Musings by Erin

Do you ever feel like you're carrying too much? Not just in your purse, but also in life. If so, have I got a book for you! This book, written by 3 hilarious but spiritually adept ladies, uses each chapter to compare some item from your purse to a life lesson. While most of this is not actually "new" information if you've been in a relationship with Jesus for any period of time, they're great reminders that pack a solid punch and bring us back to the basics.  Here's a blurb about the book: Got Baggage? Ever find yourself lugging around messy spiritual baggage like so much purse clutter? Sometimes that baggage runneth over and shows up in: That utterly overwhelmed feeling Anxiousness and stress Anger, fear, discontentment Feelings of failure and a lack of peace Let's stop holding on to what we don't need, and start fighting for what we do. Learn to walk out your faith life less weighed down. Lighter, FREER than ever! Not only free, but our powerful God ...

  When it comes to heart-rending dual timeline tales that include WWII as one timeline, Melanie Dobson is a go-to author. This book was another great example of her writing skills! The historical timeline for this book takes place in Nuremberg Germany, which gave it a unique perspective as it also included the trials after the war, which is something you don't often read about. The modern timeline included cult information on current Aryan Nation groups in the US. This is also something you don't often hear about as other forms of racism are more "prominent" in the news, but it's something that is still relevant. This book was eye-opening for many reasons and still an enjoyable read. Filled with mystery, great characters, and a wonderful redemption story-line, this is one I'd strongly recommend. Here's a little bit about the book: A young girl, kidnapped on the eve of World War II, changes the lives of a German archaeologist forced into the Nazi Party and―...

 If you enjoy dual timeline stories with deep and heavy topics, but that offer hope, Heidi Chiavaroli is an author you would enjoy. Her past books have dealt with school shootings, abandonment, and broken marriages. Her latest novel, taking place in Concord, MA (home of Louisa May Alcott), speaks to equal rights, foster care, and domestic abuse. This novel was excellent and flowed seamlessly between the timelines, bringing hope to both sets of characters. This is women's fiction I would definitely recommend.  Here's a little bit about the book: 2001 Abandoned by her own family, Taylor is determined not to mess up her chance at joining the home of her best friend, Victoria Bennett. But despite attending summer camp at Louis May Alcott's historic Orchard House with Victoria and sharing dreams of becoming famous authors, Taylor struggles to fit in. As she enters college and begins dating, it feels like Taylor is finally finding her place and some stability...until Victoria...