Chatting with Author, Illustrator SE Foster…..You’re Never Too Old to Color

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It is my pleasure to chat with author, illustrator SE Foster today.  Previously she sent me copies of her coloring journals.  What lovely products!  If you are not into coloring or journaling, I would encourage you to try both and start with hers.  I loved them.  
Her journal coloring books are such a delightful change from the other tedious intricate designs with minuscule parts in them.  Often I start those and become discouraged that I won’t be able to finish, so I give up.  These are different, doable.  The pictures are larger and very pretty.  The scripture and journal questions provide food for thought.  While reflecting I was able to color, pray, and write down thoughts.  The author has designed well organized, thought, beautiful books.
 
I highly recommend her beautiful journal/coloring books.   The format is easy to use and would be great for any age whether a beginner or seasoned pro.  It would make a fantastic gift for camp.  I give it a 5 out of 5 stars.  Now let’s chat a minute with the creator of them.
Hi Shannon!  Tell us about the type of book you write?
Okay, I write and illustrate books in the Christian/Spiritual Genre that are coloring journals.  I wanted to offer more than just a coloring book and thought the scriptures reflection and journal prompts would make a nice addition and maybe set it apart from other coloring books on the market.
I totally agree and see a great potential for these.  Women’s groups, youth groups, camps.  I could go on about them, but let’s learn about you.  Do you have a job in addition to writing?
Yes, I do.  When I am not writing, painting, drawing or making jewelry I teach water aerobics at the local YWCA for 2 hours a day Monday-Friday.
Wow!  You are a busy lady.  Tell us your story of how you came to be published.
My first book came to be after I started drawing flowers for the 100 Days Project that is popular on Instagram. One particular day I was having trouble uploading my daily sketch to Instragram and decided to post it on my Facebook page instead. One of my author friends said I should make a coloring book. I, of course, told her “no I don’t think I could do that”.
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Well, I for one am glad you did.  Your newest book is a bit different from your first.
Yes, my second book is called Coloring Through the Seasons with God: 12 month Prayer Journal with Coloring Pages.  I published my first Prayer Journal with Coloring pages in July of 2017 and around September the idea came to me to do a 12 month one instead of a 30 day one like the first book.
How long did it take you to create this book?
To be honest I am not entirely sure how long this one took as I didn’t keep track as closely as I did with my first book. My first book took well over 300 hours. I sketched out each floral element and word and then inked them onto tracing paper. Then scanned those into my computer and I turned them into vecotor images.  After cleaning them up I was finally able to place them in the document to create the pdf file to upload. My second book the pages were drawn entirely on my Ipad Pro that I purchased with proceeds from the local sales of my first book. That eliminated so much of the work as I could drawn an entire page and then send it to my computer to be put into the file to be uploaded and published.
Yes, much more efficient.  Is this dedicated to anyone?8260A270-E084-4707-9DC8-4308455C8E05
I dedicated both of my books to my husband. He allows me to do the things I love and be creative. The ladies in my weekly bible study groups were also instrumental in the process of both books and I acknowledged them as well.
Shannon, when did God first call you into this ministry?
I felt the nudge from God to make my first coloring book in April of 2017.  My initial response was no as was my response to the second and third nudge. Finally after the fourth nudge I took the plunge and started creating my first book at the end of April 2017 and published on July 6, 2017.
It falls in place when God has His hand on it, doesn’t it?  How quickly did doors open for you?
Well, I haven’t had many doors open for me. I do have copies of my book in a local Christian Book store.  I have been researching and praying for guidance on what to do next to get my book out there to those who need it.
Did God send you an answer?
In February 2018 I had sent my book to an author who spoke at our local ISI Women’s Conference for her to review. She loved the book and wanted to send me a proposal to work with her on promoting my book. I knew that there was no way I could afford her so I told her not to waste her time sending me something I knew I couldn’t do. She then asked me what I could afford. I told her (it wasn’t much as we had to put a roof on our house in March and had taxes to pay in April).

“I prayed specifically”

She asked me to pray about it and let her know. So the next day while I was teaching water aerobics, I told one of my friends about the conversation.  I said that I was going to pray about it and I was going to be very specific. “Ok God” I was going to say, “IF I am supposed to work with this woman the money for the fee is going to have to come from sales in my Etsy shop or I won’t be able to do it.”  I went home and said that exact prayer before bed. When I woke up in the morning there had been a $45 sale. Later that day a $152 sale, and then the entire amount was there within about 12 days from when I offered my prayer to God.  With pleasure I have started working with her and am very hopeful about what will come of our time together.
God is so good!
Tell us a few of your favorites:
Book:     Gone with The Wind
Color:    Purple and Teal (again just can’t pick one)
Food:     Cheesecake
Smell:    Lily of the Valley
Animal:  Elephant
Hymn:    It is well with my Soul
Song:     Fear is a Liar by Zach Williams
Drink:     Diet Ginger Ale
Candy:   Lily’s Sugar free Salted Almond Dark Chocolate bar.
Movie:   That is a tie between Gone with the Wind and Brigadoon
Place:    The foothill mountains in Colorado by Boulder.
Chocolate or Vanilla: Both and Strawberry.  Neapolitan is my favorite flavor.
Coffee?  Cream, cocoa powder and Stevia
Scripture:      Be Strong and Let Your Heart Take Courage ~Psalm 27:14
What would be your dream vacation:  A trip with my two sisters.
Destination and mode of travel:   I would love to fly to Ireland, France, Italy, Scotland, and Sweden( I have a pen pal there from when I was in 7th or 8th grade).
Favorite hymn of SE Foster
Anything you want to leave the readers with today?
Yes, they may keep in touch with me or purchase my books using the following links:
Website
Facebook
Instagram
@s.e.foster.author
Links to purchase signed copies of both books
A Stroke with God
Amazon
Barns and Noble
Coloring Through the Seasons with God
Amazon
Thank you very much, Shannon, for this lovely time.

Read a Book Monday: The Hawaiian Discovery by Wanda & Jean Brunstetter

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     If you like tropical locations, Hawaii, and Amish then I have a fabulous novel for you.  Tropical Amish sounds like I misspoke, but no, this is accurate.  The Hawaiian Discovery is the second in author Wanda and Jean Brunstetter’s Hawaiian quilt series.  Even though it is Book Two, you could read it as a stand alone book.  However, I would encourage you to read book one because of the back story and just how great it was!
     This is the tale of best friends Mandy and Ellen.  It is set a few years after Book One, Amish Quilt.  97BD31E8-CD38-41F1-BEC9-3B8E00A801FAWe find Mandy and hubby running a Bed and Breakfast in Indiana.  Her best friend, Ellen works there along side her.  One day Mandy and her family receive word of a family emergency which causes them to need to quickly pick up and relocate to Hawaii.  Ellen jumps in requesting permission to go and help, too, when another crisis hits.  She receives permission and flies, on a plane, to Hawaii.  Oh the places you’ll go, Ellen!  Who could imagine Hawaiian Amish?  Wanda and Jean, of course!
     The girls and Ken, Mandy’s husband, all work on his family’s chicken farm.  There they meet Rob. Immediately sparks start to fly between Amish Ellen and Englischer Rob.  Rob carries a secret he does not want to share.  However, Mandy warns Ellen about Rob’s background.
     The authors do a lovely job with their descriptions.  The soft sounds and sights of Hawaii drew me in and I was ready to pack my bags right now.  Noises and unpleasant smells from the chicken farm descriptions were on point.  Yuck!  That would not be the job for this city girl.  My point is these authors know how to grab readers and transport them into a story.  I felt like I was there.  The characters were very authentic, well redescribed with flaws and all.  The storyline was well planned and flowed.  A few parts were predictable and some had twists and turns.  I was not disappointed.
     This book gave me a page or two to gently ease into to it and then, bam!  I could not put it down.  Yep, it is a definite page turner where you want to hurry and see what happens, but don’t want the book to end.  Oh, the problems we readers have with a good book.
     Many lessons can be gleaned from this sweet romance and the Amish.  It teaches readers to cast our cares on God, 4ED194A7-3C82-4201-AAFB-CFCD9494603Cto trust Him, and have faith.  Friendship is shown throughout this book.  Giving readers pause to reflect upon what kind of friend they are?  What would they do for a friend?  Do we pray with our friends?  Also, family and religious dynamics are explored.  What happens when you are away from the guidance of family?  How does it effect the family if you marry outside your (their) cultural beliefs?
     I enjoyed this book overall, but liked the Indiana more traditional Amish part of it better.  It is not your typical Amish novel which is reason enough to give it a try.  Just remember to go into it with an open mind.  Don’t expect the old Amish things in everything.  Expect some surprises.  See things through Ellen’s eyes and you will love it.  I rated this 5 out of 5 stars.  Certainly I would highly recommend it.  Anyone who loves Christian fiction, romance, or Hawaii will enjoy this book.  I. received a complimentary copy of it from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Find a Book Friday: I AM My Beloved by Caryl McAdoo

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Do you enjoy reading biblical fiction?  You know, stories about things written in the Bible?  Today on Find a Book Friday that is what I have found for you.  A biblical novel about people from the Old Testament.  Is it any good, you ask?  Well, I read it all in one setting!
Author Caryl McAdoo has written a biblical fiction entitled “I AM My Beloved”.  This 178 page book was easily devoured by me in one setting.  I was immediately drawn into the interesting story and could not put it down.  It is normal for author McAdoo’s to grab my attention and not let go.
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Author McAdoo’s writing style is graceful and flows smoothly.  Her characters are well defined and well rounded with attributes and flaws.  The descriptive writing style took me back to ancient days and places.  I felt like a visitor.
This is the tale of Solomon and Abishag.  She was a chaste wife married to King David and still a virgin after his death. Then she is summoned to be with the new King Solomon.  The book kept my attention but it is no action, adventure, big romance book. There are bedroom scenes when Abishag is sent in to be King David’s blanket by warming up a King whose failing heart cannot do the job.  However, there is nothing sexual about it. This is a sweet book that will help you grow in your journey with God.
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Abishag runs through a wide range and depth of emotions. The writing was so well done that I was taken with her, too.  My heart broke for Abishag often and then I was able to laugh and rejoice. It was interesting reading the story of Song of Solomon acted out in a novel. Author McAdoo is so creative, fun, and emotional in her writing of this story.  It gives it a breath of fresh air, although I did not agree with how everything was portrayed. It was captivating and hard to put down.
Definitely this book gets my recommendation.  If you like biblical fiction you will not want to miss this.  It is sweet yet gives you things to reflect upon during and after reading it.  Get a group together because this would be a nice book club selection.  I received a copy of this book from the author. I rated it 5 out of 5 stars.  The opinions and review are my own, honest ones.

Read a Book Monday: John David’s Calling by Caryl McAdoo

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     John David’s Calling by Texas author Caryl McAdoo is Book One in her new series The Revivalist. This is a 342 page Christian romance set in 1960s and 1970s Texas.  I was surprised it was classified as historical.  It took me one page to get drawn into this delightful story.  Author McAdoo does that effortlessly with her God honoring writing.
     This is the story of John David Nightingale.  His father and grandfather are both revivalist preachers.  Now he, too, is hearing that same calling for his life.  Both of his parents live in extremely different families.  One was mainstream, one was charismatic, and David was caught in the middle.  His sweetheart is Hannah, and she is ready for marriage.
     Author McAdoo tackles some tough issues head on in this book.  3DF577C3-ADA3-418B-8FBE-83D9EF7A27ACShe discusses religious differences among Christians, drugs, war, faith, trust, and love.  How about trying to make everyone happy?  Who hasn’t been in that situation before?  John David’s Calling is very inspiring and will encourage readers to think long after they have finished it.  Leaning on God is stressed, as is trusting in Him.
     The writing style of this author is so pleasing to me.  She always provides characters that you do not want to give up.  They are well defined and well rounded complete with flaws that they own.  Her descriptive text is on point and transported me to that time and place.  My emotions were all over the place along side the characters.  I was laughing and tearing up within a matter of pages.  That is the mark of a good author, giving me a roller coaster ride.  I read it fast to see what would happen next but didn’t want it to end!  Thankfully there is an entire series coming so I will not need to say farewell to these dear friends.
     I highly recommend this lovely, moving book for any and everyone.  It would be a great summer book and new series.  A book club would benefit from reading and discussing this.  There are plenty of issues to chat about here.  I gladly, freely give this a 5 out of 5 stars and eagerly await the next installment.  A copy was provided by the author but I was not obligated to write a review.  The opinions stated are my own, honest ones.
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Read a Book Monday: No Less Days by Amanda G. Stevens

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Do you enjoy something different when reading?   Perhaps you are tired of the usual stories or types.  Fear not because I have one that will cure your longing for something new and different.  No Less Days by author Amanda G. Stevens is a 320 page paperback Christian fiction that is listed in the Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Mystery & Suspense sections.  It is all that and more.  This is the first book by author Stevens I have read and I am so glad I was introduced to her.

This is the tale of David Galloway.   David is one hundred sixty seven years old but hasn’t aged past thirty-five.   He loves books, is a Man of God, flawed and makes mistakes, and is a soldier and defender. David lives a solitary life by his own choice, but is still extremely lonely.   He is on a quest to learn the reason God created him differently than all other human beings.  Miraculously David meets people who know him and are just like him only who know what’s happening.  He finds people who can help him. David realizes God may have directed these people to him when a secret is exposed.
The author has done an amazing job writing this novel.  It has been written totally from her character, David’s point of view.  She has a style that suits my taste well.  Her descriptions are detailed without becoming overlong and boring.  Characters are defined and well rounded.  They should and seem like real people, not characters.  The author doesn’t tie toe around difficult topics.  She deals with them head on in a Christian way.  The book has a heavy sprinkling of inspirational leadings, such as trust in God, lean on Him and His guidance, forgiveness, and faith.
There were some things that didn’t set well with me, but I have been called a prude.  I do not like it when couples in Christian books mention sleeping together out of marriage.  Certainly it happens a lot, but in a Christian novel our standards should be higher.  Other crass things and words should not be included either.  This is just my opinion.
I highly recommend this book.  Anyone who enjoys a well-written, faith filled, very different, contemporary novel would absolutely love this novel.  Read it with a friend or in a group.  Trust me, you will want to discuss it.  I give it a 4 out of 5 star rating.  I was given a copy of the book from Barbour Publishing.  This review is completely my own honest opinion.

Find a Book Friday: The Captured Bride

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Today’s Friday Find a Book is by a new to me author.  Michelle Griep is a wonderful storyteller.  Her book kept me up unto the wee hours reading.  I kept thinking, just one more chapter, but I could not quit.  I was too invested.  The story was much different than any I had read.  That made it really good.
“The Captured Bride” by author Michelle Griep is Book 3 in the Daughters of the Mayflower series.  Each book is written by a different author and tied in through generations.  This installment is a 256 page paperback historical romance with action, intrigue, and mystery.  Author Griep tossed in some twists and turns to keep readers turning those pages.  I did until I devoured the book in one setting.  It is that good!
This saga is the tale of Mercy Lytton, a scout with sharp vision.  She was was raised with Indians, the Mohawks.  It is also the story of Elias Dubois, a condemned traitor who is working both sides of the conflict.  These two need to work with each other so that a shipment of gold is delivered to the British. It is set in the colony of New York during the turbulent French and Indian War times.

Mercy Lytton is both Mohawk and white as well as very petite.  Elias DuBois has never seen a woman like her before. She is a famous, talented scout for the English with no humility.  At times she is a bit sassy and feisty.  Her first impression of Elias DuBois is not good.   Mercy Lytton considers him to be weak in body and spirit.has ever seen.  He has been severely beaten, condemned as a traitor, and only escapes hanging by joining an elaborate scheme that forces him and Mercy to work together.

The author has sprinkled inspirational messages throughout her novel.  Messages to trust a God, have faith in Him, and that He loves us are abundantly clear.  For me, that is of utmost importance in Christian Fiction.  The characters are well defined.  I knew exactly who they were, flaws and all.  They were well rounded and seemed like friends more than characters.  The book was well researched, the plot well done, and story well written.  Everything flowed seamlessly.  I truly enjoyed reading this and finding a new author.

The Captured Bride is a fantastic story.  It is built around a faith theme, has great romance, adventure, and history.  It is even a tale of war, with Indians.  I would highly recommend this book.  I rate it 5 out of 5 stars.  A copy was provided by Barbour Publishing but all opinions are my own, honest ones.

Amazon has an extended preview of this right now.
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Read a Book Monday: The Babylon Bee…How to Be a Perfect Christian

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Do you enjoy satire?  Personally, I don’t like it.  Most people would say I am an old stick in the mud but I don’t get satire, sarcasm or slapstick humor.  None of it sounds or looks funny to me, but as my Dad says, that’s why Baskin Robbins sells 31 flavors.  Not everyone likes the same thing.

Satire, like coffee, is an acquired taste.  When I was younger I could not stand the smell or taste of coffee.  1A79C5DC-C47C-4936-AEF9-E06519894B5AOh, but now I anticipate that first sip each morning.  Yum!  The Babylon Bee’s “How to Be a Perfect Christian, Your Comprehensive Guide to flawless spiritual living” is a hardback Christian Satire.  Some people will laugh out loud at that type of humor.

This 192 page book has ten chapters plus and introduction, conclusion, and acknowledgments.  There are charts galore to help illustrate the author’s cheeky point.  The chapters have interesting titles such as Joining the Right Church, Looking Really Spiritual Online, Crusading Against the Heathens, and Worshipping Like a Pro.  With titles like that you can imagine the content.

Reading this I went through a variety of thoughts and emotions, but isn’t that what a good book is supposed to do to its reader?  I was perplexed at points and then realized it was a joke.  What the book said to do was in fact what some people did that needed to be changed.  It was like a kid at school on Opposite Day.  This tongue in cheek book pokes fun at showy television evangelists and Christians in general.  It steps or stomps on toes of anyone that has done or thought of doing some of the things mentioned.

The thing that struck me the most and made the biggest impact was a phrase on the page before the Table of Contents.  It was just three words: FE29654A-B0C2-4E0E-AF1D-8D8E8AE4F59A.png Soli Deo gloria.  This is a Latin term meaning Glory to God alone.  Wow.  This book was essentially dedicated and written to the Glory of God.  It was not meant to poke fun at Him but at misguided people so I gave it a read.

Like I said earlier, satire is not for me, especially Christian satire.  It actually hurts my heart.  There are a lot of people unlike me that will really enjoy this book.  It was well written, organized well, and completely thought out to help.  Read with the right mind set it would be thoroughly enjoyed.  I would recommend it to anyone that enjoys this type of humor.  It would make a lively book club discussion.

DISCLAIMER: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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Read a Book Monday: The Pirate Bride by Kathleen Y’Barbo

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Let me ask you a question.  When you think of Christian novels do you ever imagine a book on pirates?  Me either.  Today’s blog will introduce you to one with a sassy heroine.  This is aptly titled “The Pirate Bride”, and I really enjoyed it.

“The Pirate Bride” by Kathleen Y’Barbo is Book Two in the Daughters of the Mayflower series.  Each book in this series published by Barbour is written by a different author which gives them each an unique perspective.  This Christian historical novel is set in 1725 and has action, adventure, faith, inspiration, romance, and family all rolled in it.  In this book, the main female character, Maribela, is the great-grandaughter of the main couple from Book One.  “The Pirate Bride” can easily be read as a stand alone or Book Two.C438C4E8-AB58-4AD2-BADC-912D1103E02B

Author Y’Barbo has done a fabulous job taking readers on a journey to the eighteenth century and the world of pirates or privateers as they prefer to be called.  Her book is extremely well written with a plot filled with twist and turns.  Doesn’t that make a book fun to read and hard to put down?  I think so.  The descriptions of the exotic places, people, and things were spot on.  Her characters were, well characters very colorful, with some being so lovable and others downright detestable.  They were are well defined and well rounded.
This is the tale of Mirabela Cordova.  She is a spunky young girl that was taken away from everything familiar after she is told that her mother and grandfather have died.  Her father tells her she must come and live with him.  That doesn’t damper her feistiness. Along the way,  Mirabela meets Captain Jean-Luc, leader of a pirate crew, and without giving away any spoilers let’s just say the two become buddies.  This storyline grabbed me when the ship took off and refused me let go.  I could not put it down. The plot twist are really good.  Referencing trusting God and keeping your faith are good lessons one wouldn’t expect in a pirate book.  I love Christian authors that always put God and faith in their books.  6A15551C-B7D4-414B-986E-76A35476CD61Lessons on revenge, lying, greed, and judging as well as love were in this book, too.  I learned things about the time, places, and pirates that I did not know.  It is inspiring, entertaining, and educational.
As much as I enjoyed this book, and I did, there were a few things that were unsettling or needed clarifying.  It felt as though too much was cut out in editing.  I would actually like to see a book 2.5 to finish this story, fill in the gaps, and give background on emotions.
It would make a great movie.  I wanted to cast parts as I devoured the book.  It is hard not to picture some things as we have seen them from movies or television shows.  The author did a fantastic job.  It is a wonderful, take me away read.  I would definitely recommend it and gladly rate it 5 out of 5 stars.

Read a Book Monday: “Begin Again: The Brave Practice of Releasing Hurt and Receiving Rest” by Leeana Tankersley

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Have you ever felt stuck in a rut?  Like you were getting no where fast or pain was your constant companion?  No, this isn’t an infomercial.  I just want to tell you about a book I recently read that helps release hurt and receive rest.  Now I have your attention.  Don’t I?

“Begin Again: The Brave Practice of Releasing Hurt & Receiving Rest” by author Leeana Tankersley is a 182 page Christian Living/Women book which is followed by Acknowledgments, Notes, and Author information.  The vividly colored cover with fuchsia colored flowers and large white lettering refuses to go unnoticed.  It drew me in and did not want to let go until the last page.  #pageturner

This is the first book I have read by author Tankersley, and I was very impressed.  Her style of writing is very much to my liking.  After reading a few pages it felt more like a chat.  I was talking with a friend about our problems and what needed done.  She was transparent about her challenges and life, but she didn’t linger over longer on them.  The book was well written, easy to understand, well researched and organized.  It had Scriptural references and was inspiring as well as encouraging.  I felt refreshed after reading it.  The author was genuine and to the point in her book.  She wanted to be helpful and was.  I gleaned things from “Begin Again”.  There was a feeling of hope.
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Based on a quote from St. Benedict,  “Always we begin again.”, this book was written as encouragement for readers to trust God and begin again when dealing with trials in life.  The author leads us to see God is with us every step of the way whether we are struggling with pain, day to day issues, marital problems or whatever the case might be.  God is still there as we begin again and helps us with that.  We are not alone and never stuck.  Always we may begin again.
The author provides practical, useful tips and information to assist readers that want to start afresh.  Her ideas are to get readers moving beyond the past and the hurt it carries.  Relying on God and His plans for our future help us start over. She advises to begin again with God directing your way.  None of us can do this on our own.  Author Tankersley also says we must realize we have a hurt or pain, whether emotional, mental, or physical.  Then we should call out for help.  Wow!  Easier said than done sometimes, but none of us can do all things alone.  So, the author encourages us to begin again by trusting God.  Recognizing there is pain and a problem that needs fixed is the starting point.  Then she explains we need to realize what we are dealing with can be enormous, as in a move, new job, new relationship, or as small as accepting where we are, without regret.  So we need to do the next tiny thing that moves us forward.
Readers are nudged to listen for God’s guidance as we change things and handle our life.  Aren’t you glad God allows us to write our own stories and edit them every single day?  I certainly am very thankful.  Actually I am blessed He is there to help and show me what needs to be changed.  We receive as many “do overs” as we need.  Maybe we need one every morning.  That’s okay.  God offers them freely and generously.  This book made me realize that more.  It steered me toward the sunshine of God and today, and away from the gloom of yesterday and its regret and pain.
I gladly recommend this lovely, soul stirring book.  It stepped on my toes in parts and gave insight on what I could do to change.  Do this as a reading group!  There are so many that will relate and love the chance to discuss and pray.  At times I wondered how the author knew I needed to read just that particular message.  Bet she had a little help from above, don’t you.  Rating on this is definitely 5 out of 5 stars.

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Find a Book Friday: “Justice” by Emily Conrad

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Today I have a real find for you.  It is the debut novel of an author that I personally will be putting on my favorites list.  If you read “Justice” then I bet you will, also.  Author Emily Conrad has penned a page turning, stay up late to read it, wonderful

 


Christian romance novel. “Justice” was the first novel I have read by this author and I devoured the 220 page book in one day. I obviously did not want to put it down, but at the same time I did not want it to end.  Do you know what I mean?  You are reading a book so good that you cannot wait to see what happens, but as you get closer to the end you realize you do not want to say good bye to the characters?  What if the next book I pick up isn’t as good?  Oh, the dilima of a book reader

The writing style of author Conrad is definitely to my taste.  In some ways she reminds me of one of my favorite authors, Liz Curtis Higgs.  When reading Christian fiction I want at least some mention of God in it, some life lessons and scripture, too. This book was God glorifying and did not shy away from mentioning faith or God. Bravo Ms. Conrad! IMG_1557 If you think of an abstract version, very abstract, of Mary and Joseph without baby Jesus, author Conrad’s story is patterned along those lines she says.  She has compared physical situations of being pregnant out of wedlock and how it has an effect on most everyone.  Not everyone is loving and forgiving.  Some point fingers and others want justice.

Her characters were so well defined that we had become friends. IMG_1553I was invested in their trials and triumphs. Each character was well rounded, including having some flaws. They were human and not perfect. I enjoyed the dialog which flowed seamlessly. It never sounded stiff or forced. The descriptions and subjects tackled took me there in the middle of the story. I cried and laughed. Like I said before, I was invested.

Jake was a Youth Minister that owned a coffee shop. Brooklyn, his longtime friend and potential love interest, is sexually assaulted and ends up pregnant. IMG_1555The author writes inspirationally how this effects so many people and how many are quick and free to pass judgment. We aren’t called to judge. Only God does that.

“Justice” takes on real life tough issues that we are quick to ignore but still happen. It makes you ponder “what if” this happened to my loved one or someone I knew. How strong is my faith? Do we really forgive others especially when something horrible happens? It also is a novel of God’s love, hope, faith, and trust. God can and does make something good out of something bad.

This book was FABULOUS! Page-turning, stay-up-until-you-finish-it, I-can’t-put-it-down GREAT!

I highly recommend “Justice”.  If you are a Christian fiction fan that doesn’t mind taking a ride on the emotional roller coaster, for which only a very good author can supply tickets, this book is for you. “Justice” stayed with me for days after reading it. It is a wonderful romance but so much more.  Definitely there are things to think about in this excellent book. I gladly give it 5 out of 5 stars.

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Author Emily Conrad writes Christian fiction. She lives in Wisconsin with her husband and two large rescue dogs. Some of her favorite things (other than Jesus and writing, of course) are coffee, walks, and road trips to the mountains.