A Thanksgiving Thought...

Today is a hard day for many people. 

I'm reminded to pray diligently for those who are suffering loss whether it's through death, distance, severed relationships, or all of the above. 

I pray each one of us feel God's mercy and compassion. That we realize his unfailing love and respond to his gentle persuasion to place our heartache in his hands where comfort resides. 

Grace and peace to you all!

*image:  https://pixabay.com/users/tsukiko-kiyomidzu-1850874/

Review ~ Now and Then and Always (Maple Valley #1) by Melissa Tagg

Kindle Edition, 422 pages

Published May 28th 2019 by Larkspur Press

“It was just a house. Just a weathered old house in a hidden grove, shuttered and still...” 

Last year, after traumatic circumstances forced her from her job as a nanny, Mara Bristol finally found a place to belong—the winsome Everwood Bed & Breakfast at the edge of Maple Valley, Iowa. For months, she’s helped its owner, Lenora, maintain the ramshackle property despite their shortage of guests. But when Lenora fails to return from a month-long trip and the bank threatens foreclosure, Mara worries she’s once again alone . . . abandoned . . . about to lose the only true home she’s ever known. 

Detective Marshall Hawkins is no closer to whole today than he was two years ago . . . the day his daughter died. Between his divorce, debilitating migraines, and a dependence on medication, his life is falling apart. And when a reckless decision on the job propels him into administrative leave, he has no other plan but to get in his truck and drive. A one-night stay at the Everwood was supposed to be just that. But there’s something about the old house—or maybe its intriguing caretaker—that pulls him in. 

Together, Mara and Marshall set out to save the Everwood. But its secrets run deeper than they could’ve imagined. As they renovate the house and search for its missing owner, they’ll each confront the pain that brought them to the Everwood in the first place . . . and just maybe discover a faith and love to help them carry on. 

Purchase:

Amazon

 I am NOT affiliated with any vendor. Links are for your convenience only. 
All links are for Ebook.

My Review

4.5 STARS!!!

"I'm ready to let God put me back together. I know now there's life beyond the brokenness."

Now and Then and Always—characters, setting, plot, mystery all combine to create one of the most delightful books I’ve read this year! I was captivated and read it in a day. That’s saying something for me, or rather the author. J It’s an emotional story that brought laughter and tears more than once and had me smiling a lot. And yet the pain Marshall is experiencing since the death of his precious daughter, Laney, is too familiar. I can’t spend too much time thinking about that other than to say that Melissa Tagg has written it as if she has experienced it but I sure hope not. I hope it is pure skill and a blessed gift from God that she can write about such devastating loss. Everything described that Marshall feels and thinks, I have been there or I’m still there in my own grief journey. But I have hope that I, too, am not so broken that God can’t heal me.

Mara has found purpose and friendship in Maple Valley. Lenora, elderly owner of Everwood, helps her discover what can be and not just what was. Their friendship is bound in need and love and an answer to prayers not even realized. I loved hearing Lenora’s thoughts. At first I thought they were written as diary entries but then realized that wasn’t the case. I was anxious to find out what was happening to her. There is a mystery surrounding Lenora and her parents who disappeared many years ago. It’s woven expertly through the story.

None of the main characters are related but they’ve formed their own family with one another. I look forward to finding out more about Jen and Lucas and Sam. Maple Valley is a storyworld like no other and one that any reader would want to live in. I highly recommend this book to fans of good clean contemporary romance with strong yet subtle faith elements interlaced throughout.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Pressing Me Out of My Comfort Zone

Amy's 20th birthday

As many of you know, my daughter passed away 6 1/2 years ago at age 28 after a lifelong battle with multiple disabilities. Two months after Amy's death, I participated in a workshop taught by the talented writer/author Alice Wisler on Writing the Heartache. This workshop freed a fountain of words that poured out of me. 

Over the next 10 months or so, I continued writing and showed some of my scribbling (for lack of a better word) to a couple of author friends and was encouraged by them to take my writing to the next level and submit a couple of articles for publication. They were super kind in offering advice and even critiques but my deep-seated fear of rejection and lack of confidence kept me from taking that next step, until God intervened.  

In October 2018, I was contacted by the founder and senior editor of the online publication Broken but Priceless:The Magazine asking me if I would be their guest writer in January. My initial thought was "I am not a writer" and that's what I responded back to Erin. She told me to pray about it because as she was praying about who to ask, I kept coming to mind. That gave me pause. Even though we are friends on social media, I had never spoken to Erin about writing. 

Embracing this opportunity the Lord provided, I emailed Erin back to tell her I would do it even though I couldn't imagine why anyone would want to read what I write. For many, it wouldn't seem like a big deal or even a challenging thing to do. For someone who fears rejection and lacks confidence, it's a big thing. I have much to learn about the craft of writing but I know this is the path I am supposed to be on at this time. Where it will lead, I don't know for sure. But I know the One who does and that is good enough for me!

Philippians 4:13 ~ I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

If you would like to read my article titled Grief is not Temporary, you can sign up for your FREE copy of the magazine to be delivered to your inbox. Erin Elizabeth Austin and those who write regularly for Broken but Priceless share a much needed ministry encouraging those who live with chronic illness or are caregivers for someone suffering a chronic illness/disease. 

If you are in a hurting and/or desert place, I hope that you'll find refreshment among the stories shared by these women. I know I've been encouraged by their faith and fortitude in the face of their many trials and tribulations. May God bless you and keep you and make His face shine upon you and give you peace. Amen!

Here is the link to the magazine if you would like to sign up>>>Broken but Priceless Ministries

Review ~ The Road Home by Beverly Lewis

Paperback, 320 pages

Published April 3rd 2018 by Bethany House Publishers

Lena Rose Schwartz hadn't planned to leave her Old Order community in Centerville, Michigan. But then, she could not have foreseen the accident that made her and her siblings orphans. After her parents' funeral, her younger brothers and sisters are farmed out to various nearby relatives. But when the deacon in charge of the arrangements tells her there aren't places enough for everyone, she agrees to go live with her father's second cousin and his family in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

Beside the fact that Lena has never been more than a few miles from home, she's never met the family she will now be living with. But worse than that is the thought of being separated from her siblings. How will they manage without her to care for them--especially eight-year-old Chris? And what about Hannes Lehman, the beau she was sure would soon be asking her to marry him? It was true that he was not the man her father would have preferred for her. Maybe that was what the deacon was hinting at when he said "a fresh start might do you good."

It won't be forever, she consoles herself. I'll come back as soon as I can to take care of my family--and to make a home with Hannes. But doing so may prove far more complicated then she ever imagined.

Purchase Link:

CBD (lowest price)

Amazon

My Review

3 Stars

A tragic tale of loss and how ten Amish children, ages 8-18, are divided among district families, except the oldest, Lena Rose, who is sent far away to live with an aunt and uncle she has never met. Beverly Lewis has knowledge of the Amish community that is deep and detailed. The Road Home will settle in your soul, causing an awareness of all that is good and right about folks who love each other and are willing to open their hearts and homes to those in need. 

The characters settled down deep in my heart and I came to appreciate each one. While I did not find The Road Home to be a classic page-turner, it was satisfying and brought a few tears at one point. Lewis certainly knows how to entwine characters around my heart with gentleness and love. I hope there will be more stories about this family of orphans who forge ahead, making a life for themselves after a tragedy that most of us could never imagine. 

I received a copy of the book from the publisher. I was not required to write a review. No compensation has been received.

~Happy Reading~

Review ~ Things I Never Told You by Beth K Vogt, Coming May 2018 ~ Pre-order now!

From Goodreads: It's been ten years since Payton Thatcher's twin sister died in an accident, leaving the entire family to cope in whatever ways they could. No longer half of a pair, Payton reinvents herself as a partner in a successful party-planning business and is doing just fine--as long as she manages to hold her memories and her family at arm's length.

But with her middle sister Jillian's engagement, Payton's party-planning skills are called into action. Which means working alongside her opinionated oldest sister, Johanna, who always seems ready for a fight. They can only hope that a wedding might be just the occasion to heal the resentment and jealousy that divides them . . . until a frightening diagnosis threatens Jillian's plans and her future. As old wounds are reopened and the family faces the possibility of another tragedy, the Thatchers must decide if they will pull together or be driven further apart.

*CBD has the most reasonable pre-order price @ $12.99 for paperback!

Purchase link: CBD (*Christian Book Distributors)

About Beth

God’s best is often found behind the doors marked “Never.” So many times I approached life with with a virtual roll of yellow duct tape emblazoned with the word NEVER. Over and over again I sealed off certain opportunities.

I would never marry a doctor or anyone in the military.
I would never have children.
I would never write fiction.

And don’t you know God stripped off the duct tape and walked me through each of those NEVER doors?

Have you ever marked a door NEVER … only to discover his best waited where you said you’d never go?

Following God through that door doesn’t mean we’re on “easy street,”‘even though we’re where he wants us to be.

There’s more to happily ever after than the fairy tales tell us. We’re living real life — and relationships are messy, even when you believe in God. Even when you anchor your life to his promises.

I live my life acknowledging these realities … And I weave these truths into the stories I write.

My Review 

5 STARS!!! 

“Healing relationships take time—and it’s not just up to you to make it happen. Believe me, I know.” 

Vogt is well known for her works of fiction in the Contemporary/Romance genre but has now crossed into Women’s fiction with a confident step forward. Things I Never Told You wrapped around my heart like a ribbon on a package. I honestly did not think I would be as enraptured with it as I was but I had a hard time not thinking about the characters when I had to put it down to do normal things like laundry and cooking and basic mom stuff. I was anxious to pick it back up and continue on in the lives of Johanna, Jillian and Payton, the Thatcher sisters. Their relationships are complex, strained, emotional, and in desperate need of healing. As is often in real life, relationships have problems going on under the surface and a tragedy is what brings them to light. Grief is prominent in the story and the driving force behind much of what happens but it is not the be-all and end-all. I enjoyed the complexity of the characters. They seemed so real. 

The focus of this story is Payton, the youngest sister but with ample time given to Johanna and Jillian, along with their boyfriends, makes me look forward to reading the next two books in the Thatcher Sisters Series. This book would be a great choice for a book club. It is a gem, for sure! 

I highly recommend Things I Never Told You to all fans of Women’s fiction. And if you are like me, one who does not usually read that genre, I encourage you to give this story a try. I am sure glad I did! 

I was gifted a copy of the book from the author and was not required to write a review. No compensation has been received. 

~Happy Reading~

ALSO!!!

MARK YOUR CALENDARS for the Spring Author Soiree! On Tuesday, May 15, at 7 PM (ET), join Tyndale House authors Amy Sorrells, Beth K. Vogt, Courtney Walsh, Heidi Chiavaroli, and Jennifer Marshall Bleakley for a fun night of conversation and a chance to win signed copies of all their books — and more! https://buff.ly/2KdUKoM

*I am in no way affiliated with CBD and do not receive any monetary compensation for including a link to their website. I am only out to offer my blog readers the most economical place to order the book.

Christmas Angel, and a Book Giveaway

I decorated our tree already. Usually I like to wait until around the 10th of December but my husband and son talked me into it early this year. I kept things rather simple and uncluttered, mostly because I don't have the gift of decorating. :-)

And it's a sad time of year for me. I miss my daughter Amy, and my mom whose birthday was Christmas Eve. Momma loved to craft and just about every ornament I unwrapped reminded me of her in some way. I treasure the memories but anyone who has lost someone will admit the holidays are difficult. Most of the time we just don't say anything. 

 The first Christmas without our daughter, I took our Angel topper out of the box and plugged her in but she didn't light up. New bulbs did not fix her. I searched every store in our area for a new one but no one carried the same kind anymore. She had been purchased the year our daughter was born so she was 28 years old. I was heart broken. 

So, that first Christmas after Amy's death, we didn't have a topper. Frankly, I didn't want another one but my family asked me to put something on top of the tree the next year so I bought a pretty dark haired angel that reminded me of Amy. 

This past summer I was at an estate sale and saw an angel topper with two lights. She was almost identical to the one we had before! I picked her up and asked the owner, an elderly lady, if I could plug the angel in to see if she worked and she did! I know it sounds ridiculous but I started to cry. The lady said, "Obviously there is a memory attached to an angel in your past." I shared with her the story I just told y'all and she started crying, enveloped me in a big hug and told me to take the angel. It was her gift to me. 

Isn't she lovely? I suppose I'm a sentimental old fool. I know it doesn't really matter which angel is on top of the tree or even if it is a bow, but every time I see this lighted Angel, I smile. And I think about the blessing that lady's gift continues to be which in turn causes me to think of the real gift of Christmas, Christ Jesus. ;-)

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this. (Isaiah 9:6-7)

Do you have any ornaments or decorations that you're 'attached' to?
A special memory you would like to share?
If so, I would love to chat with you in the comments.

I'm giving away my copy of Colors of Christmas by Olivia Newport .
My gift to you for taking time to visit me here at Stuff & Nonsense. :-)
Be sure and leave an email address in a non-spam format so I can contact you if you win.
I have to limit the giveaway to US participants only, due to postage costs.

~Blessings, my Friends~

Morning Devotions

I haven't made a 'personal' post in a while. I've been a bit preoccupied with life in general. But I was prompted to share this today. Most mornings my devotional time is spent in the Psalms, writing out verses that somehow end up pertaining to an event happening in my life. Once I write them down, a Christian song will usually pop into my head and I jot down the chorus or verse that seems most relevant to the Scripture.

This morning I came to my devotional time heavy with empathy for another mom who found out on Monday that she is facing the rest of her life without her child. While I can't begin to grasp the magnitude of grief that she is feeling in the way her child has chosen to leave this earth, I can fully fall into the dark pit of grief with her over losing that precious life she nourished for so long, and had so many hopes and dreams for.

As I opened my Bible this morning, it fell to Psalm 55. The heading in my ESV Bible says Cast Your Burden On The Lord. I began reading and when I came to verse 16 that's when the Lord spoke to me through His Word and I wrote down these verses.

¹⁶ But I call to God,

    and the Lord will save me.

¹⁷ Evening and morning and at noon

    I utter my complaint and moan,

    and he hears my voice.

¹⁸ He redeems my soul in safety

    from the battle that I wage,

    for many are arrayed against me.

¹⁹ God will give ear and humble them,

    he who is enthroned from of old, Selah

because they do not change

    and do not fear God.

Bullet points: 

• Call to God 
• He will save me
• Day or night
• He hears me
• He redeems me
• A battle is raging
• God will fight for me

This was my stopping point but no music came to mind. So I bowed my head and began to meditate on His Word. The phrase Call to God  became a refrain. My heart cry was causing rivulets of tears to drip off my chin, and then I knew the lyrics I was looking for. In so many ways, this song touches on something happening in my own life or in the lives of family and friends. I hope you will be blessed and encouraged today that you and I have someONE we can cry out to, who will rescue us, redeem us, fight for us, if we will only CRY OUT TO JESUS!

God's Word instructs us to pray for one another.

Friend, is there something your heart is burdened about today?

I would be honored to pray for you. If you feel it isn't something you can share in the comments, please send me an email.