"Out of the Ordinary" by Jen Turano

Out of the Ordinary (Nov. 7, 2017) by Jen Turano.*

Working as a paid companion is nothing out of the ordinary in 1883, but Miss Gertrude Cadwalader’s employer tends to exhibit peculiar tendencies, often making Gertrude’s job unpredictable. She does all manner of things from wearing a birdcage on her behind (in the name of “fashion” … and large bustles) to returning pilfered items (not hers, but Mrs. Davenport’s, her employer and lady of the elite set). Upon returning pilfered items to wealthy shipping magnate Harrison Sinclair’s yacht, she is caught by Harrison’s mother, the indomitable Mrs. Sinclair, who immediately thinks the worst of Gertrude.

            Harrison cannot stand for his mother to think ill of Gertrude. Not only does he consider Gertrude to be a good friend, she also has a “delightful figure,” which is alarming only in that he doesn’t tend to notice such things about women. But with other thefts, including at the Manhattan Beach Hotel (considered a swanky place amongst the elite set), things aren’t looking so positive for Gertrude or Mrs. Davenport. Before Harrison can properly court Gertrude, there’s a mystery to be solved. Is he ready for the adventures?

            Like Turano’s other stories, I found “Out of the Ordinary” to be a delightful, fizzy, light-hearted tale. Gertrude is an independent woman who does questionable things (like return pilfered items) out of a dependence on her only source of income. Harrison is confident in his shipping work, but is something of a bumble despite all of his sisters’ romance novels that he secretly reads. Both of them are imperfect, yet are just right for this story. It is bright with humor and liveliness, but there are moments, too, where you shake your head with empathy. Gertrude may think herself ordinary, but she shouldn’t, and neither should we. After all, “God doesn’t expect His children to live ordinary lives, but extraordinary ones” (p. 123).

            Apart from the Crowd: Book One: Behind the Scenes

* 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.”

"Dangerous Illusions" by Irene Hannon

Dangerous Illusions (Oct. 3, 2017) by Irene Hannon.*

You know the saying about kicking you when you’re down? That is probably how Trish Bailey feels right now. She’s stressed with the demands of her teaching job, her ailing mother and tragedy from her not-too-distant past. And, as her mother’s accountant, Matthew Parker, has pointed out, Trish has been having memory lapses. Could it be that one of those lapses led to a tragic death? Trish is certainly wondering and doubting herself, not to mention the scrutiny she’s now receiving from the police.

            Because he’s on a night shift rotation, Detective Colin Flynn gets called onto the case. He’s immediately drawn to Trish, but he mustn’t let personal feelings interfere with workplace professionalism. As new details emerge and answers come for some things, he realizes that there is more than just an accidental death – like, it likely wasn’t accidental. What is at work isn’t just dangerous, it could be deadly, and Trish could be in the line of fire, even as an innocent.

            “Dangerous Illusions” is an inspirational, romantic suspense fiction novel. It is the first in Hannon’s Code of Honor series. In the only other book I’d read from this author, I found myself wanting more from the story, but that was not the case with this story. There was intrigue and a smart twist revolving around the antagonist. The female protagonist, while not immune to vulnerability, showed grit and strength against all that was stacked against her. Her life has been fractured multiple times over, but she perseveres and endures. And while Colin wants to be her constant rescuer, he also acknowledges her strength. They both need strength to stay afloat in the murky, turbulent waters that are beneath the placid surface of the seemingly straightforward plotline. This was a good start to a new series.

* 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.”

"Too Far Down" by Mary Connealy

Too Far Down (Oct. 3, 2017) by Mary Connealy.*

All of the danger has not passed. In fact, there may be more danger. Cole Boden, who’s both of the western life and of the city, has to deal with an explosion at the mines he oversees. People die, one of which was in the wrong place at the wrong time, but for the others, their injuries are too consistent to be just an accident. Together with his brother Justin, brother-in-law Heath, Melanie “Mel” Blake and her Uncle Walt, they discover a series of tunnels connecting a series of mines, including those belonging to the deceased. The Boden parents are still in Denver, where Chance’s leg continues to heal, but he and Veronica (a.k.a. Ronnie) aren’t free of danger, either. The entire family is determined to put an end to those who threaten them, the CR Mining Company and those that work with them before anyone else is put in harm’s way.

            This includes Mel Blake. A cowgirl who’s a regular tomboy (in fact, even in 1881, she’d rather wear pants than dresses), Mel’s a tough young woman who’s comfortable in her own skin. As long as her own skin is around horses or cattle in the outdoors and not stuffed inside a kitchen or sewing room. She’s great with a lasso and an even better shot. Despite thinking that Cole is a well-studied worm, she still wants to help the Boden family. But will helping them mean putting herself in direct danger?

            I have read all three books in this trilogy, and I have enjoyed every one. “Too Far Down” is an inspirational, historical fiction novel that is steeped in fast-paced adventure and set in a West that is more wild than tame. Although the Boden siblings have spats like any other siblings, I appreciate the bonds of this family, because their bond goes beyond just their family unit; it extends to the boundaries of the Cimarron Ranch, all who work with them and their neighbors beyond. For anyone who likes stories with a dash of romance and plenty of daring, while sporting a historical setting and a western feature, I recommend this trilogy from start to finish!

            Book One: No Way Up

            Book Two: Long Time Gone

"An Inconvenient Beauty" by Kristi Ann Hunter

An Inconvenient Beauty (Sept. 5, 2017) by Kristi Ann Hunter.*

One thing that Griffith, Duke of Riverton, learned from his childhood was that he would remain in control. Always. He prefers order, logic and sensibility, and he applies that rationale to his choice of a bride. He’s logically certain that Miss Frederica St. Claire is his perfect choice for a wife. As it were, she appears to ignore his interest, but it doesn’t stop him from trying to pursue her. Distractingly, though, where Frederica is, there too is Miss Isabella Breckenridge, Frederica’s stunningly beautiful cousin. As often as he tells himself to forget about Isabella, thoughts of her continue to sneak in.

            Isabella has been presented to the London elite for her society debut in 1815. Unfortunately, she cannot enjoy it due to a bargain she accepted out of desperation for her family’s difficult circumstances. Although she finds herself drawn to the Duke of Riverton, she quashes it, knowing that her regretful agreement dashes any romantic hopes she may have for a man of her choosing. And weighs heavily on her conscience as well.

            Not having read a story from this author, I didn’t know what to expect. I’m happy to report that I really enjoyed this story from the Hawthorne House series. It was as delightful as a sunshiny spring day, and I didn’t feel lost in a maze even though I did not read the preceding novels. Hunter writes characters who have substance and are not all frou-frou. She also writes with wit, as more than once did I laugh out loud. Yes, there’s struggle and regret and heartache. Yes, there’s humor and laughter, faith, prayer and love. There are passion projects for the right reasons and passions displaced. And that sounds a lot like life, whether in 1815 or 2017.

* 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 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.”