Amanda Tero's Blog, page 3

When Thanksgiving Involves Grief

Thanksgiving often becomes a season of yearly reflection.

It can also become a glaring reminder of what we have lost. Loved ones we can’t hug again. Lost jobs and security, houses and possessions, relationships and friendships…

But sometimes what we lose is invisible. Physical & cognitive ability, time, dexterity, food tolerances, stamina… yes, I am speaking of chronic illness losses.

It took me a while to realize that grief is a part of the chronic illness journey. You lose so much—sometimes ...

This Book Kept Me Guessing!

I know there are many opinions out there about Christians and dancing. If you’re anti-Christians dancing, then this book isn’t for you. But if you can enjoy a book about the reality of ballet without dwelling on the dark ugliness that happens, you just might want to pick this one up.

Also, just saying, there were a few “Leap” vibes in this books (my younger sister adores that animation).

The layers in this book are phenomenal! Just when I thought I knew how the story was unfolding, a new twist ...

Another WWII Read to Add to Your List

Do you have a WWII TBR? If not, you really need one!

Maybe I say that because WWII is one of my favorite eras to read.

I have read Sarah Sundin, of course, but Amy Green is quickly becoming another go-to WWII author!

When it comes to more obscure WWII home front stories, Amy Green has it. This book is all about conscientious objectors, smoke jumpers, and women in military, plus a mystery that is a lesser-known WWII fact.

 

I particularly enjoyed the romance. It was a sweet hint more than the fo...

Preacher on the Run Blog Tour + Giveaway (Guest Post by Jayna Baas)

 

Today I’m hosting a stop on the blog tour for Preacher on the Run, a Christian historical novel by Jayna Baas. Released last year, this book has already found some fans, and I’m excited to help spread the word!

Before we get to the guest post Jayna wrote, here’s a bit about Preacher on the Run, the first book in the For Liberty & Conscience trilogy.

STANDING FOR TRUTH COULD COST HIM HIS FREEDOM.

It’s 1771, and Robert Boothe has spent the last four years leading the tyrant-hating Regulators ag...

A Read to Keep You on your Toes

“Hostile Intent” completed the series well with a story full of love, family, secrets, and trust. I couldn’t help but love both Ava and Caden for different reasons. Ava’s need for secrecy and her commitment to her father added good depth. And then Caden was just that solid, steady rock for Ava.

Their romance was slow and steady and I liked that they were childhood friends.

There is a bit of gore as this is a very action-packed story. I personally enjoyed all the action, but sensitive readers ma...

This Verse Isn’t Just for Babies…

What is a verse that has taken on a new depth to you lately?

 

I have seen Psalm 139:14 on so many pregnancy and birth announcements that I subconsciously linked it to just babies.

 

Until recently.

 

 

Lately, it’s been running through my mind and applying to me, as an adult.

 

Why? Because of two words I’ve recently been hearing a lot.

 

Genetic mutations.

 

We are all born with varying genetic mutations, or we develop these mutations through environmental exposures. Some don’t affect life...

A Book You’ll Want to Chase Down

This book has a good mix of suspense, action, excitement, faith, romance, and reality. It picks up at a comfortable pace from book one and after a slow first chapter, the whole book is full of page-turning excitement that starts with a bank robbery gone wrong.

The faith content comes up at just a few points, but what is discussed about trusting God is spot-on.

The romance simmers a little more in this book from book one, but once again, it is not an intense, heated romance. Rather, two friends ...

Joy in What I CAN Do

Find small moments in which to be joyful.  It is all too easy to fall into the trap of “what I can’t do.” It might be scheduling that is preventing things, or chronic illness, weather, vehicle issues, finances, the list goes on.The truths:

1) There will always be something that “gets in the way” of us doing everything we love.

2) We might not have control over our circumstances, but we can control our attitudes during those circumstances.

3) Circumstances do not dictate our levels of joy....

For Orphan-Book Lovers

I picked this up because I enjoyed the McAllister family in the first book as well as the orphan journeys from England to Canada. This book gives a good depiction of the different lifestyles Home Children were brought into as well as the suspicions regarding them.

There is a steady faith element as well as a few romantic threads. Readers of sweet romance and lost love will appreciate this story. Younger readers may want to be cautious as there are several mentions of men wanting to take advanta...

A Mystery I Guessed Wrong For…

 

Another historical crime book! I have appreciated learning more about historical crimes through this series. Yes, they are often sickening because the crimes are committed by twisted minds, but they are also intriguing. This one had me guessing at the antagonist. I was wrong in my prediction, which means I thoroughly enjoyed watching the mystery unfold.

 

This one revolved around the Denver Post and crime against women – not violating them, but giving them concussions. Getting a glimpse insid...