The Noble Guardian Celebrate Lit Tour

Posted on June 13, 2019June 13, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

My Thoughts:

Christian Historical Romance is one of my favorite genre. Author Michelle Griep has written a compelling book about Regency England that had me on the edge of my seat turning pages as fast as I could read them. This is Book Three and the conclusion to her Bow Street Runners Series. If you haven’t read the first two, this can be read as a stand alone.

The Noble Guardian was a phenomenal book. My interest was immediately piqued within the first few pages. This is the tale of Abigail (Abby) Gilbert, a lovely character. I loved her! She is feisty, sweet, considerate, and caring although a bit naive. It is so easy to connect with her. I wanted to have a pot of tea with her and ask her so many questions!

It also is the story of tall, dark, and handsome broody Captain Samuel Thatcher. “Captain” is in the horse patrol and has seen more than his share of bad things and people. He is protective and loyal. He and Abby have chemistry and tension that really make the book fun to read.

All characters are well described and easy to imagine. There is a variety of secondary ones and some were just delightful. Baby Emma provided some giggles and heartfelt moments. The kitchen ladies were all different and fun.

There were many things I learned from this novel which is something I hope for in every book. I also want to know it is a Christian novel without having to search for it. There was no question on this one. The faith theme is heavily woven throughout the book. I particularly enjoyed watching Abby’s faith journey.

This book has so much to offer. Mystery, action, inspiration, romance, history and intrigue are all within this exciting story. The author has included historical notes at the end. I highly recommend this novel and rate it 5 stars. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but I was under no obligation to write a review.

About the Book

Book: The Noble Guardian

Author: Michelle Griep

Genre: Christian Historical

Release date: June, 2019

A Cross-Country Trip through Regency England Brings Intrigue, Rogues, and High Adventure

The must-read conclusion to Michelle Griep’s Bow Street Runners Trilogy: Life couldn’t be better for Abigail Gilbert—but it’s been a long time in coming. Having lived with a family who hated her, it’s finally her time for love. Abby sets off on a journey across England to marry one of the most prestigious gentlemen in the land—until highwaymen upset her plans and threaten her life.

Horse patrol captain Samuel Thatcher arrives just in time to save Abby. But she’s simply another victim in a job he’s come to despise. Tired of the dark side of humanity, he intends to buy land and retire.

Abby pleads with him to escort her for the rest of her journey. He refuses—until she offers him something he desperately needs to achieve his goal. . .money. Delivering her safely will give him more than enough to buy property.

So begins an impossible trek for the cynical lawman and the proper lady. Each will be indelibly changed by the time they reach her betrothed, if they don’t kill one another first—or fall in love.

About the Author

Michelle Griep’s been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. She is the Christy Award-winning author of historical romances: A Tale of Two Hearts, The Captured Bride, The Innkeeper’s Daughter, 12 Days at Bleakly Manor, The Captive Heart, Brentwood’s Ward, A Heart Deceived, and Gallimore, but also leaped the historical fence into the realm of contemporary with the zany romantic mystery Out of the Frying Pan. If you’d like to keep up with her escapades, find her at http://www.michellegriep.com or stalk her on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

More from Michelle

Highwaymen Aren’t All Glamorous

Highwaymen are often romanticized in historical romances, but the truth is these fella’s were generally not compassionate thieves at all. They were cutthroat robbers who sometimes killed. Here’s a brief history so that you’re in the know.

The term “highwayman” simply means a thief who steals—usually at gunpoint—from travelers on the road. Not all, but some of those attacks turned deadly, the robbers not wishing to leave anyone behind who could identify them. Others wore masks for the same purpose.

Long, deserted stretches of roads that were main thoroughfares were the particular favorite haunts of these men. Criminals would choose remote highways that supplied regular traffic going to and from major destinations, such as Hounslow Heath, about fifteen miles outside of London.

To combat these villains, in 1805 the Bow Street Horse Patrol was created. There were about sixty men hired to protect travelers on the principal roads within sixty miles of London. Most of the men had served previously in a cavalry regiment. Their most successful achievement was to rid Hounslow Heath of highwaymen.

And that’s where I got the idea for my hero, Samuel Thatcher, in The Noble Guardian. He’s a rough and tumble man who’s tired of life and the wickedness of man. Mostly he’s just biding his time until he retires—that is until he rescues Miss Abigail Gilbert from the clutches of one of the worst offenders of all…Shankhart Robbins.

Sound like an adventure? It is. Settle back with your own copy and see what it’s like to ride the rugged heath in a carriage, bounding along—until you hear the crack of a pistol.

Enjoy!

Blog Stops

Fiction Aficionado, June 8

The Power of Words, June 8

Ashley’s Bookshelf, June 8

Inspiration Clothesline, June 9

With a Joyful Noise, June 9

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 9

Back Porch Reads, June 10

Among the Reads, June 10

Captive Dreams Window, June 10

Genesis 5020, June 11

Inklings and notions, June 11

Blogging With Carol, June 11

The Christian Fiction Girl, June 12

As He Leads is Joy, June 12

Connie’s History Classroom, June 12

Carpe Diem, June 13

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, June 13

Abba’s prayer Warrior Princess, June 13

Christian Chick’s Thoughts, June 14

Wishful Endings, June 14

Stories By Gina, June 14

Through the Fire Blogs, June 15

Just the Write Escape, June 15

Blossoms and Blessings, June 15

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 16

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, June 16

Texas Book-aholic, June 16

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 17

For Him and My Family, June 17

Hallie Reads, June 17

Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, June 18

janicesbookreviews, June 18

Moments, June 18

Bigreadersite, June 19

Godly Book Reviews, June 19

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, June 19

Tell Tale Book Reviews, June 20

Remembrancy, June 20

Daysong Reflections, June 20

A Reader’s Brain, June 20

All-of-a-kind Mom, June 21

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 21

Pause for Tales, June 21

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Michelle is giving away a grand prize that includes a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of The Noble Guardian!!

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/e31b/the-noble-guardian-celebration-tour-giveaway

Summer By the Tides Celebrate Lit Tour & Giveaway

Posted on June 10, 2019June 8, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

My Thoughts:

This is a contemporary Christian romance novel by author Denise Hunter. It is filled with mystery, faith, family, secrets, and romance. Themes also include hope and forgiveness. From the first few pages my heart was totally captured and my emotions invested in this well written book. Hunter has a way with words that comes natural. Her stories sound authentic and draw readers in immediately.

This is the story of three sisters, Maddy, Emma, and Nora. They have had poor or estranged relationships for years. The tension between them is so high it seeps off of the pages. My heart hurt for these sisters. It also is the story of their Gram and her neighbor, Connor.

Each of these fabulous characters are well rounded and believable. They became fast friends and I wanted to keep reading to see what was happening in their lives. I felt like I was there with them because of the vivid descriptions and plentiful conversations.

The beach setting is perfect for a summer read. I wanted to go there after reading about it. I hope this is made into a movie. It has so many life lessons and inspiration to share. I loved seeing Maddy’s growth.

I highly recommend this beautifully written fiction by talented author Denise Hunter. It is an easy, quick, page turning read that will inspire and uplift you. My heart broke and warmed throughout it. It is a perfect book club summer selection. I rated it 5 out of 5 stars.

I received a copy from Celebrate Lit but was under no obligation to write a review. These are my own thoughts.

About the Book

Book: Summer by The Tides

Author: Denise Hunter

Genre: Christian Fiction, Contemporary Romance

Release Date: May 21, 2019

From the bestselling author of The Convenient Groom (now a beloved Hallmark Original movie) comes a heartfelt story of family secrets, forgiveness, and unexpected romance.

Following a painful betrayal, Maddy Monroe’s love life is a wreck, and her restaurant career is in shambles. When her grandmother goes missing, she and her estranged sisters converge at the family beach house in Sea Haven, North Carolina. Being with uptight Nora and free-spirited Emma at the place where their family broke apart is a struggle, and undercurrents of jealousy and resentment threaten to pull the sisters under. In the midst of the storm, sparks begin to fly between Maddy and Gram’s maddening neighbor, Connor Murphy.

As the sisters pack up the family belongings, memories of idyllic, slow-paced summers are resurrected. But long-buried secrets also come to light as Maddy discovers that all was not as it appeared that last summer in Sea Haven—nor today in the seemingly perfect lives of her sisters.

As family tensions rise and Connor causes tumult in Maddy’s heart, the sisters must find a way to accept each other for the women they’ve become before the bitterness of the past destroys their hope for a future.

Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Author

Denise Hunter is the internationally published bestselling author of more than 25 books, including A December Bride and The Convenient Groom, which have been adapted into original Hallmark Channel movies. She has won The Holt Medallion Award, The Reader’s Choice Award, The Carol Award, The Foreword Book of the Year Award, and is a RITA finalist. When Denise isn’t orchestrating love lives on the written page, she enjoys traveling with her family, drinking green tea, and playing drums. Denise makes her home in Indiana where she and her husband are rapidly approaching an empty nest. To learn more about Denise, visit her website DeniseHunterBooks.com; Facebook: AuthorDeniseHunter; Twitter: @DeniseAHunter; Instagram: deniseahunter.

Read an Excerpt from Summer by the Tides

MADDY MONROE WAS COWERING behind a ficus tree near the hostess station when her cell phone rang. Her hands shook as she silenced the phone before it drew the attention of the staff.

She jabbed the elevator button for the third time. “Come on, come on.” A star could be born in interstellar space, a polar valley carved by a glacier in the time it took the elevator to reach this floor. Stairs were not an option, as she was on the twentieth floor of the Waterford building and sporting heels.

She sniffled. Drat. She seemed to be crying. She swiped a hand under her eyes, heedless of her makeup.

She heard voices, Nick’s boisterous laugh. Maddy shrank deeper into the ficus and finally, finally, the elevator dinged its arrival.

“Maddy?” Noelle’s concerned voice tunneled down the hall. “Maddy, wait.”

“Oh, come on,” she muttered, tapping her fingers against her leg until the gold doors crept open. As soon as she could fit, she squeezed inside and punched the ground-floor button.

She didn’t draw a breath until the doors sealed and the elevator began to drop. She placed a palm over a heart that was threatening to beat its way out of her chest. Her white blouse clung to her back, and her skin prickled beneath her arms.

She closed her eyes, the scene that had just transpired playing out in fast-forward in her mind. And then, as if that montage weren’t painful enough, the image of Nick’s face appeared. The look on his face just before he’d kissed her good-bye last night.

Nick. She clamped her teeth together until her jaw ached.

There had been signs. Many of them, really, she was realizing now. They ranged from whisper-subtle to neon-sign obvious. But like so many other walking clichés before her, she was only seeing them in retrospect.

Maddy opened her eyes to the buttery sunlight streaming through her blinds. She scrambled for her iPhone to check the time. But as she did so, the events of yesterday washed over her like a tsunami. She didn’t have to get up at all, because she didn’t have a job anymore.

Her cell buzzed with an incoming call, and she squinted bleary-eyed at the unfamiliar number on the screen before declining it.

She drooped against her pillow, only now aware of how fat and swollen her eyes felt. Of the persistent achy lump pushing at the back of her throat. Her heartbeat made the bed quake. Her eyes burned with tears. Yesterday’s anger had faded, and something worse had filled its spot.

Yesterday she’d come home, changed into yoga pants, and worked in her little garden until she was too exhausted to do anything but flop on the sofa. She hadn’t fallen asleep until after three o’clock in the morning.

She didn’t want to talk to anyone, didn’t want to see anyone. She didn’t even want to be awake today. She pulled the covers over her head and prayed for oblivion.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, June 4

The Power of Words, June 4

Back Porch Reads, June 4

The Morning Chapter, June 5

A Baker’s Perspective, June 5

Worthy2Read, June 5

Carla Loves To Read, June 6

Genesis 5020, June 6

Through the Fire Blogs, June 6

Among the Reads, June 7

Quiet Quilter, June 7

For Him and My Family, June 7

The Christian Fiction Girl, June 8

cultivating us, June 8

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 8

Girls Living For God’s Glory, June 9

Moments, June 9

Inklings and notions, June 9

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, June 10

Coast and anchor, June 10

amandainpa, June 10

Lighthouse Academy, June 11

EmpowerMoms, June 11

Pause for Tales, June 11

Christian Chick’s Thoughts, June 12

For The Love of Books, June 12

Just the Write Escape, June 12

All-of-a-kind Mom, June 13

Texas Book-aholic, June 13

Hallie Reads, June 13

2014 and Beyond, June 14

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 14

Simple Harvest Reads, June 14

Living Life Free In Christ, June 15

janicesbookreviews, June 15

Vicky Sluiter, June 15

Have A Wonderful Day, June 16

A Reader’s Brain, June 16

To Everything A Season, June 16

Lukewarm Tea, June 17

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 17

Daysong Reflections, June 17

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Denise is giving away a finished copy of Summer by the Tides!!

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/e541/summer-by-the-tides-celebration-tour-giveaway

The Refuge by Ann Gabhart, Book Review and Recipe

Posted on June 8, 2019June 8, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

The Refuge by storyteller extraordinaire, author Ann Garbart, is a delicious serving of Christian historical romance. Set in the Shaker Village at Harmony Hill, Kentucky in 1850’s, this 391 page paperback is wonderful! I found it to be a page turning delight.

If you are not familiar with the Shaker religion, this book will give you a quick lesson. I love fiction books that teach me new things. However, this time I was well acquainted with the strange sect that believed in celibacy and did not believe in marriage. I still shook my head in disbelief and was frustrated with them even though I knew what to expect.

Author Gabhart has a magical way with telling a tale. Actually, it is a God given talent. Her words are woven together and I am spellbound. Within the first few paragraphs I am walking inside the book and captivated. She teaches me things that I don’t know and always has a healthy dose of faith and inspiration included in the story. These are two of my favorite things, actually must haves, in historical Christian fiction.

This book has been well researched. The author knows a lot about the Shakers, and it is evident she has visited their historic village. Characters are very well defined and easy to imagine. I loved feisty Leatrice, daughter of widower Flynn. Darcie caught my heart and my emotions. At times I felt trapped like she did with the Shakers. The variety of personalities in the Shaker sisters was delightful and true to life, I’m certain.

This is a book about romance, faith, trusting God, and friendship. There are some twists and turns to keep readers on their toes. Book Clubs will need to come up with their own discussion questions as it does not include any.

I highly recommend this well written novel. Learning about the Shakers is worth reading it, but there is so much more to glean. I rated it 5 out of 5 stars.

I received a copy from the publisher, but was under no obligation to write a review. These are my own, honest thoughts.

About the Book:

When Darcie and Walter Goodwin hear of a new cholera epidemic sweeping the area, they join the Shakers whose villages seem immune to the disease. It’s meant to be a temporary stay, but Walter is killed in a riverboat accident. With no family and no money, Darcie has little choice but to stay with the Shakers. To complicate matters, she is expecting a baby conceived before she and her husband came to the Shaker village. Marital relationships are considered sinful in this celibate community, putting Darcie in a unique–and lonely–position. Can the arrival of widower Flynn Keller and his headstrong daughter offer Darcie the hope of happiness . . . and family?

Ann H. Gabhart returns to the enigmatic world of the Shakers in this emotional exploration of the power of love and the bond of family.

About the Author:

Ann H. Gabhart is the bestselling author of several Shaker novels–The Outsider, The Believer, The Seeker, The Blessed, and The Gifted–as well as other historical novels, including Angel Sister, These Healing Hills, and River to Redemption. She and her husband live on a farm a mile from where she was born in rural Kentucky. Ann enjoys discovering the everyday wonders of nature while hiking in her farm’s fields and woods with her grandchildren and her dog, Frankie. Learn more at http://www.annhgabhart.com.

Recipe Time by Nyla Kay:

My paternal grandparents lived near Shaker Town so I have many memories of going there to eat with them. Among the recipes I accumulated is this one for Shaker Lemon Pie. It is so tasty and very different. The key is to slice your lemons extremely thin.

Shaker Lemon Pie

2 lemons (about 9 oz. each), sliced paper thin (rind and all)
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 double pie crust

Directions

Combine lemon slices and sugar in a shallow bowl; let stand until lemon slices are juicy, 4 hours or overnight. Remove any seeds that float to the surface.

Preheat oven to 450°F. Stir eggs into lemon mixture thoroughly.

Line a 9-inch pie plate with 1 pie crust. Pour lemon mixture into shell. Cover with top crust, and crimp edges. Cut decorative steam vents in top crust.

Bake at 450°F for 15 minutes. Without removing pie from oven, reduce temperature to 350°F. Bake until a knife inserted in center comes out clean, about 25 minutes. Cover pie crust edges with aluminum foil, if becoming too brown.

The Famine of the Human Dream Celebrate Lit Tour & Giveaway

Posted on June 7, 2019June 3, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Thank you for visiting my stop on The Famine of the Human Dream Celebrate Book tour and Giveaway. Be sure to enter to win the $50 Amazon gift card. You could buy a lot of books with that! Now, let’s talk about this book…

My Thoughts:

Author Benjamin Mester has produced a book of Christian poems and essays in his “The Famine of the Human Dream.” This book is filled with inspiring short works by the author and Christian authors that were both known and unknown to me.

The first portion of this book contains essays written by Mester. They are well written and leave readers pondering things. He writes about the world, nature, disappointment, romance, beauty, and being human. His essays are thought provoking and need to be read slowly so that the words sink in. They are personal and he writes with transparency.

The middle section holds Mester’s poetry and the final section holds selections from other authors. The wide variety of topics here should allow something for everyone. One of my favorites was “Into My Own” by Robert Frost. The author’s short poem “Isle of Peace” touched me. It was beautiful.

Teasdale, Moore, Frost, Yeats, and CS Lewis all have works in this compilation along with some others. This is a book to keep close and pick up when you need a little encouragement. It definitely is not one to read and forget. It needs revisiting like a trusted friend.

Scripture and biblical references are heavy in this unique book. I was not able to sit down and read it at one time. I needed to savor it and soak in its words. Some pieces stirred me while others did nothing, but that is the beauty of poetry and essays. My one criticism is that while the cover goes with the title, I did not like it at all. I wish the author would consider replacing it.

I highly recommend this to all people that enjoy essays and poetry. It lifted my soul and warmed my heart. I would recommend for a pick me up gift or recovery gift for someone ill. It is beautiful (except for the cover).

I rated this 5 out of 5 stars. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but I was under no obligation to provide a review. These are my own thoughts.

About the Book

Book: This Famine of the Human Dream

Author: Benjamin Mester

Genre: Christian Inspiration; Essays and Poems

Release date: May, 2015

An uplifting and thought provoking look at life from a poet’s perspective. The Famine of the Human Dream will challenge you to live with greater passion, to throw off those trifling ambitions that ever grope for our attention, and learn fight for things worth fighting for. The great theologian, CS Lewis, once said:

“It would seem that Our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.”

The ultimate goal of life isn’t a search for happiness. The ultimate goal of life is learning how to fight for things worth fighting for. All of life is a battle. But the battle that defines each one of us isn’t primarily between right and wrong, as you would think. Rather, it’s something much more surprising. Find out what in the inspiring pages of The Famine of the Human Dream.

Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Author

Benjamin Mester is an author and poet, with a passion for seeing people break away from small and shallow living and to step into the full measure of what the Lord has prepared for them. The destiny prepared for each one of us is to live a life of love and deep gladness. Benjamin Mester was born and raised in sunny San Diego, but can often be found wandering the woods of northern Minnesota, pen and paper in hand. His lifetime goal is to one day build a house in the woods, expanding it over time into a retreat center for authors, artists and others bursting with creativity. God is the most creative being in the entire universe, and as children made in His image, Mester hopes to inspire His people to explore the wonderful gift of creativity placed in each one of us.

More from Benjamin

The Famine of the Human dream was written as a response to something…a quote from a great theologian, CS Lewis.

It would seem that Our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.

When I read that, my heart began to burn. For though, as a younger man, I had often felt a passionate stirring to live my life to the full, though I didn’t quite know how and always felt myself slipping back into the mundane of mere survival. And so, I voraciously began to explore the many facets of life. I studied art, poetry, philosophy, beauty, and theology, prompted by Solomon’s declaration in the Proverbs, Whatever else you get, get understanding! I desperately wanted understanding of a very particular sort. I wanted to understand how to live my life to the full…this precious, brief slice of life we so often take for granted. I wanted true wisdom.

Contained within the pages of the Famine of the Human Dream are a poet’s reflections on life and the struggle to suck the marrow out of life, as Thoreau put it. This book is also an attempt to give the reader a passion for the study of poetry, which has dwindled much in modern society. The second portion of the book is a collection of my own poetry and poetry from other lovers of life that has touched me deeply. My biggest hope is that the reader will come away from this book with a renewed passion for life and an eager desire to dive deeper into poetry, beauty, and the heart of the Father.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, June 1

Mary Hake, June 2

A Baker’s Perspective, June 3

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 4

Carpe Diem, June 5

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 6

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, June 7

Simple Harvest Reads, June 8 (Spotlight)

Texas Book-aholic, June 9

janicesbookreviews, June 10

A Reader’s Brain, June 11

Power of Words, June 12 (Spotlight)

Inklings and notions, June 13

Just the Write Escape, June 14

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Ben is giving away a $50 Amazon gift card!!

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/e515/the-famine-of-the-human-dream-celebration-tour-giveaway

The Amish Widow’s Rescue Celebrate Lit Book Tour and Giveaway

Posted on June 3, 2019June 3, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Today my blog is a stop on “The Amish Widow’s Rescue” book tour by Celebrate Lit. This is a Christian Amish fiction by author Rachel J. Good. Read all about it, the author, the other stops, and the generous giveaway. Wish I could win it!

My Thoughts

This is a Christian Amish romance by author Rachel J. Good. It is Book 3 in her Love and Promises series but can easily be read as a stand alone. The author knows her way around an Amish story, and this one drew me in quickly.

I enjoy Ms. Good’s style of writing. The vivid descriptions of Amish Country and Pennsylvania Dutch language make me feel as though I am in Amish Country visiting with friends. Apparently that is where the author compiles information and story ideas.

Conversation is plentiful and flows without a hitch in her latest book. I love learning a new Amish word or two. In this book the Amish District was more lenient or progressive than in other Amish novels I have read. However, I have also read each district is unique.

The characters are well rounded and very relatable. They are easy to like and engage with early on in the book. Many times my heart hurt for a person or situation. The children are show stealers in this.

This is the story of Grace. She is a pregnant mother of two with a jam business and recently widowed. Immediately I wanted to hug her and help. It is also the tale of Elijah, her extremely handsome, helpful, generous neighbor who has built a wall around his heart. Oh, Elijah! My heart went out to him, too.

The author has been an exceptional job tugging on heartstrings and allowing readers to become emotionally involved in her story. It has some twist and turns, inspiration, life lessons on trusting a God, hope, and letting go of the past. The book deals with the death of a parent with children. They each deal with it differently and tears rolled as I read. They also were regular children so I chuckled in a few places, too.

I would recommend this to anyone that likes Amish fiction or would like to give it a try. The book moves along at a nice even pace without dragging. I sat down to read a little bit and that was it! I read it all.

A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit, but I was under no obligation to write a review. These are my own, honest thoughts. I rate this a 4 out of 5 stars.

About the Book

Book: The Amish Widow’s Rescue

Author: Rachel J Good

Genre: Amish Romance

Release Date: May 28, 2019

The perfect family awaits…if only he’ll risk his heart.

Pregnant and recently widowed, Grace Fisher is determined to provide for her family on her own. Thankfully, her jam business is popular in her Amish community. But it’s difficult keeping up with her work, her farm chores, and her two mischievous children. Especially now that they’ve taken to idolizing their neighbor Elijah. While the handsome farmer is kind and generous, he seems intent on holding Grace and her little ones at a distance…

Elijah Beiler has always admired his neighbor Grace. So standing by while she struggles to support her family isn’t an option. Offering to take over her farm duties, Elijah is determined to help while remaining detached. He knows all too well that love only leads to heartbreak. Yet the more time he spends with Grace and her children, the harder he finds it to leave each day. But can Elijah overcome past hurts and open his heart to this ready-made family?

“A beautiful story of forgiveness and second chances.” -Shelley Shepard Gray, New York Timesbestselling author, on The Amish Teacher’s Gift

Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Author

Inspirational author Rachel J. Good writes life-changing, heart-tugging novels of faith, hope, and forgiveness. The bestselling author of several Amish romance series, she grew up near Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, the setting for many of her stories. Striving to be as authentic as possible, she spends time with her Amish friends, doing chores on their farms and attending family events. Rachel has more than 40 books in print or forthcoming for both children and adults under several pen names. Find out more about Rachel and her books at her website and by signing up for her newsletter.

Rachel’s Amish series include Sisters & Friends (Charisma House & Harlequin), Love & Promises (Hachette/Grand Central), Hearts of Amish Country (Annie’s Book Club), and the forthcoming Unexpected Amish Blessings and Surprised by Love series (Kensington). She also has several anthologies in print as well as the Amish Quilts Coloring Book.

More from Rachel

The story idea for The Amish Widow’s Secret came to me after I’d just finished reading stories to my Amish friend’s children to give her a little break. She was expecting a new baby, and while we sat in their kitchen enjoying a snack, her husband came in.

The tenderness in his eyes as they talked made my eyes well with tears. It was obvious how much they loved each other, and they both supported each other. A perfect companionship. Not everyone gets to experience that bond, that caring.

It made me wonder what she’d do without him, and the seeds of a story was born. I decided to explore how a widow would cope with a pregnancy and two children alone. In the Amish community, of course, no one is ever left on their own. Everyone chips in to help.

So, what if the handsome and reclusive bachelor next door felt obligated to help, but wanted to avoid getting involved? Would he eventually soften his heart toward children and love?

As I wrote, I wondered if Elijah Beiler could get over a previous heartbreak. He needed to face his past before he moved forward, so I gave him that opportunity. A surprise visit and unwelcome news force Elijah to rethink everything he believes about parenting and love. And about the person who destroyed his world. He also needs to face the bitterness he’s been harboring.

Sometimes learning more about the circumstances or reasons of the person who has hurt us causes us to see the whole situation in a new light, making it easier to let go of the hurt. That’s what happens to Elijah.

I hope his journey will encourage readers to consider the places in their lives where they’ve been holding onto pain and reevaluate those experiences in the light of God’s forgiveness and love. To write this story, I needed to do that too.

Blog Stops

Quiet Quilter, May 28

A Reader’s Brain, May 28

Maureen’s Musings, May 29

Through the Lens of Scripture, May 29

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 29

Among the Reads, May 30

The Avid Reader, May 30

janicesbookreviews, May 30

Emily Yager, May 31

Lighthouse Academy, May 31

Bigreadersite, June 1

THE BECCA FILES, June 1

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 1

Carla Loves To Read, June 2

Random Thoughts From a Bookworm, June 2

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, June 3

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, June 3

Vicky Sluiter, June 3

For Him and My Family, June 4

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, June 4

Inspiration Clothesline, June 4

Miss Tina’s Amish Book Review, June 5

For the Love of Literature, June 5

Jeanette’s Thoughts, June 6

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 6

Retrospective Spines, June 7

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 7

Mary Hake, June 8

Inklings and notions, June 8

Pause for Tales, June 8

EmpowerMoms, June 9

Texas Book-aholic, June 9

Genesis 5020, June 10

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, June 10

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Rachel is giving away a grand prize of autographed copies of The Amish Midwife’s Secret and Big-City Amish, a copy of an Amish cookbook, and an authentic Amish headscarf!!

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/e2ab/the-amish-widow-s-rescue-celebration-tour-giveaway

Pam Hillman’s The Crossing at Cypress Creek, Natchez Trace Series

Posted on June 2, 2019June 2, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

My thoughts

Pam Hillman is a natural at storytelling. She has a way of weaving a tale that captures my interest within the first few pages and keeps it until the end of the book. This series is a tribute to her extraordinary talent. Each book was better than the last.

I felt like I had been whisked away to the eighteenth century. She had done her research and it was evident. The scenery, attire, colloquiums, and characters all added to a complete authentic experience when reading this captivating tale.

“The Crossing at Cyprus Creek is Book 3, but it could be read as a stand alone. Be warned it is so engaging that you will want to read the first two after finishing it. Why not read them in order if you haven’t?

I found the characters to be well rounded and very realistic. So much so my heart and emotions often went out to some of the characters, while others just made me want to yell at them. They have good character traits, flaws, and some downright meanness in them.

This is the story of Caleb O’Shea, who returns home from being at sea for months. He finds things quite different than when he left. It is also the tale of Alanah Adams. As an herbalist she is a healer and knows how to identify various medicinal plants and herbs, where to find them, and how to use the. She is a fascinating lady and I enjoyed her immensely.

Pam Hillman has written a Christian sweet historical romance with adventure and intrigue. Danger lurks, emotions are high, and God is to be sought and obeyed in this gritty Southern novel. Themes of faith, forgiveness, trusting God’s plan for one’s life, chivalry, love, and home are all woven deftly throughout this magnificent book. With some twists and turns added to exquisite writing, the story had a nice steady pace with no sluggish parts. It is a complete and total page turner.

I highly recommend this book and series. It is definitely worth it. I learned things, it was God glorifying, and I had a hard time putting it down. There are discussion questions at the end so get a group together to read the series. There is so much to dissect and disIt gets a 5 out of 5 stars from me.

About the Books

The Crossing at Cyprus Creek, Book 3

Sailing and soldiering around the world has taken Caleb O’Shea far from his native Ireland, so he never imagined that a promise to see a fellow crewman safely home would practically land him on his brother’s doorstep. After spending years away from his family, Caleb isn’t certain what kind of reception he will receive when he steps foot in Natchez, Mississippi. The one thing he knows for sure is that he won’t stay long.

Since her sister was kidnapped by river pirates six months ago, Alanah Adams has taken special care to avoid drawing attention to herself. Those living in the rough-and-tumble settlement of Cypress Creek might even think she’s addled. But when she stumbles into Caleb and his friends in Natchez, she appears to be the picture-perfect lady.

Caleb only catches glimpses of the mysterious and beautiful Alanah before she disappears. But a chance encounter with her at his brother’s logging camp near Cypress Creek leaves him uncomfortable at the thought of the young woman traversing the dangerous area alone. At a crossroads in his life, Caleb must decide whether he wants to give up the worldly adventures he’s been seeking for one closer to home.

The Promise of Breeze Hill, Book 1

Natchez, MS; 1791
Anxious for his brothers to join him on the rugged frontier along the Mississippi River, Connor O’Shea has no choice but to indenture himself as a carpenter in exchange for their passage from Ireland. But when he’s sold to Isabella Bartholomew of Breeze Hill Plantation, Connor fears he’ll repeat past mistakes and vows not to be tempted by the lovely lady.

The responsibilities of running Breeze Hill have fallen on Isabella’s shoulders after her brother was found dead in the swamps along the Natchez Trace and a suspicious fire devastated their crops, almost destroyed their home, and left her father seriously injured. Even with Connor’s help, Isabella fears she’ll lose her family’s plantation. Despite her growing feelings for the handsome Irish carpenter, she seriously considers accepting her wealthy and influential neighbor’s proposal of marriage.

Soon, though, Connor realizes someone is out to eliminate the Bartholomew family. Can he set aside his own feelings to keep Isabella safe?

The Road to Magnolia Glen, Book 2

1792, Natchez Trace, MS
Bitter since his eldest brother abandoned their family in Ireland, Quinn O’Shea travels to Natchez, Mississippi, ready to shuck the weight of his duty and set off on an adventure of his own. It’s time Connor, as head of the family, took responsibility for their younger siblings. While aboard ship, a run-in with three Irish sisters lands Quinn in the role of reluctant savior. Though it may delay his plans, he cannot abandon the Young sisters, especially the tenacious yet kind Kiera.

Upon arriving in the colonies, Kiera Young prepares to meet her intended and begin her new life. But she soon discovers the marriage her brother-in-law arranged was never meant to be, and a far more sinister deal was negotiated for her and her sisters.

Quinn offers to escort his charges safely to Breeze Hill Plantation and his brother’s care, fully intending to seek his freedom elsewhere. But the longer he remains, the greater his feelings toward Kiera grow and the more he comes to realize true freedom might be found in sacrifice.

About the Author

CBA Bestselling author PAM HILLMAN was born and raised on a dairy farm in Mississippi and spent her teenage years perched on the seat of a tractor raking hay. In those days, her daddy couldn’t afford two cab tractors with air conditioning and a radio, so Pam drove an Allis Chalmers 110. Even when her daddy asked her if she wanted to bale hay, she told him she didn’t mind raking. Raking hay doesn’t take much thought so Pam spent her time working on her tan and making up stories in her head.

Celebrate Dad today!

Posted on June 1, 2019June 16, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Troday is Father’s Day. A day to celebrate fathers and all they do. We should do this everyday! Dads give everyday to us. At least mine does. I treasure and adore him.

I am one lucky girl to have the amazing dad that I do. He is compassionate, intelligent, loving, faithful, generous, respected, and so much more than words could ever describe. A giant in faith he is a true son of God. Best of all, he came into our lives about a decade after my daddy was called home to be with the Lord. Dad voluntarily stepped into the role of “Dad” for me and my sister whole-heartedly.

God, our Heavenly Father, is so good and knows what we need, when we need it. He put Dad in our lives to help heal that broken spot that was ripped open when Daddy died. Dad has been a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and grandfather. God used a bad situation for good. I am forever grateful.

Sure there are times I still miss my Daddy. All girls need their daddies. I was just twelve years old.

I also miss both of my grandfathers, too. My paternal grandfather, Granddaddy, and I were particularly close. I was the first born on that side, and yes, spoiled rotten. Today isn’t about tears and missing them. It is about the good memories of the time we had together. The promise of seeing them again in Heaven. It is a time to be thankful.

So, I am. Thankful for all of the men in my family. For the grandfathers, fathers, my hubby, uncles, son, son-in-law, brother, brother-in-law, nephews, and cousins. You are appreciated and loved even though you may not hear the words.

Happy Father’s Day especially to you, Dad! I love you and am grateful you are in my life. To the other patriarch in our family, Uncle Gale, ditto to you! To my husband, son, and son-in-law, thank you for taking care of me and our family. I am blessed to have Christian men leading my family.

Father’s Day should be a day to rejoice, appreciate, be glad, and love. Enjoy your day! Don’t forget to spend time with our Heavenly Father, too. Tell Him how much you appreciate Him. After all, He is the perfect Father.

On a Summer Tide by Suzanne Woods Fisher Celebrate Lit Book Tour

Posted on June 1, 2019May 31, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Thank you for joining the book tour for On a Summer Tide by Suzanne Woods Fisher. The author has included a recipe for readers and there is a giveaway to enter. I hope you enjoy reading about this fantastic book and author and don’t forget to enter to win!

My Thoughts

Suzanne Woods Fisher is a masterful storyteller regardless of the genre she writes. On a Summer Tide is a Christian contemporary romance that begins a new series. It is a book about family, especially sisters. Anyone with a sister knows that relationship is like no other. It is about hope, reconciliation, forgiveness, and honesty. This is a captivating, inspiring Christian fiction that is extraordinarily beautiful.

Ms. Fisher has a unique writing style. All of her character have personalities and stay true to them throughout the book. There is no flip flopping. Her storyline has been well researched and is authentic in every way – from surroundings to people to language. I felt as though I opened the book and stepped onto a small Maine island with a new family.

With her superior writing, the author had me invested immediately. The characters felt realistic and soon began transferring their feelings to me. They were are easy to engage with and the pages flew by.

There is a lot of baggage that each sister carries and my heart went out to them. Their father was adorable. The Christian message was touching and true to life. This is a book that grabs readers with its genuineness. It gives many things to ponder after reading it.

The romance is sweet but light. It’s there, but it isn’t a major part. This is more of a family relationship book. I loved it!

I highly recommend this to anyone that enjoys contemporary fiction. Author Fisher has a mesmerizing way of tell a tale. This one was so hard to put down until I had finished it. I rated it 5 out of 5 stars. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit, but I was under no obligation to provide a review. These are my own, honest thoughts.

About the Book

Book: On a Summer Tide

Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher

Genre: Christian Fiction Romance

Release Date: April 30, 2019

Sometimes love hurts—and sometimes it can heal in the most unexpected way.

Camden Grayson loves her challenging career, but the rest of her life could use some improvement. “Moving on” is Cam’s mantra. But there’s a difference, her two sisters insist, between one who moves on . . . and one who keeps moving.

Cam’s full-throttle life skids to a stop when her father buys a remote island off the coast of Maine. Paul Grayson has a dream to breathe new life into the island—a dream that includes reuniting his estranged daughters. Certain Dad has lost his mind, the three sisters rush to the island. To Cam’s surprise, the slow pace of island life appeals to her, along with the locals—and one in particular. Seth Walker, the scruffy island schoolteacher harbors more than a few surprises.

With On a Summer Tide, bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher begins a brand-new contemporary romance series that is sure to delight her fans and draw new ones.

Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Author

Suzanne Woods Fisher is an award-winning, bestselling author of more than thirty books, including Mending Fences, as well as the Nantucket Legacy, Amish Beginnings, The Bishop’s Family, and The Inn at Eagle Hill series, among other novels. She is also the author of several nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace and The Heart of the Amish. She lives in California. Learn more at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com and follow Suzanne on Facebook @SuzanneWoodsFisherAuthor and Twitter @suzannewfisher.

More from Suzanne

Oh-So-Maine Blueberry Buckle

Summer in Maine means plump, tart blueberries are everywhere. Here’s a family recipe that is nearly fool-proof….and so delicious! Especially with a scoop or two with vanilla ice cream.

Ever wonder how it got the name Blueberry Buckle? While the batter rises as it bakes, but the blueberries and crumb topping weigh it down. This causes the surface of the cake to buckle…hence the name.

Batter:

¾ cup sugar

¼ cup soft butter

1 egg

½ cup milk

2 cups sifted flour

½ teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons baking powder

2 cups drained blueberries

Crumb Topping:

½ cup sugar

½ cup flour

½ teaspoon cinnamon

¼ cup softened butter

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Mix sugar and butter with egg. Stir in milk Sift together and stir in flour, baking powder and salt. Carefully blend in blueberries. Put on topping before baking. Pour in a greased and floured 9” square pan.

Bake 45-50 minutes.

Blog Stops

Just the Write Escape, May 23

The Avid Reader, May 23

The Power of Words, May 23

Blessed & Bookish, May 23

The Morning Chapter, May 24

Blogging With Carol, May 24

Carpe Diem, May 24

Cultivating Us, May 24

Godly Book Reviews, May 25

Stephanie’s Life of Determination, May 25

Mary Hake, May 25

For Him and my Family, May 25

C Jane Read, May 26

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 26

Blossoms and Blessings, May 26

Daysong Reflections, May 26

Lighthouse Academy, May 27

Reader’s Cozy Corner, May 27

Empower Moms, May 27

Remembrancy, May 27

Wishful Endings, May 28

Simple Harvest Reads, May 28

Spoken from the Heart, May 28

SusanLovesBooks, May 28

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 29

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, May 29

Chas Ray’ Book Nerd Corner, May 29

Hallie Reads, May 29

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, May 30

Maureen’s Musings, May 30

Library Lady’s Kit Lit, May 30

Inspiration Clothesline, May 30

Living Life Free in Christ, May 31

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 31

Pause for Tales, May 31

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, June 1

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 1

A Reader’s Brain, June 1

Through the Fire Blogs, June 2

Have A Wonderful Day, June 2

Southern Gal Loves to Read, June 2

Quiet Quilter, June 3

2014 and Beyond, June 3

By The Book, June 3

She Lives to Read, June 4

Texas Book-aholic, June 4

janicesbookreviews, June 4

Jeanette’s Thoughts, June 4

Christian Chick’s Thoughts, June 5

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, June 5

Inklings and notions, June 5

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Suzanne is giving away a grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

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/e540/on-a-summer-tide-celebration-tour-giveaway

The Pages of Her Life Celebrate Lit Book Tour and Giveaway

Posted on May 31, 2019May 26, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Today is my stop on “The Pages of Her Life” Book Tour and Giveaway by Celebrate Lit. We will discuss the book, hear about the author, other stops, and the giveaway. Don’t forget to sign up. You can’t win if you don’t register.

My Thoughts

This is the first book that I have read by author James L. Rubart, but it will not be the last. He has a writing style that is easy to read and difficult to stop. Once I started this book I could not quit reading it until I had finished it. It captured me within the first few pages and held me until the end.

There is no romance but plenty of intrigue, inspiration, mystery in this drama by author Rubart. He makes readers ponder “who am I, really” in this beautifully crafted tale. Are we really the same person that people think we are? That we think we are?

This is the story of brother, Parker, and sister, Allison. They grapple with life, the memory of their father, and taking care of their mother. The author has done a delightful job in creating these two. I was equally invested in their lives. At times I wanted to swoop in and chat with Allison. We had big differences in beliefs a few times.

She has a journal as many of us do. However, what would you do if your words were changed after you had written them? This is what is happening in her journal. (Now see why I could not but this exceptional book down?)

There are twist and turns galore in this novel. It is a Christian fiction with God and faith woven masterfully throughout the entire book. The life lessons are timely and relevant. They deal with faith, trusting God’s leading, honesty with yourself, forgiveness, hope, contentment, and family. This is a God honoring book leading readers to the truth that God’s voice is really the only one of which we need to listen.

I highly recommend this book. It has a section of Discussion Questions at the back, so Book Clubs will be delighted with this find. Men and women alike will undoubtedly love it. It receives 5 out of 5 stars from me. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit but was under no obligation to write a review. These are my honest thoughts.

About the Book

Book: The Pages of Her Life

Author: James L. Rubart

Genre: Christian fiction – suspense

Release Date: May 21, 2019

Award-winning and bestselling author James L. Rubart explores the way our memories shape us . . . and how they affect our beliefs.

Allison Moore has no idea why she got out of her car on that rainy March afternoon and picked up the soaked journal laying on the side of the road. Brought it home. But she did. It was empty. Except for two lines scrawled in the front, too washed out to read. And a Jesus emblem inside the back cover. Something about the journal compels her to start writing in it, capturing thoughts about her newly acquired job that she thought would be heaven, but has turned into hell. Then one day, she finds words in the center of the journal. Words she didn’t write: Mene mene tekel upharsin. After her heart stops hammering, Allison Googles the phrase, and reads the story of Belshazzar’s Feast, where a hand from God writes on the wall, and the king is slain. Fear grips her, certain God is coming after her for what she did twelve years back. What she’s done wrong her whole life. She vows to make things right. Then she discovers more phrases appearing underneath each of her journal entries. Those phrases take her on an emotional roller coaster that forces her to look at everything she believes about her past in a new light, and opens her eyes to a supernatural realm of staggering consequence.

About the Author

James L. Rubart is a professional marketer and speaker. He is the author of the best-selling novel Rooms as well as Book of Days, The Chair, Soul’s Gate, Memory’s Door, and Spirit Bridge. He lives with his wife and sons in the Pacific Northwest. Website: www.jameslrubart.comTwitter: @jameslrubart Facebook: JamesLRubart

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, May 21

Spoken from the Heart, May 22

Godly Book Reviews, May 23

Genesis 5020, May 23

Bigreadersite, May 24

Simple Harvest Reads, May 24

Through the Fire Blogs, May 25

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 25

Tell Tale Book Reviews, May 26

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, May 27

amandainpa, May 27

All-of-a-kind Mom, May 28

Hallie Reads, May 28

Reader’s Cozy Corner, May 29

Reflections From My Bookshelves, May 30

Ashley’s Bookshelf, May 30

Inspired by fiction, May 31

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, May 31

Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, June 1

For Him and My Family, June 2

janicesbookreviews, June 2

Maureen’s Musings, June 3

Inklings and notions , June 3

Mary Hake, June 4

Texas Book-aholic, June 4

Retrospective Spines, June 5

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 5

Christian Author, J.E. Grace, June 6

Blogging With Carol, June 7

Just the Write Escape, June 7

For The Love of Books, June 8

Remembrancy, June 8

All 4 and About Books, June 9

Livin’ Lit, June 9

A Reader’s Brain, June 10

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, James is giving away a finished copy of The Pages of Her Life!!

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/e4f2/the-pages-of-her-life-celebration-tour-giveaway

Gardening, Harvesting, and a Recipe

Posted on May 30, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Summer is here. It is a beautiful season! Already it’s hot in Southern Indiana. Are you ready to begin planting flowers or have you done that? Do you like to garden, too?

Gardening is something that soothes me. Nurturing seeds and seedlings into plants is relaxing and produces resulting that can be seen. The plants yield vegetables, fragrant herbs, or beautiful flowers. I love it all. Do you? My grandparents on both sides gardened and it is in my blood.

Of course, it takes care to get the desired results. I can’t just scatter the seeds and hope everything works. Seeds must be carefully planted and watered. Fertilizing or feeding helps give the plants nourishment to grow strong. I will want to protect them from things seeking to destroy them by eating them. Here we not only have bugs but critters like bunnies, groundhogs, and even deer that like to munch on tender young plants. Most importantly, they will also need sun. That will be beyond my control. When the little seeds have everything they need, voila, we are rewarded with plants.

A couple of years ago I purchased yellow squash seeds. I love yellow squash and have many recipes. The seeds went in the ground and I made certain they had everything they needed to thrive. I watered, fertilized, watched, and waited. The seeds sprouted into three tiny plants. Wow, I was happy. They continued to grow and finally the yellow blossoms appeared.

Yellow squash dishes ran through my head for what would be first. Would I have enough to share with others? Yes, more blossoms formed. I was excited. Finally the flower turned into a vegetable. Oh, no. A green zucchini! The seeds had been mispackaged. We like zucchini, but not three more plants worth when one had been planted.

My lesson was you reap what you sow. I thought I was planting yellow squash but really all along had zucchini seeds. I had a harvest of something I hadn’t anticipated. Even though I thought I was doing everything right, one thing at the beginning spoiled everything.

How true is this in areas of our life? We think we are doing something and put forth all of our energy to it. When it is finished we find we were off track and are reaping something we had not expected? It can be accidental like the seeds. Someone else tripped me on that one. Perhaps it is known but at the time it doesn’t seem like a big deal. Ignoring someone in a store or not inviting someone to your party might seem innocent, but what happens later?

Maybe we think our children aren’t watching how we treat some people, and grow up to mistreat them because we did. Our work habits are excessive to provide for our family and now our family has no time for us. Watch carefully what you sow so you don’t reap something unexpected.