It is my privilege to introduce to you Mary Pierce.  As a book reviewer I have had the chance to read many great books by excellent authors and if you asked who my favorite is, it would be tough choosing just one. However Mary’s name would be at or near the top of the list, partly because she was a favorite long before I started reviewing books but primarily because she is a fantastic writer.

Mary Pierce and I go way back, though she did not know that until recently.  The humor in her books helped me survive my boys infant and toddler stages.  Her honest approach to living a Christian life was a breath of fresh air, but most of all she taught me to laugh when things seemed to be falling down all around me.

Most days you will find her writing buried under mounds of Dove Dark Chocolate and frozen Sweet Freedom Fudge Bars, but I am so thankful the “laugh lady” has joined us here this month.

I am so excited to have you here on CWO, please tell our readers a little bit about yourself.

I’m honored to be here! When I introduce myself at a speaking event, I list all the things I’ve been and done. “Wife, mother, daughter, sister, grandmother… waitress, teacher, stockbroker… corporate trainer, radio host, caregiver…” It’s a long, long list (and I end it by saying, “I obviously can’t hold a job!”). Of course, everyone in the audience has a similar list. We have so much in common—the roles, the relationships and the struggles.

But the most important thing about me is that I am a woman in love—madly!—with Jesus. (And it’s the passion of my heart for others to know that Jesus loves them too!)

I grew up in the inner city of Minneapolis, MN, in a non-Christian home. (My father was an atheist and an alcoholic and my mother an agnostic. Atheist, Alcoholic, Agnostic… hmm, you could say I was raised by AAA.) I married my high school sweetheart during college. That ended sadly after thirteen years and three children. Then God, in His mercy, brought me the love of my life, my husband Terry, 24 years ago. We share a blended family of six adult children and seven grandchildren. We take care of my mom who is 94 and has dementia. She lives with us and our dog Izzy, the Fox Terrorist, in the woods of Wisconsin.

The titles for your three books, “When Did I Stop Being Barbie and Become Mrs. Potato Head?” “Confessions of a Prayer Wimp,” and your latest book is “When Did My Life Become a Game of Twister?” are interesting and fun.  How do you come up with these great titles?

The first book title, (Barbie/Potato Head) was inspired as I watched a woman on a TV talk show lamenting the fact that she was, as she put it, “losing her looks.” She was 30 years old! Good grief, I thought. Where does this pressure come from? This beautiful girl felt like she was becoming unattractive! Then I realized that she was having that moment I think we all have, when we look in the mirror and think, Gosh, I’m getting older… Maybe it’s the “crow’s feet,” or the “laugh lines” or the “middle-age spread.” Something causes us to realize that time is marching on—and it’s marching on our face! We’re looking like our mothers. It hits some of us when we’re trying on swimsuits. We look in the mirror and realize we no longer relate (if we ever really did) to the image of Barbie. We relate to Mrs. Potato Head instead. The good news: God loves us anyway, just the way we are—cellulite and all!

The title for my second book (Prayer Wimp) came to me as I listened to Focus on the Family on the radio one morning. Dr. Dobson referred to a woman as “a real prayer warrior.” I thought, I am so not that. I’m the opposite of a prayer warrior. I’m a prayer WIMP! The thought became an article, which ran in Focus on the Family magazine, and then later it became the title of the book. In the process of writing the book, I came to see that prayer isn’t really so much about who we are (wimp or warrior) but about who God is. He is the “Omni” God – omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent – ready, able and WILLING to hear and answer our prayers, however feebly we might pray them. God is able to take us from whatever mess we’re in (even if we’re raised by “AAA”), transform our hearts and make something wonderful of our lives.

The third book title (Twister) was actually suggested by the marketing team at Zondervan. The game of Twister is just the perfect metaphor for the way life gets sometimes. We DO feel like somebody else is “calling the shots” (“Left foot red! Right hand blue!”) in life. We are trying to do our best, but are getting ourselves more and more twisted up and it’s all we can do to remain upright. But again, God is faithful to hold us up, comfort us and provide everything we need for this game we call life.

I loved reading the story behind each title!

You have held various positions throughout your life; what led you to decide to become an author?

For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved the way words could be put together to enchant or inspire or touch me as a reader. I remember being read to before I even started school and that feeling of rapture as the words and pictures drew me into the story. (The first book I remember owning was a Christmas gift from my grandfather. Imagine a gruff grandfather giving a six-year-old a book about a poodle called Foo Foo Goes to Paris. Books have the power to bridge generation gaps.)

In grade school, I started writing poems and my own version of a Nancy Drew mystery. During a class social studies program in 4th grade, I read my poems (about rocks and Eskimos- well, you can just imagine) and the parents in the audience applauded. I’m sure it was polite applause, but something clicked.  Writing was a way for this self-conscious, insecure child to connect. The writing provided a buffer of protection; I wasn’t so afraid when I could prepare ahead of time and know what I wanted to say.

Of course, “everybody knows” you can’t make a living as a writer, so I wrote for my own pleasure – journaling, poetry, letters—and got “real jobs.” I became a teacher and then got into financial services. God rekindled the writing spark when I was a forty years old (it’s never too late) and working as stockbroker. My husband was completing twenty years in the Air Force in California and we were planning to return to the Midwest. I felt the Lord saying that it was time to write and I told Him, “Okay, then I want to be a writer in the woods in Wisconsin.” And since 1990, that’s just where I’ve been.

It’s such a privilege when God uses my writing to touch someone – through the laughter or tears – and draw the reader closer to Himself.

What advice would you give to someone interested in becoming a writer?

When I moved to the woods and became a Real Writer, I thought success would immediately be mine. I thought editors and publishers would be clamoring for my next bits of wit and wisdom. NOT! It took a few years before anything was accepted for publication, and the pay was zero! It took twelve years for my first book deal. Yes, I’m a twelve-year overnight success. (Of course, it may happen much faster for someone more on the ball than I am!)

My advice? Every writer needs five things: (1) A library card and the Dewey section 808 in the library, where you’ll find books galore about writing. (2) A writer-friend who is farther along the writing path than you are, so you can learn from them. (3) A writer friend who is where you are on the path, so you can encourage one another. (4) A writer who is less experienced than you are, so you can start right away to “give back” what God is giving to you. (5) The willingness to give up something (time, money, energy that goes elsewhere now) to make time for writing and studying the craft.

Then, set a schedule and write, write, write. (One of my favorite quotes: “Writers write. Everyone else makes excuses.”) It’s in the process of actually writing that we learn how. And you will succeed—if you just don’t quit!

I love this advice, I can see this being applied to many areas of life!

When you are not writing you are also a motivational speaker.   What type of groups typically have asked you to speak?

I’ve been speaking professionally since 1996 (which in itself is a miracle for this shy girl!). My speaking is about evenly divided between church events– women’s ministry events and retreats – and community and corporate audiences. Whether I’m speaking at a women’s health and wellness event, an employee event, or a church women’s gathering, my message is essentially the same—to enjoy life by reducing stress, embracing change, finding forgiveness and laughing at every opportunity. (I find that God makes His presence known, even when I can’t mention Him by name!)

Each of your books are filled with humor and have me laughing out loud, but not all the humor comes from good times in your life.  Can you share how you found humor during your darkest days?

“A joyful heart is good medicine,” says Proverbs 17:22. Certainly there is much in life that is “no laughing matter.” We all have hard times and difficult challenges. Sometimes we can find moments of laughter in the middle of those things – usually laughing at the absurdity of it all. More often the laughter comes later, when we look back. But I figure, if I can say “A year from now I’ll laugh about this…why wait?”

My mother has always had a wonderful sense of humor. She’s survived one Great Depression, two World Wars and three husbands. (When someone comments, “Three husbands?” she says, “Well, I didn’t KILL any of them!”) She’s taught me, by her example, to look on the bright side, keep on laughing, and trust that tomorrow will be a better day. And when she gave her heart to Jesus at the age of 85, after all those years as an agnostic, she taught me the most important lesson of all: it’s NEVER too late to change your mind about God. She looked for 85 years in this world to fill the empty space in her heart (the one that only God can fill) and never found anything to fill it. Until she found Jesus. Her pastor asked her, after leading her to receive Christ, “How do you feel?” She said, “Like I never belonged before…and now I do.” What joy!

The bottom line is that we can find something to laugh about in just about any situation. But we can have JOY always, no matter what, in the certainty that our “Omni God” loves us and cares about everything in our lives.

This is something your books have taught me.  Humor is the best medicine of all.

In your book “When Did My Life Become a Game of Twister?” you share your experiences being a caregiver to your Mother.  What is the hardest thing about being a caregiver?

Becoming a caregiver is a difficult transition, for the care recipient and for the caregiver. I was surprised at how much the process of adjustment is a “grieving” process. The shock, denial, bargaining and anger all come before acceptance.

The “long goodbye” of dementia is truly that. The person you’ve known and loved is very slowly changing into a stranger. That’s very hard – losing the relationship you’ve had with your parent (or spouse). It’s a role reversal in many ways.

Being a caregiver is teaching me to be open to the blessings. God offers daily gifts in this season on our lives, if I will just open myself to receive them. My mother is still teaching me—teaching me to slow down, to appreciate every precious moment of life, to laugh, to accept what can’t be changed, and to accept the love and care of others with grace and humility.

One of the hardest things, which many women especially can relate to, is learning how to take care of myself. Caregivers need to be deliberate about “self care.” I try to make sure I have the rest, respite and resources I need to offer my mom the kind of care she deserves. And it’s always a privilege when I can speak at a caregiver event and encourage others to do the same.

Are there any projects in the works that you can tell us about?

My website is an ongoing project with the weekly blog updates and we have video and audio podcasts and CDs in the works. And I’m working with my agent on a couple of future book projects. I’m looking forward to offering my readers more inspiration, more laughter and more encouragement to draw closer to God.

Thank you so much for visiting us, is there any special bible verse the Lord has laid on your heart lately?

Thanks for inviting me! Two verses come to mind that bring me joy. The first is Hebrews 13:5, which says in part, “Be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you’.” The other is Jeremiah 31:3: “I have loved you with an everlasting love.” Wherever we’ve been, whatever we’ve done, whatever we are dealing with today—whatever the impermanence of this ever-changing life, God offers us the comfort of His never-changing love and the promise of his permanent presence in our lives. And for a girl raised by AAA, it just doesn’t get any better than that!

Mary Pierce can be found on her personal blog every Tuesday at www.laughlady.com

Each month she has book giveaway, but for our readers here at CWO she is giving away FIVE copies of her book “When Did My Life Become a Game of Twister.”  GO SIGN UP HERE. You won’t be sorry!

©2008, Laurel Wreath

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” 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.

Skid
by Rene Gutteridge
Waterbrook Press 2008
323 pages

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.

Such A Time As This
By Rebecca Velez
Capstone Publishing Group 2007
148 pages

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.

Searching For Eternity
by Elizabeth Musser
Bethany House 2007
428 pages

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.

From a Distance
by Tamara Alexander
Bethany House, Jun 2008

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
by Vivian May Edwards
Illustrated by Janis Lee Colon
2007
71 pages

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.

Inspirational Home
Simple ideas for uplifting décor and craft
By Jeanne Winters
Creative Faith Place
128 pages

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

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.

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.

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!

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?

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)
Dark Chocolate Suspense newsletter
Ransomed Dreams first chapter
Healing Promises first chapter

* 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

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 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.

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
by Michael Landon Jr.
& Tracie Peterson
Bethany House Publishing
368 pages

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!

Symphony of Secrets
By Sharon Hinck
Bethany House
304 pages

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.

Amy Johnson is a single mom of a teen-age daughter.  She is cranky, with few people skills.  Her drive to be successful only results in a strained relationship with the people closest to her. Amy has kept family secrets from her daughter, and in order to restore her relationship with her daughter and to solve the mystery of the symphony Amy is finally forced to face them.

Sharon gives us a glimpse inside the mind of a non-Christian viewing Christians around them. She displays how Amy comes to feel God pursuing her through her passion of music. As a reader we can see past Amy’s lack of people skills, to a desire to aggressively go after what matters. No matter where our interests lie, music, literature, sports, etc., God finds a way to communicate to us. This book will make you laugh, and you will see the underlying theme that God loves us so much that He will meet us right where we are.

The Sentinel
By Landel Bilbrey
Bridgemaker Books
324 pages

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!

Torrent Falls
by Jan Watson
Tyndale House Publishers
416 pages

The year is 1886 and Copper just lost her husband to a buggy accident. Copper has decided to move herself and her young daughter Lily back to her childhood home in Troublesome Creek. Copper was not sure how she was going to operate the run down farm she inherited from her father and raise her daughter by herself. But God answers prayers and Darcy and Dimmert entered her life suddenly. Darcy helped Copper with the cooking and cleaning, Dimmert help Copper with fields and farm animals. Copper’s late husband was a doctor, so Copper became a skilled midwife and with these skills was able to reach out to the women in this little Kentucky area.

Also waiting back in Troublesome Creek is her long ago sweetheart John Pelfry. Copper is not sure she can ever love again, but when she begins to open up, things from the past come between Copper and John. Copper is faced with many difficulties and begins to renew the faith in God she had as a child. Where does one find God’s peace and direction in the mountains of Troublesome Creek?

Watson does such a beautiful job making this book come alive. The scenery described in the book is breath-taking, and you feel like you have become part of Copper’s family. Some of the characters are not always likable, but Jan shows us that there is God’s beauty in each one of us. Also Jan demonstrates when things go according to God’s plan there is abundant blessings in the end. This book was such a joy to read!

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:

• Three Steps to Organizing your Child’s Room
• Three Steps to Decluttering
• Three Steps to Organizing your Kitchen
• Three Steps to Organizing your Office
• Three Steps to Time Management
  for the Stay-at-Home Mom
• Three Steps to Clever Cleaning
• Three Steps to Time Management at the Office

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