Julie Arduini's Blog, page 42

Quarantine Reflections: My Report Card

Even though it snowed most of the day, I still felt it. That shift in spirit that whispers we’ve overcome the biggest hurdle and soon we’ll experience the return of life outside our home. Like staying home, it won’t be perfect and adjustment will be slow, but I truly feel we’ve hit rock bottom and we’re on the upswing.

Cue praising and dancing.

Anyway, I’m a thinker and I try to process my experiences. What did I learn? What went well? What was an epic fail? I’ll blog on that next. For now, I thought I’d share what I though as far as winners and losers.

What Did I Learn?

We’re a resilient, creative people. Medical personnel were short on masks? Enter families making masks. Only allowed out for essential travel? We’ve kept schedules to stay sane. We’ve made meals out of a few ingredients and made food last. We’ve kept our kids on track with school. We’ve for the most part smiled at strangers during walks, at scared people in stores, smiled to anyone we’ve come in contact with because—we can’t have contact. And, well, humanity. We’re better at that than I thought.



We’re a generous, compassionate people. I joined a Facebook group that kept track of what small businesses were open for drive-thru business or in safe ways that we could purchase from. It’s a busy group. People are getting take out to keep families going who own these places. There are people donating meals to be delivered to nursing homes and hospitals. One pizzaria announced enough donations came in for the general public that they were making pizzas for free, and I believe that offer lasted more than one day. No strings. Free pizza. Another group lets locals know what products can be found at what stores. Neighbors are offering to pick up items if someone needs it. Folks are giving haircut money they would have used in April to add to the actual haircut they hope to get in May.

What Went Well

Now I’m pointing a finger at me. I am a wife, mom, and author who manages these things at home. Every day. All day. The stay-at-home protocol adds three more people, also known as my family, to this home. Every day. All day. So how did that go?

Julie

When I returned from an Upstate NY visit in early March, it hit me that this virus is real, and bigger than we imagined. Within days I went from driving 300 miles with a couple canisters of wipes with me to learning both kids would be remote learning. Then my husband went to his office knowing he had to get a lot done because he’d be called home soon. By that afternoon, the office was told to shut down and everyone in the company had to work from home until further notice. I am an introvert and I love my space. I crave it. And I honestly thought I’d lose my mind sooner than later.

It’s not been perfect, but it has been actually great. We’ve taken walks as a family. Walked the dog. Watched TV together. Took drives to find crosses Easter week. As for schooling, they have a schedule, and so do I. We are very blessed to have space to get our stuff done and not bump into each other. My husband has an office at home, but even when he uses the room we lovingly call his “cave,” it doesn’t really bother me.

I admit I’m in the middle of finishing a book and releasing it so I do like my quiet and focus. I can work while one of the kids binges Friends. It is harder when the husband is on a conference call. It is near impossible when he’s eating salad and clangs the bowl. A lot. But again, I thought these things would throw me over the edge. Only the salad bowl had me tense up and think I need out of here. That’s a great surprise!

My Faith. It would be easy to lose ground during a quarantine/pandemic when it comes to faith. People are sick and dying. I don’t understand that. But instead of turning away from God, I’ve been intentional about digging in. I recently reviewe the CSB Life Essentials Bible and it is interactive. I am really soaking up not just keeping up with my daily Bible plan on YouVersion (Chasing Truth read the Bible in a year plan,) but listening to Life Principles with Gene A. Getz on the Life Essentials app. It’s opening my eyes to God’s word in ways I’ve missed before. I’m reading more, learning more, praying more. There are things I feel God is saying, and I don’t think I would have been as observant. That’s not natural for me, so I thank God for helping me with these things that are going well.

My quarntine hair, April 2020

My hair. I am superficial. Aging is helping that somewhat, but it’s still there. I looked yesterday at my app and my last haircut was in January. I remember thinking once I returned from my NY trip in March, I’d get a cut. Well, that didn’t happen. Early on I thought maybe we’d be back to business in mid April. Well, that had to be rescheduled. Now I’m scheduled for early May. My hair does not grow long. It grows OUT. I am usually so over it I take scissors to hand. And I’m not in any kind of panic. Am I ready? Absolutely. But I’m not losing my mind.

What’s Been an Epic Fail

Exercise. I was on a great trek with my recumbent bike and yoga. It gave me peace and some muscle tone. When this all first happened, we were out walking. Walking. Walking. Well, it has rained. Snowed. Rained more. Snowed again. So cold. We walked during some rain, but I’m at a place I just can’t. I seriously can’t find the motivation. I get the bike and yoga once a week. I haven’t walked in a week.

Snacking. This has been recent but with the gloomy weather, I just hit a place where I’m like why not. Why not eat more chocolate. Why not have some pretzels even after I marked my fitness apps as done eating for the day? Why not only have one Diet Pepsi I wanted to wean off, but have two? Gah.

I’m one that when things are close to being done, I give up. The last week has been hard getting up to start a work and school schedule. Hard keeping the house picked up. Hard making meals. I am so sick of making dinner. We don’t even go out that much but somehow I feel my meal prep has tripled. I’m over it. I tend to be everyone else’s cheerleader but this week especially? I can’t even handle being my own.

I look at this and realize we all need to extend each other and ourselves grace. This is new for all of us, and we’re doing the best we can. I’m trying to keep that mindset with myself. I also think I’ll be reflecting on my attitude and choices as we return to public life. I want to act with compassion and faith. I want to be known as an encourager, not a judge.

Have you learned anything about yourself during this season? Feel free to comment or find me on social media @JulieArduini.

***

Amazing things happen when a group of high school students and women discover they are more than competent.

Bethany’s not excited to start high school in a new community where she doesn’t know anyone. She quickly befriends KJ, a popular sophomore, and it looks like the transition will go well until Bethany discovers KJ’s boyfriend is a bully. With a strong sense of justice, Bethany challenges Brent Sullivan, and he’s determined to make her suffer.

Cheri takes on an additional job in a school to help pay for Sabrina’s wedding. It’s a different atmosphere than at the church where she feels more comfortable as the pastor’s wife and mentor with the Linked ministry. After several mishaps, Cheri feels like she’s found an assignment where she can make a difference until a teacher belittles her work.

Can Bethany and Cheri resist the lies about their competency and hold on to the fact they’re brilliant?

The final book in the Surrendering Stinkin’ Thinkin’ series for tweens, teens, and women of all ages by mother and daughter authors Julie Arduini and Hannah Arduini.
Pre-Order HERE

Christian Romance Readers Group

Do you love reading Christian Romace? Me, too. In fact, when Inspy Romance started, I subscribed and started immediately reading. Then I was asked to write a guest post, and I loved it. Now? I’m one of the IR bloggers. It’s amazing.

The fun is I’m still a reader. I love finding out what the other IR bloggers are working on and releasing. When a Facebook group started to connect the IR bloggers and readers, perfection!

The Christian Romance Readers Group, CRRG, is the place to talk Christian romance with the IR bloggers. Recently we’ve been taking turns hosting and posting, and it’s been great to get to know everyone better.

This week it’s my turn. I’m posting twice a day, letting everyone know about free books, giveaways, and more.

It’s a fun group, and if Christian romance is your genre, you should join us!

CHRISTIAN ROMANCE READERS GROUP

Quarantine Reflections: Winners & Losers

Even though it snowed most of the day, I still felt it. That shift in spirit that whispers we’ve overcome the biggest hurdle and soon we’ll experience the return of life outside our home. Like staying home, it won’t be perfect and adjustment will be slow, but I truly feel we’ve hit rock bottom and we’re on the upswing.

Cue praising and dancing.

Anyway, I’m a thinker and I try to process my experiences. What did I learn? What went well? What was an epic fail? I’ll blog on that next. For now, I thought I’d share what I though as far as winners and losers.

WINNERS

Well, you can’t start a category without listing those on the frontlines. I have several friends in NY and OH who work in this field as nurses, aides, and in nursing home and home therapy environments. There are single moms who at the start of this thought of their families and sent kids with grandparents to keep everyone safe. They are working crazy shifts, watching colleagues test positive, and things I’ll never wrap my head around. Then go home alone. I have prayed and prayed for them. Thankfully I don’t know anyone who has been sick because of their work, but I know from reading that there are people who gave their lives to save others. I’ll not take that for granted.



Same for our grocery workers, pharmacies, truck drivers, and those who continue to serve. The news changes every day. Masks aren’t needed. Wait, they are. Six feet is enough. Maybe not. No matter what the conversation, these folks keep showing up and making sure we have the basics. Again, we should never take them for granted.



Then there are the patients and their families. How many stories have I cried over where the patients entered the hospital in dire straights only to lift the spirits of their medical team? I saw a report last night of a doctor who visited a patient that was one of the first admitted. The patient was so encouraging that the doctor said he will forever be impacted and work to save others on behalf of the impact that patient made. Then there are the families. I can’t imagine dropping my loved one off and not going in. And how many had to say goodbye via phone or as I’ve read, walkie talkie. Like I said, my mind can’t go there, and yet so many are living it. There are so many unknowns and no one signed up for this. No. one. Yet the grace and strength displayed.

Teachers. Students. Families. Zero notice. Little prep. No template to work from. From scratch school districts across the nation had to find a way to teach, forcing families to go all in. Not only did they do that, but the video content I’ve seen from schools letting the kids know how much they miss them. The parade of cars driving through student neighborhoods letting kids know they are missed. Teachers working outside homes with a white board to help students who don’t understand the lesson. That’s love, dedication, and all kinds of goodness.

Churches. Restaurants. People and organizations jumping in and making a positive difference. Our church has been online, and offered a drive in Easter service via huge screen and FM signal, all while abiding by regulations and with approval. Their message continues to be one of hope. Our family has received messages making sure we are well. The youth ministry dropped off eggs filled with treats in yards to let teens know they were loved and missed. Mid-week services were online. Our family enjoyed Zoom game nights with youth. Churches have offered their property for food distribution. Restaurants giving away food to frontline workers and families in need. There is so much here I’m not even aware of. The mask makers. The families parking in hospital lots to pray for everyone and honking their love when a shift is over. There’s so much good here.

youtube.com/somegoodnews John Krasinsky sign

As a sub category, actor John Krasinski used his celebrity to create a “news” channel called Some Good News. From his office he’s shared a newcast only with good news. Those who have watched like I have admit like me, they tear up and outright cry because it feels so good. There are great people out there. Great things are happening. My heart needs to hear that. If that wasn’t enough, SGN/Krasinksi just hosted an online prom for the Class of 2020 on YouTube Live featuring Rainn Wilson, the Jonas Brothers, Chance the Rapper, and Billie Eilish. Billie’s brother thanked Krasinki for his compassion and noted that “only a dad would do something like this for a bunch of 17 year olds.”

This might bring blowback, but I also put in the win category with an asterick, most politicians. This was new territory for all of us, so I have to appreciate the efforts our president, VP, and governors gave to find the best way to keep us safe, give the best care, and restore a schedule the best way possible. Did they act perfectly and get it all right? No, but did I? Did you? For all we were facing as a nation, and still are, these folks have had the weight of our lives on our shoulder with the instant criticism thanks to social media. They are tired, I dare say traumatized, and yet they continue to work and press in.

LOSERS

I try to stay positive. I have to admit, this season has tested me. So I’m glad I don’t have a lot to say in this category. Losers are the ones who hoarded items to sell at a mark-up. Losers are ones who intentionally harmed items or put people in harm’s way with their ignorance or intential rebellion. Losers are ones who saw someone hurting and with words/actions laughed/neglected/somehow walked over these folks and did nothing.

This is a summary. As I type I think of a friend who probably has calloused fingers from all the sewing she’s done providing masks for free. But I hope you can think of some winners, and more than that, be one yourself. Feel free to leave a comment or share on social media @JulieArduini who/what you would list in the winner category.

Stay strong.

***

You’re Brilliant is now available for pre-order. I’d love for you to check it out!

Amazing things happen when a group of high school students and women discover they are more than competent.

Bethany’s not excited to start high school in a new community where she doesn’t know anyone. She quickly befriends KJ, a popular sophomore, and it looks like the transition will go well until Bethany discovers KJ’s boyfriend is a bully. With a strong sense of justice, Bethany challenges Brent Sullivan, and he’s determined to make her suffer.

Cheri takes on an additional job in a school to help pay for Sabrina’s wedding. It’s a different atmosphere than at the church where she feels more comfortable as the pastor’s wife and mentor with the Linked ministry. After several mishaps, Cheri feels like she’s found an assignment where she can make a difference until a teacher belittles her work.

Can Bethany and Cheri resist the lies about their competency and hold on to the fact they’re brilliant?

Amazing things happen when a group of high school students and women discover they are more than competent.

Bethany’s not excited to start high school in a new community where she doesn’t know anyone. She quickly befriends KJ, a popular sophomore, and it looks like the transition will go well until Bethany discovers KJ’s boyfriend is a bully. With a strong sense of justice, Bethany challenges Brent Sullivan, and he’s determined to make her suffer.

Cheri takes on an additional job in a school to help pay for Sabrina’s wedding. It’s a different atmosphere than at the church where she feels more comfortable as the pastor’s wife and mentor with the Linked ministry. After several mishaps, Cheri feels like she’s found an assignment where she can make a difference until a teacher belittles her work.

Can Bethany and Cheri resist the lies about their competency and hold on to the fact they’re brilliant?

The final book in the Surrendering Stinkin’ Thinkin’ series for tweens, teens, and women of all ages by mother and daughter authors Julie Arduini and Hannah Arduini.

Pre-Order You’re Brilliant

Have you met anyone that loved middle school?

Yeah, me neither.

That’s pretty much the reason why I shuffled my writing schedule for nearly three years and worked with our daughter, Hannah, to create the Surrendering Stinkin’ Thinkin’ series for girls and women of all ages. After releasing You’re Beautiful and You’re Amazing, I come to you with bags under my eyes and coffee in hand to announce the final book, You’re Brilliant, is now available for pre-order.

Julie

When Hannah finished the eighth grade, it was a huge victory because she had extra challenges. When all was said and done she told me she wished there was a way to encourage girls about to go through the things she did. She started talking and it was in the form of a story.

And it was good.

Really good.

I told her that she had a great book forming, and if she would work with me, I’d help her get it published. She sketched out what she was thinking. It was a three-book series.

Our process has been the same since the beginning. Hannah has the vision for the series, and for each book. She created the characters and their names. I look at the overall plot and start writing. Each chapter goes to her to make sure it fits her vision and approval. If so, I send it to critique groups for revisions and editing. Hannah also had the vision for the covers, so they are her design.

The hardest part of the process has been marketing. It’s a book for girls, and yet we have two characters who are the protagonists, almost two books in one. One main character is a student believing a lie about themselves. The second is an adult mentor, struggling with the same lie. As Hannah and I talked, we realized that too many women are walking around defeated when it is all a lie. So the mentor is there to remind women they are all things beautiful, amazing, and brilliant.

When I write romance, I use Upstate NY settings, so for this series I flipped it and used our current location, NE Ohio. We created a mentoring ministry for girls so the different ages could meet up and learn from each other. Honestly, I’m really proud of what we’ve accomplished.

Although Hannah is shy about it, and we laugh when her friends think we should go to Vegas on our almost non existent royalties, she admitted she can’t believe we’re at the end. I feel the same.

I truly hope you check the series out, and read them all. They can be stand-alones, but they also flow together. If you enjoy them, please leave a review on Amazon/Goodreads/BookBub. We’d love to see a lot of readers find this. Not because we want to go to Vegas, but because we want to see females living free.

Amazing things happen when a group of high school students and women discover they are more than competent.

Bethany’s not excited to start high school in a new community where she doesn’t know anyone. She quickly befriends KJ, a popular sophomore, and it looks like the transition will go well until Bethany discovers KJ’s boyfriend is a bully. With a strong sense of justice, Bethany challenges Brent Sullivan, and he’s determined to make her suffer.

Cheri takes on an additional job in a school to help pay for Sabrina’s wedding. It’s a different atmosphere than at the church where she feels more comfortable as the pastor’s wife and mentor with the Linked ministry. After several mishaps, Cheri feels like she’s found an assignment where she can make a difference until a teacher belittles her work.

Can Bethany and Cheri resist the lies about their competency and hold on to the fact they’re brilliant?

The final book in the Surrendering Stinkin’ Thinkin’ series for tweens, teens, and women of all ages by mother and daughter authors Julie Arduini and Hannah Arduini.
PRE-ORDER HERE

Purchase You’re Beautiful

Purchase You’re Amazing

CSB Life Essentials Bible Giveaway WINNER

Last week I reviewed the CSB Life Essentials Bible and offered a giveaway. One US winner will receive a Bible, a $44.99 value.

Well, I used the online spinner and the winner is ARLETTA!

Congratulations!

The more I use this Bible, the more I love it. It has been such a learning experience using the app and scanning the codes to listen to Gene A. Getz and his Biblical knowledge and life principles.

Features include:

Commentary and application questions on 1,500 life principles250 hours of free in-depth video teaching to accompany each life principleTwo-color interior designSmyth-sewn bindingPresentation pageTwo-column textTopical subheadingsBlack-letter text9-point typeTextual footnotesConcordanceFull-color maps

The CSB Life Essentials Study Bible features the highly readable, highly reliable text of the Christian Standard Bible® (CSB). The CSB stays as literal as possible to the Bible’s original meaning without sacrificing clarity, making it easier to engage with Scripture’s life-transforming message and to share it with others.

It’s truly worth every penny.

If you’d like one of your own, purchase HERE.

Lessons from Lazarus

Since the Coronavirus settled over our country and sent us home for remote work and learning, I’ve been sending weekly messages through my newsletter. I asked what they wanted and the answer was weekly, encouraging messages and reading suggestions.

So, that’s what I’ve done.

The encouragement is brief and I pray, as always, about what it is I’m supposed to share. What I found weird about the Easter message was it wasn’t directly about Jesus.

It was about Lazarus and the frustration I know I’m having wanting this virus to die so people can live. So people can get back to work. So the heaviness I feel some mornings knowing the day won’t hold much difference than the day before or the day to come can disappear.

I’d love to share that message with you here.

And, if you missed entering my April 15 CSB Life Essential Bible Study giveaway, you can do that, too.

Hang tight. Jesus is not late, nor has He forgotten us. He’s right on time.

Happy Easter to all.

Read my Easter Message HERE.

This is 50

I’m a little late, I had other blogging posts scheduled, but each year I try to write a birthday related post. Well this was a big one. 5-0. Fifty years. Or as one fellow 50 said, “I can’t believe we’re half a century year old.”

That I wasn’t ready for.

But overall, I’m ready for 50. I think 48 and part of 49 was a huge learning curve to prepare me for the new decade. From self doubt to sickness, I had to lay a lot down about my fears, anger, past, and grief to walk through the fifth decade threshold.

And what a blessing because I never thought I’d see a birthday where we are self-isolating during a pandemic. I was so looking forward to going out with friends, something I rarely do as a hardcore introvert. It was still an amazing day, but boy, it felt surreal.

I remember when I turned 30 friends asked if I had a problem with it. Ah, the good old days. I remember I wasn’t. Always a goal oriented person, I was married with a little boy living in a nice home with acreage to run with our dog and play. I had a job I liked, and I believe I was starting to write again for what was a new ministry at my church for moms with young children. I knew who I was and what I was meant to do.

I feel the same about 50. The 30’s ended up being cruel and hard, and 40’s weren’t as traumatic, but it didn’t feel like there was a lot of let up, either. I know more than ever what my purpose in life is, and I’m doing it. It’s more than writing books, it’s encouraging women. It’s praying with and for them. It’s watching them thrive as they surrender all to Christ. For all the buzzes I chased in college, there is no high like watching women soar in Christ. For that, I welcome 50 with open arms.

Julie Arduini

I remain married, and I get not everyone gets to say that. Not only is divorce present in the Body of Christ, but we are in the middle of a pandemic where tomorrow our neighborhood is honoring a family man who lost his life to this horrific virus. I don’t take a day for granted. I haven’t since 2003.

I have two kids at home that I love looking at and knowing all God has seen them through. One is nearly ready to start his adult life apart from us. It’s emotional and scary, but I know with lessons under his belt and more to come, he’s ready. The other has fought for so many things that most of us take for granted. She’s still standing. In high school. A regular classroom earning amazing grades and still changing lives with her smile. The two siblings get along really well, and nothing warms my heart more than when I hear their laughter.

There are also the older children who are both married with families of their own. This part kind of took me off guard, I think I always pictured them as teens at best, but in their 30’s? Married? With kids? I wasn’t even 30 when I married their dad. So that’s kind of surreal to me. And in their kids I see a lot of what I remember in them as kids. This is a bonus to life I didn’t think about.

I still have my mom in good health running circles around me, and my sister and her son are thriving. I have a church family that through storms that felt like tsunamis only came closer together and I feel very much part of that family. I have a tribe that has my back. They have prayed me through hard stuff. They offer coffee dates, laughs, late night messaging and so much more.

Writing really only took off for me in my 40’s and I believe this is the decade where I see a breakthrough. I’m learning the craft and maturing in it. The ideas I have to bring to print, I’m excited. The strategy God has to use writing, I am so excited. I know that part is only beginning. I’m not chasing best seller lists or celebrity perks. But I pray for new readers to keep finding me. Because I want to see their lives changed for the better, and for me to cheer and encourage them along the way.

I envision travel in this decade, even though I’m more introverted than ever and am often content just to stay home.

As far as my self esteem, I believe there’s a lot of freedom coming in that area. Everyone I’ve talked to who is ahead in that game says the older they get, the more free they feel. I want that to be a good thing, not a self-entitled attitude that has other generations running the other way when they see me. I long to be more patient and compassionate, and not afraid of my double chin, baggy eyes, or glasses or contacts dilemma to stop me from getting out there. The fact that I enter this decade with gray hair continues to blow my mind. I never thought I’d stop coloring my hair. I even vowed that I would never stop. But when that wasn’t an option, I really wasn’t afraid. And now? I’m so glad. I can’t imagine going back.

I assume this decade will see me at graduations and weddings. I hope to celebrate a 25th wedding anniversary in my 50’s. I also know there is so much that is unknown. It’s kind of scary. But I know from this half century that God is good. Not just cliche good, but He really is. I’ve seen it. I’ve experienced it. I’m proof.

So 50, here I am. Let’s do this.

Book Review: CSB Life Essentials Bible + #GIVEAWAY

In the CSB Life Essentials Study Bible, renowned Bible teacher, Dr. Gene Getz guides readers through Scripture by expounding on 1,500 life principles found throughout the Bible. Distilling these truths into life principles, Dr. Getz helps readers remember and apply the Bible’s wisdom to everyday life.The CSB Life Essentials Study Bible integrates a multimedia digital study system with more than 250 hours of in-depth video teachings from Dr. Gene Getz on these essential life principles (accessed through smartphone-accessible QR codes). Questions follow each principle to inspire personal reflection or group discussion. A topical index and cross references for all 1,500 life principles is included, and each book introduction provides a list of corresponding life principles found in that book.

Julie Arduini/Provided

Features include:

Commentary and application questions on 1,500 life principles250 hours of free in-depth video teaching to accompany each life principleTwo-color interior designSmyth-sewn bindingPresentation pageTwo-column textTopical subheadingsBlack-letter text9-point typeTextual footnotesConcordanceFull-color maps

The CSB Life Essentials Study Bible features the highly readable, highly reliable text of the Christian Standard Bible® (CSB). The CSB stays as literal as possible to the Bible’s original meaning without sacrificing clarity, making it easier to engage with Scripture’s life-transforming message and to share it with others.

Before I get started, there is a giveaway. I RARELY participate in these, so know that this is a BIG DEAL.

Leave a comment below on why you need this Bible and I will choose one US winner April 15th to receive The CSB Life Essentials Study Bible. This is a $44.99 value and it is worth every penny. Make sure you leave an email so I can contact you in case of a win.

Now for the review. When I read it took Gene A. Getz seven years to complete this work, I wasn’t surprised. This is comprehensive, encouraging, uplifting, helpful, and a must use in my daily reading. At first glance, it appears overwhelming. Don’t stay intimidated. There is so much available to get maximum use out of this Bible.

One, there is the Life Essentials app. The app clearly marks everything out so you know where to start. At the bottom of the app is the intro video. That’s very helpful.

The QR Code scanner is important and easy to use. The Bible has 1500 videos/Life Principles that Mr. Getz shares. You don’t want to miss these. The codes are easy to find in the Bible and once you scan, it takes seconds to take you to the video. I watched quite a few videos and they are not only Biblical, but he shares personal storied about lessons he learned, beautiful visuals that enhance the video and principles. Some are like mini sermons, lasting a little longer, some are shorter. It just allows so much more to your study experience. I can’t say enough about the app and how much it adds to the Bible.

Notice Tucker wondering when I’ll finish? I really enjoyed diving in!

The Bible has a lot to study with blue highlighting, cross referencing, the principles, overviews, maps, and more.

I’ve already ordered highlighters, but you can see in the image the blue highlights, my pen marks on the right, and what the QRcode loos like. There’s also the brackets for cross-referencing, as well as notes on bottom.

I think this is a perfect Bible for pastors, Bible enthusiasts, and anyone wanting to dig deeper into God’s word. They also suggest that some of the principles, especially in Proverbs, might make for great family devotion time. It might be a little intimidating for someone unfamiliar with Bible reading, but I think if they download the app and do the intro video, they will succeed. I absolutely recommend the CSB Life Essentials Bible.

Learn more and purchase the CSB Life Essentials Bible HERE.

I received a copy of the CSB Life Essentials Bible for review purposes. The opinions are mine, and I was not compensated.

Now, don’t forget about the giveaway! Leave a comment on why you need this CSB Life Essentials Bible, with your email in case you win. I will choose one US winner April 15.

Cruising with Terri Wangard

Author Terri Wangard cruising.

Ships fascinate me, whether
currently afloat or sunken wrecks explored in documentaries. The Lusitania is my favorite. Imagine
sailing in a ship grand enough for King Solomon and all his wives. Imagine
sailing aboard in May, 1915, when a German submarine hurtled a torpedo into it.

I love to cruise. My very first
time aboard a ship was an Insight For Living Alaskan cruise. The ship was
Holland America’s Westerdam, although
not the ship presently carrying that name. I opted for the least expensive
cabin, which was an interior room. Not having a window was disconcerting, but I
didn’t plan on spending much time in the room.

Other than the lack of a window,
the room was more than adequate. So for my second cruise, I again requested the
cheapest berth. That time, it reflected cheapness. Walk-in closets are bigger. Windowless
rooms were common, even in the Lusitania’s
first class, but there they would have been more spacious than my cubbyhole.

My last cruise featured my most
luxurious accommodation. As a repeat customer, I received an upgrade. I had a
balcony! I checked out a book from the ship’s library and sat out on my
balcony, reading and watching the waves. Even Alfred Vanderbilt didn’t have a
balcony on the Lusitania. Just thirty
years ago, balconies were a rarity.

The passengers on the Lusitania cruised for transportation,
not recreation. Business trips or family visits for the wealthier; immigration
and the hope of a new life for others.

Third-class rooms had a bed and a
sink. Not a toilet. Even in first class, bathrooms were found in only a handful
of staterooms. Everyone else had to run down the hall to the lavatories. Sinks
had cold running water. The room stewards brought hot water each day for
washing. For a bath, an appointment was made with the bath steward.

Today’s cruise ships don’t have
first, second, and third class. They have inside, outside, outside with
balcony, mini-suites, and suites. Passengers pay for the amount of real estate
they choose.

Everyone eats in the same dining
room, although ships these days have specialty restaurants. Lusitania’s first-class passengers made
selections off menus that are indecipherable to commoners. Today’s menus are
equally unfathomable to those with simple tastes, but anyone can order escargot
or pate de foie gras.

I’ve never been on a repositioning
cruise, where the ship crosses the ocean. I’m used to frequently going ashore
to explore a new location. Seeing the world was my intent. On transatlantic
cruises, like the Lusitania sailed,
every day offered the same scenery. Ocean in all directions. Any problems, and
the bottom is a long way down. And help, as the Titanic discovered, can’t come fast enough.

I wouldn’t mind experiencing a
transatlantic cruise. All my immigrant ancestors did. I’d be much more
comfortable than they were. I’d even be more comfortable than the Lusitania’s passengers. Just, no
torpedoes, please.

About Roll Back the Clouds

Geoff and Rosaleen Bonnard receive
a once-in-a-lifetime voyage to England aboard the fabled Lusitania in 1915. Europe is embroiled in war, but that shouldn’t
affect a passenger liner.

As they approach Ireland, a German
submarine hurtles a torpedo into the grand ship. Rosaleen scrambles into a
lifeboat, but where is her husband? She searches the morgues in Queenstown,
heartsick at recognizing so many people. Geoff is finally located in a Cork
hospital, alive but suffering a back injury.

While waiting for him to recover,
Rosaleen is thrilled to meet her mother’s family, but a dark cloud hovers over
her. The battered faces of dead babies haunt her. She sinks into depression,
exasperated by Geoff’s new interest in religion. Her once happy life seems out
of reach.

About Terri Wangard

Terri Wangard grew up in Green Bay, Wisconsin, during the Lombardi Glory Years. Her first Girl Scout badge was the Writer. These days she is writing historical fiction, and won the 2013 Writers on the Storm contest and 2013 First Impressions, as well as being a 2012 Genesis finalist. Holder of a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s degree in library science, she lives in Wisconsin. Her research included going for a ride in a WWII B-17 Flying Fortress bomber. Classic Boating Magazine, a family business since 1984, keeps her busy as an associate editor.

Roll Back the Clouds can be purchased here:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/AuthorTerriWangard

Twitter: @terriwangard

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/terriwangard

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Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/terriwangard/

Website: http://www.terriwangard.com

Fiction Finder: April 2020 New Releases

April 2020 New Releases

More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website.

Biblical:

Claiming Canaan: Milcah’s Journey by Barbara M. Britton — When the tribal elders make marriage a requirement for claiming her land, Milcah bat Zelophehad must find a betrothed straightaway. The only problem in finding a husband is that all her suitors were slain while conquering the land of Canaan. Men avoid her in order to stay alive. After praying to God to send her a bold suitor, a man from her father’s clan plummets from a tree right on top of her. Is this God answering prayer, or a foolish antic by Eli, the war-scarred brother from one of her clan’s rival families. Will settling in Canaan sort out Milcah’s troubles, or have her woes just begun? (Biblical Fiction from Harbourlight Books [Pelican])

Contemporary Romance:

Ryan’s Father by June Foster — The rippling influence of Ryan Reid’s less than moral mother and absent father made a mark on his soul. Yet everything changed when the young school teacher accepted Christ—almost everything. An earthquake hurls the beautiful Sandy Arrington into his life, tossing his world upside down. When God calls him to build an annex for needy teens at his church, Ryan must face the carefully guarded secret he’s held deep in his heart. Though Sandy falls in love with him, Ryan’s forbidden affections lie elsewhere, and he must depend on the Lord to see him through a struggle he always hoped he’d never have to face. Sandy’s wealthy cardiologist father and the battle Ryan is powerless to win are hurtles to their romance. Can he dig his way out to find Sandy’s love? (Contemporary Romance from Winged Publications)

Historical Romance:

The House at the End of the Moor by Michelle Griep — What Can a London Opera Star and an Escaped Dartmoor Prisoner Have in Common? Opera star Maggie Lee escapes her opulent lifestyle when threatened by a powerful politician who aims to ruin her life. She runs off to the wilds of the moors to live in anonymity. All that changes the day she discovers a half-dead man near her house. Escaped convict Oliver Ward is on the run to prove his innocence, until he gets hurt and is taken in by Maggie. He discovers some jewels in her possession—the very same jewels that got him convicted. Together they hatch a plan to return the jewels, clearing Oliver’s name and hopefully maintaining Maggie’s anonymity. (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)

Spies & Sweethearts by Linda Shenton Matchett — A secret mission. A fake bride. A run for their lives. According to the OSS training manual, the life expectancy of a radio operator in Nazi-occupied France is six weeks. Partnered with one of the agency’s top spies, Gerard Lucas, newly-minted agent Emily Strealer plans to beat those odds. Then their cover is blown and all bets are off. The border to neutral Switzerland is three hundred miles away-a long way to run with SS soldiers on their heels.

Will Emily and Gerard survive the journey and get home? And what about their hearts? Nothing in the manual prepared them for falling in love. (Historical Romance from Shortwave Press)

Devyn’s Dilemma by Susan G Mathis — 1910, Thousand Islands, New York. Others may consider The Towers castle on Dark Island an enchanting summer retreat, but to Devyn McKenna, it’s a prison. Yet as she works as a maid for Frederick Bourne, former president of the Singer Sewing Machine Company, her life blossoms under the kindness of his family and fascinating entrepreneurs such as J.P. Morgan, Thomas Lipton, and Captain Vanderbilt. But more than anything, the growing friendship of Mr. Bourne’s valet, Brice McBride, begins to pry away the painful layers that conceal Devyn’s heart. Brice is drawn to the mysterious Devyn even though he’s certain she’s hiding a secret, one far more dangerous than the clues they find in The Towers that hint of a treasure on the island. When Devyn is accused of stealing Bourne’s investment in Vanderbilt’s New York City subway expansion, he might not be able to protect her. (Historical Romance from Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas)

A Life Renewed by Olivia Rae — In 1554, Lady Jane Grey, “The Nine Days’ Queen” was executed for high treason. But what if, instead of feeling the blade on her neck she secretly survived? Escaping execution, Lady Jane hides as a peasant girl in a principality in Germany. She loves the simple life and never wants to return to England. But her benefactor, a power-hungry German prince, wants to march on London and place her on the English throne again, thereby increasing his dominance in Europe. If she doesn’t agree to his plan, her beloved childhood nurse will be put to death. Desperate for help, Jane must put her trust in the mysterious spy Asher Hayes. Asher Hayes is done rounding up Protestants for “Bloody Mary” and wants nothing more than to live a quiet life as a farmer and expunge the blood of many from his hands. Except Queen Mary isn’t done with him yet. She throws his father, mother, and sister into prison on false charges in order to force him to accept one last mission – find and kill Lady Jane Grey. But when Asher discovers Lady Jane isn’t a threat to the throne as he believed her to be, he faces a devastating decision – does he sacrifice his family for the woman who reigns in his heart? (Historical Romance from HopeKnight Press LLC)

The Chisholm Trail Bride by Kathleen Y’Barbo — Stubborn Hearts Clash on a Cattle Drive Eliza Gentry’s pursuit of marriage to the son of her family’s sworn enemy has cost her greatly. Furious at his daughter’s choices, her father sends her off with the cattle drive heading toward Fort Worth and the Barnhart ranch, but under the watchful eye of Wyatt Creed, a Pinkerton man he has hired to see to her safety. With danger at every turn—not the least of which to his heart—can Wyatt Creed keep his focus with Eliza Gentry around? Is the Chisholm Trail a place for falling in love or a place to die at the hands of cattle thieves? (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)

Mystery:

Cooking Up A Mystery by Gail Pallotta — In this romantic mystery Laney Eskridge battles insecurities, loss and a criminal who attempts to destroy her tea house and catering business. (Cozy Mystery from Inspired [Prism Book Group])

Romantic Suspense:

Flight Risk by Cara Putman — Savannah Daniels has worked hard to establish a small law practice, and her early career gambles have paid off with a life that she loves. Jett Mason Glover has almost reached the pinnacle of the journalism ladder in Washington, DC. He just needs one breakout story to seal his destiny. When a plane crashes into the 14th Street Bridge during take-off from Reagan National, everyone thinks it’s a freak accident—until the passenger list is released and the black box is compromised. Savannah does not expect to be connected to the crash until she learns her ex-husband was piloting the plane. She must manage his estate while his name is under a fog of accusations leveled by a journalist named Jett who now claims he wants to help Savannah find the truth. As the threads untangle, Savannah begins to question what she knows and whether she’ll survive the investigation. Maybe she’s as deceived as everyone else, but someone believes she’s closer to the truth than she is. And that belief may just kill her. (Romantic Suspense from HarperCollins Christian Publishing)

Border Breach by Darlene L. Turner — When drugs are smuggled across the border, it’s their duty to stop the culprits…at any cost. Forming a joint task force, Canada border officer Kaylin Poirier and police constable Hudson Steeves have one objective: take down a drug-smuggling ring trying to sell a new lethal product. But when the smugglers come after Kaylin and Hudson, this mission becomes more than just a job. Can they live long enough to solve the case? (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Plus check out these recent additions to Fiction Finder published within the past month:

Only a Glimpse by LuAnn K. Edwards, Contemporary Romance

Fugitive Trail by Elizabeth Goddard , Romantic Suspense

Critical Decision by Richard L. Mabry, MD, Medical Mystery

Glacier of Secrets by J Carol Nemeth, Romantic Suspense

A Perfect Fit by Christine Schimpf, Contemporary Romance

Riven by H.L. Wegley, Romantic Suspense (Historical)