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!

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.

HeartWings Devotional by Joyce Graves, Caryl McAdoo, Nyla Kay Wilkerson, and twenty seven other Co-Hearts

Posted on July 30, 2018July 30, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Today I am thrilled to introduce you to Heart“wings” Devotional, Volume 1, a collection of devotions by Heart“wings” Blog Co-Hearts. There are thirty contributing authors and I am honored to be included in that number. Have you heard of the Christian women’s group on Facebook named Heart“wings” – a women’s fellowship? It is a wonderful God centered group founded by Joyce Graves, and as the group grew an additional companion group page was added called Heart”wings” – our readers’ nook. These pages or groups provide places for prayer requests, sister support, book reviews, author support, blogs, and other fine things. It offers prayer support and gives God glory for giving our heart wings to soar. “As His daughters, we use our ‘wings’ of love to make a difference.” I am one of the Heart“wings” sisters and Co-Hearts, which are the bloggers.

Recently our co-administrator Caryl McAdoo, undertook the monumental task of compiling Heart“wings” first devotional from our daily blogs. It is a beautiful red and white paperback of 281 pages. Within these many pages are over one hundred messages to help readers deepen their walk with God. Women from all ages, walks of life, and locations make up the blog team ministry. There are bloggers, authors, pastors, retired nurses, teachers and many more. The devotions written are personal, transparent, and true. They were written for encouragement and inspiration by women who love God wholeheartedly.

Each weekday has its own theme in the blog. Likewise our devotional is divided into Monday Memories & Ministries, Tuesday Testimonies, Wednesday Words, Thursday Thanks, and Friday Fellowship & Focus. The messages are as varied as the Co-Hearts, but each includes scripture and questions to ponder. After all of the messages is a listing of the Co-Hearts, complete with a short bio and picture.

Of course, I loved this fabulous book. It came from the group that has blessed me in more ways than I could tell you right now. The prayer support is immeasurable and floods Heaven for those in need. Often I have requested it for myself or a loved one. At times a blog seemed like it was custom written for me. Just what I needed to read on just the right day is never a coincidence. Instead of giving the author credit, I knew it was God using her as a vessel, and I thanked Him. The Co-Heart listened to Him and was able to use her “wings” to help me and countless others.

I hope you will give this inspiring devotional a try and then find that your time with Jesus deepens. It would make a lovely gift for a woman of any age. The topics and messages are relevant. They are meant to uplift, enlighten, educate, and some even to entertain. These devotions were written by women for women. Most importantly these were meant to bring Glory to God. Let me know what you think after you read it. Maybe you will be moved so much you will be led to write a devotion yourself. Please check out Heart“wings” on Facebook and message me, Joyce, Caryl, or Becky if you would like to join our sisterhood.

Joyce – https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009154950239

Caryl – https://www.facebook.com/caryl.mcadoo?ref=br_rs

or Becky – https://www.facebook.com/lelandandbecky

https://www.facebook.com/HeartWingsMinistry/

$14.99 at Amazon, released 7/24/18

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1720871272

http://www.heartwingsblog.com/

Find a Book Friday: Unafraid by Carey Scott

Posted on July 27, 2018July 18, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Let me ask you a personal question. How authentic are you? Perhaps being authentic and allowing people to know the real you is frightening. If so, this will be a book that you will enjoy. I certainly did. At times I felt like it was written just for me. Other times I would nod my head knowingly in understanding having traveling that road. Whether you are a reformed scaredy cat or struggling to find your footing, this book is a mind opening, thought provoking, helpful book taking biblical wisdom.

“Unafraid – Be you. Be authentic. Find the grit and grace to shine.” by author Carey Scott is a delightfully encouraging book by Barbour Publishing, Inc. This 256 page paperback was filled to the brim with inspiration and words to ponder long after the book has been finished. It is a book I will keep around to share with others or read again when I need it.

This is an extremely well written book. It was well thought, planned and organized. The author’s style of writing is nice and easy to read as well as understand. I felt like I was chatting with a new friend over coffee. It was lovely to read some of the thoughts and ideas shared. The author did her research and uses Biblical truths for encouragement and teaching. For me that is crucial for any Christian book, fiction and non-fiction.

This book was extremely uplifting and inspired me to persevere, trust My Heavenly Father’s direction, and be the person I was created to be. Failures happen and it is best to learn from them instead of sweep them under the rug. The most important thing I took from this book was to be myself. Don’t be afraid to be myself, to be authentic. If I am having a good day, share the joy. If I am having a bad day, don’t brood but don’t say everything is just fine.

Practical tips and tricks that can be applied are presented. These are jewels that you will use now and want to share with friends. This is a helpful book that would make a fabulous book club read. Even if you just gather a few friends for some positive reinforcement, read this book together and discuss it. You will be enriched.

I highly recommend this terrific book. Five out of five stars were gladly given for the rating. Anyone or group would benefit from the wisdom, biblical teachings, and encouragement gleaned from it. A copy was provided by Barbour Publishing for my honest review.

Read a Book Monday: The Hope Jar, a 5 Star Read

Posted on July 23, 2018July 22, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Do you read to feed your mind just as you eat to feed your body? Most people read but like we often eat we don’t consider the “nutritional contents” in reading. Today I have a book that will nourish your mind. No junk food in it at all. It is a clean Christian Amish novel that is engaging, thought provoking, provides information, inspiration, and even recipes. Are you interested? Great, I will tell you more.

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New York Times Best Selling author Wanda Brunstetter has penned a new series entitles The Prayer Jars. Book One, The Hope Jar, is a delightful 311 pages that will transport readers between the modern Englisch world and modern Amish world. The book is much different than any other I have read by author Brunstetter. Her writing style hasn’t changed but the story and information given has. This book was extremely well thought, planned, and organized as well as well written.

The book centers around an elderly Amish couple, two twenty something young women, and two young men. Many tough topics are tackled in this fiction work. Things in which we can all relate are presented in these pages such as family issues, parental rules, teenage and young adult disobedience, death, deceit, lies, abuse, dishonesty, betrayal, and someone struggling with faith. It would be an injustice to divulge much about the plot. Reading it and discovering this delightful story on one’s own is much better.

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The characters are lovely and some despicable. The author does a great job defining them and rounding them so that we come to love or really dislike them. I became invested in their lives and emotions. Certain situations were relatable either first hand or through a friend. Dialog flows smoothly and some Amish words are slipped in with definition. Readers will learn a few Amish or Pennsylvania Deutsch words by the end of this book. Much information on the Amish is provided. It would be the perfect book for someone wanting to know the what’s and why’s of Amish life.

After the story, readers will be delighted to find recipes that were mentioned in the story. As a bonus there are discussion questions for book clubs or if you want to dig a bit deeper yourself. Author information, a listing of all of the author’s works and a sneak peak at the cover of Book Two, The Forgiving Jar close out this book.

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Definitely I recommend for a variety of reasons. It provides information some readers may not currently know about Amish, farm life, and scripture. Topics broached are tough, real life issues, and someone might need help with their situation. Recipes used or discussed in a book and then given are a favorite thing of mine, and this book follows through with that. Don’t tease me. If you are going to tempt me with making a delicious dish, then please share the recipe. The life lessons and inspirational lessons are phenomenal. Rating this book a 5 out of 5 star is warranted. This reader is eagerly awaiting Book Two. A few of author Brunstetter’s works have been turned into plays. I for one am hoping for a movie next.

A copy of The Hope Jar was provided by Barbour Publishing for my honest opinion. I can and will give no other.

Find a Book Friday: River to Redemption by Ann Gabhart

Posted on July 20, 2018July 20, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

River to Redemption was magnificent. From the beginning pages I was enthralled. Dishes piled up, chores went undone, but I could not put this masterpiece down. I loved most everything about it. Set in Springfield, Kentucky during 1833 the author tackles commoners’ views on slavery and abolition. The fiction tale is rich with history, beginning with the tragic cholera epidemic. Women’s rights, attire, and what society deemed proper were at times unbelievable, but rang true to stories I had heard from my grandmother who was raised in Kentucky.

The characters, both main and secondary, are fabulous. We first meet seven year Adria Starr and quickly it is twelve years later and she is a young lady. Adria is a feisty southern young lady with a mind of her own and a huge heart. Two young men are after her hand, but Adria has many things on her mind as well as in her heart. Prim and proper Ruth is a character that like Adria lost family to cholera. They become a family out of necessity. A new young minister comes and with him good instruction on praying.

Louis is the slave that rescues Adria at the beginning of the book and helps the entire town of Springfield. His faith is as strong as his big heart. His master is an old man and when he becomes ill things look grim for Louis. Aunt Tilda is a sassy cook that brings life and laughter to the book. She was one of my favorites along with a well-meaning match-making widow. There are even more characters, some lovable and others not.

Everyone is thrown together through tragedy and need. Faith in God and believing in prayer sustains them and they thrive. There are bumps and bruises along the way, but that is true to life. The absence of a pet was disappointing for me, but I loved that the characters baked a lot. The author described the cakes, breads, and pies so that I could almost smell the cinnamon.

Author Gabhart has written a beautiful, captivating tale of love, disappointment, hope, loss, faith, freedom, and family. There are so many inspirational messages in this book. For me, that is the mark of a good Christian book. This one had that and more. Scripture, encouragement, life lessons, issues from the past and present are all found within these 319 pages. It is full of emotion and thought provoking subjects. In fact, it is so delightful I hate to give away any of the story. You will revel in discovering it for yourself.

I very highly recommend this charming book. In fact, I devoured it in one sitting. You will be entertained, educated, encouraged, and enlightened. There are no study questions at the back, but like I often say, this would be a nice book club selection. It would be nice to have someone to chat over coffee about this page-turner. I rated it 5 out of 5 stars only because I couldn’t figure out how to squeeze one more out to make it 6. This should win awards and yes, be made into a Hallmark movie. A copy was provided by Revell for my honest review.

Read a Book Monday: As the Tide Comes In by Cindy & Erin Woodsmall

Posted on July 16, 2018July 14, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Have you ever read a book that is hauntingly beautiful? It is emotional, unbelievable yet believable, and has a multitude of twists and turns in it. These types of books are ones that keep you reading and provide food for thought. As the Tide Comes In by authors Cindy Woodsmall and Erin Woodsmall is a Christian novel unlike any I have read. It is a contemporary Southern tale that softly took my hand to lead me into its story. Within a few pages its grip tightened until I was unable to turn loose of this powerful book until I had finished it. It held me tightly. I experienced this book which is much better than merely reading it.

In this exceptionally well written, well thought, and well planned book, the characters are so artfully crafted that they come alive on the pages. The same with the scenes. It felt like I was watching a movie play out before my eyes. Yes, this book would make a wonderful movie! The sights and sounds were spot on. The authors did not over elaborate or bore, but they gave just the right amount. Perfect wording to pick a reader up from a chair and magically transport her (in my case) in to her pages. Dialog between characters flowed smoothly which is crucial for me in books. Not only did I make new friends, but I could put myself in the place of the book’s heroine, Tara. I felt her entire gambit of emotions and at times I was in tears. Only an expertly written book could make that happen.

Opening with an eighteen year old Tara, As the Tide Comes In tells her story. She is contacted by her younger half-brothers’ grandmother, a favorite secondary character for me. Things quickly move ahead twelve years in the future. It is also the story of Firefighter Gavin and his four mothers. Yes, I said four mothers. There are twists and turns, heartbreaking moments, inspiration, encouragement, mystery, and intrigue. No more details. You really must read this fabulous book.

It would be a disservice to disclose much about this amazing book in a review. It should be savored and relished on its own. Trust me when I tell you the authors do a great job writing a story that captivates, teaches, and inspires. It brings glory to God. This is a tale of faith, hope, trust, love, forgiveness, struggle, and triumph. Character, overcoming crisis, family, and loss are topics tackled with finesse. There are so many life lessons in this 339 page book.

If you or your book club are looking for a great book, this is it. You will want to discuss it with someone because of how stirring it is. I highly recommend it and can only hope to see it on the big screen or television one day. Five out of five stars are gladly given. Don’t miss this experience.

Minding the Light by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Posted on July 13, 2018July 12, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Welcome to the Minding the Light tour with Celebrate Lit. I am thrilled you found my stop. Minding the Light by author Suzanne Woods Fisher is an intricate, beautiful, touching historical tale filled with emotion and inspiration. History buffs will swoon over this jam packed detailed story that was so expertly researched. Readers that like to learn about different sects will enjoy hearing about Quakers. Romance readers will get their fix, too. Yes, this is a book for everyone. Minding the Light is Book Two in author Fisher’s Nantucket Legacy series, but it could easily be read as a stand alone. However, you won’t want to miss Book One which was spectacular, too. Definitely read them both.

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This is the story of dashing sea captain Reynolds “Ren” Macy. Six years ago, Ren sailed out leaving his bride in pursuit of whale oil. Unfortunately he returns home to grief, but there are also surprises. The road ahead is difficult for Ren, and it will cost him quite a lot. However, the transformation he made throughout this book was downright inspiring to anyone of any time period.

It is also the story of Daphne. She is the heroine, a strong, compassionate Quaker, who happens to be engaged to Ren’s cousin and business partner. Daphne faces hypocrisy among peers, friends, and elders. However, she remains steady and true to herself and her beliefs. A great romance is told here. Her character is extremely relatable and likable. She quickly became my friend and I was invested in her life. It takes a great writer to pen a good friend.

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Another character is Mary Coffin Starbucks. We become acquainted with her through her journal entries in this novel. While Mary Coffin Starbuck is a real person, her journal was completely made up for this story. Mary was an important figure in Nantucket history. It is interesting seeing the island’s earliest days through her eyes. I loved the journal even though I knew it was fiction.

Besides the main storyline there were subplots that were fascinating, also. This book has a lot of things going on in it. It is extremely well written, well researched, and well planned. I adore reading historical books where I glean things from them. This was a treasure trove for me. Besides the facts about Nantucket there was a wealth of information about Quakers, too.

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Author Fisher has a delightful writing style that brings her well described characters to life. Her descriptive wording transported me to Nantucket to a time and place I had never been. I could almost hear the sounds of the ocean and smell the salty air. The dialog between characters flowed effortlessly and was one of my favorite parts of the books. It was fascinating reading well known surnames throughout the book. This is a book that was hard to put down until the end!

In this captivating novel, I was given food for thought. Things to think about long after I had finished the last page. How do I handle adversity and disappointment? Is my faith strong enough? The author made me realize that we all deal with issues no matter in what era we are born. Hypocrisy has been around since the beginning of time and romantic problems will always exist along with disappointment and bad decision making. We all sin and fall short of how we hope to live, but Jesus is always there to guide us. The Lighthouse shining the way. He is the true Light of the World. My favorite thing for a Christian novel is to have a Christian message. This one gets an A+ for that.

I highly recommend Minding the Light for anyone that enjoys historical Christian romance. This was a wonderful book. You won’t be disappointed. It would really be a great book club read because there are so many things to discuss. It definitely gets a 5 out of 5 star rating.

Please read the sections below. There is a giveaway and some really neat facts about Nantucket provided by our gifted author. Thanks for stopping by. I hope you will return.

Thanks to CelebrateLit for making it possible to read and review this beautiful story.

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About the Book

Book Title: Minding the Light

Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher

Genre: Historical Romance

Release date: July 3, 2018

FIsher_MindingtheLight(2) Six long years ago, Captain Reynolds Macy sailed away from his bride, looking forward to the day when he would return to Nantucket Island with a ship’s hold full of whale oil. But when that momentous day finally arrives, Ren soon discovers that everything has changed in his absence. Everything. “Is nothing on this island as it appears to be?” he whispers in despair.

Unlike most islanders, bold and spirited Daphne Coffin doesn’t defer to Ren as an authoritative whalemaster, but sees through his aloofness to the aching heart beneath. She encourages him to return to his Quaker roots and “mind the Light,” finding solace in God and community. As Ren becomes the man she believes him to be–honorable, wise, faithful–she finds herself falling in love with him.

But how can she, when her heart is spoken for? Tristram Macy is Ren’s business partner, cousin, and best friend–and Daphne’s fiancé. Love always comes at a cost, but when is the price too high?

Suzanne Woods Fisher welcomes readers back to the Quaker community on Nantucket Island for this riveting love story, full of unexpected moments.

About the Author

Carol-award winner Suzanne Woods Fisher writes untold stories about inspiring people. With over one million copies of her books sold worldwide, she is the bestselling author of fiction and non-fiction, ranging from Amish Peace: Simple Wisdom for a Complicated World to the historical novel Anna’s Crossing.

Guest Post from Suzanne

8 Curious Facts you Probably Didn’t Know about Nantucket Island

This beautiful island, thirty miles off Cape Cod, is steeped in history. Here are just a few interesting reasons to add a visit to Nantucket to your bucket list.

1) During the first half of the nineteenth century, Nantucket was considered to be the wealthiest port in the world…all because of whale oil.

2) Petticoat Row is a 19th century nickname for a portion of Centre Street between Main Street and Broad Street. Many shops on Nantucket were run by women while the men were off to sea in whaling ships for years at a time. Quakerism, with its emphasis on equality, provided working women with community respect, value and esteem. The next time you’re visiting Nantucket, be sure to stop by the Petticoat Row Bakery for a morning glory muffin.

3) The use of laudanum (opium) was described by a visiting French as prevalent among the women of Nantucket. Loyal Nantucketers vehemently denied his claim. However, in the 1980s, construction workers digging to Nantucket’s sewer lines found heaps of opium bottles buried in the ground.

For centuries, laudanum was considered to be not only harmless but beneficial. Its very name in Latin is landare, which means to praise. Other names for it: Mother’s Helper (to sedate children), Sea Calm (for seasickness). It was used for all kinds of ailments, from sleeplessness to menstrual cramps to treatment of chronic pain, and available without prescription up until the twentieth century, when it was found to be highly addictive.

4) Nantucket Cent Schools were a carryover from England and the cost was exactly what the name implied. In New England they were kept by refined, thrifty women who often taught their own or their neighbors’ children until they were old enough to enter schools of a higher grade. I came across a story of a boy whose mother stuck a penny in his mouth each day so that he would remember to pay the teacher.

5) Moby Dick, written by Herman Melville in 1851, was based on a true-life event that occurred in 1820 to the Nantucket whaleship Essex and her crew. You can find out more about this ill-fated voyage if you visit Nantucket’s awesome whaling museum.

6) Speaking of…the whaling museum on Nantucket Island is called the Peter Foulger Whaling Museum. Peter Foulger was one of the early settlers to the island, and could be considered a Renaissance Man: inventor, surveyor, teacher, missionary to the Wampanoag Indians. And his grandson was none other than Benjamin Franklin.

7) Nantucketers were, for the most part, related to each other in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. The prosperous island was settled by a small group of families, with less than a dozen surnames: Coffin, Macy, Starbuck, Bunker, Hussey, Gardner, Mayhew, Swain, Barnard, Coleman, Worth, Mitchell. Those names are still common on the island.

8) There’s a good reason those surnames sound familiar to you—many of those early settlers had descendants who started business empires. Recognize these? Macy (retailer) and Folger (coffee).

Blog Stops

Carpe Diem, July 3

Livin Lit, July 3

midnightbookaholic, July 3

The Avid Reader, July 4

Margaret Kazmierczak, July 4

The Power of Words, July 4

A Baker’s Perspective, July 5

Blossoms and Blessings, July 5

A Reader’s Brain, July 5

Just the Write Escape, July 6

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, July 6

Bibliophile Reviews, July 7

Mary Hake, July 7

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 7

Texas Book-aholic, July 8

Simple Harvest Reads, July 8 (Guest post from Mindy Houng)

Janices book reviews, July 9

Captive Dreams Window, July 9

Book by Book, July 9

Back Porch Reads, July 10

Reading Is My SuperPower, July 10

Splashes of Joy, July 10

The Morning Chapter, July 11

Vicky Sluiter, July 11

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, July 11

Among the Reads, July 12

proud to be an autism mom, July 12

Two Points of Interest, July 12

Abbas Prayer Warrior Princess, July 13

Tell Tale Book Reviews, July 13

Blogging With Carol, July 13

Truth and Grace Writing and Life Coaching, July 14

Maureen’s Musings, July 14

Southern Gal Loves to Read, July 14

Godly Book Reviews, July 15

Inklings and notions, July 15

Bigreadersite, July 15

Connie’s History Classroom , July 16

Locks, Hooks and Books, July 16

Pause for Tales, July 16

Have A Wonderful Day, July 16

Giveaway

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To celebrate her tour, Suzanne is giving away a $10 Starbucks gift card to five winners!!

Be sure to leave a comment on one of the blog stops for 9 extra entries into the giveaway. Click link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/d1c4/minding-the-light-celebration-tour-giveaway

Read a Book Monday: The House at Saltwater Point

Posted on July 9, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

The House at Saltwater Point written by Hoosier author Colleen Coble is quite a captivating read. If you are in the mood for a sweet little bit of romance fluff, you’d better save this one for later. There is no fluff about this. It is a powerful suspense, mystery that is action packed. Although this is Book Two in her Lavender Falls Series, it could be read as a stand alone. Book one was just as breathtaking so I would encourage you to read it, too.

This is the story of Ellie Blackmore. Ellie buys houses and flips them, and she is quite happy doing it. The next project is her dream house and she plans on keeping it. Her sister, MacKenzie, turns up missing. Ellie learns unpleasant things about her sister. There are blood stains on MacKenzie’s boat. It is unknown if she is missing or dead.

We also meet Coast Guard investigator Grayson Bradshaw. He comes to investigate missing drugs and suspects MacKenzie. Things happen and he learns shocking and surprising news about his own life. Wow. This book keeps your interest and is hard to put down.

The author has a variety of secondary as well as her main characters in this book. Each one is well defined, has believable characteristics, and interacts well with the others. Dialog flows smoothly. The plot has been well thought, right down to mind blowing twists and turns that are so unexpected. The writing is so well executed that I felt as though I was there. I felt the emotions and saw what was happening like in a movie. Only a gifted wordsmith is able to transform words on a page to my surroundings and author Coble does it every time.

If you like international intrigue, mystery, action, terrorism suspense, danger, family secrets, With a little romance, this is the book for you. It has a light handed sprinkling of inspiration and scriptural content. Ellie struggles with letting God handle things in her life. That in itself is a great life lesson we all have faced at one point. I wish it had a heavier dose of it. It is still a fantastic book. I definitely recommend this captivating, don’t put me down until you are finished book. I rated it 5 out of 5 stars.