Lisa M. Buske's Blog, page 18

A Review: Child Finder by Rene Denfeld

A friend read this book and passed it along to me. She told me, "You HAVE to read this book. It's so good." She was right. She loaned it to me last Fall and I added it to the books-to-read-pile. During the school year, reading for fun is limited but thanks to our current state of working from home, I'm catching up on my leisure reading. Once I started to read, I knew it was going to be up late. 

The main character, Naomi, is a recovered child. She is placed in foster care and adopted by her her Foster Mom, Mrs. Cottle. The book shares Naomi's search for missing children on the surface with a couple different story lines happening at the same time. While Naomi looks for a missing girl, she also searches for herself and love. Does she find it? I'd love to tell you but don't want to be known as a spoiler. 

I will say this, as I went to write this review, I learned there is a sequel. I've ordered the book and can't wait for it to arrive as it will answer some of the questions I stayed awake wondering about. This is a well written story with suspense, hope, fear, and love. It will keep you up at night, because you'll say, "Just one more chapter.", until it's 4 a.m. Then you'll want to know more. Rene Denfeld doesn't disappoint. I look forward to reading the next book and will share my review for that one too. Have you read The Child Finder yet?

Do you have a book recommendation to share?

A Review: Child Finder by Rene Defeld

A friend read this book and passed it along to me. She told me, "You HAVE to read this book. It's so good." She was right. She loaned it to me last Fall and I added it to the books-to-read-pile. During the school year, reading for fun is limited but thanks to our current state of working from home, I'm catching up on my leisure reading. Once I started to read, I knew it was going to be up late. 

The main character, Naomi, is a recovered child. She is placed in foster care and adopted by her her Foster Mom, Mrs. Cottle. The book shares Naomi's search for missing children on the surface with a couple different story lines happening at the same time. While Naomi looks for a missing girl, she also searches for herself and love. Does she find it? I'd love to tell you but don't want to be known as a spoiler. 

I will say this, as I went to write this review, I learned there is a sequel. I've ordered the book and can't wait for it to arrive as it will answer some of the questions I stayed awake wondering about. This is a well written story with suspense, hope, fear, and love. It will keep you up at night, because you'll say, "Just one more chapter.", until it's 4 a.m. Then you'll want to know more. Rene Denfeld doesn't disappoint. I look forward to reading the next book and will share my review for that one too. Have you read The Child Finder yet?

Do you have a book recommendation to share?

"Dead End" Releases Today! A Book Review

If you follow me on Facebook, then you know the day I received this book in the mail. I was so excited. My husband and daughter teased as I dance around hugging the book. I responded to a post to express interest in reading and reviewing the third book in Nancy Mehl's "Kaely Quinn Profiler" series but never heard so had it in my cart for its release on March 31st, today. I think the not knowing increased my excitement. I waited to start reading until I knew I had a few hours of uninterrupted reading time.

Before I share my review, here's a snip-it about this talented author. Nancy Mehl's ability to capture your heart, increase your heart rate, and fall in love with the characters is inspiring. As an author, her talent and gift to write is something I could only aspire for in my writing career. After you check out her website, read my review.
Nancy Mehl is the author of over twenty-five books,
including the Road to Kingdom, Finding Sanctuary,
and Defenders of Justice series.

She received the ACFW Mystery Book of the Year Award
in 2009. She writes from her home in Missouri,
where she lives with her husband, Norman,
and their puggle, Watson.

To visit Nancy Mehl's website: CLICK HERE
My Review Oh. My. Goodness. Dead End was anything but a dead end, it delivered! I planned to reread the first two books again but since I loaned them to my daughter, and the books were in her college dorm, I couldn't wait until May and started to read. I could not put the book down. I read the first evening until toothpicks couldn't hold my eyes open. Upon crawling out of bed the next morning, I started reading and finished the book. I have to admit, at least three times I fought back the temptation to flip to the end. The suspense was too much but I resisted and read faster.

My husband enjoyed watching me read because he told me, "It must be a good book. Your sound effects are interesting." We both laughed and I went back to reading. If you read series, or trilogies, then you know it's a challenge for the third book and beyond to keep your attention. Nancy Mehl's writing gives enough history from the first two books to read this as a stand alone yet with the background knowledge, you fall in love with the characters deeper with the snip-its from book one and two. I narrowed down the guilty a few times and in the end...I was...???


Yup, I can't say anymore because I want you to read and enjoy the suspense and increased heart rate like I had. Before you start reading, remember to lock your door and turn your ringer off. The little sounds of your house will make you jump if they happen at certain scenes. I highly recommend this book, and entire series. Road to Kindgom is another great series. I'm not an Amish story reader but Nancy Mehl's ability to bring the outside world and suspense into the Amish town captivated me from the first book to the third.
To read my reviews of the first two books in this series,
​click on the book cover of each below. If you are a Nancy Mehl fan,
what is one adjective
​you'd use to describe her writing?

Enjoying the Moments

In the midst of crisis and the unknown, it's easy to distance yourself from others, from the social media, and the media. All you have to do is turn off your phone, devices, and television.

Here's the challenging part, to find a place where you can distance your mind from your own thoughts, your worries, and your own anxiety. This is not easy. Part of the reason it's so difficult, there isn't a cookie cutter detachment process. Each individual is different, so the response and way to distance oneself and refocus will also be different.

“Cast all your worries upon
​him because he cares for you.”
1 Peter 5:7

​One thing, actually, One Man, is always the same and right there with you. God is waiting. My next statement will sound simple yet it will be one of the hardest decisions and actions you take. Take a deep look within yourself and ask God to let you know how you will best relax. Close your eyes and seek God's wisdom. Your quiet might be found sitting on the dock listening to the wind blow through the leaves or may be sitting at a table in the middle of a busy coffee shop. There is one thing required, that you slow down and figure out what works best for you.

Once you settle in, let go of your worries and troubles. share them with God. He cares.

“The Lord bless you and keep you!
The Lord let his face shine upon you,
and be gracious to you!
The Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace!”
Numbers 6:24-26

What are you doing to relax?
Who are you sharing your troubles with?

It's the Moments that Matter Most

I wrote this blog on Sunday, March 15, 2020, after all the school's in our county closed. If you are on social media then you know the posts have varied from humorous, dramatic, fear-filled, and the toilet paper ones are in a group all their own. In the face of crisis and tragedy, how do you respond?

I was raised in a family who, for the most part, used humor as their medicine. If you've attended calling hours for a member of my family, the laughter and story telling might have made you feel uncomfortable but for us, this is how we cope. For the most part, we try to keep the ugly crying and depression behind closed doors. It's not that we are wearing a mask, instead, we have learned over time that it's easier to laugh and remember our loved ones when we are surrounded by others with a mutual love and respect for the deceased.

What would happen if we never took time in our life to make those memories? What if we collected things, instead of moments. The only thing we would have are tears and regrets. I choose to live in the moment and make memories. As I parent and teach, I strive to leave a legacy. I want others to know it's possible to smile, laugh, and enjoy life in spite of the struggles or challenges the world might throw in one's direction.

I don't know what your personal struggle is today, but as a world and community, recent events have most people focusing on the memory making and the moments, not the things. As you say your prayers today, thank God for the moments you were able to experience and share with others. Thank God for the breath in your lungs, whether it is weak or healthy. As long as you have breath in your lungs,  God has a plan and mission for you, I hope you are able to see the journey before you and share the moment and memories with everyone you meet.
What is your favorite moment so far this week?

T.O.P.'s Tuesday: What Kind of Artist are You?

My parents were my greatest cheerleaders, always encouraging myself, and Heidi, to be and do whatever we wanted to do. As a child, I was always doodling and "writing" stories. My mom saved one of these masterpieces, from age 4 or 5.

I labeled the picture and formulated "sentences". My Mom told me when I looked through my baby book as a teen, "you were always writing and telling the best stories, I had to save at least one." 

To be an author was my dream. Dad encouraged me yet told me to make sure I "got a real job to pay the bills." My first grade teacher, Mrs. Emerson, on the other hand, she said, "You are a good writer, one day you'll be an author." I think it's the balance of my Dad's practical side, my Mom's dreamer side, and Mrs. Emerson's, reach for the stars mentality that molded me into the person, and author, I am today. 

No one ever said, "You can't" or "You won't", instead they promoted the go-getter and dreamer with a touch of reality tossed into the mix. I'm grateful for my parents and the teachers who teamed up to make me into the writer and author I am. Who encouraged you to channel your inner artist?

Where, or Who, is Your Refuge?

Many find themselves on a stay-cation, taking time to do things that have moved from one list to another, making the most of a bad situation. Others complain because it's interrupting their routines. Some are worried about childcare, feeding their children for four weeks, and paying their bills. Then there are those who are trusting in spite of the situation,  making the most of it, cherishing the moments  and making memories.

I don't know where you fall in this spectrum but here is where I'm at. I'm using this time  to get ahead on my blogs, finish my Easter Devotional, spend unexpected time with y daughter, and creating the to-do-list of all lists. This is an opportunity to stay home and get all those things done we always wished we had time to do. Now is the time, what are you waiting for?

If you are a healthcare worker, first responder, politician, working in a grocery store and retail, or unable to stay at home with your kids...THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU ARE DOING TO KEEP US SAFE, WELL FED, AND TAKEN CARE OF. Regardless of where you find yourself during this time of isolation, you are never alone. Instead of focusing all that is wrong, lean on God and trust Him to care for you. He is always with you!

​I will say of the Lord,
“He is my refuge 
and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”
Psalm 91:2 NIV

How have you seen God working in your life today?

Oh No, The Pup Ate the Tissues!

This photo represents the importance of leaving the radio on when we won't be home. Our pup turned three last week and since she's lived with us, anytime we leave the house, the radio and/or television are left on for her. Our Smart TV shuts off after a certain time period, so if we think we'll be gone longer than this time period, the radio is turned on. 

Not often, but sometimes, plans change. Last Friday, we had the opportunity to connect with my cousin. I haven't seen him since I was knee high, and my Dad, it was over twenty years. When opportunities like this are available, we seize the moment and catch up with family and friends. We had so much fun, laughed and visited, and look forward to doing this again in the future. With this being said, since we hadn't planned on being out of the house for a few hours, the television turned off and there was no radio. We learned that our pup likes, and possibly, needs the sound on when she's left home alone. 

In three years, this only happened one other time and it was when we forgot to leave the radio on. Why do I share this lesson learned? Simple, when you are facing a pandemic and tissue supplies are limited, remember to turn the radio on. I'm not playing down the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic, but I have a choice, as do you. We can live in fear and increased stress levels that will impact our future health OR we can find reasons to smile and to laugh.

In the midst of stress, I tent to laugh and crack jokes. This is my coping mechanism. What is yours? We all have a way we "get through" the tough times, mine, for today, lies on the floor in the remnants of a tissue box. If I'm short on tissues in the days or weeks ahead, I'll cry then. For now, I choose to laugh and spread joy.
What are your coping mechanisms in times of stress?

T.O.P.'S tUESDAY: DAylight savings Time

This past week was a roller coaster ride, to say the least. Life has been fast paced with twists and turns, but this is what life is all about, right? 

On some levels, it's the twist and turns that keep us on our toes. We learn from each one. Some we handle the right way, other times, we fail BUT we still learn. I've never weighed my good and bad choices on a scale but there is one thing I know for sure, experiential learning was part of them all.

This week, for T.O.P.'s Tuesday, I thought it would be a good time to share a few things I've learned, or was reminded of, this week:
1) You can 100% and some will still want more
2) You can't make everyone happy at the same time
3) When one thing is crossed off the list, another is added
4) Tomorrow is not a guarantee 
5) It's hard to put yourself first

In response to my five reminders/lessons of the week, I have words of wisdom for myself, and you, if you choose to keep reading:
1) Only you can choose to say "no" when you've reached your limit
2) Accept that others won't like it, or understand, when you say no
3) You are the list writer, before you add a new item, ask yourself, "Is this important?"
4) Before you respond or react, how will you feel if it's left unresolved?
5) It's necessary to take time for yourself to avoid burnout (and being miserable to the people you love the most)
These are my words of wisdom after a week of ups and downs, all starting with Daylight Savings Time. To change the clocks forward triggers quietness, nightmares, and an emptiness in the pit of my stomach. My sister, Heidi M Allen, disappeared on April 3, 1994. It was also Daylight Savings Time and Easter Sunday. For my family, each of these three things effect us differently. I admit it's easier now, since 90% of our clocks change without us but the other 10%...ugh.

My husband usually does this because I struggle so much with it but I did it myself this year. Some of you reading this are thinking, "what's the big deal? It's just moving the clock ahead an hour. Get over it lady!" Well, this is why I did it myself this year. As I work on completing my new book and devotional, "Not Just an Easter Devo", I'm facing fears and accepting the challenges I give my readers.

Don't worry, I don't challenge anyone to change their clock, this is my hurdle to jump, not yours. This is the beauty of writing a devotional.st I have the opportunity to challenge my readers, and myself, at the same time. Although it's not available yet, there are a few lucky readers enjoying it during this year's Lenten season. My negative, I haven't had as much time to write since returning to work and my normal, way-to-busy, schedule. The positive, my readers are asking for the next week's devotionals. I printed them off over the weekend and got them into their hands. Phew...

Here's the deal, part of my busyness comes from not saying "no" enough, and saying "yes" when I know it will stretch me thin. I need to reread the books from earlier in the year, or find a blog that reinforces the, "It's okay to say no", philosophy. It's a challenge because I come from a long line of "puterers". This isn't a real word, unless you are in my family. We like to putter, so a person that putters, is a putterer. 

Basically, this means our puttering often is more than the average person does in a day, at least according to my husband and some of my friends. As I face more opportunities to putter, pray I learn to prioritize better and use the word "no" more often. It might be a short, two letter word, but goodness is it hard to use. What's up with that? If you are able to say no to people, share in the comments ways you are able to do this. All the "yesers" and "putterers" anxiously await your wisdom.
Is it easy or challenging for you to say no?

National Day of Prayer: Blessing in Pandemic

Leave your political views aside and join our United States of America and other countries, as we come together to pray for the COVID-19 pandemic, our leadership, and a complete healing.

Our Commander in Chief is calling our country to lean on the Christian and prayer-filled, foundation of our fore-fathers, current, and future generations.

I like President Trump's boldness and integrity to ignite a fire of faith through, over, and in our nation. May the prayers of many reach God's ears and end this pandemic as quickly as it started. To read more about today's day of prayer: click here.

​Even the squirrels are praying, isn't it time we all join together? Pray for our President, Nation, and World everyday
but for today...know we are all praying
at the same time,
for the same thing,
​to the same God.
God is listening and will answer!