Reading, Writing & Pondering

  The Not So Neutral Zone by Susan and Sarah May Warren is the first in a new series called The Blue Ox Boys. While I am not a huge hockey fan, I am a fan of the Warrens and this contemporary romance set in Minnesota. Chloe seems to be invisible to her family. She is often overlooked. Honestly, without going into my own family, I could relate to her in a lot of ways. Then she meets Brody "Candy" Cane in Barcelona. He saves her purse from a thief and they connect with a romantic evening. Until Brody vanishes and she doesn't hear from him for six months. Now, she is home and planning her sister's wedding. Her sister is marrying hockey player, Derek. Brody has his own family problems. His mom died and his dad couldn't deal with it and became an addict. Brody is a hockey good boy. . .but he has to cover for his dad. Then an influencer seeks to ruin his reputation.  Chloe and Brody reconnect at a Minnesota coffee shop--and make a deal to fake date to help each other o...

  Nero and Paul: How the Gospel of Grace defeated the Ruler of Rome by Kathie Lee Gifford with Bryan Litfin released in March from Thomas Nelson. This creative non-fiction book will help you understand just what it was like to live in the historical times of Nero and Paul. The history in this book is so helpful to better understanding the Bible and relating it to life today. There are maps in the front of Nero and Paul so readers can better see the land they are reading about. Then the two authors have a conversation throughout much of the book that relays the history of this era to the reader from a historical aspect. It is interesting and not at all dry like some history books can be. From the publisher:   Does gaining power, possessions, and popularity lead to happiness and fulfillment? Or does inner transformation and self-sacrificial love bring the most joy and satisfaction?  New York Times  bestselling author Kathie Lee Gifford and scholar Bryan Litfi...

  One of my goals is to spend less time on-line this year. When I saw Edit Your Life: A Handbook for Living with Intention by Elisabeth Sharp McKetta, I wanted to see what advice this book had to offer that would help me as I work towards my goals, including that one. This book is aimed at anyone wanting to make changes in any or all areas of their lives--at any age. Edit Your Life is divided into three parts. Part One is Examine Your Life. There are some questions to ask yourself and points to think about in this section. What is it? What Could it Be? What is Needed? The author offers suggestions on how to claim what is necessary FOR YOUR LIFE, and discard what is not. It isn't the same for everyone. We are all unique people and she makes that clear. Part 2 is to Edit Your Life. Edit for Clarity, Growth and Generosity. The author makes suggestions in each of these areas. She includes examples from her life and the lives of others she knows.  Part 3 is to Enjoy Your Life. En...

I was looking forward to Not what We Pictured by Becca Kinzer all year--and was so excited to get my copy. I have read all of her previous books and enjoyed them--and I enjoyed this one too. As the book begins, McKenna Boston is trying to look out for her much younger sister, Bobbi, when she helps her boyfriend stage a proposal that goes awry. She promised her deceased mother that she would give her mother's engagement ring to Bobbi. She also wants to know Bobbi is safe and happy. She loves her sister and she thinks she will be free to move on in her own career besides seeing Bobbi happy. Nate Lambert is in Omaha for a funeral. He ends up resting on a park bench to relax and stave off a headache. . .but things get a little wild when he doesn't want to move off of the special bench McKenna needs to stage for Bobbi and Oliver's proposal plan. I enjoyed getting to know McKenna and Nate through Not What We Pictured . There were some humorous moments throughout the book. There ...

  Come Close to Jesus : What to Pray When You Need the Lord to Still Your Thoughts, Calm Your Heart, and Guide Your Way (50 Devotional Prayers)  by Lysa TerKeurst recently released from Thomas Nelson Publishers. This book is beautiful with devotionals to read at a time when your heart needs the words she offers. Jesus longs for you to come close. Not just for answers or blessings, but to experience His peace—because He is the only one who can calm us, strengthen us, and give us the perspective we need. Join  New York Times   bestselling author Lysa TerKeurst as she shares powerful prayers, devotional teachings, and practical ways to draw near to the Lord. Come Close to Jesus   is filled with prewritten prayers to help still your thoughts, calm your heart, and find guidance in times of need—but most important, to help you spend time with the Savior who loves you more than you can imagine. Whether you struggle with getting distracted during your quiet t...

  Harbor Pointe by Irene Hannon is the twelfth book in her Hope Harbor series. I love this series. I enjoy meeting the new characters in each new book. Then, I especially enjoy seeing the taco seller, Charlie, in every book as he dispenses wisdom with his tacos. Devyn Lee is a principal dancer with a prestigious New York ballet company. She returns home to Hope Harbor when her sister, Lauren, has a serious health issue and needs assistance. Devyn and her sister also have a rift to mend. Can they mend it? Aaron Steele is a widowed mill worker who lives in Hope Harbor with his nine-year-old daughter and his father. Together, they work to heal from their losses and make life happier for Aaron's daughter, Isabel.  In Harbor Pointe , there is another couple that is working on healing. Martin and Diane. They are secondary characters but they also add to the story in a good way.  Devyn and Aaron work together for a fundraising show for charity. It is fun getting to know them bot...