"The Promise of Dawn" by Lauraine Snelling

The Promise of Dawn (Aug. 1, 2017) by Lauraine Snelling.*

Moving from Norway to Minnesota in 1909 is dauntingly life-changing, but with opportunities scarce in Norway and Rune Carlson’s uncle, Einar Strand, offering to loan them money for passage to America, it seems the most viable option. Still, Signe Carlson hesitates to leave home, especially as she suspects she is pregnant with the couple’s fourth child after multiple miscarriages. But Einar has promised them land of their own, something they’d never be able to afford in Norway.

            Rune and Signe, with their three sons Bjorn, Knute and Leif, travel to Minnesota. They are no strangers to hard work, but Uncle Einar and Aunt Gerd are a very demanding and seemingly callous couple. Einar, Rune and Bjorn make it a daily task to fell trees, while Signe has the unenviable task of getting a house back in shape after months of neglect with Gerd fallen ill. As Einar’s demands and his expectations put someone she loves in striking distance of grave danger, Signe’s faith wobbles. Rune is there to encourage her faith as he keeps his. Can Signe find the fortitude she needs to help lead her family and protect them in this new land?

            I have not read many books by Lauraine Snelling, but I was first drawn to this story when I read that the characters emigrate from Norway to Minnesota. It reminded me of American Girl character Kirsten Larson. “The Promise of Dawn” did not disappoint. It is clear that Snelling has put in a great deal of historical research. Reading the story was an immersive experience. It was also emotional, as I’d have strong feelings toward Einar’s treatment of, well, everyone, and Gerd’s apparent dissatisfaction of everything. The amount of love Signe and Rune have for their family is astounding, but their lifestyle in Minnesota isn’t just honest hard work. The environment they’re in is toxic, and I’m not talking environmentally. Patience is a virtue oft-displayed by the Carlson family. They also show us what hard work is and what it means to endure. I was wrapped up in this book and look forward to reading the next installments in the Under Northern Skies series.

* Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions are expressly my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Trondhjem's Pie & Ice Cream Social 2017

Trondhjem’s Pie & Ice Cream Social 2017

Could you go for a “famous” sloppy joe reload?

Then come on out to Trondhjem down the gravel road.

On September 17^th, bring your appetite.

Arrive at 5 for your prime, pie-picking delight!

What flavors shall brighten your taste buds this year?

To rhubarb, raspberry or pumpkin would you steer?

How about chocolate, peanut butter or peach?

Do you wish you could have a sample of each?

Please peruse our silent auction and baked goods tables.

They are upstairs; head up as your time enables.

There will be crafts, woodwork, perhaps books of fiction,

Gift baskets, collectibles, so bid with conviction.

Be sure to stock up on an assortment of baked goods

Featuring treats made by our church neighborhood.

Will we see lefse, doughnuts, kolaches or bread?

Might you buy cookies, bars or apple crisp instead?

This year’s quilt raffle by WELCA fits a queen.

Deb’s quilt top, with all quilters, show skill that is seen.

Hayward’s Calico Hutch came in with the assist.

Tickets are $1 each, a price you can’t resist.

We hope you’re free to mark your calendars now

And also hope that your schedules will allow

You to come on September 17^th at 5

To a hub where food, fun and fellowship thrive.

"A Name Unknown" by Roseanna M. White

A Name Unknown (July 4, 2017) by Roseanna M. White.*

She is a former street urchin; he is friends with the king. She is a professional thief with a large family-of-sorts. He is a solitary, mostly antisocial sort (due to self-consciousness of his stutter) who spends much of his time click-clacking away at a typewriter. Rosemary Gresham leaves the familiarity of London in 1914 to become a librarian to Peter Holstein in southwest Cornwall. The thing is, she knows nothing about being a librarian and to her family, it is comical that she should have to play at one. But Mr. V has sent Rosemary to become just that. For her and her family, it’s a substantial amount of money, but she is supposed to find hard evidence that Peter is against the Crown because of his German surname and lineage. How can she do that when the evidence points to his goodness? How can she do that when she realizes she cares for him?

            In this first book in White’s Shadows Over England series, this inspirational, historical fiction novel is as charming as a picturesque cottage on a clear, sunny day, but with a sheen of suspicion lurking around the bend by those who would cast aspersions on Peter. It is crafty and witty, and I very much enjoyed the story. The characters are well-developed and each distinct, including the supporting characters. I appreciated that Peter, for all the usual good-looking attributes we get so used to reading about in stories, has something which he is obviously self-conscious about, though he doesn’t let that stall his faith. I look forward to continuing this series and getting to know better Rosemary’s family. After all, surely Mr. V has more in store for them …

            Extra: My favorite passage is heralded on p. 152 when Peter is recalling words of his father. “All a man has is his name, son. The reputation we make with it. Whether it brings a smile or a frown, love or fear to those who hear it. All a man has is his name – that’s who he is before the Almighty.”

* Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions are expressly my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

"Dark Deception" by Nancy Mehl

Dark Deception (June 6, 2017) by Nancy Mehl.*

In fictional Shelter Cove, Arkansas, Emily Lockhart has been running the Shelter Café diner. Her cook, Bella, is probably the closest person to a friend she has in the small town, though Bobby Wade – who runs the fishing resort – and Sheriff’s Deputy Warren Killian are good to look out for her. It’s unfortunate that she can’t share with them her deepest secret. That her name is not Emily Lockhart, but Kate O’Brien. Her twin sister was brutally murdered six years ago, and she almost died, too. Kate has felt safe in Shelter Cove until the day Tony DeLuca, the Deputy U.S. Marshal who protected her in the original trial, arrives in her small town with the devastating news that the man convicted of murdering her sister might’ve been wrongly convicted. And because of that doubt, he might go free, which is why she’s been subpoenaed to testify.

            Since Kate thinks she’s put the past behind her, she doesn’t want to delve into those dark, scary memories. But it may be that she didn’t really give herself time to process and grieve. Seeing Tony doesn’t help, either. She loved him all those years ago, but she chalked it up to her youth and the situation she was in. And with Tony seven years her senior, he can’t see her as more than a kid, right? But before a relationship can be pursued, they’ve both got to survive first, because Kate isn’t the only one threatened.

            Sometimes the past comes back to haunt us and getting through it takes more inner strength and faith than Kate knew she had. As she struggles with her faith, she realizes that, “No matter what happened in life, God’s love and grace were constant.” Lines like those – like little “Aha!” moments – send a message without being preachy. Mehl’s story takes off running, and while it slows down in spots during the novel, it generally keeps up the pace. I’m almost always up for a suspense novel, though it seems to me that considering it romantic is a bit of a stretch. Budding romance, sure, but nothing beyond that. Love is always rather tentative in such stories of late, which is fine by me, as I’m looking toward the suspense of the novel, not the dewy eyes and nervous butterflies. I thought the main antagonists were strong. However, I feel as though we could’ve known more about Tony and Kate, but they were still likable main characters. I didn’t like this story better than the first one in the Defenders of Justice series, but it’s still one I’m glad to have picked up.

            Book One: Fatal Frost

* Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions are expressly my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

GoServ Global

Last year marked 125 years of Trondhjem Lutheran Church. We are a small, rural church with approximately 30 active members. Despite our small number, we embarked on a new mission for Haiti through GoServ Global. GoServ Global is a Christian, non-profit organization based out of Eagle Grove, Iowa. A couple congregants had heard of a need for a Birthing Center and a Safe T Home®. We answered the call and not only ensured they’d have the funding for the Birthing Center’s land, but also that they’d have EIGHT Safe T Homes®! We are excited to know that a women’s medical center will help to save the lives of mothers and their newborns.

The Birthing Center has not yet been built. Hurricane Matthew devastated the area in which GoServ Global serves and caused much devastation last fall, but we are hopeful the building process will happen this year.

Below is a photo of a Safe T Home®. (Photo deleted, as it's no longer available.) A Safe T Home® is a modified grain bin that is used for compassionate housing. GoServ Global teamed up with Sukup Manufacturing to create the Safe T Home® (https://www.sukup.com/Buildings/144/Safe-T-Home).

For more information about GoServ Global, please visit their website: http://goservglobal.org/.

If you shop on Amazon, please consider shopping through Amazon Smile. For all eligible Smile items, Amazon will donate 0.5% to a charitable organization of your choice. My choice is GoServ Global. Even if yours is not, please consider making Amazon Smile part of your Amazon repertoire. Find the website at: https://smile.amazon.com/.

 [Disclaimer: This post is based on information I have accrued from the websites and my parents. It is not endorsed, encouraged or prompted by my parents, our church congregation, the GoServ Global founders or anyone associated with GoServ Global, Sukup Manufacturing or Amazon. Everything listed below I have compiled myself with the only intent being to inform and hopefully encourage others to find their own passion projects that help others outside of themselves. And, if one builds upon her/his own character, then that is a blessed bonus!]

"A Love So True" by Melissa Jagears

A Love So True (May 2, 2017) by Melissa Jagears.*

A servant’s heart. That is the kind of heart Evelyn Wisely has. She loves working at the local orphanage with her parents and feels called to do so. The children there are offspring of “women of ill repute.” But her love doesn’t stop at the children, for she wishes to help those women, too. She wants to build a shelter for them, and her boss will help fund it, but not without the financial support of at least two other businessmen. One of those men might be David Kingsman. He only plans to be in Teaville, Kansas, long enough to turn a business around and then he’s straight back to Kansas City. There’s little time to connect, right? Wrong. Evelyn and David are drawn to each other, but Evelyn holds back. She’s convinced society that she’ll reject any man’s attentions, because she has convinced herself she’s not worthy of love. But she has plenty of love for those children and the women of the red-light district. Can she keep the faith when the odds seem stacked against her?

            Although I missed the first book in the Teaville Moral Society series, Jagears has written this second installment so smartly that I was not running lost in a shifty neighborhood. Her characters are fleshed out and believable, Evelyn’s servant attitude is inspiring, and the romance is charming. The storyline is thought-provoking and shows the goodness of charity, but also the commitment and hard work that it involves. This compelling story opens readers’ eyes to embracing everyone, every neighbor, no matter their circumstance. This series appears to have substance and yes, it has faith and abundant love. Although referring to Evelyn and David, it also applies to us that God’s love is “a love so true, so consuming, and so good.” Don’t forget that!

* Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions are expressly my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

"Behind the Scenes" by Jen Turano

Behind the Scenes (Apr. 18, 2017) by Jen Turano.*

Just because she’s long been a member of the wallflower set doesn’t mean that Miss Permilia Griswold twiddles her thumbs. Indeed not! Working under the pseudonym “Miss Quill,” she fills the society gossip column of the New York Sun with such goings-on of the upper-crust that only an insider would know. With a reporter’s ear, she overhears a threat against Mr. Asher Rutherford, a dashing fellow, most eligible bachelor and owner of a top up-and-coming department store in New York City. When she informs him ever-so-helpfully, he doesn’t believe her, so she takes it upon herself to look out for him. Her fellow wallflower, Miss Gertrude Cadwalader, provides an assist, as does Asher’s good friend, Mr. Harrison Sinclair. Asher eventually realizes the threat to him is real, and Permilia, in trying to protect him, puts herself in danger as well. When they’re not annoying each other, they will find that they make a pretty good team. Now all they have to do is pinpoint their would-be killer. And would it hurt Asher to understand the value of a progressive woman in 1883?

            I love Turano’s books, and I don’t say that lightly. There are only a few authors that I’ve been introduced to through the blogger review program of whom I’ve gone out of my way to purchase their books if I didn’t already have them, and Jen Turano is one of them!

            This first story in her Apart from the Crowd series has me hooked. It has the charm of a picturesque village, the satisfaction of any happily-ever-after story and humor to tickle the funny bone. The sweet romance is tempered with a fascinatingly impulsive leading lady butting heads with a charming man, a dash of danger, a sense of fashion and cupfuls of faith. “Behind the Scenes” has dimension and history, but does not skimp on the light-hearted moments. It’s an inspirational fictional tale for the [Gilded] ages!

* Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions are expressly my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Positive Page-turner's Challenge: Take 3

Though a handful of days into May, I made the final decision that I will, in fact, hand myself another Positive Page-turner’s Challenge. These books have been accumulating since the Challenge I posted on February 1, with the exception that one of the books I’d inadvertently left out of that photo is now in this one. Currently, only one book from this photo is in progress, so I’ve a ways to go!

            As in February, I plan to donate $25 for every 500 pages I read. My donation will go toward a fund through my home church. There’s a good chance I’ll gift it to the Haiti Project, but I’m leaving myself open to donating it to another fund (e.g. Sunday School).

            Do you have a passion project coursing through you? If so, what is it? Remember that a project doesn’t have to start off huge. There is nothing wrong with starting small and watching that small flame rise higher and become brighter. There is also nothing wrong with staying steady with your project, as endurance is a test as well. Take soap for example. Soap bars are small and seem like such a simple, minute thing. But there is nothing small about soap when you’re in need of it and you have none available to you. Recently, I sent a box of soap with a trailer full of items (including food packaged through Real Hope for the Hungry) to GoServ Global. It doesn’t take up much space, but it was crammed full. A box that can fit in the mailbox that contained 22 pounds of bar soap!

"Pursued" by Lisa Harris

Pursued (Apr. 4, 2017) by Lisa Harris.*

The plane crash is traumatic enough and now Special Agent Nikki Boyd with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is right back on the job when a passenger who’s not listed on the manifesto, but whom she sat right next to, goes missing. Erika Hamilton is a key witness in a grand jury trial, and they have 48 hours to find her. The fact that she left the accident scene suggests she is afraid and with good reason, as she is clearly being pursued. Nikki and her team are also trying to locate her, but they’re the good guys. A body count does not bother the bad guys in the least. The bad guys are obvious, but how do you bring someone down with far-reaching contacts, disposable cash and a philanthropic public persona?

            Harris flies out of the starting gate in the first chapter of this story, and it sets the pace for a swiftly-moving storyline. Nikki hardly has time to begin processing what she’s just gone through when she’s thrust into a new case. Her faith is strong, but she’s also human, so to doubt and worry is understandable. “Pursued” is an inspirational, romantic suspense fiction novel, but I found the romance to be lacking, and no, this is not a detriment to the story. The budding romance between Nikki and Tyler Grant is trying to blossom into something beautiful, but with one thing after another going on with Nikki’s working life, Tyler, regrettably, is often put on the backburner, much to Nikki’s worry and chagrin. They have things to discuss. And because of those very human things, Harris strengthens these two as relatable characters. The race against time makes the suspense feel real. I was riveted to the story – to the drama and suspense of it – but with danger around each bend, we can all be glad it’s a work of fiction.

            Book One: Vendetta

            Book Two: Missing

* Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions are expressly my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

"Long Time Gone" by Mary Connealy

Long Time Gone (Feb. 28, 2017) by Mary Connealy.*

With Ma and Pa in Denver, and his brother, Cole, in mortal danger, Justin Boden feels the weight of the Cimarron Ranch (CR) on his shoulders out in New Mexico Territory in 1880. Sadie and Heath are around, as is Rosita, who works for them. The dangers are not behind them, as they had thought. There is a plot that goes back decades, and if the enemy’s plot succeeds, the CR will be lost to the Bodens, as will many of their lives. They must all put their minds together in order to fit the pieces of the story. But there is a traitor working on the CR. Can they root the person out before someone else is hurt? Someone innocent like Angelique “Angie” DuPree? She finds herself at the CR to assist the doctor in tending to Cole’s injury. It is risky for Angie to be there – to associate with the Bodens – but Angie puts her worry over the Bodens above the threat of menace. This clearly bothers Justin, and he doesn’t know if he should banish her to the orphanage or keep her close. She’s as distracting to him as he is to her.

            This next book in The Cimarron Legacy did not disappoint. I’ve found that I generally like reading historical suspense fiction, and this novel was fast-paced. We met Angie but briefly in the first book, so I was glad to see her story fleshed out in this next installment. “Long Time Gone” is an inspirational fiction western packed with history, suspense and at least one honest cowboy! It is the opposite of a dry gulch; Connealy fills her tale with a lush plot, engaging characters, faith and humor, but also self-doubt, dangerous anger and, naturally, bad guys. A rich tale indeed!

            Book One: No Way Up

* Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions are expressly my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”