Review ~ A Cloud by Day, a Fire by Night: Finding and Following God's Will for You by A.W. Tozer, James L Snyder (Editor)

Paperback, 176 pages

Published March 5th 2019 by Bethany House Publishers

How can I know God's will for me, personally? It's a question that haunts us all at times--maybe when we're looking for the right job, thinking about moving to a new city, or deciding whether or not to get married. At every stage we have difficult decisions to make, and we long for God's direction and his warm reassurance that we're heading the right way.

A Cloud by Day, a Fire by Night captures Tozer's teaching on the will of God taken from sermons he preached just before he left his successful church in Chicago. Tozer was no stranger to facing difficult decisions, and his wisdom and biblical insight will help guide you in decisions of your own. The title comes from the story of God leading his people out of Egypt into the promised land. In the same way, let this book help reveal where he is leading and reassure you that he will be by your side every step of the way. 

Read an excerpt HERE.

Purchase Link: CBD

My Review

5 STARS!!!

Don’t we all, at some time or another, wrestle with the question “What is God’s will for my life?” I know I sure seem to ponder this question often but I always find any works from Tozer to be helpful. He was a sincere, godly man who sought the Lord’s will in all aspects of his life. Through 23 sermon excerpts compiled by James Snyder, A Cloud by Day, A Fire by Night encourages Believer’s to dig deep into the Word of God, knowing and understanding that God is always there, just as he was during the Exodus from Egypt, guiding His people day and night, never leaving them or forsaking them. Until we reach our heavenly home, we can know God’s will for us by knowing Him and His Word.

I used this book as a daily devotional since it has the structure of one. The hymns added even more depth to Tozer’s teaching. I'll be looking to buy a print copy because this is one that I find myself wanting to underline and write notes in the margins. It can be used as a companion to Bible journaling, as well.

I was provided an electronic copy of the book through Netgalley and the publisher. No review was required. No compensation was received.

Review ~ The Tutor's Daughter by Julie Klassen

My Review 

The Tutor's Daughter by Julie Klassen

~4 out of 5 stars~

Emma Smallwood accompanies her father, former owner and headmaster of Smallwood Academy, to Ebbington Manor to privately tutor the two younger sons of Sir Giles Weston. The two elder sons, Henry and Phillip, had attended and received their tutelage from Mr Smallwood but since then the boarding school has gone asunder.

In this almost gothic-like novel, there is ample distress and mystery surrounding Ebbington Manor. The mood is weighty and dark much of the time. While the characters are likeable for the most part, it takes some adjusting to the time period to understand consequences to certain actions. The two young sons are teenagers and their behavior is quite bizarre at times. Aristocratic families certainly had a different way of dealing with their wayward young. What may seem too lenient to me today, was most likely considered appropriate action back then.

I thought Emma could have been a more dynamic character although she is the epitome of a well bred lady so perhaps she is portrayed just as she should be. From early on, though, I couldn't see what she saw in Phillip. He appeared too soft to me. I was routing for Henry the whole time. Was I disappointed? I'm not telling.

This book is teeming with intrigue and mystery. Strange cries and piano playing in the middle of the night, mysterious notes appear in Emma's room while she's sleeping, and so much more! When it seems so obvious who the villain is, the story line switches to focus on someone else and you are left hanging....and wondering....and plotting. Who is the villain?! I believe it almost drove me crazy that I couldn't be sure. I usually figure these things out by the half way point but I was absolutely in the dark until the very end and completely taken by surprise with who the villain turned out to be.

It's an enjoyable read but not my favorite of Julie's books. I was expecting more of an Austenesque type story and less Bronte. Maybe a bit more romance too. I still recommend it for fans of Historical Fiction because it kept me turning the pages to answer that one question: Who is the villain?

Bethany House provided a copy for review purposes. I was not required to write a positive review, just my opinion of the book, which I have done. 

Do you read Historical Fiction? If so, who is your favorite author, past or present?

The Tutors Daughter by Bethany House Publishers