Here are the books I've read this year. I decided to include the middle grade books I read (I haven't put them in the list before) and to mark them as "MG".
January:
"Anna's Crossing" by Suzanne Woods Fisher
"Angels Unaware" by Rachel J. Good
"Two Suitors for Anna" by Molly Jebber
"Summer on Sunset Ridge" by Sharlene MacLaren
"The Silent Songbird" by Melanie Dickerson
February:
"A Love Song for Kayla" by Kimberly Rose Johnson
"The Newcomer" by Suzanne Woods Fisher
"The Amish Wanderer" by Laura V. Hilton
"The Genesis Tree" by Heather L.L. FitzGerald
"Shine Like the Dawn" by Carrie Turansky
March:
"Redeeming Grace" by Jill Eileen Smith
"Fit to Burst" by
"Buried Secrets" by Rachel J. Good
"21 Days of Grace" compiled by Kathy Ide
"Murder for the Time Being" by Joanie Bruce
"When Tides Turn" by Sarah Sudin
April:
"Let Love Spring" by Jodie Wolfe, Sandy Faye Mauck, and Linda Shenton Matchett
"Baggage Claim" by Cathe Swanson
"An Anchor on Her Heart" by Patricia Lee
"White" by Denise Weimer
"Widow" by Denise Weimer
"Witch" by Denise Weimer
"A Spring of Weddings" by Toni Shiloh and Melissa Wardwell
"Finding Love at the Oregon Coast" by Heather Woodhaven, Lisa Phillips, Christina Coryell, and Angela Ruth Strong
"Behind the Scenes" by Jen Turano
May:
"An Encore for Estelle" by Kimberly Rose Johnson
"The Courtship Basket" by Amy Clipston
"The Cherished Quilt" by Amy Clipston
"The Beloved Hope Chest" by Amy Clipston
"Seven Brides for Seven Mail-Order Husbands" by Cynthia Hickey,
"Return to Huckleberry Hill" by Jennifer Beckstrand
June:
"Amish Brides" by Jennifer Beckstrand, Molly Jebber, & Amy Lillard
"Springs of Love" by Laura V. Hilton, Rachel J. Good, and Thomas Nye
"Out of the Ashes" by A.M. Heath
"None so Blind" by Chautona Havig
July:
"Brewed With Love" by Kimberly Rose Johnson
"Buying Love" by Toni Shiloh
"Finding Love" by Toni Shiloh
"Maybe it's You" by Candace Calvert
"A Name Unknown" by Roseanna M. White.
August:
"A Christmas Surprise" by Kimberly Rose Johnson
"Manuscript for Murder" by Chautona Havig
"The Return" by Suzanne Woods Fisher
"First Light" by Erynn Newman
"Out of Darkness" by Erynn Newman
"The Cheiftain's Choice" by Elaine Manders
"The Duke's Dilemma" by Elaine Manders
"Will Not See" by Chautona Havig
September:
"Reunited by Danger" by Carol J. Post
"Wheresoever They May Be" by Terri Wangard
"Runaway Romance" by Miralee Ferrell
"Under Fire" by Linda Shenton Matchett
"All of You" by Sarah Monzon
"Deadly Proof" by Rachel Dylan
October:
"How to Indie Publish" by Heather Day Gilbert
"Secrets and Shadows" by Chautona Havig
"Cheyenne Sunrise" by Janalyn Voight
"Returning Home" by Toni Shiloh
"My Heart Belongs in Castle Gate, Utah" by Angie Dicken
"Love's Thankful Heart" by Laura V. Hilton, Rachel J. Good, & Thomas Nye
November:
"The Christmas Admirer" by Laura V. Hilton
"Finding Love in Eureka, California" by Angela Ruth Strong
"Out of the Ordinary" by Jen Turano
"Dreams of My Heart" by Barbara
"95: The Ideas That Birthed the Reformation" by Martin Luther
"A Mother for Leah" by Rachel L. Miller
December:
"Holly, Ivy, & Intrigue" by Joanie Bruce, Alexa Verde, & Denise Weimer
"Christmas Embers" by Chautona Havig
"Dangerous Ground" by Gayla K. Hiss
"The Hope of Christmas" by Jodie Wolfe, Terri Wangard, & Linda Shenton Matchett
"12 Days at Bleaky Manor" by Michelle Griep
Sunday, December 31, 2017
Predated Posts You May Not Have Seen
In trying to get caught up on old blog posts, I decided to date them so they appear in the archives where they actually took place rather than when I posted them. So I decided to make a list of them in a new/current post so that you'd be able to see them since they won't come up on my blog's current feed. They will open in a new window automatically, so you can just click on them to read and still leave this list available to read the next one.
May:
May:
- December:
- Lower Elementary Holiday Concert
- Andy's Field Trip
- Christmas Eve - Extended Family Christmas
- Christmas 2016
Month in Review: December
Wednesday, December 27, 2017
Book Review, Blog Tour, and Giveaway: "12 Days at Bleakly Manor" by Michelle Griep
About the Book
Michelle Griep’s been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. She is the author of both Regency and Colonial historical romances but also leaped the writerly fence into the realm of contemporary with the zany romantic mystery Out of the Frying Pan. Keep up with her escapades at www.michellegriep.com or stalk her on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest.
"12 Days at Bleakly Manor" is available in paperback:
and in Kindle edition:
I got a free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and given voluntarily. No compensation was received.
Name of book: 12 Days at Bleakly Manor
Author: Michelle Griep
Genre: Historical Christmas
Release Date: September 1, 2017
England, 1851: When Clara Chapman receives an intriguing invitation to spend Christmas at an English manor home, she is hesitant yet feels compelled to attend—for if she remains the duration of the twelve-day celebration, she is promised a sum of five hundred pounds.
But is she walking into danger? It appears so, especially when she comes face to face with one of the other guests—her former fiancé, Benjamin Lane.
Imprisoned unjustly, Ben wants revenge on whoever stole his honor. When he’s given the chance to gain his freedom, he jumps at it—and is faced with the anger of the woman he stood up at the altar. Brought together under mysterious circumstances, Clara and Ben discover that what they’ve been striving for isn’t what ultimately matters.
What matters most is what Christmas is all about . . . love.
My Thoughts This book was very interesting. It was full of mystery and intrigue and I never knew what was going to happen next. I had an immediate suspect for all the incidents at the manor, but I quickly shifted my suspicions and they turned out to be correct. I don't think it was easy to figure out, I just made a lucky guess. As all the pieces started to fall into place, I was excited to finally find out what was going on just like Ben and Clara. I liked the faith thread woven through the story and the growth that the main characters exhibited. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
About the Author
Michelle Griep’s been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. She is the author of both Regency and Colonial historical romances but also leaped the writerly fence into the realm of contemporary with the zany romantic mystery Out of the Frying Pan. Keep up with her escapades at www.michellegriep.com or stalk her on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest.Guest Post from Michelle Griep
Go Green With Victorian Christmas Décor
Guest post by Michelle Griep
Walk in any store and you’ll be bombarded with displays of Christmas lights, gaudy ornaments, and inflatable life-size lawn characters. Commercialization at its worst. 150 years ago, that wasn’t the case. Yearning to decorate in a simpler fashion this year? Here are some ways you can bring a bit of the nineteenth century to your home this Christmas…
TREE DECORATIONS
Queen Elizabeth’s husband, the German Prince Albert, introduced the concept of a Christmas tree to Windsor castle. And you know, if it’s good enough for royalty its good enough for the common folk, right? So, the tradition spread. Generally trees were brought inside on Christmas Eve and taken down on January 6th. Trees were decorated with homemade ornaments from paper or fruits and nuts, strings of popcorn or cranberries, or hanging cookies such as gingerbread men from the branches. And remember, an authentic Victorian Christmas tree would’ve been small, like small enough to stand on a table.
GREENERY
Holly. Evergreens. Mistletoe. Most Victorians couldn’t afford store-bought decorations even were there a commercialized industry at the time (which there wasn’t). So the next best thing was to bring in some free/natural ornamentations. Greenery would’ve been perked up with berries, ribbons, dough ornaments or flowers. Pinecones were also scattered throughout the house.
WREATHS
“Writhen” is the root word where we get the word wreath from. It’s an old English word meaning “to writhe” or “to twist.” While the art of hanging wreaths goes back to Roman times, Victorians continued the tradition.
CANDLES
Candles were primarily placed in one of two spots during a Victorian Christmas. A single candle in a window was lit to show that the house was willing to provide food and shelter to travelers. Candles were also used on each and every branch of a Christmas tree, which meant a huge danger of fire. Usually a servant would stand nearby with a bucket of water just in case the thing started to burn.
DRESDENS
Dresdens are ornaments hung from the tree, from a window, or really hanging pretty much anywhere. These were handmade by cutting out shapes (usually animals or trains) and painted with metallic paint so that they looked like metal.
And that’s about it. No obnoxious Santas or reindeer inflated on the front lawn. No psycho Christmas lights strobing enough to give every passerby a seizure. Just plain and simple decor that made the home feel cozy.
And speaking of cozy, how about grabbing a blanket and a cup of hot tea and settling in for a holiday read that’s sure to put you in the Christmas spirit? My latest release is 12 Days at Bleakly Manor, a Victorian blend of Dickens and Agatha Christie.
Blog Stops
By The Book, December 14
Bukwurmzzz, December 14
Faery Tales Are Real, December 14
A Baker’s Perspective, December 15
A Reader’s Brain, December 15
Have A Wonderful Day, December 15
Texas Book-aholic, December 16
Carpe Diem, December 16
Cafinated Reads, December 16
Just the Write Escape, December 17
A Greater Yes, December 17
Remembrancy, December 17
Allofakindmom, December 18
History, Mystery & Faith, December 18
Simple Harvest Reads, December 18
amandainpa, December 19
Kat’s Corner Books, December 19
Mommynificent, December 19
Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, December 20
Bookworm Mama, December 20
Vicky Sluiter, December 20
D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, December 21
Christian Author, J.E.Grace, December 21
To Everything A Season, December 21
Reader’s Cozy Corner, December 22
The Fizzy Pop Collection, December 22
Reading Is My SuperPower, December 22 (Interview)
My Writer’s Life, December 23
Janices book reviews, December 23
For The Love of Books, December 23
Tell Tale Book Reviews, December 24
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 24
Red Headed Book Lady, December 25
Raining Butterfly Kisses, December 25
Bibliophile Reviews, December 26
Blogging With Carol,December 26
Mary Hake, December 26
Reflections From my Bookshelves, December 27
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Michelle is giving away a grand prize of a $25 Barnes & Noble Gift card and a signed copy of 12 Days of Bleakly Manor!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/c5b8
"12 Days at Bleakly Manor" is available in paperback:
- Series: Once Upon a Dickens Christmas (Book 1)
- Paperback: 192 pages
- Publisher: Shiloh Run Press (September 1, 2017)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 168322258X
- ISBN-13: 978-1683222583
- Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.6 x 8 inches
and in Kindle edition:
- File Size: 1830 KB
- Print Length: 192 pages
- Publisher: Shiloh Run Press (September 1, 2017)
- Publication Date: August 18, 2017
- Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
- Language: English
- ASIN: B071HB1FQ5
I got a free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and given voluntarily. No compensation was received.
Sunday, December 24, 2017
Temperature Blanket - Week 51
Dec 17: 31
Dec 18: 39 Rain 5:00 - 6:00 & 7:30 - 10:00 am
Dec 19: 44
Dec 20: 33
Dec 21: 31 Snow 7:30 - 10:00 am
Dec 22: 33 snow 4:30 - 5:00, 7:30 - 10:00 am
Dec 23: 34
Dec 18: 39 Rain 5:00 - 6:00 & 7:30 - 10:00 am
Dec 19: 44
Dec 20: 33
Dec 21: 31 Snow 7:30 - 10:00 am
Dec 22: 33 snow 4:30 - 5:00, 7:30 - 10:00 am
Dec 23: 34
Saturday, December 23, 2017
Book Review, Blog Tour, & Giveaway: "The Hope of Christmas" by Jodi Wolfe, Terri Wangard, & Linda Shenton Matchett
About the Book
Jodie Wolfe creates novels where hope and quirky meet. She’s been a semi-finalist and finalist in various writing contests and is a member of ACFW. When not writing she enjoys spending time with her husband in Pennsylvania, reading, walking, and being a Grammie. Learn more at www.jodiewolfe.com.
Terri Wangard grew up in Green Bay, Wisconsin, during the Lombardi Glory Years. Her first Girl Scout badge was the Writer. Holder of a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s degree in library science, she lives in Wisconsin. Classic Boating Magazine, a family business since 1984, keeps her busy as an associate editor.
Linda Shenton Matchett is a journalist, blogger, author, and history geek. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry, Linda has lived in historical places most of her life-from Edison, New Jersey (named for the famed inventor of the light bulb) and Washington, DC to Wolfeboro, New Hampshire (reputed to be the oldest summer resort in America). She volunteers at the Wright Museum of WWII and as a trustee for her local public library.
and in Kindle edition:
I got a free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and given voluntarily. No compensation was received.
Title: The Hope of Christmas
Author: Jodie Wolfe, Terri Wangard, Linda Shenton Matchett
Genre: Historical Christmas
Release Date: November 24, 2017
Picking a Bride for Paul
When Teddy Love’s neighbor and best friend breaks his leg, she pitches in to do whatever she can to help him on his farm. But when he enlists her aid in finding a wife, she comes to realize she has feelings for him.
Paul Baker follows his heart mother’s wishes by looking for a bride from the East who is refined and gentile, two qualities Teddy isn’t. When his potential bride arrives, he finds himself comparing her to Teddy. How can he go back and change things before he makes the biggest mistake of his life?
Typhoon Prompting
A destroyer escort is among the smallest of warships, but the USS Tabberer has the heart of a giant. A typhoon threatens the US Fleet in the Pacific during World War II, days before Christmas. The men of the Tabberer stand tall as they rush to the aid of their fellow sailors. For Seaman Jerry Collier, the typhoon prompts a greater awareness of what he wants in life. First, though, they have to survive.
A Dr. in the House
Emma O’Sullivan is one of the first female doctors to enlist after President Franklin Roosevelt signs the order allowing women in the Army and Navy medical corps. Within weeks, Emma is assigned to England to set up a convalescent hospital, and she leaves behind everything that is familiar. When the handsome widower of the requisitioned property claims she’s incompetent and tries to get her transferred, she must prove to her superiors she’s more than capable. But she’s soon drawn to the good-looking, grieving owner. Will she have to choose between her job and her heart?
Emma O’Sullivan is one of the first female doctors to enlist after President Franklin Roosevelt signs the order allowing women in the Army and Navy medical corps. Within weeks, Emma is assigned to England to set up a convalescent hospital, and she leaves behind everything that is familiar. When the handsome widower of the requisitioned property claims she’s incompetent and tries to get her transferred, she must prove to her superiors she’s more than capable. But she’s soon drawn to the good-looking, grieving owner. Will she have to choose between her job and her heart?
Archibald “Archie” Heron is the last survivor of the Heron dynasty, his two older brothers having been lost at Dunkirk and Trondheim and his parents in the Blitz. After his wife is killed in a bombing raid while visiting Brighton, he begins to feel like a modern-day Job. To add insult to injury, the British government requisitions his country estate, Heron Hall, for the U.S. Army to use as a hospital. The last straw is when the hospital administrator turns out to be a fiery, ginger-haired American woman. She’s got to go. Or does she?
My Thoughts
Picking a Bride for Paul: Having met Teddy Love in the novella "An Angel for the Cowboy" included in the collection "Let Love Spring", it was fun to see her get her own happily-ever-after. I thought it was cute how Essie and Kitty had to tell Teddy that she was in love with Paul. I can't wait for Kitty's story.
Typhoon Prompting: Typhoon Prompting is a story that doesn't fit easily into a cut and dried genre. It has some elements of romance and some adventure. Unlike most stories, it only follows the viewpoint of one character, Jerry Collier. It is a quick read and was well written. It is a companion story to Wheresoever They May Be and it was interesting to see more of what went on during the typhoon in more detail. There was some overlap, as well, as it shows the rescue of Gibson, who was in Wheresoever They May Be.
A Doctor in the House: At the beginning, when Emma was trying to treat the injured man, I thought maybe he'd turn out to be a fellow doctor and they would have to work together. I liked how it worked out better. It was interesting seeing both sides of a requisition order. The romance felt a little rushed, but with it being a novella, you kind of expect things to happen quickly. I don't think that this story ties in with any of Linda Shenton Matchett's other stories.
About the Authors
Jodie Wolfe creates novels where hope and quirky meet. She’s been a semi-finalist and finalist in various writing contests and is a member of ACFW. When not writing she enjoys spending time with her husband in Pennsylvania, reading, walking, and being a Grammie. Learn more at www.jodiewolfe.com.Terri Wangard grew up in Green Bay, Wisconsin, during the Lombardi Glory Years. Her first Girl Scout badge was the Writer. Holder of a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s degree in library science, she lives in Wisconsin. Classic Boating Magazine, a family business since 1984, keeps her busy as an associate editor.Linda Shenton Matchett is a journalist, blogger, author, and history geek. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry, Linda has lived in historical places most of her life-from Edison, New Jersey (named for the famed inventor of the light bulb) and Washington, DC to Wolfeboro, New Hampshire (reputed to be the oldest summer resort in America). She volunteers at the Wright Museum of WWII and as a trustee for her local public library.Blog Stops
Christian Author J.E. Grace, December 10
Blogging With Carol, December 10
Genesis 5020, December 11
D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, December 11
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, December 12
Have A Wonderful Day, December 12
Mommynificent, December 13
Inklings and notions, December 13
Jeanette’s Thoughts, December 14
Mary Hake, December 14
The Power of Words, December 15
A Greater Yes, December 16
Texas Book-aholic, December 16
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 17
Radiant Light, December 18
Janices book reviews, December 18
Carpe Diem, December 19
A Baker’s Perspective, December 19
Reading Is My SuperPower, December 20
margaret kazmierczak, December 21
Pursuing Stacie, December 21
Maureen’s Musings, December 22
Blossoms and Blessings, December 23
Bigreadersite, December 23
Giveaway
To celebrate the tour, Celebrate Lit Publishing is giving away a $25 Amazon gift card!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/c514
"The Hope of Christmas" is available in paperback:- Paperback: 258 pages
- Publisher: Celebrate Lit Publishing (November 16, 2017)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0999145150
- ISBN-13: 978-0999145159
- Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.6 x 8.5 inches
and in Kindle edition:
- File Size: 1923 KB
- Print Length: 212 pages
- Publication Date: November 24, 2017
- Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
- Language: English
- ASIN: B077656725
I got a free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and given voluntarily. No compensation was received.
Monday, December 18, 2017
Book Review, Blog Tour, and Giveaway: "Christmas Embers" by Chautona Havig
About the Book It's a truth universally unacknowledged that sin will hunt you down and advertise its presence the moment you try to hide it.
Emily Byrne sits in her daughter's classroom listening to the deepest wishes of twenty kindergarteners as she sketches them. But when little Joey Cordell breaks down, weeping and insisting the only thing he wants to find is his father, she isn't sure where her Christmas project will take her.
Davia Cordell came to Rockland for one purpose--find her son's father before she dies. An ex-prostitute, she's well aware that the news will cause waves, but what's a mother to do?
As these women join forces to search for Joey's father--a Rockland area pastor, no less-- Emily learns compassion for a woman who just wants the best for her son and can't quite imagine that Jesus wants anything to do with her.
Each day, Davia weakens until Emily isn't confident she'll find the boy's father in time--if at all. Doubts form. Should she look? Is it right to risk destroying a family like this--an entire church? The weight of that responsibility crushes her as Davia wastes away before her eyes.
A mother's love. A boy's confidence. A family's faith. A preacher's failure. Is redemption even possible anymore?
Christmas Embers: a story of love, failure, and redemption.
My Thoughts When this book was available to review, I requested it, not really knowing what it was about simply because I've read and enjoyed other books by Chautona Havig. I don't think I would have asked if I'd realized it was about adultery and its effects on the family and church. It is not because it strikes too close to my life, but because I'd rather not read this type of book, I don't read books for my heart to ache while reading them, I read for enjoyment and relaxation. The book makes me wonder what I would do if I were in those women's place, and I don't want to wonder. I am already a worrier over things that are unlikely to ever take place, I don't want to add this to my list. The book was extremely well written and captured the emotions and turmoil realistically. Like most of Chautona Havig's books, this book follows many different characters: Emily Byrne, Sean Byrne, Davia Cordell, Jamal Cordell, Corey, Piper Byrne, Vince Lanzo. There is some overlap with this book and the "Sight Unseen" series, as the Lanzo family appear in them as well.
About the Author
Chautona Havig lives and writes in California's Mojave Desert. When not writing, she enjoys reading, paper crafting, and dreaming of retirement from home education.
Guest Post
Infidelity to the Tune of Adeste Fideles
“I think my husband is having an affair.”
An explanation followed. Look, I tend to be one who assumes the best of others—to a fault even. I read the “evidence” and frankly could see it going either way. It’s hard to tell across thousands of miles. While others on the message board saw red flag after red flag—and frankly, I did, too—I also saw perfectly innocent explanations for things. It’s a curse sometimes—that ability to see both sides of an issue. I cautioned against assumptions no one would want other people to make of themselves. And I prayed she was wrong.
She wasn’t.
It wasn’t the first time I’d come face to face with infidelity. As a child, there was an extended family member. As a newlywed, one of my wedding party—then another. Then another. The excuses, the justifications. Friends and I went to confront a sister in Christ on her affair with her husband’s best friend. We foolishly asked, “What happened?” regarding her marriage. Her words: “We drifted apart.”
I wanted to scream the words that battered my brain and heart. “Then row back together!”
But over the years, it just grew worse. One by one, wives and husbands tossed aside vows made to a brother or sister in Christ—vows made before the Lord—in favor of what sometimes were serial affairs. Abuse. Horror.
I’ve prayed women I love through court cases, medical visits, and disclosures from children no mother should ever have to hear. I’ve prayed for men I didn’t even like because of the pain their wives inflicted each time she left them alone with the kids. He knew. He always knew.
Adultery is real. It’s ugly.
And there’s absolutely a cure for it. Jesus. 100% surrender to Jesus. But as long as we rely on those little loops on the back of our boots instead of the saving, healing, strengthening power of Jesus, we’re just as vulnerable as the next person.
And that’s why I wrote Christmas Embers. I took every heartbreaking story I’d observed over the years and put in each character for a reason. Every scene, every plot point, every twist—I put them exactly how and where they are for a reason.
They’re there as a warning.
This isn’t your lighthearted Christmas novel. Some have suggested I shouldn’t have set it at Christmastime. But you know what? Over half the disclosures I’ve ever heard of happened between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. I couldn’t get the idea of Joey’s story out of my head. And to write his story, it had to be at Christmas.
Let me say it again. While Christmas may not seem like the optimal time for a hard-hitting book like this, I had to do it. Adultery is reaching epidemic proportions in the church. There’s a solution.
His name is Jesus.
Giveaway
To enter, click here
"Christmas Embers" is available in paperback:
- Paperback: 288 pages
- Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (November 23, 2016)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1539725235
- ISBN-13: 978-1539725237
- Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.6 x 9 inches
and in Kindle edition:
- File Size: 1745 KB
- Print Length: 288 pages
- Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
- Publisher: Wynneword House (November 25, 2016)
- Publication Date: November 25, 2016
- Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
- Language: English
- ASIN: B01MDMP6N8
I got a free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and given voluntarily. No compensation was received.
Book Synopsis: It's a truth universally unacknowledged that sin will hunt you down and advertise its presence the moment you try to hide it.
Emily Byrne sits in her daughter's classroom listening to the deepest wishes of twenty kindergarteners as she sketches them. But when little Joey Cordell breaks down, weeping and insisting the only thing he wants to find is his father, she isn't sure where her Christmas project will take her.
Davia Cordell came to Rockland for one purpose--find her son's father before she dies. An ex-prostitute, she's well aware that the news will cause waves, but what's a mother to do?
As these women join forces to search for Joey's father--a Rockland area pastor, no less-- Emily learns compassion for a woman who just wants the best for her son and can't quite imagine that Jesus wants anything to do with her.
Each day, Davia weakens until Emily isn't confident she'll find the boy's father in time--if at all. Doubts form. Should she look? Is it right to risk destroying a family like this--an entire church? The weight of that responsibility crushes her as Davia wastes away before her eyes.
A mother's love. A boy's confidence. A family's faith. A preacher's failure. Is redemption even possible anymore?
Christmas Embers: a story of love, failure, and redemption.
Links:
Amazon affiliate link: http://amzn.to/2i5MiLb
Pinterest Board: https://www.pinterest.com/chautonahavig/christmas-embers/
Archived Blog Posts: https://chautona.com/christmas-embers-blog-archive/
Blog Post:
Infidelity to the Tune of Adeste Fideles
“I think my husband is having an affair.”
An explanation followed. Look, I tend to be one who assumes the best of others—to a fault even. I read the “evidence” and frankly could see it going either way. It’s hard to tell across thousands of miles. While others on the message board saw red flag after red flag—and frankly, I did, too—I also saw perfectly innocent explanations for things. It’s a curse sometimes—that ability to see both sides of an issue. I cautioned against assumptions no one would want other people to make of themselves. And I prayed she was wrong.
She wasn’t.
It wasn’t the first time I’d come face to face with infidelity. As a child, there was an extended family member. As a newlywed, one of my wedding party—then another. Then another. The excuses, the justifications. Friends and I went to confront a sister in Christ on her affair with her husband’s best friend. We foolishly asked, “What happened?” regarding her marriage. Her words: “We drifted apart.”
I wanted to scream the words that battered my brain and heart. “Then row back together!”
But over the years, it just grew worse. One by one, wives and husbands tossed aside vows made to a brother or sister in Christ—vows made before the Lord—in favor of what sometimes were serial affairs. Abuse. Horror.
I’ve prayed women I love through court cases, medical visits, and disclosures from children no mother should ever have to hear. I’ve prayed for men I didn’t even like because of the pain their wives inflicted each time she left them alone with the kids. He knew. He always knew.
Adultery is real. It’s ugly.
And there’s absolutely a cure for it. Jesus. 100% surrender to Jesus. But as long as we rely on those little loops on the back of our boots instead of the saving, healing, strengthening power of Jesus, we’re just as vulnerable as the next person.
And that’s why I wrote Christmas Embers. I took every heartbreaking story I’d observed over the years and put in each character for a reason. Every scene, every plot point, every twist—I put them exactly how and where they are for a reason.
They’re there as a warning.
This isn’t your lighthearted Christmas novel. Some have suggested I shouldn’t have set it at Christmastime. But you know what? Over half the disclosures I’ve ever heard of happened between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. I couldn’t get the idea of Joey’s story out of my head. And to write his story, it had to be at Christmas.
Let me say it again. While Christmas may not seem like the optimal time for a hard-hitting book like this, I had to do it. Adultery is reaching epidemic proportions in the church. There’s a solution.
His name is Jesus.
Book Synopsis: It's a truth universally unacknowledged that sin will hunt you down and advertise its presence the moment you try to hide it.
Emily Byrne sits in her daughter's classroom listening to the deepest wishes of twenty kindergarteners as she sketches them. But when little Joey Cordell breaks down, weeping and insisting the only thing he wants to find is his father, she isn't sure where her Christmas project will take her.
Davia Cordell came to Rockland for one purpose--find her son's father before she dies. An ex-prostitute, she's well aware that the news will cause waves, but what's a mother to do?
As these women join forces to search for Joey's father--a Rockland area pastor, no less-- Emily learns compassion for a woman who just wants the best for her son and can't quite imagine that Jesus wants anything to do with her.
Each day, Davia weakens until Emily isn't confident she'll find the boy's father in time--if at all. Doubts form. Should she look? Is it right to risk destroying a family like this--an entire church? The weight of that responsibility crushes her as Davia wastes away before her eyes.
A mother's love. A boy's confidence. A family's faith. A preacher's failure. Is redemption even possible anymore?
Christmas Embers: a story of love, failure, and redemption.
Links:
Amazon affiliate link: http://amzn.to/2i5MiLb
Pinterest Board: https://www.pinterest.com/chautonahavig/christmas-embers/
Archived Blog Posts: https://chautona.com/christmas-embers-blog-archive/
Blog Post:
Infidelity to the Tune of Adeste Fideles
“I think my husband is having an affair.”
An explanation followed. Look, I tend to be one who assumes the best of others—to a fault even. I read the “evidence” and frankly could see it going either way. It’s hard to tell across thousands of miles. While others on the message board saw red flag after red flag—and frankly, I did, too—I also saw perfectly innocent explanations for things. It’s a curse sometimes—that ability to see both sides of an issue. I cautioned against assumptions no one would want other people to make of themselves. And I prayed she was wrong.
She wasn’t.
It wasn’t the first time I’d come face to face with infidelity. As a child, there was an extended family member. As a newlywed, one of my wedding party—then another. Then another. The excuses, the justifications. Friends and I went to confront a sister in Christ on her affair with her husband’s best friend. We foolishly asked, “What happened?” regarding her marriage. Her words: “We drifted apart.”
I wanted to scream the words that battered my brain and heart. “Then row back together!”
But over the years, it just grew worse. One by one, wives and husbands tossed aside vows made to a brother or sister in Christ—vows made before the Lord—in favor of what sometimes were serial affairs. Abuse. Horror.
I’ve prayed women I love through court cases, medical visits, and disclosures from children no mother should ever have to hear. I’ve prayed for men I didn’t even like because of the pain their wives inflicted each time she left them alone with the kids. He knew. He always knew.
Adultery is real. It’s ugly.
And there’s absolutely a cure for it. Jesus. 100% surrender to Jesus. But as long as we rely on those little loops on the back of our boots instead of the saving, healing, strengthening power of Jesus, we’re just as vulnerable as the next person.
And that’s why I wrote Christmas Embers. I took every heartbreaking story I’d observed over the years and put in each character for a reason. Every scene, every plot point, every twist—I put them exactly how and where they are for a reason.
They’re there as a warning.
This isn’t your lighthearted Christmas novel. Some have suggested I shouldn’t have set it at Christmastime. But you know what? Over half the disclosures I’ve ever heard of happened between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. I couldn’t get the idea of Joey’s story out of my head. And to write his story, it had to be at Christmas.
Let me say it again. While Christmas may not seem like the optimal time for a hard-hitting book like this, I had to do it. Adultery is reaching epidemic proportions in the church. There’s a solution.
His name is Jesus.
Book Synopsis: It's a truth universally unacknowledged that sin will hunt you down and advertise its presence the moment you try to hide it.
Emily Byrne sits in her daughter's classroom listening to the deepest wishes of twenty kindergarteners as she sketches them. But when little Joey Cordell breaks down, weeping and insisting the only thing he wants to find is his father, she isn't sure where her Christmas project will take her.
Davia Cordell came to Rockland for one purpose--find her son's father before she dies. An ex-prostitute, she's well aware that the news will cause waves, but what's a mother to do?
As these women join forces to search for Joey's father--a Rockland area pastor, no less-- Emily learns compassion for a woman who just wants the best for her son and can't quite imagine that Jesus wants anything to do with her.
Each day, Davia weakens until Emily isn't confident she'll find the boy's father in time--if at all. Doubts form. Should she look? Is it right to risk destroying a family like this--an entire church? The weight of that responsibility crushes her as Davia wastes away before her eyes.
A mother's love. A boy's confidence. A family's faith. A preacher's failure. Is redemption even possible anymore?
Christmas Embers: a story of love, failure, and redemption.
Links:
Amazon affiliate link: http://amzn.to/2i5MiLb
Pinterest Board: https://www.pinterest.com/chautonahavig/christmas-embers/
Archived Blog Posts: https://chautona.com/christmas-embers-blog-archive/
Blog Post:
Infidelity to the Tune of Adeste Fideles
“I think my husband is having an affair.”
An explanation followed. Look, I tend to be one who assumes the best of others—to a fault even. I read the “evidence” and frankly could see it going either way. It’s hard to tell across thousands of miles. While others on the message board saw red flag after red flag—and frankly, I did, too—I also saw perfectly innocent explanations for things. It’s a curse sometimes—that ability to see both sides of an issue. I cautioned against assumptions no one would want other people to make of themselves. And I prayed she was wrong.
She wasn’t.
It wasn’t the first time I’d come face to face with infidelity. As a child, there was an extended family member. As a newlywed, one of my wedding party—then another. Then another. The excuses, the justifications. Friends and I went to confront a sister in Christ on her affair with her husband’s best friend. We foolishly asked, “What happened?” regarding her marriage. Her words: “We drifted apart.”
I wanted to scream the words that battered my brain and heart. “Then row back together!”
But over the years, it just grew worse. One by one, wives and husbands tossed aside vows made to a brother or sister in Christ—vows made before the Lord—in favor of what sometimes were serial affairs. Abuse. Horror.
I’ve prayed women I love through court cases, medical visits, and disclosures from children no mother should ever have to hear. I’ve prayed for men I didn’t even like because of the pain their wives inflicted each time she left them alone with the kids. He knew. He always knew.
Adultery is real. It’s ugly.
And there’s absolutely a cure for it. Jesus. 100% surrender to Jesus. But as long as we rely on those little loops on the back of our boots instead of the saving, healing, strengthening power of Jesus, we’re just as vulnerable as the next person.
And that’s why I wrote Christmas Embers. I took every heartbreaking story I’d observed over the years and put in each character for a reason. Every scene, every plot point, every twist—I put them exactly how and where they are for a reason.
They’re there as a warning.
This isn’t your lighthearted Christmas novel. Some have suggested I shouldn’t have set it at Christmastime. But you know what? Over half the disclosures I’ve ever heard of happened between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. I couldn’t get the idea of Joey’s story out of my head. And to write his story, it had to be at Christmas.
Let me say it again. While Christmas may not seem like the optimal time for a hard-hitting book like this, I had to do it. Adultery is reaching epidemic proportions in the church. There’s a solution.
His name is Jesus.
Book Synopsis: It's a truth universally unacknowledged that sin will hunt you down and advertise its presence the moment you try to hide it.
Emily Byrne sits in her daughter's classroom listening to the deepest wishes of twenty kindergarteners as she sketches them. But when little Joey Cordell breaks down, weeping and insisting the only thing he wants to find is his father, she isn't sure where her Christmas project will take her.
Davia Cordell came to Rockland for one purpose--find her son's father before she dies. An ex-prostitute, she's well aware that the news will cause waves, but what's a mother to do?
As these women join forces to search for Joey's father--a Rockland area pastor, no less-- Emily learns compassion for a woman who just wants the best for her son and can't quite imagine that Jesus wants anything to do with her.
Each day, Davia weakens until Emily isn't confident she'll find the boy's father in time--if at all. Doubts form. Should she look? Is it right to risk destroying a family like this--an entire church? The weight of that responsibility crushes her as Davia wastes away before her eyes.
A mother's love. A boy's confidence. A family's faith. A preacher's failure. Is redemption even possible anymore?
Christmas Embers: a story of love, failure, and redemption.
Links:
Amazon affiliate link: http://amzn.to/2i5MiLb
Pinterest Board: https://www.pinterest.com/chautonahavig/christmas-embers/
Archived Blog Posts: https://chautona.com/christmas-embers-blog-archive/
Blog Post:
Infidelity to the Tune of Adeste Fideles
“I think my husband is having an affair.”
An explanation followed. Look, I tend to be one who assumes the best of others—to a fault even. I read the “evidence” and frankly could see it going either way. It’s hard to tell across thousands of miles. While others on the message board saw red flag after red flag—and frankly, I did, too—I also saw perfectly innocent explanations for things. It’s a curse sometimes—that ability to see both sides of an issue. I cautioned against assumptions no one would want other people to make of themselves. And I prayed she was wrong.
She wasn’t.
It wasn’t the first time I’d come face to face with infidelity. As a child, there was an extended family member. As a newlywed, one of my wedding party—then another. Then another. The excuses, the justifications. Friends and I went to confront a sister in Christ on her affair with her husband’s best friend. We foolishly asked, “What happened?” regarding her marriage. Her words: “We drifted apart.”
I wanted to scream the words that battered my brain and heart. “Then row back together!”
But over the years, it just grew worse. One by one, wives and husbands tossed aside vows made to a brother or sister in Christ—vows made before the Lord—in favor of what sometimes were serial affairs. Abuse. Horror.
I’ve prayed women I love through court cases, medical visits, and disclosures from children no mother should ever have to hear. I’ve prayed for men I didn’t even like because of the pain their wives inflicted each time she left them alone with the kids. He knew. He always knew.
Adultery is real. It’s ugly.
And there’s absolutely a cure for it. Jesus. 100% surrender to Jesus. But as long as we rely on those little loops on the back of our boots instead of the saving, healing, strengthening power of Jesus, we’re just as vulnerable as the next person.
And that’s why I wrote Christmas Embers. I took every heartbreaking story I’d observed over the years and put in each character for a reason. Every scene, every plot point, every twist—I put them exactly how and where they are for a reason.
They’re there as a warning.
This isn’t your lighthearted Christmas novel. Some have suggested I shouldn’t have set it at Christmastime. But you know what? Over half the disclosures I’ve ever heard of happened between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. I couldn’t get the idea of Joey’s story out of my head. And to write his story, it had to be at Christmas.
Let me say it again. While Christmas may not seem like the optimal time for a hard-hitting book like this, I had to do it. Adultery is reaching epidemic proportions in the church. There’s a solution.
His name is Jesus.