Anneliese Dalaba's Blog, page 4
October 29, 2020
First Line Friday #110
More Than Meets the Eye was written by one of my favorite authors, Karen Witemeyer. This is a Historical Christian Fiction.
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First Line:
Prologue:
1879 — Fannin County, TX
“Don’t lose heart, children.”
Chapter 1:
July 1894 — Pecan Gap, TX
Logan Fowler dismounted outside the Lucky Lady Saloon, anticipation thrumming in his veins.
My Thoughts:
I love Karen Witemeyer’s book and this one is no exception. Eva and her two stepbrothers only have each other after a train wreck. Zack, the oldest, helps them find food and shelter. Eva grows into a lovely young woman, but she has eyes that do not match. One is blue and one is brown. Unfortunately, people fear her and mistreat her because of this anomaly.
Logan only wants revenge. His father had been cheated out of his home and farm in a game of cards. Logan wants to find the man who did this to his family and play against him to get back what was rightfully his. When Logan meets Eva, he immediately feels drawn to her. Unfortunately, she’s the sister of the man who cheated his Dad and destroyed his family.
This story is well developed and interesting. It’s mysterious, suspenseful, and romantic. I loved the romance between Logan and Eva, as well as the love Eva shares with her two brothers who helped raise her. This story does not disappoint. The ending is very satisfying.
Click HERE to learn more about the book and see reviews.
Your Turn:
Pick up a book near you. Type the first line in the comments below, along with the title of the book and the author. If you’d like, check out the books other readers have featured on their blogs by clicking on the Hoarding Books link at the end of this post
October 15, 2020
First Line Friday #109
Currently, I’m reading books on grief or heaven. Grief helps me to better understand myself and heaven helps me to imagine what Curt might be experiencing now. I know he no longer needs me, but I still need him more than words can say.
The book I’m sharing today is Good Grief by Granger E. Westberg. This is a Christian non-fiction.
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First Line:
God has so made us that we can somehow bear pain and sorrow and even tragedy.
My Thoughts:
This book is for anyone facing grief in any form. It may be that you are grieving the loss of a loved one or it may be the loss of a job or situation. People face grief for many reasons, yet the basic principles are the same. There are ten stages of grief. Not everyone will experience them all, but everyone experiences most of these, although not necessarily in the same order.
This book is easy to read and only 80 pages long. If you have just lost a loved one who is close to you, time might be in short supply. Especially at the beginning when surrounded by family and friends. This is a great book to read during that time if you are able to concentrate well enough. Otherwise, read it once life begins to slow down again. Regardless, I’m certain this book will help anyone who has experienced a loss.
Your Turn:
Pick up a book near you. Type the first line in the comments below, along with the title of the book and the author. If you’d like, check out the books other readers have featured on their blogs by clicking on the Hoarding Books link at the end of this post.
October 10, 2020
My Son
Psalm 2:7: I will declare the decree: The Lord has said to me, ‘You are My Son. Today I have begotten you.’
I am posting here for you the beautifully written memoir that my father-in-law, Reverend Oliver Dalaba, wrote about my husband.
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My Son
Some may say of Curt Dalaba that he was a world traveler. He traveled much of Europe and parts of Asia and various parts of the world, as well as the U.S.A. Curt drove Ginny and me through a lot of Germany and other countries, and showed us the Alps in Switzerland.
But to me,
he will always be my son.
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To many people, Curt Dalaba was a great linguist. He taught himself sign language and worked with deaf kids at a school for the deaf in Trenton, NJ, receiving a Community Service Award for his volunteerism while still a student in High School. He learned German by himself and became proficient in the language to the point that he pastored a bi-lingual church in Bridgeton, NJ, where he met his wife, Anne. Later, he and his family served as missionaries in Germany, reaching out to refugees. He learned parts of other languages as life demanded.
But in any language,
Curt will always be my son.
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To many children, Curt made Bible stories come alive with puppets, illustrated stories, and colorful “sets.” I was honored to have him serve with me as a children’s pastor. He was trained as a Royal Ranger leader and served on the first Royal Ranger Training Camp in Europe. I have a picture of him in his Royal Ranger uniform with one of his puppets dressed as a Royal Ranger with two children pressing hard against his other arm. He trained many kids at churches and camps. His influence will travel far and long through young lives grown up learning from his teachings and writings for children.
But for all the children he has touched,
Curt will always be my son.
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Some people will remember Curt for his sense of humor. He could change the atmosphere of a room and bring smiles and laughter. He and I did a skit at a Royal Ranger Training Camp in NJ that was so real that we had trouble convincing people that it was just a skit. Though he had a great sense of humor, he never forgot the realities of life. He accepted current realities, but he always saw the bigger and eternal realities as well.
Curt had many gifts and skills,
but he will always be my son.
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For many people, Curt will be remembered as a caring pastor. He preached the Word with integrity, sincerity, and clarity. He helped people with their personal needs as well as their spiritual ones. He loved the whole person. He resisted injustice wherever it was found. His outreach was international as was his love for every culture. There were thirty languages represented in his church in East Lansing, MI. His church was World Missions centered, and he accepted the Great Commission to go into all the world and preach the gospel.
But for all the people in the world that Curt touched,
He will always be my son.
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Curt Dalaba will be remembered as one who served in the Assemblies of God, Michigan District. He believed in all the churches, big and small, as ordained by God. He knew that there were some ministries which could only be done by working together; as the little mouse said to the elephant on whom he was riding, “My, didn’t we shake that bridge when we crossed over it?” Unity should crowd out division. Love should overcome in every situation. We are all laborers together with Christ in God.
No matter where Curt worked, or who he worked with,
he will always be my son.
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Only one may call Curt husband, and that is his lovely wife, Anne. They shared a great life together, a mixture of laughter and tears, of joys and sorrows. A great love made it all possible. Ministry to others was a life-long commitment. They raised a beautiful family, and we shared many memories together. I was so blessed to have Curt and Anne living in Kalamazoo, where Curt was Associate Pastor, while Amanda and Brendon were born. Two wonderful kids can call him Dad, and he was so honored that they followed him in faith and in commitment to the Lord. Amanda and Brendon, you were greatly loved and accepted for who you were with your own unique gifts. You are now passing on the legacy of faith to your beautiful children. Amanda and Alireza, I love your daughter, Leila. Brendon and Kelsey, I love your sons, Brayden and Lukas. Curt loved you all completely and unconditionally. He cherished his time with his grandchildren.
You, as a family, all have your own names for Curt,
and your own special memories,
but Ginny and I will call him son.
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Your family will miss you, Curt. You will always be their shining light. Your sister, Bonnie, will miss you, Curt. She treasured her trips with you. Your mother will miss you, Curt. No one will ever take your place. I will miss you, Curt.
But someday up in heaven, I will walk up to you and say,
“There’s my son.”
Oliver V. Dalaba (Ollie)
10-5-2020
October 8, 2020
First Line Friday #108
The book I’m featuring this week is Practically Married by Karin Beery, a Michigan author. This is a contemporary Christian romance.
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First Line:
This is Tom, please leave a message.
My Thoughts:
Ashley agrees to marry Tom, a man she met online. After she sells her house in Ohio and arrives in Michigan where he lives, he doesn’t show up at the airport and doesn’t answer his phone. She finds out from his grieving cousin, Russ, that Tom has passed away. It soon becomes apparent that no one in the family was aware that Tom even had a fiancée. At that point, things become complicated. Since Ashley no longer has a home in Ohio, she decides to stay in Tom’s house. But it’s not just Tom’s house. Russ lives there too. Accidentally, Tom also willed the family farm to Ashley. Ashley wants to please everyone, so she suggests a marriage of convenience to Russ. But will Russ agree that this is the answer to their dilemma?
The author did a great job of developing this story. It’s believable especially because of Ashley’s desire to please everyone. This becomes more apparent as the story moves along. Ashley is a sweet young lady—someone I’d love having as a friend. Russ is a great hero of the story. He’s an outdoorsman who loves his family. Although his family can be overbearing at times, he knows how to set boundaries, always keeping in mind that they love him. He was disappointed in romance once too often and has made farming his life’s joy. Now that it looks like he might lose it all since he doesn’t have the money to buy the farm from Ashley, he’s desperate to find a way to hold onto it. In spite of everything, Russ can’t dislike Ashley when she’s so kind and fun to be around. The more he gets to know her, the less he likes the idea of her moving away.
This is such a delightful story and the way the romance builds is believable and sigh-worthy. The ending is very satisfying and leaves the reader smiling.
Your Turn:
Pick up a book near you. Type the first line in the comments below, along with the title of the book and the author. If you’d like, check out the books other readers have featured on their blogs by clicking on the Hoarding Books link at the end of this post.
No Right Time
I have not been keeping up with my blog since receiving the shocking news in July that my husband was diagnosed with Chondrosarcoma, a rare bone cancer, that had already metastasized to other bones and possibly some organs. His only chance for surviving this cancer another year to three years was to have aggressive chemotherapy, which he chose to undergo. In the meantime, hundreds of friends joined us in praying for a miracle. Unfortunately, the first round of chemo did not help at all. A CT scan revealed that the cancer had spread to his lungs with multiple lesions. On September 25th, my dear husband passed away. We shared 33 years of married life, two children, three grandchildren, and many ups and downs of life. I didn’t just lose my loving and supportive husband. I lost my very best friend. Life will never be the same again.
I will share a poem my husband wrote back in 2003. It’s amazing how accurately this portrays my grief and faith.
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No Right Time
They said this day was coming,
I prepared as best I could,
To still my lonesome heart from drumming,
And act as others thought I should.
And yet no time seems the right time,
when it’s time to say good-bye.
You filled my life in many ways,
I know there’ll be an empty place.
No matter how I fill my days,
Still thoughts of you will leave their trace.
For no time seems the right time,
when its time to say good-bye.
I would have gladly kept you with me,
On this earth for all my days,
And yet I saw how hard it would be,
For you to linger in this haze.
And still no time seems the right time,
when it’s time to say good-bye.
To bid farewell, I know I must,
And how it grieves me so,
But now I have a consolation,
That in His arms you safely go.
Though no time seems the right time,
when it’s time to say good-bye.
—Curt Dalaba
© October 13, 2003
[image error]Curt W. Dalaba
July 23, 1955 – September 25, 2020
September 15, 2020
Book Review—50 Days of Hope
If you or someone you love has received a cancer diagnosis, this is a book you may not want to pass up. 50 Days of Hope by Lynn Eib is a great way to begin your cancer journey.
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My Thoughts:
We received this book as a gift from my long-time friend. I shared with her that my husband had been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and that, outside of a miracle, a rough road lay ahead of us. She and her husband surprised us with this book. We had never heard of it before, so we curiously began reading. 50 Days of Hope is just that—50 devotionals with faith-filled inspiration and encouragement and lots of stories of cancer survivors. When you are in the cancer battle, you don’t want to hear stories about those who didn’t survive cancer. What you are desperate for is hope. The author, Lynn Eib, helps the cancer patient and caregiver deal with cancer in a realistic manner. She doesn’t offer false promises nor does she sugar-coat the truth. However, there are so many who have battled cancer and survived, and you might just be one of them if you don’t lose hope. Lynn tells about her own battle with cancer. She had eaten healthy foods, exercised, and taken good care of herself. She should never have gotten cancer but she did. Her honesty helped my husband and I as we began a journey we never thought we would have to take. We started reading this book shortly after my husband received the diagnosis and prognosis for his particular cancer, and we probably cried through the first half of the book. Reading it leaves you feeling like you are understood and not alone. By the time we got to the second half of the book, the tears had stopped and we found ourselves living to survive as we faced the side effects of chemo and cancer. The book’s very practical and spiritual advice is helpful and encouraging—a great gift to send to a friend or to buy for yourself if you or your loved one are the ones who have been thrust into the cancer battle.
August 13, 2020
The Story BEFORE the Story
Today, Journeys to Joy is featuring the main character, Lady Selina Kendall, from my novel, The Marriage Maneuver. To read Selina’s story BEFORE the story, click HERE.
For a chance to WIN a FREE copy of The Marriage Maneuver—either Kindle or signed Paperback—visit Journeys to Joy today and leave a comment on the blog post. The GIVEAWAY is for US residents only.
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July 24, 2020
First Line Friday #107
My husband and I were gifted with this book since he has just begun his battle with cancer. I want to share it with you. The title is Courage, Hope, and Healing: Finding God’s Presence through Life’s Toughest Circumstances by Mary Pappas.
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First Line:
The doctor stepped back into the room, gently closing the door behind her. I studied the expression on her face, but before I could draw a conclusion, she spoke. “Mary, you have the most unusual chest x-ray I’ve ever seen.”
My Thoughts:
This book is a powerful story of God’s faithfulness. Even when life becomes extremely difficult—seemingly impossible—God is faithful to walk the path beside us. That was Mary’s experience. This is the story of a life well-lived to the honor and glory of God.
My husband is currently battling cancer and this book helped me to see things more clearly from the perspective of the cancer patient. Although my husband is a completely different personality, it still helped me to take things into consideration I might otherwise have overlooked. I came away from this book feeling inspired to continue—and perhaps in greater measure— to live my life to the honor and glory of God no matter what I may have to face. I appreciated Mary’s explanation of the crossroad those who suffer will come to. Every believer who suffers must face the question: Is God good? Even when He allows me to suffer, is He a good God? The answer, of course, is “yes.” But her explanation is convincing.
Once I started reading this book, I could not put it down. Mary’s story pulls the reader in and doesn’t let go until you get to the last page.
You can find this book on Amazon.
Your Turn:
Pick up a book near you. Type the first line in the comments below, along with the title of the book and the author. If you’d like, check out the books other readers have featured on their blogs by clicking on the Hoarding Books link at the end of this post.
July 17, 2020
First Line Friday #106
Today, I am featuring Book 2 in The Amish of Apple Grove Series—A Plain and Simple Heart by Lori Copeland and Virginia Smith. This is a historical Christian romance.
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First Line:
“Rebecca! The Laundry will not hang itself. ‘An idle brain is the devil’s workshop.'”
My Thoughts:
We met Rebecca Switzer in Book One of this historical Amish series. Rebecca was young—too young for romance—in the first novel. However, that didn’t stop her from falling in love with Jesse Montgomery. Over the years, she grew into a young woman who secretly held onto her love for Jesse. That is where this book begins. Rebecca decides to go find Jesse and tell him about her love for him. She’s certain that Jesse had returned her feelings when she first met him. Once he hears of her undying love, he will return to her community, embrace her Amish beliefs, and they can finally marry.
What she hadn’t expected was to be pulled into the middle of a temperance riot, and arrested. While in jail, she meets Colin Maddox, the sheriff of the town she had traveled to. Colin can’t wait for the arrival of the new sheriff so he can finally leave this job and this town. The last thing he wants is to deal with this temperance riot and a young woman who claims to be Amish. She had been dressed in regular clothes when she came to town and boldly stood with the other female rioters. It was only when she had to appear in court that she donned her Amish dress and cap. The woman would obviously stop at nothing to make herself appear innocent. But Colin wasn’t fooled.
Unfortunately for Rebecca, Jesse is no longer in this town. How will she find him while sitting in a jail cell? And what was it about the sheriff that stirred her heart—a heart that belonged to Jesse, didn’t it? Besides, she doubted the sheriff would be interested in becoming Amish.
This is a delightful book, full of humorous moments, which is very typical of the author, Lori Copeland. If you want a fun historical romance with Christian values to distract yourself, this is the book for you. Find out what happens when Rebecca’s Amish community sends a delegate—a man who is single—to help Rebecca return to her people. And will she ever find Jesse? There are enjoyable twists and turns in this entertaining novel.
To read more of this book, click HERE.
Your Turn:
Pick up a book near you. Type the first line in the comments below, along with the title of the book and the author. If you’d like, check out the books other readers have featured on their blogs by clicking on the Hoarding Books link at the end of this post.
June 25, 2020
First Line Friday #105
The Amish live quiet lives. Separated from the world. And they avoid retaliation. If someone tries to rob them, they won’t fight back. They are a peaceful people. But how challenging it must have been to live by those convictions in the Wild West.
The book I’m featuring is The Heart’s Frontier by Lori Copeland and Virginia Smith.
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First Line:
Hot diggety! Shep Carson whipped off his had and flung it in the air. “I knew I’d make a man outa you yet!”
My Thoughts:
Emma and her Amish family are robbed of all their belongings as they travel on the route to their new location. After miles on foot, they finally arrive at a small town. Tired, unfamiliar with the ways of Englishers, and out of funds, they pray for God to help them. The answer literally falls at their feet when Luke is tossed out of a saloon and lands in front of them.
Luke is the trail boss of his first cattle drive. He is following in his father’s footsteps and has every intention of arriving early at his destination. He was going to prove he could do this as well as his father had for years and years. So when this Amish family views him as the answer to their prayers, he has to let them down. He will make certain they have a place to rest their heads, but that’s the best he can do.
Will Luke leave this family stranded when he has the ability to help them? Will he risk arriving late at the destination of his first cattle drive? And why does Emma’s disgust bother him? As he rides off, he can’t stop thinking of her.
The Heart’s Frontier is the third Amish novel I’ve read, but the first historical Amish romance. I enjoyed it very much. Emma is a daring and decisive young lady. She is devoted to her Amish beliefs. But she cannot stop thinking about Luke. If he became Amish, she could marry him.
Luke is devoted to God and he respects Emma’s father’s beliefs. But he’s certain he could never live that lifestyle. As things stood now, her father would never approve of him for his daughter. He must forget her. Will these two ever find a way to be together?
This is a well-written and adventurous story. It has great side characters which adds depth to the story. The main characters are especially well developed. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
To read more of this book, click on AMAZON.
Your Turn:
Pick up a book near you. Type the first line in the comments below, along with the title of the book and the author. If you’d like, check out the books other readers have featured on their blogs by clicking on the Hoarding Books link at the end of this post.
