Into the Fire

It's embarrassing to admit how long it's taken me to finish this novel. But, it's done! Race, a first effort at something different for me.

And I'm grateful to each one of you who prayed for me over the years to complete my WIPs. One down, two to go. However, there's much work to still be done to get this one to publishing so onward! Thank you again, my dear friends. Truly. Deeply. 

Lord God, I picked up the pen and you gave me the words just like you said you would so many years ago. Thank you is never enough. I love you, Lord. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

I absolutely love benches in gardens, on porches, on patios, or in yards. This rustic bench would still be a great place for short term reading in the sunshine. 

God, your creativity is in us in many different ways. Thank you for sharing it. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

The Beach Boys had their own sound and a huge following. From surf songs to love songs, they made some good music.

Father, we're all desperate for you whether it's in the midst of success or failure, we need you. Hoping those with the gifts you've given them realize it in time. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

A Juniper Grove Mystery Series by Karin Kaufman is such a fun series of quick reads full of likable characters with whom you develop a friendship as if they lived in your neighborhood and community. Rachel Stowe, mystery writer, leads her two BFFs (Julia, next door neighbor, and Holly, lives across the street and owns Rachel's favorite bakery where she indulges in Holly's cream puffs) in their "Gang" of amateur sleuths which now includes Julia's new beau. Death Knell is Book 8.

When Rachel is awakened way too early by her neighbor Holly explaining that a local church's bells have been ringing incessantly which they never do, Holly's convinced there's trouble, and she wants Rachel to get dressed and head over to St. John's with her. Holly's suspicion proves to be accurate when they walk behind the church to the cottage where the local librarian (Sophie) lives.

Sophie is hosting the most unlikely group of "frenemies" for their monthly book club weekend. Three of them wake up to the morbid death of one of their members who landed on the concrete below her second story guest bedroom window.  

Time to call Chief Gilroy and his deputies while Rachel, Holly, and Julia begin their parallel investigation of what has turned out to be a homicide.

The suspect pool shrinks quickly after another victim turns up in the church graveyard. 

Motives are illusive until the Gang discovers information which could lead them to the killer. Rachel and Chief Gilroy arrive at similar conclusions throughout the investigation and it's good to see their relationship flourishing in the process. 

Death Knell is entertaining with the usual wonderful characters coupled with those who are nothing but annoying – and often murderous. Karin wraps up her cozy mystery with her usual concise conclusion and lets the reader go with another satisfying ending. Queen of Cozy Mysteries indeed.

Father, please continue to bless Karin in every area of her life, giving her more stories to tell, and much laughter along the way. Encourage her, Lord, as only you can do. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

The Righteous One takes note of the house of the wicked

   and brings the wicked to ruin.

When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous

   but terror to evildoers.

Proverbs 21:12;15 (NIV)

(From soon to finished WIP Race)

We heard her before we saw her reaming the security guard who’d put up one hand in defense and cocked his head in an attempt to cool the lady’s rapid fire repartee. Her arms wind-milled around pointing into the victim’s room and encompassed the shedrow. Neither of us moved for at least 30 seconds, watching the breeze catch her Farrah Fawcett hair and play with it. Finally the guard pointed toward us and the woman stomped her brown leather boots and sprayed on designer jeans in our direction. Her Levi jacket hung open exposing a pale pink form-fitting scooped-neck top which drew our eyes to the tan flesh protruding and bouncing with each stride. I sensed Jesse throw a quick glance my way and I stepped forward into the shedrow to greet who I assumed must be Mrs. Trainer in a tizzy. Also a potential suspect now that I could see what she looked like.
    

     “Speak of the devil?” Jesse said softly, barely moving his lips.

Apart from you, I can do nothing. Thank you is never enough, Lord. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

I loved "America". Their lyrics were always thoughtful, symbolic, not always easy to figure out. Their harmonies and tunes were special and often beautiful. So much talent.

Such talents and gifts, Lord. You give to us all in multiple ways. Thank you for everything. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

            Rose gardens anyone? This is lovely, is it not? 

Ah, Lord, such amazing beauty. Thank you. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Meant to Be Mine by Becky Wade is Book 2 in the A Porter Family Novel Series. (Of the two covers for this novel, I prefer this one.)

Ty Porter was born charming and soon became a chick magnet. In high school Celia fell for him the instant he joined her art class and flashed that gorgeous smile at her. His blue, blue eyes were legendary in her mind. Fast forward years later to Las Vegas when a girlfriend of Celia's reintroduces her to the now famous champion bull rider Ty Porter. After a magical evening of fun and laughter, Ty proposes and insists they get married and Celia dumbfoundedly accepts taking their vows in a kitschy wedding chapel. As crazy as it is, they share the honeymoon suite in a grand hotel and Celia wakes to humiliating news from her husband of one night.

Five years later, Celia hears from Ty, something she never wanted to experience again – or so she'd convinced herself. But Ty is even more persistent than Celia is stubborn, and the secret she's been keeping from him is now exposed.

Becky Wade is the current Queen of the Romance Novel in Christian fiction. Her writing is suited to the topic, her devotion to the reality of how romance operates translated to the pages in glorious fashion. Creating characters which intrigue, irritate, involve, and invigorate any romance reader, the reader loves and hates them intermittently and keeps on rooting for them. I loved this book. So well-written. Five stars – and you know how stingy I am with that fifth star! Of the three books in the series about the Porter boys, this one is my favorite. 

Father, you've blessed Becky with a heart for romance, and I ask that you would continue to inspire those romance stories just for her to tell. Keep her in your abundant care and continue to encourage her gift. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

             Some die heroes.We honor you. We thank you. 

Father, you called many to be warriors. We honor those who gave it all and hope they are basking in your immeasurable glory. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.