Sunday, July 31, 2022

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.

 




 

 

Friday, July 29, 2022

The Apple Creek Announcement (Creektown Discoveries, 3)

 


The Apple Creek Announcement 

(Creektown Discoveries, 3) 

July 30, 2022

Thursday, July 28, 2022

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) 

Tuesday, July 26, 2022

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. 






Monday, July 25, 2022

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




You'll Be Mine 

August 16, 2022



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.






 

Wednesday, July 20, 2022

Written on the Wind (The Blackstone Legacy)

 


Written on the Wind 

(The Blackstone Legacy) 

May 3, 2022

Monday, July 18, 2022

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

 


The Stories of God (and Kiki) 

(Made in His Image) 

July 19, 2022



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.






Thursday, July 14, 2022

Unwavering Security (Saltwater Cowboys)

 


Unwavering Security 

(Saltwater Cowboys) 

October 25, 2021



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.






While the City Sleeps (Women of Midtown)

  While the City Sleeps  (Women of Midtown)  February 13, 2024 by  Elizabeth Camden   (Author) Amid the hushed city, two hearts must navigat...