Book Review and a Free Book up for grabs!

I received the novel Daughter of Jerusalem by Joan Wolf (2013) from Worthy Publishing and I was asked to give an honest review and be a part of their blog tour.

This is the first book that I have read by Joan Wolf and it was a pleasure to read. Daughter of Jerusalem is a fictionalized account of Mary Magdalene taken from the various accounts in the New Testament. Joan has created a complex intelligent, independent and engaging character. Though the culture and setting of the story reflect the Jewish and Roman lifestyle of the first century in Galilee the aspirations and struggles of Mary easily resonate with modern readers in this account. Mary's early life, family, friends and love, her marriage, affair are clearly fictional but plausible. Her aspirations, challenges and failures are similar to our own. She found in Jesus forgiveness, love and a purpose. This novel reminded me that the Bible is about how Jesus interacted with ordinary people. That His story and our stories connect so that there can be transformation and new stories. This novel challenged me to reflect on my journey of life and faith. I highly recommend it.

Worthy Publishing has also provided me with an extra copy of the novel to give away to a reader of this blog. If you would like a copy please let me know in your comments. I will choose one of you on Wednesday, July 24th and ask for your address so that I may mail it to you. I hope that you enjoy it as much as I did!

Book Reviews and a contest for a free book

Although I am an avid reader, it took a few months after my initial illness to return to reading. ( you can begin to realize how ill I was....) I was also committed to teaching 2 online courses for Queen's University - Teaching Reading Part One and Teaching Special Education Part One which consumed my mental capacities. After the courses were done we worked hard to completely move all of our belongings and thoroughly clean our family home as it was sold. This was where we raised our 5 sons so the rooms held many memories - echoes of stories told, conversations, homework, sibling arguments, games played, times with friends and major milestones. For my husband it was a letting go and goodbye to his labour of love. He designed, framed, and finished this home. We are so thankful to have a home here in Griffith where we can enjoy gardening, making maple syrup, hunting and most of all time with family and friends.

I have been reading and hope to post more regularly some book reviews/suggestions. A publisher graciously offered me a book to review and a copy to give away to one of you (see netgalley.com and worthy publishing). The review will be posted tomorrow so you need to contact me by Monday, July 21 and I will choose one of you to send the book to.

Tomorrow's book review: Daughter of Jerusalem by Joan Wolf (2013) Worthy Publishing.

Enjoying the warmth of summer

I have not posted since February....at that time I was looking forward to our holiday in Florida and an opportunity to rest and rejuvenate in the warmth of the sunny south. I ended up in the hospital in Florida instead of beside the pool and on the beach. Life looks different from a bed and incapacity. Thanks to insurance I was able to be taken care of in a great hospital, D.P. Philips Hospital in Orlando, be medivacced home in a jet and then spend a few days in an Ottawa hospital. It has been a long time recovering my physical, mental, emotional and spiritual energy. I am so grateful that my mom and dad were able to come and help from Vancouver Island. My mom cooked almost every meal for 3 weeks during our busy maple syrup season. During the 2 weekends that she was here we had more than 12 people in our house...busy times! I was always able to go into my room and shut the door for rest. It is only as I look back that I realize how ill I was.
"My grace is sufficient for you, my strength is made perfect in weakness." We had been discussing in our women's study group becoming a woman of grace. It always amazes me that the words/thoughts that I am led to meditate,consider and reflect on somehow are prophetic or relate directly to my future/current life experiences. So when I sought grace, I ended up with weakness. When I have sought patience I often encountered trials. When I want to learn more about love and forgiveness I encounter difficult people and situations. God's truths are meant to be experienced not only read.

It is very hot today. I went out to pick some peas and beans from the garden. Often the topic of conversation is the weather - too cold, too wet, too dry, too hot etc and we gravitate to complaints. Let us be thankful! I am thankful for the warmth. I could not enjoy heat and swimming in Florida, but I can go down to the river and find rest and peace here, now. The flowers are blooming. It amazes me to see the variety of flowers - daisies, clover, alfalfa, milkweed, lilies, roses, and many others (though I do not know their names) blooming profusely not only in gardens, but along the roadsides and streams and in meadows and fields. We bloom even when it seems no one appreciates our efforts, our stories, our lives.

Keep blooming today...you will attract others, your Father will enjoy your beauty. Fruit comes after the blossoms. As I picked the beans I saw many more blossoms on the plants. When the fruit is picked there is more energy to produce more fruit. Have a great day!

Working Together

Preston and Josh were so excited to work with grandpa. He mentioned going outside and they began looking for boots, mittens and jackets. We bundled them up and they waited anxiously on the 4 wheeler while grandpa gathered what he needed. Then they rode off to the sugar shack. Their help slowed things down for grandpa but he wouldn't give up the moments together. Preston and Josh each have their own small hammers and boards with roofing nails for practice. Each time the sleigh was filled with wood, the boys had to ride on top of the wood. ....

Today's Book Review

It is like reading about your best friend!

Saving Grace by Fiona McCallum
Saving Grace is a saga reminiscent of Maeve Binchy's tales. As I read the story of Emily's struggles to reinvent herself after a disastrous marriage I found myself caring about whether she realized her dreams. It was like reading the story of a best friend. I could hardly believe that the novel was over and I wanted the story of Emily and her friends to continue. I hope that the author has a sequel in mind as I became attached to the characters. I highly recommend this book. 
I received this book for review purposes  compliments of Netgalley and Harlequin Australia.

I am enjoying the books from Net galley as I have an opportunity to read widely. I hope that you will find these reviews useful.

Book Reviews

Where ever you go, there you are.....

Razed Book One, Foundations Series

Paula Wisman Mindstir Media

Reminiscent of the Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver, this novel traces the journey of  Mark and his family to Africa as missionaries. The author portrays a modern Jonah who seems to be using his call to Africa as a means to withdraw from the challenges of building a relationship with his father. Doug, although condemned by Mark for not holding Christian morals, displays virtues of commitment, honesty and love. It will be interesting to follow the characters in the next book in the series. I highly recommend this story.
 I was provided this text by Netgalley and Mindstir Media for review purposes.

Prodigal by Rektok Ross

Stories of Hope and Healing:

This young adult story portrays a boy and girl who find each other but struggle to connect. Lexie, the main character, has to move to a new state for her senior year of high school because of her mother's need for cancer treatment. She is surprised to find a blossoming social life in this new environment. She connects with Ash, a popular athlete, but they find it difficult to forge a relationship based on trust and honesty. Both Lexis and Ash begin to find hope and healing as they deal with the trauma of the death of parents. I found that the story resonated with my experiences of moving during my senior year. The author also captured some of the difficulties adolescents encounter when trying to forge a romantic relationship when they were too hurt to love. I highly recommend this book to young adult readers. The only suggestion I have is that the title more adequately reflect the themes and experiences portrayed. 

Diamonds on the Snow!

The sparkle of the crisp and crunchy snow erase memories of yesterday's storm. Winter can be so beautiful even though the wind and cold can blow away calm and comfort. Last night I tossed and turned fighting the storms of my past which destroy my equilibrium. Preston and I enjoyed three days together, but at times the challenges evoke memories of exhaustion, loneliness and despair from the past. Why is it so hard to leave the past behind. I am always dragging it with me.
"Lay aside every weight and entanglement and fix our eyes ahead...." Hebrews 12: 1,2.
There is another place where it says, "forgetting what lies behind I reach forward to what lies ahead..."Philippians 3:13.
I find it so hard to forget. Instead it seems that there are days when life is beautiful like the fresh snow and sunshine, but my struggles are only temporarily forgotten and ready to be revealed by the next winter storm. Sometimes all it takes is a look, a word, or tiredness which open cracks for the winds to blow through.

On a brighter note, last week Darrell and I went to the movie Les Miserables. A long time ago I saw the live musical. This story depicts the transforming power of grace and mercy. Justice keeps hounding us, pursuing us, like my memories of failures and pain, but only the memory of forgiveness can transform wounds and poverty into love. I see those silver candlesticks freely given to Jean Val Jean as reminders of the extravagant gift of light and hope to be displayed wherever life takes us.

I hope to share some book reviews later this weekend. I am trying to find the balance between reading - living in the stories of others and creating my own stories. This afternoon we will go outside and enjoy the sunshine and snow together.  Go and do the same. 

Today's Book Reviews

As a member of netgalley I try to review the books that I have read. Here are the two latest novels that I have read.
The Pawnbroker by Jerry Hatchett
With the main character running for his life while trying to solve the mysteries surrounding the person he had killed in self defense this book kept me reading for the better part of a day. Unfortunately, the excessive murders detracted from the overall story so I would be reluctant to recommend it to others. It would be nice to see more creative ways of solving the problems. Also, in the initial scene we have two hunters discovering a grisly scene because of the smell, yet at the end of the novel, in the same building none of the characters comment on this smell. The author would do well to check more carefully for inconsistencies in his writing.

Yellow Crocus: A Novel by Laila Ibrahim
Slavery and survival through women's eyes
The story of Mattie and Lisbeth reveals some of the hidden nuances of growing up with slavery. As a slave, Mattie had no rights over her own body or her children and yet was given the responsibility of nourishing and nurturing the child of the plantation owners. Lisbeth shows in her outlook and choices that she has adopted Mattie's values rather than those of her parents. This story creates space for us to understand and touch some of the realities that have shaped the experiences of diverse women. I highly recommend it.

Waiting for Power

The electrician has been here and now we are waiting for Hydro One to come and connect us to the grid. Although we have some warmth, a wood furnace in the basement, and a generator for necessities such as lights and television (and this computer) it is so inconvenient. When it is cold, today it is -20, I often wonder how those people who came before us survived without the amenities that we take for granted. Would a log house, or a tipi, or a lodge of boughs and mud keep out the chilling arctic air? Would lamps of tallow or oil brighten the long nights of winter? What would you add to the stew of fish or moose meat? I am amazed that they could survive and thrive. We should honour those from the past and take time to learn from our elders.

I am not reading today, but rather enjoying the antics of Preston and Josh. Downstairs we were all trying to stand on our heads ( I think that this was Darrell's idea). I took up the challenge and I was doing well until Chip licked my face... so many laughs. Now we are watching Nemo again. They follow the antics of the little clownfish and I reflect again on our search for family and home and the power of love. Right now Dorie is in the net and Nemo is telling all the fish to "swim down together....keep swimming, keep swimming..." As we work together we can overcome the forces which imprison us. Nemo is lying on the bottom and his dad says, "It's ok, daddy's here, daddy's got you." I long for that feeling of protection and unconditional love. I love stories that share the circle of life. Now Nemo is back at school just like in scene one. He has a chance for a new beginning. At any age we need opportunities for new beginnings, time to put into practice the lessons we have learned.

Reflections from the hilltop in Griffith. Bye for now...time to give the boys their bottles and maybe they will nap. 

Book Review: One Sunday

One Sunday by Carrie Gerlach Cecil

Howard Books

Pub Date: Feb 12 2013  |  Archive Date: Mar 1 2013

This is an excellent book worth reading and passing on to friends. Alice, the main character shares her story in layers within the framework of a Sunday which symbolizes life, love and hope. Her portrayals of hurt, brokenness, and self centeredness speak to the experiences of many modern women. She finds herself pregnant, married and living in the South after a life which had included heartbreak and "success" in New York and Los Angeles. What an interesting way to share a story reminiscent of the prodigal. The novel shares hope and love through the words and actions of Tim and LeChelle, Alice's neighbours. Through this story I was reminded of the need to take time to listen and offer hope and friendship the people that come across my path. This book is definitely worth reading! Note: I thank Net Galley and Howard Books for a preview copy.

 

Wind and a fallen tree = no power

Reflections on the power of the weather
The last time I wrote it was snowing and we had six inches to clear from our driveway. The next day the sky was dark and the weatherman spoke of freezing rain. None came, but we did have a day of mild weather and rain which washed away the accumulation of snow and changed the landscape again. This morning we woke up to a cold wind which changed all puddles into ice. As we looked out the window to the swaying trees, suddenly the house reverberated and all went dark. A spruce fell beside the house took down the power line and crashed through the fence.
There are moments, days and years of relative peace. We are wrapped in the protective blankets of parental love or career opportunities. How do we face times of change, both good and bad? When we lose power it is more of an effort to stay warm and to prepare meals. Priorities change and plans shift.
I have a headache so I will leave these reflections for another time. Who knows what tomorrow will bring (hopefully the power will be reconnected....)

Book Review from this rainy January 30th

Part of this blog will be frequent book reviews as I am now signed up with netgalley to review books! What a bonus for an avid reader. Use them to choose new books or just to find out what I am reading.All the best, Judy

A worthwhile thriller!
Hiding in the Sunshine by John and Caitlin Stuart
Although it took awhile to get into the story, once hooked it was a page turner. Cyber security in all its facets is a very real threat and this novel exposed those threats. The main character, an expert in cyber security and his family, are rushed into witness protection by the FBI. Their children learn to deal with secrets and to survive. Although the ending is almost too perfect, this was a great read. I hope that these authors write more novels in this genre

Snow covers our tracks

Welcome to my world...a messy world with toys scattered across my living room, books piled on the tables, dishes in the sink, sons grown, grandsons exploring and a husband retired but busy... I hope to share ideas, reflections and encouragement as well as take the opportunity to start writing again.
This morning I was awakened early by my grandson whispering "eat"....as soon as his eyes opened. I do not usually wake up so hungry for food, for experiences or for company. I am often reluctant to embrace today. My husband included Josh as he created his signature whipped cream and blueberry waffles. I relaxed and listened to the chatting and singing of the two of them.
We went out to walk in the snow and cut firewood and I carried Josh to the path. He walks across snow unmarked by tracks making his own marks. I try to follow with difficulty but keep sinking to my knees. How do I keep up with an eager toddler?
 Soon the snow covers our tracks and our hair and our faces. Chain saws interrupt the quiet. Dead elms drop in the snow. Firewood is stacked on the trailer. Our explorer is wet and cold so we go back home for soup and Finding Nemo. Josh is intrigued. I reflect on the message of wandering and the hope that someone is seeking to bring me home.
We discuss this in our discussion group. The answers to our prayers are not like winning the lottery or putting coins in a vending machine, but we are promised deliverance from fears and God's peace. Can I walk across the snow without falling through? As I reflect on life through this blog I hope that I can make sense of some of my days and hours.