The Prodigal (The Crimson Legacy) by Susan May Warren, Susan K. Downs

The Prodigal

(The Crimson Legacy) 

November 12, 2024

by Susan May Warren (Author), Susan K. Downs (Author)

A generational secret could change everything...

She came for answers... but found a mission she never expected.

Kat Moore, a determined American, arrives in Moscow only to find herself embroiled in a dangerous game of cat and mouse with the KGB. With only a cryptic key and a longing to uncover her murky past, Kat's search for truth drives her deeper into the shadows of a city that holds the secrets of her heritage.

Vadeem Spasonov, a seasoned FSB agent, thrives on the thrill of the chase and the satisfaction of keeping his country safe from smugglers like the elusive Grazovich. When he encounters Kat, he initially suspects her of being a pawn in Grazovich’s schemes. Vadeem's mission swiftly shifts from capturing a criminal to protecting the headstrong American who inadvertently makes herself a target.

Together, Kat and Vadeem navigate the treacherous waters of espionage and betrayal. As they edge closer to unraveling the mysteries of Kat's family, they realize that the stakes are higher than either of them could have imagined. If they fail, Kat might never learn the truth about her past, and Vadeem could lose his chance at capturing a notorious criminal—or worse, lose Kat to the dangerous game they're playing.

**Previously published as From Russia With Love.

The Crimson Legacy
Book 1: The Prodigal
Book 2: The Sparrow
Book 3: The Partisan
Book 4: The Secret

My thoughts:  The Prodigal was previously published under a different title (From Russia With Love). I have read it years ago, but it has been so long I really didn't remember it. This story is stocked full of romance, adventure, and drama as the heroine, Kat, steps off the plane into a nightmare that never figured into her plans to track down her ancestors.  It is great for a book that is sure to keep you glued to the pages, but I sure would hate to be the heroine.  The hero clashed with Kat at every turn and the feisty Kat get a lot of courage, strength, and willpower I am not sure I would possess if I landed in the same situation. I enjoy getting to know these characters, learning their secrets, and wondering what on Earth could possibly happen next. There's a really strong faith message which is one thing I really love about Ms Warren's books.  Full of characters that you will fall in love with - even secondary characters you will love - this is a book you will finish reading and pick it up and start reading it over again because it really is that good. This will make a great Christmas gift for yourself or someone you love. It is also not a Christmas theme books in so you can read it anytime or gift it at any time of the year.  This is the first book in the series however this book is set in more modern times, and each book goes back further into the family history so if you like to read stories in chronological order, you might want to start with the last book first and read the first book last.  Highly recommended.  Pick up your copy today. I was given a copy free, and all opinions are my own. 

Hope – A Supernatural Abstraction #Devotional by Laura Poole

 

Hope – A Supernatural Abstraction

 

“Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul and sings the tune without the words.” ~Emily Dickinson

 

Emily’s quote paints a beautiful image of a seemingly supernatural abstraction we all long for and find impossible to live without. Yet, hope often feels elusive, just out of reach of our grasp. When we suffer hardships or walk through trials, despair can easily nudge hope aside.

 

Hope is mentioned throughout the Bible, often coupled with other positive words, to encourage us to stay the course.

 

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12

 

Hope isn’t born in a vacuum, unaffected by outside influences. Hope is vital and often reborn as we journey through life’s trials. And hope walks hand-in-hand with joy and faith.

 

…And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. Romans 5:2-5

 

Despair does not defeat God’s supernatural hope which strengthens and edifies our souls. Hope whispers to us that tomorrow will be better, our problems have solutions, and healing can take place.

 

What is troubling you today? I want to assure you of the miraculous hope God can instill in your soul, despite your circumstances. All you have to do is believe, then reach out and take hold of his hand. His strength will see you through.

 

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11.

 

Thank you, LORD!

Buy your copy here!

https://www.amazon.com/Waiting-Christmas-Meditations-Faith-Advent-ebook/dp/B0DLTKPF4Q/ref=

LAURA HODGES POOLE is an award-winning Christian author of several books. Her novel, Return to Walhalla, was a Selah Award finalist. She enjoys encouraging others through her blog, A Word of Encouragement. On beautiful days in South Carolina, you might find her hiking instead of writing. An empty-nester, Laura enjoys a quiet life with her husband when she’s not playing with her grandchildren.

Advent is a time of holy preparation that culminates in a celebration of our Lord’s birthday on Christmas. It is a turning away from self and toward Christ. With this devotional, the reader can delve into the four parts of Advent instead of getting caught up in the commercialism defining the secular celebration of Christmas. You’ll learn that hope, joy, and peace are intertwined with our Christian faith as you journey toward Christmas.

 

Chapel Springs Revival (Chapel Springs Series) by Ane Mulligan

 

Chapel Springs Revival

 (Chapel Springs Series) 

September 2, 2014

by Ane Mulligan (Author)

With a friend like Claire, you need a gurney, a mop, and a guardian angel.

Everybody in the small town of Chapel Springs, Georgia, knows best friends Claire Bennett and Patsy Kowalski. It's impossible not to, what with Claire's zany antics and Patsy's self-appointed mission to keep her friend out of trouble. And trouble abounds.

During an early morning discussion at Dees 'n' Doughs bakery with their ladies group, all Chapel Springs entrepreneurs, attention is drawn to the slackened tourist trade. With their livelihoods threatened, they join forces to address the town's revitalization in hopes of drawing back the tourists. No one could have guessed the real issue needing restoration is their marriages.

Claire, a pottery artist, stumbles through life with her foot in her mouth. When she became a Christian, she thought life and her marriage would be included in the new creation part. But her thighs are just as big and her husband, Joel, is as ornery as ever. She's become nothing more than a sheet-changer, a towel-folder, a pancake-flipper. Her life is humdrum and she's tired of being taken for granted.

Patsy has plans for her empty nest, plans that include a cruise ship. However, her husband, Nathan, continues to work long hours, and he's not talking about slowing down. In fact, he's not talking much at all. She's asleep long before he comes home each night. At first she thought it was just because of tax season, but now she's not so sure. Something other than work seems to keep him late at the office every night. With the lines of communication closed, she'll have to find another way to reach him.

With their marriages as much in need of restoration as the town, Claire and Patsy embark on a mission of mishaps and miscommunication, determined to restore warmth to Chapel Springs and their lives. That is if they can convince their husbands and the town council, led by two curmudgeons who would prefer to see Chapel Springs left in the fifties and closed to traffic.

Written for the General Market (G) (I): Contains little or no; sexual dialogue or situations, violence, or strong language. May also contain some content of an inspirational/religious nature. Similar women’s fiction novels in this genre may be categorized as: women’s fiction, inspirational women’s fiction, christian fiction, and clean, wholesome women’s fiction.

My thoughts: Chapel Springs\vival is a women's fiction / cozy mystery. I loved getting to know the southern women who starred in the story, the drama going on in their lives, and the community. They are strong women and had strong opinions even though some of them made quite hilarious mistakes. If you like cozy mysteries and/or women's fiction then you will love Chapel Springs Revival. I think this is the first book I've read by this author but I will be on the lookout for more.   

What I Left for You: Volume 3 (Echoes of the Past) by Liz Tolsma

 

What I Left for You: 

Volume 3 

(Echoes of the Past) 

December 1, 2024

by Liz Tolsma (Author)

A Family's Ties Were Broken in Poland of 1939  

 1939 Helena Kostyszak is an oddity—an educated female ethnic minority lecturing at a university in Krakow at the outbreak of WWII. When the Germans close the university and force Jews into the ghetto, she spirits out a friend's infant daughter and flees to her small village in the southern hills. Helena does everything in her power to protect her family, but it may not be enough. It will take all of her strength and God's intervention for both of them to survive the war and the ethnic cleansing to come. 

  2023 Recently unengaged social worker McKenna Muir is dealt an awful blow when a two-year-old she's been working with is murdered. It's all too much to take, so her friend suggests she dive into her family's past like she's always wanted. Putting distance between herself and her problems might help her heal, so she and her friend head on Sabbatical to Poland. But what McKenna discovers about her family shocks everyone, including one long-lost family member

Also in the Echoes of the Past Series:  What I Would Tell You    What I Promise You

Marilyn's thoughts:   Magnificent historical of two heroines finding the perseverance, endurance, determination and a faith that renewed their lives to keep going midst the storms. Helena historical account of being Lemkos during WWII and McKenna’s present desire to find the history of her grandma’s ancestors after suffering losses kept me reading until the end. Yes, there were plenty of tears with all they endured with one thought “No matter what, God.” The beauty of the hardships changed lives forever but yet there was new beginnings.

 

The research Tolsma included of her personal family heritage brought a fresh look at the past, landscape, buildings and foods that were popular in Poland, but yet newcomers to America kept the recipes alive in families. This is one story that will stay with me for a long time.

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publisher without any obligation to write a positive review. I have expressed my own thoughts.

Become Your Best Self #devotional by B J Bassett

 

Become Your Best Self

Use your heads as you live and work among outsiders. Don’t miss a trick. Make the most of every opportunity. Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down, not cut them out. Colossians 4:5-6 MSG

Recently, I’ve heard the term: Become your best self. I’m not sure what it means. Is it a slogan for self-help books or a cult movement?

We have become a Me Society where everything revolves around us—constant exercising, dieting, juice cleansing—looking for a quick-fix solution for happiness. The things we find painful, overwhelming, or unbearable must be repressed. The constant movement seems to be the norm, never stopping to reflect or spend time in the presence of our Lord. Yet, in our society, with all these so-called remedies available, depression is on the rise.

I’ve read some self-help books and consider myself a positive thinker. Yet, as believers, we need to be aware of anything that may not be based on God’s Word. So when in doubt, go to the source. The Bible is full of everything we need to be our best selves. Maybe the way to become our best selves is to bring out the best in others.

Father, sometimes it’s hard to weed out what is of You and what is a cult. Help me be discerning, I pray. Thank You for Your Word, which teaches me how to live. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

Reprinted from

The King’s Daughters

By BJ Bassett

 

B. J. Bassett encourages others as an author, teacher and speaker. Her books include a contemporary novel, Gillian’s Heart; a historical novel Lily; Sweet Charity; A Touch of Grace—The G.R.A.C.E. Ministries Story; and coauthor of a children’s devotional My Time with God, Focus on the Family, Heritage Builders, with over 55,000 copies sold.

 

As a contributing writer, publications consist of Writer’s Handbook 2000, The Writer, and The Focus on the Family Guide to Growing a Healthy Home, Wolgemuth& Hyatt, Publishers, Inc.—consistently on Bookstore Journal’s Best-selling Christian Books List from November 1990 - February 1991, and voted the 10 Best Books for 1990 by Today’s Christian Woman.

 

Magazines, devotional booklets, curriculum and newspaper publishers include Focus on the Family, Woman’s World, The Quiet Hour, Pathways to God, Devotions, Harcourt Brace, WordAction, Gospel Publishing and Times Standard (newspaper).

 

She teaches writing workshops at Umpqua Community College, Roseburg, OR and at writer’s conferences. As a speaker for Stonecroft Ministries, she tells her story of rejection and acceptance, not only in life, but as a writer as well. She also offers book talks, including discussion questions and shares the journey -- from the seed of an idea to a published book.

 

She enjoys reading, jigsaw puzzles, knitting, munching warm scones oozing with butter and strawberry jam and sipping earl grey tea.

Mountain Christmas Brides: Nine Historical Novellas Celebrate Faith and Love in the Rocky Mountains by Mildred Colvin, Mary Davis, Susan Page Davis, Lena Nelson Dooley, Darlene Franklin, Debby Lee, Tamela Hancock Murray Carrie Turansky, Gina Welborn

 

Mountain Christmas Brides: 

Nine Historical Novellas Celebrate Faith and Love in the Rocky Mountains

September 1, 2016

by Mildred Colvin (Author), Mary Davis (Author), Susan Page Davis (Author), Lena Nelson Dooley (Author), Darlene Franklin (Author), Debby Lee (Author), Tamela Hancock Murray (Author), Carrie Turansky (Author), Gina Welborn (Author)

Celebrating Faith and Love in the Historic Rocky Mountains

From a Wyoming ranch in 1880, to a logging camp in Washington Territory in the late 1800s, to Denver, Colorado, in 1913, meet nine couples who find that Christmas is the perfect time for climbing to the heights of romance.

Watch as their faith and courage propel them through challenges that come with mountain winters to cozy fireside celebrations that lead to lasting proclamations of love. Penned by an exclusive selection of Christian fiction authors—including Susan Page Davis, Vickie McDonough, and Carrie Turansky—this collection of nine romances is one to treasure.

Marilyn's thoughts:   Mountain Christmas Brides is a collection of novellas with a variety of circumstances from a mail order bride to finding romance in a logging camp to a blizzard in Colorado that brought four friends from finishing school together. Each tale is penned in the author’s creative way with drama and a budding romance. It was interesting to see how the various authors interwove the same characters from the logging camp and blizzard but had their own hero and heroine to focus upon with a faith message of love, peace, forgiveness and kindness for all.

 

My top two favorites were Almost Home by Susan Page Davis and The Best Medicine by Lena Nelson Dooley. This book has been on my bookshelf for a while so with Christmas approaching it was nice to have novellas to read instead of a long novel to find the happy ending.

Things Left Unsaid by Courtney Walsh

 

Things Left Unsaid 

October 30, 2018

by Courtney Walsh (Author)

An emotional novel of family, friendship and forgiveness from Courtney Walsh, the New York Times bestselling author of Hometown Girl.

Lyndie St. James is thrilled that her best friend, Elle, is getting married but unprepared for the emotional storm of the wedding week and returning to her childhood summer home of Sweethaven. The idyllic cottage community harbors some of her best―and worst―memories. It’s not only the tragic death of her childhood friend Cassie that has haunted her for ten years, it’s the other secrets she’s buried that have kept her from moving on.

But Lyndie isn’t the only one with secrets.

Cassie’s mother, father and brother, still struggling with the loss, have been drifting further and further apart. And Elle herself, the last to see Cassie alive, carries an impossible burden of guilt. Now reunited, each of them has a choice: to reveal the truths of that night or continue to live in its shadow. That means embarking on a personal journey of the heart―to escape the darkness and all its regrets and to finally come to terms with the past and, especially, with each other.

My thoughts:  Things Left Unsaid is a woman's fiction with a touch of romance that left me hungering for more.  At first, the story was rather slow starting,  but as I got used to the characters and into the story it grew on me and I did not want this book to end.  There was no real closure to the book. I want to know what happened next. And I wanted to start over and read it again and again and again. It is rare to find a book like that.  This book is more than a few years old but it is definitely a must read. I missed it when it first came out.  Courtney Walsh is one of my favorite authors in this genre and the story is not to be missed.