Robin E. Mason's Blog: Robin's Book Shelf, page 24
July 10, 2023
BLOGWORDS – Tuesday 11 July 2023 – TUESDAY REVIEWS – BOOK REVIEW – MURMURS IN THE MUD CAVES by KATHLEEN DENLY
He came to cook for ranch hands, not three single women.
Gideon Swift, a visually impaired Civil War Veteran, responds to an ad for a ranch cook in the Southern California desert mountains. He wants nothing more than to forget his past and stay in the kitchen where he can do no harm. But when he arrives to find his employer murdered, the ranch turned to ashes, and three young women struggling to survive in the unforgiving Borrego Desert, he must decide whether his presence protects them or places them in greater danger.
Bridget “Biddie” Davidson finally receives word from her older sister who disappeared with their brother and pa eighteen years prior, but the news is not good. Determined to help her family, Biddie sets out for a remote desert ranch with her adopted father and best friend. Nothing she finds there is as she expected, including the man who came to cook for the shambles of a ranch.
When tragedy strikes, the danger threatens not only her plans to help her sister, but her own dreams for the future—with the man who’s stolen her heart.
THE AUTHOR
Kathleen Denly lives in sunny Southern California with her loving husband, four young children, and two cats. As a member of the adoption and foster community, children in need are a cause dear to her heart and she finds they make frequent appearances in her stories. When she isn’t writing, researching, or caring for children, Kathleen spends her time reading, visiting historical sites, hiking, and crafting.
Kathleen is the award-winning author of Chaparral Hearts, a three-book series of stand-alone novels set in nineteenth century Southern California (plus a prequel novella available exclusively to her newsletter subscribers).
Kathleen would love it if you visited her website at KathleenDenly.com.
You can also connect with her on social media:
Instagram & Twitter @KathleenDenly
Facebook Author Page: KathleenDenly.author
FB Group: Armchair Adventure Krew
To see photos that inspired her novels, follow her on Pinterest.
MY REVIEWWell, that took an unexpected turn. I never knew there was such a thing as “mud caves,” or what they are. Or how treacherous they can be.
Ms. Denly takes her readers right into the wild west of the late 1800’s, with all the grueling hard work and rugged terrain—and all the treachery and very real threat of bandits.
Characters so vivid and real they walk off the page. Emotions and struggles and strife so real the reader feels the tension.
Gideon Swift, as honorable a man if ever there was. Fighting his [SPOILER] and fighting his instinct to flee before it’s discovered. His honor, though, won’t let him leave three women alone in the desert. Even if one of them doesn’t want him there.
Biddie Davidson, cute as a button, and strong willed as iron. In an era when it was unheard of, she has plans [SPOILER], plans that get hijacked with a trip to visit her sister. A quick trip that turns into weeks and months. Biddie’s devotion to her sister—who rebuffs Biddie’s attention at every turn—is endearing, and evidence of her inner strength.
The interaction between the characters, the growing bond and trust, makes them loveable and likeable—and relatable.
ROBIN’S FEATHERS
FOUR FEATHERS
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.
BLOGWORDS – Monday 10 July 2023 – DAILY SCRIPTURE – COLOSSIANS 3:23-24
And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. (NKJV) Colossians 3:23-24
IRISH / GAEILGEAgus gach ní a dhéanann sibh, déanaigí go croíúil é, mar don Tiarna agus ní ar dhaoine, a fhios a bheith agat gur ón Tiarna a gheobhaidh sibh luach saothair na hoidhreachta; óir déanann tú seirbhís don Tiarna Críost. (NKJV) Colosaigh 3:23-24
GREEK / ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΑΚαι ό,τι κάνετε, να το κάνετε με την καρδιά σας, όπως στον Κύριο και όχι στους ανθρώπους, γνωρίζοντας ότι από τον Κύριο θα λάβετε την ανταμοιβή της κληρονομιάς. γιατί υπηρετείτε τον Κύριο Χριστό. (NKJV) Κολοσσαείς 3:23-24
HEBREW / עִברִית
וְכָל מַה שֶּׁתַּעֲשֶׂה, תַּעֲשֶׂה בְּלֵב, כַּאֲדֹנָי וְלֹא לְאָדָם, בְּיוֹדַע שֶׁמַּה’ יִתְקַבְּלוּ אֶת שִׁכְרוֹת הַנַּחֲלָה; כי אתה עובד את האדון המשיח. (NKJV) קולוסים ג’:23-24
SWAHILI / KISWAHILINa lo lote mfanyalo, lifanyeni kwa moyo, kama kwa Bwana, wala si kwa wanadamu, mkijua ya kuwa mtapokea kwa Bwana ujira wa urithi; kwa kuwa mnamtumikia Bwana Kristo. (NKJV) Wakolosai 3:23-24
RUSSIAN / РУССКИЙИ все, что делаете, делайте от души, как для Господа, а не для человеков, зная, что от Господа получите награду наследства; ибо ты служишь Господу Христу. (NKJV) Колоссянам 3:23-24
GERMAN / DEUTSCHUnd alles, was ihr tut, das tut von Herzen, als für den Herrn und nicht für Menschen, da ihr wisst, dass ihr von dem Herrn zum Lohn das Erbe empfangen werdet; denn ihr dient Christus, dem Herrn! (SCH 2000) Kolosser 3:23-24
FRENCH / FRANÇAISETout ce que vous faites, faites-le de bon cœur, comme pour le Seigneur et non pour des hommes, sachant que vous recevrez du Seigneur l’héritage pour récompense. Servez Christ, le Seigneur. (NEG 1979) Colossiens 3:23-24
SPANISH / ESPAÑOLTrabajen de buena gana en todo lo que hagan, como si fuera para el Señor y no para la gente. Recuerden que el Señor los recompensará con una herencia y que el Amo a quien sirven es Cristo. (NTV) Colosenses 3:23-24
* German, French, and Spanish Scripture translations are taken from my Bible Gateway app. Irish, Greek, Hebrew, Swahili, and Russian, however, are translated from NKJV via Google Translate app.
#Blogwords, Daily Scripture, #DS, God’s Word, Daily Bread, Colossians 3:23-24July 9, 2023
BLOGWORDS – Sunday 9 July 2023 – DAILY SCRIPTURE – 2 CORINTHIANS 3:17
Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. (NKJV) 2 Corinthians 3:17
IRISH / GAEILGEAnois is é an Tiarna an Spiorad; agus san áit a bhfuil Spiorad an Tiarna, tá saoirse ann. (NKJV) 2 Corantaigh 3:17
GREEK / ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΑΤώρα ο Κύριος είναι το Πνεύμα. και όπου είναι το Πνεύμα του Κυρίου, εκεί είναι ελευθερία. (NKJV) 2 Κορινθίους 3:17
HEBREW / עִברִית
עתה ה’ הוא הרוח; והיכן שרוח ה’, ישנה חירות. (NKJV) ב’ לקורינתים 3:17
SWAHILI / KISWAHILISasa Bwana ndiye Roho; na alipo Roho wa Bwana, hapo ndipo penye uhuru. (NKJV) 2 Wakorintho 3:17
RUSSIAN / РУССКИЙТеперь Господь есть Дух; а где Дух Господень, там свобода. (NKJV) 2 Коринфянам 3:17
GERMAN / DEUTSCHDer Herr aber ist der Geist; und wo der Geist des Herrn ist, da ist Freiheit. (SCH 2000) 2 Korinther 3:17
FRENCH / FRANÇAISEOr, le Seigneur, c’est l’Esprit; et là où est l’Esprit du Seigneur, là est la liberté. (NEG 1979) 2 Corinthiens 3:17
SPANISH / ESPAÑOLPues el Señor es el Espíritu, y donde está el Espíritu del Señor, allí hay libertad. (NTV) 2 Corintios 3:17
* German, French, and Spanish Scripture translations are taken from my Bible Gateway app. Irish, Greek, Hebrew, Swahili, and Russian, however, are translated from NKJV via Google Translate app.
#Blogwords, Daily Scripture, #DS, God’s Word, Daily Bread, 2 Corinthians 3:17July 8, 2023
BLOGWORDS – Saturday 8 July 2023 – DAILY SCRIPTURE – ROMANS 1:16
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. (NKJV) Romans 1:16
IRISH / GAEILGEÓir níl náire orm faoi shoiscéal Chríost, mar is é cumhacht Dé é chun slánaithe do gach duine a chreideann, don Ghiúdach ar dtús agus don Ghréagach freisin. (NKJV) Rómhánaigh 1:16
GREEK / ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΑΓιατί δεν ντρέπομαι για το ευαγγέλιο του Χριστού, γιατί είναι η δύναμη του Θεού για σωτηρία για όλους όσους πιστεύουν, πρώτα για τον Εβραίο και επίσης για τον Έλληνα. (NKJV) Ρωμαίους 1:16
HEBREW / עִברִית
כי אני לא מתבייש בבשורת המשיח, כי זה כוחו של אלוהים לישועה לכל מי שמאמין, קודם ליהודי וגם ליווני. (NKJV) הרומים 1:16
SWAHILI / KISWAHILIKwa maana siionei haya Injili, kwa maana ni uweza wa Mungu uletao wokovu kwa kila aaminiye, kwa Myahudi kwanza na kwa Myunani pia. (NKJV) Warumi 1:16
RUSSIAN / РУССКИЙИбо я не стыжусь благовествования Христова, ибо оно есть сила Божия ко спасению всякому верующему, во-первых, Иудею, а также и Еллину. (NKJV) Римлянам 1:16
GERMAN / DEUTSCHDenn ich schäme mich des Evangeliums von Christus nicht; denn es ist Gottes Kraft zur Errettung für jeden, der glaubt, zuerst für den Juden, dann auch für den Griechen. (SCH 2000) Römer 1:16
FRENCH / FRANÇAISECar je n’ai point honte de l’Evangile: c’est la puissance de Dieu pour le salut de quiconque croit, du Juif premièrement, puis du Grec. (NEG 1979) Romains 1:16
SPANISH / ESPAÑOLPues no me avergüenzo de la Buena Noticia acerca de Cristo, porque es poder de Dios en acción para salvar a todos los que creen, a los judíos primero y también a los gentiles. (SCH) Romanos 1:16
* German, French, and Spanish Scripture translations are taken from my Bible Gateway app. Irish, Greek, Hebrew, Swahili, and Russian, however, are translated from NKJV via Google Translate app.
#Blogwords, Daily Scripture, #DS, God’s Word, Daily Bread, Romans 1:16July 6, 2023
BLOGWORDS – Thursday 6 July 2023 – DAILY SCRIPTURE – JEREMIAH 27:9-10
The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? “I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve.” (NKJV) Jeremiah 27:9-10
IRISH / GAEILGETá an croí meallta thar gach ní agus gan leigheas. Cé atá in ann é a thuiscint? “Mise an Tiarna a chuardaíonn an croí agus a scrúdaíonn an intinn, chun luach saothair a thabhairt do gach duine de réir a n-iompraíochta, de réir a bhfuil tuillte ag a ngníomhartha.” (NKJV) Irimia 27:9-10
GREEK / ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΑΗ καρδιά είναι απατηλή πάνω από όλα και πέρα από θεραπεία. Ποιος μπορεί να το καταλάβει; «Εγώ, ο Κύριος, ερευνώ την καρδιά και εξετάζω το νου, για να ανταμείψω τον καθένα σύμφωνα με τη συμπεριφορά του, σύμφωνα με αυτό που αξίζουν οι πράξεις του». (NKJV) Ιερεμίας 27:9-10
HEBREW / עִברִית
הלב מרמה מעל לכל דבר ומעבר לריפוי. מי יכול להבין את זה? “אני ה’ חוקר את הלב ובוחן את הנפש, לגמול כל אדם לפי התנהגותו, לפי מה שראוי למעשיו.” ירמיהו כז:9-10
SWAHILI / KISWAHILIMoyo ni mdanganyifu kuliko vitu vyote na hauna tiba. Nani anaweza kuielewa? “Mimi, BWANA, nauchunguza moyo, na kuzichunguza nia, ili kumlipa kila mtu kwa kadiri ya mwenendo wake, sawasawa na inavyostahili matendo yake.” (NKJV) Yeremia 27:9-10
RUSSIAN / РУССКИЙЛукаво сердце более всего и неизлечимо. Кто может это понять? «Я, Господь, испытываю сердце и испытываю ум, чтобы воздать каждому по делам его и по делам его». (NKJV) Иеремия 27:9-10
GERMAN / DEUTSCHÜberaus trügerisch ist das Herz und bösartig; wer kann es ergründen? Ich, der Herr, erforsche das Herz und prüfe die Nieren, um jedem Einzelnen zu vergelten entsprechend seinen Wegen, entsprechend der Frucht seiner Taten. (SCH 2000) Jeremia 17:9-10
FRENCH / FRANÇAISELe cœur est tortueux par-dessus tout, et il est méchant: Qui peut le connaître? Moi, l’Eternel, j’éprouve le cœur, je sonde les reins, pour rendre à chacun selon ses voies, Selon le fruit de ses œuvres. (NEG 1979) Jérémie 17:9-10
SPANISH / ESPAÑOLEl corazón humano es lo más engañoso que hay, y extremadamente perverso. ¿Quién realmente sabe qué tan malo es? Pero yo, el Señor, investigo todos los corazones y examino las intenciones secretas. A todos les doy la debida recompensa, según lo merecen sus acciones. (NTV) Jeremías 17:9-10
* German, French, and Spanish Scripture translations are taken from my Bible Gateway app. Irish, Greek, Hebrew, Swahili, and Russian, however, are translated from NKJV via Google Translate app.
#Blogwords, Daily Scripture, #DS, God’s Word, Daily Bread, Jeremiah 27:9-10July 5, 2023
BLOGWORDS – Thursday 6 July 2023 – CHAT THURSDAY – RUTH DOUTHITT
Please give a warm feathered welcome to author and friend, Ruth Douthitt.
FAST FAVESTwitter or Facebook- Facebook
Coffee or tea- Coffee!
Dogs or cats- Dogs
Call or text- text
Kindle or print-Print for the experience…Kindle for the cost. 
Hugs or kisses- hugs
rem: Hullo Ruth. Tell us three random things about yourself.
RUTH: I’m an author and an artist. In 1977, I saw Star Wars 26 times in the movie theaters when I was ten. I was born on a bridge in Phoenix, AZ and my dad delivered me.
rem: How crazy is that, born on a bridge! What a great way to start your life! What is your favorite quotation and why?
RUTH: “He does not despise real woods because he has read of enchanted woods; the reading makes all real woods a little enchanted.”
― C.S. Lewis, On Stories: And Other Essays on Literature
I love this quote because it sums up why I love to write fantasy: To escape. Reading and writing fantasy stories helps make surviving in real life a little easier because we have experienced the enchanted world.
rem: Ooohhh!! What an intriguing and fantastical quote! What do you do as a hobby?
RUTH: I draw, paint, run, do podcast interviews, teach Bible study, and flower garden. I have also started dabbling with using sealing wax. So fun sealing envelopes with sealing wax and various stamps.
rem: Take out the podcast interviews and we’re practically twins! #winkwink What would you be doing if you weren’t writing?
RUTH: Painting or drawing DRAGONS! I love creating art, so I’d probably create more dragon coloring books.
rem: I’ve not embraced my “inner dragon” LOL but I do love drawing and painting. If you could go back in time, what era would you choose and why?
RUTH: I adore the Gilded Age in America because of the architecture of McKim, Mead, and White. They did Penn Station, various Newport mansions, Columbia University campus, and other famous buildings. But that era was not easy for women. So, I’d probably want to live during the 1940s in America. I love the music, clothing, movies, and nostalgia of the WWII era. But that was also a brutal time to be alive with the war, coming out of the Great Depression, and more. I’m grateful to be alive right now.
rem: I’d love to visit any era for the architecture. What do you think is significant about Christian fiction? How has being a novelist impacted your relationship with Christ?
RUTH: HOPE. Our stories offer hope to readers that secular fiction cannot do. Our hope is based on Jesus and it’s a True Hope…an eternal hope. Even if it is a fantasy adventure, we Christian authors can still provide a hope for readers. I think that’s what they need more than anything. The world is so hopeless. Writing Christian themes into my stories has helped me look for those themes in my own life story. I love looking back over my life and seeing God’s hand over me, protecting me. I love seeing how God provided for me and my family during tough times. And I love looking back and seeing how God blessed me with His presence during scary times like being a young wife waiting for my husband to return home from war or being a young pregnant wife bedridden for 5 months, hoping our son would be born. Sharing stories like that helps readers see God’s faithfulness. That gives them hope.
rem: You say all that so well. I couldn’t agree more. When reading, what makes or breaks a story for you? Your fiction pet peeve?
RUTH: For me, it’s a certain language in romance novels. If it makes me cringe or do an eye roll, forget it. LOL. The dialogue or inner monologue has to be real, not this flowery language that no one would ever think. For Christian suspense-thrillers about serial killers, there must be believable violence. It doesn’t have to be gratuitous, but it needs to be believable. The killer has to be pure evil. I have read dozens of true crime books. I know what these killers do and how they do it. So, when the killer in a Christian novel isn’t scary enough or threatening enough, I won’t continue reading it. I have found this in certain Christian suspense-thrillers I have tried to read.
rem: Oh, yes, I don’t do fake in real life, and I certainly don’t do it in fiction. What are you reading right now?
RUTH: I just finished reading The Long March Home by Tosca Lee and Marcus Brotherton. It’s a WWII novel set during the Bataan Death March. As I mentioned before, WWII is one of my favorite historical periods and I have read extensively about the Bataan Death March, so I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It was well-written, researched, and crafted. I could tell they spent quality time writing this story. It took twelve years to complete it and readers will see this in the quality of this story. Amazing.
rem: Sounds fascinating and intense. Tell us a little about your writing journey.
RUTH: I never set out to be a writer, but I was always good at telling stories. So back in 1989, I was home alone on a Marine Corps base while my husband was away on a short tour of duty. I researched at the library about writing children’s books. I wanted to combine my artistic talent with storytelling, so I began writing what would later become my first book released in 2011: The Dragon Forest. It was a book for middle grade readers and not a picture book after all, but I truly enjoyed writing that story. A small publishing house picked it up and I wrote the Dragon Forest trilogy. While waiting for those books to release, I wrote and self-published a murder-mystery ghost story for kids called The Children Under the Ice. That went on to be a 3-book series and won the Moonbeam Children’s Books Award-Bronze medal for best series. The small publishing house went under, so I had to get the rights to my Dragon Forest trilogy back, which I did. I’ve been self-publishing ever since 2015. I enjoy it because I can write what I want to write and try out various genres like romantic comedy tropes, women’s adventure fiction, women’s inspirational fiction, my Seek Him prayer journal, coloring books, and I have a cozy-mystery Christmas story coming next year. I also have a suspense-thriller inside me. I just need to make the time to write that book! I was thrilled to collaborate with my husband to write Peter and the Dragon Forest, the picture book I set out to write back in 1989. It’s been quite the journey.
rem: Holy OY! That’s quite the story—journey! What do you enjoy most about being a writer?
RUTH: Telling stories and then finding out readers enjoyed the stories. rem: YES! I may not be a NYT best-selling author or have ten thousand followers, but I have readers who enjoy my books. I am blessed that God gave me a chance to put my stories out there for readers to escape dragon fire, ride a dragon, fall in love, to travel to Rome, or to solve a murder mystery with the help of a ghost. It’s so fun!
rem: Hearing from readers is such a natural high. What genre(s) do you write and why?
RUTH: I write fantasy adventures, murder-mystery ghost stories, romantic comedy, women’s adventure fiction, and non-fiction (prayer journals and devotionals). I suppose I love to tell stories of all sorts. Fantasy will always have my heart because…DRAGONS! I love dragons. But my newest book, The Doors of Rome, is receiving good reviews. Women are getting the message of the story and that means a lot to me. So, more women’s fiction can be expected.
rem: Woman, you have boundless creativity! Tell us a little about your latest book? What is your current project?
RUTH: The Doors of Rome is a modern story about Millie, a frustrated middle-aged housewife who feels life has passed her by. She longs for adventure, but her practical husband tells her to wait until he retires and then they will have adventure. Unable to wait, Millie enters a photo contest and wins an all-expenses-paid trip to Rome for two! But when Walter says he cannot go with her, Millie decides to head to Rome with her best friend and running partner, Edith. However, Edith challenges Millie even more. She will only go with her if they run the Rome Marathon. Millie agrees and off they go to Rome with the other winners of the contest. While in Rome, Millie gets to know the other winners and their stories. But she also gets to know herself and what it truly means to be content. Millie and Edith take on Rome learn a few life lessons along the way like sometimes you have to leave someone behind in order to get their attention. And if you don’t invest in love, you’ll lose it. The story is resonating with women who are in their fifties, and I love that.
I am writing the first draft of book four in my Elves of Vulgaard series: Dragon Sword. It’s another fantasy adventure story about three elves on a quest to destroy the evil Lord Mulgard who destroyed their kingdom. I will illustrate this book as I did the other three books in this series. I can’t wait for readers to enjoy this story and the illustrations.
rem: Well, now I must now add The Doors of Rome to my wish list. What is YOUR favorite part about the book or why do you love this book? Why should we read it?
RUTH: My favorite part about The Doors of Rome is when Millie sees Rome for the first time. My husband and I toured Rome, Florence, the Vatican, Naples, and Pompeii back in 2018. I had so much fun describing Rome and the other cities. I hope readers feel like they are there. People should read it because it is a hopeful and fun read. It doesn’t go too deep into problems like some women’s fiction books do, but it does touch on learning to be grateful and content with what God has given us. And it touches on how women in their fifties don’t have to quit dreaming or living life. It’s never too late to have an adventure. Readers should read this story if they want an adventure story along the same line as Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris.
rem: What is one take-away from your book(s) that you hope readers identify with?
RUTH: That life is too short to put off adventure. Live life to the fullest right now! Leave your comfort zone and go, do, be what you were made to be. Give it a try and don’t be afraid to fail.
rem: Absolute truth! So many things I wish I had done when I was younger. Le sigh… One more and then we’ll close. Do you have a life Scripture?
RUTH: 2 Corinthians 4:7-10 7But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. 8 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; 10 always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.
This passage has helped me get through hard times. We are broken vessels mended by God. We may be struck, afflicted, etc. but we will NEVER be destroyed. Praise God!
rem: Oh, Ruth, this is one of my favorite passages, as well. Anything you’d like to add?
RUTH: Please visit my website and sign up for my newsletter. You’ll receive a FREE PDF copy of my novella, The Letter Opener. And you can also check out my artwork, including all my illustrations.
Lastly, be sure to check out my podcast: A Writer’s Day. I interview best-selling authors like Rachel Hauck, Tosca Lee, Elizabeth Goddard, and more. Plus, I provide writing tips, too.
rem: Thank you so much for chatting with us on my blog today!
RUTH: My pleasure. Thank you for having me.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Former writing teacher Ruth A. Douthitt is an award-winning multi-published author who puts her heart and soul into her work, hoping to encourage others through her stories. Winner of the 2022 Christian Indie Award-First Place in YA, and the 2017 Moonbeam Children’s Books Award-Bronze Medal for Best Book Series, Ruth is currently working on a Christian-themed women’s inspirational fiction series. She is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers and hosts A Writer’s Day podcast.
Ruth lives in Arizona with her husband and their little dog. When she isn’t writing, Ruth loves to run, draw, paint, and garden. For more information about Ruth and her books, visit her website: http://www.artbyruth.com and find her on Facebook and Instagram
https://www.amazon.com/stores/R.A.-Douthitt/author/B00508VSJE
https://www.instagram.com/author_ra_douthitt/
https://www.buzzsprout.com/432652
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruth-douthitt-57641613/
GIVEAWAY
Ms. Douthitt is giving away a signed copy of The Doors of Rome OR, for fantasy readers, her book: Dragon Riders, which comes with the coloring book, Here There Be Dragons, to one lucky commenter (US only). Winner will be announced next Thursday, 13 July.
#Blogwords, Chat Thursday, Interview, Ruth Douthitt, artist, author, podcaster, The Doors of Rome, Dragon Riders, Here There Be Dragons
BLOGWORDS – Wednesday 5 July 2023 – DAILY SCRIPTURE – GALATIANS 5:13-14
For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (NKJV) Galatians 5:13-14
IRISH / GAEILGEAr a son, a bhráithre, glaodhadh chun na saoirse sibh; ní hamháin ná húsáid an tsaoirse mar dheis don fheoil, ach trí ghrá déan freastal ar a chéile. Óir tá an dlí go léir comhlíonta in aon fhocal amháin, fiú sa mhéid seo: “Gráóidh tú do chomharsa mar tú féin.” (NKJV) Galataigh 5:13-14
GREEK / ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΑΓιατί εσείς, αδελφοί, έχετε κληθεί στην ελευθερία. μόνο μην χρησιμοποιείτε την ελευθερία ως ευκαιρία για τη σάρκα, αλλά μέσω της αγάπης να υπηρετείτε ο ένας τον άλλον. Διότι όλος ο νόμος εκπληρώνεται με μία λέξη, ακόμη και σε αυτό: «Θα αγαπήσεις τον πλησίον σου όπως τον εαυτό σου». (NKJV) Γαλάτες 5:13-14
HEBREW / עִברִית
כי אתם, אחים, נקראתם לחירות; רק אל תשתמשו בחירות כהזדמנות לבשר, אלא באהבה משרתים אחד את השני. כי כל התורה מתקיימת במילה אחת, גם בזה: “ואהבת לרעך כמוך”. (NKJV) גלטים ה’:13-14
SWAHILI / KISWAHILIMaana ninyi, ndugu, mliitwa mpate uhuru; lakini msitumie uhuru kama fursa kwa mwili, bali tumikianeni kwa upendo. Maana torati yote hutimizwa katika neno moja, nalo ni hili, Umpende jirani yako kama nafsi yako. (NKJV) Wagalatia 5:13-14
RUSSIAN / РУССКИЙИбо вы, братья, призваны к свободе; только не пользуйтесь свободой как поводом для плоти, но любовью служите друг другу. Ибо весь закон исполняется в одном слове, даже в этом: «Возлюби ближнего твоего, как самого себя». (NKJV) Галатам 5:13-14
GERMAN / DEUTSCHDenn ihr seid zur Freiheit berufen, Brüder; nur macht die Freiheit nicht zu einem Vorwand für das Fleisch, sondern dient einander durch die Liebe. Denn das ganze Gesetz wird in einem Wort erfüllt, in dem: »Du sollst deinen Nächsten lieben wie dich selbst«. (SCH 2000) Galater 5:13-14
FRENCH / FRANÇAISEFrères, vous avez été appelés à la liberté; seulement ne faites pas de cette liberté un prétexte de vivre selon la chair; mais rendez-vous, par amour, serviteurs les uns des autres. Car toute la loi est accomplie dans une seule parole, celle-ci: Tu aimeras ton prochain comme toi-même. (NEG 1979) Galates 5:13-14
SPANISH / ESPAÑOLPues ustedes, mis hermanos, han sido llamados a vivir en libertad; pero no usen esa libertad para satisfacer los deseos de la naturaleza pecaminosa. Al contrario, usen la libertad para servirse unos a otros por amor. Pues toda la ley puede resumirse en un solo mandato: «Ama a tu prójimo como a ti mismo». (NTV) Gálatas 5:13-14
* German, French, and Spanish Scripture translations are taken from my Bible Gateway app. Irish, Greek, Hebrew, Swahili, and Russian, however, are translated from NKJV via Google Translate app.
#Blogwords, Daily Scripture, #DS, God’s Word, Daily Bread, Galatians 5:13-14July 4, 2023
BLOGWORDS – Tuesday 4 July 2023 – DAILY SCRIPTURE – JOHN 14:6
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. (NKJV) John 14:6
IRISH / GAEILGEDúirt Íosa leis: “Is mise an bealach, an fhírinne, agus an bheatha. Ní thagann aon duine go dtí an tAthair ach tríomsa. (NKJV) Eoin 14:6
GREEK / ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΑΟ Ιησούς του είπε: «Εγώ είμαι η οδός, η αλήθεια και η ζωή. Κανείς δεν έρχεται στον Πατέρα παρά μόνο μέσω εμού. (NKJV) Ιωάννης 14:6
HEBREW / עִברִית
ישוע אמר לו: “אני הדרך, האמת והחיים. אף אחד לא בא אל האב מלבד דרכי. (NKJV) יוחנן י”ד:6
SWAHILI / KISWAHILIYesu akamwambia, “Mimi ndimi njia, na kweli, na uzima. mtu haji kwa Baba ila kwa njia ya mimi. (NKJV) Yohana 14:6
RUSSIAN / РУССКИЙИисус сказал ему: «Я есмь путь, истина и жизнь. Никто не приходит к Отцу, кроме как через Меня. (NKJV) Иоанна 14:6
GERMAN / DEUTSCHJesus spricht zu ihm: Ich bin der Weg und die Wahrheit und das Leben; niemand kommt zum Vater als nur durch mich! (SCH 2000) Johannes 14:6
FRENCH / FRANÇAISEJésus lui dit: Je suis le chemin, la vérité, et la vie. Nul ne vient au Père que par moi. (NEG 1979) Jean 14:6
SPANISH / ESPAÑOLJesús le contestó:
—Yo soy el camino, la verdad y la vida; nadie puede ir al Padre si no es por medio de mí. (NTV) Juan 14:6
* German, French, and Spanish Scripture translations are taken from my Bible Gateway app. Irish, Greek, Hebrew, Swahili, and Russian, however, are translated from NKJV via Google Translate app.
#Blogwords, Daily Scripture, #DS, God’s Word, Daily Bread, John 14:6July 3, 2023
BLOGWORDS – Tuesday 4 July 2023 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – ESTUARY by LISA T. BERGREN, and #GIVEAWAY
Book: Estuary
Author: Lisa T. Bergren
Genre: Romantic Fantasy
Release date: June 13, 2023
THE BLURBCan a family bond stand the test of time?
Lady Tiliani Forelli is the epitome of the She-Wolves who raised her, an adept archer with a mind of her own. It is long past time for her to wed, but she deems each young lord who comes to bid for her hand lacking. With battles upon their border, and rumors of war growing louder on every front, Lady Forelli’s decision could secure her kingdom’s peace… or bring about its destruction.
Centuries later, history major Luciana Betarrini takes a summer job alongside her twin, Domenico, as a period actor at Castello Forelli in Italy. As incoming college seniors, this might be their last chance to spend meaningful time together, so she’s soaking up every minute. But when Nico’s theory that their lost Betarrini relatives have traveled through time becomes potentially real—and they might be able to follow—Luci fears they’ll be forever divided.
Click here to get your copy!
THE AUTHOR
Lisa T. Bergren is the author of over sixty books spanning a variety of genres, from children’s picture books to women’s historical fiction to supernatural suspense and time travel. She lives with her husband and three gradually-flying-from-the-nest young adult children.
NEVER GO TO ITALY! BUT IF YOU DO…
Never go to Italy, I tell everyone, because it gets under your skin and then you have to go back! I’ve been six times over the years. Once with Tim and our BFFs, once with my extended family, twice with a daughter in tow (doing research in Rome and Venice), once to Tuscany alone for a romantic ten days with Tim, and this last summer, with extended family again. It was our 30th anniversary and so we went as far north as the Dolomites (jaw-dropping, Italian Alps). And in the future I want to explore the whole coast of Italy—on both sides!
As a writer it’s glorious, because you get to see remnants of history all around you! I get super excited when I get to walk through the remains of a castle or Roman ruins or even among vineyards, soaking up the smells and sights and cataloging details I can put in my novel so readers feel like they are there too. My family is patient with my sign-reading and desire to take extra long walks, trying to outline what it would be like in medieval times. The food, the views, the people make them pretty happy travel companions.
I am frequently asked what I would recommend for a travel itinerary for people going for the first time. Here’s what I tell them:
THE INTRO TO ITALY ITINERARY
If possible, I highly recommend you go late-Spring or in the Fall. Summer is SO much more crowded and winter can be cold/rainy/snowy!
Day 1: Using an “open-jawed” ticket (arriving from one airport, departing from another), fly to Italia!
Day 2: Arrive in Rome in the afternoon/eve. (You lose some hours/time zones in transit!) Stay up until at least 9 or 10, walking the streets, eating gelato, soaking up being in ROME! The goal is to get your body in the right time zone/avoid jet lag.
Day 3: Morning Colosseum tour with a guide group that will take you to the basement, where the gladiators prepared and animals were caged, then on to the Forum. Spend the afternoon walking to quintessential sites such as the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona. Sit and sip something, watching the tourists and locals. Find a fun restaurant for dinner—you’ll want reservations at the most popular places, so research before you go.
Day 4: Morning Vatican tour/Sistine Chapel. Afternoon exploring other sites important to you.
Day 5: Taxi back to airport to rent a car; drive to Tuscany; check into a villa or agriturismo for five days. My preference is somewhere around Montepulciano or Siena. Many provide nightly dinners or you may want to cook!
Day 6-9: Explore a different hill town each day. My favorites are Montepulciano, Siena, Pienza. But there are so many. Just follow your nose one day!
Day 10: Return car to Rome early morning; take train to Florence for the day/night. Have advance reservations to “The David.” Consider reservations for the Uffizi if you’re a fan of classic art. Just explore the city if you’d rather not. Climb the Duomo for a fantastic view of the city.
Day 11: Train to Venice; check into a hotel on the Grand Canal or one of the smaller ones. Start getting your bearings by riding the water bus. It’s noisy but you can see the whole canal for little $. Find a great place for dinner. Again, do some research before you go and make reservations!
Day 12-13: Saint Mark’s (pay to climb to next level!); pay to go up the Campanile (tower) at sunset; walk/wander far enough to get out of the tourist zone—the old naval yard is cool. Take the water bus out to Torcello, the birthplace of Venice. Stop at Murano and Burano. Pay for a private water taxi tour at sunset or take the classic gondola ride.
Day 14: Take a water taxi to the airport. It’s a short walk from the docks and a very cool way to end your trip. Arrivederci! (Which means, “Until we meet again.” Because now, you’ve BEEN there. And you’ll HAVE to return! It’s THAT great!)
MY REVIEWI gotta be honest, time travel is not my favorite genre. But Ms. Bergren tells such a compelling story. But Lady Tiliani Forelli and Luciana and Domenico Betarrini became as friends to me as I read their struggles, both political and of the heart. The drama and tension—and the stakes—were high, urging me on, page after page.
I may have developed a fiction-crush on Sir Valentino Valeri, and rooted for his romance with [SPOILER.] My skin crawled at Aurelio Paratore’s proposal, anxiously awaiting a solution and a way out. I held my breath when Luci [SPOILER.]
And I anticipated the twins’ return—or not—from medieval Italy.
ROBIN’S FEATHERS
FOUR FEATHERS
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.
GIVEAWAY
To celebrate her tour, Lisa is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card, autographed copy of the book and an Etsy-artist “Oceans” bookmark!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/26792/estuary-celebration-tour-giveawayBLOG STOPSDebbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 30
Texas Book-aholic, July 1
Christina’s Corner, July 2
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, July 3
Through the Fire Blogs, July 4 (Spotlight)
Robin’s Nest, July 4
Aryn the Libraryan, July 5
Locks, Hooks and Books, July 6
Wishful Endings, July 7
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 8
Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, July 9
Blogging With Carol, July 10
For Him and My Family, July 11
Simple Harvest Reads, July 12 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)
Artistic Nobody, July 13 (Spotlight)
Kristina Hall, July 13
#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day, #TRD, Book Review, Estuary, Lisa T. Bergren, Oceans of Time, Celebrate Lit Publicity, #GIVEAWAYBLOGWORDS – Monday 3 July 2023 – DAILY SCRIPTURE – JOHN 8:31-32
Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. (NKJV) John 8:31-32
IRISH / GAEILGEAnsin dúirt Íosa leis na Giúdaigh sin a chreid é: “Má chloíonn sibh i mo bhriatharsa, is deisceabail agamsa sibh go deimhin. Agus beidh a fhios agaibh an fhírinne, agus déanfaidh an fhírinne saor sibh. (NKJV) Eoin 8:31-32
GREEK / ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΑΤότε ο Ιησούς είπε σε εκείνους τους Ιουδαίους που τον πίστεψαν: «Αν μείνετε στον λόγο μου, είστε όντως μαθητές μου. Και θα γνωρίσετε την αλήθεια, και η αλήθεια θα σας ελευθερώσει. (NKJV) Ιωάννης 8:31-32
HEBREW / עִברִית
ואז ישוע אמר לאותם יהודים שהאמינו בו, “אם אתם עומדים בדברי, אתם באמת תלמידי. ותדע את האמת, והאמת תשחרר אותך. (NKJV) יוחנן 8:31-32
SWAHILI / KISWAHILIKisha Yesu akawaambia wale Wayahudi waliomwamini, “Ninyi mkikaa katika neno langu, mmekuwa wanafunzi wangu kweli kweli. Nanyi mtaifahamu kweli, nayo hiyo kweli itawaweka huru. (NKJV) Yohana 8:31-32
RUSSIAN / РУССКИЙТогда Иисус сказал тем иудеям, которые поверили Ему: «Если пребудете в слове Моем, то вы истинно Мои ученики. И вы узнаете правду, и правда сделает вас свободными. (NKJV) Иоанна 8:31-32
GERMAN / DEUTSCHDa sprach Jesus zu den Juden, die an ihn glaubten: Wenn ihr in meinem Wort bleibt, so seid ihr wahrhaftig meine Jünger, und ihr werdet die Wahrheit erkennen, und die Wahrheit wird euch frei machen! (SCH 2000) Johannes 8:31-32
FRENCH / FRANÇAISEEt il dit aux Juifs qui avaient cru en lui: Si vous demeurez dans ma parole, vous êtes vraiment mes disciples; vous connaîtrez la vérité, et la vérité vous affranchira. (NEG 1979) Jean 8:31-32
SPANISH / ESPAÑOLJesús le dijo a la gente que creyó en él:
—Ustedes son verdaderamente mis discípulos si se mantienen fieles a mis enseñanzas; y conocerán la verdad, y la verdad los hará libres. (NTV) Juan 8:31-32
* German, French, and Spanish Scripture translations are taken from my Bible Gateway app. Irish, Greek, Hebrew, Swahili, and Russian, however, are translated from NKJV via Google Translate app.
#Blogwords, Daily Scripture, #DS, God’s Word, Daily Bread, John 8:31-32Robin's Book Shelf
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