Book Review: God's Smuggler - Highly Recommend

This was another book I chose from our shelves to supplement my devotional reading. My husband has been a long-time contributor to the ministry of Open Doors with Brother Andrew. What an inspiration for prayer and faith! Brother Andrew's book, God's Smuggler, was published in 1967. Our copy is a beautifully bound book from The Christian Library published by Barbour and Company, however I do love this cover shown at left.

Brother Andrew was an advocate for persecuted Christians and an intent missionary whose main goal was to smuggle Bibles into countries hostile to faith in God. He is best known for his singular prayer, "Lord, in my luggage I have Scripture that I want to take to Your children across this border. When You were on earth, You made blind eyes see. Now, I pray, make seeing eyes blind. Do not let the guards see those things You do not want them to see." Time after time, he tested and proved God's faithfulness. Oh, that I had faith like that!

The other day I was pondering this book and thought to myself, "How I want the faith of Brother Andrew (for provision of open doors for ministry) and George Muller (for provision of financial needs for ministry and daily life). These two relied entirely on the supply of God. Instead, so often, I want the life of Dave Ramsey. I want to figure out how to eliminate my debts and live such a lifestyle that I can have what I want and need, while still meeting the needs of others. 

This test of faith is pressing at the moment. My husband and I have a tendency to take on the consequences of irresponsible people (including our prodigal son). While I argue we should let true consequences fall and step out of the way of enabling, he fears the results of that and argues God will always meet our needs, even if we give away what little we have left to live on for our remaining years. Internally, I struggle. I see the verses commanding provision for the poor. Yet, I also see the truth that enabling does not help irresponsible people, it only encourages them to push their responsibilites onto anyone who will provide. It is the whole give a man a fish vs. teaching a man to fish illustration!

Thus, this book bolstered my weary faith. So, what lessons stood out? Apart from utter dependency on God, I was convicted by the author's statements about not labeling churches. So often, in his missionary trips, he saw the emasculated church (defused by government dictates) as a "puppet church." Yet, he wrote on page 156, "It is never safe to call a church a puppet--no matter how dead, no matter how subservient and temporizing it may appear on the surface. It is called by God's name, it has God's eye upon it, at any moment He may sweep the surface away with the purifying wind of His Spirit." From this, I took encouragement that God can work and win others, even in churches that put God in a box, even in churches where I don't necessarily fit.

I loved a challenging story on pages 165-166. Brother Andrew encountered a problem because of the language gap (neither spoke the other's language). To remedy this, he picked up a Bible and began having a conversation using various scripture verses, going from 1 Cor. 16:20 and Prov. 25:25 to Philemon. Oh, that I knew my Bible well enough to converse with foreigners simply by pointing to a passage. I long to be so Biblically fluent!

I took heart from the many examples of God's perfectly timed provision. Brother Andrew needed a car. God provided a VW. I loved his story (page 108) about that "Miracle Car." The roads of Yugoslavia kicked up tremendous dust and every morning they prayed, "Lord, we don't have either the time or the money for repairs on the car, so will You please keep it running?" Not long after, they encountered another driver who stopped and said, "I know who you are.. and this is the Miracle Car?" He had heard about this car maintained through prayer and asked if he could take a look at it. After looking over the engine, this man declared, "I have just become a believer. It is mechanically impossible for this engine to run." He was a mechanic and offered to take the car to his shop and cleaned every part of the engine for them. When, after driving it for almost 200k kilometers, it required a new engine, they found themselves 50 marks shy of the cost. Just then, they received a gift from a random stranger of 50 marks God wanted them to have.

When Brother Andrew's growing family needed a house. God led him to someone just convicted to sell and God provided the funds to cover the purchase. He writes on page 173, "Immediately, mysteriously, as soon as the house was paid for, the flow of excess funds stopped--and it remained dried up until there was a need for it again. In the years of living this life of faith, I have never known God's care to fail."

Later, Brother Andrew was convicted to purchase a large supply of pocket Bibles. He and his wife talked about selling their house. They prayed, expressing to God that the house belonged to Him but admitting their private struggle with the idea. "Lord, if You want us to sell the house for the Bibles, You will have to work a small miracle in our hearts to make us willing." I was moved by this example of faith, as well. I often don't want to give what God wants me to release.

When they got an appraisal on the house, it came to the very amount needed for the pocket Bibles. He writes on page 206, "How faithful God is, how utterly trustworthy, how good beyond imagining! He asks for so little in order to give us so much." Then, the Dutch Bible Society arranged to pay for the printing, only charging Brother Andrew for the supplies on an as-needed basis. His response is inspiring, "I could hardly wait to tell Corrie what God had done with the thimbleful of willingness we had offered Him."

Another story told of a time Brother Andrew accidentally changed more currency than he should have. He and his partner ended up having a car accident. The other driver agreed to let the incident go, and let them head off on their way, if they provided him with cash to cover the repairs. That amount was the exact amount they had!

If you are low on faith, if your trust in God needs bolstering, you will find inspiration and encouragement aplenty in Brother Andrew's life and testimony. God shows up with the exact provision at the exact moment in the exact power needed! Brother Andrew concludes, "God is never defeated. Though He may be opposed, attacked, resisted, still the ultimate outcome can never be in doubt. Every day we see fresh proof that indeed all things--even evil ones--work together for those who are called by His name."

"How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!" - Isaiah 52:7 (KJV)

Book Review: Hearts in Circulation

Sarah Monzon is a new-to-me author. But, oh this book cover sucks you in. I love the idea of a bookmobile for individuals who cannot get to a library. I would love that job! I enjoyed Hearts in Circulation so much, I'll seek out the other two in this Checking Out Love series (somehow I missed the first in the series, and the final book is due out soon).

Librarian Hayley Holt is eager to serve her community. She agrees to drive the newly donated bookmobile, even though it looks like a tin can on wheels. Hayley considers it the least she can do in her daily efforts to live up to the liver transplant she received in her youth. When a rockslide traps Hayley in a back woods hollow, a surly, uncommunicative mechanic offers to repair the vehicle. Can Levi Redding endure her constant chatter and larger-than-life presence in his environs?

What a delightful and bookish forced proximity rom-com! What's more, I was duly impressed with the natural and insightful faith elements that appear as the story concludes. Monzon introduces a character whose personal struggles uniquely flesh out arguments for the faith that I have been sharing with friends and family. Her story illustrates the truth that we can never earn the free gift of salvation God offers through Christ's atonement. I loved the thoughts expressed in the Hayley-Levi confrontation scene, especially the advice, "Don't cheapen the gift!" That is what people do when they insist they must maintain, through obedient faith, the salvation Christ has secured for them. 

I enjoyed the book for more than this firm salvation security argument. The characters were endearing and the plot held me riveted. I loved the exchange of letters, in spite of the forced proximity. I loved the scavenger hunt for clues through books. What fun! I recommend this light-hearted and meaningful romance (a Carol Award finalist for the 2026 romance category). 

Book Review: The Exiles

The audiobook of The Exiles jumped out at me from the shelves at the library. I have a graduate degree in Victorian British history. Thus, the transport of criminals to Australia during that period interests me. Christina Baker Kline weaves a compelling story about women caught in poverty and exiled. This story made my drive time (trips to transport Sean from Purdue) a real treat.

In early nineteenth-century London, Evangeline's governess life is about to evaporate. The employer's son seduces her and gives her an heirloom ring as a promise when he departs on holiday. Accused of stealing the ring, she is imprisoned and sent to a penal colony in Australia. On the convict ship, she befriends a midwife named Hazel.

The progress of Evangeline and Hazel is juxtaposed against the story of Mathinna, an Aboriginal girl exiled from her people and taken as a curiousity by the new governor's wife. Unfairly treated and too poor to stand up for themselves, Evangeline, Hazel, and Mathinna, endure humiliations and deprivations. Yet, they band together to make their way in the world.

There is a definite deliniation between the wealthy and the poor. Sadly, this presentation of colonization is undoubtedly accurate. What a hardship to think of being sent an ocean away for a crime you didn't commit! Even Hazel, who stole a silver spoon, is not treated with the respect she deserves for her vast knowledge of natural remedies. These are tragic characters living in harsh conditions. Yet, there is hope and camaraderie, even in the gloomy Van Diemen's Land. Kline does a fine job of crafting characters and plot. I was glad of those longer trips that allowed deeper listening. It was fascinating to consider Australia in the time of England's convict transporation. I noted from the back cover that it has been optioned for television. If it is accessible, I will happily watch.

Book Review: This Book Made Me Think of You - Highly Recommend

This book made me think of why I love books! They can meet you right where you are and tap into your most intimate wishes, hopes, and dreams. They can soothe sorrows! I don't know if I was merely ripe for this book by Libby Page (daughter to author Sally Page). Perhaps, This Book Made Me Think of You is merely brilliant for anyone and everyone. Oh, how I adored it! The characters are relatable. The premise is perfect. Plus, the book is brimming with book recommendations. Like I said, it is a brilliant book! My favorite read of 2026!

Listen to this outstanding first line: "The right book in the hands of the right person at exactly the right moment can change their life forever." That's what Alfie, the owner of Book Lane believes. When Alfie calls Matilda Nightingale to tell her she has a book to pick up at the bookstore, she insists she didn't order anything. Alfie explains her late husband scheduled a year's worth of monthly books to get her through the first full year without him. Of course, ever since his death six months ago, Tilly hasn't been able to read. What follows is a year-long adventure as Tilly regains her reading mojo and learns to live again without the love of her life.

I immediately thought, "Man, if my husband died and left me twelve selected books, I would be utterly blown away by the gesture." Like Tilly's husband, my husband is not really a book reader (he does read some, but only in his slim selected categories and, primarily, God's Word) so I know I'll never experience this scenario. Ah, but because of this book, I was able to live through it vicariously, through Tilly. Even though it deals with grief, it is incredibly life-affirming.

It took some time but I jotted down all 96 book titles mentioned in this book. Probably half to two-thirds are titles I've heard of or know. I have only read 19 of the books listed. So, now that I have the whole list, I have much to add to my endless file of books to read. Book recommendations are always welcome, as are books that feature a bookshop. And how can you not be sucked in by characters who love books?

I adored Tilly! She and I would be friends IRL. We would be two peas in a pod. Here's a line that could describe me: "After reading, crafting has always been her way of relaxing, but what she has in enthusiasm she does not possess in skill." Ha, too true! Like Tilly, I took a leap and visited Paris on my own. What fun when she explores Shakespeare and Company and finds this quote: "I wish I could show you when you are lonely or in darkness the astonishing light of your own being." So many parts of her story gutted me.

I also want bookish friends like Alfie and Rachel. Everyone should have a special bookstore, and a special bookseller, like Alfie. His role in this book is tremendously touching. Rachel's part of the story made me squirm. If Tilly can forgive Rachel and restore friendship, I know I should be able to forgive and restore a friendship with a "Rachel" in my life. Bookish friends have a value beyond expression.

Indeed, this is a love song for books, both in the long recommendation lists and in the way individual books meet Tilly's need at just the right moment. Here's another line that resonated: "Maybe this is what books do, she thinks, whether stories real or imagined or poems compiled in one place for people to flick through in search of what they need. They offer something universal but allow you to find your own meaning among the words. They are for everyone and yet they are for you too." At the end, Tilly says, "I am the person I am because of the books I have read. My reading history is a map that shows the path of my life." I want to be like Tilly, a "bookish soul eager to help steer you on your way." Indeed, I wish I could read this for the first time all over again!

Word of caution: The emotions in this book are very raw and real. If you've recently lost a loved one, the story might be bookish cryptonite for you - just a place you cannot go for the moment. Still, there is merit in following Tilly's journey as she heals from the grief and finds solace in books. Moreover, I did mark this as a clean read, but should note that there are one or two curse words and a few times the Lord's name is taken in vain.

Book Review: Humankind

I love the cover of this bestselling book, Humankind: Changing the World One Small Act at a Time! It is gorgeous! If we all moved through life seeking the good of others, this world might be easier to endure. Yet, this book falls short of full and effective kindness. I believe man's greatest need is salvation found in faith in Christ! However, this too, is a need for kindness because if we do not reach out with the gospel to our neighbors and friends, how will they ever know the grace God offers? My heart breaks over the rampant evil in this world. I wonder, how can God hold back His judgment another day? Surely, He is coming soon. Are you ready for His return? Will He take you out of this evil world and give you eternal life with Him?

Brad Aronson's life changed when his wife received her leukemia diagnosis. Suddenly, people stepped up and into their lives. He noticed the dramatic effects of kindness. In cataloguing acts of kindness, he hopes to encourage others to step up and meet needs that will impact lives. This book is bursting with stories of heroes doing little things with big impact. The examples are heartwarming and inspirational. Each chapter ends with encouragement to take action. It contains so many inspirational quotes.

Even if you don't take time to read this book, you can visit Aronson's website to gain tons of ideas for putting love in action to meet the needs of others. When life is getting you down, take a moment to read one of Brad's inspirational stories. If you're willing to give your email address, you can sign up for regular doses of kindness and inspiration. Perhaps you'd like to read the book with your book club. Aronson offers discussion questions and is willing to field specific questions if you submit them to him.

This book offers such a positive message: Step out in kindness and reap big rewards for little actions!. Now, I want to see transformation on an even grander scale. What if your private prayer, your tiny testimony, and your enticing example led others to the living water of Christ? Oh, the needs that might be met, if you spent five minutes in prayer for a brokenhearted brother or a crushed colleague! I hope my life is full of tangible kindness. But, even more, I hope my life exudes, indeed spreads everywhere, "the fragrance of the knowledge of Him." (2 Corinthians 2:14)

Mid-month Mention: Prayer is the Best Support

I need to compose a mid-month mention post full of helpful and uplifting links. At this point, I cannot do so. I am still feeling numb from a hellish week we endured. Much of it, I cannot share. I will share what I can.

At 5:30 a.m., on the last Wednesday in May, I was downstairs having my devotions. After a large thwump, the power went out. I tried to fumble my way upstairs without spilling my coffee. I crept toward the bathroom (where I keep the candles), tripping over Toby (ugh!). Unfortunately, candles themselves are of no use if you can't find matches or a lighter. I also could not, for the life of me, find the flashlight on my phone (I never use it). Our large flashlight had dead batteries. Great!

Finally, John woke and immediately called the power company. All was still black outside so no indication of what we were dealing with. The sun rose, revealing the true scenario. Another limb had fallen from a tree out back. It took out the entire pole and unit in the back yard. The power company arrived to deal with the situation. My husband hooked a generator up to the kitchen refridgerator.

We waited and waited. Trucks filled the driveway, blocking the garage so we could not take our other cold food elsewhere to store. Here are some photos I snagged of the damage - again, I apologize as photography is not my strong suit (is anything?):

I sent out a prayer request to my family, acknowledging my gratitude that it wasn't worse because at least the limb did not, once again, take out portions of the roof like last May. In response, I received messages that sounded like, "Wendy is so put-upon, Lord; help her with yet another complication to her life." Or, advice as to what we should do: "Start cooking [um, no power!] or grilling as much as you can [much of the time it was pouring rain]."

Then, there was the biggest kicker: "Perhaps you should consider having a tree-trimming company come out to assess the property, if you can afford it." Hmm. If only we had thought of that. Wait, we did, long before this! We had tree-trimmers come. They cut down one perilous tree, but explained they cannot go near limbs near power lines. That is the jurisdiction of the power company. We had the power company come out and assess. They claimed there were troublesome areas, but they'd have to get to it later. Unfortunately for us, later was not soon enough. A new pole had to be put in and the power was not restored for 7-1/2 hours (we're grateful for their quick work and know it could have been out for longer than that). We lost some food from the garage fridge, which had climbed to 52 degrees.

Needless to say, when even greater difficulties descended at the end of the week, I did not feel warm fuzzies about sharing. Instead, I fasted and prayed on my own. I did not reach out with prayer requests to family members full of advice. We continue to cling to God, the only One who can do the impossible. In these other dire situations, we need miracles! [Praise God, we saw dynamic answers to two specific importunate prayers!] 

We continue to beg God to change hearts and transform lives. How I pray God will redeem the years the locusts are eating! Please, if you are a praying person, lift our family up in prayer. And if someone asks you for prayer, think twice before launching into advice 😉, just 🙏! After all, it's the BEST thing you can do!

Added 6/11/26: We woke to another tree down. It broke at the trunk. Ridiculous! Again, we are so grateful it did not damage the house. Nobody has come out yet to chop down and take away the other limb, so now that job is just bigger. You can see the ruts in the grass from where they took equipment back to extract the old power line and pole. That's 3 downed trees in a little over a year. Add in the limb that took out the garden fence while we were away at Bryce's wedding in September 2024, and it makes 4. Sheesh!

 

Book Review: The Tupelo Grove Series

Colleen Coble and Rick Acker begin their Tupelo Grove series with What We Hide. Other readers in the Christian Fiction Reading Challenge suggested these books really need to be read in order. Thus, I took their advice. Thankfully, the pages flew by and I couldn't stop reading. Plus, the authors kept me guessing until the end. I love that!

Teacher Savannah Webster finds a dead body at Tupelo Grove University. Even though she is currently separated from her lawyer husband Hez, she calls him in to try to clear her name. He wants to convince her he has changed, but she is hesitant to trust again after tragedy ripped their relationship apart. Someone is selling off artifacts from the university's collection. Who is trustworthy?

Every page uncovers a new secret or an unexpected wrinkle. If Savannah is cleared, will her sister Jess be arrested for embezzlement and two murders? How much does Jess really know? Savannah's feelings for Hez simmer and her faith in him is restored by his drive to find the truth. But, the stakes are high and the criminals will pull out all stops to keep their crimes hidden.

Where Secrets Lie offers another adrenaline-rush story. Savannah and Hez continue to try to unravel the artifact smuggling scheme. Danger intensifies. Savannah's job is at risk. Hez's health is compromised. The plot thickens. Their relationship, and the survival of the university, is in danger.

The final installment of the Tupelo Grove series is When Justice Comes. But, will justice flow like a river? Both Savannah and Hez are desperate to win custody of their nephew, but his criminal grandfather holds great power and allure over the boy and the courts. The book holds plenty of moments where characters can only rely on prayer for God's intervention.

I enjoyed this Christian thriller/romantic suspense series. Each book has a compelling plot. The characters interact in believable ways. Savannah and Hez face plenty of tension and realistic conflict. Clearly, both played a role in the dissolution and restoration of their relationship. While things move at a frantic pace, the reader roots for the triumph of good and the defeat of evil.