2021 - Fourth Quarterly Review

To assist my blog readers, I summarize my reading four times a year, providing a brief description, the page count, and a grading scale (5 thumbs up - Highly Recommend, 4 thumbs up - Enjoyed, 3 thumbs up - Good, 2 thumbs up - Meh, and 1 thumb down - Regret, wishing I could get back the time invested). I read the following books during the fourth quarter of 2021 (for my full review, click on title):

The Banishment by Marion Chesney (or M.C. Beaton) - First in the Daughters of Mannerling series. The Beverley sisters attempt to win back the childhood home their father has lost through gambling. 192 pages (I listened in audio form, 5 CDs, 5-1/4 hours), 👍👍👍-1/2

The Unseen Guest by Maryrose Wood - Third in The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place series. Puns, synonyms, and light-hearted banter, as more comes clear about how the wolf children survived in the wild. 357 pages (I listened in audio form, 6 CDs, 6-3/4 hours), 👍👍👍

Ghost Knight by Cornelia Funke - After he is sent to boarding school and chased by ghosts, Jon Whitcroft seeks to reclaim the heart of a murdered knight. 352 pages (I listened in audio form, 4 CDs, 5 hours), 👍👍

Romans 13 and Covid 19: Knowledge, Warnings and Encouragement for the Church and World by J.L. Fuller - A must-read for every Christian who wants to seek God's will and God's way in this perplexing and problematic world. 469 pages, 👍👍👍👍👍

The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo - Despite many negative reviews for this children's book, I enjoyed this (a third time around for me) delightful tale about a mouse who overcomes the darkness to reach the story's redemptive end. 272 pages (I listened in audio form, 3 CDs, 3-1/2 hours), 👍👍👍👍-1/2

Tea Time for the Traditionally-Built by Alexander McCall Smith - Mma Ramotswe must enter the unfamiliar world of soccer to discern why a team is losing. Mma Makutsi must endure another woman's attempts to steal her man. 240 pages (I listened in audio form on Hoopla, 8-1/2 hours), 👍👍👍

You Are Not Alone by Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen - Loneliness drives Shay Miller to embrace the friends of a woman who committed suicide, but is their friendship too good to be true? 368 pages (I listened in audio form, 9 CDs, 11 hours), 👍👍👍👍

Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth - Stick-to-it-iveness! Numerous studies that reflect the following questions: Why is it important? Who has it? How do you get more of it? 277 pages, 👍👍👍👍-1/2

The Double Comfort Safari Club by Alexander McCall Smith - Book 11 in the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series. The thrills of a safari, the troubles of a swindler, and the threats of an interloper. 254 pages (I listened in audio form, 8 CDs, 8-1/2 hours), 👍👍👍

It's Not Your Turn: What to Do While You're Waiting for Your Breakthrough by Heather Thompson Day - Waiting is hard, but we can rest in God's plan. His ways, His timing, His purpose will always be best. 194 pages, 👍👍👍

The Saturday Big Tent Wedding Party by Alexander McCall Smith - Episode 12 in the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series. As Mma Makutsi's wedding looms, she must anticipate possible disruptions and locate the perfect shoes. Mma Ramotswe must identify the culprit in a handful of cattle slayings. 240 pages (I listened in audio form, 7 CDs, 8-1/2 hours), 👍👍👍 

Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty - Once again, Moriarty has presented a story of complex characters facing difficult odds. A mother gone missing. The father a suspect. Four siblings with varying perspectives on the truth of their parents' marriage. 464 pages, 👍👍👍👍👍

Cat Among the Pigeons by Agatha Christie - Something precious has been hidden away inside a young girl's luggage as she heads off to the Meadowbank girls' school. Who will find the treasure and what will they be willing to do to keep it for themselves? 290 pages (I listened in audio form, 6 CDs, 6-3/4 hours), 👍👍👍

Fighting Forward: Your Nitty-Gritty Guide to Beating the Lies That Hold You Back by Hannah Brencher - Fight song (pep-talk) essays of encouragement to battle fear and anxiety. Faith-filled inspiration that will destroy discouragement and doubt. 197 pages, 👍👍👍👍👍

Window on the Bay by Debbie Macomber - Two divorced women, with life-long plans to journey to Paris, each fall for men who don't fit their usual desired profile. 432 pages (I listened in audio form, 8 CDs, 9-1/2 hours), 👍👍

Making Room for Christmas by K.D. Sullivan - This brief advent guide, written by a friend, provides stimulating thoughts and accompanying songs and activities to walk you through the advent season. 37 pages, 👍👍👍

The Hollow: A Hercule Poirot Mystery by Agatha Christie - The wife is always the first suspect, especially when she stands holding a gun above her dying husband. 320 pages (I listened in audio form, 6 CDs, 7-1/4 hours), 👍👍👍-1/2

Maggie's Miracle by Karen Kingsbury - Eight-year-old Jordan's request for a Christmas miracle brings hope and love for his single mother, fulfilling years of prayers on her behalf. 167 pages (I listened in audio form, 3 CDs, 3-1/2 hours), 👍👍👍-1/2

Where Do We Go From Here? How Tomorrow's Prophecies Foreshadow Today's Problems by Dr. David Jeremiah - God has already outlined what will happen and we have front-row seats today. The problems in our world were foretold and can be faced with assurance that God is in control and has a plan that He is fully capable of completing. 220 pages, 👍👍👍

Bookshop by the Sea by Denise Hunter - Sophie Lawson has a lot on her plate. Now Aiden Maddox wants to worm his way back into her heart by helping her open her dream bookshop. 335 pages (I listened in audio form, 6 CDs, 7-1/2 hours), 👍👍👍

2021 - Gifts for Me Beneath My Tree

I received so many lovely gifts this Christmas. Thought I'd share them with my book and/or Britain-loving readers:

This lovely tissue box holder - from my sister, Dawn. An excellent addition to my book room.

Don't know where I'll hang this gift from my husband. Book room? Devotional desk downstairs? Although it would change the rhythm of the caption, this year I hope to bump the first word to the last word and, in order of importance, pray, then read, then eat.

Bryce bought me these books by Andrew Peterson. I so enjoyed Adorning the Dark (borrowed it from a mega-church library nearby) that I asked for my own copy. He obliged and also purchased the newest book by Peterson, The God of the Garden. I'm looking forward to another inspiring read about creating for God's kingdom.

Love this Writer's Block pencil holder from John!

John also recognizes my love of London - 😁

I can't wait to work that puzzle and use a recent $5 acquisition - this lovely end table with removable trays, where I intend to store the categories of shaded puzzle pieces. I also found that delightful White Mountain cereal puzzle at a garage sale for only $3. Score!

Blessed beyond measure!

2021 Holiday Greetings

Holiday greetings to my faithful readers! May you be blessed by a word I write! May you grow in number! May God minister to your souls through the words he weaves from my pen (or keyboard 😉). No matter what transpires in the coming year, may He draw you ever closer to Himself!

We are grateful for a holiday visit from our eldest son, Bryce. He flew in from Dallas, TX, on Tuesday and is able to stay for a full week. Such a blessing to see him and spend time with him.

Especially grateful for our comfortable back porch where we open stockings and gifts. A plethora of blessings:

I have enjoyed this holiday season - especially taking it easy for the most part.

Favorite gift finds: I found two adorable and funny gifts for John. He loves squirrels (despite feelings of ire when they eat all the food he scatters for the birds, or bring down his window feeder by squeezing in with their girth). I snagged a big squirrel head feeder from Kohls at great discount:

Then, I found an adorable matching sock set to give him from the dog - ha!

Best deal: Sean wanted cologne. Thank you, CVS for your deals: I snagged a $40 bottle of Drakkar for 40% off and then received $10 in ECBs for purchasing a cologne over $19.99. Score!

Favorite funny gift: A Facebook friend posted photos of these gifts she gave her co-workers:

Mine didn't turn out quite as polished as hers, but the boys loved them anyway.

I have highly creative Facebook friends. Another friend, Laura (my CBLI friend-selfie buddy), added a unique twist to her holiday cards this year. She posted this in November (plenty of advance notice):

For the Holidays I would like Holiday cards. I want a tiny (index card size) artwork inside the card. Even if we hardly talk. Message me for my address if you don't have it. I would gladly send you one also if you would like! How nice it would be to have my mailbox flooded with Holiday cards. I'd love to keep your unique artwork forever. It doesn’t matter how fancy, simple, childlike it is, as long as it is creative and you. Oh and make sure you sign it please.

Love this idea! Stolen from a friend except they were asking for recipes.

I loved the idea, despite not being as artistic or crafty as others. I'd love the recipe version, as well, but as I only receive a dozen cards, it didn't seem worth it to ask for anything more, ha! Here's a photo of the artwork I sent to Laura on a plastic magnetic frame:

Here's the art she sent within her Christmas card to me:

And here's a photo of the tiny artwork my niece, Billie Jean, sent us:

Visits, gifts, and cards all make Christmas special. Celebrating the birth of the Savior makes it extra special, indeed! May you and yours enjoy this Christmas day, as well!

As a parting gift, enjoy this euphonium selection of "Carol of the Bells." Melodic and amazing.

Book Review: Bookshop by the Sea

I loved the enticing cover on this audio book. Bookshop by the Sea, by Denise Hunter, is a perfect fit for a book-lover seeking a clean, Christian read. Even though sometimes preachy, the story line was interesting enough to keep me going. I also could have done without the whiny voicing of the grandmother character. Thankfully, she wasn't at the heart of the story.

Sophie Lawson has plenty of reasons to distrust her ex-boyfriend Aiden Maddox. Unfortunately, she can't stop looking at him across the room during her sister's wedding reception. She staves off the attraction by dredging up all the old feelings from when he ditched her to take a job five hours away, leaving her on the same day her father abandoned her family. But it's a lot harder to fight the attraction when holed up in a cottage with him, riding out a hurricane. She attempts to keep her focus on her primary goals: meeting the needs of her siblings and starting up her dream bookshop. An author is coming to pitch his books on her opening day. She doesn't have time for a storm, nor for the damage it leaves in its wake. Will Aiden prove reliable in his efforts to help her realize her dream? Will the sparks prove overwhelming? Can she learn to forgive and trust again?

 

Book Review: Where Do We Go From Here?

Dr. David Jeremiah, in Where Do We Go From Here?, poses ten current signs of the end times: socialism, globalism, pandemics, economic chaos, apostasy, increasing evil, cancel culture, spiritual famine, Jerusalem, and the gospel's triumph. I don't agree with everything Jeremiah says and does. Yet, I could glean some enrichment from reading this book. He writes with a natural speaking style that is easy to understand. The structure flows nicely, and he ends each chapter with an action point. He encourages the reader to understand what is going on today and to take action to live as God would have us live.

In the section on pandemics, I saw myself in one illustration. At the outset of the pandemic, I was uptight. Convinced I would succumb and die, my imagination created a larger shadow to the real threat. Many times, my imagination has led me to fear and those unhealthy thoughts are not God-honoring. Jeremiah tells of a woman who battled cancer by reminding herself that her imagination was often more deadly than the disease. He quotes her as saying, "I had to refuse to allow my imagination to play with my future. The future... is ordered by God, and no man can guess it. For me to let myself imagine how or when the end would come was not only unprofitable, it was definitely harmful, so I had to bring my thoughts into captivity that they might not dishonor Christ."

In that same section, I appreciated his reference to Elisabeth Elliot's recasting of Minnie Paull's poem, "Doe Ye Nexte Thynge." It reminded me to remove my fixation on the future and potential ills, and to focus my mind and heart on God and the next thing He would have me do. One step at a time, the race is run! I stand with Dr. Jeremiah, intent on banishing fear of the future by recognizing all is in His prophetic plan. He carries us each step of the way. God calls us to be wise, be alert, be dependent as we await His return.

If short on time, you can view this information in his sermon series of the same title.

Book Review: Maggie's Miracle

Many years ago, I read Karen Kingsbury's Red Glove series. Eager for the Christmas "feels," I picked up Maggie's Miracle. If I read this before, I didn't remember the storyline. It was a quick and easy read. At only 3-1/4 hours, I devoured it in only a handful of treadmill sessions.

Eight-year-old Jordan is grieving the loss of his father and feeling like a burden to his mother and grandmother. He writes a letter to God asking for a Christmas miracle. He wants his mother to believe in love again and he wants a daddy. When his mother chances upon an article about a program pairing adult volunteers with grieving children, she hopes it will change his life. She never dares to believe it will change her own, as well. Nor can she imagine the depths of prayer leading to these changes.

You can count on Kingsbury's Red Glove series for inspiration and Christmas charm. Perhaps I should revisit the rest of the series. Maggie's Miracle delivers a delightful little Christmas story (made into a Hallmark movie in 2017). It follows Gideon's Gift, the first book in the series. Yet, each is a stand-alone, so order is not absolutely necessary.

Book Review: The Hollow

I enjoyed this Hercule Poirot mystery more than the last one. Again, I was fairly sure Agatha Christie would provide a clean audio book to consume. This time around, a murder occurs at a country estate and Hercule Poirot is invited to tea for a neighborly visit. He arrives just in time to find Gerda Christow, a guest at the home, holding a gun in front of the dying body of her husband, John. Dr. John Christow is beloved by many, yet some may wish to kill him. Was he murdered out of jealousy? Was he murdered by a lover? By his wife, the most obvious culprit? Or was it someone from outside the Angkatell estate? All leads seem to head toward dead ends (no pun intended). But, with Poirot, we know we'll discover the truth at last.

Book Review: Window on the Bay

Thankfully, you can always trust a Debbie Macomber book for a clean read. Window on the Bay was no exception. Although I wasn't in the mood for romance, this fit the bill for an engaging story to fill my treadmill time. The story centers on two divorced women who have all but written off love and find it in the least expected places. I found the book while seeking stories about Paris. This book only mentions Paris as a destination the two friends hope to visit. 

Sadly, this wasn't my favorite Macomber book. I struggled with the main characters, never drawn to either woman. One is out of touch with her children. She seems to have no idea how far her college daughter is going off the rails. Plus, she's unaware her son has abandoned school for a job she considers beneath him. The other woman is a librarian who supposedly has never encountered and cannot grasp football. She thinks her sports loving boyfriend would enjoy a night at the ballet to observe the dancers' far superior athletic abilities. Perhaps the author painted the women with too broad of strokes to draw the reader in entirely. I wanted to root for them more and feel connected to the story. In the end, it was only a fair distraction from my exercise regimen. Yet, I will give Macomber another try, if only for the promise of a clean listen.

Book Review: Fighting Forward - Highly Recommend

This book is so inspiring! How have I never heard of this author? Hannah Brencher is a blogger and TED Talk speaker. She is also the founder of The World Needs More Love Letters. (This is a fascinating story. In a moment of despair and rootlessness, instead of focusing on her own anxiety, Hannah began leaving love letters around town for others to find, and it led to a movement. As I said, how did I miss this?) If you have seeds of doubt, that "I don't have what it takes" feeling, Hannah Brencher's fight song essays battle the lies of fear.

In Fighting Forward: Your Nitty-Gritty Guide to Beating the Lies That Hold You Back, Brencher offers hope-inspiring, action-driven word capsules to rally the forces for battle against the enemy within ourselves. The chapter titles alone entice: Just Show Up, Rebuild on the Ruins, Commit to One Mile, Watch for Foxes, Count the Ravens, Hold Me in the Light, Walk Me Through the Rain, Go Find Sarah, and Operate from the Overflow (a few of the encouraging essays in this book). I had been reading Ezekiel and a passage about God rebuilding on the ruins, so that essay was especially timely. [Ezekiel 36:36 - "Then the heathen that are left round about you shall know that I the Lord build the ruined places, and plant that that was desolate."] Foxes are things that compete for our strength, and ravens are indications of where God has supplied provisions previously. I loved the Quaker phrase, "I will hold you in the light," and could think of a few individuals I wished to share such a sentiment with now.

You know you are doing something right when Satan seeks to attack vehemently. Brencher shares about a woman who created a whole blog intended to attack Brencher and her ministry. Not only that, but this person emailed her to make sure she kept up on the offensive entries. Really? Who does something like that? A sad, sad individual who gains energy by attempting to destroy others. 

Hannah Brencher's ability to inspire is a gift. She motivates readers to listen to the nudge and participate in the story. She encouraged me to fight the lie that God will use everyone else and leave me on the sidelines. As she reminded, my presence and my gifts are not an accident. I loved her story about the neighbor who offered her flowers and then brought plants from her garden. The woman's comment, "When you have overflow, you can't not share it," was tremendous. It triggered the thought, "where in my life am I not sharing overflow?" I intend to follow her send-off instructions: "make waves with [the] life you've been given." Moreover, I can't wait to check out her other books, If You Find This Letter: My Journey to Find Purpose Through Hundreds of Letters to Strangers, and Come Matter Here: Your Invitation to Be Here in a Getting There World. If you are craving grace-filled pep talks to get you back in the game, Hannah Brencher delivers!