Anneliese Dalaba's Blog, page 5

Book Review: Honor’s Wedding

I just finished listening to Honor’s Wedding by Brenda Maxfield on Audible. This is an Amish romance of marriage before love. As popular as Amish romances are, this is just the second one I’ve read or listened to. I can see why people enjoy them.

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Click on AMAZON to read the book description and purchase your copy.

My Thoughts:

When Honor is told by her parents that they will have to leave Hollybrook, the town her parents and she had grown up in, so her father can get a new job, Honor comes up with a plan. She knew what needed to be done so her parents wouldn’t have to move away. She would marry Gabe Chupp. The fact that she doesn’t love Gabe doesn’t deter her from her plan.

It’s not difficult to convince Gabe that Honor loves him because he’s had feelings for her for quite some time. He thought Honor was out of his reach, so he never attempted to court her. You can imagine his joy when Honor starts flirting with him. Their courtship is brief so they can marry before Honor’s parents have to move out of their home. The plan is for her parents to move in with them after the wedding. Gabe is in complete agreement. But things seldom turn out the way we plan when we try to manipulate our situation. Now the wedding is approaching and Honor dreads having to live with a man she respects but does not love.

Honor doesn’t have the heart to tell Gabe she no longer wishes to marry him. After they are wed, Gabe is disturbed by Honor’s attitude, but he continues to be patient and treats her kindly. When tragedy strikes, he finally discovers the truth. Honor does not love him and never has. She had used him. Would they forever be stuck in this loveless marriage?

I was frustrated by Honor’s selfish attitude toward her husband. She’s not attracted to him. She’s deeply disturbed by the direction her life has taken. Honor knows it’s her own fault. But instead of appreciating her husband’s patience with her, she continues to feel sorry for herself. Gabe is a true hero. Of course, when he discovers the truth, he becomes angry. No one can fault him there. The author does a great job of concluding this novel. Once I started this book, it was hard to put it down. I had to find out how it would all turn out.

I listened to this book on Audible. The narration was well done.

First Line Friday #104

The book I’m featuring today is one I absolutely and thoroughly enjoyed. If you are a lover of pioneer romances, this book is one you will not want to miss. It’s The Bride Blunder by Kelly Eileen Hake. This novel has been in my to-be-read pile for a long time and I’m so glad I finally got around to reading it.

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First Line:

“No.” Marge Chandler shook her head, wishing it were so easy to shake away the sudden image springing to life in her mind. “No more bows, Daisy.”

Check out the description of this book by clicking on AMAZON.

My Thoughts:

Gavin Miller moved west to begin a new life but he never forgot the girl, Daisy, he left behind. When his business is up and running, and his house is standing, he decides to write to Daisy to ask for her hand in marriage. Since this is a formal proposal, he chooses to address her by her proper name: Marguerite Chandler. The problem is, he forgot that both Daisy and her cousin, Marge, are named after their grandmother.

When Gavin’s letter arrives, Daisy is the first one to read it. Since she remembered having sent him an invitation to her upcoming wedding, she knew the letter must be for her cousin Marge. Unbeknownst to Daisy and Gavin, Marge has secretly had feelings for the man although she had been certain it was Daisy he had been interested in. However, Daisy soon convinces her cousin that the letter was, indeed, meant for Marge.

Can you imagine the surprise that awaits Gavin when it is Marge who exits the stagecoach instead of Daisy? And how will Marge respond when she realizes what his intentions had been? The entire situation becomes humorous when Gavin’s eccentric and outspoken grandmother gets involved as well as Midge, who was the first one to befriend Marge in this new town. In the midst of all the various opinions and suggestions, Daisy suddenly arrives in town. Will Gavin end up married to Daisy or to Marge?

The characters are delightful and well developed. I enjoyed this novel from the first line to the last. It actually contains two beautiful love stories at one time. If you enjoy these types of Christian historical romances, you will not be disappointed with this one.

Your Turn:

Pick up a book near you. Type the first line in the comments, 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. 

First Line Friday #103

The book I’m featuring today is Gods at War by Kyle Idleman. Wow! Was this ever an excellent Christian nonfiction book. I got it on Chirp (audiobook) and listened to it during my walks with my dog. I wanted to walk on and on just to continue listening to what this author had to say.

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First Line:

Introduction: It was just a simple, late-night conversation with my eight-year-old daughter Morgan. But it changed my life and my church.

Chapter One: Imagine a man who has been coughing constantly.

My Thoughts:

This book is powerful, thought-provoking, and forces you to look deep at the heart of all your thoughts and actions, the things that give you joy and the things that make you sad, the things the cause delight and the things that annoy you.

It’s easy to glibly say, “I don’t worship idols” because there are no graven images in our homes, cars, or places of work. However, I challenge you to rethink this as you allow Kyle Idleman to take you deeper into the heart of who you are. After you have done so, I hope you can still say you don’t worship any idols. But I venture to think that most of us do worship idols quite unknowingly.

This book was eye-opening and challenging. It has made me aware that I need to be certain that God is my Lord in every area of my life—and if He’s not, then I beg Him to help me get to the place where I have no other God’s before Him.

Click on AMAZON to read the book description and order a copy.

Your Turn:

Pick up a book near you. Type the first line in the comments, 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. 

Book Review: Meant for Her

Meant for Her is Joy Avery Melville’s debut novel. It is also Book One in the Intended for Her series. Joy is already working on Book Two in this same series. This novel is a Contemporary Christian Romance.

Giveaway:

The author will give away a signed paperback copy of this novel to anyone in the US who comments on this post. Please leave your email address in the comments so I can let you know if you won.

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Book Description:

Had it all truly been ~ MEANT FOR HER?

Kidnapped, raped, brutally beaten, and left for dead, Candi Reynolds becomes a prisoner of fear. Faced also with the impact of the unexpected break-up with her fiancé, and an unwanted pregnancy resulting from the attacks, she believes God has forsaken her. Choosing to move back to the Michigan horse farm, owned by her older brother, Dr. Cam Reynolds, Candi essentially goes into seclusion.

Dr. Patrick (Mack) MacKevon, long-time friend of Cam’s, watches from the sidelines at the farm, where his horses are stabled, while Candi struggles to regain a sense of normalcy. His own big-brother tendencies develop into a much deeper emotion over the months he prays for her.

Is it possible for Candi to put all of the pain and trauma behind her and renew her former relationship with the Lord? Will she allow her heart to open enough to discover authentic love, while making decisions of victory on her personal journey to joy?

My Thoughts:

This novel pulls you into the story right from the first sentence. Candi has just been rescued from a horrifying situation: kidnap, rape, as well as physical and emotional abuse. The book doesn’t go into every gory detail of the attack, but rather into the emotional turmoil Candi now finds herself in. The faithful support of a loving, older brother who steadfastly and patiently, without judgment, stands beside her and encourages her helps Candi to feel secure. But he can’t be with her all of the time. Through the friendship of a pastor’s wife and the help of a counselor, things Candi had suppressed come to light and allow her to begin to heal. 

The author handles a very terrifying trauma with sensitivity. Meant for Her is not a page-turner that you can’t put down. But the PTSD would have to be glossed over to keep the action moving at such a pace. Instead, the author takes the reader on a realistic journey from start to finish. Step by agonizing step, Candi begins to heal. However, no one ever gets over such a thing completely. Time, counsel, prayer, and patient friends/family help the victim to return to a new-normal life. But the pain of such a past would leave its scars. 

Candi was a kind-hearted young lady whose personality becomes stifled and changed after her kidnapping. Which men can she trust? And will those horrible men show up again? Dr. Cam, Candi’s brother, is a wonderful support and place of safety for Candi to run to. His friend (and hers), Dr. Patrick (Mack) MacKevon is considerate and compassionate when she suddenly fears him although he has been a part of her life since she was a young girl. He stays at a distance but consistently prays for Candi. His heart is more involved than he ever realized and feelings of friendship for his friend’s little sister turn into something much deeper. But he knows Candi isn’t ready for any kind of romance. She needs to heal. He silently waits and watches from the sideline for any clue that Candi is becoming more comfortable around him. 

The story is both heart-wrenching and heartwarming. The characters are well developed. I loved Mack’s Irish brogue and did not find it at all difficult to understand. The accent became a natural part of his character. Accents can be tricky, but I feel the author handled it well. It fit his personality and nickname for her, Candi-girl. The romance between Mack and Candi develops slowly over time, but how could it be otherwise? Mack is a swoon-worthy, wonderfully attentive hero. This is a beautiful contemporary Christian romance that takes place in Michigan. 

About the Author:

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Joy Avery Melville’s heart’s desire is to be the author God has called her to be by sharing Him with readers in such a way they long to have a deeply committed personal relationship with Jesus Christ as Lord. 

Fully intending to write Historical Romance—had in fact— she had no plans to deviate from that. God had something else in mind for that ‘call’ He’d made on her life back in 1967. A mere eighth grader at the time, she had no clue about the topics she’d be drawn to write about.

Surrendering to the genre God placed on her heart has given Joy new insight into the hearts and lives of those who too often hurt in silence.

The settings of Joy’s books are near where she lives in Schoolcraft, Michigan with her husband of nearly 46 years and their one-yr-old Yorkie pup, Is-A-Bella Bindi, (Is-a-beautiful little girl) who thinks she’s a much larger breed with tomboy tendencies.

Joy loves to hear from readers and will respond!

Click on AMAZON to check out this novel.

Remember, leave a comment on this post and you will be entered into a GIVEAWAY for a signed paperback copy of this book to anyone who lives in the US. The winner will be chosen next Thursday, June 11th. Please leave your email address in the comments so I can let you know if you won.

Contact the Author:

Email: joyjournaling@gmail.com

Twitter — Website — Blog — Facebook Author Page

Facebook Personal Page — Amazon — Goodreads

Book Review: Where He Leads

I listened to this book on Audible and wanted to share it with my readers and give you an opportunity to meet the author. Where He Leads is a Christian Historical Romance written by Angela Castillo.

Book Giveaway:

The author will be giving away a copy of this novel (paperback or Kindle, your choice) to anyone in the US or Canada who comments on this post. Please leave your email address in the comments so I can let you know if you won.

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Book Description:

Compared to an arranged marriage to the odious Bernard Regent, a prairie schooner on the Oregon Trail doesn’t seem like such a bad trade to Amethyst Kent.

When desperate Martha Davis reveals her need for a mother’s helper on the trail, Ami decides to up and leave the pampered life she’s always known for a land of freedom. But trail life is hardly a tea party, and Ami must draw from the deepest wells of her faith to survive. With the sunset always before her, and Shiloh Talon, a handsome trail scout, guiding the way, she might just make it through.

My Thoughts:

After Ami’s mother passed away, her wealthy father soon married a woman close to the age of his daughter. This woman wants Ami out of the way. So she influences her husband to marry his daughter off to a man Ami knows has a cruel heart. Ami’s disturbing memories of him during their school days make it impossible for her to consider him as a spouse. But her father will only listen to his wife. Ami’s mother had not come from wealth and had taught her daughter humility and that there are things more important in life than money. When Ami’s father tells her of the arranged marriage he has planned for her, Ami becomes desperate. She decides to join a close friend of her deceased mother on a wagon train to Oregon. But Ami could not have imagined all the hardships and trials she would encounter.

Shiloh is attracted to Ami immediately upon laying eyes on her but knows that a woman of wealth like Ami would never give him a second glance. On the trail, there are many times he saves her or helps her in one way or another. A friendship develops. During the months’ long journey, Ami matures in her understanding of life and what really matters. Will this wagon train and Ami, in particular, survive encountering the threat of Indians, wild animals, dangerous circumstances, greedy bounty hunters, and more?

It was nice to see Ami develop from a girl used to indulgences and wealth, to one who learns how to survive. Her past ideals were challenged when having to make life and death decisions. Helping those around her became more important than her own safety. And she meets honest people who, although poor, would help their neighbors without expecting anything in return.

The love story with Shiloh develops in a believable manner. Certainly, coming from two very different backgrounds, there were things each of them had to learn to overcome. But the author did a nice job of developing the characters to where the reader roots for them to find a path to each other. The story moves along nicely, with plenty of action to keep the reader hooked to the end. I listened to this on Audible and I really enjoyed the narrator’s voice.

About the Author:



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Angela has been writing stories since she created her first book with a green crayon at the age of eight. She’s lived all over Central Texas, but mostly hovered in and around the small town of Bastrop Texas, which she loves with unnatural fierceness and features in many of her books. Angela has four wild children, a husband who studies astrophysics for fun, and a cat. Castillo has been published in The First Line, Aardvark’s Ark, Heartwarmers, Thema, and several other publications, and also has books available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle format.

Click on AMAZON to check out this novel.

Remember, leave a comment on this post and you will be entered into a GIVEAWAY of this novel (Paperback or Kindle) to anyone who lives in the US or Canada. The winner will be chosen next Thursday, June 4th. Please leave your email address in the comment so I can let you know if you won.

Contact the Author:

Instagram — Facebook — Website

First Line Friday #102

Today I want to remember Ravi Zacharias, an Indian-born Canadian-American Christian apologist who passed away this week. He will be missed by countless numbers of people. But I’m exceedingly glad he wrote books and created videos so we can continue to learn from him. It was always fascinating listening to him on YouTube. I am currently reading his devotional, The Logic of God. I’m only on chapter two, but it is SO GOOD!

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First Line:

“We are living in an era when apologetics is indispensable, but at the same time, we need a Christian apologetic that is not merely heard—it must also be seen. The field of apologetics deals with the hard questions posed to the Christian faith.

(I gave you more than just the first line. I just feel like a sponge taking it all in.)

From the Back of the Book:

Jesus Christ alone answers our deepest questions.

We all have doubts that challenge our faith. We wonder whether the Bible still matters, or whether God is truly as loving and personal as we hope. In his first ever devotional, The Logic of God, apologist Ravi Zacharias offers 52 readings that explain how and why Christianity, the Bible, and God are still relevant, vital, and life-changing for us today. To all our dilemmas Ravi says, “I am convinced that Jesus Christ alone uniquely answers the deepest questions of our hearts and minds.”

With a remarkable grasp of biblical facts and a deep understanding of the questions that trouble our hearts, Ravi tackles the most difficult topics with ease and understanding. But The Logic of God is more than intellectual; it is also personal, offering thoughtful wisdom on:

when Jesus draws especially near you.the deep ray of hope found in God’s Word.how God transforms disappointments.why prayer matters.how genuine peace is possible.making sense of suffering.

Ravi makes profound biblical truth easy to understand. And if your life is busy, this book is designed for you! It addresses 52 topics that you can read over the course of one year or slowly digest at your own pace. Each entry includes a Scripture, questions for reflection, and some practical application steps.

When you’re struggling with questions and doubts, confused, curious, or just want a clearer way to express your faith The Logic of God has answers that satisfy the heart and the mind.

Click on  AMAZON  to read the book description and ordering a copy.

First Line Friday #101

I can’t believe I’ve already written 101 First Line Fridays! How many of you readers lay value on the first line or, perhaps more commonly, the first chapter of a book? When the first chapter is slow and filled with description, I’m tempted to stop reading. How about you?

Today I am featuring The Duke’s Secret Wager by Lucy Adams. This is a clean historical romance. It is not a Christian romance. I mention this because some of my readers are only interested in Christian fiction/nonfiction and I don’t want you to be disappointed. However, if you love Jane Austen’s books or other stories in the Regency romance genre that do NOT go beyond kissing and a hug, then you will enjoy this novel. The Kindle book is just 99 CENTS! That’s an amazing deal for hours of enjoyment.

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First Line:

“Dash it all!” Matthew, Duke of Blackwell, strode hurriedly across the grass towards the stalls, praying that his horse was fully prepared and readied for his jockey.

My Thoughts:

I gave this book a 5-star review on Amazon.

The Duke of Blackwell’s dream is to win the Gold Cup in the annual horse race, but he has yet to find the right jockey for Beauchamp. The duke is certain he owns the fastest horse. But can he find a jockey who understands the horse and has the ability to bring him first across the finish line? The last thing he wants is to find a wife as his mother unceasingly reminds him he must do.

Catherine, Lady Wells, has one dream. Unfortunately, it’s an unladylike dream and unsupported by her family. She cares nothing for parties and balls and picnics by the lake. Give her a horse and let her ride astride, and she could be content for the rest of her days. But Catherine knows this cannot be her future. She must give up her deepest longing and conform to the pressure of society. But not before she has lived her dream of riding in a horse race and hopefully winning the prize.

When her daring plan goes awry and she jeopardizes the duke’s dream, how will he react? And what of her reputation? Will her family be ruined in the eyes of society?

This is a wonderfully entertaining and romantic novel with delightful and well-developed characters. It’s a page-turner. I will definitely be reading more books by this author. This is actually the fourth book in the London Season Matchmaker series, but it’s a stand-alone also. I have not read any of the other books in this series.

Click on AMAZON to read the book description and ordering a copy.

Your Turn:

Pick up a book near you. Type the first line in the comments, 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. 

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Author Interview

I have the distinct honor of being featured on Lena Nelson Dooley’s website today in an interview about my award-winning novel, Reluctant to Wed. This is the first book in the Arranged Marriage Series. The setting is Regency England and it’s a Historical Christian Romance.

For the change to win a FREE copy of this book (if you live in the US or Canada), click HERE to read the interview and leave a comment. Anyone who comments will be placed in the drawing.

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Blessed with Four Mothers

I have four mothers that I’m thankful for this Mother’s Day. Each one of them is a blessing to our family. I can’t imagine not having them in my life.

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It’s hard to find the words to express how much I appreciate my mom. I can best illustrate the kind of mother I have by a story I thought of this week from my childhood.

 I have a faded, pea-size scar on the top of my right hand that is actually a testimony of God’s protection. It could have been so much worse. My mom started a pea soup in a pressure cooker and told me to turn it off at a specific time. (I think she had to go away for a short errand.) I was about 12 at the time. And I knew nothing about pressure cookers. So when I turned it off, I decided to open the lid because Mom would be home soon and we would be ready to eat. I couldn’t understand why the lid wouldn’t come right off, so I forced it with all my might. POW!!! Pea soup exploded in the kitchen. On the ceiling. On the cabinets. On the countertop. On the floor and in the sink. There was very little left in the pot. And one drop fell on the top of my right hand. My mom heard my scream and came running. I have to tell you what a wonderful mom I have. She didn’t scold me. She didn’t cry, whine, or complain. She figured out right away what had happened and she knew I had wanted to help. I don’t remember what we had for dinner that night, but our kitchen was completely clean before we went to bed. I have the best mom in the world…ever! And I always wanted to be just like her.

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The day I married my husband, this sweet lady became my second mom. She showed me that having a mother-in-law like her is an incredible blessing.

My mother-in-law is a fantastic decorator. She has a great eye for fashion and decor. Whenever we visited, I noticed all the special touches she had added to each room and how well it all coordinated. But whenever we arrived at her house, even with our little children, she didn’t worry about them touching anything or making a mess as they played. She loved to see them enjoying themselves. And she wanted me to feel comfortable and not have to chase after my kids the entire time I was there. My mother-in-law said, after you go, I will have plenty of time to put everything where it needs to be. We were always more important to her than a perfect house and the things she owned.

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Almost three years ago, my daughter-in-law made me a grandmother!

And this January, she blessed us with another grandson! I see how hard Kelsey works to care for those precious boys. It’s a huge challenge to have an active toddler while trying to care for a newborn, especially during a quarantine. But she’s a trooper. She patiently nurtures, teaches, and guides them. Right from the start, she looked for ways to help her older son bond with his baby brother. She has been careful to give the older one the attention he needs so he wouldn’t feel jealous of the baby. And she’s done a good job. He recently told her he wouldn’t mind if she gave him another brother. The love for her sons radiates from her eyes. She’s an honest and transparent person who always tries to see the good in others. She takes people just as they are. I admire that about her. It’s a joy having her in our family.

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In February, our daughter gave us our third grandchild, a baby girl.

I had the wonderful privilege of seeing this woman grow from a baby in my arms to the mommy of the precious baby in her arms. It was such a joy for me to spend the first six weeks after delivery with them. Before my eyes, I saw all the maternal instincts kick in and blossom in my daughter. Right from the start, she patiently cared for her baby. And now, while working a full-time job from home, when necessary, she calmly holds her daughter in one arm, while working on her computer with the other one. Amanda bravely faces each challenge that comes her way in a flexible manner, making certain her daughter has all she needs. She is a perfectionist. If she is going to do something, then she is going to do it well. I admire that about her. And I can see her determination to help her baby feel loved and cared for. Amanda has great empathy for people. When her baby cries, her empathy kicks in and she immediately begins looking for ways to soothe her back to a happy state.

Happy Mother’s Day to all four of you! I love and appreciate you!!!

Book Review: Straining Forward

Today, I’m sharing a true story. For those who enjoy Christian non-fiction, this is one book you will not want to miss.

On a personal note, I had the wonderful privilege of meeting the author of this book, Michelle Layer Rahal, in Florida at the 2019 Readers’ Favorite Awards Ceremony where she won an award for her book Straining Forward. During the meet-and-greet, everyone looked for people to converse with—all of us strangers. But something drew Michelle and me to each other. Or perhaps, more accurately, Someone caused our paths to cross. Having just met, I didn’t realize Michelle’s amazing gift of writing. The book she wrote is an incredible story that will not soon be forgotten.

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Book Description:

In the early morning hours of January 31, 1968, Minh Phuong watched in horror as the Vietcong bombed her home and gunned down her father and two siblings. Though she escaped death that night, abuse, prison, and torture would follow. The tragedy of Minh Phuong’s childhood would lead her to question God’s very existence and purported goodness. 

Straining Forward is the true story of Minh Phuong’s dramatic escape from war-torn Vietnam as well as dangerous and unhealthy relationships throughout her life.  Readers will not only be stirred by the horrors and roadblocks she encountered on her journey, they will gain powerful insight into the plight of refugee children around the world who flee war-torn countries in search of peace and belonging.  

A riveting journey of hope and healing, Straining Forward reminds us all that even in our darkest and most desolate moments, we are never truly alone. 

My Thoughts:

This is a spellbinding story that grabbed my attention from the first paragraph. I intended to read it over the course of one week. But once I started, it was difficult to put down. I finished it in two days!

It’s troublesome to imagine that anyone would have to face such atrocities, especially a child. Minh’s life went from hardship to hardship. People who should have protected and nurtured, used and abused her instead. There were points in her life where she had to choose between the lesser of two evils. This reads like a suspense novel and even a horror at times, yet it’s actually the life Minh Phuong had to live.

Minh’s story takes her from war-torn Vietnam to France, Australia, and the United States. I found myself rooting for her, wanting things to go well for Minh. Hoping she would meet people along the way who would lend her a helping hand. There were times my heart squeezed tight as I saw Minh thrust into another impossible situation. And other times I felt elated that there were still kind and caring people to be found in this world.

This is a story of survival and a spiritual journey. In the midst of everything, God’s patient drawing was evident. It took years, but Minh finally realized that her help truly only comes from a deep relationship with God.

This book will give the reader a glimpse into Vietnamese culture. It’s a memoir. I wish with all my heart Minh would have made all the right decisions once she reached adulthood. Her life could have been less painful sooner if only she had. Unfortunately, Minh’s life was complicated by the painful trauma of her past—even as far back as her childhood. But God saw her, cared for her, and patiently wooed her by the people she encountered and through the Holy Spirit gently tugging at her heart.

Straining Forward is the perfect title for this book. It’s what Minh’s life was and still is. And isn’t it true about us too? “I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” Philippians 3:14 NLT

This book expands the mind to deeper contemplation. When tragedy strikes in foreign lands, pictures of people flashing across news screens often leave us feeling somewhat detached. Until we meet Minh and comprehend that there are so many others like her.

About the Author:



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MICHELLE LAYER RAHAL is the award-winning author of Straining Forward. She is a former radio news reporter, elementary school teacher, educational consultant, and published educator. She holds degrees from Hofstra University and the University of New York at Buffalo. She currently lives in Northern Virginia where she teaches Bible study classes, cooks gourmet meals for fun, and can often be found curled up with a good book. She is married to Greg, who makes her laugh every day.

Contact:

Website — Facebook — Linked In — Instagram — Twitter

Email: KeepStrainingForward@gmail.com