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Sep 16, 2012
Small-Town Hearts by Ruth Logan HerneMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
A nice romance set in small-town U.S.A. It's along the lines of the movies "The Shop Around the Corner" and "You've Got Mail." Danny is the heir to a large chain of candy stores and Megan struggles to make ends meet in her little candy shop. When he decides to scope a new location for his grandmother's business and meets feisty Megan, he gets more than he bargained for. It's a fun romp and my favorite part?! The fudge recipe at the end! I haven't made it yet... but I will!
Sep 12, 2012
Nothing demonstrates wholehearted devotion to duty like a
Border Collie. Born to work, a Border Collie without a job will create one of
its own. Generally speaking, these dog generated “jobs” involve things
unpalatable to humans; such as chasing off cars, barking at marauding
butterflies, and digging emergency evacuation routes under the fence. Given a constructive
job to do, the Border Collie will tirelessly stay on task until removed from
the scene.
Tam, our Border Collie, is now deaf and no longer actively
helps with the sheep. Even so, she runs the fenceline continuously, keeping her
eye on the flock grazing the other side. In her world, she’s on the clock and
working.
The exact opposite in the canine world is our St. Bernard,
Buck. His only chosen occupation is to hold down our deck and watch the world
go by. Buck starts out excited when released from the dog pen each morning. He
runs with Tam to the fence to make sure the sheep are where they belong. Unlike
her, he is immediately distracted by a smell or a sound and wanders off to
investigate. Within minutes, Buck has found his way to his customary spot on
the deck and converted himself into a large, hairy welcome mat.
As Christians, we can
dig unnecessary escape routes, or we can lie on the deck and watch the world go
by. God has given us free will, after all. But how much better to use our lives
for a constructive purpose. . .the one God has in mind for us. Caleb followed
the Lord fully and waited forty-five years for his reward. His faithfulness and
devotion was indeed well rewarded, for his strength never wavered.
Sep 5, 2012
When Chris becomes Christopher,
he knows he’s got some explaining to do. His mind kicks into overdrive. He’s
got a 50/50 chance to convince his Mom of his innocence.
When Christopher becomes
Christopher Ryan, a mild panic sets in. Sweat beads his brow and his shoulders
hunch. Eyes dart between the nearest exits as several dire scenarios scramble
around his head. He may briefly consider throwing himself on the mercy of Dad.
When Christopher Ryan becomes
Christopher Ryan Jameson. . .he bolts out the back door.
Mothers hold the power of our
names in this world. As a child, we learn to dread the sound of our full name.
They use that power to shape and mold us into men and woman of character. No
matter how often we resist.
Jesus holds the power of our
names for eternity. Through Him – if we have accepted Him as our Savior – we
gain entrance to the kingdom of God. He is the one who will speak our
names to God the Father on that appointed day. Revelation 3:5 gives us this
promise. “I will confess his name before My Father and before His
angels.”
On that day there will be no
dread. Our names will ring like music in our ears. Our joy will know no bounds.
We won’t be bolting out the back door!
Sep 2, 2012
Winterdance: The Fine Madness of Running the Iditarod by Gary PaulsenMy rating: 2 of 5 stars
Dog sledding, and particularly the Iditarod, have interested me for years. I find the whole idea of moving across vast areas of frozen nature behind the bushy tails of sled dogs fascinating. This book proves that out. I'd still like to try it some day!
Parts of this book had me laughing out loud. If you appreciate dogs in any capacity, you'll enjoy that aspect of "Winterdance." Gary Paulsen does a great job of showing us what it really means to work and live with the dogs. He gives us a wonderful view of their personalities. He also brings the Alaskan wilderness to life in a personal way.
I didn't like the ending. The whole story is one man's experiences - which by nature are going to be self-centered - but the ending was a total wallow in self absorption. He didn't end with the Iditarod, or the dogs, or the thrill of accomplishment. He ended with his failing health and it adding absolutely nothing to the story.
There is a lot of foul language throughout the book. I'm sure it's all authentic, it's how the mushers talk, etc. But it wasn't necessary to get the feel and flavor of the Iditarod and it makes the book completely unsuitable for younger readers.
I'd like to give this one 2 1/2 stars, because I can recommend it to some people, but not others.
Aug 27, 2012
The Damascus Way by Davis BunnMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
An enchanting tale of a time long gone, at the birth of Christianity. To be a Christian meant to risk your life. Live through it with Julia and Jacob as they seek to find truth in a chaotic world. Feel the sand and the fear. See the miracle of Saul's conversion. Learn the joy of following the Messiah. I highly recommend this book!
Aug 4, 2012
The Outsider by Ann H. GabhartMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed this story on two levels. The insight and history of the Shakers was well done. I appreciated that Ann Gabhart portrayed them fairly, without demonizing or trivializing their beliefs. While decidedly odd to our modern way of thinking, and most certainly not a Christian sect, the Shakers had some redeeming qualities. It is nice that they were not portrayed as just another crazy cult.
The second level is the story itself and young Gabrielle's struggle to become the woman God would have her be. It was easy to sympathize with a heroine who wanted nothing more than to do the right thing. And it was easy to empathize with the struggle since the right thing is often only clearly visible in our rear view mirror.
An enjoyable read and suitable for any age. I highly recommend this one.
Aug 1, 2012
Over the Edge by Mary ConnealyMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
I don't think I've ever given an entire trilogy 5 stars before. But this one deserves it. No kidding. And the ending of this third book wraps everything up in a major sigh of satisfaction. Gotta love that! We meet Seth in book one, fall a little in love with him in book two, and learn who he really is here in book three. I love Mary Connealy's characters who aren't the "typical" story heroes. Seth is such a character. Read it. But read the other two first and you'll enjoy it that much more. (Ethan is still my favorite... but I liked them all!)
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