Robin E. Mason's Blog: Robin's Book Shelf, page 67
August 2, 2022
BLOGWORDS – Tuesday 2 August 2022 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – FOUR-BOOK REVIEW BLITZ – THE SEA PRAYERS by NORMANDIE FISCHER
THE BLURBA waitress, a megastar, and an ex-addict wage war for the heart of a young girl.
Thirteen years ago, a spiked drink left Agnes with a permanent reminder of the man who date-raped her.
Her daughter looks like him, sounds like him, and even listens to his platinum records (of course, the dude’s a mega star because nothing is fair) but Brisa is everything Agnes has in the world. At least, she is until the day this music star sets his sights on getting himself a ready-made family.
He’s got millions of dollars, millions of fans, a high-powered legal team, and half Brisa’s DNA. Agnes has a run-down house, a friend who’s almost three years sober and afraid to say he loves her, and a lawyer willing to work pro bono.
Oh, and the whole town of Beaufort. That’s right. She’s got all those Beaufort folk at her back, praying to the God she has rejected, and not one of them is going to let Brisa go without a fight.
Another story of faith and redemption from the author of Sailing out of Darkness.
Normandie had the best of several worlds: a Southern heritage, access to schooling in the DC area (which meant lots of cultural adventures), and several years of sculpture studies in Italy. It might have been better for her if she’d used all these opportunities more wisely, but it’s possible that the imperfect and the unwise also add fodder for the artist and the writer.
Her life changed radically when she married the love of her life at an age when some would have said she was over the hill and way past her prime. (Clichés often speak the truth, don’t they?) A lifelong sailor, she was delighted to find that Michael also longed to cruise lovely waters, which is what they did from Northern CA to Mexico, spending too-few years in the incomparable Sea of Cortez. Sea Venture, their 50′ ketch, is back home in North Carolina now because Normandie’s mama needed care. Still, it’s gorgeous there, too, and she can write from home as easily as she could on the boat.
Her two grown children and two step-sons are handsome (or gorgeous, as the case may be), talented, and a delight. And now there’s a granddaughter and grandson in the mix–woohoo! She just wishes they lived a lot closer to home.
MY REVIEWHOLY MOLY! This author have done READ MY MAIL!! I identified with so many elements in this story!
I don’t even know where to begin this review! The depth of spiritual truth, unraveling years unforgiveness, addiction and its aftermath, rape and its aftermath, the unbound freedom of worship, the precious cost of fame and fortune.
This reader could almost tangibly feel Agnes’ sense of—no, lack of—self-worth. (too many years…) An outsider in a close community, she is welcomed and embraced by neighbors, and by mothers of Brisa’s friends.
Brisa, those dangling preteen years. All of them spent without a father, or any other family for that matter.
Henry. Precious, adorable Henry. Battling demons and yet a heart of gold.
Becca! I adored her. Faith and joy that walks in a room with her. A faith of such confidence and substance. Well, and Mama Bea. Kindred souls, those two. Clinging to roots and family, and to God’s Spirit.
Darling. Caught up in a lifestyle not of his own making. Living the dream, and yet not loving it.
Ms. Fischer writes characters with such depth, such humanity, such authenticity, I felt as though they might ring my doorbell at any moment.
The author’s style is delightful—even in telling the more sordid bits. Like friends chatting over tea. Reading a story by Ms. Fischer is a treat, even when—especially when—the subject matter is not. I appreciate her honesty in presenting the uglier side of life, while not drawing the reader into its dark depths.
I’ve not read any by Ms. Fischer before but I can guarantee you that I surely will! I’d give this story a dozen feathers! Fifty! A hundred!
ROBIN’S FEATHERS
ALL | THE | FEATHERS! ALL | THE | FEATHERS!
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was under no obligation to read it 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, Tuesday Reviews-Day, #TRD, Book Review, The Sea Prayers, Normandie Fischer, A Carolina Coast Novel, JustRead Publicity
BLOGWORDS – Tuesday 2 August 2022 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – FOUR-BOOK REVIEW BLITZ – MANUSCRIPT FOR MURDER by CHAUTONA HAVIG
Alexa Hartfield. Author, local celebrity, fashion connoisseur. She chose Fairbury for its close proximity to Rockland, its small town atmosphere, and its low crime rate.
Then someone made her life a literary cliché. A mysterious accident with a light bulb sparked an interesting idea for her latest novel—and for Fairbury’s new serial killer. The first replication infuriated her. The second left an even worse taste in her mouth. The third blasted more than her self-confidence, and the fourth beat her down so far she’s considering giving up writing completely.
Who is killing Fairbury’s citizens, and furthermore, why and how are they using her novels to do it?
Using story to connect readers with the Master Storyteller. (rem: J’ADORE this tag!)
Chautona Havig lives in an oxymoron, escapes into imaginary worlds that look startlingly similar to ours, and writes the stories that emerge. An irrepressible optimist, Chautona sees everything through a kaleidoscope of It’s a Wonderful Life sprinkled with fairy tales. Find her at chautona.com and say howdy—if you can remember how to spell her name.
I gotta say, I just love Alexis Hartfield!! I love writing (and reading, of course.) I love her poise and quirkiness to dress in period clothing. (Might even steal that idea for myself.)
Living a quiet life if not secluded, Alexis enjoys the simplicity and freedom of having no attachments. Free to write, free to travel, free to socialize or not. Living in a small town offers amenities (or embarrassments) of knowing your neighbors—and knowing their business. And everyone in town is a neighbor or relative.
So when someone starts playing copycat to Alexis’ fiction—before it’s even published—the list of suspects is short; it’s hard to imagine someone you know doing such things. Then again, no one is beyond suspicion because it has to be somebody, right?
Ms. Havig takes her reader on quite the ride, as one murder turns into two, then three. Clues abound but provide more confusion than solutions.
The author has created characters with depth and personality, inviting her readers right into the action (if not the danger.)
ROBIN’S FEATHERSALL | THE | FEATHERS!
I purchased this book, and offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my own honest thoughts and reaction to this book.
BLOGWORDS – Tuesday 2 August 2022 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – FOUR-BOOK REVIEW BLITZ – DEADLY SECRETS ON MACKINAC ISLAND by CARA PUTMAN
Join attorney Alanna Stone as she returns home despite her determination to never set foot on Mackinac Island again. Once again in close proximity to Jonathan Covington, her first love, she vows to protect her privacy and her heart from the man who still makes her pulse race. But when her worst fears are realized and history repeats itself—landing her in the midst of a murder investigation—Jonathan may be her only hope. Will they be able to lay aside the past and let God heal their hearts, or will reconciliation come too late?
Previously released as A Wedding Transpires on Mackinac Island.
THE AUTHOR
Since the time I could read Nancy Drew, I have wanted to write mysteries. In 2005 I attended a book signing at my local Christian bookstore. The rest, as they say, is history. There I met Colleen Coble. With prompting from my husband, I shared my dream with Colleen. Since those infamous words, I’ve been writing award-winning books with the count currently at 35 published and more in the works.
In addition to writing, I am a mom of four, attorney, lecturer at a Big Ten university, active in women’s ministry, and all around crazy woman. Crazy about God, my husband, and my kids. I graduated with honors from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (Go Huskers!), George Mason Law School, and Purdue University’s MBA program. You can learn more about my books at http://www.caraputman.com. And if you’d like a copy of my legal suspense novella, Dying for Love, simply connect with me here (http://www.caraputman.com/contact/) , and I’ll send you the link.
MY REVIEWI suppose there are all manner of reasons for “not going home” again. But Ms. Putman raises the stakes with Alanna’s decision—murder!
Then the author raises them even further—with another murder.
Family secrets unravel and truth leaks out—and not just about the crime.
Jonathan has never let go of Alanna. Not truly and fully. Locked away in the depth of his heart is the hope their love, even though years gone by, has survived.
Working together, Alanna and Jonathan uncover not only what happened all those years ago—and clearing her brother’s name—but the depth of their feelings for one another.
Ms. Putman tells a gripping story, holding her readers captive to the final page.
ROBIN’S FEATHERS
FOUR FEATHERS
I purchased this book, and offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my own honest thoughts and reaction to this book.
#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day, #TRD, Book Review, Deadly Secrets on Mackinac Island, Cara Putman
BLOGWORDS – Tuesday 2 August 2022 – DAILY SCRIPTURE – 1 CORINTHIANS 10:13
No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. (NKJV) 1 Corinthians 10:13
IRISH / GAEILGENíor rug aon chathú ort ach a leithéid is coiteann don duine; ach tá Dia dílis, ní ligfidh sé duit a bheith cathaithe thar a bhfuil tú in ann, ach leis an gcathú a dhéanfaidh freisin bealach éalaithe, ionas go mbeidh tú in ann é a iompar. (NKJV) 1 Corantaigh 10:13
SWAHILI / KISWAHILIJaribu halikuwapata ninyi, isipokuwa lililo kawaida ya wanadamu; lakini Mungu ni mwaminifu ambaye hatawaacha mjaribiwe kupita mwezavyo, lakini pamoja na lile jaribu atafanya na mlango wa kutokea, ili mweze kustahimili. (NKJV) 1 Wakorintho 10:13
RUSSIAN / РУССКИЙТебя постигло искушение не иное, как человеческое; но верен Бог, Который не попустит вам быть искушаемыми сверх сил, но при искушении даст и облегчение, так чтобы вы могли перенести. (NKJV) 1 Коринфянам 10:13
GERMAN / DEUTSCHEs hat euch bisher nur menschliche Versuchung betroffen. Gott aber ist treu; er wird nicht zulassen, dass ihr über euer Vermögen versucht werdet, sondern er wird zugleich mit der Versuchung auch den Ausgang schaffen, sodass ihr sie ertragen könnt. (SCH 2000) 1 Korinther 10:13
FRENCH / FRANÇAISEAucune tentation ne vous est survenue qui n’ait été humaine, et Dieu, qui est fidèle, ne permettra pas que vous soyez tentés au-delà de vos forces; mais avec la tentation il préparera aussi le moyen d’en sortir, afin que vous puissiez la supporter. (NEG 1979) 1 Corinthiens 10:13
SPANISH / ESPAÑOLLas tentaciones que enfrentan en su vida no son distintas de las que otros atraviesan. Y Dios es fiel; no permitirá que la tentación sea mayor de lo que puedan soportar. Cuando sean tentados, él les mostrará una salida, para que puedan resistir. (NTV) 1 Corintios 10:13
* German, French, and Spanish Scripture translations are taken from my Bible Gateway app. Irish, Swahili, and Russian, however, are translated from NKJV via Google Translate app.
#Blogwords, Daily Scripture, #DS, God’s Word, Daily Bread, 1 Corinthians 10:13August 1, 2022
BLOGWORDS – Tuesday 2 August 2022 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – FOUR-BOOK REVIEW BLITZ – IF SHE DARES by MIKAL DAWN
He’s a board game champion, but can he win her heart?
Lia Walker burned the bridges—and her boss’s tie—when she quit her job at a car dealership to go work for the chancellor of a prestigious university. But when she arrives only to find out she can’t start her job, she’s burning with only one question: how will she pay her rent?
Garrison McGarville returned from working in Europe a champion—of a Ticket to Ride board game tournament. But his latest job—informing a distressed beauty she doesn’t actually have a job yet—has him feeling more like a loser.
When Garrison comes up with what he hopes is a game-winning move, will Lia dare to accept?
Mikal Dawn is an inspirational romance author, wedding enthusiast and proud military (retired) wife. By day she works for an international sports ministry, and by night she mutters to imaginary friends, performs sketchy Google searches, and procrastinates (like any good writer!). When she isn’t writing about faith, fun, and forever, she is obsessively scouring Pinterest (with coffee in hand, of course!) for wedding ideas for her characters.
Born and raised just outside of Vancouver, Canada, Mikal lived throughout the southern and Midwestern United States, before moving to Oklahoma with her husband, two of her three kids, and one ferocious feline.
MY REVIEWLia Walker’s new job ended before she even started. At least the face that delivered the news was easy on the eyes. The face that offered her an alternate job, albeit a temporary one.
Garrison McGarville didn’t work at the university. Worked in cybersecurity, he said. And the occasional board game championship. (Google it, it’s a real thing! Who knew?)
I enjoyed the author’s quirky sense of style, and the quirky twist of a meet-cute. Oh, and Liz was a tad quirky, too.
As she works through her new quirky job [SPOILER] and spends more time with Garrison—he’s not micro-managing so much as protecting his “interests.” And feeding his growing interest in Lia—she is learning more about the handsome man who offered her a “quirky” sort of job.
A delightful read, each page filled with more quirkiness and just enough romantic tension to keep the reader engaged to the happily ever after.
ROBIN’S FEATHERSFOUR FEATHERS
I purchased this book, and offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my own honest thoughts and reaction to this book.
#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day, #TRD, Book Review, If She Dares, Mikal Dawn
BLOGWORDS – Monday 1 August 2022 – DAILY SCRIPTURE – 1 JOHN 4:4
You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. (NKJV) 1 John 4:4
IRISH / GAEILGEIs ó Dhia sibhse, a pháistí beaga, agus sháraigh sibh iad, mar is mó an Té atá ionaibhse ná an té atá ar domhan. (NKJV) 1 Eoin 4:4
SWAHILI / KISWAHILINinyi, watoto wadogo, mwatokana na Mungu nanyi mmewashinda, kwa sababu yeye aliye ndani yenu ni mkuu kuliko yeye aliye katika dunia. (NKJV) 1 Yohana 4:4
RUSSIAN / РУССКИЙВы от Бога, деточки, и победили их, потому что Тот, Кто в вас, больше того, кто в мире. (NKJV) 1 Иоанна 4:4
GERMAN / DEUTSCHKinder, ihr seid aus Gott und habt jene überwunden, weil der, welcher in euch ist, größer ist als der, welcher in der Welt ist. (SCH 2000) 1 Johannes 4:4
FRENCH / FRANÇAISEVous, petits enfants, vous êtes de Dieu, et vous les avez vaincus, parce que celui qui est en vous est plus grand que celui qui est dans le monde. (NEG 1979) 1 Jean 4:4
SPANISH / ESPAÑOLPero ustedes, mis queridos hijos, pertenecen a Dios. Ya lograron la victoria sobre esas personas, porque el Espíritu que vive en ustedes es más poderoso que el espíritu que vive en el mundo. (NTV) 1 Juan 4:4
* German, French, and Spanish Scripture translations are taken from my Bible Gateway app. Irish, Swahili, and Russian, however, are translated from NKJV via Google Translate app.
#Blogwords, Daily Scripture, #DS, God’s Word, Daily Bread, 1 John 4:4July 31, 2022
BLOGWORDS – Sunday 31 July 2022 – DAILY SCRIPTURE – PSALM 19:14
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer. (NKJV) Psalm 19:14
IRISH / GAEILGEBíodh briathra mo bhéil agus machnamh mo chroí inghlactha i do radharc, a Thiarna, mo neart agus mo Shlánaitheoir. (NKJV) Salm 19:14
SWAHILI / KISWAHILIManeno ya kinywa changu na mawazo ya moyo wangu yapate kibali mbele zako, Ee Bwana, Mwamba wangu na mwokozi wangu. (NKJV) Zaburi 19:14
RUSSIAN / РУССКИЙДа будут угодны слова уст моих и помышление сердца моего пред очами Твоими, Господи, сила моя и Искупитель мой. (NKJV) Псалом 19:14
GERMAN / DEUTSCHLass die Worte meines Mundes und das Sinnen meines Herzens Wohlgefällig sein vor dir, Herr, mein Fels und mein Erlöser! (SCH 2000) Psalmen 19:15
FRENCH / FRANÇAISEReçois favorablement les paroles de ma bouche et les sentiments de mon cœur, O Eternel, mon rocher et mon rédempteur! (NEG 1979) Psaumes 19:15
SPANISH / ESPAÑOLQue las palabras de mi boca y la meditación de mi corazón sean de tu agrado, oh Señor, mi roca y mi redentor. (NTV) Salmos 19:14
* German, French, and Spanish Scripture translations are taken from my Bible Gateway app. Irish, Swahili, and Russian, however, are translated from NKJV via Google Translate app.
#Blogwords, Daily Scripture, #DS, God’s Word, Daily Bread, Psalm 19:14July 30, 2022
BLOGWORDS – Saturday 30 July 2022 – DAILY SCRIPTURE – PSALM 119:10-12
With my whole heart I have sought You; oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You. Blessed are You, O Lord! Teach me Your statutes. (NKJV) Psalm 119:10-12
IRISH / GAEILGELe mo chroí go léir d’iarr mé tú; Ó, ná lig dom imeacht ó d’aitheanta! Tá do bhriathar folaithe agam i mo chroí, ionas nach ndéanfainn peaca i do choinne. Is beannaithe thú, a Thiarna! Múin dom do reachtanna. (NKJV) Salm 119:10-12
SWAHILI / KISWAHILIKwa moyo wangu wote nimekutafuta; usiniache nipotee mbali na amri zako! Moyoni mwangu nimeliweka neno lako, Nisije nikakutenda dhambi. Umehimidiwa, Ee Bwana! Unifundishe amri zako. (NKJV) Zaburi 119:10-12
RUSSIAN / РУССКИЙВсем сердцем я искал Тебя; о, не дай мне уклониться от Твоих заповедей! Слово Твое я сокрыл в сердце моем, чтобы не грешить против Тебя. Благословен Ты, Господи! Научи меня Твоим уставам. (NKJV) Псалом 118:10-12
GERMAN / DEUTSCHVon ganzem Herzen suche ich dich; lass mich nicht abirren von deinen Geboten! Ich bewahre dein Wort in meinem Herzen, damit ich nicht gegen dich sündige. Gelobt seist du, o Herr! Lehre mich deine Anweisungen. (SCH 2000) Psalmen 119:10-12
FRENCH / FRANÇAISEJe te cherche de tout mon cœur: ne me laisse pas m’égarer loin de tes commandements! Je serre ta parole dans mon cœur, afin de ne pas pécher contre toi. Béni sois-tu, ô Eternel! Enseigne-moi tes statuts! (MEG 1979) Psaumes 119:10-12
SPANISH / ESPAÑOLMe esforcé tanto por encontrarte; no permitas que me aleje de tus mandatos. He guardado tu palabra en mi corazón, para no pecar contra ti. Te alabo, oh Señor; enséñame tus decretos. (NTV) Salmos 119:10-11
* German, French, and Spanish Scripture translations are taken from my Bible Gateway app. Irish, Swahili, and Russian, however, are translated from NKJV via Google Translate app.
#Blogwords, Daily Scripture, #DS, God’s Word, Daily Bread, Psalm 119:10-12July 29, 2022
BLOGWORDS – Friday 1 July 2022 – DAILY SCRIPTURE – PSALM 46:4-5
There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the [dwelling place] of the Most High. God is in the midst of her, she shall not be [shaken]; God shall help her, just at the break of dawn. (NKJV) Psalm 46:4-5
IRISH / GAEILGETá abhainn ann a ndéanfaidh a srutháin aoibhnis cathair Dé, ionad naofa [áit chomhnaithe] an Té is Airde. Tá Dia in a lár, ní [chrithfear] í; Cuideoidh Dia léi, díreach le breacadh an lae. (NKJV) Salm 46:4-5
SWAHILI / KISWAHILIKuna mto ambao vijito vyake vitaufurahisha mji wa Mungu, mahali patakatifu pa yeye Aliye juu. Mungu yu katikati yake, hatatikisika; Mungu atamsaidia, wakati wa mapambazuko. (NKJV) Zaburi 46:4-5
RUSSIAN / РУССКИЙЕсть река, чьи потоки будут радовать город Божий, святое место [жилища] Всевышнего. Бог посреди нее, она не [поколеблется]; Бог поможет ей, как раз на рассвете. (NKJV) Псалом 45:4-5
GERMAN / DEUTSCHEin Strom mit seinen Bächen erfreut die Stadt Gottes, das Heiligtum der Wohnungen des Höchsten. Gott ist in ihrer Mitte, sie wird nicht wanken; Gott wird ihr helfen, wenn der Morgen anbricht. (SCH 2000) Psalmen 46:5-6
FRENCH / FRANÇAISEIl est un fleuve dont les courants réjouissent la cité de Dieu, le sanctuaire des demeures du Très-Haut. Dieu est au milieu d’elle: elle n’est point ébranlée; Dieu la secourt dès l’aube du matin. (NEG 1979) Psaumes 46:5-6
SPANISH / ESPAÑOLUn río trae gozo a la ciudad de nuestro Dios, el hogar sagrado del Altísimo. Dios habita en esa ciudad; no puede ser destruida. En cuanto despunte el día, Dios la protegerá. (NTV) Salmos 46:4-5
* German, French, and Spanish Scripture translations are taken from my Bible Gateway app. Irish, Swahili, and Russian, however, are translated from NKJV via Google Translate app.
#Blogwords, Daily Scripture, #DS, God’s Word, Daily Bread, Psalm 46:4-5July 28, 2022
BLOGWORDS – Thursday 28 July 2022 – DAILY SCRIPTURE – PSALM 37:3-5
Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass. (NKJV) Psalm 37:3-5
IRISH / GAEILGECuir muinín sa Tiarna, agus déan an mhaith; comhnuigh sa tír, agus cothaigh a dhílseacht. Gabh sult freisin as an Tiarna, agus tabharfaidh sé duit mianta do chroí. Tiomnaigh do bhealach chun an Tiarna, muinín ann freisin, agus tabharfaidh Sé chun críche é. (NKJV) Salm 37:3-5
SWAHILI / KISWAHILIUmtumaini Bwana, ukatende mema; ukae katika nchi, na kujilisha uaminifu wake. Nawe utajifurahisha katika Bwana, naye atakupa haja za moyo wako. Umkabidhi Bwana njia yako, umtumaini naye, naye ataitimiza. (NKJV) Zaburi 37:3-5
RUSSIAN / РУССКИЙНадейся на Господа и делай добро; живите на земле и питайтесь Его верностью. Утешайся также Господом, и Он исполнит желания сердца твоего. Предай свой путь Господу, уповай и на Него, и Он совершит его. (NKJV) Псалом 37:3-5
GERMAN / DEUTSCHVertraue auf den Herrn und tue Gutes, wohne im Land und übe Treue; und habe deine Lust am Herrn, so wird er dir geben, was dein Herz begehrt! Befiehl dem Herrn deinen Weg, und vertraue auf ihn, so wird er es vollbringen. (SCH 2000) Psalmen 37:3-5
FRENCH / FRANÇAISEConfie-toi en l’Eternel, et pratique le bien; aie le pays pour demeure et la fidélité pour pâture. Fais de l’Eternel tes délices, et il te donnera ce que ton cœur désire. Recommande ton sort à l’Eternel, mets en lui ta confiance, et il agira. (NEG 1979) Psaumes 37:3-5
SPANISH / ESPAÑOLConfía en el Señor y haz el bien; entonces vivirás seguro en la tierra y prosperarás. Deléitate en el Señor, y él te concederá los deseos de tu corazón. Entrega al Señor todo lo que haces; confía en él, y él te ayudará. (NTV) Salmos 37:3-5
* German, French, and Spanish Scripture translations are taken from my Bible Gateway app. Irish, Swahili, and Russian, however, are translated from NKJV via Google Translate app.
#Blogwords, Daily Scripture, #DS, God’s Word, Daily Bread, Psalm 37:3-5Robin's Book Shelf
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