Five of my favorite novels in no particular order. Definitely five of my favorites, but there are so many more I love.
Father, once again I thank you for your writers. Such talents and gifts. Thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
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This is a good article defining the differences between novels, novellas, and short stories. We might disagree with parts here and there, but this is a fair description.
I've read a lot of novellas in the past two years – mostly in the form of cozy mysteries. Novellas are not my preference and neither are cozy mysteries, but I've enjoyed the ones I've read. I understand why some readers enjoy them. They're a quick read for busy lives. A lot of punch if written well in fewer words.
I've never liked short stories. That's not to say that I can't respect a good short story writer because it takes a special skill to make a tight story effective. They're just not a place I choose to spend my time.
Novels are my preference and sometimes the longer the better – if in fact they are longer and better. I love being absorbed by meaningful characters and picturesque descriptions that transport me and keep me thoroughly involved. For me there's nothing like a good novel – either reading one or writing one.
Father, thank you for writers/authors and readers. Thank you for allowing me to write. May I always honor you with words and stories. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
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Incredible, marvelous trees in God's world.
Lord of all creation, we're in awe of you. Thank you for the amazing beauty you left for us. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
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I know some of these tunes are turning into "reruns", but I loved this song back in the day. And still do. Great group.
Father, thank you for those who make music. May they always understand from whom their talents and gifts are given. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
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Karin Kaufman, Queen of the Cozy Mystery, has added Book 11 Still as Death to the Juniper Grove Mystery Series.
Mystery author Rachel Stowe and her good friend and neighbor Julia are attending the Juniper Grove crafts fair meeting at Eve Coleman's home when at 7:10 PM the lights go out. Eve hollers at her husband to check the breaker box but gets no response from him. After a few moments, Rachel volunteers to check the box but forgets her phone with its flashlight as she makes her way through the dark kitchen to find the box. Realizing she can't see the breakers, she spots the light on down the hall and walks toward the library calling out to Mr. Coleman who, perched on his chair by the fireplace, doesn't answer her. When she gets closer, she discovers he's dead with an object protruding from his chest.
Shortly after finding him, the lights come on and following that the other members rush into the library with one of their group immediately making accusations at Rachel. Seeing the potential for a problem, she quickly studies the scene making mental notes. Tossing off the accusatory remarks, she realizes this obvious murder is outside her fiancé's jurisdiction and creates a genuine fiasco with the sheriff who will be in charge of the investigation.
After each one of them gives a statement, it's clear the sheriff is focused on Rachel.
Rachel's fiancé, Police Chief James Gilroy, has to mind his manners because the doofus sheriff outranks him. However, James keeps Rachel hidden and moving until their Juniper Grove "gang" of mystery sleuths, that now includes Chief Gilroy, can solve the "whodunnit" of this murder. Since there are other factors which allow the Chief to continue his investigation, between him and the gang, they finally bring their investigation to a satisfying close but not before continued frustrations, smokescreens, and the interference of the annoying sheriff.
Smattered with pre-wedding jitters, Rachel's surprising contact from the last person she expected to hear from, and the ill-timed criticisms of her eating habits by her friend Julia, Still as Death presents another good addition to the Juniper Grove Mystery Series. If you love cozy mysteries, you simply must read the Queen's work. Personally, cozy mysteries are not my favorite genre and probably rank up there with women's fiction in my "don't prefer" category. However, I wouldn't miss a single one of Karin Kaufman's Juniper Grove mysteries.
Lord, you know all that Karin's been through and going through. Please continue to show her your mercy, grace, and inspiration, and keep her safe from all harm. Bless her with your divine touch. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
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An oracle is within my heart
concerning the sinfulness of the wicked:
There is no fear of God
before his eyes.
For in his own eyes he flatters himself
too much to detect or hate his sin.
The words of his mouth are wicked and deceitful;
he has ceased to be wise and to do good.
Even on his bed he plots evil;
he commits himself to a sinful course
and does not reject what is wrong.
Psalm 36:1-4 (NIV)
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TA DA!
COMING SOON in print and a bit later for your e-readers.
Father, no words are enough to thank you. Please keep them coming, Lord. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
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Humbling to post these old pictures of the girl I used to be. Oh how I remember . . .
Father, thank you for each day of my life. I certainly didn't live it perfectly and for a portion I was a stranger in my heart, but you rescued me and nothing compares to it. Thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
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What if authors reviewed their own books? What if any of us could actually write a review of our novels? What if we had to be objective? Could we do it?
Most of us after finishing a book, after time passes, after having read it 100 times, having made all kinds of corrections/changes/edits, will leave it at the publishing altar and feel the satisfaction of having completed a story that meant something to us no matter how difficult, uncomfortable, pleasurable, or triumphant we feel at the end of it.
So, I wonder if we could actually write a realistic review of our work . . .
Not likely?
Father, I love the stories you've given me to write. As hard as a couple of them were to write, those characters still matter to me. Thank you for every one of them, for every word, for every plot. Apart from you, I can do nothing. That much I know. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
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The most poignant scene in this old movie with a great song to set if off.
Father, we've been through those hard times, those ugly times, those times without you. They're not worth anything except for the learning where later when we know you, we see how you don't waste those times. You use them to show us who we were, who others are, and how we came to know you. Thank you for rescuing me. Thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
