‘Tomorrow’s Garden’ by Amanda Cabot – Book Review

‘Tomorrow’s Garden’ is the third and final book in Amanda Cabot’s ‘Texas Dreams’ Trilogy.

Here is the synopsis of this novel:

As a seed awaits the spring sunshine, so one young woman hopes for a brighter tomorrow.

Harriet Kirk is certain that becoming the new schoolteacher in Ladreville, Texas, is just what she needs – a chance to put the past behind her and give her younger siblings a brighter tomorrow. What she didn’t count on was the presence of handsome former Texas Ranger Lawrence Wood – or the way he affects her fragile heart. But can Harriett and Lawrence ever truly conquer the past in order to find happiness?

Book 3 in the Texas Dreams series, Tomorrow’s Garden is a powerful story of overcoming the odds and grabbing hold of happiness.

Here is the biography of this author:

Dreams have always been an important part of Amanda Cabot’s life. For almost as long as she can remember, she dreamt of being an author. Fortunately for the world, her grade-school attempts as a playwright were not successful, and she turned her attention to writing novels. Her dream of selling a book before her thirtieth birthday came true, and she’s been spinning tales ever since. She now has more than twenty-five novels to her credit under a number of pseudonyms.

The author of Paper Roses and Scattered Petals, Amanda is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, a charter member of Romance Writers of America, and an avid traveler. She married her high school sweetheart, who shares her love of travel and who’s driven thousands of miles to help her research her books. A few years ago they fulfilled a longtime dream and are now living in the American West in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

This book was really captivating and well-written. The main character, Harriet Kirk, had been through a lot of trials in her life, and, as is the case with many people, those difficulties had hardened her heart; she built up a lot of walls and barriers to protect herself from further sadness and loss. Fortunately, she also had a relationship with Jesus, so there was hope that she would be restored and released from her bondage.

Several of the characters in this story were featured in the previous novel in this series, ‘Scattered Petals,’ including Priscilla, Clay, Lawrence and Sarah. It was nice to revisit these characters and see how they’d evolved over the last couple years (that book was set in 1856; this book was set in 1858/1859).

I am always interested in seeing how main characters meet each other. Here are Harriett’s impressions of Lawrence Wood, Ladreville’s mayor and sheriff:

“Good afternoon, Mr. Wood,” Harriet said, continuing her appraisal as she approached him. Her first impressions had not been wrong. He was tall – at least a foot taller than she – and the muscles of his arms and shoulders were scarcely hidden by his chambray shirt and loose-fitting jacket. From his freshly polished boots to the top of his hat, this was a man who demanded attention. It wasn’t anything he said or even his expression; it was simply the way he stood, the almost imperious angle of his head combined with the seemingly casual way his hand remained close to his hip, ready to draw the six-shooter at the slightest provocation. Every inch of this man announced that he was a formidable force. (pp. 30-31)

It sounds like she was impressed!

Mrs. Cabot’s writing is compelling in its plot and character development. She makes me interested enough in her characters and their lives that I want to keep reading – even when life’s busyness doesn’t lend itself to that task!

This book offered lots of life lessons, including hard work, love for your neighbor, and hearty worship to the Lord. It also shows the negative repercussions of going down the crooked roads of drunkenness and gambling.

As in the second book in the series (I hope to read the first, ‘Paper Roses’ soon), Christianity and a personal relationship with the Lord are prominently figured in the plot. Here is a conversation between Lawrence and Harriet wherein Lawrence becomes aware of a better way to live:

His eyes a deeper blue than she had ever seen, Lawrence met her gaze. “Can you forgive me for being so proud? I thought I knew better than everyone, even God. I was the big, strong Ranger. Even though you told me otherwise, I was sure I knew what Isabelle needed today.”….”Look what that got me. I was also sure about my life. Even when God pointed me in a different direction, I kept going my way.” Lawrence shook his head slowly. “I considered myself a good Christian, but – like you – I forgot who was in charge. I hope I never make that mistake again. God gave me a second chance today, and I don’t want to waste it.” (p. 382)

Revell, for a limited time, is offering the first book in this series, ‘Paper Roses,’ free as a Kindle download; here is the link. I haven’t read that one yet; I am grateful for the opportunity. I did read ‘Scattered Petals;’ it was one of my first reviews (you can read it here). I really enjoyed that one! Being that I enjoyed that one so well, it was a good bet that this one was also going to be a favorite – and it was!

You can order this book here.

Available April 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. This book was provided to me by Revell for review purposes.

‘The Deepest Waters’ by Dan Walsh – Book Review

It is a rare book that makes you feel warm and fuzzy in the midst of pain. Dan Walsh’s latest book, ‘The Deepest Waters’ did that for me.

Here is the synopsis of this novel:

For John and Laura Foster, what began as a fairytale honeymoon in 1857 aboard the steamship SS Vandervere soon becomes a nightmare. A terrible hurricane strikes and the grand ship is lost in the murky depths of the Atlantic. Laura finds herself rescued with the other women and children, but how can she feel anything but despondent without her groom? Suspecting her John is gone but still daring to hope for a miracle, Laura must face the possibility of life alone.

Talented author Dan Walsh skillfully tells an epic story of hope, faith, and love through an intimate lens. Inspired by real events, this emotional and honest story will capture your heart as you sail through its pages.

Here is the biography of this author:

Dan Walsh is the award-winning author of The Unfinished Gift and The Homecoming. A member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Dan served as a pastor for 25 years. He lives with his family in the Daytona Beach area, where he’s busy researching and writing his next novel.

I really loved this book! I was captivated by all of the characters. The main characters, John and Laura Foster, were wonderful people; I truly sympathized and empathized with them.

I love how the book gave us a glimpse of how John and Laura’s love developed. As a woman, it made me sigh:

          “I am working at the store all day tomorrow. May I call on you after work?”

          “Yes.”

          “Yes…what?”

          Laura was confused.

          “May I hear you call me by name?”

          “Yes…John,” she said.

From that day on, they were Laura and John. And Laura had known a love more splendid than her best books dared promise, a happiness beyond even girlhood dreams. (p. 14)

I would have to say that my favorite character is Micah, the slave of Captain Meade of the SS Vandervere. He reminded me of the apostle Paul, who was joyful and rejoicing in the worst circumstances. Here is a conversation between Laura and Micah on the ship:

        

          He smiled. “So you want to know my secret?”

          Laura smiled back. “Yes, very much.”

         “Nobody ever asked me that before.”

         “Well, I’m asking.”

“I guess it be this…live in the day, ‘cause that’s all we been given, trust God fo’ the rest.”

“Live in the day,” she repeated.

“And trust God for the rest. Yes’m.”

“That’s it?”

“That’s it.” He looked out over the water. “See…we got no control over things that happen in life. Not just slaves, white folks got no control neither. Even rich and powerful got no control. Nobody got control. Only God. Rich folks got they money and power, make them think they do. But all they do is worry and fret over what might happen next….tomorrow, next week, next year. Got no joy in what God do for them today. Don’t even see it. Don’t thank him for it. Just run right by it, trying to stop all these things they afraid might happen, things that can’t be stopped. And it gets them no place. No place but angry and sad.” (p. 173)

This book has so many twists and turns; I did not see most of the plots twists coming! I was satisfied with the ending. You will want to read this book; I will NOT be giving away the ending!

This is the first of Dan Walsh’s books that I have had the pleasure to read. Mr. Walsh’s next release is coming in Fall 2011, ‘Unwrapping Christmas.’ As much as I enjoyed this book, I will definitely want to read this one. And I hope I have time soon to read his first two, ‘The Unfinished Gift’ and ‘The Homecoming.’ He’s an incredible writer! His characters are fully developed and he gives just enough details to keep my interest without being bogged down. His Carol Awards (ACFW Book of the Year) for ‘The Unfinished Gift’ is well-deserved.  

You can order this book here.

Available April 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.  This book was provided by Revell for review purposes. 

‘Lazarus Awakening: Finding Your Place in the Heart of God’ by Joanna Weaver – Book Review

I have to admit when I read the synopsis of the latest release from Joanna Weaver, ‘Lazarus Awakening: Finding Your Place in the Heart of God,’ I thought she must have written this book just for me! After reading the book, I knew God sent this book in my direction!

Here is the synopsis of this wonderful book:

You believe that God loves the world…but sometimes you wonder if He truly loves you. For many of us, moving the truth of God’s love from our heads to our hearts is a lifelong process. As we consider the inadequacies or grieve our shattered dreams, we find it difficult to believe that God cares for us personally.

In this life-giving book, Joanna Weaver shows you how to embrace the truth that Jesus loves you apart from anything you accomplish, apart from anything you bring. Just as He called Lazarus forth to new life, Jesus wants us to free you to live fully in the light of His love, unbound from the graveclothes of fear, regret, and self-condemnation.

Here is the biography of this author:

Joanna Weaver is the best-selling author of Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World, Having a Mary Spirit, and the award-winning gift book With This Ring. Her articles have appeared in such publications as Focus on the Family, Guideposts, and HomeLife. Joanna and her pastor-husband, John, have three children and live in Montana.

Here is the trailer, featuring Joanna, for this book:

And here is an excerpt from the Oasis Audio audiobook:

I was drawn to this book by the first few paragraphs of Chapter 1:

        It’s amazing that such a small space could make so much difference.

Just eighteen inches, give or take a few – that all it needs to move. And yet, for many of us, getting God’s love from our heads to our hearts may be the most difficult – yet the most important – thing we ever attempt to do. (p. 4)

Truer words have rarely been written!

One thing that affects our relationship with God is the relationship that we made with our earthly father. Joanna describes several types of fathers that inhibit our relationship: Abusive Father; Neglectful Father; Biased Father; Demanding Father (pp. 4-5) 


Personally, my parents were divorced before I was born, and I never met my father (he passed away when I was around 12). The lack of a father figure has been a deterrent to my relationship with God as Father. “I never needed a father before; why do I need one now?” was my mindset. And that mindset still remains to a certain extent, truth be told. So I choose to think of God in a different way.

I was also appreciative to Mrs. Weaver for explaining Satan’s tactics to keep us from the Lord. Here’s an excerpt from a passage that was particularly powerful to me:

Are you shy by nature? Well, then, he’ll make sure you are humiliated regularly to reinforce your fear of people. Are you prone to worry and anxiety? He’ll make sure that it seems everything and everyone is against you. Do you struggle with pride and anger? He’ll make sure that people know how to push your buttons – and they do it with great frequency!

Why would the enemy of your soul go to all the trouble, you ask? As I wrote in a previous book, I’m convinced that Satan isn’t nearly as concerned about losing you from his kingdom as he is committed to keeping you from being effective in God’s kingdom. He has as many different methods as there are individuals, but his one goal is to contain and restrain you. To entomb you so he can consume you. To incarcerate you with so many lies, insecurities, and guilt feelings that the gift God intended your life to be remains undiscovered. Tightly wrapped and left forgotten in a corner cell. (pp. 72-73)

Knowing what his tactics are, why do we still allow him to play that number on us?!

In contrast, the Lord only has His best for us:

For the Lord wants to accomplish more than just telling us where to go, what to do, and when to do it. He wants to take us by the hand and lead us out of our tombs. Wooing us out of our fear with His tender love. Calling us to higher purposes and deeper places in our walk with Him. All as we respond to His voice. (p. 109)

This is the first time I have read a book by Joanna Weaver. I really liked this one! It is so clear that Joanna has a huge heart for the Lord and for all people, not just women!

Joanna shares with us a ‘Resources for Resurrected Living’ section which lists books and DVDs that cover many subjects in her book (i.e., Being a Friend of God, Getting Out of Your Tomb). In addition, she has an Appendix entitled ‘Who I Am in Christ,’ with many scripture verses that help us to know who we really are. There is also an appendix that helps us to identify Strongholds which may be keeping us in our graveclothes. Finally, there is an Appendix that provide Hints for Unwinding Graveclothes.  

This book also includes a 10-week Bible study guide at the back of the book. I think studying this book with a handful of girlfriends would be a real treat; I am thinking of doing that myself! I highly recommend you take the time to enjoy and share this book with a girlfriend or two – or as many as you can gather!  

You can order this book here.

This book was published by WaterBrook Press. I am pleased to be on the LitFuse blog tour with these other bloggers.

‘Beside Still Waters’ by Tricia Goyer – Book Review

Anyone who has read my blog for any period of time knows that I love the Amish community! So when I learned that Tricia Goyer’s latest book, 'Beside Still Waters’ was a story about a young Amish woman, I knew I wanted to jump on the blog tour bus!

Here is the synopsis of this book:

Raised among the Amish of Indiana, 18 year-old Marianna Sommer plans to get baptized into the church, marry Aaron Zook, and set up life in the only community she has ever known. But when her older brother chooses the world’s path following his rumschpringe, and a younger sibling begins showing interest in Englisch ways, Marianna’s parents move the family to Montana.

Although she is also in her rumschpringe years and not obligated to move, Marianna makes the journey to dutifully help her mother who is expecting another child. Surprisingly, from strangers on the cross-country train ride to the less rigid stance of the new Montana community, many Englisch influences awaken within Marianna – and ever her father – the desire to pursue a deeper kind of joy and love for God.

After an accident, Marianna tells her friend Ben a defining story about the Sommer family, and his response further illumines the active relationship God seeks with His followers. In due time, she learns the move from Indiana was not about losing anything, but finding out who God really is. Despite all the shake-ups, Marianna feels a sweet peace, like still waters, in her soul.  

Here is the biography of this author:

Tricia Goyer is the author of twenty-six books including ‘Songbird Under a German Moon’, ‘The Swiss Courier’, and the mommy memoir, ‘Blue Like Play Dough.’ She won Historical Novel of the Year in 2005 and 2006 from ACFW, and was honored with the Writer of the Year award from Mt. Hermon Writer's Conference in 2003. Tricia's book Life Interrupted was a finalist for the Gold Medallion in 2005. In addition to her novels, Tricia writes non-fiction books and magazine articles for publications like MomSense and Thriving Family. Tricia is a regular speaker at conventions and conferences, and has been a workshop presenter at the MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) International Conventions. She and her family make their home in Little Rock, Arkansas where they are part of the ministry of FamilyLife.

Here is the book trailer:

And here is Tricia talking about her book:

One of the most interesting aspects of this book is Marianna’s reaction to the ‘Englisch’ people that she encountered after the family’s move to Montana. Here is a conversation between Marianna and a woman she encountered on the train her family took from Indiana to Montana:

“Moving to Montana? Really? I thought the Amish stayed in the same community their whole lives.” One of the woman’s penciled eyebrows peaked into an arch. She was curious, but open about her thoughts. Marianna found her liking the woman.

“Most do. That was my plan, too. But Dat – oh, my father, had other ideas.”

“Well, it’s good to know that God will be with you wherever you go, don’t you think? It helps me to think about Him – to pray – whenever I’m scared and alone. And He’s never abandoned me. When I seek Him, when I make the time to be with Him, I’m never disappointed.”

Marianna couldn’t help but notice the joy that spilled out of the woman as she talked. She tucked her hair behind her ear and then looked to the kids again. “I have a few coloring books and some crayons if your sister would like them. I got them for my friends’ kids, but I can just pick up something else later.” (p. 95)

Marianna had been insulated from the outside world, and was under the impression (an impression that was encouraged by her family and the leaders of her church) that the Englisch were evil and/or outside of the will of God. However, this woman led her to a different conclusion:

For as long as Marianna could remember, prayers to God were said reverently, silently to one’s self. For some reason she couldn’t picture that woman sitting quietly at a table in prayer. She pictured loud, exuberant prayers. And for the first time that seemed okay. Maybe God understood the woman’s heart despite the way she lived within the world? Marianna hoped so.

Surely someone so kind was worthy of God’s attention too. (p. 97)

I have been to Montana once before, many years ago. This book reminded me how beautiful that state is. Tricia’s description of the state makes me want to go visit again, this time with my husband, Fred. Here is Marianna’s impression of the state when they first arrive:

She rubbed her eyes and sat up, seeing a different world outside the window than the place they left yesterday. Pine trees clung to rocky cliff faces, and a river – not like the creek back home, but a real river – roared at the base of the canyon. The color of the water was bluish-green, like the turquoise necklace the clerk in the general store had worn, one Marianna had always admired. White foam danced on top of the river, reflecting in the morning light.

She cocked her head as she gazed out the window, lifting her eyes to the sky, but the hills rose and then turned into mountains. The sky was a sliver of blue off in the distance. Even though the view was breathtaking, her heart felt a slight pinch realizing her prairie lay far behind. (pp. 104-105)

I loved the device that Mrs. Goyer used to help us learn more about Marianna, and that was her letters to the ‘Junie-Sevenies,’ other young women whose birthday was also on June 7. It gives us a great glimpse into her heart and her life.   

I also loved how a young man that the Sommer family met, Benjamin, exhibited a life which was transformed by God’s love and forgiveness; he was happy to pass along his story to anyone who would listen. He also loved to praise the Lord with music by singing and playing his guitar. This was also a revelation to Marianna, who had been taught that instruments were forbidden. She only later learned that people in the Bible (King David foremost among them) played instruments in praise to God. I loved the freedom in Christ that became evident more and more as she saw God’s love outside of her small circle.

I have only read one other book by Tricia – ‘All Things Hidden’ (you can read my review here). Being that I am an Amish admirer from way back, I did enjoy this book better. This is the first in a three-part 'Big Sky' series. The second book in the series, ‘Along Wooded Paths,’ will be released in October, 2011. I look forward to the continuing journey – both spiritual and territorial – of Marianna Sommer and her family and friends.

You can order this book here.

The Advanced Reader Edition of this book was provided by B&H Fiction for review purposes. The page numbers in the quotations included here may not match those of the final publication, which is now available. I am pleased to be on the book’s blog tour through the LitFuse Publicity Group with these other bloggers.

Random Number Generator's Choice for 'Half the Church' Winner

The Random Number Generator has chosen the winner of 'Half the Church: Recapturing God's Global Vision for Women' by Carolyn Custis James. That winner is.....


Charli


Congratulations, Charli! I will be in touch shortly to get your mailing address.


Thanks to everyone for your comments; I appreciated the exuberant tweeters in particular! Thanks also to Jesse and Mason from Zondervan for providing the giveaway and review copies.


For those of you who did not win, but would like to read this important book, you can order it here.


Please stay tuned, as more great giveaways are coming. The next one is geared toward the male gender! 

‘Max on Life: Answers and Insights to Your Most Important Questions’ by Max Lucado – Book Review

It is always helpful to find a resource that helps answer life’s toughest questions. We have that in Max Lucado’s latest book, ‘Max on Life: Answers and Insights to Your Most Important Questions.’

Here is the synopsis of this book:

What Do You Wonder About? Do hows and whys niggle at your mind? Any wheres and whens keeping you up at night? In more than thirty years – as an author, pastor, husband, and father – Max Lucado has fielded a lot of questions. Questions born of doubt and pain or just plain curiosity.

Big questions about life and faith, heaven and hell:


Do angels really walk among us?
How should I discipline my kids?
Any advice for my struggling marriage?
Why do I worry so much?
How do I know what God’s will for me really is?

Closer-to-home dilemmas about sex, managing money, or raising kids.

This book gathers Max’s responses to the most often-asked questions. They’re vintage Lucado. Simple without being simplistic. Knowledgeable without being know-it-all.  Direct but compassionate, honest and authoritative, and always deeply practical. Full of challenges and comfort.

Bite-sized essays. Practical, inspirational, and Bible-based. Topical and scriptural indexes help you find your way. There’s even a special addendum to encourage would-be writers.

Max Lucado doesn’t pretend to give the final word on difficult issues. But question by question he keeps you looking toward the One who is the ultimate Answer to all our hows and whys and wheres and whens.

What, after all, is what life is really about.

Here is the biography of this author:

With more than 100 million products in print, Max Lucado is one of America’s most widely read authors. He and his wife, Denalyn, live in San Antonio, Texas, where he serves the Oak Hills Church.  

And here is Pastor Lucado explaining the purpose behind this book:

Pastor Lucado categorizes the questions into seven categories:

·         Hope – God, Grace, and “Why am I here?”

·         Hurt – Conflicts, Calamities, and “Why me?”

·         Help – Prayers, Scriptures, and “Why church?”

·         Him/Her – Sex, Romance, and “Any chance of a second chance?”

·         Home – Diapers, Disagreements, and “Any hope for prodigals?”

·         Have/Have-Nots – Work, Money, and “Where’s the lifeline?”

·         Hereafter – Cemeteries, Heaven, Hell, and “Who goes where?”

Those categories cover all of the bases!

This book answers 172 questions covering the gamut of subjects. Here is one about heaven and the bodies we will have there (here the full question and an edited answer):

154. I’ve been reading a book about the afterlife, and I wondered what our resurrected bodies will be like. I’ve struggled for years with a weight problem, so I sure hope I have a different body in heaven!

 ….We were not designed to be mentally unstable, crippled, or blind. In fact, when Jesus found people who were handicapped, he healed them. Why? Handicaps were not part of God’s original plan. If the man born blind was meant to be blind, Jesus would have left him that way.

We will all be the optimal size we need to be. Maybe short people will be a little taller and tall people a little shorter. Maybe skinny people will be a little heavier. Changes occur in our blueprints because of an imperfect genetic code. Whatever body we were meant to have, we will be given. And everything God makes is good. (p. 206)

Here are a few other intriguing questions in the ‘Hereafter’ chapter:

156. What does God think of suicide victims? What does that mean for their salvation? For our memories? For our peace of mind? (p. 208)  

167. What of the people who have never heard of God? How can God judge them for what they do not know? (p. 222)

168. I don’t like the narrow-mindedness of Christians. It is absurd to sat that Jesus is the only way to heaven. (p. 224)

The answer to that last question is particularly relevant because of the recent release of Rob Bell’s latest book, ‘Love Wins: A Book About Heaven, Hell and the Fate of Every Person Who Ever Lived’ and the controversy that went along with it. I will be reading and reviewing that book soon.

I have read numerous Max Lucado books over the many years that he has been writing them. The last book of his that I read is ‘Outlive Your Life: You Were Made to Make a Difference' (you can read my review here). I have been satisfied with every one of his books I have read, and ‘Max on Life’ is no exception. I appreciate his Biblical insights and wisdom, and am grateful that he shares that wisdom with his readers. I recommend this book for all; it is highly relevant for young people who are just getting started in life. What a great graduation gift this hardcover book would make! Even this not-so-young-anymore person will make reference to it on a regular basis! I think I will suggest my husband, Fred, and I read one question and answer per evening before going to sleep.

You can order this book here.

This book was published by Thomas Nelson Publishers and provided by them for review purposes.