Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord.
Acts 9:31 (NIV)
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Here we go with Book 9 in the Cozy Mystery series (A Juniper Grove Mystery): Garden of Death by Karin Kaufman. If you want characters you can truly enjoy, a mystery that has multiple snarky suspects, a three-gal group of amateur sleuths who've added one male since its origin, and a couple of mature romances that bloom much like the gorgeous flora and fauna throughout this series, then spend just a few hours reading Karin's Juniper Grove mysteries. You'll come away with a smile and the satisfaction of having participated in a small town atmosphere with a rugged no-nonsense police chief and his sometimes high-strung mystery writer girlfriend who adores him.
Rachel Stowe accompanies her neighbor and friend Julia Foster to the home and garden of this year's winner of the Juniper Grove Annual Garden Design Show. Julia was asked to help judge the entries for the first time, and she's having a grand time at the winner's garden party although she's well aware that all of the entrants and the other judges harbor snobbish attitudes and aren't opposed to insulting one another. The winning hosts feature Holly's Sweets (Rachel's and Julia's favorite bakery owner, neighbor, and fellow sleuth), scrumptious fruit tarts of which Rachel has sampled several. The winning husband's job has been a 3 minute slot on a weekly Denver gardening show, but apparently his bizarre facial tics resulted in viewers' complaints, causing him to be expendable. At the garden party he's privately informed of his replacement.
When one of the judges suddenly flails about insisting there's a bee in her bonnet, few come to her aid until she drops dead.
In Garden of Death the investigation moves along quickly in this segment of the series adding personal drama for the lovestruck Rachel. More murder, a poisonous and/or medicinal plant, and a good looking red-haired woman all add to emotional stress for Rachel as her crew keeps tallying up the information on the suspects until Rachel and Chief Gilroy arrive at the same conclusion and end it all on just the right note.
Father, you've gifted Karin in multiple ways. She's a wonderful writer, and I ask that you keep inspiring her over and over again. May she continue to be blessed in your provision and abundance and may you keep her safe from all harm. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
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(Originally posted as "Escaping with . . . Wings of Glass" on March 19th, 2013.)
The CFBA Tour presents Wings of Glass by Gina Holmes, published by Tyndale Fiction.
Author Gina Holmes has been forthcoming as to Wings of Glass being the heartfelt favorite of her three published novels (Crossing Oceans; Dry As Rain; Wings of Glass). It can be a rare experience when a novel serves to illuminate a grievous problem in our society and/or culture while also giving a clear illustration of how it evolves, how it's experienced, and how it continues to remain a problem in some relationships. Wings of Glass tackles the destructive behavior of spousal abuse, showing the vulnerability of some individuals who are so willing to love someone who fails to address the roots of rage which produce dangerous and harmful actions. A quick but difficult read, Wings of Glass leaves nothing undisclosed in this portrait of a threatening and viscious young man who, drunk or sober, beats up the girl he supposedly loves when anything ticks him off. Showing the classic remorse in the aftermath of his abuse, he swears he'll never do it again but always does.
Penny Carson is swept off her immature feet by a testosterone-swaggering hired hand on her parents' farm, eloping with him and leaving the shelter of her home to be with the handsome sweet-talkin' Trent Taylor. It doesn't take long before he shows her who he really is, and the good-looking young man she married turns into a literal handsome devil of a guy. Drinking, carousing, and beating her up comprise their life together. He says he's sorry, and she lives with it, believing him time after time or pretending she does.
When Trent is injured at work and temporarily blinded, he is forced to let her find a job. Having wanted a child to share her love, she'd given up on getting pregnant, adding to her total lack of self-esteem and perceived failure as a woman. After finding work with two Christian women who clean houses, she learns more about herself than she cares to know. Plus she realizes she's finally pregnant, hoping this will somehow increase her value to her husband and herself.
Wings of Glass is written as a memoirish letter to Penny's unborn child. Told in first person through all the heartache, rationalization, excuse-making, and eye-opening revelation as her life unfolds and takes on real purpose in her pregnancy, Penny resists changing her situation, hoping this time Trent will do what he promises. The turmoil and patterns of his behavior and her thoughts carry her in and out of her friendships with the two women who've tried to help her escape her situation.
Every character in Wings of Glass is a reflection of someone we've all known. The handsome abuser who bullies anyone who gets in his way, refusing to address the issues in his past and carrying the rage around like an extra appendage, takes everything out on his helpless wife. The wise widow who runs the house cleaning business and easily recognizes abuse along with the African-American woman whose dreadful experiences in her home country also point like a laser to Penny's circumstances, both try to talk Penny out of her willingness to ignore the problem. The strength of their faith and the toughness of their love rescue Penny from herself and the man who won't change.
A truly meaningful portrayal of the spousal abuse syndrome, this novel should be mandatory reading for victims of abuse. It's true, as Penny asserts in the story, this cycle is nearly impossible for those who haven't experienced it to understand – the frustrations of those who watch the pattern present dilemmas no one should have to face and try to figure out. The accuracy of this depiction will give readers cause to flinch, but hopefully Wings of Glass will reach those women who need to run from the wicked ways of those who continue to hurt them.
A purposeful novel told with a loving touch in Gina's unique and feisty voice and authentic prose, Wings of Glass provides a realistic story of what one young woman finally understood about faith, relationship, and finding true purpose in life. Painful to read but necessary. A definite book for gifting to the abused.
Father, we hurt each other, we abuse each other. We are lost in sin. Please rescue those who think they have no way to escape. Show them who you are and what you can do. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
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Amazing layout and beautiful flowers. Might be tricky mowing that lawn.
Ah, Lord, beauty in our midst. How can anyone doubt you exist? Please help us to represent you well. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
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Here's an oldie for you.
God, you give us all we have on earth but offer us a better eternity. You let us experience your endless forms of creativity and offer us the opportunity to meet you, our Creator. May those who create know who's given them the ability to do so. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
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Brenda S. Anderson's Long Way Home is Book 4 in The Potter's House Collection.
Lauren Bauman has outgrown most of her timidity after having experienced some intense bullying in her middle school years to the point where her now deceased father enrolled her in a different school. After his death, she became an adopted fixture in the Brooks' family and learned how to grow into the young woman and college graduate she's become. That is until the guy responsible for that bullying is invited to accompany her and her "sort-of brother" Nate in his customized school bus named "Draken" as they head out on their road trip to New York for Lauren's new home and job.
Jet (Jethro Wurm) is one of the "strays" Nate rescued and brought to "Our Home", a place where young people without homes were allowed to live as they figured out and straightened out their lives. Most of their circumstances weren't quite like Jet's, but Nate knew Jet needed some stability and care so he'd encouraged him to stay. When Nate invites him to go on their trip, he's immediately excited to go.
Nate is stunned when Lauren reacts with a noticeable change of color and quick exit after being introduced.
Every fear she experienced, every insecurity she felt during that time of being bullied returns in a torrent when she hears his name and realizes who he is. Overcoming the emotions of both hurt and anger will require more than she's prepared to give.
Brenda's novella in this collection of stories covers the depth of lasting pain inflicted by others, the work it takes to correct ingrained behaviors often brought on by those deep hurts, the freedom forgiveness affords, and the desperate need for redemption and real lasting love.
With the focus on these young 20-somethings, Long Way Home with its great cover, multi-faceted meaning in the title, and evangelical message would make a good gift for teens and up.
Father, you know Brenda's heart after you. I pray you would continue to fill her up with more stories that minister to young and old and in between. Bless her in your abundance. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
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"The Holy Spirit spoke the truth to your forefathers when he said through Isaiah the prophet:
"'Go to this people and say,
"You will be ever hearing but never understanding;
you will be ever seeing but never perceiving."
For this people's heart has become calloused;
they hardly hear with their ears,
and they have closed their eyes.
Otherwise they might see with their eyes,
hear with their ears
understand with their hearts
and turn and I would heal them.'
"Therefore I want you to know that God's salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!"
For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.
Acts 28:25b-31 (NIV)
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I cannot claim to know or understand the objective of other authors regarding their reasons for including or excluding certain realism in their fiction. That is unless I speak directly to them or read something from them on the subject that is unedited other than for copy errors. Some writers claim they have no agenda(s) when they author a story. While I believe they believe they do not, I find it hard to bypass any statement about a novel that doesn't include a message of some kind, no matter how frivolous, and to me a "message" is basically an agenda without legs.
Christian authors often must clarify their visions for publishers as well as their intentions in writing the story. Some publishing houses blanch at the use of the word "hell" including it in their profanity category which makes it taboo for any book that sports their label/name/brand. I have no problem with any publisher who sets the rules for that particular house because it makes the boundaries for pursuing authors clear. Comply or seek a different publisher.
You could say I push the boundaries of Christian fiction. I would not agree, but you could say it. In my books you will see the occasional use or implication of profanity, the sexual scene(s)and elements in dialogue without graphics, and characters who carry around or boast a worldly behavior. I can tell you the only reason I do this is because I want those particular characters to not just sound or act worldly but to seem real. Although some words in my novels will offend those who prefer what has been labeled "clean", the truth is those readers who focus on the "clean" stories are not my target audience. As much as I might hope they would enjoy my love stories and my upcoming mystery, I would rather they not read them than be offended by them. It's best for all of us if they choose not to.
Here's the thing: every single one of my books delivers a redemptive message. Every. Single. One. For me, I'm well aware of how ugly the world can be even in the "nicest" people. I believe it's essential to portray the world as it real-ly is. It has nothing to do with today's "culture" and everything to do with the heart of mankind. It isn't because I choose to push the envelope or stretch the boundaries of Christian fiction. It's because every sinner needs a Savior, yet so many have no idea who or what that real-ly is or means. The journey must be real.
Granted, it's often a reality some Christians choose not to see or address. I get that. They desire something light and engaging without the drama or coarse behaviors of characters in the world. No one can fault a reader for wanting that.
Each author ultimately answers to God. Christian readers need to trust that those who proclaim Jesus Christ as their Savior understand this critical factor and don't slough the huge responsibility attached to it.
So my tag line, moniker, label for my novels? Raw Romantic Redemptive Should I add, "Read at your own risk"?
Father, help me to be the one you designed me to be, to be obedient to you alone, to walk in the Spirit, and to spread the Love of Jesus Christ to all who will open their hearts to hear the message. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
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(Originally posted on November 16, 2014 as "Following the . . . Path of the Assassin".)
Path of the Assassin by Brad Thor (copyright 2003) is the second novel for this bestselling author featuring his hero, former SEAL, now Secret Service Agent Scot Harvath. Following Thor's first release The Lions of Lucerne (which I have not yet read) where Scot Harvath rescued the president from his captives, Harvath is tasked with eliminating each of the terrorists involved in the kidnapping of the POTUS.
On a promotional flight, designed by Meg Cassidy's private PR firm, of a new sleek and fully equipped United Airlines jet, she felt like she'd scored the publicity event of a lifetime. Virtually ignoring the new chaos in the Middle East, the first direct flight from Chicago to Cairo promised to produce dividends for both United and Meg Cassidy's firm. Until it is hijacked at the Cairo airport by Middle Eastern terrorists. Notably onboard the flight besides Meg are Chicago's Mayor Jim Fellinger and United CEO Bob Lawrence.
From Saudi Arabia to Hong Kong to Washington DC, Chicago, Cairo, and Italy, Scot Harvath's mission is to discover and destroy the efforts of one Hashim Nidal, the son of deceased terrorist Abu Nidal responsible for massive murdering and mayhem. In the meantime Israel is on full alert, innocent of the Arab killings done by a group claiming to be the previously defunct Hand of God. The problem with finding Hashim Nidal is nobody has seen him and can identify him. Except . . .
Meg Cassidy learns the jet she's on is under seige and she is quickly a target of one of the terrorists' perverse desires. At his first attempt, he is stopped by one of his cohorts, the penetrating and unique eyes of the one preventing those actions sticking with Meg. In his second attempt Meg is able to pull off his mask and escape his grasp. That action makes her valuable and necessary to putting an end to his terror.
In the course of one fatal event, Scot Harvath spots the assassin fleeing the scene but not before he gets a good look at the strange silver eyes of the perpetrator. When he returns to Washington, he is quickly assigned to accompany the CIA to Cairo to stop the terrorists on the United plane. Scot and the head of the operation don't get along and go about things differently, but ultimately it's Scot who takes control at a critical moment at the airport.
There are many twists in this story, a bare touch of romance between Scot and Meg, lots of snarky "discussions" between the CIA operative, his team, and Scot, but the relentless imagination and action required by Scot and Meg to accomplish their mission provides high octane entertainment in Path of the Assassin. A true thriller, the novels to follow will no doubt give the reader more of the same.
Father, it's an ugly sin-filled world. Thank you for the benevolent blessings you give to your writers who desire to spread hope within a satisfying ending to stories. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
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Gorgeous, right? I love white roses.
Father, thank you for beauty and flowers and beautiful designs that celebrate both. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
