Thursday, June 29, 2017

Abounding in Hope


This has been a tough month for our family. My father-in-law was admitted into hospice on June 6th and passed away on June 20th. I volunteered to sit with him each day and help out my mother-in-law during this time. I missed my husband and son during that two weeks but my life was enriched in the time I spent with my 'dad'. 

Our hearts are heavy with grief over losing such a sweet and godly man from our lives while at the same time rejoicing that he now lives cancer free and in eternity with our heavenly Father! 

This quote from Corrie ten Boom speaks truth. Even in the 'pit' of grief, God reaches down 
'deeper still' with his comforting Holy Spirit and loves on us. 

Praise God we have hope through our Savior Jesus Christ that we will be reunited one day, not only with our loved ones but with our heavenly Father too! 

Romans 15:13 (ESV)
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
  

Wednesday, June 28, 2017

Rebecca Reviews ~ The Captain's Daughter (London Beginnings #1) by Jennifer Delamere

Published June 6th 2017 by Bethany House Publishers

When a series of circumstances beyond her control leave Rosalyn Bernay alone and penniless in London, she chances upon a job backstage at a theater which is presenting the most popular show in London. A talented musician and singer, she feels immediately at home and soon becomes enthralled with the idea of pursuing a career on the stage.

An injury during a skirmish in India has forced Nate Moran out of the army until he recovers. Filling his time at a stable of horses for hire in London, he has also spent the past two months working nights as a stagehand, filling in for his injured brother. Although he’s glad he can help his family through a tough time, he is counting the days until he can rejoin his regiment. London holds bitter memories for him that he is anxious to escape. But then he meets the beautiful woman who has found a new lease on life in the very place Nate can’t wait to leave behind.

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Rebecca's Review
4 STARS!!!

" . . daydreams turned to sad longing when the years passed and their father never came home."

Rosalyn Bernay and her two sisters were deeply impacted by the mysterious disappearance of their father at sea and subsequent death of their mother. Raised for many years in George Muller's famous orphanage, Rosalyn embarks on her own at the age of seventeen, only to discover that life in the home of an elite employer can turn quite ugly. Forced out onto the streets amidst swirling accusations, she barely avoids ruin before happening upon simple employment at the respectable Opera Comique, where her path crosses that of soldier-turned-stage-assistant Nate Moran, for the second time in as many days.

Nate Moran is terribly relieved to see that the young woman over whom he has worried, has escaped the clutches of ill repute and is comfortably ensconced with reputable theater associates. Rosalyn is an enigma, with her quiet charm and obvious secrets, as she glides into the opportunity set before her with innocence and grace. As is so often the case, a lovely woman attracts attention, and Nate is not the only one in the cast with an eye turned towards Rosalyn. Unfortunately, Nate already plans to return to his career in the military, once his hand is completely healed; following his commission to India. . . . . without a wife.

What a lovely slice of history during nineteenth century Victorian England; including a glimpse into the world of Gilbert and Sullivan productions, the broad impact that George Muller made upon thousands of orphaned children, and the waves of change being introduced by women entering the work place. Tucked in between, is a sweet romance.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions stated are entirely my own.

Rebecca is a graduate of Bryan College with a degree in Christian Education, and is currently serving at the First Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Gastonia, North Carolina as the Director of Children's Ministry. With nearly 28 years of experience in her field, she has had many opportunities to use her love of reading and writing in creative ways across the generations. A wife, mother of four "nearly" grown children, and grandmother to four beautiful grandchildren, Rebecca has been able to return to her love of reading and more recently reviewing, with a renewed passion for the "beauty of story".

 ~Happy Reading~

 
 

Friday, June 16, 2017

Review ~ Tranquility: A Prayer and Reflection Coloring Journal by Tyndale House



Published: April 18, 2017
Tranquility: APrayer and Reflection Coloring Journal invites you to mix creative journaling and coloring into your personal time with God. Prayers that focus on topics such as being thankful, dealing with stress and heartache, caring for yourself and others, listening for God’s leading, and waiting patiently on Him will guide your thoughts and calm your spirit. Filled with more than 100 designs to color, plenty of space for journaling, and 40 needs-based prayers, Tranquility will help you express your devotion to God with your whole heart.


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My Review


I have enjoyed my time spent reading the prayers in this journal. They are relevant to life and circumstances that many of us experience at one time or another. 


The coloring pages are a bonus! With designs that are pleasantly harmonious with the prayers, you can spend time contemplating on the prayer while you color. 


There’s room to journal your own response to the prayers but if you prefer not to do that, you can doodle in the areas for expressing your thoughts with stamps, Washi tape, and/or pre-made embellishments. Artistic talent is not essential for this journal. 


Most of us can use a little serenity in life, and Tranquility: A Prayer and Reflection Coloring Journal is a great choice. 


I received a complimentary copy of the book for review purposes from Tyndale House.

~Happy Coloring~
 

I would have made pictures to go with my review but my camera wasn't working right and the ones I took with my phone didn't come out clear enough. 

Then, I had to head to NC when my FIL was admitted to hospice earlier this month. I am sitting with him daily, so my presence on social media is not much right now. Our family appreciates your prayers as we traverse this journey. We have certainly felt the Lord's presence sustaining us each day!

Psalm 73:26

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

Monday, June 5, 2017

Coming Soon!!!

July needs to hurry up and get here because I can't wait to hold a copy of this long awaited book in my hands! Roseanna is one of my favorite authors! I know I have said it many times but it's true!!! She has a unique way of weaving a story together that - every. single. time. - leaves me on the edge of my seat!

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A Name Unknown (Shadows Over England #1) 
by Roseanna M. White 

Expected publication - July 4, 2017 Bethany House Publishers


Edwardian Romance and History Gains a Twist of Suspense

Rosemary Gresham has no family beyond the band of former urchins that helped her survive as a girl in the mean streets of London. Grown now, they concentrate on stealing high-value items and have learned how to blend into upper-class society. But when Rosemary must determine whether a certain wealthy gentleman is loyal to Britain or to Germany, she is in for the challenge of a lifetime. How does one steal a family's history, their very name?

Peter Holstein, given his family's German blood, writes his popular series of adventure novels under a pen name. With European politics boiling and his own neighbors suspicious of him, Peter debates whether it might be best to change his name for good. When Rosemary shows up at his door pretending to be a historian and offering to help him trace his family history, his question might be answered.

But as the two work together and Rosemary sees his gracious reaction to his neighbors' scornful attacks, she wonders if her assignment is going down the wrong path. Is it too late to help him prove that he's more than his name?

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Doesn't this sound like a page turner?! If you aren't familiar with Roseanna's books, I hope will be before this one comes out. Truly, her voice is one-of-a-kind!

Happy Reading, Y'all!