Book Review: Every Hour Until Then

Every Hour Until Then had a lengthy hold list at my library. How amusing that it came available just after I read about Michael J. Fox's forays into time travel. This is my first Gabrielle Meyer book. I've been noting recommendations. It takes a clever author to weave a time-travel book well.

Every Hour Until Then is billed as an inspirational Victorian and WWII-era time-travel romance. I wasn't aware it is the fifth in her Timeless series. I decided to plunge ahead anyway because I've always been interested in Victorian England. Meyer poses a fascinating premise. Characters in her time-travel series live in two separate eras (alternating between the two with each sleep) and must finally decide which path they wish to remain in permanently. For this novel, Kathryn uses what she learns in 1938 London to foil Jack the Ripper's deadly intentions for her 1888 sister, Mary Jane.

I'm intrigued by the idea that the Ripper was undetected because he was protected by the brotherhood of Freemasons. This sounds like a plausible theory. While the book didn't suck me in as much as I'd hoped, the two time periods were interesting when paired together. In 1888, Kathryn is the daughter of an eminent doctor with Freemason ties. In 1938, she is in London on assignment to help put together a display on Jack the Ripper's reign of terror. The rules of time travel in the novel add danger to Kathryn's desires to intervene to save her sister from becoming the fifth and final victim.

I'm not sure I will backtrack and begin at the start of this series. I'm quite interested in Victorian London, but not as interested in other time periods and places. The time-travel element sometimes felt clunky. Plus, the inspirational elements were stroked more than seemed necessary. Still, it is currently ranked 18 in Christian Historical Fiction books. It was an interesting story, if you're a big fan of time-travel novels. Moreover, the subject of the Ripper might make for lively discussion in a book club setting.

Book Review: When Life Feels Empty - Highly Recommend

I can't remember who recommended Isaac Serrano's book, When Life Feels Empty. Perhaps it was someone in the Rabbit Room Chinwag group on Facebook. They recommend excellent books. I needed the content of this book to remind me where to plug into the source of power and hope. This was another book I listened to in audio form and then accessed in ebook form, so I could take notes.

We live in a world ruled by a materialistic worldview. As such, we are influenced by that mindset. We cannot get away from this lens that assumes the physical is all that exists. Without telos (life purpose and meaning), we feel empty. With excellent structure, Serrano outlines why we feel empty, 7 practices to address this, and why those practices work to shape us into who we were meant to be.

From the book of Ecclesiastes, we explore the idea that "everything is vanity (hevel)." If our gaze is horizontal, we will feel that way. Only when we fix our gaze vertically, do we grasp the telos necessary for enduring this life. We were meant to be trees, growing vertically. Instead, we waste time in emptiness and addictions. Serrano emphasizes that "belief must be embodied." The seven practices he outlines seek to help us do just that.

The first practice stunned me. I realized if I had incorporated this practice into my weekly fasting, I would have left my prayer times impressed instead of distressed. The first of seven beneficial practices is song. Singing releases oxytocin. Even heartbeats sync when singing together. Singing of God's mercy and love roots us in those promises. I intend to pursue this practice far more.

Serrano explains the next two practices. Baptism is storytelling with our body, a physical manifestation of the new life we receive in Christ. Communion roots us in time. We celebrate the past (Christ's body broken), the present (the new covenant through His blood), and the future (His return). Another way he puts it: baptism is the wedding and communion is the wedding ring.

The fourth practice is another one I intend to hone in on more. Serrano demonstrates that God's will is for us to express thanksgiving. He recommends we even face the east (the position of Christ's return) while we do so. I have implemented prayer far more in the past several years, but have I sufficiently incorporated thanksgiving in those prayer times?

The final three practices? Read the Bible (so essential for fixing our gaze vertically instead of horizontally). Attend church (we were meant for community - indeed, isolation destroys health and longevity and even breeds addiction). Pray the Lord's Prayer (there is a reason Christ gave this as an example. Why don't we use it more regularly?). 

The last section is equally instructive as he outlines why we should not be "conformed to the spirit of the age." God is a sculptor, forming us into a masterpiece. Following these ancient spiritual practices lends meaning to our lives and works with God instead of against Him. I highly recommend this deeper consideration of well-known practices that are proven essential. What a great book! I intend to visit this one again in the future.

Book Review: Future Boy

There are so many little details I didn't know about the filming of Back to the Future. This little memoir, Future Boy, by Michael J. Fox and Nelle Fortenberry, is entertaining and informative. The role of Marty McFly didn't start out with Fox. Instead, Eric Stolz (the actor known for Mask) started the filming, but they really wanted Michael J. Fox. Finally, producers agreed to film at night so Fox could continue to film his Family Ties show during the day. Hard to believe this 23-year-old actor was able to film a sitcom character in the day and film an enigmatic film character in the evening hours. They usually started at midnight, so I should have said middle-of-the-night hours. I don't know how he endured on such a limited sleep schedule.

From lines made up on the fly (by Marty McFly, ha!) to the use of his own shoes, readers get the inside view of what it was like for Fox to pull of this iconic character. I was sharing some bits and pieces with my youngest (home for a break) and was shocked to learn he'd never watched Back to the Future. To remedy this, I dashed off to the library to rent both of the first two movies in the series (even though I know the second movie isn't nearly as good as the first).

I wish I could remember if I saw the movie in a theater when it first came out or if I waited and watched it later. I should dig up my college journals. It came out in 1985. I would have been at Wheaton then. Did I see it in the chapel some weekend? Suffice it to say, if you saw the movie and enjoyed Michael J. Fox's performance, you'd likely enjoy this quick little read. The book (together with experiencing the movies again) was a great little trip back in time.

 

2026 Baby Bucket List - February Progress

Photo by Glenn Carstens-Peters on Unsplash

I enjoy setting and assessing goals, even when a lack of progress brings discouragement. My husband and I don't have a great track record when it comes to commemorating monumental moments in our marriage (that's a mouthful). For our 25th anniversary, I simply posted our surprise at reaching it and our commitment to fighting for the marriage. I bemoaned our Covid-foiled 30th anniversary celebrations, settling for a list of 30 small things we could do to celebrate. It was, indeed, discouraging that we only completed a handful from the list. While I would have loved to travel to Barcelona, to view the La Sagrada Familia, our 35th wedding anniversary passed unnoticed, as well.

Thus, I don't hold out a lot of hope for this new endeavor, but I'm documenting it (to spur us on to some sort of completion maybe) and tracking our progress, or lack thereof. This year, I made an EASY list. Tempted by advertisements for deals on my Facebook feed, I wrote down ones I'd like to try. These are not typical bucket list locations. Indeed, you won't find any five-star restaurants or places that come to $30-50 per meal. Most of the appeal for me is in the savings angle. Of course, my husband is not a savings nut, so he often negates my savings by selecting whatever strikes his fancy.

For this 2026 Baby Bucket List, I ticked off 23 restaurants, 3 festivals, 4 places, and 7 movies. The restaurants began with a list of specials I had noticed, things like the Beef-a-Roo $5.55 meal, the Red Robin $9.99 Big Yumm Burger deal, the Logan's Roadhouse $11.99 Real Deal meal, and the BJ's Brewhouse $13 Pizookie deal. 

(image from Beef-a-Roo website)

(image from Logan's Roadhouse website)

I also added locations I'd like to try or introduce to my husband, like Ms B's Teas, Brie & Bartlett, and Jagger's. I tried to tally 26 restaurants (an every other week goal), but the last three ended up being events: Amo Fish Fry, Fair-on-the-Square, and the Quaker Days Festival.

For the first place, I selected a new-to-me bed-and-breakfast in Danville, Indiana, called The Marmalade Sky. Next, I'm hoping to book a get-away to the retreat center in Northern Indiana where I used to take November writing retreats, back when I was participating in National Novel Writing Month (Nanowrimo). Third, I'd like to take the Rockin' Thunder river lunch excursion in Madison, Indiana. For the fourth place, I'm hoping we'll head toward Southern Indiana and visit French Lick, Jasper, or Loogootee.

I'm least hopeful for the movies. My husband is neither a traveler nor a movie-goer. He scorns most modern movies because they're full of filth and bad language. But, there are several I hope to see, some way or another. The first I wanted to see was H is for Hawk. We missed it, due to bad weather and dangerous roads. I'm glad I didn't drag him out to see Wuthering Heights, over Valentine's weekend, because I read the movie opens with an explicit execution scene. Why? Why must they trash the classics? I may get my youngest to go see Project Hail Mary with me in March, as he watched Andy Weir's other novel adaptation, The Martian. Then, I'd like to see A Great Awakening (April), and The Sheep Detectives (May). Finally, I hope to watch the adaptation of one of my 2024 favorite reads, Remarkably Bright Creatures, if Sean still has Netflix then (out 5/8/26 and starring Sally Field). Then, perhaps The Magician's Nephew, in November. Don't be surprised if 2026 flies and none of those movies met my eyes (unintentional rhyme).

So, here we are nearing the end of February. We have managed to check off three items. Our first attempted visit to Beef-a-Roo was dashed because some sort of maintenance issue closed the dining area (and I didn't relish eating a gooey Beef-n-Cheddar in the car). Thankfully, we tried again on another visit to our son, and this time the dining area was available. I purchased the $5.55 deal and my husband's meal was possibly 3 times that, ha!

For Valentine's weekend, we booked a room at Marmalade Sky. John has been having further sleep issues (this is becoming a constant and wearing problem), so we requested the Tabatha Room for its king bed. We had lunch at Danville's delightful Bread Basket restaurant and bakery. We've both been there before, but I love their BLTEA sandwich (which adds egg and avocado to the typical BLT). John took the opportunity to buy a small cherry pie and a loaf of honey oat bread. Check out all these bakery items. The food was fantastic!

I will try to re-cap again in May. Hopefully, we will have ticked off more items by then (when the weather is more conducive). I know completing all 37 items is impossible. Still, it's fun to set a goal. 

Have you ever written a one-year bucket list? Do you have a life-long bucket list? Are your items all big-ticket items (like some of the 250 ideas listed in this Cassie Scroggins blog post)? Have you read Brad Fischer's The Sand Bucket List?

Book Review: I See You've Called In Dead

What a romp of a read! Had I checked Amazon first, I'd have noticed the numerous, well-earned awards and accolades. I See You've Called in Dead is not my standard fare. The premise hooked my attention and I was eager to find a book to lighten my mood. Even though cautionary content threatened, I persisted for the plentiful laugh-out-loud moments. John Kenney certainly knows how to write humor. I shared some hilarious lines with my husband. Yet, this is not just a fluff read. Kenney bores down into deeply meaningful questions we all struggle to answer. From the standard, "Why am I here?" to "When life falls apart, what makes it worthwhile?" The book provides lots to consider and is full of interesting, heartbreaking characters. I really felt for the main character. Plus, I loved his interactions with his young neighbor. Here's the alluring premise:

Bud Stanley is an obituary writer for a major publication, but his work is slipping. When his ex-wife calls to say her mother died, it pushes him, already defeated and almost drunk, over the edge. In his plastered state, he begins to contemplate his own obituary and writes a fanciful one only to accidentally hit return. During the resulting suspension from work, he attends the wakes and funerals of strangers hoping to learn how to truly live.

One minute you're cracking up at Bud's wry humor and the next minute you're reeling from the weight he carries. Bud's not the only funny one. His boss, his landlord, and his landlord's housekeeper all deliver their own share of comic retorts. It has been billed as a "coming-of-middle-age" book. Even this is funny. I've never seen "The Office," but it apparently has a similar feel. Still, I'm fairly certain the book is more poignant and has more depth than that show.

Substack recommended Kendra Jernejcic's February book reviews. I loved how she summed up this book: "These challenging topics are couched in some of the most humorous and insightful writing I've ever read, making the subject not just palatable but incredibly life-affirming. I found myself laughing at the razor-sharp dialogue and insane sarcasm while wiping away tears at the sheer beauty and poignancy of Bud's observations and internal reflections."

At one point, Bud says, "People can break you. Through pain. But also... through love... I was broken two years ago. And Tim... he showed me grace and dignity and kindness when I had none, wasn't able to see it, kind of gave up. Tim saved my life because he showed me how to live." Finally, one of my favorite lines from the book: "Maybe we're all obituary writers. And our job is to write the best story we can now." I think this would make a great book club selection as it is funny, yet thought-provoking. If you're on the fence, go take a look at all those glowing endorsements.

📒 Content Caution

Book Review: Statistically Speaking

Once again, I sought a British novel on Hoopla so I could listen to the British accent. The title, Statistically Speaking, clued me in that it might be similar to a favorite of mine, The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight. Yes, a character in the novel uses statistics, historical facts, and numbers as a coping mechanism. Yes, there's romance. And, yes, there's also deep pain and scars to face with or without numbers.

Gemma Jones is a history teacher in her thirties. Raised by an addict and then in foster care, she latches onto tangible things to battle the intangibles thrown her way. One such intangible is the existence, somewhere out there, of the daughter she gave up for adoption when she was 16. Now that daughter is about to turn 18. When Gemma's new student resembles her, it sets Gemma's mind whirling. The statistical probability is small, but... what if she is her long-lost daughter?

I enjoyed this emotional story of mother love, female friendship, and found family. Gemma is a likable, conflicted character. I loved the friendship that develops between Gemma, her housemate, the young student, and the student's mum. Such bonds are rare and precious. If you are in need of a feel good story, this Debbie Johnson novel is a perfect pick.

Mid-month Mention #2: Addiction Talks

For whatever reason (algorithms probably), my Facebook feed has been full of suggested pages about addicts and overdoses. I find this somewhat traumatic, to have to revisit the past or contemplate what easily could come in the future. I get the outrage! The fentanyl crisis continues to escalate. Indeed, I would probably be posting my son's image on those pages too, if he hadn't survived. This country has a problem and I doubt we're going to address it sufficiently any time soon.

When Johann Hari's Ted Talk popped up on my feed, I took the time to watch the short excerpt. Then, I went and found the full 15-minute talk. It is one of the best things I've listened to, when it comes to addiction. I will summarize, but I consider the full thing worth watching:

It is titled "Everything You Think You Know About Addiction is Wrong." Tired of watching loved ones fight addiction, Johann sought experts in order to better understand the dilemma. He explains that initial studies put rats in a cage and provided either clean water or drugged water. The rats continually drank the drugged water and overdosed. This is where much of our idea about the chemical hooks of addiction developed. 

But, another scientist came along and questioned the study. This man created what he called "Rat Parks," full of all kinds of stimuli, instead of a sterile cage. When the rats had access to food, entertainment, other rats, and other sources of satisfying contact, they no longer chose the drugged water. His premise suggested it wasn't about the chemical hook, but rather about the cage. This emphasized the truth that we all have a natural need for bonding. Addicts seek their drug of choice because they cannot bear being present in their sterile, unfulfilling lives.

Johann looked at Portugal's approach to their overwhelming drug abuse problems. They had been following the American way: throwing addicts in jail, shaming them, and isolating them further. Portugal realized this wasn't working. They redirected all the money that would have gone to that and pushed it to programs to replug addicts into society. Portugal funds jobs and social programs for addicts. They work to eliminate addiction by fighting isolation and discontented loneliness. I loved the final line in the Ted Talk. Johann says:

"The opposite of addiction is not sobriety! 

The opposite of addiction is CONNECTION!"

This is what my son needs! I still fully believe that he needs the Lord, first and foremost! (Relationship with our heavenly Father is the most important connection in fighting addiction.) However, this need for community is real! He needs to find a place where he belongs, where he feels integrated and fulfilled. He needs to establish real friendships and connections. What a difference it could make if we could steer him into a job that meant something to him, instead of minimum wage fast food positions (often the only ones willing to take a chance on addicts). I will keep praying, but we're not there yet.

While looking for the full Ted Talk, I happened upon an episode of the Andrew Huberman show. He interviews Dr. Anna Lembke in an episode called "Essentials: Understanding & Treating Addiction." I watched this one, too. One of the key things I heard in this interview was the idea that truth-telling is at the core of recovery. She pointed out that "honesty creates intimate connections." Connections, again! Honesty! Connections! Both of these get the addict to the point where the drug use isn't as much of an interest for them. They are forming bonds that meet those innate needs. Toward the end, they move the discussion to social media addictions. Real connection (IRL) is the key to disrupt cycles of social media dependence. I recommend viewing both of these to learn more about addiction and how to fight it.