Sarah Holman's Blog, page 103
October 2, 2013
It is all in the Roots
For the first time in many months, We got heave rains in Texas. Because it has been so long, there were quite a few downed limbs and trees in our area. On our own land, we lost a huge post oak tree.
This may not seem so odd, but it is strange when you realize that the tree was green and, not to far away, was a tree that is dead.
Can you see the dead three behind through the branches? This tree has been dead for years. Yet, it stood through the storm, and not the tree with all the pretty green leaves.
Yes, If you look at these two trees you just can't understand why the green one fell. It looks so healthy, full of lush green leaves. While the dead one hasn't sprouted new leaves for many springs, and its limbs have fallen to the ground. So what caused the mighty oak to fall?
The roots were rotted, and bug infested. the try didn't seem to have a tongs connection with it's root system. So, when the storm came in, and the soil grew soft with rain, the tree could no longer hold it's weight.
Although we cannot see the root system of the dead tree, I can only imagine how deep and strong it must be. It has made it through many storms and held fast, even though it looks dead, because it is connected to a deep, and vast root system.
There are so many lessons we can learn here, but here is my thought for the day: It is easy to look at those people who are doing all sorts of things for God and think they are better then us. They do so many good works, everyone thinks they are the strongest and best. Some look dull and plain, and people ask why they don't do more for God. Yet, that dull person is putting down roots, and quietly building into God and the the lives around them, without bragging about it. When the hard times in life come, the one with the deep roots stands.
What lesson do you see from these two trees?
Father, out of Your honorable and glorious riches, strengthen Your people. Fill their souls with the power of Your Spirit so that through faith the Anointed One will reside in their hearts. May love be the rich soil where their lives take root. May it be the bedrock where their lives are founded so that together with all of Your people they will have the power to understand that the love of the Anointed is infinitely long, wide, high, and deep, surpassing everything anyone previously experienced. God, may Your fullness flood through their entire beings. Ephesians 3:16-19 The Voice
This may not seem so odd, but it is strange when you realize that the tree was green and, not to far away, was a tree that is dead.
Can you see the dead three behind through the branches? This tree has been dead for years. Yet, it stood through the storm, and not the tree with all the pretty green leaves.
Yes, If you look at these two trees you just can't understand why the green one fell. It looks so healthy, full of lush green leaves. While the dead one hasn't sprouted new leaves for many springs, and its limbs have fallen to the ground. So what caused the mighty oak to fall?
The roots were rotted, and bug infested. the try didn't seem to have a tongs connection with it's root system. So, when the storm came in, and the soil grew soft with rain, the tree could no longer hold it's weight.
Although we cannot see the root system of the dead tree, I can only imagine how deep and strong it must be. It has made it through many storms and held fast, even though it looks dead, because it is connected to a deep, and vast root system.
There are so many lessons we can learn here, but here is my thought for the day: It is easy to look at those people who are doing all sorts of things for God and think they are better then us. They do so many good works, everyone thinks they are the strongest and best. Some look dull and plain, and people ask why they don't do more for God. Yet, that dull person is putting down roots, and quietly building into God and the the lives around them, without bragging about it. When the hard times in life come, the one with the deep roots stands.
What lesson do you see from these two trees?
Father, out of Your honorable and glorious riches, strengthen Your people. Fill their souls with the power of Your Spirit so that through faith the Anointed One will reside in their hearts. May love be the rich soil where their lives take root. May it be the bedrock where their lives are founded so that together with all of Your people they will have the power to understand that the love of the Anointed is infinitely long, wide, high, and deep, surpassing everything anyone previously experienced. God, may Your fullness flood through their entire beings. Ephesians 3:16-19 The Voice
September 30, 2013
Purple Moon Blog Tour!
Today I am taking part of a blog tour for a wonderful book Purple Moon by Tessa Hall (you can read my review here). I have followed Tessa for a long time and was so excited to see her book finally published. She is on my blog today talk about how she dealt with anxiety
Dealing with Anxiety: The Spiritual IV(The previous fact or fiction was TRUE.)It was the summer of when I was fifteen, and my family was staying with another family at their beach house in Florida. We decided to start the first day of our vacation off by running along the shore. After a while of running, I started feeling weak, and I just couldn’t seem to keep up with everyone. The morning Florida sun was beating down, which only made it difficult to keep going. And as I started realizing that everyone was getting further and further ahead of me, I started to panic and hyperventilate.Somehow, I was able to get my mom’s attention. She and her friend immediately came to me and tried to calm me down—but it was too late. My face was pale, and my lips were already turning blue.There weren’t many people along the beach this early June morning, so I was very fortunate that a couple sat underneath an umbrella right next to us. Since we didn’t seem to have a choice, we asked the couple if they had anything for me to eat or drink. I’d never been so grateful to see a bottle of Gatorade in my entire life. I sat underneath the umbrella and sipped on the Gatorade, trying to focus on breathing in through my nose and out through my mouth as my mom placed a cool, damp paper towel on the back of my neck. Meanwhile—after we called for beach patrol, a guy apparently witnessed this scene. He quickly ran to a nearby gas station and soon came back with a candy bar for me.The snacks definitely prevented me from passing out. However, I still couldn’t seem to stop hyperventilating. After the beach patrol came, they took my blood pressure and realized that I needed to go to the hospital. It was very difficult to keep from panicking, especially since I was already short of breath—but somehow, as I sat in the back of the Beach Patrol truck on the way to an ambulance, the rush of the wind seemed to relax me as I closed my eyes and prayed. As soon as I was transferred into the ambulance, I remember the nurse telling me that she was going to stick an IV in me. “Will it…help me breathe?” I asked in between breaths. “Yes,” she replied, “but it might hurt a little.”At that point, I didn’t care how much pain it might cause. I just wanted to breathe clearly again.Later that day, I found out that I had dehydrated. I was also told that I had vagal response syndrome, which is when your body overreacts to certain triggers, and is common in small-framed teenagers.
(Standing on the beach where I almost passed days before)Unfortunately, this would be the first of a few more similar episodes (only one of which I had to go back to the hospital). For a long time afterwards, I was terrified of having another episode. I couldn’t even go to the movies to see an action-packed movie without feeling claustrophobic and short of breath.Of course, the fear of having an episode only made it worse—especially when I was on the verge of hyperventilating and would start to, simply because I was so afraid. I got to the point where I wouldn’t work out much since it caused me to be short of breath.Not too long ago, I found out that I am also hypoglycemic (which is caused by low blood sugar). To put it short, I start shaking and feeling very weak only a few hours after I eat.I haven’t had an episode in a few years, which I am very grateful for. However, I was very close to having one on Labor Day of this year. I was visiting my sister who lives at the beach, and we were planning on spending the day riding bikes on an island. I’d had cereal that morning—but a few hours later, after we ordered our rental bikes, I noticed that I was shaking…a lot. And it didn’t help that the humidity was extremely high, either.We had to go on a ten minute bike ride just to find a place that sold food. Although I was pedaling way slower than I usually do, the rush of the wind helped cool me off and calm me down enough until we reached a place that sold Luna Bars. It wasn’t until we got off the bikes and went inside did the panic really hit me. I was shaking even more than before, and it was all I could do to prevent myself from hyperventilating.I sat down with my two Luna Bars and a Gatorade (seriously, those drinks are a life saver) and tried my best to calm down. Now, I’m sure the breathing part was just due to anxiety, because it wasn’t until I started thinking about how badly I did not want to go to the hospital did I start to experience the most trouble. And if I hadn’t learn how to focus on God and His peace, I’m almost positive that I would’ve had to go to the hospital again.
(Later that day. As you can see, I felt much better =)Every time I come close to panicking, I force myself to recall when the hospital put an IV on my arm—or in other words, “the machine that calmed me down and helped me breathe”. I believe that hooking myself up to a “spiritual IV” is the very thing that can help calm me down when I start to feel anxious.I’m sure we’ve all struggled with anxiety at one point or another in our lives. And not to give away any spoilers—but in Purple Moon, Selena frequently suffers from anxiety attacks. Honestly, I’m not even sure when I decided to incorporate that into the story, but it was definitely God’s doing. Because of Purple Moon—not only was I able to relate with those who suffer with anxiety, but I was also able to write from experience and find healing in the process. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
~Philippians 4:6-7In the midst of anxiety, hook yourself up to a spiritual IV by calling upon God.As mentioned in the above scripture, His peace will immediately come and still your anxious heart. Set your mind on Him only, and nothing else. That is the secret that I have learned, and I believe that this is what prevented me from hyperventilating during my last episode. You have control over your mind, body, and emotions. Don’t let anxiety hold you back from experiencing your life. Instead, overcome anxiety by showing it that it is not going to have any power over you.Besides, why would you pay for a trip to the hospital when a free spiritual IV is available to you 24/7?
Fact or Fiction?:
Guess this fact or fiction, and be sure to stop by the next blog tour stop to see if you guessed correctly! (You’ll also receive one extra entry for the “Purple Moon” Prize Pack if you send me your guess.)
"Purple Moon” Prize Pack!a Rafflecopter giveaway
Purple Moon” Blog Tour Stops:Don’t forget to stop by the blog tour’s next stop to increase your chances of winning the PURPLE MOON Prize Pack!Wednesday, September 18th: Purple Moon Blog Tour Launch: The Story Behind the Story: Christ is Write Thursday, September 19th: 5 Facts about Purple Moon: Kim VandelFriday, September 20th: Character Sketches + Character Cast Contest: Who YA Reading?Monday, September 23rd: Behind the Scenes: Why I Chose Lake Lure: Words to Dreams Tuesday, September 24th: Release Day! Selena’s Diary Entry + Creative Photo Contest: Writing for Young AdultsWednesday, September 25th: Austin’s Diary Entry: Amy’s Book BlogThursday, September 26th: Q & A: Notebook Sisters Friday, September 27th: Purple Moon Playlist: Ashley Carr Monday, September 30th: Purple Moon Excerpt: Wooden Swings: Heather Brice Tuesday, October 1st: Dealing With Anxiety—The Spiritual IV: The Destiny of One Wednesday, October 2nd: Q & A: Saved by GraceThursday, October 3rd: Behind the Scenes: Name Meanings: Labor Not In VainFriday, October 4th: Is It Okay To Be An Introvert?: Alex Inks It Monday, October 7th: Story Behind the Cover Art: Candy Apple Books Tuesday, October 8th: Purple Moon Excerpt: Cherishing the Sunrise: Author Casey Bond Wednesday, October 9th: Q & A: Writing While the Rice BoilsThursday, October 10th: Behind the Scenes: Christian Human Videos: Writing in Wonderland Friday, October 11th: Teenage Substance Abuse: Emily Rachelle Monday, October 14th: Behind the Scenes: Lake Lure Academy of the Arts: Worthy 2 ReadTuesday, October 15th: My Middle & High School Experience: Hello Highlights Wednesday, October 16th: Purple Moon Excerpt: Meatless Turkey Sandwich: Diane Estrella Thursday, October 17th: Body Image Laurel’s LeavesFriday, October 18th: Behind the Scenes: Brewer’s Coffee: A Splash of InkMonday, October 21st: Purple Moon Excerpt: Farkle at the Park: A Slightly Nerdy Bookworm Tuesday, October 22nd: Teenage Dating: Tell The World Wednesday, October 23rd: Q & A: The YA Book Stack Thursday, October 24th: How Much of My Personal Life Did I Put Into “Purple Moon”?: Read For Your Future Friday, October 25th: Fairy tales & Happy Endings + Contest Winners!: Inspiring Daring
Dealing with Anxiety: The Spiritual IV(The previous fact or fiction was TRUE.)It was the summer of when I was fifteen, and my family was staying with another family at their beach house in Florida. We decided to start the first day of our vacation off by running along the shore. After a while of running, I started feeling weak, and I just couldn’t seem to keep up with everyone. The morning Florida sun was beating down, which only made it difficult to keep going. And as I started realizing that everyone was getting further and further ahead of me, I started to panic and hyperventilate.Somehow, I was able to get my mom’s attention. She and her friend immediately came to me and tried to calm me down—but it was too late. My face was pale, and my lips were already turning blue.There weren’t many people along the beach this early June morning, so I was very fortunate that a couple sat underneath an umbrella right next to us. Since we didn’t seem to have a choice, we asked the couple if they had anything for me to eat or drink. I’d never been so grateful to see a bottle of Gatorade in my entire life. I sat underneath the umbrella and sipped on the Gatorade, trying to focus on breathing in through my nose and out through my mouth as my mom placed a cool, damp paper towel on the back of my neck. Meanwhile—after we called for beach patrol, a guy apparently witnessed this scene. He quickly ran to a nearby gas station and soon came back with a candy bar for me.The snacks definitely prevented me from passing out. However, I still couldn’t seem to stop hyperventilating. After the beach patrol came, they took my blood pressure and realized that I needed to go to the hospital. It was very difficult to keep from panicking, especially since I was already short of breath—but somehow, as I sat in the back of the Beach Patrol truck on the way to an ambulance, the rush of the wind seemed to relax me as I closed my eyes and prayed. As soon as I was transferred into the ambulance, I remember the nurse telling me that she was going to stick an IV in me. “Will it…help me breathe?” I asked in between breaths. “Yes,” she replied, “but it might hurt a little.”At that point, I didn’t care how much pain it might cause. I just wanted to breathe clearly again.Later that day, I found out that I had dehydrated. I was also told that I had vagal response syndrome, which is when your body overreacts to certain triggers, and is common in small-framed teenagers.
(Standing on the beach where I almost passed days before)Unfortunately, this would be the first of a few more similar episodes (only one of which I had to go back to the hospital). For a long time afterwards, I was terrified of having another episode. I couldn’t even go to the movies to see an action-packed movie without feeling claustrophobic and short of breath.Of course, the fear of having an episode only made it worse—especially when I was on the verge of hyperventilating and would start to, simply because I was so afraid. I got to the point where I wouldn’t work out much since it caused me to be short of breath.Not too long ago, I found out that I am also hypoglycemic (which is caused by low blood sugar). To put it short, I start shaking and feeling very weak only a few hours after I eat.I haven’t had an episode in a few years, which I am very grateful for. However, I was very close to having one on Labor Day of this year. I was visiting my sister who lives at the beach, and we were planning on spending the day riding bikes on an island. I’d had cereal that morning—but a few hours later, after we ordered our rental bikes, I noticed that I was shaking…a lot. And it didn’t help that the humidity was extremely high, either.We had to go on a ten minute bike ride just to find a place that sold food. Although I was pedaling way slower than I usually do, the rush of the wind helped cool me off and calm me down enough until we reached a place that sold Luna Bars. It wasn’t until we got off the bikes and went inside did the panic really hit me. I was shaking even more than before, and it was all I could do to prevent myself from hyperventilating.I sat down with my two Luna Bars and a Gatorade (seriously, those drinks are a life saver) and tried my best to calm down. Now, I’m sure the breathing part was just due to anxiety, because it wasn’t until I started thinking about how badly I did not want to go to the hospital did I start to experience the most trouble. And if I hadn’t learn how to focus on God and His peace, I’m almost positive that I would’ve had to go to the hospital again.
(Later that day. As you can see, I felt much better =)Every time I come close to panicking, I force myself to recall when the hospital put an IV on my arm—or in other words, “the machine that calmed me down and helped me breathe”. I believe that hooking myself up to a “spiritual IV” is the very thing that can help calm me down when I start to feel anxious.I’m sure we’ve all struggled with anxiety at one point or another in our lives. And not to give away any spoilers—but in Purple Moon, Selena frequently suffers from anxiety attacks. Honestly, I’m not even sure when I decided to incorporate that into the story, but it was definitely God’s doing. Because of Purple Moon—not only was I able to relate with those who suffer with anxiety, but I was also able to write from experience and find healing in the process. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
~Philippians 4:6-7In the midst of anxiety, hook yourself up to a spiritual IV by calling upon God.As mentioned in the above scripture, His peace will immediately come and still your anxious heart. Set your mind on Him only, and nothing else. That is the secret that I have learned, and I believe that this is what prevented me from hyperventilating during my last episode. You have control over your mind, body, and emotions. Don’t let anxiety hold you back from experiencing your life. Instead, overcome anxiety by showing it that it is not going to have any power over you.Besides, why would you pay for a trip to the hospital when a free spiritual IV is available to you 24/7?
Fact or Fiction?:
Guess this fact or fiction, and be sure to stop by the next blog tour stop to see if you guessed correctly! (You’ll also receive one extra entry for the “Purple Moon” Prize Pack if you send me your guess.)
"Purple Moon” Prize Pack!a Rafflecopter giveaway
Purple Moon” Blog Tour Stops:Don’t forget to stop by the blog tour’s next stop to increase your chances of winning the PURPLE MOON Prize Pack!Wednesday, September 18th: Purple Moon Blog Tour Launch: The Story Behind the Story: Christ is Write Thursday, September 19th: 5 Facts about Purple Moon: Kim VandelFriday, September 20th: Character Sketches + Character Cast Contest: Who YA Reading?Monday, September 23rd: Behind the Scenes: Why I Chose Lake Lure: Words to Dreams Tuesday, September 24th: Release Day! Selena’s Diary Entry + Creative Photo Contest: Writing for Young AdultsWednesday, September 25th: Austin’s Diary Entry: Amy’s Book BlogThursday, September 26th: Q & A: Notebook Sisters Friday, September 27th: Purple Moon Playlist: Ashley Carr Monday, September 30th: Purple Moon Excerpt: Wooden Swings: Heather Brice Tuesday, October 1st: Dealing With Anxiety—The Spiritual IV: The Destiny of One Wednesday, October 2nd: Q & A: Saved by GraceThursday, October 3rd: Behind the Scenes: Name Meanings: Labor Not In VainFriday, October 4th: Is It Okay To Be An Introvert?: Alex Inks It Monday, October 7th: Story Behind the Cover Art: Candy Apple Books Tuesday, October 8th: Purple Moon Excerpt: Cherishing the Sunrise: Author Casey Bond Wednesday, October 9th: Q & A: Writing While the Rice BoilsThursday, October 10th: Behind the Scenes: Christian Human Videos: Writing in Wonderland Friday, October 11th: Teenage Substance Abuse: Emily Rachelle Monday, October 14th: Behind the Scenes: Lake Lure Academy of the Arts: Worthy 2 ReadTuesday, October 15th: My Middle & High School Experience: Hello Highlights Wednesday, October 16th: Purple Moon Excerpt: Meatless Turkey Sandwich: Diane Estrella Thursday, October 17th: Body Image Laurel’s LeavesFriday, October 18th: Behind the Scenes: Brewer’s Coffee: A Splash of InkMonday, October 21st: Purple Moon Excerpt: Farkle at the Park: A Slightly Nerdy Bookworm Tuesday, October 22nd: Teenage Dating: Tell The World Wednesday, October 23rd: Q & A: The YA Book Stack Thursday, October 24th: How Much of My Personal Life Did I Put Into “Purple Moon”?: Read For Your Future Friday, October 25th: Fairy tales & Happy Endings + Contest Winners!: Inspiring Daring
I'm back!!
My computer when I first got itI know some people, after going a couple of weeks without computers are grateful for the lessons the learn. I have also know a some who friends who go without media for a month and talk about how refreshing it is. I found out this month that I am not one of those people.Although I truly enjoy my families media free day (we do this every Sunday) being almost a month without my computer was aggravating not refreshing. I had plenty of work to keep me busy, but I went crazy wanting to work on a story, blogging, or editing and not having a computer. I wish I could say I learned a lot of deep lessons and this helped break my dependency on my computer, but that would be a lie.
Instead, the almost month without my computer has made me never want to be more then three or four days without it again. I just hated being without my documents containing my stories.
I hope to post more about my life in the upcoming days, even though it hasn't been anything truly exciting. I have missed sharing what is going on with my blogging friends.
What have you been up to?
September 21, 2013
Blog Tour: Tattlers Branch Book Review
Buy it Here
Age Appropriate For: 15 and up for reading level, murder, mild romance, and mildly scary scenesBest for Ages: 18 and up
Description: Lilly Corbett Still has grown to love her life as the small-town doctor of Skip Rock, a tiny coal community in the Kentucky mountains. Though her husband, Tern, is away for a few months at a mining job, Lilly keeps busy with her patients and her younger sister visiting for the summer.Her hands full, Lilly turns to her good friend and neighbor, Armina, to help keep things in order. But when a mysterious chain of events leaves Armina bedridden and an orphaned baby on her doorstep, Lilly must trust in God and her resilient country neighbors to help her uncover the truth. While working late one night, Lilly cares for a patient whose odd behavior sets her on edge, but she’s unaware of what a mess she’s found herself in until a break-in at her office puts her on high alert. Struggling between what is right and what is safe, Lilly discovers the strength of her neighbors, her God, and herself.
Last year, a friend was kind enough to lend me Skip Rock Shallows and I really enjoyed that story. When I saw that Tattler's Branch was more of Lilly’s story, I jumped at the chance to review it.
This book was a real page turner. Although it was over 300 pages, I finished it in two days because I was so eager to see what happened. It combined personal struggles, and medical as well as murder mystery. Yes, this book kept me turning pages.
I have to admit though, I really found myself liking Lilly less in this book. She has secrets and her husband was far from home. I could say more about it, but I don’t want to give away any of the book. However, the secrets and the absence of Tern detracted from the book in my opinion.The setting of the book still has the same, strong historical backdrop. It captures both the harshness and the beauty of life in the Kentucky mountains. For those who enjoyed both Christy, and/or Skip Rock Shallows.
Jan Watson has an amazing style. She really knows how to tell a story. Which is why, even though I didn’t like some of what she did to the characters, I am giving this book four stars.I recommend this book to those who enjoyed Christy, what to finds out what happened after Skip Rock Shallows, or just want a book that keeps you turning pages.
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I received this book from Tyndale in exchange for my honest review. I was under no obligation to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are entirely my own.
September 13, 2013
Writing Saturday: N is for Necklace
Sometimes we all need a reminder that we can touch. Something that reminds us to live up to our highest ideals and standards, or to cling to our faith even when times are hard. Alditha, in Adventures and Adversities, has such an item. It is a wooden cross her mother gives her the right before she left her home.
Through out the story, this cross reminds her to stand up for what is right and cling to her faith. At times it is hard, and the reminder doesn't seem to be enough, but it is always there.
Does your character have something that reminds them of their faith, a promise they made, or someone they lost?
September 6, 2013
Writing Saturday: A Bit of Inspiration #10
Although some of my books were inspired by movies, many were inspired by other things
My soon to be released book, Adventures and Adversities, was inspired by my love of the Middle Ages
A book I started and hope to soon finish called Right Where You Are, was based off a DreamAltered Allegiance which I am writing with Rachelle Rea was created out of thin air so I could write with my friend.
What inspires you to write?
Book Review: Hopelifter
Buy it Here
Age Appropriate for: 16 in up for hard situations discussedBest for Ages: 18 and up
Description: How often do women see a friend in distress or crisis, but feel helpless to really make a difference? Hopelifter: Creative Ways to Spread Hope When Life Hurts takes the mystery out of how to be the hands and feet of Jesus to anyone in need of hope, comfort and care. Kathe Wunnenberg, whose hope-lifting ministry has impacted the lives of thousands, demonstrates simple, practical ways that acts of creative compassion can transform lives. Whether it’s encouraging a jobless friend, lifting the spirits of someone trapped in depression, leaving an anonymous gift for a grieving mother, hosting a starting-over shower for a divorced friend, or playing one small part in long-term support for a family in deep crisis, daily opportunities to make a difference in hurting lives are limitless for a Hopelifter. The perfect book for women who want to spread hope in their friendships, workplace, neighborhoods, and homes, and ideal for those in caring roles in churches and ministries.
I have to be honest this book wasn’t what I was expecting. From the subtitle, Creative Ways to Spread Hope When Life Hurts, I was looking forward to a how-to guide. Although this book had much helpful information, it wasn’t a how-to guide. It talked a lot about her ministry and then, in the back, had some ideas for what you can do for those who need hope.
Kathe Wunnenberg obviously has a wonderful and powerful ministry. She talked about her ministry throughout the book, sometimes it felt like too much. However, if I had such a powerful ministry, I would be tempted to talk about it a lot as well. I really did like all her personal stories that she shared in the book.
I did love the message of the book: actively seeking ways to bring hope to those around us. There are so many people that are hurting, they just need to know that someone cares. This book really did make me think about helping the hurting people around me find hope.
The formatting of this book was excellent. I loved the set up and the style on the inside. It was pretty and easy to find things. The Recipes of Hope in the back were arranged in alphabetical order and easy to flip through and find what I wanted.
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I received this book from Zondervan via Book Sneeze in exchange for my honest review. I was under no obligation to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are entirely my own.
September 3, 2013
Book Review: The Governess of Highland Hall
Age Appropriate For: 15 and up (reading level and light romance)Best for Ages: 15 and up
Description: Missionary Julia Foster loves working alongside her parents, ministering and caring for young girls in India. But when the family must return to England due to illness, she readily accepts the burden for her parents’ financial support. Taking on a job at Highland Hall as governess, she quickly finds that teaching her four privileged, ill-mannered charges at a grand estate is more challenging than expected, and she isn’t sure what to make of the estate’s preoccupied master, Sir William Ramsey. Widowed and left to care for his two young children and his deceased cousin Randolph’s two teenage girls, William is consumed with saving the estate from the financial ruin. The last thing he needs is any distraction coming from the kindhearted-yet-determined governess who seems to be quietly transforming his household with her persuasive personality, vibrant prayer life, and strong faith. While both are tending past wounds and guarding fragile secrets, Julia and William are determined to do what it takes to save their families—common ground that proves fertile for unexpected feelings. But will William choose Julia’s steadfast heart and faith over the wealth and power he needs to secure Highland Hall’s future?
Are you tired of Christian romance books were the faith element seems like only an afterthought? Then this is just the book you need to pick up, because The Governess of Highland Hall doesn’t put God second.I enjoy a romance book as much as the next girl but I do get tired of the Christian romances that are all about feelings. I want there to be some gushy feelings, but a relationship built on those feelings and a couple of kisses are not my cup of tea.
Julia is a heroin that mothers will love because her focus is not on how handsome the man is or his charm, but the strength of character and his faith. I really loved Julia. Her faith and character are something that even the Christian market often lacks. Without being preachy or so perfect it is annoying, she has a faith that is refreshing. She doesn’t just say the right things, she lives them out. She follows her own advice and wisdom, what a thought.
This book was a little slow at times compared to a lot of modern books, however, I enjoyed the change of pace. I think there was only once when I really wished the pace would pick up. Also, I found it a littler tiresome all the points of view were in the story. I don’t mind mutable points of view, but 6 or more is a little much.
The two children of the story: heartbreakers. I loved them so much. William was a strong hero who also was a man of character and faith. Although not the most engaging leading man I have ever met, I admire him and really ended up liking him.
I recommend this book for those looking for a sweet romance story, strong faith and uncompromising characters, and a slower paced book.
I received this book from Multnomah Books via Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review. I was under no obligation to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are entirely my own.
September 1, 2013
Multitudes on Mondays
Do not worry about tomorrow. We quote that all the time, but I am learning to live it. It means when I start to worry, I force myself to let it go and think about something else. It isn't easy sometimes, but I am so thankful that I am learning.
391. For a God whom I can talk to any time
392. For a family that gives me little to worry about
393. My Bible
394. Encouraging verses
395. Friends that remind me not to worry
396. Encouraging words
397. Strong faith
398. Strong family
399. For allergy medicine
400. Loving parents
August 31, 2013
Writing Saturday: M is for Maggie
~Not my picture~Age: Middle-aged Woman
Occupation: Head cook at the Kings castle
Best friends: Captain Harold
Greatest joy: Seeing Captain Harold from time to time
A piece of his tale: “Maggie? Maggie? Are you there?” the captain called, banging on the door. He then stepped to the side.
“Who’s hollering my name loud enough to be heard clear to the sea?” The strong female voiced called back. A moment later, a large woman filled the doorway, wiping her hands on a rag. Her faded indigo dress, as well as her chubby cheeks, was dusted with flour. Her long head-covering fully cover her hair, and was draped in a semi-circle in the front.
Maggie regarded Alditha severely. “Who might you be? Did you see the rogue that was hollering for me?”
“Is that the way to treat the girl I have brought to help you?” Captain Harold stepped into her view.
Maggie's mouth dropped open. The rag she had been holding fluttered to the ground, and her hand went to her heart. “Harold? I mean Captain, what a surprise! I didn’t expect you for another week.”
Captain Harold shrugged. “I made good time. I hope you have something for a hungry soldier to eat. I have been dreaming of your bread for weeks.”
The color rose in Maggie’s cheeks. “Then bread you shall have.”
