Book Review: A Brewed Awakening

Clever title! Witty banter! Opposites attract! Pepper Basham is becoming a well-loved writer. I have adored listening to Authentically, Izzy, Positively, Penelope, and Some Like it Scot. Her books are fun and flirty. The dialogue reminds me of the fast talking that goes on in The Gilmore Girls show. You can rely on Basham for clean romance, full of heart-rending conflicts, softened by lighthearted exploration. I can't wait to read more of her books. In fact, I'm wishing I had secured A Brewed Awakening in audio form with the British accent to enhance the story.

Daphne Austen loves all things British. While opening her late grandmother's tea shop one morning, she catches sight of a British car she has loved from Granny's tales (a Cabriolet - I'm not familiar). Unfortunately, Finn (the dashing Brit who owns the car) immediately casts aspersions on her tea shop. It turns out he's her new neighbor and his shop will offer British fare of a heartier variety than tea and scones.

Both Daphne and Finn are wounded souls. They protect their hearts the only way they know how. Can they open them to each other and get past the caustic stereotypes? Because I follow Basham on Facebook, I knew she wrote this tale while facing the damage left by Hurricane Helene. I don't believe I've ever been to North Carolina, but it came alive through this book. Maybe it is time to make a larger bucket list than my current one.

Series Review: The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion - Highly Recommend

Following the buzz, in June, I dipped my toe into the delightful world of The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion and did not want to depart. In very short order, I listened to Volumes 1-8 on the Hoopla app. I cannot wait for the ninth installment to release (although I worry my library will not have access, or I will be far down on the hold list). I will seek it in audio form again. The narrator Genevieve Gaunt does an outstanding job! If you enjoy Victorian England, these books will surely hook you!

Emma M. Lion is a young woman alone in Victorian England. Although her parents' deaths should have left her with Lapis Lazuli House, an odd relative has been living there and ripping through her inheritance monies. Now that she is finally ensconsed in the house, she seeks to rectify these wrongs and find her place in society. Her journals are delightful. The cast of characters surrounding her make the reader wish to enter this world for real.

I was thrilled when Emma mentioned the very street I lived on when I spent six months on a work visa in London, Sydenham Hill. With each installment, I was sucked deeper and deeper into the story. Emma is fiesty and independent. Her friends are colorful and conflicted. You cannot help but be swept away into this alternate reality.

My only complaint is that the books attempt to push a feminist agenda. I know Victorian London. Emma would not have waltzed independently through life in those times. Yet, still... I absolutely loved these books! I'm willing to suspend disbelief, to overlook historical inaccuracies, because I love Emma and all her entourage of young male friends (suitors?). I love her stream-of-consciousness commentary. Each book ends with a listing of her growing library of books. This is enchanting! I highly recommend this series, and especially in audio form. I'm even hoping the books will continue well past book nine.

Mid-month Mention: Hospitality and Building Community

I do not have the spiritual gift of hospitality. For several years, we invited my parents and sibling families to our spacious home just after Christmas. While I enjoyed the opportunity to see them all, the stress of making arrangements and meals always shattered me. One year, my sister attempted to alleviate that stress by insisting on making a huge meal of roast beef and yorkshire pudding. That year was even more stressful. I much preferred when we settled on an order from Papa Johns (although, one year, they assumed our large order of 8 or 9 pizzas was a prank call and we had to wait there while they actually filled the order).

Having said that, the Lord has been nudging me in this area. Not only did He direct me to my verse for the year (2 Corinthians 2:14: "Thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him."), but he is convicting me through others I'm encountering. I somehow stumbled upon a new-to-me author, Sue Donaldson, author of  Never Alone: The Power of Invitation and the Grace of Belonging in an Isolated World. I received a newsletter with a description of one of her "Wine Nights." It sounds amazing! She invites women into her home and stimulates conversation with great ice-breaker questions. You can purchase her question ideas in her book, Say Something Special: 252 Conversation Starters, The Ultimate Guide to Stimulating Table Talk. I hope to get a chance to read those books soon.

In the meantime, while I continue to pray for God's guidance on how He may be asking me to step out in faith, I keep discovering more encouragement. I recently followed a Rabbit Room substack article to a video lecture by Andy Patton (The Darkling Psalter). Patton's lecture, "The Lost Art of Community," is not only full of book recommendations and summaries, but also inspires hosptality and community building. I went in thinking I would skim the 28-minute lecture, but was riveted through the whole thing. He offers excellent analogies to flesh out his main points. He talks about subverting modernity, creating space with common agreement, accepting imposition for the sake of community, and the importance of propinquity (when circles of life overlap).

I am not at the point where I can foster a new community (many distractions of the unstable life with an addict), but I took note of his recommendations: 1) Start small, and 2) Gather around something. In brainstorming groups I would love to initiate, I think of several categories. The first obvious one is a desire to gather around books - perhaps start a new book club. The second, similar, is a desire to gather with other Christian writers - perhaps start a writer's group. The third, more practical and desperately needed on my end, gather with non-judgmental parents walking the difficult road with a wayward child. I realize all these categories already have groups in existence near me. However, that doesn't negate that niggle from the Lord. It may still be in developing stages within me. I may be too busy with the monumental task of preparing to downsize into a smaller residence. For now, I spend time in prayer and seek His wisdom and guidance.

If you're lonely and aching for stronger connections, if you're interested in building community, why not take a moment to explore Sue Donaldson's books or Andy Patton's lecture. They are sure to light a fire under any desires or convictions you might entertain. Who knows, this might be a tangible way to follow that verse from 2nd Corinthians. Every day, I pray to be a fragrance of the knowledge of Him. Maybe soon, he'll have me put feet and hands to the words.

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I wrote this post prior to our son's death. God has a sense of humor. He forced me to put feet and hands to words (although, I don't think anyone really expected much out of me - it is not like they were wanting me to stress about feeding all the relatives coming for the funeral, but even just making my home - so often in disarray - available for visiting is stressful to me). And, I suppose, he is giving me more time to focus on discerning where I could live out the verse in 2nd Corinthians.

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: 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: 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: 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: The First Time I Saw Him

The First Time I Saw Him is the riveting sequel to Laura Dave's best-selling book, The Last Thing He Told Me. This book sits at #61 in Suspense Thrillers on Amazon. It is, again, a page-turner. I cruised through in a few days. It was a fairly clean read. No unnecessary blood, guts, and gore and only mild cursing (for emphasis in the crisis moment).

The book picks up where the first installment left off, with the missing husband making a momentary appearance in Hannah Hall's life. Within pages, she receives an anonymous warning to flee because her and her daughter's lives are both in danger. I do wish I had taken time to re-read the first book, to remember more of the elements leading up to this mystery. Still, it could be read as a stand-alone, I'm guessing. The author sums up enough to get the reader up to speed.

Thankfully, these books provide good talking points. They are likely popular with a younger audience because of Reese Witherspoon's endorsements. The first book is now a series on Apple TV. As an older reader, it is always beneficial to keep in touch with what young people are reading. I wonder if my daughter-in-law has read these two books. Maybe I should ask. 

Mid-month Mention: Another Scavenger Hunt

Lately, I've been encountering new Christian authors through promotional activities. Last month I shared an opportunity for a Christian author scavenger hunt including almost 30 authors. I subscribed to a handful of author newsletters, including one for Jaime Jo Wright. Wright has joined another new-to-me author to create their own small scavenger hunt as introduction to their newest books.

Jaime Jo Wright's newest release is The Bookshop of 99 Doors. It is a Christian dual-timeline mystery set in a Pennsylvania mansion with Civil War secrets. Like Wright's other books, it is atmospheric and suspenseful. Melanie Dobson's The Lost Story of Via Belle is also a dual-timeline historical mystery. It, too, takes place in Pennsylvania. A present-day screenwriter investigates the 1940s disappearance of a romance novelist. I am eager to read both of these novels and then pass on recommendations to my cousin, Karin, who lives in Pennsylvania.

If you want to participate in this smaller scavenger hunt visit this Storydoors website. You will find two portals into photos associated with the novels. Each book showcases four rooms to explore. Some of the images, when clicked on, will send you to informational sites tied to these stories. In each room, there is a hidden clue to copy down. Once you find the 8 hidden clues, you can enter the completed sentences to enter the giveaway (15 Christian fiction titles), which ends on April 29, 2026. There is also an invitation to join a Zoom call with the authors, held on April 30th, to learn more about these stories. The winner will be announced during that Zoom call.

I joined in the fun. A few of the sites held information about author Grace Livingston Hill. My paternal grandmother had numerous Grace Livingston Hill books on her shelves in her upstairs rooms (where my sister and I stayed during visits). I can remember passing time in those novels, although I did not recognize any titles I may have read, since it was years ago (almost half a century). Even if I don't win the scavenger hunt, it was interesting to visit these sites and learn more about these books.

Book Review: The Correspondent

I have been a correspondent. In my early days, I had a few best friends with whom I exchanged lengthy letters. In my teen years, I had a friend who had gone off to college (in Indianapolis, at Butler University, of all places). That friend faithfully responded to my many letters. In my college years, I continued that correspondence and also wrote to family members. Post-college, I had a deepening correspondence with a fellow mission-team member. Then came letters back and forth between people I met in my travels. After my oldest son was born, I sought out a foreign pen-pal.  Yes, I have always loved composing and receiving letters!

This book, The Correspondent, by Virginia Evans, articulates exactly how I have felt. It is easier for me to process things and to express myself with the written word. Don't box me into a corner with a verbal fight! Allow me to defend myself and put forth my views in a letter. This is a beautiful book about a character who seeks to deal with life's losses through her correspondence with others. Sybil van Antwerp writes letters to her brother, her best friend, favored authors, and young people she hopes to mentor. She urges a college dean to allow her to audit courses. To some, she writes about her adoption and the feelings it engenders. To others, she writes her terror at impending blindness. Then there are the letters, left unsent, to an individual named Colt. When she starts receiving anonymous letters with ill-intent, she must face her past and all its tragedies and triumphs. As readers, we get to follow this process through the letters she writes and receives.

I love epistolary novels, so when I saw the popular buzz, I knew I wanted to read this book. And when I say buzz, I mean buzz. The book is currently ranked #3 on Amazon. It has won many accolades and awards. My husband came into the room and began talking to me as I was nearing the conclusion. I could not tear my eyes away. Then, the tears threatened and spilled over. Of course, he wondered what made me cry, but he is not a lover of fiction. I tried to explain the great sorrow, but he had not been drawn into it as I had through countless pages. I feel sorry for him. What joy it is to slowly unravel a tale leading to empathy and compassion for a character drawn from the author's imagination. If you read this book, be sure to take time for the author's acknowledgements at the end. I even looked up the scripture reference for James 1:17. Although this is not a Christian book, that verse resonates after reading this story. 

📒 Content Caution

Mid-month Mention #2: Christian Fiction Reading Challenge

I have never read a book by Robin Lee Hatcher, yet I love receiving her newsletters. One of these days (perhaps with this challenge), I will remedy that. Robin is the author of over 45 contemporary and historical novels. Her newsletters always share opportunities to explore other writers beyond her own works. She alerted me to a wonderful opportunity: a 2026 Christian Fiction Reading Challenge.

What great fun! A virtual book club with author visits! Who wouldn't want to read books, discuss with others, and interact with the authors? I'm not a big fan of Zoom, but I'd participate if it had something to do with books and authors. The Zoom calls are on the last Tuesday of each month and will be recorded, so you can watch later if you have to miss. I have signed up for this reading challenge. You only need to give an email address. This is free! Who can beat it? Won't you join me?

Book Review: Lenten Lands

I knew I owned this book, Lenten Lands, by Douglas H. Gresham. I simply couldn't find it on my shelves. Finally, I discovered it tucked away with another category of books on my downstairs shelves. I've mentioned before, I met Douglas while he was researching and I was working at Wheaton College's Wade Center. We hit it off immediately. When he learned of my goal to write a book someday, we made a pact to exchange autographed copies one day. I have his book, albeit unsigned (as he always lived on another continent), but I was unable to find an address to send him my book. Besides, I learned from Patti Callahan Henry that Douglas is struggling with dementia. He certainly would not remember the pact I held onto for years. Still, I'd love to fulfill my end of that agreement.

You cannot help but put yourself in the author's shoes when you read. What a tragic beginning! Douglas left his father (already a tenuous relationship, given his father's addiction) when he sailed with his mother and brother to live in England. He was eight. My heart aches for this upheaval. Then he endured life in English boarding schools. Along the way, his mother (whose story I recently explored both in fiction and non-fiction forms), established a relationship with C. S. "Jack" Lewis. From each book I've read (Patti Callahan Henry's Becoming Mrs. Lewis, Lyle Dorsett's And God Came In, and Doug Gresham's Lenten Lands), you get a strong sense of the intellectual sparring that went on between Jack and Joy. Although some called it a "marriage of convenience," they clearly exhibited a depth of affection for one another. 

Although the book discusses Lewis in the decade Doug knew him, this is not solely a book about C. S. Lewis. Gresham articulates, as the subtitle promises, "My Childhood with Joy Davidman and C. S. Lewis." Doug's life is interesting on its own. He carries with him the impact of an intelligent mother who died when he was young and a theological great who died when Doug was in his late teens. These factors forced him to make his own path. I'm thrilled that he found his way in the world. I'm equally thrilled that his way wended my direction for the space of a fortnight.

Book Review: Everything's Coming Up Rosie

In August, I highlighted 5 Christian authors. I recommended Courtney Walsh in that mid-month mention post. Walsh is an Illinois writer from my old neck of the woods. She wrote my favorite read of 2023, The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley. Her newest book, Everything's Coming Up Rosie, prompted similar affection and reflection.

Rosie Waterman battles disappointment as her dreams of Broadway stardom seem to flounder. Her friends are all making strides (getting married, having a baby, starting a business). In desperation, she fires off tons of resumes and knee-jerk responds to the first offer. Now she's headed to Door County, Wisconsin, to direct Cinderella. But what she finds in Door County isn't what she expected. As obstacles mount, she digs in and tries to do the best she can. Perhaps her dream won't take shape the way she anticipated.

Rosie is delightful! While not as quirky as Isadora (in my favorite Walsh novel), she has spunk and verve. Her swoon-worthy love interest, Booker, keeps things hopping. Can the elderly players in this retirement center production teach Rosie to face former demons, pivot into a new plan, and chase what really matters to her? Like the happy life novel, this book drives home messages I need to contemplate. What do I do when my dreams don't turn out as I'd imagined? Can I embrace the reality that the hard makes the good taste sweeter? I'm knee-deep in hard! My dreams are on hold while I wade through these problems. This book offers the perfect blend of distraction and inspiration. I want to face life like Rosie, opening up to the pain and carving a path to new purpose.  

Book Review: The Atlas of Untold Stories

Sara Brunsvold was a new-to-me author when I happened upon her author talk at a local church. Her books are easy to devour. The pacing is great, and the characters are realistic and relatable. My favorite book is still The Divine Proverb of Streusel (because I relate to so many aspects of the story), but I enjoyed this third novel, The Atlas of Untold Stories. Each Brunsvold book is full of Midwestern charm!

What could be better than a road trip across the Midwest to explore places associated with Midwestern writers? When I was in college, I created a London-walking-tour for future Wheaton-in-England participants. It traced various sites in London associated with Charles Dickens, my then-favorite writer. I don't know if the professor I created it for ever used the materials, but it was great fun creating that guide. Sara Brunsvold peoples her Midwest road trip with a mother and two daughters, each bearing a secret kept from the others. They explore sites associated with writers like Ernest Hemingway, Langston Hughes, Frank Baum, Joan Lowery Nixon, Willa Cather, and Mark Twain (among others). With my pre-order, I secured a complimentary PDF of a "Bookish Road Trip Through America's Heartland." Although I have no desire to visit every site mentioned, I might enjoy a road trip to a few of them.

Chloe Vance has a secret she needs to share with her mother, Edie. She knows Edie will not appreciate her plans to leave for a missionary teaching stint in Prague for two years. When she cannot get the words out, she invites Edie on a 9-day road trip to visit literary sites. Edie, unsure about the trip, invites her other daughter, Lauren, to join them. As the three spend days cramped together in Chloe's yellow hot-box car, personalities present and conflict. Life is easier in books. But books also open a window of understanding for the conflicts we face.

This is a quick read. It holds equal parts character development and touring information. The reader learns about the authors, but also about the realistic conflicts that drive each woman. Family is so important. While relationships can be fraught with disappointment, they also can soothe and heal deep wounds. This is yet another Brunsvold book that dives into relational friction and the powerful healing touch of faith. 

I wish I had headed out for extensive travel (perhaps for my anniversary). Brunsvold offered a contest for people who took a small paper copy of the yellow car along on trips. Genius! Brunsvold shared on Facebook that the winner took Flat Goldie all the way to New Zealand. What a great marketing idea!

Book Review: First Love, Second Draft

What if a wife's worst day of her life was her husband's best day? What conflict and emotion might this conjure? I could well relate to this scenario. Not that my worst day was John's best day, but I worry there are much worse days ahead. We endured a miscarriage prior to the births of our three sons and, believe me, we processed and grieved differently. It is so hard when reactions don't match. The pain is intense and then you add a layer of misunderstanding. Men definitely grieve differently than women, and often communication in those tender initial days is non-existent.

Becca Kinzer has a real talent for taking the difficulties of relationships and spinning them out with wit. She knows how to write humor (a tough task). When you feel like crying over life's challenges, it is refreshing to pick up a book that leads from internal intensity into light-hearted laughter. Here is a brief summary of First Love, Second Draft, from the back cover of the book:

"Rom-com writer Gracie Parker hasn’t written a bestseller since she and her husband, a major league baseball star, divorced five years ago. On thin ice with her publisher―and with a looming deadline―Gracie couldn’t have picked a worse time for a painful injury that has her flat on her back. At this point, she’d accept help from anybody . . . except her first love and ex-husband, Noah Parker.

"The baseball season has just ended in massive disappointment for Noah. He’s facing the stark reality that he gave up everything for a career that’s let him down and that it might be too late to get back the one person he should’ve held on to. So when Gracie’s nephew calls, saying Gracie’s looking for a tenant for her next-door rental, it feels like it’s meant to be."

I've enjoyed all of Becca Kinzer's humorous tales. This one is a novel about second chances. Love is hard, but deserves a second chance. Sometimes women who have been hurt refuse to give an ex a second chance. We are all flawed and failing. We all desire forgiveness. I need to learn to extend grace to others more freely and open doors for restoration and reconciliation. I just hope it doesn't take a painful injury to get me to that point, ha! (My June fall from the treadmill wasn't as debilitating as Gracie's injury, but I'm still needing to sleep flat on my back because my normal side-sleeping causes twingy pain where I hit the chair. Say a prayer for healing, if you will.)

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Becca has announced a new book slated for the spring of 2026. It sounds like it will be another joyful journey with witty banter and unexpected romance. Here is the cover reveal for next year's novel, Not What We Pictured. (This title sounds like a commentary on my life, ha!)

   

Mid-month Mention: Read Write Rendezvous

In 2024, I learned of an upcoming author talk held at a local mega-church near me. I eagerly and quickly read the first two books by Sara Brunsvold: The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip and The Divine Proverb of Streusel. The author talk was wonderful. I feel a real kinship with Sara because I was born and raised in small towns in Missouri and come from German heritage.

Tomorrow, Sara's 3rd book, The Atlas of Untold Stories, releases. I pre-ordered the book and received it on Thursday, along with the pre-order goodies. What could be better than a story about mothers and sisters and road trips aligned around books? When I first heard of the book, I wanted to take a road trip myself to visit the sites mentioned in this Midwest book. By pre-ordering through Baker Book House, I received a copy of a road trip itinerary for just such a trip. Hmm, now to find someone to road-trip with me (i.e. do all the driving).

In checking out Sara's website, I discovered a reader's/writer's event that sounds absolutely marvelous. I doubt I'll be able to attend (expense, uncertainty of life, travelling alone...), but I thought my blog readers might like to know about this event. Sara is one of the many authors who will be there. Read Write Rendezvous takes place in St. Louis, from November 7th to 8th, 2025. I am familiar with the names of a handful of writers who will be in attendance: Amanda Cox, Jaime Jo Wright, Joanna Davidson Politano, Pepper Basham, and Sara Brunsvold.

If you sign up to attend the Read Write Rendezvous, let me know! I'd love to hear all about it, even if I cannot attend this year myself. There's always next year, possibly... 

Book Review: Becoming Mrs. Lewis

Once again, the titles of my current reading seem to parallel. After meeting Patti Callahan Henry at her author talk in Franklin, Indiana, I was eager to pick up this historical fiction based on the life of Joy Davidman, C. S. Lewis' wife. When I worked at the Marion E. Wade Collection at Wheaton College, my time was focused on transcribing the letters of C. S. Lewis. I didn't really stop to think about Joy Davidman. Even when I met her son, Douglas Gresham (researching his book, Lenten Lands), I didn't consider Joy. Then Dr. Lyle Dorsett, my supervisor, wrote his book, And God Came In. I received this book, with Lyle's signature, as a Christmas gift in 1984.

I had such a great time briefly discussing Patti's research at the Wade (now called the Wade Center). How fun to think she may have opened a binder and read words I transcribed! Or perhaps she actually saw my own handwritten scrawl. There were times I could not decipher C. S. Lewis's words. Both he and his brother, Warnie, were born with a congenital defect of a missing joint in their thumb. I would type up a passage and leave a blank space where I couldn't decipher the words. Then later, sometimes with the help of other eyes, I would go back in and print the missing words. It was my favorite job ever, since I often would happen upon great insights in the correspondence I transcribed.

This book held a similar message to the one I gleaned from Ellen Vaughn's biography of Elizabeth Elliot. I think many people hear the name C. S. Lewis and imagine a saint on a pedestal. Neither Elizabeth nor "Jack" (as he was known) were saints. They were ordinary individuals with faults and quirks and a rare gift for sharing insights through their writing. In Becoming Mrs. Lewis, we learn how he acquired his nickname. We learn how and why he held Joy Davidman at a distance, despite a growing love building between them. 

Joy, too, held a brilliance of writing ability. Jack described her work as "flaming." He was drawn to her like a moth to a flame. She started as a friend, someone with whom he could say, "What, you too?" I loved the descriptions of their playful, literary banter. Joy was an amazing woman. She knew several languages, had a photographic memory, could discourse on a variety of subjects, and was quite frank. Yet, as with Jack, she was not perfect. The book highlights how her passion for writing led to great difficulty settling into a "housewife" role. She suffered because of her poor choice in marrying another woman's husband, who turned out to be an alcoholic with a violent temper.

As a reader, you can see the train heading for a derailment. Why did Joy leave her wayward husband with her attractive, driven cousin to care for her sons while she took a trip to England for her health? Given her husband's abuse (and especially his demeaning comments against her writing), is it any wonder that she was drawn to a man like C. S. Lewis? And, given Lewis' background, it is easier to understand why he took so long to assert his love for Joy. This aspect gives the book tremendous pull, as the reader waits, with bated breath, for the two to come together.

I think my favorite endorsement for Patti's book is this blurb by the New York Journal of Books: "Patti Callahan took a character on the periphery, one who has historically taken a back seat to her male counterpart, and given her a fierce, passionate voice. For those fans of Lewis curious about the woman who inspired A Grief Observed, this book offers a convincing, fascinating glimpse into the private lives of two very remarkable individuals." Joy had a fierce, passionate voice in a time and era when women's voices went unheard. Her vehement determination to protect her sons was admirable. I'm grateful to Lewis for shepherding them after Joy's death. I'm also glad to have met Douglas while working at the Wade Collection. How sad to hear from Patti that Douglas is now dealing with dementia! How sad to have to tell her that Lyle (a beloved father figure for me) is also struggling with dementia. God carries us each through trials and triumphs. He uses the good and the bad in our lives for His glory. Praise God! 

Book Review: Becoming Elisabeth Elliot

When I was at Wheaton College, I befriended a floor-mate named Andrea Howard. She was delightful (spunky, funny, fun). It was interesting to learn about Elisabeth Elliot (Andrea's aunt) and the story of her husband's martyrdom in the jungle of Ecuador. Once, while at Wheaton, Elisabeth came to the college to deliver a lecture. I own 2 of her books about Jim Elliot and love a particular quote from him I found once in Paula Rinehart's Better Than My Dreams. Thus, when Sara Brunsvold mentioned Ellen Vaughn's 2-part biography of Elisabeth Elliot, I was eager to dive in.

Becoming Elisabeth Elliot shares the initial parts of Elisabeth's life (her growth, her courtship, her loss of her first husband, and her struggles with her missionary role). It is clear, God's ways are not our ways. From the very beginning of her missionary career, she faced obstacles head on. After nine months of work on the Colorado language, all of her linguistic notes, files, charts, etc. went missing when someone stole her suitcase off a truck. Despite frustration, she accepted God's will and termed it her "school year." No explanation could suffice. She wrote, "Faith's most severe tests come not when we see nothing, but when we see a stunning array of evidence that seems to prove our faith vain. If God were God, if He were omnipotent, if He had cared, would this have happened?... It was a long time before I came to the realization that it is in our acceptance of what is given that God gives Himself." For her, it came down to obedience, regardless of the cost.

In another passage, toward the end, Vaughn writes, "For Betty, the sad days weren't times to be denied, suppressed, or avoided. Betty's medical training, and her theology, did not allow her to deny the existence of pain... It showed God was at work. If she walked the path of obedience, He would in fact use her very pain for His good purposes. But the problem with pain is that it hurts."

Anyone who has encountered unexplainable suffering will find comfort and hope in these pages about Elisabeth Eliot's life. She was not a saint. She had her own personal quirks and personality edges. Yet, her life is a primer for accepting God's will, even when it is hard and makes little sense. We must accept His will even when the outcomes remain unquantifiable. Elisabeth Elliot's pain and struggles drove her to deeper obedience than sunshine and flowers ever would. May I remember her example when I'm called to walk a hard road. This honest 2-part biography would be a fine addition to a personal library.

Author Spotlight: Becca Kinser

(photo collage property of Becca Kinzer's author website)

Becca Kinzer is a critical care nurse who lives in Springfield, Illinois. She writes clean, lighthearted, humorous stories. Her first novel, Dear Henry, Love Edith, won the 2024 Carol Award for debut novel. This was my first introduction to Kinzer's writing, and I really enjoyed that epistolary tale of mistaken identities. In it, a young woman rents a room from a man she thinks is an older gentleman. They keep missing running into one another, so he assumes she's a spinster. As their correspondence blooms, so does love and a myriad of obstacles.

Sometimes it is difficult to follow-up on a successful debut, but Kinzer wrote an equally funny novel in her second book, Love in Tandem. Charlotte Carter faces the dismantling of her beloved small town music program. Desperate to save it, she agrees to join her ex-fiance's brother in a tandem bike challenge, hoping the prize will secure funds to save the music. As these opposites approach the 500-mile trek, their pretend-dating scheme runs into plenty of snags. Is love inevitable on a bicycle built for two?

I would have loved to have driven to Springfield, Illinois, to meet and interview Becca Kinzer. I appreciate her light-hearted humorous stories. They lifted my spirits on some gloomy days. Since I'm not gifted with the ability to write humorous tales, I admire this skill she demonstrates. Alas, instead of an interview, I'm relying upon information from the book club kit for her upcoming book (available,  with discussion questions, through Tyndale in their Crazy 4 Fiction book club kits).

As for writing with humor, Kinzer follows a driving principle. She writes, "There's a saying in the writing world that if there's no tears in the writer, there's no tears in the reader. Well, my interpretation is if there's no giggles in the writer, there's no giggles in the reader. Let's just say I had plenty of giggles writing certain scenes in this story." Kudos to Kinzer for making readers giggle!

You can influence the success of Kinzer's third book by purchasing it on its upcoming release date, April 15th, 2025. In this book, First Love, Second Draft, Kinzer focuses on second chances. Gracie is a rom-com writer who writes a baseball romance series. Noah Parker is a forty-year-old pitcher who is famous for one perfect game. When the two meet, there's a bundle of banter and a surfeit of sparks. But can their love overcome the complications they face?

In the book club kit, Kinzer discusses how to story germ originated. She writes about "having trouble sleeping. Scenes about a baseball player and his wife kept playing out in my mind. What if the absolute best night of a baseball player's professional career coincided with the absolute worst night of his wife's personal life?" Sounds like a great premise, no? Apparently, she wrote the book before her other two books took off. She teasingly liked to call the manuscript, "First Love, Seven Hundredth Draft." Ha!

I think I'm looking forward to the book most because it promises a story of redemption. Kinzer says, "There's an element of redemption and forgiveness that always goes hand in hand with a second-chance romance. I don't think the world can ever get enough of that type of story." I hope to find the encouragement Kinzer sought to instill in this story. She hopes readers "learn to cling to God through everything, especially the disappointments and seasons of waiting. By keeping a tight grip on our faith, we'll never lose reason to hope. And as with all my stories, I hope readers get some good laughs along the way."

Want a taste of the tale? Click here for a free flash fiction story, "Famous First Date," introducing Gracie and Noah. If you visit Becca Kinzer's author website, you can access two free novellas when you subscribe to her newsletter. Then, head to the Amazon page for her new novel, to secure your copy on the release date. Or if you'd rather purchase a signed copy, visit the author's website where you can purchase one from The Sly Fox. I'm wishing Becca all the best of success as this third novel reaches the light of day and into the hands of eager readers everywhere. Maybe someday I'll get to meet her and ask the myriad of questions bursting in my brain. 

Book Review: Positively, Penelope

How grateful I am to Pepper Basham for providing another light-hearted, uplifting, clean romance! After enjoying Authentically, Izzy, I gave the second book in the series a go. Positively, Penelope returns to the same sibling set, but you could read it as a stand-alone novel. What a delightful and upbeat character! Penelope shines in a dark world. Since my world has had its own gloom, it was thrilling to enter this alternate reality and have Penelope's words "turn my frown upside down." (Ha! My husband's frequent complaint. He says I always frown. He's not alone. When I was in high school and concentrating on something I was learning, the teachers would often stop to say I looked like I was in pain. Oh my! I need to channel Penelope from now on!)

Penelope Edgewood loves musicals and all things theater. When she takes a temporary internship at the Darling House Theater on the island of Skymar, she brings her love of magic and fairy tales and princesses along. Is her positive spirit strong enough to battle the darkness of the owners (still reeling from several losses), the mystery of an idea thief, and her own bout with homesickness? Can she remain positive when life threatens to pull her down?

I had forgotten my intention of seeking a hard copy of the book for this second installment. Others complained about the awkward inconvenience of listening to each epistolary entry read aloud. It is true. Epistolary novels, especially if involving emails and texts, read better on the physical page. However, I love a good epistolary novel, so I put up with the email subject lines and text tags. This is a delightful series with fascinating and quirky characters, light-hearted romance, and other-worldly settings. I look forward to exploring the next book, Loyally, Luke.