Book Review: Project Hail Mary

Occasionally, an author will self-publish a book that goes so viral it lures a traditional publisher. This is what happened for Andy Weir with his first book, The Martian. I read that book for book club a decade ago. Since I put Project Hail Mary on my 2026 movie bucket list, I wanted to read the book prior to seeing the movie. The movie must be outstanding. My youngest went to see it twice within less than two weeks. I will admit, the science kept me bogged down during the read. I would have been fine to see the movie without reading the book. But, if you have more scientific acumen than I do (most probable), you might enjoy reading prior to watching the movie.

Project Hail Mary is, as the title suggests, a story of a last-ditch effort to save Earth and humanity. Ryland Grace is an unlikely candidate to save the world. He is a junior high science teacher sent into space on a mission to tackle a pressing problem threatening the sun. He wakes with amnesia from an induced coma. Through flashbacks, the reader and the astronaut come to understand his identity and his mission. When Grace meets an alien, Rocky, battling the same problem, they form a friendship and tackle the problems together.

I still give kudos to Weir for his great skill in explaining science in simple terms. The relational bond between human and alien is touching. The stakes continually escalate. I imagine (for me, anyway) the movie will be easier to follow than the book. I'm looking forward to it, but will admit I'm waiting until my library has a copy of the DVD. A Great Awakening was a movie that demanded viewing on the big screen (I saw it twice and would have happily paid to see it a third time). I'm not feeling as strong a pull for this movie adaptation.

Book Review: Launch Out into the Deep

I discovered Sarah Trent on Facebook. She interacts with scripture passages and provides inspiration and encouragement to those of us struggling in deep waters. The pace of her poetic offerings amazes me. She has a photography business and raises 3 children on their family farm. So many of her posts resonate deep within me and I've shared a few of her posts to my Facebook wall. As young as she is, she is clearly no stranger to suffering, yet relies on God to get through everything.

Launch Out into the Deep is a 31-day devotional. Each entry is followed by reflective questions to consider. I wanted to enter her contest to win a paperback copy of this book, so I purchased the ebook, read it in 3 installments, and left a review. [Side note: I have been frustrated by Amazon's review policies. Up until this point, I believed I could only leave reviews on my ebook purchases. Amazon requires a certain purchase amount to leave reviews, but always offered a review form at the completion of ebooks I read on my Kindle app. I would love to support authors I appreciate but my husband does not like me using his Prime account to leave my reviews. I rarely purchase from my Amazon account because he has Prime. Now, I discover that even those ebook reviews I thought I was leaving are not airing as expected because I have not met the purchase requirement. Frustrating!] 

I plan to revisit this book, reading through the devotions one day at a time next month. It is so good, it needs to be savored. Plus, I did not take time to ponder or write answers to the questions posed at the end of each entry. However, here are some snippets I gleaned to share:

- "In a world that tries to define you by your failures, your status, or your scars - Jesus defines you by your Father."

- "When I'm too tired to hold on, You don't shame me - You hold me."

- "He does not ask me to explain what aches beyond language. He knows."

- "Sometimes, the miracle isn't in the multiplying. Sometimes, it's in the offering."

Sarah has a beautiful way with words. Each sentence reverberates in my soul. She articulates what many of us feel but cannot adequately express. Her pieces are rich with biblical foundation and spiritual insight. I will continue to follow this author on Facebook and in her books.

* Yay, I won the contest! Sarah sent a copy of this devotional to me. I was able to send it as a gift to my dear friend, Lisa, who is struggling in very deep waters. How I pray it ministered healing to her weary soul!

Book Review: A Sketch of the Life and Labors of George Whitefield

After experiencing A Great Awakening in the theater, I returned home raving about the powerful movie. It provided such a clear and accurate presentation of the gospel. Though your sins be as scarlet, Christ offers to wash them white as snow if you accept His free gift of salvation, bought for you in a transaction on the cross. George Whitefield was a revival preacher during America's Great Awakening (1734-1743). His story is fascinating and I wanted to delve deeper. A commenter on Facebook mentioned J. C. Ryle's book, A Sketch of the Life and Labors of George Whitefield. Ryle is the author of one of my favorite pamphlets, Do You Pray? I couldn't wait to explore his research into Whitefield. I borrowed it in audio form on Hoopla the next day.

I believe J. C. Ryle presented this as a lecture at some point. He gives a very direct description of Whitefield's life and ministry. He affirmed something mentioned in the movie, "He was immortal until his work was done." Whitefield preached a clear and concise gospel. He addressed man's complete ruin by sin, man's complete redemption by Christ and complete justification before God by faith in Christ, and man's need of regeneration by the spirit. His cry was convicting, "While ye were sinners, Christ died for you." He explained the transaction: the just for the unjust. He asserted even the vilest sinner could stand complete and righteous before the throne of God through Jesus' sprinkled blood that washes the blackest sins away. One has only to believe and be saved, to ask and receive, to wash and be clean. This is the pure and true gospel.

One thing I loved about the movie was the clear doctrine of the new birth. Once saved, as is evident in baptism, one is buried with Christ, washed and cleansed, and raised with him, a new creature. The Holy Spirit enters in and guides one in sanctification. The presence of the Holy Spirit is a seal of inheritance, proving one is born into God's family. Physically and spiritually, you cannot be unborn after He has sealed you with a promise of eternal life. How I want to emulate Whitefield's persistent goal, that his own name perish, so long as Christ only is exalted!

Book Review: Once and Again

I first encountered Rebecca Serle in 2022 with her book, In Five Years. Then, last year, I read One Italian Summer. Both of these books contain cautionary content I would normally avoid, but her writing is so good and stories so intriguing I'm willing to skim that content for the sake of learning from her writing skills. Serle creates wonderful alternative realities. She uses magical realism and plausible conflicts to hone in on truly interesting what-if scenarios.

In this book, Once and Again, the women in Lauren's family have a special coin that allows them one do-over. Before I even knew of this novel, I had actually started writing a short story with this idea but my skills will never match Serle's. She ferrets out the myriad of conflicts this ability would summon: What is significant to warrant the coin's use? Once used, how does one live with the normal inability to intervene in life's trials? Who can be trusted with the secret? Are other lives influenced by the do-over?

My mind thought of the despair if your alteration didn't accomplish what you had hoped. Lauren only learned about the coin at age fifteen, when her mother turned back time to avoid her father's death. Like One Italian Summer, this book considers mother-daughter relationships and the frictions that can develop. The reader cannot help but think about what they would like to do-over if they had such a coin. This was a quick and entertaining read.

2026 - Second Quarterly Review

To assist my blog readers, I summarize my reading four times a year, providing a brief description, genre, the page count, and a grading scale (💖5 page-turner - highly recommend, 4 page-turner - enjoyed, 3 page-turner - good, 2 page-turner - meh, and 1 page-turner - regret, wishing I could get back the time invested). I read the following books during the second quarter of 2026 (links to full reviews can be found in the side-bar, or after 2026, found through the search bar):

The Life She Forgot by Joanna Davidson Politano - Merryn suffers from amnesia and hopes her new husband A.J. can help her reclaim lost memories. But when she remembers images from another wedding, she is concerned. Historical Fiction. 358 pages, 📃📃📃📃

Triumphs of the Heart: The Promise of Joyful Living by Cheryl Ford - Each mini-biography focuses on a woman of the Bible whom God used in mighty ways. Great addition to my morning devotional time. Christian Living. 222 pages, 📃📃📃📃

The Battle of the Bookshops by Poppy Alexander - Author of The Littlest Library offers up another book about getting books into the hands of readers, full of obstacles and romance. British Romance. 352 pages, 📃📃📃

Declutter Your Heart and Your Home: How a Minimalist Life Yields Maximum Joy by Julia Ubbenga - If you're a Christian and want to go all in for minimalism as a dedication to focus on God more and things less, this is a motivating book. Christian Self-Help. 256 pages, 📃📃📃

The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness by Jonathan Haidt - Sobering exploration of the fallout from our dependence on devices. How I wish this book had come out a decade ago, when I was stumbling through the parenting portal of a technological age. Nonfiction. 400 pages, 📃📃📃📃

Reports of His Death Have Been Greatly Exaggerated by James Goodhand - A delightful consideration of a life, after mistakenly being presumed dead. I'm rethinking my own life after watching Ray's. British General Fiction. 336 pages (I listened on Hoopla, 10-1/2 hours), 📃📃📃📃-1/2

The Bookshop of Hidden Dreams by Karen Hawkins - A little bit of magical realism in this story of a researcher seeking answers to Dove Pond's pressing mystery and falling in love in the process. Romance. 366 pages, 📃📃-1/2

The First Time I Saw Him by Laura Dave - This sequel to The Last Thing He Told Me keeps you turning pages, in hopes of finding out what happened to the husband, and if the wife and daughter will ever be safe. Thriller/Mystery. 288 pages, 📃📃📃📃

The Well-Watered Woman: Rooted in Truth, Growing in Grace, Flourishing in Faith by Gretchen Saffles - God has repeatedly brought the woman at the well into my line of sight, now again, through this book. Excellent tips and encouragements for living a life tapped into God's living water, to grow and be fruitful. Christian Living. 304 pages (I listened on Hoopla, 7 hours), 📃📃📃📃-1/2

The English Masterpiece by Katherine Reay - My first by this author, but won't be my last. Compulsively readable. This novel slowly uncovers the truth about an alleged, forged Picasso painting. Mystery. 286 pages (I listened on Hoopla, 10 hours), 📃📃📃📃-1/2

Strangers in Time by David Baldacci - Two very different teenagers, Molly Wakefield and Charlie Matters, find friendship and support with the owner of a London bookshop during WWII. Historical Fiction. 433 pages, 📃📃📃📃 

Between the Mountain and the Sky: A Mother's Story of Love, Loss, Healing, and Hope by Maggie Doyne - A young girl takes a gap year and ends up rearing over 50 children in Nepal. A fascinating and heart-rending story. Memoir. 272 pages, 📃📃📃-1/2

31 Days of Praise: Enjoying God Anew by Ruth Myers with Warren Myers - Great devotional resource for exploring praise during morning quiet time with God. Devotional. 158 pages, 📃📃📃

The Lawyer and the Laundress by Christine Hill Suntz - Amid political rebellion in 1837 Canada, a lawyer marries a laundress to provide care for his ailing daughter. Christian Historical Romance. 368 pages (I listened on Hoopla, 10 hours), 📃📃📃

Marked by Prayer: Five Traits of People Who Pray by G. Dwayne McCrary - Small book that outlines five distinguishing traits of people who spend time communicating with God. Christian Living. 84 pages, 📃📃📃

Sipsworth by Simon Van Booy - The unlikely connection between an elderly woman and a mouse. Delightful story! Novel. 226 pages (I listened on Hoopla, 5 hours), 📃📃📃📃

Wings of Faith: The Remarkable Life of Harry Read by Dawn Volz - I encountered Commissioner Harry Read's poetry on Facebook several years ago. Then, I thrilled at the story of his parachute jump at 95-years-old. Biography. 232 pages, 📃📃📃-1/2

The Elsewhere Express by Samantha Sotto Yambao - Two individuals board the Elsewhere Express, a philosophical train built from people's daydreams wishing they were somewhere else. Fantasy. 416 pages, 📃📃📃

Tupelo Grove series by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker - What We Hide, Where Secrets Lie, and When Justice Comes. Savannah Webster and her ex-husband Hez try to track down the criminals framing her sister for murder while trying to save the Tupelo Grove University. All 3 books are fast-paced and compulsively readable. Christian Thriller/Romantic Suspense. 1088 page, total (Read 368 pages, listened on Hoopla, 20-3/4 hours), 📃📃📃📃-1/2

Humankind: Changing the World One Small Act at a Time by Brad Aronson - This is a beautiful book about the opportunity to speak into the life of another through small acts of kindness. Would that everyone read and implemented the truths in this book! Inspirational/Self-Help. 256 pages (I listened on Hoopla, 6-1/2 hours), 📃📃📃📃

💖This Book Made Me Think of You by Libby Page - Absolutely amazing trip through a year of books as Tilly Nightingale learns to read and live again after her beloved husband's death. I loved this book! I wish I could read it again for the first time. Fiction. 403 pages, 📃📃📃📃📃

The Exiles by Christina Baker Kline - From early 19th-century London to Australia, this story follows the hardships of two transported convicts and an Aboriginal girl. The bonds of friendship hold women's lives together. Historical Fiction. 400 pages (I listened in audio form, 8 CDs, 10-1/2 hours), 📃📃📃📃

Hearts in Circulation by Sarah Monzon - Hayley Holt is trapped in Turkey Grove until a rockslide can be excavated and her bookmobile repaired. Theological insights flow naturally from this story. Christian Rom-com. 279 pages, 📃📃📃📃

💖God's Smuggler by Brother Andrew - What an impressive story of faithfulness, both by Brother Andrew and by God! It is sure to ignite a fire of faith among anyone whose embers are fading! Christian Autobiography. 240 pages, 📃📃📃📃📃

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.

Book Review: The Elsewhere Express

I'm not much into fantasy books. While I can deal with magical realism, the really out there fantasy novels elude me. The Elsewhere Express is such a beautiful physical book, that I couldn't help but pick it up. Stencils of colorful luggage appear around the edges of the pages. The cover is dreamy and enticing. It is billed as a train that takes you to your life purpose. How intriguing!

Hiraya Sia's parents conceived her to provide organs for their ailing son. This idea is fraught with internal conflicts. Quentin Chen Phillips Jr. is an artist on the cusp of losing his eyesight. This is another conflicting experience. These are the two passengers readers follow onto The Elsewhere Express, an imaginary train built "by the hours people have spent staring out of the window, wishing they were somewhere else. It is in constant motion, fueled by a steady stream of wandering thoughts. Every inch of the train writhes with reveries and vibrates with the constant chatter of conversations people have with themselves." Neither character knows why they have landed on this imaginary train. Raya wants off. Quentin, with restored sight on the train, is desperate to stay on the train.

I will admit, it was a bit too philosophical and woo-woo for me. But, it was a quick and absorbing read. And in the process of watching these two try to find their way and their place on this mythical train, the reader considers lots of scenarios of loss, grief, purpose, life fulfillment, and creativity. I was intrigued to learn that the author is from the Philippines (a place I served in missionary work in the summer of 1987). The writing is good and the premise is promising. Pages fly by. While I wouldn't want to land on the Elsewhere Express myself, it was interesting to visit for a few hours over several days. 

Book Review: Wings of Faith

This Salvation Army biography, Wings of Faith: The Remarkable Life of Harry Read, was written by Dawn Volz. I first encountered Commissioner Harry Read through his poetry posted on Facebook. I had memories of an Army leader in London who impacted my life when I worked at the International College for Officers shortly after my college graduation. It turns out that was Ed Read. Commissioner Ed Read met with me weekly and gave me reading assignments we then discussed in a mentor relationship. Ed is mentioned in this biography. Harry's life impacted many individuals, too.

The focal point of Harry's story is his parachute jump at the 75th D-Day celebration. At 95-years-old, he was fit and brave enough to jump from a plane (higher than the one he jumped from in his teen years). I think I was most impressed to learn that he authored one of my favorite Salvation Army songs, "God's Soldier." It has a rousing chorus of "We're gonna fill, fill, fill the world with glory; We're going to smile, smile, smile and not frown; We're going to sing, sing, sing the gospel story; We're going to turn the world upside down."

Harry's poetry is meaningful and his life exemplary. He and his wife, Win, "walked, spoke, and ministered together as they drew upon each other's strengths, making themselves fully available to the God they served." I appreciated, so much, hearing of his great humility. In an early difficult time, he observed, "The Lord seemed to be saying, 'Harry, there are some things I can only do for you when you're alone.' I've transposed that insight into every difficult, testing situation since." He demonstrated his deep need for God and God's forgiveness. He did not present himself as above the masses, in spite of great responsibility and impressive gifting. I asked for this book for Christmas a few years ago, but only now got around to reading it. I'm so glad I did.

Book Review: Sipsworth

The cover is enticing and the title perplexing. Sipsworth, a novel by Simon Van Booy, tells the story of Helen Cartwright, a woman waiting to die. After spending six decades in Australia, and burying her husband and son, Helen returns to England to live out her remaining years. For the first few hours I listened, I was confused where the story was going. Helen establishes a relationship with a small mouse she accidentally transports from someone else's rubbish into her home.

Two-thirds into the book, the reader's understanding shifts in the most unexpected way. Though slow to get going, this book is thoroughly compelling. It treats so many important aspects of older age: invisibility, loneliness, second chances, the importance of kindness, and legacy. What a delightful journey with an octagenarian and her pint-sized pet! 

2026 Baby Bucket List - May Progress

Photo by Jeff Kingma on Unsplash

At the end of February, I posted about my 2026 Baby Bucket List. My goals are not outlandish. I merely listed 23 restaurants, 3 festivals, 4 places, and 7 movies. Going in, I knew failure was likely. I mean, we haven't done anything special to celebrate the last 4 significant wedding anniversaries (35th, 30th, 25th, 20th). But, I tried to be intentional. At the end of February, we had checked off 3 items (Beef-a-Roo restaurant, The Bread Basket, and Marmalade Sky Bed & Breakfast). 

In some ways, we did better than expected this quarter. It's crazy, but we nailed the goal I thought we'd bomb, movies. It was like I went movie crazy in the last several months. Although I missed seeing H is for Hawk (with Claire Foy) in the theater, I jumped on the opportunity when I saw it available on my library's Kanopy account in April. It was a bit slow, but I enjoyed it by myself (couldn't get John to watch it with me). 

Since I vetoed the modern remake of Wuthering Heights, I sought a different Bronte film. I made up for it by watching the 1996 version of Jane Eyre on Kanopy. I noted a familiar name in the credits, Samuel West. He was very young in this movie, but plays the eminent Siegfreid Farnon on All Creatures Great and Small. Speaking of that series, I managed to secure and watch the library's copy of Season 6 finally.   

In early April, I went to see A Great Awakening twice . I went first by myself and then with John and Trevor. It will be my favorite movie of 2026 because it was just outstanding! Although I read Project Hail Mary in April (review coming), I didn't see it in the theater. Sean (who didn't read it) went twice and pronounced it the best movie of 2026. I'm hoping my library will snag a copy in the coming months or make it available on Kanopy, too.

On May 8th, Remarkably Bright Creatures released on Netflix (thanks to Sean's subscription I was able to watch it that day and consider it my second favorite movie of the year). I've already watched it twice (once alone and once with Sean) and plan to watch it with John some weekend soon. Then, on May 12th, I went to see The Sheep Detectives with Sean. We both enjoyed it so much, we went back the following Tuesday ($6 day) to see it with Claire and her mom.

I only ticked off 2 restaurants from my list since February. Instead of visiting them as a couple, I combined them with trips to pick up Sean. I went to Dog-n-Suds with Sean in April. Then, when I went to move him home from Purdue on May 16th, I went early enough to snag the $6 meal at Long John Silver's. The cashier even gave me the senior discount. Although we went out for Mother's Day, I chose my favorite local Mexican instead of something from the list. I could have crossed off Boulder Creek for my birthday meal, but money is getting tight and I just didn't want to cough up the big bucks (though I've enjoyed their birthday dessert on past occasions).

We have no plans to visit any of the 4 places on my list. We were hoping to get away for a retreat for our anniversary, but our current living situation is ruling that out, for now. So, I've exceeded expectations on movie-viewing, trudged through minimal restaurants, and thoroughly neglected getaways. Perhaps I can make up for it with a few small getaways by myself this summer. I have a friend in the Chicago suburbs who wants me to come help her work on a memoir (that sounds challenging and fulfilling). I don't relish driving alone, but it might be nice to get away, even if it has to be a solo trip. Hopefully, by the next quarterly progress report, I'll have more goals achieved.

Book Review: Just Out There Somewhere

I have to hand it to my husband. Given our current efforts to downsize by 70-80 percent, I doubted he'd fulfill the books on my Mother's Day/Birthday Wish List. If he hadn't, I would have bought them myself, ha! I received the Sing hymn book (this looks fabulous) and Just Out There Somewhere. I'm a huge fan of Kyle L. White's writing. In April, I spotlighted his work on my blog. While I don't have every book he's written, I cherish the ones I have purchased or received as gifts.

Just Out There Somewhere is his new collection of essays, poems, and thoughts about moving on. How appropriate, since we are contemplating a move from the home we have lived in and loved for almost two decades! If you don't plan to move on, you'll still find White's essays relatable. He writes about the movement of all manner of wildlife: rabbits, owls, box turtles, geese, porcupine, and hummingbirds. These essays are bite-sized gems full of reflections on natural elements or linguistics that lead to spiritual insights.

The book begins with the entertaining essay on borrowed books that you can listen to via a link in the author spotlight. In one essay, I loved that a woman proclaimed Kyle a "pastor of art." If you knew him, you'd know this is an apt description. A few of my favorites pieces include two ones discussing the phrases, "Holy moly," and "Good Gravy." I also enjoyed the letter to a porcupine. Lovely essays! 

Book Review: Marked by Prayer

I usually fight the temptation to buy interesting books. I'm currently in a purging and downsizing mode. However, needing to rekindle my writing (stalling out again), I bought the 2026 Christian Writers Market Guide. To finagle free shipping, I purchased G. Dwayne McCrary's $5 book, Marked by Prayer: Five Traits of People Who Pray. I thought it might jump start my flagging prayer life in the same way as the marketing guide. The extra effort extended on prayer in past years has dwindled in these first months of 2026. Indeed, I am not currently marked by prayer (nor am I using the writers market guide).

McCrary posits that prayer warriors are people who have experienced helplessness (prodigal son scenario, check). They are grounded in scripture (check, that has not diminished in the slightest). Prayer warriors exhibit personal grief over sin (so easy to desire recognition of sin in others, while missing it in myself). I think my favorite chapter was on "deferred confidence." In mentioning this trait to my BSF group, one friend said she has a plaque in her home that says, "Godfidence!" Oh that this would be true of me. Too often I want the answers and solutions now, or at least on my timetable. Finally, prayerful people seek out the presence of God. This was convicting, too. Do I spend time actively listening for God's voice? Or do I rush to check off the various portions of my morning routine?

I want to be the reason people see God moving in their lives! I want my prayers to transform those I lift to His throne! I ask, with the author, "what keeps me from carrying these marks?" Am I unwilling to provide the time, effort, and transparency required? His reminder is true, "Anything worth doing is difficult and painful in some way."

Book Review: The Lawyer and the Laundress

When I finished my last audiobook on Hoopla, I skimmed through the recommendations. The Lawyer and the Laundress had an interesting cover and promised a clean read. Lately, I've tried several popular titles and, quite far in, abandoned them. I abandoned Taylor Reid Jenkins' Atmosphere (despite the good writing and compelling investment in the story) when, halfway through, the main character visits a strip club and is titillated by the experience. Census, by Jesse Ball, was stilted. It also failed to be engaging or clean. Interested in Claire Foy's movie H is for Hawk, I attempted to read that book prior to seeing the film. It was quickly abandoned and I'm glad I didn't go to see the movie with my husband, despite my love of Claire Foy's performances. Finally, I just abandoned The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue. It gets discouraging.

The Lawyer and the Laundress takes place in 1837 Canada, during a time of political unrest. A widowed lawyer, James Kinney, is struggling to raise his feisty daughter Evie. She is miserable at her lessons under a strict and ineffective teacher. As such, she seeks the friendship of the laundress, Sara O'Connor. Sara is no ordinary laundress, as she knows French and effectively teaches Evie. James eventually seeks Sara to serve as Evie's governess. As romance blossoms between the two of them, political unrest threatens their lives.

I just learned this is a Carol Award Finalist. For a debut novel, it was well-written and engaging. The characters are compelling. Evie is delightful. The plot moves at a reasonable pace with plenty of conflicts. Most of all, I appreciated the tasteful treatment of the romantic tension simmering between Sara and James. Christine Hill Suntz manages to write it with sizzle, without smut. Why can't all authors stick to that?  

Book Review: 31 Days of Praise

Ruth Myers' 31 Days of Praise was another book from my own shelves. I enjoyed supplementing my morning devotional time with short passages from the book. The book is broken down into sections. In the first section, praise is introduced and encouraged. The second section offers 31 different daily readings that emphasize praise. The third section makes a case for the importance of praise in our worship of God. For the final section, a few pages suggest further acts of praise.

I don't often highlight in books, but as I had already highlighted some passages before, I continued the practice as I read. On Day 11, I appreciated the expression of gratitude for past trials that became raw material for God's blessing in my life and the lives of others. I found these words so helpful: "Thank you for the things in my past that appear to be limitations, hindrances, bad breaks... the wounds of old hurts, the unmet emotional needs, the mistakes or neglect of other people--even their cruelty to me, their abuse." I have suffered abuse at the hands of family members (abuse that, when confronted, yielded only justifications and rebuttals), yet I must thank God for even those trials that "were permitted by [God] to make me see my need of [God] and prepare my heart for [His] Word." I must pray for him to help me wipe clean any slate of grievances.

In Day 12, I needed this humble reminder, "You ask me to do absolutely nothing to earn Your forgiveness--no striving to measure up, no self-punishment, no prolonged remorse, no self-blame, no deeds of penance.... You don't hold a pair of scales and ask me to pile up enough good works to outweigh my sins, my failures, my unworthiness... it's all by grace through faith."

This book provides a humbling reminder of God's grace, His power to redeem, and His desire to reign victorious in our lives. It is a useful tool for promoting praise in our private worship times. I recommend the book as a small supplement to daily meditation. May I praise God daily (even in the hard)!

Mid-month Mention: Must-See Movies of 2026

I'm not generally a movie-goer, but this year, I've viewed 3 movies (2 in theaters) I highly recommend. All 3 were on my 2026 bucket list. Last month, I wrote up a whole movie review for my favorite movie of the year, A Great Awakening. It was powerful! Definitely a must-see! I saw it twice in the theater and would have happily gone again, if it had remained in our local theaters longer. To be honest, I might even consider purchasing the DVD eventually. 

I was anxiously awaiting May 8th, the release day for the Netflix movie adaptation of Shelby Van Pelt's outstanding book, Remarkably Bright Creatures. The big draw was Sally Field playing the main human character, Tova Sullivan. Man-oh! Man-oh! It did not disappoint. When I wasn't laughing, I was wrecked with tears. Once again, I found myself raving about the movie to anyone who would listen. I watched it again on Wednesday night with my youngest son. He loved it! I hope to watch it some weekend with my husband (a very reluctant movie-goer).

Sometimes readers worry that a movie will not live up to the book (because so many don't deliver). This fit those rare occasions when the movie actually hones the book and conveys the essence clearly. The movie cut away much of the background information for the drifter character, Cameron. But, in doing so, it gained strength for the bond between Tova and Cameron. My heart ached with the grief they each carried (Tova for her dead son and Cameron for his dead mother), grief that deepened their friendship. Add in the excellent narration of Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus, and the relationships resonated abundantly. I did see a few readers on Facebook mourning the loss of things like the missing house key, but the majority are raving about how well the adaptation communicated Van Pelt's intended story. The emotional impact is strong, characters well-developed, and take-away profound.

My third favorite movie of the year is another unexpected one. When I first heard the premise of Remarkably Bright Creatures, I didn't think I'd like the novel because it includes, well... a talking animal. Seriously. But some storytellers can pull off talking animals. On Tuesday ($6 day), Sean and I went to see The Sheep Detectives. Sean's girlfriend was bummed when she found out because she had wanted to see it, too. Thankfully, it will show later at the $5 theater near her.

I was expecting a humorous little talking animal tale about a flock of sheep solving the mystery of their shepherd's murder. I loved the idea that the shepherd read to his sheep each night from mystery novels, assuming they couldn't understand because they were only sheep. This movie was fun and entertaining, yes. But, it also led to a great deal of deeper thought about biblical metaphors. The movie stirred reflection on how we, as sheep (sometimes as shunned winter lambs), often go astray. The shepherd saves us from danger and destruction. He calls us by name.

The movie addresses deep concepts amid animal hijinks. The sheep must contemplate leaving the safety of the fold, consider death and grief, and wrap their heads around the concept of God. Sean and I tried to communicate the clever scene discussing God, but couldn't remember it enough to do it justice when regaling my husband. I found a movie reviewer who captured the scene well. I didn't feel like it made light of God or led to nonsensical views. Personally, the whole movie made me think about God and our relationship to Him. Here's how Daniel Blackaby reviewed the God-explanation scene:

"There is a humorous moment in which the sheep walk through the church grounds, and one sheep tries to explain God to the other. God is a shepherd, but also a lamb. He also “damns people”, but this only leads the other sheep to assume God must be giant beaver. God is invisible, but he is also bread, and people eat him every Sunday, says the one sheep to his increasingly confused friend. Some viewers may feel this dialogue makes light of God or equates faith in him with nonsense, but I found the honest questions endearing."

The movie is family friendly and could open up conversation about the deep scriptural metaphors portrayed in the movie. God is, indeed, "complicated," but I welcome even humorous tales that drive home spiritual truths. The writing is incredibly clever and witty. It holds appeal to children and adults alike. Good shepherds, bad shepherds, beloved sheep, wayward rejected sheep - we each can find God and ourselves in this story. May I be an attentive sheep and listen to my Shepherd.   

Book Review: Between the Mountain and the Sky

Now that I have read Between the Mountain and the Sky, I would love to see the documentary. Maggie Doyne's story of her gap year and mission to meet the needs of young Nepali children is inspiring. Would that every young woman identified and chased their dreams with abandon! Maggie is an extraordinary example of love's driving force for good. The number of lives she touched is probably immeasurable.

Maggie Doyne was drawn to the plight of a child banging a rock in the river in Nepal. Her dream of helping that child go to school grew into a vision for a children's home and school. With the help of Nepali friends and guides, Maggie spent her life's savings and began to tackle the dream bit by bit. When funds ran dry, she held a garage sale, sparking the attention of the media. Who knew she would end up adopting over 50 children. Over the years, her dream has been embraced by several philanthropic organizations eager to highlight her cause.

This is a deeply human story. It is not just about money thrown at a problem. Maggie invested her all into this dream. She loved, even when love cost much pain. Her story is heart-rending and motivating at the same time. Full of ups and downs, her journey is fascinating to read. If you've read the book or seen the documentary, I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Book Review: Strangers in Time

Surprisingly, I've never read a David Baldacci novel before. The name is familiar and popular, but this was my first foray, with Strangers in Time. Isn't this cover beautiful? I snagged the audio book version from my library and was really enjoying listening to the narration. Sadly, it came due (large hold list) and I was able to finish reading the book in large print, hardback form (less demand). I'm wishing I'd been able to hear the whole novel.

Charlie Matters is a 14-year-old who knows his way around London. He knows his way around rules, as well. When he robs The Book Keep bookshop, his conscience gets the better of him and returns the money and the book. Ignatius Oliver, the owner, insists on giving him the book. Charlie is tempted to sell the book. It could bring him 5 pounds and that might go a long way to helping Charlie and his grandmother keep up with bills.

Molly Wakefield is returning to her posh London home, after a spell away in the country for safety. She expects to find her mother and father at home, but is greeted by only her nanny. She hires Charlie to help her look for her father, but they have no success. Charlie, Molly, and Ignatius weather the storms of war together and look out for each other. They each carry heavy personal burdens, but bearing it together lightens the load.

The narration sucked me into the story. Yet, I had a harder time staying riveted when reading on my own. The book has likeable characters and brings wartime London to life. It is quite like many other WWII novels, but the writing is clean and good. I would be willing try another by this author, but perhaps not another war novel.

Book Review: The English Masterpiece

This was February's read for the Christian Fiction Reading Challenge I joined. At one time, I picked up Katherine Reay's Dear Mr. Knightley. It wasn't the right timing for me, and I set it aside. This time, however, I was enthralled by Reay's well-woven story of an alleged forgery. I listened to The English Masterpiece on Hoopla and loved the distinct, alternating narration of the two main characters, Lily and Diana. It made my morning exercise and chores slip by unnoticed.

When I lived in London, I visited the Tate Gallery (purchased a lovely card game of painting sets). How fun to return to that setting, albeit in an earlier timeframe! Lily eagerly anticipates the 1973 opening of a Picasso exhibit she helped prepare. Her boss, the art curator, Diana Gilden, hopes to advance in her job as a result of their work. Instead, with one uncontrolled whisper of "forgery," Lily has put everything in jeopardy. Lily's own asperations of showing a painting in an upcoming Emerging Artists Exhibition may be foiled, as well. But, as we all sadly learn, once words slip out, you cannot undo them.

What follows is a carefully plotted chase to determine the truth behind the painting and its provenance. The insurance company calls up an American detective, Conor Walsh. When he finds a student studio full of Lily's copies of the masters, suspicion shifts to Lily. Walsh and Lily feel pulled toward each other, but the mystery remains the focus. She is closed off to others, but will she open up to Conor?

I loved the pacing, and the characters were well-drawn. Lily's back-story was interesting. I was thrilled to explore the world of early-70s London. The writing was such that I forgot there was a puppet-master pulling the strings. My mind was gripped with the unfolding mystery. I'm so glad I read this book, and I cannot wait to seek another Katherine Reay novel.

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My favorite passage of all came toward the end of the book, when Lily is ruminating on the assessment of talent. Her words, about painting, could equally apply to writing. "Next week, I'll find out how far I'm willing to stretch, how vulnerable I can make myself, and how much of myself I'm willing to splay onto a canvas. Whether the art world chooses to laud my efforts or eviscerate them is beyond my control... As Picasso taught me, the act of painting is the vivisection of one's soul, splayed out before the world in a two dimensional format. And in art, as in life, success lies in holding nothing back. The world can hate it, but I can still have a marvelous time."