The Important Things in Life - God, Books, & Chocolate!

Sunday, May 12, 2019

Reflection: Mother's Day

I’ve seen and heard quite a few people (friends, mostly) who have lost their moms talking about “motherless mother’s day.” I don’t know about anyone else, but I greatly dislike that distinction. I have and am struggling with this day. I’ve dreaded it. I’ve cried just thinking about it. The wrestling of celebrating other moms when mine isn’t here with me. But I was reminded that God’s Word says, “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” (John 14:18) I’m still trying to grasp this myself, but we are not alone. God, our Father, who created mothers and fathers, is with us. Though it still hurts. Though tears still leak today, when past memories and the loss of memories unmade seem overwhelming.

I miss my mom. It’s been just over a year (15 months and some odd days) since she went home to be with Jesus. I can say that, “She went home to be with Jesus.” But saying that she died? That hurts a lot more. I don’t like that word. It sounds so final. Like this life is all we have and then it’s gone. I know that’s not true, but sometimes, oftentimes, it still hurts. Sometimes, selfishly, I want her to still be here with me. I want to be able to call and hear her voice, listen to her laugh, and ask her advice. I want to still be making memories together. My mom was one of my best friends. She would leave me messages with crazy things and ask me the highlights of my day. She always sought to find the bright side in a situation and encouraged me to do the same. I want her to have been in my wedding pictures. In my sister’s wedding pictures. I want to hug her and say again that I love her. She gave some of the best hugs. I want her to be here to help with and spoil grandkids, when we have them. I want her to be here so I can buy her flowers for mother’s day and see her smile when she walks past them. Sometimes, adult girls still want their “mommy” on the hard days. I don’t know that we ever grow out of that. I don’t know if this day ever gets easier. I hope so.

I’m so thankful for the precious ladies who have been there for us in her absence. My life has been so graced with women willing to share their time and hearts with me and my sister. I know that the sentence above is true. That my mom is with Jesus. That she’s experiencing more joy than ever before. She gets to spend every day in His presence. What could be better than that? That truth helps, most of the time. Having that confidence and hope that one day we’ll see her again, on the other side of Heaven. But what about here and now? I suppose that’s solely faith. Because without faith, I don’t know what we’d be doing here. But I trust that my God does all things well, even when it’s not the answer I want and I don’t understand at all why He didn’t do what I’d asked. I could and have gotten angry with Him over the answer I received. But He sees such a larger picture than I do. Maybe I don’t have to have the answer to my “why?” questions. Just faith that He’s still good, even in the midst of pain.

"That's our God. . . .

We worship a God who might not give us the miracle,

but He will always give us the comfort."

- Ina May Huett

Life After by Katie Ganshert

I hope this day is well for you, whether it's one of smiles and celebration, or one of memories and tears. Or maybe both. Sometimes I forget that it's okay to move forward, but still look back and enjoy the memory of what was. But I know my mom wouldn't have wanted us to mourn forever. She's laughing and smiling and enjoying Heaven. She would want the same for us here. Even if some tears are mingled in with the joy.

Friday, May 10, 2019

My Review: Killer Exposure

" . . . of all the adventures Locke ever loved, Greer was his greatest."

Description:

A killer with a secret motive…

A mother with a secret baby

Crime scene photographer Greer Montgomery didn’t expect to witness a murder at a small-town carnival—nor to be rescued by the father of her secret baby. A storm chaser, Locke Gallagher often stares down death, but he’s never known true fear until Greer’s life is at risk. But how can he protect his newly discovered family when the killer could be anyone?

About the Author:

Jessica R. Patch lives in the mid-south where she pens inspirational contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels. You can find her watching way too much Netflix with her family, going on fun adventures (all in the name of research), and collecting recipes to amazing dishes she'll probably never cook.

My thoughts:

I haven’t been reading a terrible lot of suspense lately, but I always have to make an exception for Jessica R. Patch’s newest books! I’m one of those people who spends the book trying to guess “whodunit” and Ms. Patch is one of the few authors that stumps me almost every time! I don’t know how she does it, but I rarely finish her books with the “I was right!” excitement. It’s always the “wait, how did I miss that?” question, instead. Which to me is one of the marks of a very well-written mystery.

I’m not typically a huge fan of “hidden children” stories, but she pulled it off really well. I had to laugh, at one point a character actually comments about how the story is seeming an awful lot like a daytime soap! Which was just perfect for that character and the story. There were so many red herrings and other things going on, sometimes my brain was racing a bit to keep up! I so enjoy how realistic her characters are, too! Like the soap opera comment, they say what I’m pretty sure I would be thinking, if I was in their shoes. It was really interesting to read the story from Locklin’s perspective, as he’s ADHD, and get a glimpse inside his brain. It helped me understand better what some of my friends might be feeling or going through, which is really cool. I love that her characters have quirks and flaws like the rest of us. I also really appreciate how she’s continuing to tie in people from previous books, though I sometimes have to wrack my brain to figure out which book they’re from.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book if you enjoy mysteries that leave you guessing and characters that grip your heart strings!

As always, purchase links and such are below!
Thanks again for stopping by! I don't have many words to share right now, so I'll fill up this space next time!

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Christian Book

Books-A-Million

Goodreads

Monday, April 15, 2019

My Review: A Return of Devotion

Description:

Daphne Blakemoor was content living in her own secluded world for the last twelve years. She had everything she needed--loved ones, a true home, and time to indulge her imagination. But when ownership of the estate where she works as a housekeeper passes to a new marquis with an undeniable connection to her past, everything she's come to rely upon is threatened.

William, Marquis of Chemsford's main goal in life is to be the exact opposite of his father. Starting a new life in the peace and quiet of the country sounds perfect . . . until his housekeeper turns his life upside down.

Both Daphne and William have spent their lives hiding from the past. Can they find the courage to face their deepest wounds and, perhaps, forge a new path for the future together?

About the Author:

Kristi Ann Hunter graduated from Georgia Tech with a degree in computer science but always knew she wanted to write. Kristi is a RITA Award winner, an ACFW Genesis contest winner, and a Georgia Romance Writers Maggie Award for Excellence winner. She lives with her husband and three children in Georgia. Find her online at www.kristiannhunter.com.

My Thoughts: 5 stars

I’m not typically a huge fan of Regency novels, but there are a couple authors that I can’t wait to grab their books as soon as they’re available and Kristi Ann Hunter has been a favorite of mine since reading her very first novella. Though this is technically the second book in a series, it can be read as a standalone. But I personally enjoyed the first book immensely as well, so I would highly recommend reading it first.

There are a few authors whose characters simply come to life as I’m reading and I’ve fallen in love with all of Ms. Hunter’s characters to date. I was so excited to learn this story would be Daphne’s, as she was one of my favorite secondary characters from “A Defense of Honor”! She’s so sweet and awkward and loving and looks to find the best in other people. I loved her heart for the children and was so curious as to what kind of hero Ms. Hunter would concoct to love this eclectic lady and her house. My attention was grabbed and held from the very first page to the very last. So many secrets and mysteries to unravel, as well as characters to get to know and old friends to finally recognize.

"I think that silence can sometimes help you find yourself . . . . Life is so busy

and loud sometimes. It can be easy to have everything crowd your mind

until you can't hear yourself and you forget who you are, and only

see how you fit into the larger churning picture."

- Daphne Blakemoor

My heart broke for Daphne so often, at the pain and regret she carried, telling herself she would never be enough. I couldn’t help but love William and his kindness toward people and situations he didn’t entirely understand. Even when faced with a truth that was extremely taboo at the time, he still offered grace and understanding, after the initial surprise wore off. One of my very favorite things about Ms. Hunter’s books has always been how the characters are so realistic and don’t conform to the typical norm of the period. They have flaws and oddities and quirks just like everyone else. I inevitably turn the final page of her stories with a feeling as though I’m saying “farewell” to some dear friends. But the wonderful thing about such stories is that I can pick them up anytime and “visit” my fictional people again.

In case it hasn’t been made abundantly apparent, I greatly enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it! Even if Regency isn’t typically your “cup of tea,” this may be a series you would find worth giving a go.

As usual, if you'd like to learn more about the book, or maybe add it to your Goodreads list, or get a copy of your own, links are below!

I hope you have an awesome day!

Friday, February 22, 2019

My Review: One Thing I Know

"But I know that when nothing makes sense and life is as

hard as it's ever been, God is even more present in the middle

of all the brokenness. Because Jesus changes everything."

- Anna

Description:

Rachel Somers is America's #1 relationship coach-America just doesn't know it. Rachel writes the books, but her Aunt Donna plays the face of the operation. Living in fear of their secret being exposed, Rachel has no choice but to keep up the charade or lose the big money required to care for her father. With the deadline for their next book closing in, Rachel finds herself out of inspiration and running out of time. The last thing she needs is her aunt and publicist concocting a harebrained scheme to join forces with some radio star in the hope it will help deliver the elusive next book idea.

Lucas Grant is a star of late night radio, though it's come with an unexpected price of hoards of women who keep calling his sports show to ask him for relationship advice. They make his ratings look great, but they also mean he has to waste hours talking to people like Dr. Donna Somerville about feelings instead of his first love: football. When a big time producer calls, it looks like his hard work is about to pay off. But the offer comes with a catch, the producer is convinced Dr. Donna is not what she seems and he wants Lucas to discover her secret. To do that, he needs to win over her tight-lipped assistant who holds the key to his success and he begins to suspect, his heart. Can love find a way through the lies that force them apart?

About the Author:

Kara Isaac is the RITA® Award-winning writer of five novels. She lives in New Zealand (yes, it’s really as beautiful as it looks in the movies!) where she spends her time chasing three small people, writing horribly bad first drafts, and wishing you could get Double Stuf Oreos in the South Pacific. Find out more at KaraIsaac.com.

My thoughts:

Believe it or not, I was actually given the privilege of reading this book a couple months ago - and loved it! Then I completely forgot to write a review for it, so we’ll see if this makes any sense.

As already stated, I adored this book! I don’t know that I can say it was my absolute favorite of Ms. Isaac’s books (it may be tying with The There Was You), but if not the top, then definitely an extremely close second! As in all of her books, the characters just simply step off the pages! Within a couple turns, I felt as though I knew Rachel and Lucas almost as well as some of my real-life friends. I sat there, cheering them on, crying with them, and so wanting to give them a hug or Gibbs’ slap from time to time. I also couldn’t help but love Lacey, Donna, Anna, and little Joey and Libby.

"Secrets and relationships can't coexist

in the long term.

Eventually you will have to choose one over the other."

- Rachel

This book is much more than a simple romance. It is a story of friends. Of advice, both good and bad. Of the wrestling of fear and guilt, faith and doubt, truth and lie. It’s a story of pain and struggle, but also joy and laughter. Of overcoming. And of course, love. Not just in a romantic sense, but also the love of friends that were thought to be long lost, of family, and of learning to love even those that have been deemed unlovable.

I’ll also go ahead and address a potential issue for some - the characters don’t automatically become Christians at the end of this story. Yes, it’s still Christian fiction. There is still a strong thread of faith woven throughout the story. But the author doesn’t wrap it up all nice and neat in a perfect little religious bow. And I applaud her for that. She stays true to the characters and the story. An instant conversion at the end wouldn’t have been realistic and you know what? Sometimes life doesn’t end like that either, regardless of how much we wish it would. I so appreciated the truth and transparency in even that aspect of this book.

I know, I included this book on my most anticipated books of the new year and you're probably thinking, "if it was so good, how could you forget to write a review?" My answer? I'm married and I forget a lot of things now. My husband distracts me. LOL Okay, so maybe that's it. Or maybe I'm just a scatterbrain. Both are entirely viable excuses, right?

Anywho, I hope you enjoyed this random review! As always, if you'd like to learn more about the book, links are below.

Tallyho!

Amazon

GoodReads

Christian Book

Tuesday, January 1, 2019

Most Anticipated Books of 2019!

Happy New Year, my friends! (fakes throwing confetti) It's 2019! Can you believe it?! I personally, cannot. Though I am super stoked about all of the awesome books set to release this year! So, without futher ado, some of my most anticipated books for the new year! (click the title to learn more!)

1) Code of Valor by Lynette Eason (Jan 1)

The third book in her "Blue Justice" series!

2) Flights of Fancy by Jen Turano (Jan 1)

The start of a new series!

3) A Return of Devotion by Kristi Ann Hunter (Feb 5)

Daphne's book!

4) One Thing I Know by Kara Isaac (Feb 19)

I've actually already had the pleasure of reading

this book and it was great!

5) Sweet on You by Becky Wade (April 30)

Britt's book!

6) Romanov by Nadine Brandes (May 7)

7) The Number of Love by Roseanna M. White (June 4)

A new series about code breakers!

8) More Than Words Can Say by Karen Witemeyer (June 4)

This cover . . .

9) Storm Rising by Ronie Kendig (July 2)

10) Vow of Justice by Lynette Eason (Aug 6)

The fourth book in the "Blue Justice" series!

11) The Killing Tide by Dani Pettrey (Aug 6)

This cover is a little . . . trippy (does anyone say that, anymore?)

That's what I have so far! What other books would you have added?

Monday, December 31, 2018

Reflections: A new year

2018 is almost gone, 2019 is about to begin, so typically today and tomorrow are days of reflecting back on the past year and dreaming of what the future will hold. 2018 has definitely been a year of huge changes for me and my family. A year with more pain than I can remember knowing, but also a year with great joy and excitement. A year of learning and growing and watching my family and friends do the same. A year where my faith was tested and sometimes found lacking, sometimes found stronger than I had imagined. A year where I asked Him and found God sufficient in all things, even when sometimes I doubted His grace.

Looking back over the last year, I can see my heavenly Father’s hand in so many things. I can even see Him in my mom going home to be with Jesus, though I had asked Him for a different answer. In the searching and the questions, in the doubt and the myriad of tears, I’ve found Him to be constant. Even when I yelled because I didn’t like His answer and I was angry with Him, He never walked away. Though I couldn’t always see it in the moment, looking back, He truly has been Immanuel, God with us (Matt 1:23).

I’ve seen Him SO often as my now-husband and I (along with some awesome friends and family!) planned a wedding in 90 days and it came off without any hitches that I know of (the bride is allowed to be oblivious, right?). And now I see Him as we’re learning life together and what being a godly wife and husband looks like. Getting to experience this journey with mentors, friends, and family who have walked the first few months of marriage some time ago and share their wisdom as we ask (and sometimes when we don’t ask, but really need it anyway).

I’m so thankful for the many lessons I’ve learned this year and am still learning as the new year rings in, though some I definitely wish had been different. Though God has used them to shape me, to grow and mold me, to strengthen my foundation in Him and show me anew who He is.

I’m not sure what I dream for 2019. Maybe a few less dramatic changes than the past year. Many more things to learn, I’m sure. Hopefully some good books and good chocolate. Time spent with family and friends. I know this doesn’t encompass nearly everything on my heart and mind, but sometimes words on a page or screen can’t fully express the emotions. The joys and grief, the laughter and tears, the simple smile at the end of a year and the anticipation of the one still to come. I don’t know what all I would dream for this new year, but I’m so enjoying getting to do so with my heavenly Father and my husband by my side.

Thank you all for taking the time to read this and remember the past year with me, a bit. I was trying to think of what to end this blog post with and music came to mind. There are so many songs that God has used to encourage us this year, so trying to narrow it down to just one to leave you with . . . . I think God of All My Days by Casting Crowns is a fitting one (click the title to listen on YouTube).

I hope you all have a blessed New Year!

My favorite books of 2018!

Soon to be Happy New Year, my friends! I have to be honest, I've read probably around 20 books this year - which may sound like a lot to some, but for me, that's not much. Though, I think I have a pretty great excuse, what with planning a wedding and getting married this past September and all. :)
So, with that being said, I have a whole 4 books for my list. This past year has been such a blur, that I could barely remember a couple of them, but I do remember really enjoying them! And that just gives me an excuse to read them, again, soon. ;)
I read a couple other great ones, as well. But they didn't come out in 2018, so they'll get honorable mention at the bottom, I think. As always, these aren't in any special order. (click the titles to read more about them)