Amish Pen Pals | Karen Anna Vogel and Dr. Maryann Roberts

December 2, 2013 By Leave a Comment

penpalscoverThere are users and losers in the world whose amoral philosophy often reels in the trusting and compassionate who are then seriously hurt…perhaps permanently.

The characters in the story are all Amish with the exception of one. For the purposes of the story, the exception is a man outside of the Amish community who appears to be amoral at best. His spiritual condition and philosophy aren’t on the table for review, but rather the anguish experienced by Rachael around her involvement and the wise counsel of our favorite from the Amish Knitting Circles, Deborah Weaver.

Rachael has more than her connection with the non-Amish man to overcome. She told her sister and best friend, Kate. Kate wasn’t receptive in a positive point of view. She left the house, while disturbed, to run an errand on bad roads. The horse and buggy she was driving were in an accident and Kate was killed. Rachael blames herself for both her irresponsible, wrong behavior and for Kate’s death.

She cannot return or accept the affection of the Amish man who loves her and wants to marry her; nor can she confess. Her family knows there is an issue.

The author draws Deborah(Granny) and Jeb Weaver into the story carefully. Their strong spiritual and ‘people; wisdom often send both community members and “English” neighbors to them for counsel. The Amish Knitting Circles were begun as part of that storied ministry. Being pen pals with others lets the Weavers touch needy people who are not close enough to be frequent visitors at their Amish home.

Granny and Jeb do not offer ‘touchy-feely’ advice; there are some difficult steps for Rachael and others in her family to take as they move toward peace within and among themselves. The Weavers are examples to their community of tolerance, acceptance and patience with learners. Their counsel reflects on their experience with their own flaws as they have achieved the present state of maturity.

Author Karen Anna Vogel is joined by Dr. Maryann Roberts in preparing a study guide for readers to use through this book that provides a spiritual outline for working through sin’s guilt and God’s forgiveness along with that of family, lovers and friends. Not every sin will be the same as Rachael’s, but each and every issue can be brought before God. Having a study pattern can be a wonderful step forward in the process…that first step is sometimes the most difficult.

Karen Anna Vogel writes ‘comfortably’. I enjoy a pleasant, intelligent, well-presented read in her stories. Readers who want to enjoy a pleasant, positive story revolving around the intriguing Amish culture, with or without in-depth spiritual contemplation, can count on Karen Anna Vogel to produce that experience.

 

 

Filed Under: Amish, Fiction, Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , ,

The Meeting Place | Janette Oke and T. Davis Bunn

December 2, 2013 By Leave a Comment

themeetingcover

The story of two women who are developing their faith in a highly unusual, almost unbelievable situation…but then isn’t that the fitting description of a good story? When you can suspend reality and pretend.  And in that pretending, suspend expectations?  When you can do that, The Meeting Place becomes an absolutely beautiful story of an era on the Americas that we don’t often visit. The British rule Canada, England is as war with France and the settlers in Canada are forced to take a side that makes no sense to them.

I have not read many of Janette Oke books because in the past; I had a difficult time getting to a point where the story began. This book was a pleasant change from what I expected.  Perhaps the addition of another author to the mix has helped.

I enjoyed reading about the clothing, furniture, foods and culture of the period in time, but the depth of the story comes in the spiritual growth achieved at separate times by young couples, one each in the French camp and the English camp. The British authorities bring the political situation to ‘a head’ and arbitrarily force the French Acadians into exile in the lower colonies (another history story that we find familiar).

As the main characters are growing spiritually, two young women, French and English, seek solitude in the same high country meadow and very much against the grain of the British community, become close friends and sisters in Christianity. They read scriptures together and young Catherine visits Louise’s large family in the French community. They share the happiness of marriage and the birth of a daughter to each of them. Angst and stress pains both of them as Louise’s baby does not thrive. French people do not have reasonable access to medical care, but Catherine comes up with a plan where the two ‘trade’ babies and she smuggles Louise’s baby out to a doctor.

While she is gone with her father, the British troops deport the Acadians — and Catherine’s baby girl! The story leaves readers in suspension…as each mother is doing her very best by the child she is raising for a friend while missing her own darling child. The sacrifice has meant that both children will survive and that there will be other changes in the lives of the characters.

There is so much more to this story — everything doesn’t happen smoothly in a couple paragraphs! Treat yourself to a good read that will make you smile and shed a few tears. I have not read many of Janette Oaks books because in the past, I had a difficult time getting to a point where the story began. This book was a pleasant change from what I expected. I highly recommend The Meeting Place.

 

Filed Under: Fiction, Historical Fiction, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,

Marian Baay Shares “What Inspires Me.”

November 19, 2013 By 2 Comments

slenderladytresses6749Contemplating “What inspires me.”, Marian Baay went on to share the inspiration she gathers for her soul when spending time by the sea in her Holland home. I’ve never seen that sea. The ‘biggest’ water I’ve ever been near was the Florida Gulf coast around Tampa.

I hope that you will read Marian’s blog and see the images she has of the sea and the wildflowers. Grasses, trees, wild flowers and the flowers in my garden give me some of the inspirational moments that I find. Walking by the hay field, at peace, let me see the first, spiraling, slender lady tresses I had ever found. They seemed to have no leaves…rather like the surprise lilies that pop up in the flower beds near the house.Surprise Lilies

 

I can fixate on the intricacies of the flowers and just drift off into the deep thought place where I can hear. As Marian points out, at these moments and in these special places, we do hear the things we’re really supposed to hear. Be willing to tap into the inspirational moments and note what the spirit is saying to us keeps us from wandering down useless trails. Instead we are basking in a fulfilling guidance which we enjoy and know that those we serve will benefit with us.

 

Filed Under: Alone with Judy's Brain, Guest Post Tagged With: , , ,

Dead Lake | B.J. Robinson, Dead Lake Mystery Series

November 4, 2013 By 1 Comment

deadlakecoverIs it the dead or the living that will scare you?

Somebody’s not dead at Dead Lake and he’s going to try to scare the living daylights out of you.

B. J. Robinson takes a real place in Florida where there are some ‘dead’ lakes occurring when sand bars are created by the current in the Aplachicola River to block the Chipola River. High water killed the trees in the flood zone….made them flat out dead.

While fishing with family in the Dead Lakes area, B.J. was inspired to put together a mystery around a retired couple who encounter a deadly criminal while trying to navigate a foggy day on Dead Lake.

B.J. brings a low-voltage Christian aspect into the story through the faith of Judy Knowlton as the risks accumulate. At one point, they even experience the effects of temptation when they hide a large amount of money around their house…money that no one but the ‘bad guy’ even dreams exists. And he isn’t real sure. He doesn’t find it, but they do not get to enjoy the fruit of their weakness!

The retired couple face some serious risks and are surprised at their ability to come back with determination to help others who are threatened by the ‘bad guy’.

I enjoyed the pleasure read that acknowledges faith and is a clean, geographically unique story. Enjoy the Florida swamps with some folks who aren’t really sure which way to go, but aren’t afraid to do what they have to do to protect one another, friends and family.

I’m glad to see this book as part of a series. The characters surely have some more tales to tell.  I know there are readers out there looking for a comforting pleasure story like those B.J. Robinson spins.

 

 

Filed Under: Fiction, Mystery, Reviews, Thriller Tagged With: , , , ,

Victory | DeEtte Beckman

November 3, 2013 By Leave a Comment

victorycoverNostalgic Style with Lessons

A socio-political story about community and corruption. This book is based on deep faith which is all that keeps the good guys protected from selfish evil.

This story is written in a style that reminds me of older writing styles. Elegantly simple and to the point; getting us through the story.

There is betrayal, murder, attempted murder (even that of a child), abuse, romantic love and the Might of Right.

The story is moving. I enjoyed the story and that unusual writing style.

A community can come back to the true knowledge of the glue that holds them together. Sometimes the desire for personal gain and not paying attention will get in the way and the folks in the community have to learn the hard way with pain and loss. I recommend reading it from a political point of view — we must pay attention to what is going on around us. There are days when those who would be at the front of the line do not have the skills to lead or the best interests of the community at heart. When they are given more responsibility than they should be given, the givers are the losers. But the givers could have been paying attention.

Ms. Beckman doesn’t make a specific political statement; more saying that callous greed, cruelty and disrespect are bad and shows how in the story.

 

Filed Under: Fiction, Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,

The Christmas Visitors | DeEtte Beckstead, author

November 3, 2013 By 3 Comments

christmasvisitorsFaith Will Last

A warm and cozy home provides shelter to people who are lost in the storm. An elderly faith-filled couple, with their provides shelter and spiritual encouragement to a discouraged young couple and their little daughter and baby.

A Christmas story where Maggie and John with TJ, the dog are quietly, but eagerly awaiting someone…

The knock on the door announcing the arrival of the young couple who’ve had a snowy road car accident is eagerly answered and the cold family is welcomed.

In many stories the Christmas visitors are the ‘gift’ — remember the Three Wisemen, the first visitors of Christmas.  You’ll be surprised by the ending. Pleasantly surprised.

As I’ve noted in other reviews, DeEtte Beckstead writes in a style from an earlier era, at least it feels like that to me. I liked traveling back to those days of simple, elegant writing. A sweet story of Christmas that is a pleasure and comfort to read.

 

Filed Under: Fiction, Reviews Tagged With: , , ,

Life After Hell | Surviving Sexual Abuse | Gladys Guintal, Author Guest

October 15, 2013 By 1 Comment

Gladys Quintall, authorGladys Quintal is a survivor.  As a paranormal romance author living in Australia, she has used the vampire story genre as a therapy to wage war against her experiences. Gladys came to my attention on Facebook — isn’t the Internet wonderful. Without social media, we would never have ‘met’ and Gladys’ statement that there is Life After Hell wouldn’t have made it to the pages of Cardinal Bluff.

Gladys wakes up every day to a reality she has determined to live and she refuses to be further victimized by circumstances she cannot change. The link goes to the book — I suggest you read, be inspired and support a brave woman.

Life After Hell: Surviving Sexual Abuse By Gladys Quintal

From 1976-1982, I was the victim of sexual abuse. My abuser (who was a paedophile, rapist and killer of animals) was sentenced to seven years in prison on the 25th February 2013 – a full 30 years after the fact. I flew to New Zealand on the 25th of February 2013 to witness the sentencing of my rapist – a journey toward justice 30 years in the making. His conviction and inclusion on the sex offender registry was a victory like no other.   Life After Hell - Surviving Sexual Abuse | Gladys Quintall, author

I want to emphasize the all-important message that you do not have to put up with abuse. Children are so easily manipulated and coerced by adults. They are so easily silenced and paralysed by threats, especially threats of violence against loved ones or beloved pets. They are the perfect victims – naïve, gullible, terrified and defenceless. Therefore, we must protect our children and make sure we are leaving them in the care of people we absolutely trust.

Yet abuse happens all too frequently around the world, and children need to tell someone – anyone – other than the parent or caregiver who is the abuser. A teacher, priest, neighbour, a policeman… no matter the manner in which your abuser has threatened or intimidated you, there is someone out there who will and can help, if you only take that first step and ask. In cases of paedophilia, nine times out of ten the victim knows the abuser, who is often a family member or close friend. Parents need to be more vigilant and watch for the signs of abuse, for paedophiles operate within a sick and clever mentality of their own, brilliantly disguising their actions, shifting blame, and twisting the facts. Simply put, children do not stand a chance against a determined paedophile. I certainly didn’t.

Whenever the bad stuff would happen, I would zone out and try and pretend it was happening to someone else. I was determined not to let him break me – not to let him drive me insane and in the back of my mind I kept telling myself that one day I would be old enough to leave and start a life for myself. I would be in control then and never let anything like this happen ever again. I always believed that I would have a better life than the horror I was living and fought to survive long enough to make it through to that time.

I wrote this book to inform abuse survivors that they are not alone, and that they are worthy, and that they can seek justice. Yes, justice can be dispensed many, many years after the crime has been committed. It may not be for everyone, and I will not lie and say it is an easy road. It requires years of emotional investment and takes toll on you and your loved ones. But it can be done. The closure it has given me to see “him” behind bars is amazing. I feel as if a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I have been shown to be worthy — at last.The sentencing of my rapist was a vindication and also gave me some small sense of consolation. I know that at least for the next few years, other children will be safe from a monstrous paedophile – something that caused me many sleepless nights over the past 30 years. Can you imagine the lingering horror of wondering what “new” child he was abusing at any given time, and not being able to do a damn thing to stop him? I wanted to get him off the streets, away from children, and registered as a sex offender. After many years, I have achieved that.

Also, writing a journal is extremely therapeutic. In fact, this is how the book began. Rather than keep it bottled up inside, push aside your feeling of shame and talk about the abuse. Share your story with anyone who wants to listen, because getting it out there and not hiding it away is the key. It need not be a dark little secret. Tell the world, which is what I am doing here. It gets the burden off your shoulders and may just help someone else in the process. The truth is, the more people who talk about it, the less victims there will be.

Even after everything I went through as a child, I am a happy and well adjusted adult, thank God. I am in love with the man of my dreams, have four beautiful children, and many wonderful friends. I have already reached a lot of the goals that I set for myself – getting my stepfather convicted for rape being at the top of my list. I had always wanted to write books and have done that now too. I enjoy writing and have written a series of Paranormal Romance books in The Dream Series, about a vigilante vampire that kills rapists and child molesters….

I also wrote this book and a short story about my health. I have fought to get my health problems sorted and not just let doctors fob me off like they have tried to do for years. I never want to be a doormat like my mother; I want to take control of my own fate and fight to be in charge of my own life. I now have a very good and happy life, a life where I am in control of my own destiny. The life I always knew was out there waiting for me, if I could just escape the horrors of home.

A life after hell…

Connect with Gladys Quintal on Facebook

 

Filed Under: Alone with Judy's Brain, Guest Post, Non-Fiction

All the Dancing Birds | Auburn McCanta

September 12, 2013 By Leave a Comment

All the Dancing Birds | Auburn McCanta, authorAs Auburn McCanta builds the story behind the phrase All the Dancing Birds, readers find growing poignancy for everyone who has an Alzheimer’s victim in their care or acquaintance. The IPPY (Independent Publisher Book Awards) award winning story comes across with believability and emotional connection with Lillie Claire, a mother and poetically inclined woman.

The presentation is non-typical because the story shifts between the daily experiences as Lillie Claire feels the tentacles of Alzheimer’s clutching her life and as she reads memory-loaded letters she writes to her children in an effort understand and preserve some heritage for their future.

I was immediately reminded of the 1985 made-for-tv movie, Do You Remember Love starring Joann Woodward as a woman in the same trap as Lillie Claire. The women just KNOW something isn’t the same as it has been but their lives are spiraling out of control.

As the disease claims more of Lillie Claire’s faculties, her children change roles. Her daughter Allison has a difficult time understanding, accepting and dealing with her mother’s condition. Bryan, who has been distant as he developed his career, becomes the one who spends more time with Lillie Claire and learns more about her condition. Have you been in the position of either of these people. They are set-up in a fairly typical way. When I think of the dear people whom I’ve known and who were taken by Alzheimer’s, it is sad to see how many times victim, friends and family seemed blindsided by the truth — rather patience was thin and disagreements rife at a time in their lives when the hourglass sands of life were sliding fast and furious through the little hole.

Fortunately for Lillie Claire and her family, they can afford a gentle caregiver who can stay in Lillie Claire’s home with her throughout this ordeal. The tipping point (and title point) seems to come when Lillie Claire finds ‘friendship’ with the birds she feeds on her patio. She totally understands that these lovely birds invite her to dance with them and believes that this is a dance she where she can be free and ‘well.’ That is her note of hope when the dark times come.

The letters are random snapshots of Lillie Claire’s life as a child, young woman and her thoughts about her parents, grandparents and dear husband. They aren’t presented in an organized history, but filled with poetry and emotion. My impression was that they would have been scribbled down as that moment came clearly to the surface of her mind. To demand chronological order is unfair, cruel and risks rejection of the intent — maintaining connections of all nerve endings with a life. They are presented to us even more randomly as she reaches into the box where they are stored and selects whichever letter her fingers reach first. As the disease progresses, her caregiver reads the letters to her which brings Lillie Claire a calmer state of mind.

After the disease has claimed Lillie Claire’s life, her children find the letters as they are sorting through her things. The letters accomplish her highest goal — a tender, resilient bond between a sister and brother who are so different and who’ve spent most of their lives bickering between themselves or with their mother.

Readers can raise a glass of red wine in acknowledgment of a job well done. Purple for Alzheimer's

 

“All the Dancing Birds” is not a particularly Christian book, but I found it profound and inspiring.

 

Filed Under: Fiction, Reviews Tagged With: ,

Sweet Child of Mine, Volume 11, Murray Pura’s Cry of Freedom | Murray Pura and Micala Pura

September 10, 2013 By Leave a Comment

Sweet Child of MineMurray Pura and Daughter, Micala have spun a heart-felt and wholesome story about Canadians who were soldiers in the American Civil War — a conflict you might expect Canadians willing to sit back and watch…”Not our problem.”

But, did you know that the Underground Railroad, delivery system for runaway slaves, had some ending depots in Canada? Meet some characters who represent the people who were seeking freedom.

Jack Burns, a farmer and fisherman of Nova Scotia who leaves his motherless child with family while he enlists in the Union army to support what he believes is right. The story is woven poetically through correspondence between Dan and his daughter, Kitt who is eleven when Jack leaves. The eloquent letters coming to the lonely father become the encouraging light and the saving grace for the entire regiment of the Army of the Cumberland, where Jack Burns serves. The lonely soldiers have adopted his daughter, calling her Sweet Child of Mine in their hearts, as a mascot and eagerly await her poetic blessings and outpourings of love and loneliness for her father. They don’t know the child’s full name, but felt the sweet phrase fit better than other names they might have used.

Fog on Lookout Mountain

While the story is spread over two years in general, the largest part focuses on the season at the base of Missionary Ridge in Tennessee. Some who are waiting for the battle to take up claim to be atheists while others can quote Scripture at the drop of a hat to support the promises and prophesy that motivates Jack to believe they will claim Missionary Ridge for the Union forces as they battle for Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge.

The epilogue is fulfilling, though  unexpected.

Sweet Child of Mine is truly a sweet story of a man and child of faith who stand firm in their trust for the outcome of their time apart. As the Eleventh volume in Murray Pura’s Cry of Freedom series, Sweet Child of Mine speaks of the father’s sense of freedom’s cry which called to Murray Pura begging for this collection to be written. Very appropriate that the poetic and tender presentation comes from a Canadian father and daughter.

Research and terms are historically apt…Missionary David Brainer is described as a ‘lunger’ who died from the ravages of consumption, but till the end served up the salvation message to the Delaware, Cherokee and other tribes. The missionaries had used obscure trails up the face of the cliff to reach the Cherokee villages at the top. These same trails, even more obscure, but till there were used by Union soldiers in their charge up to and over the top of Missionary Ridge. Statistics discussing the 50,000 Canadians who crossed the border to participate in this monumental conflict are not commonly known, but should be.

As with every other volume in Murray Pura’s Cry of Freedom, I recommend the story.
Murray Pura Sweet Child of Mine

 

Filed Under: Fiction, Historical Fiction, Reviews Tagged With: , ,

To Paint a Sunrise Volume 10, Murray Pura’s Cry of Freedom Series | Lauren Hjalmarson, Author

September 9, 2013 By Leave a Comment

To Paint A SunriseSweet little six-year-old Liza believes she is in a good spot for a little girl — a pet for Miss Angie. She is fighting sleep as she rushes to Miss Angie’s personal assistance whether that be tightening corset laces or fetching make-up.

Liza is sleepy because of late night gatherings in the forest where the slaves sing and tell stories — forbidden activity. Liza is carried there by a grown slave, Jim and carried back home as she falls asleep when the hours grow late.

The good times are going on in the midst of the American Civil War and do not last. Liza is subjected to harsh reality of slave life and beaten severely when Angie’s father and Liza’s master finds the child with some of Angie’s make-up on her face. It made me sad to read of a little girl having the make-up ‘tested’ on her skin before Southern Belle, Angie put her face at risk, only for the little girl to be savagely beaten for having white make-up on her dark skin.

The horrid incident comes as General Butler, Union officer, comes to dinner. The fate of Liza and her friends lies in the hands of General Butler. You will love the schemes the slaves set off in order to get General Butler’s attention.

I cannot tell you more details about how Liza’s experiences with paint lead to her appreciation of the sun and how the colors paint freedom. Lauren Hjalmarson has painted a story that will print brightly on your heart.

I highly recommend To Paint A Sunrise, Volume 10 in Murray Pura’s American Civil War Series.

 

Filed Under: Fiction, Historical Fiction, Reviews Tagged With: , , ,
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