A Proper Charade

I must say, I enjoyed this book a lot. I laughed, I cried, and felt all the feelings. The best books do that to me.  And this counts as one of those. I received an eARC of this book from the publisher and these are my own opinions then I also went online and purchased a copy as well.

This couple was well-matched considering perceived socioeconomic differences. Patience was spunky and eager to prove herself. Some of her mishaps were quite hilarious, but ultimately she was lovable, to those she interacted with and to the reader.

Anthony was the perfect Hero, set on helping his father’s reputation. He was all about lists and reaching his desired goals. He was the complete opposite of Patience but in the best way.  It’s just too bad that he is set on marrying Miss Morgan.

This was a perfectly unexpected story that I absolutely couldn’t put down. I recommend it.

If you read A Proper Scandal you will recognize our hero, but otherwise this book completely stands on its own.

A Candle in the Window

Let's mix things up around here with a movie that I was given the opportunity to see.

Cast Bio :

Darin Southam https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1576079/bio

Isabella, Ava & Sophia Jarque – play the daughters.

Like all good movies, this one is based on a book by Michele Ashman Bell - https://deseretbook.com/p/candle-window-michele-ashman-bell-4698?ref=Grid%20%7C%20Search-1&variant_id=105857-ebook

My Review:

Candle in the Window reminds of the sweetness in simple things. The love of this family and the faith of Emily reminds us that those we love are always with us because of Christ. I love the stories and movies at Christmas that take away the commercialism and remind us why we celebrate.

I found this story especially poignant since my dad passed this last summer and we will have our first Christmas without him. It’s comforting to know that he will be with us even though we can’t see him. If only we could all have Emily’s faith.

In this current world where Christmas is just a commercial and Santa reigns, it is important to go back to the roots of faith, love, and Christ. It is important to remember the true meaning of Christmas. I lost my dad over the summer and could really feel for these little girls who lost their mom and had tender feelings about Christmas never going to be the same. 

I was listening to Christmas music the other day and really felt these lyrics that relate to this family and their situation. 

Some day I know it's coming
When all of us won't be
Together there for Christmas (I hate to face it but we won?t always be together for Christmas)
You know Daddy's seventy-three (it seems hard to believe but your daddy will turn seventy-three)

And to pay back all he gave me
For an hour on the phone
He said don't spend a lot on presents (now son don't you spend a lot on presents)
We just want you to come on home (you know all me and Momma want is you all to come on home)

But we'll buy Momma a new dress
And Daddy another tie
And we'll spend lots of time together
And that's something you can't buy

I can't but I will try
I'll pass along to my kids
Something they can't buy
The greatest Christmas present
Is something you can't buy

- "Something you Can't Buy" The Statler Brothers

While it is isn't precisely the situation with the children, it brings to mind the greatest Christmas presents being the time we spend together with our families. This family didn't have a lot, but they had each other and their faith. This is something we could all use a little more of this time of year. 

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The Last Man at the Inn

The Last Man at the Inn: One Man's Quest to Believe

by 

R. William Bennett

Simon considers himself fortunate after securing the final room at the inn in Bethlehem. While eating his supper, he sees a younger man and his pregnant wife denied lodging at the door of the inn. Simon momentarily considers giving up his space, but he is weary from his travels as a spice merchant and turns away from the thought.

Over the ensuing years, Simon traverses the popular trade routes, and each time he passes Bethlehem, he is reminded of that evening and plagued by guilt.

In time, the Savior begins his ministry, and Simon begins the life-changing process of trying to understand and believe the teachings and miracles of this man called Jesus—said to be the promised Messiah.

The Last Man at the Inn is the story of a journey of conversion we all take in one form or another, told through the eyes and heart of a common man. It is written to affirm the believer, to lovingly beckon to the undecided, and to call out to those who may not even know they are looking for something—only that there is a space in their soul that somehow needs to be filled.

My Thoughts:

I felt like I could relate so well to Simon the Spice merchant. It made me wonder what it would have been like for me, living in the time when Christ was on the earth, from his birth to his death. The whispering, the stories, the miracles, would I have believed? Would I have been like Simon and took my time with it? 

I was excited when I realized this was by the same author that wrote Jacob Marley. I love how he looks at these commonly known and loved stories from a different perspective. 

This book evoked deep thought and feeling for me. I found myself crying a long with Simon and his family and hoping that I would have been among the believers at that time. The ending was fitting and beautiful considering Simon's journey. I love that it came full circle and brought him back to the Inn in question. 

I felt like I had an intimate view of the events surrounding the birth and life of our Savior. I couldn't ask for a more perfect Christmas book.though it could be read at anytime

I was introduced to this author with Jacob Marley. I love this author's ability to see the story around the stories we know. To look at the why and the how. I was swept into this beautiful story that gave me an ending that brought tears to my eyes and peace to my soul. If you get a chance to read it, do. This is for those that don't easily believe and need more of a journey to find your answers. 

The Traveler and the Heavy Burden

Publisher's Description

Others would have given up long ago with burdens such as yours, but you are here. If only you could see the distance you have traveled. Know this: your journey was not without purpose. You shall see.

The road is immense, stretching as far as the eye can see. Among the countless individuals making their way ahead, a lone woman slowly presses forward, carrying a load far too heavy to bear. With no one with whom to share her burden, she yearns to reach the end of her painful journey. Just when she is ready to give up, the miracles begin.

An act of kindness. A word of encouragement. A reminder of her worth. Buoyed by the assistance of compassionate strangers along the path, the woman finds the strength to continue her journey until she finds the One who can offer her greater peace and acceptance than she has ever dreamed possible.

For those seeking respite from the pains and heartache of life, this profound tale of one broken traveler's journey is a powerful reminder of the love of the King of Kings, who is waiting with open arms to offer strength, love, and relief.

My Review

A short read, but what a beautiful parable. Of the books I have received, this one is a definite must read. More so than the others. Lives depend on it. I need dozens of copies to leave in my wake. I will do the review a little better justice. As someone who works with people who struggle with mental health and with a desire to help women with issues on how they view themselves, this is so beautiful and hit me right in the heart. Bravo! Beautifully illustrated as well. I can’t say enough about this book. Also, like I said this is a short read. You don't have to be a huge reader, it took me about 20 minutes and it was well worth it and lifted my day. I don't know that there is anyone who can't relate to the feelings this book evokes. It is essential for every woman that struggles with feelings of worth and with helplessness. Please read this book, then share it with every important person in your life. The message is universal.

Discovering Grace

"Find a companion of the heart, Mr. Barnes, and you will find joy the rest of your days."

This quote is a perfect expression of this book. It is two souls finding each other. 

Jacob and Grace have different ideas of what they want. Add Hope, Grace's twin into the mix and there is bound to be trouble afoot. Through an opportunity that Grace did not want, a little dishonesty and finally redemption, Grace comes to know herself and what she is without her sister. 

Jacob's path to the vicarage does not quite go as he planned. Through some soul searching he too comes to find his true direction in matters of the heart. His friends see what he does not, as does his mother.

This was a delightful story with all the romance you could want and the character growth I have come to expect from Sally Britton's stories. This was a perfect escape from the every day.

Entangled

Bridge of Trust
What happens when you have to save the wife of a crime boss? A lot of suspense, excitement, and even a chance of romance. This novella has everything, shoot outs, a mama bear, intrigue, and even a department leak in the FBI. 
When Ethan is charged with keeping a mob boss’s ex-wife safe after her son is kidnapped and retrieve her son, it becomes the case of his life. A mole forces him to work outside the usual channels and safe houses. 
Summer, the mob boss’s ex-wife just wants to be left a lone to raise her sons, but someone isn’t letting that happen.
I was glue to this story with its mystery and intrigue. The characters were good and the story compelling. Once I started, I couldn’t put it down until the end. The twists to the end kept the suspense up with a beautiful payoff.

Corrupted
The thing you learn from police stories, the thin blue line doesn’t like internal affairs investigations, but when girls are being kidnapped and one of them is the internal affairs investigator’s girlfriend’s daughter, that is bound to happen. Corruption is evident early but it is difficult to find the source or how deep it goes. 
The stakes get higher as the investigation hits closer to home and bodies start to appear. Is it a trafficking situation and how is the police force involved.
This suspenseful race against time was a page turner. It is well written and twisty until the end. 

Insidious
Of the novellas in this book, this one hit me the hardest. I have lived the world of unknown illness and the feeling of not knowing is unparalleled. I was right there with the main character as she fought to figure out what was happening to her husband. Of the subjects of these stories, illness is probably the most insidious enemy as the title suggests. It is unpredictable and doesn’t discriminate. The hope offered at the end of the story brings the truth that life keeps moving. I cautiously move forward to other books by this author, given the subject matter, but it was well developed and the characters were relatable.

Something Beautiful for Something Evil
Wow. I have no other words at this moment. All I can say is I should have seen that coming. Kate thought she had it all, a good job, a good husband, and a good life in a new town. Little did she know it was the beginning of things she would never forget. She just thought she was helping her husband investigate her boss and supposed ties to anti-government groups. Little did she know she was stumbling into the path of a serial killer. Trying to decipher this was what made this story work. It was full of false trails and missed clues. 

Overall this collection of stories was everything that it promised. Each story and each author brought a different style and type of story, but they fit together beautifully. They were long enough to enjoy and short enough for a quick escape. 

Love Sidelined

Jason and Allie both had a past that they were struggling to overcome. This was quickly apparent in the beginning of the story. They had their goals and Allie had a missionary. Luckily they also had Harper and Ben to keep them grounded and in the same circles. 

It isn't your typical Quarterback meets Cheerleader story. Set at UCAL with an appearance at BYU, their journey is anything but typical. Jason is fighting his past and trying to overcome it, while Allie is suffering from PTSD related to her past trauma. The question as they start to spend more time together, is can they do it?

Add to the mix Drew, Jason's little brother, who doesn't think he can change and you have an intriguing story of redemption and Jason examining what he really want out of life. 

I marked this for spoilers, but am trying to stick to generalities. I was given an ARC by the publisher to read. From the time I picked it up, I was unable to put it down. I have the previous books in the series but they have remained in my to be read pile, they may emerge from there sooner than later as I have come to like this author's writing style and multi dimensional characters. 

I loved the individual character growth of even supporting characters. It helped contribute to the richness of the story. I truly felt like I was there.