Shadow Sister by Katherine Scott Jones

Posted on September 10, 2018September 10, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Shadow Sister is the first novel by author Katherine Scott Jones that I have had the pleasure of reading. It was a haunting story that has stayed with me long after finishing it. Filled with family, suspense, secrets, love, hope, grace, and redemption. It is beautifully written and unlike anything I have read. Shadow Sister is a 365 page Christian Fiction packed with intrigue, sadness, and grief, but there is the element of forgiveness and reassurance of God’s love and the importance of family.

Author Jones alternates between past and present, tenses, and people in the telling of this inspiring story. It took me a few chapters to become invested, but then I was all in. The characters were described so well that they came to life on the pages. I have never been to Bolivia but feel like I have now. The author has a descriptive writing style that is engaging.

This is the tale of two close sisters, Jenna and Sarah Lanning. Misunderstandings drove them apart. The emotions transferred from the characters to me, and I was saddened. The mystery that kept me reading was what could do this to sisters. Unfortunately family disagreements and grudges go back to Bible times.

Jenna was part of a Christian organization that helps people in third-world countries get clean, water, something Americans take for granted. In Bolivia she encounters superstitions, harsh conditions, injustice, and creepy crawlers. After some tragic news Sarah goes to Bolivia.

I really liked the Christian element and inspiration in this book. If a book is classified as Christian I don’t want it lightly sprinkling it. Give me a heavy handed dose. This book did. Encouraging me to draw closer to God and help others was a result of reading this. Valuing family even more and realizing the preciousness of time spent together stuck with me.

Yes, I would definitely recommend this book. The subject matter and descriptions seem to me better suited for older teens and adults. Parts of the book were hard for me to read, realistic as they might be. I rated it 4 out of 5 stars and will definitely be reading more from this author.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book from the author through CelebrateLit Tours. I was not required to write a positive review. The review and opinions are my own honest ones.

About the Book

Working on her father’s vineyard allows Sarah Lanning to bury memories of a lost love and a career that might have been. But then her fractured family receives word that her estranged sister, Jenna, is dead, leaving behind an unexpected request: that Sarah travel to Bolivia to scatter her ashes. Accompanied by pilot Chase Maddox, Sarah embarks on an Andean journey that tests her devotion to home and exposes Jenna’s secret life. Each staggering discovery creates new mysteries—until the last, which leaves Sarah questioning everything she understood about family loyalty. At a crossroads, she must decide whether truth is worth the cost of forgiveness—and whether she can lay claim to a future of happiness without it.

Purchase your copy here: Amazon: Shadow Sister * Christian Book Distributor: Shadow Sister

Giveaway:

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To celebrate her tour, Katherine is giving away a grand prize that includes a personalized signed print copy of the book, a Shadow Sister bookmark, a Frame-able print, Book-lover’s tea, 6 Handcrafted notecards, and a set of vineyard-themed playing cards!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/d25f/shadow-sister-celebration-tour-giveaway

About the Author

Katherine Scott Jones grew up in cities on every U.S. coast and overseas as her family moved with her father’s Navy career. Seattle became home when she married her husband twenty-eight years ago. After graduating Whitworth University with a degree in communications, she established herself as a freelance writer before turning her hand to fiction. She blogs about books that celebrate beauty at www.katherinescottjones.com. Katherine and her husband have two teenage children. Shadow Sister is her second novel.

Connect with Katherine here: Website

Guest Post from Katherine Scott Jones

Shadow Sister: Outtake Reel

By Katherine Scott Jones

Much as I love a good movie, my favorite part often comes at the end when the director includes outtakes—those false starts and bits from the making of the movie that wind up on the cutting room floor.

In a similar vein, I’m going to let you in on some of what went into the creation of my novel, Shadow Sister, but did not make the final cut.

Shadow Sister is a work of inspirational women’s fiction with a global accent—written for women with a heart for complex relational issues as well as a passion for biblical justice. It is the story of a vintner’s daughter who travels to Bolivia to scatter her estranged sister’s ashes. There, she unravels secrets that test her devotion to home and make her question whether truth is worth the cost of forgiveness. Shadow Sister explores the mysteries of the human heart and the bond of unquenchable love.

Now that you know a bit about what it is, come along as I pull back the curtain and share an exclusive peek at what Shadow Sister is not.

Working Titles

It took me a while to finally land on the right title. Early contenders:

– The Sweetness of Light

– Variations on Shadows and Light.

Characters

It also took a bit of experimenting before I found the right combination of people and places:

– Sarah, the main character, was originally a marine biologist. I first imagined the story set in Seattle before moving it to the fertile plains of Eastern Washington wine country.

– Sarah was originally engaged; and Chase and Rachael were involved.

– The gender of Matilde’s baby changed from what I first plotted. That simple switch got me unstuck from a perplexing snag of writer’s block.

– Names:

o Nicole, Stasi, Rees, and Stephen were all main-character names I considered and rejected.

o Little sister Sarah and big sister Jenna began as litter sister Jenna and big sister Kate. Then Jenna became Somer and finally Sarah, while Kate became Jenna.

o Sassy Britches is named after an actual racehorse by the same name.

Unused research

Of course, story exploration turned up far more tidbits of interesting info than I could possibly fit into the pages of a novel! Some of what I wished I could have used…

– Bolivian fun facts

o Customs.

Bolivians tend to eat outdoors when it is not raining. Many men do not feel comfortable eating in front of strangers, so they will often face a wall or sit hunched over their food when they are eating in public.
Cha’lla is a ritual blessing drawn from Catholic tradition, indigenous religious ceremony, or—typically—a combination of both. Performed by a yatiri (spiritual leader) or Catholic priest, a cha’lla ceremony is performed whenever a new building is finished to ensure future peace in that building.
Many Bolivians believe in karisirus, or night phantoms. These harmful spirits catch people out after dark or when they’re sleeping. Legend says that they split their victim’s stomach and extract some of the fat.

o Drinks. While the traditional Bolivian beverages api and mate de coca are featured in Shadow Sister, several others are not:

refresco (fruit juice with a dried peach at the bottom of the glass)
tostada (a mixture of barley, honey, cloves in water)
chicha (homemade corn beer)
singani (made from grapes, a cross between wine and whiskey)

o Language. Spanish, Aymara, and Quechua are Bolivia’s three national languages, and they differ from each other greatly. For example, the number one in Spanish = uno, Aymara = ma, Quechua = hoq.

– Quotes:

o On wine: “Wine is sunlight held together by water.” ~ Galileo

o On art: “Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.” ~ Thomas Merton

I hope this glimpse into what didn’t make it onto the pages of Shadow Sister piques your interest for discovering what finally did!

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, September 4

Carpe Diem, September 4

Reflections From My Bookshelves, September 5

The Power of Words, September 5

Among the Reads, September 5

Fiction Aficionado, September 6

The Becca Files, September 6

RebekahsQuill, September 7

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, September 7

Bigreadersite, September 7

Just the Write Escape, September 8

Jennifer Sienes: Where Crisis and Christ Collide, September 8

Bibliophile Reviews, September 9

Living Life Free in Christ, September 9

Inspirationally Ever After, September 10

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, September 10

Texas Book-aholic, September 11

Livin Lit, September 11

Janices book reviews, September 12

Remembrancy, September 12

All-of-a-kind Mom, September 13

Inklings and notions, September 13

The Midnight Bookaholic, September 14

Pause for Tales, September 14

The Mimosa Blossom, September 14

Kelly Harrel, September 15

Two Points of Interest, September 15

A Baker’s Perspective, September 16

proud to be an autism mom, September 16

Godly Book Reviews, September 17

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 17

Find a Book Friday: Ours for a Season by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Posted on August 31, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

If you are like me, you enjoy reading novels about different times, places, and ways of life. These fiction books provide information, and I always learn something. In author Kim Vogel Sawyer’s Ours for a Season, I was taken into a small part of the Old Order Mennonite world. It is part Amish but with a modern touch. In this novel, you will find a lot more depth than a normal fiction book. This is not your typical Amish or Mennonite story. It deals with real life issues in heavy doses. Anyone will be captivated with it.

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In Ours for a Season we meet Old Order Mennonite husband and wife, Anthony and Marty Hirschler. They are part of a small close knit community in Pine Hill, Indiana. They have lost a child and have not been able to have any other children. Doctors have confirmed they will not have any others. Each deal with this loss in a different way. Anthony pours himself into his construction business. Marty is battling depression and yearns for a child. She struggles with living in a community where children are so important as are large families. Their marriage is a bit rocky.

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Brooke Spalding, is a childhood friend and reconnects with Marty. She offers the Hirschlers an opportunity to get away from Indiana which they hope will mend their fragile relationship. Brooke has ulterior motives. This journey is a roller coaster one filled with twist and turns, mystery, faith, intrigue, action, hope, and love.

All of the characters in this exceptional book are so well conceived. It is easy to become invested in their lives. They come alive on the pages. The author has done a wonderful job with tackling so many issues we face in today’s life. Tough, heartbreaking issues. The message of redemption, trusting and turning to God is in the forefront of this hauntingly beautiful, power story. There is no confusion about whether or not this is a Christian novel. It absolutely is.

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I completely loved this emotionally charged story. It pulled, not tugged, on my heartstrings more than a few times. The author has done an exemplary job in researching, planning, and writing this novel. Her talent is evident in this “do not stop reading me” book. It drew me in within the first few chapters and I was hooked. Completely hooked.

This is a definitely yes, 5 star recommended book from me. With the issues broached I would lean toward teenagers and up as it might be too much for tweens to handle. The storyline is too good to share any more and ruin experiencing it for yourself. As I read this page turner, I kept saying WOW. Yes, it is a wow read that you need to experience yourself. Then find sometime to discuss it. Maybe a reading group. 54641D6B-7A59-4296-B104-CBFB182CC7DE

Must Read Monday: Daily Question for You & Your Child

Posted on August 27, 2018August 24, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

The Daily Question for You and Your Child by Waterbrook is a delightful daily journal for parent and child. This hardcover book has a place on its cute cover for a picture. The cover is designed so that both girls and boys may use it. While older kids will enjoy the questions, the cover will be a bit juvenile for them.

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Waterbrook has given customers a three year journal to mark the growth of children. Each date has a specific question along with places for three answers. One for each of three years. Parents with three children can adjust to include all three children in one book with replacing names for years.

It is a great interactive book. Questions include “What is your favorite thing God has created?” “What is your favorite shirt and why?” These are simple questions that would receive different answers as children grow and mature. It would make a nice keepsake for when the child has grown with a family of their own.

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Journals become a chore after a few weeks, but this one certainly has potential to stay the course. Questions could be asked before nightly prayers or at the dinner table. Even parents could get in on the discussion to aid in kids opening up more.

This book would make a great gift. As I stated earlier, it would make a treasured keepsake, too. Pick up two so that you could present a completed one and blank one to a mother or father-to-be. Grandparents would benefit from quality time discussing these questions, too. Parents would, too. Don’t all children need to spend time with their parents and grandparents talking about God?

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I highly recommend this for anyone with kiddos. The age is so widespread and depends on the person answering. I rated it a 5 out of 5 stars because I love sentimental, nostalgic things. Completed it would be a treasured book in this Gram’s library.

I received a complimentary copy from WaterbrookMultnomah. Opinions are my own, honest ones.

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Find a Book Friday: The Patriot Bride

Posted on August 24, 2018August 22, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Are you a lover of historical Christian fiction? When I say historical, I mean historical. Think founding fathers of this great nation of ours and you will be in the right mindset. The Patriot Bride by author Kimberley Woodhouse is a 256 pages Historical Christian Romance Fiction that follows the first three books in the Daughters of the Mayflower series. It opens with a family tree of the Mayflower Brides. I loved that. A visual cuts down on confusion especially with this being book four.

The Patriot Bride is the tale of Faith Jackson, a wealthy widow. Faith grew up following George Washington around wherever he went. Orphaned when she was a young girl, George was Faith’s caretaker. George becomes a protective big brother to Faith throughout the years. This is also the story of Matthew Weber, a friend of George’s. His mentor happens to be Benjamin Franklin, which livens things up in this book. Author Woodhouse has made Franklin’s character quite funny as he was said to be in real life.

This book is a true delight! It has adventure, intrigue, espionage , romance, history, and an inspirational message. All of this packed into one fabulous tale. Author Woodhouse has done her research impeccably. Her novel is well written with descriptions that sent me to the 1770’s. She detailed the daily struggles and trials people faced as well as the forthcoming war.

The characters are engaging, charming and relatable. Their interactions are smooth and authentic. The story contains other characters besides George Washington and Ben Franklin from history such as William Franklin and Paul Revere. They do not have as major roles as the former. Of course, we must not forget the ladies. They have Bible studies or readings in their elaborate homes. Dressed in beautiful silk gowns, sipping tea, with lovely manners, these same gracious ladies run out into the night on to carry messages to spies. I wanted to have tea, study the Bible, and chat with these brave, beautiful spitfires.

Inspirational messages and encouragement are woven throughout this tale. Praying, trusting in God, and having faith are among them. Waiting on God’s perfect timing and not jumping ahead on our own is one that will resonate with many. The author has done a nice job planning and organizing this storyline to include life lessons and spiritual ones.

I was drawn into this fascinating book within a few pages and did not want to stop reading. The Patriot Bride is a novel I highly recommend. The characters become friends, the setting is so well written you will think you have been to Boston during the 1770’s, the messages are still timely for today, and the history is plentiful right down to the Declaration of Independence. I happily rate this 5 out of 5 stars. Pick up a copy for yourself. If you like history and being swept away in a book, you will love this!

I Wish I Had or I’m Glad I Did

Posted on August 22, 2018August 21, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

I wish I had…. How many times have we all started a sentence with those four little words? I wish I had gone to see her. Perhaps, I wish I had said or even had not said that. The list of “I wish” is endless unfortunately.

A few days ago a friend died. It was unexpected for most everyone. I listened to mourners and read tributes from so many people. The majority of people started theirs with “I wish”. “I wish I had called him instead of texted that morning.” “I wish I had told him I loved him the last time I saw him.” “I wish I had taken more time to talk when he called.”

Cliche as it might sound, maybe it is time to give up the wishes and regrets. It is time to live life doing those things. There is a song that talks about “Live Like You are Dying”. What if we lived like our family and friends were instead? Would we treat them differently? Yes, I certainly would.

My words would be much more thoughtful and kind. I would definitely consider others’ feelings and needs. All of the things I wanted to say would get said. There are things I have learned thatI would share. It would be a priority to discuss Jesus and salvation. How will I know if I don’t ask?

Do they know that in times of sorrow, Jesus is my comfort. He is my strength. In Psalm 46:1, the Bible tells us “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” This is so true. I cannot make it a day without Him. He shelters and strengthens me. I draw my peace from Him.

John 14:27 gives us Jesus’ assurance that “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” This is the “peace that passes understanding” that we sang about in Sunday school. A pure peace is given to us by Jesus when things are in chaos.

Scripture says “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” That is my goal. To make certain my family and friends have one of those mansions. It has already been bought and paid for by Jesus. All I can do is give them the good news and pray they accept the keys.

No more wishing for me. It is time for action. Live each day purposefully. Say the “I love you” and “thank you”. Make the phone call. Take the time. Go to lunch. Share the love. Talk about Jesus. Say goodbye to “I wish I had” and hello to “I’m glad I did.”

What are your I wish sentences that turn into regrets instead of sweet memories? How about doing something now instead being disappointed later?

There is a Time for Everything

Posted on August 15, 2018August 4, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

In the Bible it says there is a time to be born and a time to die. Scripture goes on to list other things that have an appointed hour to occur. Some people like schedules and having thing happen at an appointed time. Children need to go to bed on a routine, school always starts the same unless it is a snow day, and even pets know when it is time to eat. We all have a set way and sequence of how we like our day to go. Don’t we?

I was sound asleep in the wee hours of the morning the other night when something abruptly awakened me. A vaguely familiar rattle, that in my stupor I could not place, sounded by my ear and something furry slide over my cheek. A mouse! It was in my bed at 3:18 a.m. So I did what most wives would do, I screamed for my hubby to help.

He wakes up, or tries to, and turns on the bedside lamp. The small white mouse is found under my pillow. It is the cat’s toy. The culprit of this untimely prank is sitting beside the bed smirking and sweetly meows as if it is 3:00 p.m. instead of the dead of night. My husband is not amused and has declared a new nickname for our Siamese, Jesse, of which I will spare you. I reach down and pet my troublemaker. “Jesse, your timing is off. You need to wait.” I calmly instruct with a yawn. With that knowledge he bids me goodnight by meowing and trots off with his mouse.

We adopted Jesse from a Rescue Organization and have been blessed by him. He and our dog, also a rescue, get along wonderfully. Jesse has learned to trust us and knows that we will protect and care for him. He is a bit on the eccentric side and is the first cat I’ve ever had that was afraid of storms. Most times he seeks me out only to be followed a minute later by a loud crash of thunder. He wants to be comforted in the storm.

Aren’t we all somewhat like my little playful cat? He wanted to play earlier and I was going to bed so I told him to wait. Jesse did not want to wait so he took matters in his own hands, or paws, and tried to force my timing. I was aggravated, of course, but still love him just the same. The next morning Jesse came running with his prize and this time I played. It was the right time.

Doesn’t this sound a bit like how we are with God sometimes? We ask Him for something in prayer and hear yes, no, or wait. Yes is easy to hear and obey. The other two answers are a lot harder. So then, what do we usually do? Take matters in our own paws. It is hard to do, but I am learning to wait and be patient.

When we try to rush ahead, God will still love us, but He probably is not pleased with us. He might reprimand us and then later say yes at the perfect time. Like I am for Jesse, God is always there to provide shelter in our storms no matter what I’ve done. He is faithful and will never fail us.

When was the last time God said not yet to your prayer and you patiently waited? How did you accomplish this?

Instructions are Definitely Required

Posted on August 8, 2018August 1, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Are you a do-it-yourself type of person that can read an instruction guide and voila make or fix something? Many people are, but some try it without the instruction. On the very important, difficult tasks even they take a peek or two at directions to make certain they are on the path.

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Have you ever changed cell phones? Most of us have a number of times. Hopefully you are much better at it than I am. Teenagers never seem troubled by this harrowing experience. They have been taught the finer points of electronics since they were mere babes. For this lady of above thirty-nine (plus, plus….) years, it is difficult at best.

My last experience appeared like it would be easier. I bought the same brand of phone just a newer style and model. Wrong! Even asking a family member for assistance and calling the help line, I needed an instruction manual. Those babies are hard to come by nowadays.

If I don’t know what to do I want to be able to grab some instructions. They are written by the experts and usually the person that made or created whatever I might be using or trying to make myself. Things become clearer in black and white before my eyes. Does it work like that for you?

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Our Creator has written us an instruction manual. It’s called the Bible. Any question about life is answered there. I find it amazing and beyond words that the Bible contains everything we need. Family relations are covered. Finances are, too. Day to day life, how we should live and speak are discussed and given direction. Have questions on marriage? Yes, the Bible speaks on it. Children and parents, of course, they are included. Even taxes are mentioned.

Major things we need to know are given a lot of attention and repeated instruction. Relationships – “love your neighbor as yourself. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” The way to Heaven – “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.” God – “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.”

Going back to our kiddos and teens knowing so much about technology because they have been taught, why not give them more instruction on scripture? Technology won’t help them get to Heaven but scripture will. If our young people knew as much about the Bible as they did about cell phones, tablets, and video games, can you even imagine the world?

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I love reading the Bible. Even though I have read it many times, I will still glean something new each time. What about you? Do you pick up a tidbit each time? Don’t try to do life without instructions. Make it easier on yourself and those around you. Pick up and share God’s Word.

Who shared the Bible with you? Who can you share it with?

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Must Read Monday: The Fashion Designer by Nancy Moser

Posted on August 6, 2018August 2, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

The Fashion Designer by author Nancy Moser is Book Two following The Pattern Artist. Even though it is a sequel it could be read as a stand alone because the author provides enough information about prior events to allow readers to follow along easily. This historical Christian fiction focuses on not only fashion but women’s rights, inspiration, faith, and character.

This book has been extremely well researched by author Moser. It is well planned, organized, and well thought. The novel is packed with historical details. Detailed descriptions of the time period and place took me right there. It was as if I had left my porch swing and was transported back in time to New York City in 1912 when women were still fighting for our rights.

The characters are well rounded and defined. The heroine, Annie, wants to design clothing that the normal, everyday woman can afford. Even more scandalously she has plans to make a maternity line for those expecting. This was definitely an eye opening experience reading about how much things have changed.

Faith is sprinkled throughout “The Fashion Designer”. Some characters walk the Christian Walk and it is evident. Others hide their light or not know God. The main characters discuss their faith, pray, have faith and trust God. It is inspiring and encouraging in many parts.

Some tough issues are broached in this book. Issues that unfortunately woman have always struggled with such as domestic abuse, marital issues, pregnancy problems, rape, and self esteem. It was difficult to read how a husband treated his wife, but I am certain worse things actually happen. For some people these topics might really hit close to home so they should be aware of this content. There are definitely adult situations in this book. Things such as smoking, drinking, rape, abuse, and losing one’s virginity should encourage you to steer younger readers away from this book.

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This was a delightful, emotional tale of a time period I knew little about before but have learned much since reading this book. I enjoyed the author’s style and characters. The faith and inspiration were wonderful. The adult themes were a bit too dark for this reader, but I would imagine it was true to life. Everything is not always sunshine and puppies in the read world so why should we expect that of our books?

Book One, The Pattern Artist, was a wonderful story, too. Both books may be read as stand alone, but together they make a powerful tale. This is a redemption story. A second chances can happen tale. It isn’t a fluffy light chicklet book, but a heavy dose of ponder on this long after you’ve finished it book. It is haunting in parts. This is a book most women would enjoy reading in a book club so that they could discuss it. It isn’t a light romance. This is a heavy thought provoking inspirational book. I highly recommend it and rated it 4 out of 5 stars. A copy was provided by Barbour for my honest opinion.

Find a Book Friday: My Heart Belongs in Galveston, Texas – Madeline’s Search

Posted on August 3, 2018August 1, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Have you ever been to Galveston, Texas before and seen all of the sights? Before you say yes, let me continue….in the year 1880? That is a place in time none of us have ever been, but after reading this novel we will all feel as if we had. That, my friends, is the result of a good book. My Heart Belongs in Galveston, Texas – Madeline’s Search by author Kathleen Y’Barbo is 256 pages of Christian fiction that will pick you up and take you on a journey to 1880 Texas. You will be in the heart of action, mystery, intrigue, and even romance.

Author Kathleen Y’Barbo has a unique style of writing, and I find it to be to my taste. Her descriptions are on point and characters are well defined. The dialog is plentiful and flowed easily between characters. That makes a book more interesting for me. The story had been researched well so that each detail would put me in 1880 Galveston. I learned some things which I find to be a bonus in historical books. It is always a treat to glean knowledge while reading for pleasure. Don’t you agree?

This is the tale of Pinkerton Agent Jonah Cahill and investigative reporter Madeline Latour. Jonah is employed by Mrs. Smith to find her granddaughter. Madeline is the illusive Mrs. Smith’s traveling companion in hopes of obtaining the story of a lifetime, an exclusive first hand account about this woman and all of her secrets. Jonah normally travels alone while working, but Mrs. Smith insists that she and Madeline accompany him in his search for her granddaughter. Who could refuse Mrs. Smith? Certainly not Jonah.

In this book a secret about Madeline and Jonah is revealed. It adds an extra layer of tension and conflict which heightens readers interest and kept me invested in their lives. This novel have something for everyone – intrigue, mystery, secrets, romance, twists, life lessons, and encouragement. I found lost treasures, lost loves, and a wealth of historical information.

I would recommend this book. It is a delightful historical Christian mystery romance. There is something for everyone within its pages. Read it in a group or with friends so that you could discuss the “can you believe that just happened” moments. It turns into quite the page turner after reading a few chapters. I rated it a 4 out of 5 stars.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. These are my own honest opinions.

Vacations are Nice, but I Yearn for Home

Posted on August 2, 2018August 1, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Have you been on vacation this year? Most people take an annual vacation and often more than one. Some people have a favorite spot to visit each year while others enjoy seeing new places. Me, I like both. Seeing new places is great. The sights, experiences, and tastes of somewhere I have never before been is an exciting adventure. A new treasure could be awaiting me there.

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My favorite getaway is a cabin high in the Smokey Mountains with my family for the week. I could handle that vacation at least once a year and probably more. The majesty of God’s beautiful mountains take my breath away each time we drive to Gatlinburg. Like a child I become excited when I see a chipmunk, raccoon, or bear off of the cabin’s deck while having coffee in the morning.

After vacation, there’s no place like home

Vacation, an extended period of recreation spent away from home or in traveling, is nice for a time, but after it is over it is nice to be home. Like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz emotionally repeats “there’s no place like home” and I agree. No matter how good vacation has been, we are always happy to be home when it is over.

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My maternal grandmother often would tell me “you know, this old world is not our home.” That was confusing to a child, but the older I got the more she explained. Finally I understood. Mammaw was talking about Heaven. She would tell me her soul longed for “home” and to be with loved ones there. When she spoke of Heaven it was beautiful and biblical.

“In Heaven there will be no sickness or pain, no tears, and affliction. We will be whole with perfect bodies.” She would laugh when I asked what we would do all day for eternity. “Probably the same things we do now only better” she would brightly say and break out in song “This world is not my home, I’m just a passing through. My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue….”

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What about you? Do you ever feel like you are waiting to go home? This world, like a vacation, is nice for a while, but your heart is yearning for someplace better. It is homesick. I know I am. Vacations are wonderful. This world is a nice place, too, but Heaven is our home. Our Father is there. Jesus is there. Our family should be, too. We have a home there.

Gather your treasures and pack for your trip home. What will you take? There aren’t a lot of things allowed. The main thing on your list should be loved ones. Make sure you have shared Jesus and His salvation with your family and friends. You will want to see them after your vacation or theirs.

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“For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.” Hebrews 13:14

“In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” John 14:2-3