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Laurel has a house full of boys--three to be exact, however, if you add her husband, the cat and the dog, masculinity runs rampant. Laurel lives in Florida and recently celebrated 13 years of marriage. She graduated from college with a communication degree. She has been an in-home childcare provider, and a pre-school teacher. She is currently a part time office assistant, which allows her to spend time with the boys when they are out of school. Reading is Laurel’s easiest, and sometimes only, method for getting away from it all. Laurel is also a devotional writer for the Laced With Grace website, and during her spare time you can find her on her blog at Laurel Wreath. If you have any suggestions for a positive, uplifting book that will bring women closer to the heart of God, drop Laurel a note at at lrlwreath @ gmail.com (remove spaces). Visit Laurel's Website: Laurel Wreath's Reflections
_____________________________ Laurel's Pics for August
“Skid” is for your funny bone. “Such A Time As This” will have you view Esther in the Bible with greater admiration. You feel like you are losing some friends when you finish “Searching For Eternity.” A smile of admiration will cross your face while reading “From a Distance.” “Creation's Praise” gives you the tools needed to teach children more about God's Word. “Inspirational Home” gives great ideas on decorating your home. I highly recommend each one! I know that during August schedules tend to pick up, but don't forget to take time to read.
Buckle up before reading “Skid” by Rene Gutteridge. Atlantica Flight 1945 is flying from Atlanta to Amsterdam with an interesting cast of characters. The pilot, known for her safe landing in the Bermuda Triangle, is joined on this flight by an FBI Agent with a prisoner; an emotionally impaired woman and her trusty pig; a woman recently dumped by her boyfriend, a grandson returning stolen diamonds to his grandmother, and a quality inspector, Hank, whose job is to test the service of the crew. This is an exciting ride that will have you laughing out loud while hanging on for dear life. All during the flight people notice there is something different about Hank. What could make a man remain so calm in the face of a crisis? What a WONDERFUL summer read. I would run, don't walk, to pick up “Skid” by Rene Gutteridge.
This is a story of the book of Esther. Velez describes in beautiful detail the transformation of Esther's simple life into the life of a Queen. In particular it describes how Esther was forced to live as part of a harem, in competition to become the next Queen. Many of us are familiar with this story in the bible, but Velez does a great job making it come alive. This story displays God's protection and faithfulness no matter where we are. It reminds us that even though we may have plans, God may have other plans beyond our wildest dreams. Velez is a first time author and I look forward to more of her books in the future.
There are some books that you read and enjoy, there are others you read and are relaxed, and then there are the books that become part of your life. When I finished “Searching for Eternity” by Elizabeth Musser I felt like I lost a friend. French born Emile de Bonnery is dragged to America by his Mother. His French Father has suddenly disappeared, and Emile finds himself in Atlanta trying to adjust to cultural shock. The only welcome face Emile and his Mother had was his Maternal Grandmother, who he has never met until that day, at the age of 14. Emile is faced with unfriendly kids at school and is left to fend for himself until he meets Eternity. Emile is trying to solve the mystery of his Father's disappearance and Eternity is trying to deal with her own secrets. They strike up friendship and help each other face their past. This book faces racism and the civil rights movement, but also scars that were left over from World War II. The common theme of this book is standing up for what is right, even when no one else will. Choices in life are not always solved in a years times period, change happens slowly over a lifetime. This is a book of great depth and of God's faithfulness. It is not light reading material, but a book I highly recommend.
Elizabeth Westbrook, a woman photographer in 1875, arrives in Timber Ridge in the Colorado Territory to take pictures of the legendary beauties of the Maroon Bells. In that era it was unusual for women to a photographer, but Elizabeth was determined to be the Chronicle's first woman photographer and journalist. Elizabeth has another reason to come to the Rockies; she prays that the clean mountain air and the hot springs will help cure her from a mysterious illness. Daniel Ranslett is trying to move past the Civil War and the guilt he feels by playing a role as a Confederacy sniper. However, Elizabeth's life is threatened when a picture she took becomes key evidence in a murder case. Despite Daniel's feelings toward this strong spirited woman, he vows to keep Elizabeth safe even though they argue constantly. And through time he helps her with her mysterious illness and slowly the two strong personalities begin to fall in love. Tamara Alexander does a beautiful job making the reader feel like they have been transported to 1875 Colorado Territory. The sites are breath taking. The chemistry between Elizabeth and Daniel are entertaining. In this age of digital photography and interstates, it is easy to forget how much photographers went through back in the 1800's to get that perfect photo. This is a fun and entertaining read!
Creation's Praise is a beautifully written and illustrated children's book. Edward's focus in this devotional style book is giving praise to the King of all creation. Each devotion is approximately one page long and easily adapted to children of different ages. One of my favorite features is how each devotion teaches a new vocabulary word. Some of the words like essence can be difficult to define, even as an adult, but Vivian May Edwards does a beautiful job helping the reader explain each vocabulary word in a child like fashion. Janis Lee Colon does a spectacular job in her water colored type illustrations. For a young child looking at the illustrations and reading the bible verse is a great teaching tool. This children's devotional book would be a great addition to your child's bookshelf.
When it comes to decorating my home, I like to get ideas and direction from those who are more talented. Jeanne Winters not only gives her readers easy to do decorating projects, but she also shows us how we can add God's Word to each project. Jeanne says, “The more visible God's word is, the more often it can comfort and strengthen.” This book is easy to follow along with vivid pictures. There are great ideas for possible gifts and definitely great ideas in decorating your own home. I am looking forward to trying out some of Jeanne Winters' projects. Visit www.jeannewinters.com
_____________________________ Laurel Interviews Ralph Waldo Emerson said "earth laughs in flowers," if this is true then May is a series of giggles all around us. Flowers are in bloom, the weather is warming up, and spring fever is upon us.
Not only did Amy come by, but she came bearing gifts!* Amy is a self-confessed chocoholic, wife, homeschool mother, and author. Her first book in the Defender of Hope series, Ransomed Dreams was published in April of 2007. She is also a contributing author to God Answers Mom's Prayers, God Allows U-Turns for Teens, Chicken Soup for the Soul Healthy Living Series: Diabetes, and A Cup of Comfort for Expectant Moms. Reading Healing Promises first does spoil the first book a little, but it is an excellent stand alone book too. Amy I am so excited to meet up with you again! Besides writing, what have you been doing? And I heard you had shoulder surgery at the end of last year, how has the healing process been? Thanks so much for having me back! Your interviews are always fun, and it’s a pleasure to be part of CWO again. I appreciate you asking about the shoulder surgery. The healing process has been long and difficult, especially since I had to wait four months to even have the surgery because of writing deadlines. But I recently told my sport’s medicine surgeon that my shoulder surgery was good fodder for writing Healing Promises. The lessons God taught through this experience added depth to my writing this particular story, as I was crying out to the Lord, like two of the main characters, for release from some intense pain. Other than shoulder recovery and tons of physical therapy, I’ve been busy with homeschooling, actually working on my scrapbooks some, and enjoying a little time off over the holidays with my family. My hubby and I also celebrated our thirteenth anniversary on New Year’s Eve by flying with some friends to another city for dinner and watching fireworks from the airplane. That was awesome!
This was an intensely personal and painful book to write as it forced me to look back into some difficult memories. I talk about two in particular in the author letter, that of attending a friend’s funeral after three years of praying for healing and of losing a child. But writing this story also reminded me of how true Job 1:21 is. The Lord gives and takes away, but in it all, blessed be His name. It took me a long time to experience the truth of that verse. But looking back I see even more clearly that I never walked a step of this journey alone. And very often I didn’t even do the walking because God carried me. Can you tell us a bit about the research you had to do for this story? As I formulated the suspense angle of this story I did a lot of reading on serial killers. Not fun by any account, but fascinating. In college, my criminal justice classes and abnormal psychology courses were among my favorites. But as soon as I knew the storyline, my protective husband asked me never to look at the websites and books I’d read again. And I haven’t. But I do have to pray a good deal to keep the real life stories and pictures out of my head. As for the emotional and relational aspects of the story, I had a group of wonderful people providing intimate details of their personal battles with the illness Clint and Sara have to face in Healing Promises. A few of those amazing people have semi-fictional cameos in the story. But I also did a great deal of reading, interviewing, and online research to supplement the personal information. Several times throughout the book you reference the song "Blessed Be Your Name" by Matt Redman, can you explain the significance of this song to you? This song became my life anthem last year. There were physical valleys of pain and personal struggles with my calling to write that still make me cry when I sing this song. But what a gift to worship the Lord and raise my voice to say, “Blessed be Your name” even when life hurts. This year, the song and the struggles are different. God has healed so much in my heart and in some very dear relationships. But "Blessed Be Your Name" is still a song that God uses to remind me that no matter what, He is with me and He is good. I love the relationship that Marilynn and Sara have. Marilynn warned Sara not to depend on people and circumstances. Can you explain what Marilynn was trying to communicate? I loved Marilyn and Sara too! And what Marilynn was trying to communicate is the same thing my best friend tells me all the time: people and circumstances don’t define us, the opinions and situations swirling around don’t determine our worth. Because the measure of who we are was settled by the only One who has the full picture. And He looks at His children with smiling eyes and outstretched hands. Our worth was settled on the cross of Christ. Therefore, no accolades or relationships make me okay, any more than negative words or circumstances define who I am. It’s an easy truth to know, a much harder one to experience. What message would you like your readers to come away with in Healing Promises? My prayer is that as readers become involved in Clint and Sara’s journey, they'll experience a deeper sense of the goodness and trustworthiness of God, even when life doesn’t go as we prayed. I also hope readers will see that at the end of ourselves only one truth remains—God is good. What we do with that fact changes everything. What is one thing or verse God is using to speak to you right now? God is hard at work teaching me what unconditional respect means and also showing me the joy in being part of a community of believers. Our church family has struggled with so many deaths and health crises in our membership recently, but God is still very real and present among us. What a gift to truly weep with those who weep and know God is gently wiping away each tear. And to rejoice with those who rejoice, knowing our heavenly Daddy is dancing with us. Last time you where here you responded to one of my questions saying, no one has asked you what your favorite chocolate is. Amy, what is your favorite chocolate? See, I love your questions. ;-) My favorite chocolate is Godiva dark chocolate mint medallions. And I’m happy to receive those with much thanksgiving should anyone want to send some my way. Amy I wish you the best Mother's Day this month, and thank you so much for visiting us here again. Thank you for having me! I hope Mother’s Day is a joy-filled celebration for you and your Book Buzz readers. Be sure to visit Amy at her personal blog Heart Chocolate, and you can read the first chapter to each of the two books in the Defender of Hope Series. Links: Heart Chocolate (Amy's Website) * Now I mentioned at the beginning that Amy comes bearing gifts. This month, Amy will be giving one of our lucky Book Buzz readers a nice Mother’s Day gift pack (but no worries if you are not a Mom, you are included also). This gift pack will include a signed copy of Healing Promises, a Healing Promises mug, and a Starbucks gift card. Thank you so much Amy! Click here for all the details on how to enter the monthly drawing. ©2008, Laurel Wreath _____________________________ April Showers Bring Do you feel it? Spring is in the air! For some of you I wish I could say all your cold weather is gone, but then I would have to follow up with an “April This month my review list is a bit longer than usual. This is for two reasons: one, I have some awesome author interviews coming up in the next several months that you will not want to miss; and two, I want to give you a head start on your summer reading list. Each one of these books would make a wonderful summer read! I try to only bring books to you that I know you'll enjoy, and that will also touch your heart. You don’t want to miss the debut novel of Michael Landon Jr, who is the son of late Michael Landon from Little House On The Prairie. Sharon Hinck brings us a light hearted book with a message of God wooing us to Him. The Sentinel by Landel Bilbrey is a must read for any family with young sons. Kathryn Cushman brings us a book of God working in impossible situations. And Jan Watson brings us a heartwarming story from the hills of Kentucky. And lastly Beverly Coggins helps us with our spring cleaning that we all dread. What wonderful stories to read while on vacation or just relaxing at home during the summer.
One More Sunrise is the debut novel of Michael Landon Jr., son of Michael Landon. This is a great first novel! It is the story of a man who deals with life, not going as he planned, making some serious life changing mistakes and still finding redemption. Joe Daley, married his childhood sweetheart Meg, and had dreams of becoming a WWII fighter pilot in the military. Fifteen years later, Joe is a crop duster and dealing with the dark depression of the way his life has turned out. This depression has affected his marriage, and the type of father he has become. What appears to be a normal day in the cockpit, becomes the flight of his life. Joe is suddenly forced to face many of the demons he has been running away from. Is it to late to save his marriage? Will his children forgive him for being a distant father? But more importantly, will God? This book is a must read for your summer reading list. I look forward to more books from Michael Landon Jr. He displays real characters, facing real consequences for their actions. But what will God do with our mistakes? Praise God we serve a God of redemption!
Have you ever lived your whole life chasing after a dream? Amy's dream is to play in a symphony. After many, many years her dream finally becomes a reality, only to realize that someone on the symphony is trying to ruin it. Amy uses her haphazard sleuth abilities to uncover the mystery.
A father from the land of Terrenea, the city of Callow, tells the story of his twin sons’ (Jaden and Jerol) quest for Sentinel, the city of destiny. On the way, they must collect the 4 keys to mettle (manhood): vision, courage, integrity and service. But Azrael awaits. Driven by an ancient vow to stop any boy from entering the sacred city. His plans are evil, his minions are many, and his aim is sure… Keep all seekers, at all costs, from finding the royal keys. This book is a mixture of The Chronicles of Narnia and Pilgrim's Progress. If your boys are anything like mine, a good battle helps keep them involved. This story will give parents or teachers a great platform to share about the struggles common to all men with a Christian perspective. My middle son (age 13) highly recommends this book. Perfect summer reading!
It is Spring that means spring cleaning, so I wanted to give one resource to help. Let me introduce you to Professional Organizer, Beverly Coggins, she wrote a series of seven mini books to help you get organized. They are easy to follow, and help you every step of the way. The seven books are:
In some of her work books she includes a Hassel Free Dinner CD. To get you started here is a link to download a free dinner menu: Click here And you can visit her daily at her blog 1-2-3-Get Organized, where she gives daily tips for helping you stay organized. Happy reading and spring cleaning! ©2008, Laurel Wreath _____________________________ Interview with March roars in like a lion Welcome to leap year Easter. Sunday March 9th is Daylight Savings for many of us in the United States. February was a day longer and Easter--my favorite holiday--is a bit earlier. Instead of being in April like last year, Easter is the last week of March. HE HAS RISEN! HE HAS RISEN!
Jeanette Windle, a child of missionary parents, spent most of her life in South America. She grew up in rural villages and areas that are now guerrilla controlled. She and her family--husband, Marty, and four kids--now live in Miami, Florida. Jeanette has written two adult suspense books, The DMZ and CrossFire, and was awarded the 2002 Mabel Meadow Staats Award by the North American Writer's Association. She currently keeps active with writer’s conferences and mentoring other writers. Jeanette's new book Betrayed is an action-packed international thriller that has readers traveling to Guatemala. Anthropologist Vicki Andrews discovers that her sister has been murdered. The Guatemalan authorities are dismissing her death as another one of the country's frequent muggings or a kidnap-for-ransom. Vicki refuses to accept that her sister would be the victim of a random attack. She launches her own investigation and uncovers corruption buried so deep that it crosses international boundaries and may cost Vicki her life. This book consistently had me wondering what was going to happen next. While reading the book, I knew that even though the story may not be true, many of the problems Vicki faces are problems many people in Guatemala face everyday. I was excited to be able to talk to Jeanette about her new book and to learn more about her. Can you please tell our readers a little bit about yourself and some of your personal story? My husband and I moved to Miami in June, 2000, when Marty assumed the position of Vice-President with Latin America Mission, a nondenominational mission organization working throughout Latin America. In January, 2006, we moved again to Lancaster, PA, when Marty accepted the position of President of BCM International, formerly the Bible Club Movement, another nondenominational mission organization. I continue to write as well as teaching at writer’s conferences and mentoring Christian writers in a number of countries around the world. To date, I have lived in six countries and traveled in more than twenty. I have four children: three grown sons and a teenage daughter still at home. I believe you are to Colombia as Tom Clancy is to the military. The stories in your books are fiction but you know while reading them there is much truth. Can you tell me how you researched for your book Betrayed? As a reader, you made me view a different side of Sarah in the Bible. You call women Sarah's daughters. Can you please explain what you mean? The quote comes from 1 Peter 3:6, when it says we are Sarah’s daughters if ‘you do what is right and do not give way to fear.’ Interestingly, the passage is most often taught in relationship to women’s outward apparel vs. inward beauty and submission. But the context gives us a biography of Sarah, Abraham’s wife, described as a beautiful woman inwardly as well as outwardly, who finds herself in crisis through the wrong doings of others. In particular, her husband, who twice lands Sarah in a harem to save his own skin. Nor is it Sarah’s loving husband who ever comes to her aid, but her heavenly Father. What are we called to do when faced with difficult and frightening crossroads in our lives? Not to manipulate, try to figure out the future, or weasel our way out by any means possible. But exactly what Sarah was called to do in the middle of a harem with no one she could count on to come to her rescue: ‘Do what is right, and do not give way to fear’. If we follow that simple, yet profound, example, then the Almighty God who intervened in Sarah’s life and holds us in the palm of His loving hand will take care of our present and future, whatever He chooses that to be. Unfortunately, when we forget that principle—as Sarah did just once between those two harem experiences when she gave her handmaiden Hagar to Abraham to manipulate a fulfillment to God’s promise—we can sow seeds that disrupt God’s plan, not only for our lives but the lives of others, even change the course of human history. The world is getting smaller, and what is happening outside our suburban neighborhoods is becoming every day more relevant—and more a threat. In North America especially, let us not forget that Latin American countries where lawlessness, corruption and instability continue to spread, where anyone with enough money can live outside the law with total impunity, are only a short airplane flight away. That includes documented Islamic fundamentalist groups who are as likely to slip across our unprotected borders posing as Hispanic as to fly into our airports conveniently identifying themselves with Middle Eastern passports. At the same time, what has happened and is happening in Latin America, and especially why, is a microcosm of similar patterns of history and politics around the world and of our involvement as Western governments in those patterns. Understanding a single and fictionalized situation in Guatemala, portrayed in the pages of Betrayed, gives understanding to what is happening around our world right now on many fronts and the only too real consequences of decisions made by powerful individuals for motives of fear or greed rather than right and wrong. Throughout your book Betrayed, you repeat "do what is right and do not give way to fear." As Christians can you explain how that motto can help us reach out and help others?
Too often as Christians living in the comfortable West, we get the idea that our first responsibility is to secure safety and peace for ourselves and our loved ones. But if that is our ultimate aim, we will find ourselves too easily making compromises based on fear or personal self-interest to secure that aim. We are living right now in our political landscape with the consequences of such compromises, of which Betrayed tells only one small piece. What is our call, how can we know what to do, when our world falls apart? The answer is as simple as it is profound. At every step and with each crossroads that opens up in front of us, simply ‘do what is right and do not give way to fear’. If that seems a troubling challenge, it shouldn’t be because our safety, and the safety of our families and our country, are not, and never will be, in the absence of the storm, but in the presence of a heavenly Father who loves His children passionately and holds them safely and tenderly in the palm of His Almighty hand. Betrayed is an excellent book and story. But I have the feeling you don't want me to just read it and walk away. What would you like your readers to do once they have finished reading? Choose to be more involved in their world beyond the four walls of their home and the streets of their own neighborhood, even if it is only by becoming more informed and through prayer. On a personal level for every reader, my prayer is that they will make the choice when confronted with crisis (as comes inevitably to all of us at some point or another) to ‘do what is right and do not give way to fear’. You are obviously busy as a wife, mother, missionary and author. How do you find the time for the research and writing of a book? Can you tell me what other projects you are involved in? The last year or so has been busy with setting up a media department and magazine for BCM International, the ministry of which my husband is president. But my greatest delight in ministry continues to be teaching writers conferences and mentoring indigenous Christian writers in more than a dozen different countries from Mexico, Guatemala, Ecuador, Brazil, Spain, to Croatia and the Philippines, as well as in the U. S. in both English and Spanish. I also speak at women’s events and retreats and missions training seminars as time permits. Jeanette it has been a pleasure to get to know you better as a person and as an author. I greatly enjoyed Betrayed. It was a well written story (I literally felt like I was there) but it also opened my eyes to many things happening today in South America. This would be a great book to add to one's 2008 must read list! ©2008, Laurel Wreath _____________________________ Love in Many Forms Love never gives up. Love never dies. Inspired speech will be over some day; praying in tongues will end; understanding will reach its limit. We know only a portion of the truth, and what we say about God is always incomplete. But when the Complete arrives, our incompletes will be canceled. ( I Cor 13: 1-10 The Message) I love how The Message says, “when the Complete arrives, our incompletes will be canceled.” The world describes February as the month for lovers, I think of February as a month to reflect on how I can love others as Christ loves me. This month the following books display love in many different forms. Taming Rafe is a wonderful love story between two people who are trying to find God's will and plan for their life. Sometimes things don't go according to our plans and we are left wondering where to go next. Desert Medicine is an honest look at lives that endure many hardships, but in the end love and God's faithfulness wins out. This book will bring out many emotions but have you praising God in the end. Just Jane gives us a glimpse into a life whose whole life was caring for her family. This is Jane Austin's coming of age story filled with trials, hardships, broken hearts and death. The love between Jane and her sister is one of great love and commitment.
Is it hot in here or is it just me? Oh yeah, it is Rafe Noble, a two-time world champion bull rider and current king of the gold buckle. In just eight seconds his life was turned upside down, he lost his title, his best friend, and his career. Katherine Breckenridge wanted to make a difference in life. When Katherine's mother passed away she took over the Breckenridge Foundation that founded Mercy Doctors in Mexico. Unfortunately, due to bad business deals the foundation was almost bankrupt and Katherine's grandfather refused to underwrite her for another quarter. Katherine's last hope to raise the needed funds was their annual fund raiser event held at the Breckenridge Hotel. That night Rafe Noble and Katherine Breckenridge came crashing into each other's lives. Rafe a broken cowboy just trying to keep up with his press destroyed Katherine's annual fund raiser and her last chance to save Mercy Doctors. Katherine seeks out Rafe at his family's ranch to make him pay for the money that was lost. But she instead ends up asking for his help to raise the funds needed for Mercy Doctors. What she did not expect is to find a broken man. If Rafe helped her it could possibly cost his life. Katherine reaches out to the wild bull rider, and in the end finds out more about herself. This was a fun book, it had me laughing out loud and I just fell in love with Rafe Noble. It was a good clean, Christian book that had me asking, "is it hot in here or is it just me?" This is the perfect book for this Valentine's Day.
Desert Medicine is about a young mother of twins who is going through a divorce and has lost her sense of family. Laurelle refuses to feel sorry for herself, or to be classified as a "bitter divorcee," so she volunteers to help an older woman who has cancer. Laurelle has found that the older woman, Rhoda, had also lost her sense of family many years ago. Laurelle grows closer to Rhoda, while at the same time struggling to be a good Mom. Through stories Rhoda shares, Laurelle begins to find healing. But in the end both Rhoda and Laurelle find out that life is hard and there may be much pain in the journey but to hope for the future is a conscious decision they both had to make. This is not a book you can read and just walk away from. You think about it days later. If you are involved in a book reading club, this book would be an excellent book to discuss. Desert Medicine brought out every emotion in me, anger, joy, frustration, and crying at different times throughout the book. As a reader you become part of Laurelle's life, and when you finish the book you feel like you have lost a friend. Even when you are close to completing the book, you still have no idea how it will end. Alexander took all the emotions I felt throughout this book, and pierced my heart right up to the final page. This is a book you don't want to give up on half way through; there is treasure at the end. Life is messy, and filled with imperfect people, but God is sovereign and can work through all situations. I recommend adding this book to your must-read list of 2008.
Any fan of Jane Austin will be thrilled with this novel about her life. Nancy Moser does a wonderful job in Just Jane laying out the short life of Jane Austin. Ms. Moser introduces us to Jane at the age of 20 when she falls in love for the first time. Her first love is a man named Tom Lefory. This book is based on actual family letters and historical writings. It is Jane's coming of age story. This book was a comfortable friend, one I was sad to see end. I found Jane's life as entertaining and interesting, if not more so, as any character in her book. Also I want to share another great devotional book I have come across.
If you are looking for a wonderful devotional book to read this year, I strongly recommend Rest Assured. This book is the balm for a busy life of doing too much on your own, making too many commitments, and putting too much on your calendar. Don't let the short devotionals fool you, each day you will walk away learning more about God. This devotional gives you the feeling of sitting in a coffee shop across from a friend. Nancy challenges the reader to "cultivate stillness on the inside even when there is chaos on the outside," to "turn worries into prayers and fears into faith," and to "make it a practice to memorize scripture so you will never be without reason to believe God." Nancy's desire is for each reader to "draw near to God daily and find rest for your soul." ©2008, Laurel Wreath _____________________________ The Most Wonderful
It's the most wonderful time of the year We are entering the busiest season of the year. Many of us will be running from one errand to another or one party to another, trying to get all last minute details completed before December 25th. Where ever this season finds you, I pray you slow down enough to remember the baby lying in a manager who came to save the world. Also I pray that you slow down enough to relax and read a good book. Below are three book reviews that I believe will bless your heart. The first book is In Jesse's Shoes written by Beverly Lewis and illustrated by Laura Nikiel. This child’s book is told from the perspective of an older sister who has a brother with special needs. This would be a great book to add to your child’s reading list. The second book by Sue Davis titled, Loving your Man The third book, Solemnly Swear, by Nancy Moser is a book for pure enjoyment, but also one that makes you contemplate the roles we play in life. How do these roles effect ones decisions and judgments? Moser is one of my favorite authors, and once again she does not disappoint. Solemnly Swear is a book I had trouble putting down after I started reading. I have also listed some good resource books I have come across that might be good additions to your bookshelf or make a wonderful holiday gift. Grab something hot to drink, curl up near the lights of the Christmas tree and read a good book this month. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.~ Luke 2:11
In Jesse's Shoes is a story told from the perspective of the older sister, Allie. Allie loves her brother Jesse very much, but struggles with having a brother that is just "wired differently," as her parents told her. She has the responsibility of walking her brother to his school bus each morning. Jesse did not always cooperate and easily got sidetracked. Allie saw other kids snickering and laughing at the way her brother Jesse acted. Allie loved her brother but just wanted him to be more "normal" around her friends. One day after school she blurted out to her Dad that she just did not understand Jesse, and her Dad responded by saying, "Of course you don't understand him, you have not walked in his shoes." The next day when Allie met Jesse after school, Jesse bent down took his shoes off and told Allie to walk in his shoes. That is exactly what Allie did, all the way home. Having the chance to view things as Jesse did, Allie found the courage to stick up for her brother to her friends. I highly recommend this book. It is a children's book, but many adults could benefit from reading it also. In fact after I received it in the mail, my 13-year-old plopped on the couch and read the book all the way through. I asked him what he thought of the book, and he said, "Mom, this is the best book I have read in awhile." The illustrations are beautiful and the book will leave a lump in your throat. Sometimes we just don't understand until we walk in another person's shoes.
Virtually all married women can relate to the title of the Susie Davis' book. This is a must read for every married or engaged to be married woman. Davis does a wonderful job covering all the hot buttons of marriage from how to fight fair, to reminding you that your husband is hot to someone--make sure that someone is you. She also addresses sexual issues, and how the stress of money and kids can spoil a marriage. Davis says, "Staying married for a lifetime requires a belief in what God can accomplish, not what you can accomplish." As Davis states, "we are all a mess," and that is so true. Having a marriage that lasts a lifetime can only be accomplished through believing that God wants your marriage to be a success even more than you do. This book brings practical, everyday help with humor that drives her point home. Next time you are looking for a wedding gift, this is the perfect book. And if you are like me and have been married for over 14 years--this is an excellent book to help you refocus your marriage.
Character can be defined as who you are when no one is looking. When you are alone, do you wonder sometimes who you are? Is the person you display to the world who you are in real life? In Nancy Moser’s book Solemnly Swear she introduces us to several characters that are stuck in a role. They are not true to who they really are. Patti McCoy is put on trial for killing her boyfriend. But did she really commit the crime? It is up to the jury to decide Patti’s fate. The book shows the trial through the jury’s eyes, which includes a washed-up golf pro, a once famous actress, a financially struggling, honorable family man and the wife of a prominent doctor. The roles they display to the world affects how they view Patti's innocence or guilty. But who are they when they are by themselves? How do they break out of the role the world thinks they are, and become who they are called to be? This book offers mystery and suspense. Moser has always been a favorite author of mine, since her Sister Circle Series. She has a way of displaying every day lives being transformed by a merciful and powerful God. This book is no different. Run--do not walk to pick up Solemnly Swear by Nancy Moser, I received it in the mail and was up until 1am the next day reading it!!
Some good resource books that might make good additions to your bookshelf or a wonderful gift this holiday season:
This resource is great to addition to your Bible study. It covers everything about the problems women face and what God has to say about it. It gives personal application and provides well researched topics.
This resource gives God’s word and life applications to couples. Any area a couple may struggle in; this resource will let you know what God says and gives you hope and direction.
Mothers feel helpless many times and wonder if they are making a difference. This is a great resource to have on your shelf to give you hope. This book points Mothers toward God's word and what He says about your role as a Mother. Whatever topic you are dealing with, it most likely is covered in this well researched book. Each one of these resource books would greatly provide depth to your Bible study time, and give you direct answers on specific topics. Merry Christmas, see you in 2008! _____________________________ Season of Thanksgiving Welcome to November, my favorite time of the year. I look forward to Thanksgiving more than any holiday on the calendar. Thanksgiving has always been a big gathering at my family's house, and a time to reflect where God has brought us in a year's time. During this time we are watching the leaves change, vibrant colors appear, and the earth preparing for this new season. In the book Falling For You Gary Chapman and Catherine Palmer compare these changes to the changes in a marriage. Newlywed couples to couples in their twilight years will be blessed with the Four Season's Series. The second book A Lady of High Regard by Tracie Peterson is a book that will have the reader meditating on the blessings in their life. And if we are blessed in material or financial ways, it moves us to question our responsibility toward those who are less fortunate. Peterson's style of writing is enjoyable, and has the reader walking away thinking about the book days after finishing the last page. I want to wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving. I know everyone here at Christian Women Online is blessed by each one of our readers.
Mia Stanley is a woman whose heart is bigger than her common sense. Mia is a writer for Godey's Lady's Book magazine during a time where it was frowned upon to be a working woman. Mia's heart and her writings lead her to the rougher part of town. Seamen's wives were being taken advantage of, and Mia made it her personal mission to makes sure they were treated fairly. Tracie Peterson has her readers traveling to 1800's Philadephia, where there is adventure, danger, and very lovable characters. She also provides depth and has each of her readers thinking about what their role should be in helping people less fortunate. A Lady of High Regard is the first book in the Ladies of Liberty series. This book is an enjoyable read, I finished it in one weekend and look forward to more. Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 70 historical and contemporary novels including the HEIRS OF MONTANA, ALASKAN QUEST and LIGHTS OF LOWELL series. She has also written the nonfiction book I Can’t Do It All: Breaking Free from the Lies That Control Us with (Boomer Babes Rock!) Allison Bottke & Dianne O’Brian.
Gary Portnoy said in the Cheer's song lyrics, "You wanna be where you can see, our troubles are all the same, You wanna be where everybody knows Your name." In the small town of Tranquility everyone knows everyone's business, but that is not always a bad thing. Here you will find characters that are experiencing real every day problems. Falling For You Again is book #3 in Gary Chapman and Catherine Palmer's Four Season Series. This series tackles four seasons of marriage: Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter in a realistic setting of life. Fans of Gary Chapman's bestseller, The Five Love Languages, will appreciate this fictional series. This book specifically tells of the Autumn season Charlie and Esther are experiencing. They are the couple the town admires; they seem to have it all together. Esther is in charge of the women's club. She is like the town’s mother hen; aware of everyone's business. Their children are grown and gone. They have worked hard on their 50 years of marriage, but they find themselves struggling during this next stage in their life. The changes of growing older and redefining your relationship with your spouse, when it has become just the two of you again, can bring about times of insecurity and fear. It is also a time when you learn to love your spouse all over again, warts and all. Charlie and Esther have always been there for everyone else, now it is time for the town to support them. This book personally brought home the season that my own parents are in right now. We, the grown kids, are in the middle of raising kids. We tend to long for the retirement years--when it is just the two of us again. This season is also a time of change that can be scary. This is a book that would be wonderful to read while curled up under a blanket with a hot drink. It is that type of feeling you will have while traveling to Tranquility. ©2007, Laurel Wreath
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CWO Cover
Dr. Seuss once said, “
Is it August already? School is about to begin, Fall will be here shortly, and the lazy days of summer are almost behind us. I had a great time reading some awesome books this summer. I wish I could draw special attention to each book--they were all that good!
Skid
Such A Time As This
Searching For Eternity
From a Distance
Creation's Praise
Speaking of new things—last October I had the honor of interviewing author Amy Wallace. I enjoyed her first book Ransomed Dreams so much, that I asked her to return and discuss her second book in the Defender of Hope series, Healing Promises, released April 15th. 
You had me hooked as a reader with your first book, Ransomed Dreams, but I have to say that I LOVE Healing Promises. This is a bit of an emotional journey for Clint and Sara, was this a difficult book for you to write?
Fools.” Soon, very soon, it will be summer. Unless you are like me and live in sunny Florida where winter only lasts one month. Here in the US, April is also tax season; some of you are waiting until the last minute to remit, because you may owe, and some of you have already received your returns and put the money to good use. With some of that tax money, let me suggest some very worthy books.
One More Sunrise
Symphony of Secrets
The Sentinel
Torrent Falls
I would like to introduce you to an author that's new to me, but the more I read about her the more fascinated I become. Her books are powerful, and she has an awesome ministry both in the United States and in South America. 
Whatever we may wish, God never promised a safe and quiet life to His children. All over this planet, Christians are standing on the front lines of danger and persecution. And that is as it should be because the God we serve, who rides on the wings of the wind and makes storm clouds His footstool, has called His children to be the ones willing to stand out there in the storms of chaos and uncertainty shaking our planet, nailing down the loose roof shingles and pulling people from the floodwaters. 
Rest Assured
A Lady of High Regard
Falling For You Again
