Don't Worry by B J Bassett

 

Don’t Worry

 

Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. Matthew 6:33 MSG

 

My daughter Kathy and I took my husband to the ER, where he was diagnosed with pneumonia. Instead of admitting him to the hospital, we were encouraged to care for him at home. So we did. They instructed us on how to operate all the breathing devices. I was overwhelmed and worried. Could I do it? I was now a caregiver 24/7.

 

Kathy assured me she would not return to her home until she felt comfortable with leaving us alone. By the time she left, I felt on top of what I needed to do to care for him, yet I was still worried and feeling stressed.

 

My husband suffered from Parkinson’s for two years before he developed pneumonia, and I needed help to care for him. Friends had offered, but I thought I could do it all. Then the nurse practitioner set in motion the aid we needed. She requested a physical therapist, an occupational therapist, a nurse, and a social worker to come to our house. There was no need to worry. God provided.

 

Are we worrying? Or do we trust God to meet our concerns?

 

Father, forgive me for being a worrywart. You are with me during my daily concerns and a crisis as well. I put my complete trust in You. Amen.

 

Reprinted from The King’s Daughters—

A Women’s Devotional

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.

 

Memberships: ACFW and Oregon Christian Writers (OCW).

 

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

 

 

 

The Apple Creek Announcement (Creektown Discoveries, 3)

 

The Apple Creek Announcement 

(Creektown Discoveries, 3) 

July 30, 2022

by Wanda E. Brunstetter  (Author)

An Amish Quilt Unlocks Secrets from the Past

Welcome to Apple Creek, Ohio, where piano teacher and artist, Andrea Wagner, has a fascination with painting the rural Amish landscapes around her home. She has made it to her thirties feeling like she has had a charmed life and finally has fallen in love with Brandon Prentice, a local veterinarian. But then she discovers she was adopted and all she thought she knew about herself has crumbled. Andrea becomes so fixated on finding her birth mother that she pushes Brandon away, so she writes to the "Dear Caroline" column in the newspaper for romance advice. What will Andrea lose before she finds herself again?

Other books in the series:
The Walnut Creek Wish
The Sugarcreek Surprise

Marilyn's thoughts: Brunstetter latest installment of  Creek Town Discoveries series is filled with ups and downs. Andrea and Brandon lives were busy with their occupations but were happy. Their struggles were realistic as Andrea wanted answers to her adoption. This story is well penned with twists and turns, romance and hidden secrets. I enjoyed how the Troyer’s desire to assist others in life gave them purpose and deepens their faith. Fans of Amish fiction will not want to miss reading The Apple Creek Announcement. This is my favorite book in the series. 

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

Out of the Night (The Epic Story of RJ and York Book 1)

 

Out of the Night 

(The Epic Story of RJ and York Book 1)

by Susan May Warren  (Author) 

See, this was why York should put a GPS tracker on the woman he loved.
Not that he would, but if he did, then he wouldn’t show up in a town and see said woman trying to do a Spiderman along the face of a building.
And, if York hadn’t simply followed his instincts and taken off across the street she would have left an ugly splat on the sidewalk, probably taking out a planter of geraniums.
As it were—“Gotcha.”
He wasn’t trying to be cute—it was more of a statement of relief, even fury, the spill over of watching her dangle, then slip off the balcony. The fear he wouldn’t reach her in time.
For a second, she just stared at him, also breathing hard, those blue eyes blinking in disbelief. Then, “York?”
“It’s not Superman.”
Then she threw her arms around him, holding so tight she might cut off his breathing. “You’re here.”
“I’m here.” She could probably feel his heart pounding, trying to leave his body.
“How did you find me?”

A steal-your-breath, fast-paced adventure from a master! Be prepared to have your heart warmed and ripped out at the same time! Warren’s skilled craftsmanship pits an indefatigable RJ and rugged York against daunting enemies in this nonstop action and heart-pounding extension of the Montana Marshalls that we all love. Feed your kids, walk your dog, and grab a drink because once you dive in, there’s no escaping! ~Ronie Kendig, bestselling and award-winning author

“The best parts of an action movie mixed with the best kind of romance. My heart is still pounding. You don’t want to miss this series!” ~Lisa Phillips, USA Today bestselling author


He’s not looking for trouble…

All former spy and current national security agent York Newgate wants is to propose to the woman he loves, RJ Marshall. Then they can move to Shelly, Washington, and start the calm, safe life he’s been dreaming of for over a year.

Too bad trouble doesn’t agree…

Or maybe RJ simply attracts trouble because she’s just going out for coffee when she spots a wanted, known terrorist standing in the middle of a street in Paris. At least she thinks it’s international criminal Alan Martin, the mastermind behind a plot to kill the president.

But he’s in jail, right?

Wrong. Martin has escaped, and it’s up to RJ—and York—to keep him in their sights until he can be apprehended. But chasing down Martin means following him into the darkness of whatever plot he’s cooked up now.

Will he ever outrun trouble to find his happy ending?

So much for York’s epic proposal. Now, he just wants to escape Europe with their lives.

The romantic trilogy ignites in book one of the Epic Story of RJ and York!

Continue the adventure!
Book 1: Out of the Night
Book 2: I Will Find You
Book 3: No Matter the Cost

Find other epic romantic adventures by SMW!
Sky King Ranch series
Montana Marshalls
Montana Fire
Montana Rescue

My thoughts: sometimes readers can't Get enough of certain characters and York is

one of them. He just reached into your heart and grabbed hold of the strings and held 

on tight and even when the series that he is in ended readers still wanted more York. 

Susan May Warren was kind enough to give us three more novellas starring York and 

RJ and more adventures that they not so accidentally stumble upon when trying to do

 something else. I would never survive being one of Susan May Warren's characters but

 they are so exciting to read about. I cannot get enough of her books. Don't miss your 

copy to grab this first book novella in a spin-off series starting York and RJ. You will be 

as riveted as I was. I can't Wait to read the second novella in the series and I am glad it's 

coming soon. I was given a copy free and all opinions are my own.

A Cowboy in Amish Country: A Clean Romance (Amish Country Haven, 2)

A Cowboy in Amish Country: A Clean Romance

 (Amish Country Haven, 2)

 July 26, 2022

His new ranch hand…

Has a little secret

Ranching in Amish Country is both a challenge and a joy for Wilder Westhouse. Though he’ll never be fully accepted, he relies on his neighbors. Hiring Amish runaway Sue Schmidt as a ranch hand could cause problems, especially since her family lives next door. And falling for the beautiful and pregnant cattlewoman will strain relations further and complicate both their lives. Unless love can mend fences…and families.

From Harlequin Heartwarming: Wholesome stories of love, compassion and belonging.

Amish Country Haven

Book 1: A Deputy in Amish Country
Book 2: A Cowboy in Amish Country

Marilyn's thoughts:   This book is one fans of cowboys, ranching, and cattle will enjoy. Sue accepting the job at the ranch next to her Amish family presented issues with her family and the community. Wilder was new at rancher and admired her ranching skills. Sue’s brother and family wanted her to come all way back home to her Amish life though instead of continue living an Englisher lifestyle. The issues facing Wilder and Sue gave way to some painful moments along with tender ones with others and one other.  A Cowboy in Amish Country is descriptive, compelling and action filled that flowed easily with family and new beginnings for all. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author without any obligation to write a positive review. I have expressed my own opinion. 

by Patricia Johns  (Author)

You'll Be Mine (Hearts Bend Collection #2) #preorder

You'll Be Mine 

August 16, 2022

by Rachel Hauck (Author), Mandy Boerma  (Author)

Book 2 of 2: Hearts Bend Collection

A return to the past sparks a new future...

International hotel manager Ben Carter is not sticking around Hearts Bend. He's just home to sell the inn he inherited from his grandparents. The place holds all his best memories-especially the ones that include regular summer guest Cami Jackson. But she's been out of his life for years, and she's not coming back...

Real estate developer Cami Jackson is ready to take over as VP of her father's company. When the Hearts Bend Inn comes on the market, she wants to swoop it up, if only because of the sweet memories of her favorite summers. The last thing she expects to find is her first love back to sign on the dotted line.

But for her father, the inn holds memories of a terrible tragedy, and he wants to kill the deal. An impulsive decision could turn into a lost-but-found dream...but only if Ben and Cami can keep the past from tearing them apart-again.

A heart-healing story of second chances set in the charming town of Hearts Bend!

My thoughts:  this was a sweet romance between two old friends who grew up and came back 

together as adults when both were facing life-changing decisions. It seemed impossible that 

the two of them would get together, but there was an undeniable chemistry between the two 

that never died. If you like sweet romance with a light Faith message you will enjoy this book 

written by acclaimed author Rachel Hauck and cowritten my talented newcomer to the book 

scene. Romance lovers would devour this book. But don't take my word for it. Check this 

book out for yourself. You'll want to read all the books and Miss Haucks series and in this 

continuation of it..  I was given a copy free and all opinions are my own.

 

Written on the Wind (The Blackstone Legacy)

 

Written on the Wind 

(The Blackstone Legacy) 

May 3, 2022

by Camden (Author)

Written on the Wind is a sweeping saga of a historical romance, enhanced by complex characters and riveting period detail. A fascinating read."--MIMI MATTHEWS, USA Today bestselling author of The Siren of Sussex

He carries a dangerous secret, but can he survive long enough to expose it?

Count Dimitri Sokolov has been charged with overseeing construction of the legendary Trans-Siberian Railway, but during this work, he witnesses an appalling crime, the truth of which threatens the Russian monarchy. In an effort to silence him, the czar has stripped Dimitri of his title, his lands, and his freedom . . . but Dimitri has one asset the czar knows nothing about: his deep and abiding friendship with Natalia Blackstone. 

Natalia is the lead analyst for her father's New York banking empire and manages their investment in the Trans-Siberian Railway. Her bond with Dimitri has flourished despite the miles between them, but when Dimitri goes unexpectedly missing, she sets the wheels in motion to find him. Once they join forces, they embark on a dangerous quest in which one wrong move could destroy them both.  

From the steppes of Russia to the corridors of power in Washington, Dimitri and Natalia will fight against all odds to save the railroad while exposing the truth. Can their newfound love survive the ordeal? 

My thoughts: this book is the second in a series by one of my favorite historical authors Elizabeth Camden. I love how she writes such unique story plots that completely hold my interest. The setting takes us across the USA and  into Russia and one wonders how it will turn out. I had to keep reading to find out what happens to these characters and I cannot wait for about 3:00 in the series which will come out either late this year or early next year. I couldn't put this book down. I was given a copy free and all opinions are my own.

The Stories of God (and Kiki) (Made in His Image) #preorder

 

The Stories of God (and Kiki) 

(Made in His Image) 

July 19, 2022

by 

Dave Connis  (Author), Amy Domingo (Illustrator)

From the creators of The Inventions of God (and Eva) comes a delightfully illustrated picture book that tells the story of would-be author and artist Kiki—and the God who created her to be a lot like Him.

Little Kiki is an aspiring author and illustrator who weaves daring tales about swashbuckling otters, all-knowing sea cucumbers, and nail-biting rescues from the clutches of gerblins (part gerbil, part goblin). But where do her imagination, creativity, and ideas come from?
 
Meet God, the author of all stories. He writes adventurous tales such as Esther Saves Her Family and Friends, Jesus and the Tomb that Couldn’t Hold Him, and the Story of Kiki.

Kiki loves to write but sometimes she forgets to include important pieces (like the time she forgot to give the ship’s cook a kitchen). God also loves to write, and He knows exactly what every story needs. They are both writing their biggest story of all, and the endings are bound to be incredible.
 
Children and parents alike will delight in the playful illustrations, imaginative side stories, and the gentle reminder that the image of God is alive in each of us. 

My thoughts: this is an adorable children's picture book about a little girl named Kiki and 

God and how God and Kiki are alike and how God and Kiki are different. Children will 

enjoy looking at the pictures and reading the ways that God and Kiki are similar and how

they are not. Excellent book for starting discussions with young children. Recommended

for church libraries and Christian preschools as well as personal libraries for children. 

The artwork is very well done but a little bit busy. I was given a copy free and all 

opinions are my own.

Unwavering Security (Saltwater Cowboys)

 

Unwavering Security 

(Saltwater Cowboys) 

October 25, 2021

by Christy Barritt  (Author)4.6 out of

Book 6 of 6: Saltwater

Her plain Jane past still plays on her insecurities. His betrayal at the hands of someone he trusted leaves him on edge. Can they overcome their pasts and rely on each other when danger closes in?

Thaddeus Blackwell and Miranda Stewart have one common goal. As best man and maid of honor, it’s their duty to make sure Grant Matthews’ and Abigail Ferguson’s big day goes off without a hitch. However, after a fantastic first date several months ago, things went downhill and are now awkward, at best, between Thaddeus and Miranda.

Both were hoping to avoid each other except when absolutely necessary. But things don’t go as planned when the Texas FBI agent and New York City reporter literally fall into danger. What they uncover turns their plans upside down.

Now they’re not just helping with the wedding, but they’re trying to stay alive. Can Thaddeus offer Miranda the safety and security she craves? Or is he like every other man in Miranda’s life? Someone may silence both of them before they can find out.

My thoughts:  UNWAVERING SECURITY is the most recent book in this ongoing series and true-to-form the author kept the reader guessing and the pages turning.  Imagine a two-story hotel buried in a sand dune! And how scary when you accidentally find yourself trapped in it and no one knows where you are!  I had to keep reading to find out.  If you like romantic suspense you will love this book.  Recommended.