Julie Arduini's Blog, page 60
January 1, 2019
Fiction Finder: January 2019 Releases
January 2019 New Releases
More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website.
Amish Romance:
Seasons of an Amish Garden by Amy Clipston — Enjoy a year of beautiful seasons in this new story collection, as young Amish couples manage a community garden and harvest friendships and love along the way. (Amish Romance from HarperCollins Christian Publishing)
Courting Her Prodigal Heart by Mary Davis — Pregnant and alone, Dori Bontrager is sure her Amish kin won’t welcome her—or the child she’s carrying—into the community. And she’s determined that her return won’t be permanent. As soon as she finds work, she’ll leave again. But with her childhood friend Eli Hochstetler insisting she and her baby belong here, will Dori’s path lead back to the Englisher world…or into Eli’s arms? (Amish Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])
Contemporary Romance:
Her Hope Discovered by Cynthia Herron — Charla Winthrop, a savvy business woman seeking a permanent lifestyle change in small-town Ruby, Missouri, learns that things aren’t always what they appear when she takes up residence in a house steeped in charm and a hint of mystery. Rumor has it that Sam Packard the town carpenter is her go-to guy for home remodeling, but can Charla convince him to help her—with no strings attached, of course? Alone far too long, Sam’s prayed that God would send him a wife and a mother for his daughters. However, the new Ruby resident is hardly what he imagined. A new place to call “home,” the possibility of what might be, and the answer to someone’s prayers unite this unlikely pair with the help of the town’s residents. (Contemporary Romance from Mountain Brook Ink)
Cozy Mystery:
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Murderous Heart by Lynne Waite Chapman — Freelance writer, Lauren Halloren pens popular magazine articles extoling the comfort and security of small town America. And Evelynton, Indiana treasures its wholesome small town values. Ask anyone. Streets are safe to walk. People look out for one another. Marriage vows are treasured. Murders are solved. In this third volume of the Evelynton Murder series, Lauren, along with friends, Clair and Anita stumble over another body. The partially mummified remains turn out to be an Evelynton resident. But how, in this close knit community, could a woman be deceased for over six months without being missed? (Cozy Mystery from Winged Publications)
Historical Romance:
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My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge: Laurel’s Dream by Pepper Basham — Journey into the Blue Ridge Mountains of 1918 where Laurel McAdams endures the challenges of a hard life while dreaming things can eventually improve. But trouble arrives in the form of an outsider. Having failed his British father again, Jonathan Taylor joins is uncle’s missionary endeavors as a teacher in a two-room schoolhouse. Laurel feels compelled to protect the tenderhearted teacher from the harsh realities of Appalachian life, even while his stories of life outside the mountains pull at Laurel’s imagination. Faced with angry parents over teaching methods, Laurel’s father’s drunken rages, and bad news from England, will Jonathan leave and never return, or will he stay and let love bloom? (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)
The Homeward Journey by Misty M. Beller — Finally free from her dead husband’s addicted lifestyle, Rachel Gray and her young son set out for a new life in the wilderness of the Canadian territories. She is reluctant to accept help from another man, but after a bear threatens her son’s life, she agrees to accompany two God-fearing brothers who are traveling to the same area. Slowly, she begins to trust the one named Seth. Despite Rachel’s best efforts, she can’t seem to fight her attraction to Seth—until a secret from his past proves he had more in common with her husband than she thought. When a new peril threatens her son’s life, she must choose between trusting in what she can control, or the man who her heart says is trustworthy, no matter his previous sins. The path she chooses just may determine whether she can step into the new life God has in store for them all. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)
Stepping into the Light by Candee Fick — With war looming and a madwoman in their midst, the only hope for a peaceful future may lie in a marriage alliance between a disfigured recluse of the Gunn clan and the overlooked second son of Clan Sinclair. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)
Under the Midnight Sun by Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse — Tayler Hale is ahead of her time as one of the first women naturalists. She has always loved adventure and the great outdoors, and her remote job location also helps keep her away from the clutches of the man to whom she once made a foolish promise. It seems she must keep running, however, and in secret, her boss from Yellowstone arranges for a new job . . . in Alaska. The popular Curry Hotel continues to thrive in 1929 as more visitors come to Alaska and venture into the massive national park surrounding Denali. Recent graduate Thomas Smith has returned to the hotel and the people he considers family. But when a woman naturalist comes to fill the open position and he must work with her, everything becomes complicated. The summer brings unexpected guests and trouble to Curry. With his reputation at stake, will Thomas be able to protect Tayler from the danger that follows? (Historical Romance from Bethany House [Baker])
Devotion by Olivia Rae — Injured and unable to make his living by the sword, Sir Theo de Born needs to secure his keep by becoming an educated man. As he finds himself falling for his reluctant teacher, he learns of her plan to leave England before the winter sets in. How can he convince her to stay and fulfill her promise while protecting his heart? Denied her true love and sent away to a convent, Lady Rose de Payne has no choice but to accept to become Sir Theo’s teacher. However, she has a plan to escape the confines of her new prison and start fresh in a different country. As the chilly winds blow, her resolve begins to waver. Will she abandon Sir Theo to a miserable fate or will she give up her dreams to make his come true? (Historical Romance from HopeKnight Press)
December 28, 2018
A Christmas to Remember Disappears for Good after December 30. December 27, 2018
December 26, 2018
Choking and Refusing Help
For the last week or so, I’ve shared a couple images regarding my prayer time as I dive deeper not only in my faith, but in finding healing from things I stuffed or wasn’t aware affected me.
This word picture is more of I think a general warning. It hasn’t gone away, so when that happens, I take it seriously.
I can see someone choking. I don’t know if it is someone I know or if it represents humanity in general, but the person is choking.
And Jesus is behind them, holding their waist, trying to perform the Heimlich.
And the person says no.
NO.
I mean, that makes no sense, right?
I’ve had food go down the wrong way to the point of panicking thinking I am going to have to alert someone and I wanted help. I know people who have choked to death. The mere thought of help being offered and refused, I can’t process that.
But then it hits me, I’ve done as much when it comes to God healing something in my life that was too close, too soon, too much, and I brushed Him off.
No thanks, I’m good.
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Sometimes I knew I wasn’t in a good place but I just didn’t want to deal. I was scared of what was around the corner that I could not see. So it was more of a “Hey, maybe tomorrow?”
Can you imagine choking and gesturing to the person trying to save you, not now?
It’s a powerful image. Like I wrote recently, I don’t know what this all looks like between point a and b. In prayer I did receive the simple reply that the “gutting” was taking place so my light could shine. Simple answer. Not a simple process.
I know I’m supposed to and have been journaling. Memories are coming back I long forgot about or shelved way, way back in hopes they’d fall to an abyss I’d never encounter. I’m not even done. I haven’t surrendered it all because I haven’t confronted it all. I have found surprises along the way. Not fun ones, but ones I believe have purpose.
It has been a hard time. I have done this privately and most people, some even in the most intimate circles of my life, have no clue what God is doing, what I’m feeling, or the very core of hurt I’ve found myself clawing out of. It has exhausted me, brought out some ugly, and returned my confidence at times to a time where I felt good for nothing. But this time is different. I know I am not alone, and that it has purpose. That helps.
I’d like to think I’m at a place where I’m not choking anymore, and I let Jesus take care of me. But that image isn’t going away, and I felt I was meant to share it. If God is stirring something in you that you sense is going to be a hard place to visit, but a necessary one, don’t fight it. There truly is freedom in Christ when you surrender.
And there is truly death when you refuse help and you are choking.
December 24, 2018
He Is…
He is the One they prophesied about in the New Testament.
He is the One Mary chose to keep when nothing made sense. Nothing.
He is the One Joseph knew was not his, but came to realize was their Everything.
He is the One His cousin recognized from womb to womb.
He is the One who came without fanfare.
He is…EverythingHe is the One many looked for but could not see for He wasn’t their interpretation.
He is the One who grew with one focus, to do the will of His Father.
He is the One who pleased His earthly parents and frustrated many.
He is the One who knew His call was more than wood or stone.
He is the One who tangled with Satan on His Father’s strength and overcame.
He is the One who transformed water, raised the dead, spoke truth.
He is the One the religious could not contain or control.
He is the One many followed until the going got tough.
He is the One who bore a criminal’s punishment without a fight.
He is the One who took whippings that stripped His skin.
He is the One that they were sure they broke because He bled.
He is the One with nail-scarred hands.
He is the One who gave His last breath forgiving.
He is the One that caused the sun to grieve.
He is the One that rose on the third day.
He is the One that used every moment of His resurrection to fulfill His Father’s purpose.
He is the One that left the Holy Spirit to teach, comfort, and encourage us.
He is the One that promised He’s coming back.
He is the One that still heals, transforms, and resurrects.
He is the One that will come back as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
He is the One that we celebrate today.
He is the One.
He is the Only One.
He is everything.
Merry Christmas from Julie Arduini
December 22, 2018
The Gutted Pumpkin
In , I shared that I am going through a season where I’m digging deep and looking inward for a healing at Christ’s leading. It’s been hard because I’ve had to confront feelings I didn’t know I had, or, stuffed them way down in hopes I never would.
I wrote about a broken ornament as a visual I saw when I prayed, and the comfort I’m drawing from that.
Another visual I want to share is the gutted pumpkin.
Like you, when the image came to mind during prayer, I questioned it. Why would I see a carved pumpkin in December?
God answered.
What He first showed me were the pumpkin guts. Who enjoys picking that mess up? It’s slimy and plain ugly.
I’m learning as I’m journaling my hurts that my mess is slimy and plain ugly. Some of my memories are gunky enough that I emotionally put a lock on that time and vowed I’d never open those painful times again.
I’m also coming to terms that Jesus loves me too much to leave me that way, that is, unless I choose to remain the same. (Come back the 23rd or subscribe to the posts to read on that one…) The pumpkin I see has hands digging deep, I mean deeeepppp and pulling out so much stuff.
I’m still journaling, I haven’t even yet taken what I’m learning and prayed that part out, but there are times I ache because the pain is that rich. Many writing projects of a personal level don’t take that long. This? I’ve had to write in increments because there is much coming up. Anger I didn’t even realize. Rejection that went layers and layers deeper than I thought that affect my choices today. Fight, Flight or Freeze? I clearly see I have been paralyzed by some moments that has left me beyond frozen.
They very thought of communicating in present time to a conflict or situation that even appears close to what froze me in the past, that’s terrifying. At one point the gutting was so raw I decided it was time to write out my final thoughts/my drop dead notes because I was certain my time on earth had to be coming to a close. I felt the wound was too overwhelming for me to find healing in this body, I must be heaven bound. And I was okay with that. Ready, even. Surrendering being frozen? Not ready.
But the answer to why the pumpkin, why the carving image in December? To me, that’s an October reference, but God isn’t bound by time. As I prayed and saw the hands go deep and pull out the crap, this little nugget came to mind.
“I’m doing this so your light can shine.”
I mean, it’s so simple it’s kind of laughable, except so much in my private time and this process has not been funny. It has been raw and scary, because I don’t know where this is going.
But faith and experience in faith has shown me it’s always for His good. And hearing that “gutting the pumpkin” is so my light can shine, how dare I fight that? I want to see God’s Kingdom advance and I want to be an active participant in making that happen. What was good enough last year faith and experience wise, well, He’s calling me deeper.
This healing process is underway so my light can shine for Christ in this hurting world.Maybe that’s what’s happening to you. I hate that you have pain. I do. I have seen the darkest parts of a forest experience and it nearly destroys. But, it does not. Do not give up. Let that gutting process continue. Know that the end game is a clearing in the forest where you live free in Christ with a brilliant light that will be a magnet for others hurting as you were.
It’s worth it. I really believe that.
December 20, 2018
The Broken Ornament
This season I have been working on my inside. As a woman with confident faith, I didn’t think that was anything I’d be dealing with, especially since this year was significantly better than years past.
Funny thing about my plans. They were mine, and not God’s.
I felt the stirring late summer. Like a turtle, retreat inside the shell. I read more and really marked up my online Bible, drinking it all in. I felt simple praying wasn’t quite enough. I don’t meant to imply this is the process for all, but when God is really moving and my thoughts run deep, I have to find a place at home where I can be flat on the floor. Emptied out. Of all the places, this fall I’ve retreated to a literal closet, lamenting, laying, praying and staying on a bunch of clothes.
Then I went to a conference and my takeaway was to read up and go deeper for healing. Was it for me? Someone else? For ministry purposes? I didn’t know, but I was obedient. There were books that were recommended and I took my time with them. The pain described wasn’t the same, but I felt things floating up to the top like old sediment. Hurts I intentionally and unintentionally stuffed from decades to even days before.
Once I finished the books, I felt the next step (for me, again, I’m not saying this is a general process,) was to get to the root. As I started working on this part, word pictures came to mind. I have been writing in my journal everything I can remember that was a wound I never dealt with. Either I brushed it off or it was too much to deal with.
It has been freaking hard.
I’ll share more in the coming days, but I do want to share a word picture I had when praying. I felt like it was for a friend who is going through a similar journey of discovery and healing in Christ, but it has brought me comfort, and I think it might for someone out there, too.
I see a glass tree ornament shattering on the wooden floor. Pieces everywhere. So much brokenness. But the Master’s hands, our Heavenly Father’s hands that created us down to each strand on our head, pieces that ornament back together. When finished, it does not look the same.
The ornament looks BETTER. The brilliance is beyond what I can describe. The glass pieces make a beautiful mosaic that just sparkle and shine. It is a work of art. It is so much more than a tree ornament. It is a showstopper.
The Shattered Ornament, in the Master’s Hands, becomes more brilliant than it ever was.I don’t quite understand this season. My life certainly hasn’t been the worst thing ever by a long shot, but in dismissing my challenges and feelings, I think God has a bigger plan.
But He’s got to shatter some stuff to rebuild.
I don’t love it. It is scary, honestly. The depth of what I’m feeling sometimes is a rawness I haven’t explored.
But I’m surrendering it all, because He’s faithful.
December 18, 2018
A Christmas to Remember: Time’s Running Out
It’s been reviewed as “Hallmark Worthy” on Amazon. It’s standing at 4.8 stars and has hit the bestseller list.
A Christmas to Remember is also going away.
If you’d like to grab your copy or gift to a friend, don’t wait. After December 30, this set is G-O-N-E.
Eight Christian romances all centered on Christmas.
Authors include Kimberly Rose Johnson, Valerie Comer, Elizabeth Maddrey, Ginger Solomon, Lindi Peterson, Deb Kastner, Janet W. Ferguson, and me.
Purchase A Christmas to Remember HERE.
Adventures in Odyssey Club Christmas Gift Set
Christmas Gift SetWith the purchase of a new 12-month membership in the Adventures in Odyssey Club, you will receive the NIrV® Adventures in Odyssey Bible. This special limited time offer provides more than $140 value for just $107.88. Offer available through December 31, 2018.Once you complete the purchase a new 12-month membership in the Adventures in Odyssey Club, you will receive an email in 3-4 business days with a special promo code and link to the online store where you will give shipping instructions for delivery of the Bible. Free standard shipping is included with the purchase of the gift set. Order by December 10th to ensure delivery of the Bible by Christmas.
Loaded with lasting value for you and tons of fun for the kids you love, click on the buttons below to purchase a 12-month membership.
Already a club member? Call 1-800-A-FAMILY (1-800-232-6459) to find out how to take advantage of this special Christmas offer.
To learn more about the Odyssey Adventure Club and this special offer, r, CLICK HERE.
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Take Advantage of this Limited Time Offer Today – Valued at $140
December 12, 2018
Journal Review: Ellie Claire 365 Devotionals
It’s my pleasure to once again bring Ellie Claire journals to you for review. I can’t tell you how excited I am to do this. I am someone that lingers in paper and journal aisles, smelling the paper, tracing the covers with my finger. Believe me when I say I truly love sharing these thoughts with you.
DESCRIPTION
We pray for peace. We beg for it from others. We make speeches about it. But in the end, the only peace most of us can control is that little portion we display for the world to see. If we are at peace, the chaos around us seems to calm down. Our peace affects others. And the giver of peace awaits to give us the gift that can change our world. It begins with a prayer. It begins with me.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Lay-flat binding
• Archive quality, non-bleed paper
• Daily devotional with lightly ruled space for responses, lists, or journaling
• Full-color interior design
• Presentation page for personalization
• Foil, ribbon
• Closure band
My thoughts on the PEACE BEGINS WITH ME: I love this journal. Anxiety is a real deal, I’ve been there. I love people who struggle. The cover for this journal even looks relaxing and works for either gender. Each devotional is short with an on target, Biblical message that delivers peace. Each day also has ample writing space to journal thoughts. My only negative is the interior back cover has a design that’s kind of jarring to look at, especially if the theme of the journal is peace. Overall, I love this journal and definitely recommend it.
PURCHASE PEACE BEGINS WITH ME JOURNAL HERE
TURN YOUR EYES UPON JESUS
DESCRIPTION
When life gets busy, it’s easy to forget to spend time with God. This 365-day devotional journal offers encouraging meditations to help you spend a few moments turning your eyes on Jesus before your hectic day begins. After short devotions and Scripture for each day of the year, you will also find light journaling lines and ample space to record your thoughts, hopes, and prayers—just what you need to start each and every day with the reminder that God is always by your side.
My thoughts on the TURN YOUR EYES UPON JESUS JOURNAL: This is a great journal to find your focus and keep it, no matter what kind of day. The devotions aren’t long, but just enough to help you remember God’s got this because Jesus has YOU. There’s also a good amount of writing room to journal, too. The cover is pretty feminine, so I see women using this the most. For anyone already thinking about their new year goals/resolutions, I think this journal is a perfect tool to use.
PURCHASE TURN YOUR EYES UPON JESUS HERE.
THE EARTH IS THE LORD’S AND EVERYTHING IN IT JOURNAL
DESCRIPTION
From the small whisper of a snowflake to the large circumference of a baobab tree, all of nature is the creative expression of God. When we embrace His creative nature by taking the time to stop, notice, and connect, our hearts are encouraged and souls refreshed. Respond to the devotions, add your own creative writing, or keep track of prayers on the journaling lines.
My thoughts on THE EARTH IS THE LORD’S AND EVERYTHING IN IT JOURNAL: I am a visual worshiper, a lover of nature. His creation makes me come alive. That’s the theme of this journal, the beauty around us and that God created it all. He is constantly wooing us, and I love that this journal showcases these themes in words and in the ability to write our thoughts. I don’t love the cover, but I realize peacocks are a good representation of His stunning work. It’s a sturdy journal with flowers on the page edges along with the peacocks. I can think of several people who would love this journal. I definitely recommend it!
PURCHASE THE EARTH IS THE LORD’S AND EVERYTHING IN IT JOURNAL HERE.
Final thoughts: There isn’t a dud in this bunch, I love them all. The themes are all beautiful for journals and give both appropriate devotional thoughts and space to write. They are all sturdy and a perfect size to throw in a bag and take with you. The pages are crisp and appealing to read and write on. Although there were a couple minor visuals I didn’t love, it’s not enough for me to change my mind. Any and all of these journals are perfect for you and the devotional reader in your life.
I received these journals from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All words within the actual review are my own.
