, whoever comes and needs rest will find it. Mrs. Klager had the same idea of whoever wanted to visit could come. Sometimes it is hard, the people who come and go. The moving with Darren’s job is hard, and I feel the loss of friends who drift as circumstances change, which brings me to my third favorite quote from the book:

Page 303: “The years passed like a good story, swiftly, full of momentum and change, characters coming in to warm us, set us straight, drifting in and out of our lives but knowing they were part of the story line, hoping it wouldn’t end but taking us there anyway.”

If you are looking to really dig deep – into a great book – I suggest anything written by Jane Kirkpatrick. My favorite, of course, would be A Gathering of Finches, a wonderful historical fiction of my home town/area of Coos County.  Even with all of the historical information I knew of our great town, I never ‘met’ the grandparents of my friends so closely as in this book.  Or Homestead, Jane’s own non fiction of her home in Eastern Oregon. Or another favorite of a Portrait of the Heart series learning of a young woman breaking into the mans world of photography, or her books about Aurora, in the Change and Cherish series.

And if you ever get a chance to attend a book signing, you will leave feeling fuller than when you came. The ones I’ve attended have felt like a mini retreat. The wisdom and grace and humility – I could go on – but this is a review about a book –but then, aren’t books an extension of the person who writes them? Jane’s stories are books worth purchasing. You’ll want to pass it along, or build a great bookshelf – I highly recommend them!

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I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

The Forgiven Duke, A Giveway and Review

The Forgiven Duke by Jamie Carie
(releases July 2012)

• Facebook: http://jamiecarie.com/books/the-forgiven-duke
• Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Forgiven-Duke-Forgotten-Castles-Novel/dp/1433673231
• Website: http://jamiecarie.com/books/the-forgiven-duke

 

This is the Second book in a Three book series.  The first , The Guardian Duke, took a bit for me to jump into, possibly because my schedule was incredibly full during that time. Yet, once I got into it, it was a very interesting quick read. I had read other places that they are sad that this is a 3 part book, that the second of a series is seldom necessary.  I couldn’t agree less! This book picks up from the page of the last, she wastes little time re-introducing the story, and we are off traveling the world on the adventure of finding Alexandria’s parents. Already familiar with the characters and their desires and quirks, the reader is just there for the ride.  She keeps enough turns in the storyline to where you never really ‘figure out how it will end’. I loaned a copy of The Guardian Duke to a young friend and she finished it in an evening. It was the same day I started The Forgotten Duke, and I finished it in less than 24 hours.  Now, I am on the edge of my seat to see what happens next.  As these characters are all treasure hunters, it would be my desire to have many more adventures. My heart is both anticipating the third installment, and sad that I might then see Alexandria go .  . . .

Spoiler: I will give a disclaimer to young readers for this book – Alexandria strings along a young man, pretending to be betrothed to him, so that she may travel.  There is a point in the story where the young man may or may not have taken advantage of her. In the text, she drinks a tea that puts her to sleep. She wakes up in her gown, and the young man is not clothed, although there is no physical description of his body. There is tension in the story line as to whether or not Alexandria might be with child.  Knowing this, I think it would be a good talking point of a mom with her daughter, to explain trusting a guardian. Trusting those around you. Asking for help. And Never. Never promise yourself to a young man whom you are not intending to give heart soul and body. I do not think liberties were taken to make any part of this story sensual at all – but I think Parents should be aware that a “rape” scene is there, no matter how little words were used.

About the Book:

Tethered by her impulsive promise to marry Lord John Lemon - the path of least resistance - Alexandria Featherstone sets off toward Iceland in search of her parents with a leaden heart. A glimpse of her guardian, the Duke of St. Easton - the path less traveled by - on Dublin’s shore still haunts her.

Will he come after her? Will he drag her back to London, quelling her mission to rescue her treasure-seeking parents, or might he decide to throw caution to the wind and choose Foy Pour Devoir: “Faith for Duty,” the St. Easton motto. The Featherstone motto Valens et Volens: “Willing and Able,” beats in her heart and thrums through her veins. She will find her parents and find their love, no matter the cost.

The powerful yet wing-clipped Duke of St. Easton has never known the challenge that has become his life since hearing his ward’s name. Alexandria Featherstone will be the life or the death of him. Only time and God’s plan will reveal just how much this man can endure for the prize of love.

About the Author:

When she was six, Jamie’s parents met Jesus and soon after started a church. It changed everything.

Road trips with her dad—to and from Bible studies across Indiana—were filled with talks of things beyond earth’s bounds – creation and the fall, God and Jesus and the rapture, the earthly walk compared to the spiritual walk, and how we are born for more than what we can see or touch.

The highlight of those nights was stopping at a truck stop in the middle of the night where her dad would spend a little of the offering basket on two slices of pie and a couple of Cokes. Nothing ever felt so special as a middle of the night slice of pie with her dad. And nothing could stop the writing pouring out of her.

As Jamie’s relationship with God grew, she discovered her heart was filled with songs and poetry. During high school she wrote lyrics for her brother’s band. (And she sang them too!) After college, Jamie married, had two sons and decided to stay home with them. While she homeschooled she wrote skits, poems, plays and short stories for school and church.

When her eldest son turned five she dove into the world of novels. She’d read romance novels for years, but couldn’t relate to the flawless, saintly heroines in Christian romance novels. So she decided to write her own.

Snow Angel was born on a frosty night in an old farmhouse in Fishers, Indiana, where the cold floor gave plenty of motivation for the snow scene. Jamie loves to write late at night when the house is quiet and the darkness seems alive. Elizabeth and Noah had been playacting in her head for a long time, so the story went fast.

Ten years later Snow Angel was published and won the ForeWord magazine Romance Book of the Year winner, was a National “Best Books 2007” Awards winner, and a 2008 RITA Awards® Best First Book finalist. It was the beginning of her dream career.

Jamie and her husband Tony have been married for twenty-one years and live in Indianapolis with their three sons and a giant of a dog named Leo.

If she could only say one thing to her readers it would be, “Live the dreams God has destined you for!”

“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

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The Secret Path of Destiny, M.B. Tosi

The Secret Path of Destiny

By M.B. Tosi
Published by WestBow Press

In The Secret Path of Destiny, a young, disabled, German-American girl, named Isolde, and her destitute mother reach out for a lifeline being offered by a widower in the German town of Fredericksburg, Texas. The year is 1865, and the two travel from New York City through the aftermath of the Civil War. But another war is brewing, this time with Native Americans, and Isolde and her mother are heading right into the heart of Comancheria, the homeland of the Comanche. It is not the Comanche Isolde fears, but her mother’s new employer, who becomes her stepfather. Isolde realizes he is a cunning man who is not who he pretends to be. As the situation worsens, Isolde is forced to make a life-changing decision to escape; desperate, she seeks refuge with a Comanche Indian, who befriends her at first, but later joins a warring band of Comanche. Her malevolent stepfather pursues her across Texas, turning her life upside down. Eventually, Isolde accepts the difficult circumstances of her life and realizes that a person’s destiny is often hidden from view because the path is sometimes rocky.

“Just about anyone can write a book, but only a good writer can write a good book. M. B. Tosi is a very good writer, and her books are truly worth reading.” —Jim Langford, author of The Spirit of Notre Dame andQuotable Notre Dame

From Pebblekeeper:

I was interested in this book because of the Fredericksburg / German / Native references.  My husband’s family still resides in that area, and were German Immigrants.  My Mother in Law is a Native American that married a German. I was interested in learning the German/ Native combination. I was not disappointed! However, at times, I did feel like I was reading two books side by side. The Historical Fiction part of the book is some of the best I’ve ever read. Informative, accurate, detailed – and completely spell binding.   Then we would switch to the story based in the 1860’s-80’s, and I didn’t feel like the same connection to historical truth. The vocabulary, the way they spoke to each other, some of the reactions of this young 16 year old girl, the detachment of the mother, left me scratching my head.  However, that said, this was a book I just could not put down. I read it at stop lights, at the grocery store parking lot, at an event, and then all night long. It was a less than 24 hour read.  Even though it has a romantic interest, they come together very quickly in the book – and story never really lets you know what the ending point will be – where will these characters go? You get to really be involved with all of the characters, rooting for the villains and the heroes. I can’t wait to check out the first book in the series.  I really enjoyed, especially the later part of the book – where she intertwined her faith, in God and Jesus, with the Great Spirit, and her desire that all men know forgiveness, grace and healing – and above all the Son of God. Well Done.

I received this book for for free in exchange for my review from BookSneeze.

“Stand by Me”, Neta Jackson

 

Sometimes the person you most need is the one least like you.

Kathryn Davies is a bright young woman from a prominent Phoenix family. But after making a leap of faith at a Christian music fest, dropping out of med school, and moving to inner city Chicago, her family has all but disowned her. Kat’s enthusiasm for her newfound faith tempers the sting of their rejection.

When Kat discovers SouledOut Community Church, she longs to become a part of the multi-cultural church family. But her tendency to say whatever she’s thinking and her eccentric ways step on the toes of nearly everyone she meets—especially Avis Douglass, a woman she admires but who seems distant.

Avis is known for her mature faith and her reliance on listening to God more than people. Married to a kind and successful businessman, she is the principal of one of Chicago’s highest performing elementary schools, and a founding and active member of SouledOut. But the country’s economic downturn has thrown both her and her husband’s jobs in question. And Avis hasn’t heard from her youngest daughter in months—an estrangement that gnaws at her every day. Where is God in all this?

Kat’s flamboyant zeal for living a “radical” Christian life is a stark contrast to Avis’s quiet crisis of faith. But in God’s own mysterious ways, the two women discover they need each other in ways neither of them expected.

From Angie -

I enjoyed the idea and start of the book – but had a hard time digging into it. If you have been a past reader of the Yada Yada Prayer Group – then this will be right up your alley.  I have not read those books, and am unfamiliar with the characters.  I received this book for free in exchange for a review from Booksneeze.  I am going to keep this on tucked into my Kindle, and pull it out again this summer and see if my opinion changes.  It just hasn’t hit a chord with me this winter.

The Scent of Cherry Blossoms, Book Review

From the Publisher: Annie Martin loves the Plain ways of her Old Order Mennonite people, like those revered by her beloved grandfather. Retreating from a contentious relationship with her mother, Annie goes to live with her Daadi Moses in Apple Ridge.

But as spring moves into Pennsylvania and Annie spends time amongst the cherry trees with the handsome Aden Zook, she wishes she could forget how deeply the lines between the Old Order Amish and Old Order Mennonite are drawn.

Can Annie and Aden find a place for their love to bloom in the midst of the brewing storm? To Read More Go Here>>

From Pebblekeeper:  This was a pretty quick read for me.  The book, a hard cover with a beautiful jacket came from Blogging for Books for free for my review. My first impression was how beautiful it was and how good it felt in the hand. This would make a beautiful gift this spring for Easter, Mother’s Day or a Summer Birthday for a friend. It is a quick Novella – one quickly meets the characters – and can jump into their lives. For me personally, I am a bit tired of the “forbidden” love stories, where one member has to turn on everything they’ve ever known, be separated from blood family – just to pursue a ‘true love’. I would pray that my boys will never have to choose between our family and a girl. I enjoy Cindy Woodsmall as a writer and encourager and do enjoy her stories. I look forward to the next one too!

The Devil in Pew Number Seven, Rebecca Nichols Alonzo

List Price: 14.99
ISBN: 978-1-4143-2659-7
Trim Size: 5 1/2 x 8 1/4
Binding:  Softcover
Release:  August 2010 

2011 Retailers Choice Award winner!
Rebecca never felt safe as a child. In 1969, her father, Robert Nichols, moved to Sellerstown, North Carolina, to serve as a pastor. There he found a small community eager to welcome him—with one exception. Glaring at him from pew number seven was a man obsessed with controlling the church. Determined to get rid of anyone who stood in his way, he unleashed a plan of terror that was more devastating and violent than the Nichols family could have ever imagined. Refusing to be driven away by acts of intimidation, Rebecca’s father stood his ground until one night when an armed man walked into the family’s kitchen . . . And Rebecca’s life was shattered. If anyone had a reason to harbor hatred and seek personal revenge, it would be Rebecca. Yet The Devil in Pew Number Seven tells a different story. It is the amazing true saga of relentless persecution, one family’s faith and courage in the face of it, and a daughter whose parents taught her the power of forgiveness.

From Angie:

Although I sped through the last 3/4’s of the book on the edge of my seat, the first 1/4 was a little bit hard to jump into. However, it is necessary.  To listen to the author recount the vivid details of her childhood – riveting! It is hard to imagine that this is a Non Fiction book! It is hard to write a review, without giving details of the book away! I will say – the restoration of forgiveness – what she went through – her heart in telling the story-  it is definitely a must read.  You can sort of tell the part of the book where she, as a writer, really kicks it up a notch and the words must have just been flowing. From the summary above, I’m not sure I was breathing from the moment the man stepped into the kitchen, until the last page. I have so many questions. I finished just before leaving for church on Sunday – but I wanted to stay – to find Rebecca’s number to call her, to talk to SOMEONE who has read this book!

Life is Hard, but God is Good.  You’ll definitely be repeating that after this book. You might look at how you stand, ready to Give Yourself, even when others are saying you’re being taken. I am encouraged to stand, speak and give just a bit more each day. Thank you to Rebecca’s Parents.

Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book.

Beauty for Ashes, Dorothy Love

Book Description

She’s a beautiful young widow. He’s a Southern gentleman with a thirst for adventure. Both need a place to call home.

After losing her husband in the Civil War, Carrie Daly is scared she will never have the family she longs for. Eligible bachelors are scarce in Hickory Ridge, Tennessee, but Carrie Daly has found love. Not the weak-in-the-knees kind, but something practical. Still, she isn't quite ready to set a wedding date with Nate Chastain.

Griff Rutledge is a former member of Charleston society, but has been estranged from his family for years. He’s determined to remain unattached, never settling in one place for too long. But when asked to train a Thoroughbred for an upcoming race in Hickory Ridge, he decides to stay awhile.

Despite objections from the townsfolk, and her fear that true happiness has eluded her, Carrie is drawn to Griff's kindness and charm. It will take a leap of faith for them to open their hearts and claim God's promise to trade beauty for ashes.

From Angie – I really enjoyed this book!  I read it on the iPod in 2 days, finding time between home duties. The book is so rich in characters. I felt that I met the whole entire town!  I understand that this is a Book 2 of her Ridge series, but I had not read the first one, and I had no idea until the end that this was a book 2.  I am at the edge of my seat to see what happens in Book 3. I enjoyed the weave of horses, farming, town life, the late 1800’s setting, without it being “Amish” or about religion. She does have her grandmothers quotes readily in her mind to urge her back to the Lord, it was a balanced mixture of family, friendships, hardships, and love.  I recommend this book.

I received this book for free from BookSneeze in exchange for reading it and sharing it with you!