Book Recommendation - The Hope of Azure Springs

I've been blessed lately to be on several book launch teams. Recently, I was invited to participate in the launch of a debut for new author Rachel Fordham. Her first published novel, "The Hope of Azure Springs" releases July 3, 2018. As part of her launch team, I was able to get an advanced copy and it was fantastic! The story begins with a small, plain dirty girl who is nearly dead showing up in the town of Azure Springs. We find that many years prior, this girl, whose name is Em, came to Iowa from New York on the orphan train. Her guardian has been killed and she was wounded before she fled and found herself near death when some folks find her and bring her to Azure Springs for care. She is taken in by a family and nursed back to health, and she works closely with the sheriff, Caleb Reynolds, to find the men who attacked her and determine why. This book is a work of historical fiction, taking place in 1881, and has elements of great story across the board. There is definitely a romance going on, but it's not a quick and sappy romance (I don't care for those at all). There is action and adventure as Caleb goes after the "bad guys", and there is definitely some mystery about Em's past, as well as about the men who attacked her and their motive. The characters in the book are well developed and likeable. They grow throughout the book and bring hope to one another, hence the "Hope of Azure Springs".

Being part of the author's launch team gives me access to additional bits of inside information that I'm thrilled to be able to share with you!
1. Rachel never pictured herself as an author. She is a wife and mother of 6. While she has always loved to read and has enjoyed all things historical, she never thought she would be published. Her husband encouraged her to turn her passion into an actual book and here we are! The Hope of Azure Springs is actually her second written novel, but the first to be published. She hopes to go back to her first manuscript and edit and get it to print as well. But "The Hope of Azure Springs" was written with her heart.
2. During the writing of this book, her son got very ill. He was 4 at the time and they nearly lost him, but he survived, albeit with a daunting diagnosis. She took a break from writing for 5 months in that time. When she came back to it, she was a different person and took the book in a different direction. She became more emotionally connected to her characters, and I have no doubt that added to their depth.
3. One thing that I have in common with this author - Rachel and I both have a heart for adoption and foster children. Because of this passion, when she learned of orphan trains (previously called "mercy trains" as not all of the children were actually orphans), she knew she had to craft a story around that. She selected small town Iowa as Iowa was a pretty regular stop for those trains, and it worked with Caleb's back-story as well.
4. I mentioned that she has 6 kids - each of her kids' names are used in this book. The older kids have already read her author copy and have enjoyed getting to find their names (and their siblings' names) in print.
5. The main character of this book, Em, is described as being "plain". She is neither a beauty, nor is she ugly. However, throughout the book, as her light shines among those in Azure Springs and her beauty is found in that. Part of the author's motivation in this story was to advise her own daughter that true beauty comes from within.

6. When I asked the author what she hoped to convey through this novel, her response was "I hope that readers walk away from this story with a stronger sense of true beauty and belief in our capacity to define for ourselves what is beautiful. I also hope readers will be reminded that despite the difficulties of life we can find joy, we can carry on and we can be an influence for good. And of course I hope readers smile and maybe even sigh because it was an enjoyable read! "
7. Her next release will be in 2019. The book will begin in the "dead letter" office, and I can't wait to see what this story will bring!

If you enjoy a good heartfelt historical fiction, I would definitely recommend this one. My Goodreads review is below.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2349348013

Book Review - Grace in Strange Disguise

So, after my last book review blog post, I was actually approached by an author who asked if I would be willing to review her debut novel. Of course, I said I would - and I'm so glad that I did! I was actually very intrigued by the title "Grace in Strange Disguise", but it fits the book so well. This book is about a girl named Esther. Esther is the daughter of the lead pastor of a megachurch in Sydney, Australia. She has a good career, has finally found a man that her parents approve of and life is going very well. Then she is shaken to her core with a diagnosis of breast cancer. This diagnosis brings about a crisis of faith in Esther's life. She comes to a defining moment where she seeks out Jesus for herself and learns more about the Bible in days than she had in the years prior, in spite of the years of living in a pastor's home. This book attacks some very deep questions such as "can I still trust in a loving God when crisis arises" and "how do I share my faith with those around me?".  Author Christine Dillon answers these through Esther's life and circumstances. This was an enjoyable read with well-developed characters and spiritual depth that brings additional thought.

One warning I was given by the author and will therefore also pass along - because the author is Australian, the grammar, spelling and speech nuances seem a bit foreign to me as an American. It did not detract from the story line, but I think that was because I was aware that it was coming. So, be mindful of that.

As in my last post, I spoke with the author after reading the book and got some additional information. One of the interesting pieces of information about the author is that she is actually a non-fiction writer by trade and by choice. She balked at the idea of writing a novel and she credits God with pushing her to the point of writing this one, and provided her with the encouragement she needed along the way, as well as editors and a cover designer (who she's known since she was 5 years old). In writing this story, she added in so many thoughts and ideas that her editor advised that this was actually one and a half books. She shelved some of the ideas originally intended for this book and ended up considering a trilogy. She now has ideas for 5 books, so this single venture is turning into a series. Each of the books is intended to stand alone, but will all focus on characters from this book, so this one set the stage!

In asking about characters, the author admitted that none of the characters are based on anyone she knows (and clarifies that Esther's father William is nothing like her own father - she gets asked that a lot!), but she herself relates well to Esther, Esther's friend Gina, Naomi (who shows up later in the book), and Joy, who works as a janitor (or cleaner as the Aussies say) at the chemo center. Gina, Naomi and Joy all pour into Esther's life and help her in her faith journey.

Other interesting tidbits about the author and her relation to the book. Esther is a physiotherapist by trade, which is a job that Christine used to have. The book is set in the 1990s as that is when she was in that job and knew the processes. It's always good to start with what you know with a debut novel! I also asked specifically why breast cancer. I have a very dear friend who was recently diagnosed, so this was a timely read for me in that regard. Christine chose this illness in order to honor her aunt who died of breast cancer. She also chose it because Esther was young at the time of diagnosis and that was one form of cancer that is no respecter of age.

Current work in progress is "Grace in the Shadows". I'm excited to see how this series continues!

For more information on this book or this author, feel free to check her out at:

https://www.storytellerchristine.com/

https://www.facebook.com/storytellerchristine/

https://www.pinterest.com/storytellerchristine/

Book Recommendation - the Holly Novels

So, I think I've discovered that I'm a bit of a "book snob". As an avid reader for many years, I've obtained a certain taste for good writing. And let's face it, not all published authors are good writers. And my tastes differ from most other people, I find, and therefore I become even more of a "snob". I discovered this by joining a Facebook group called "Avid Readers of Christian Fiction". I figure that pretty well applies to me, so I joined it. I've seen a lot of recommendations for various books/authors, and so I find them at the library and try them out.... and am disappointed, by and large. Not that the books weren't good.... but they were too "heavy" or the characters weren't likeable or well developed. There was always something missing. Until I picked up the books by C.C. Warrens. I'd not heard of this author before this group, and was reluctant to try based on the other experiences.... but I kept seeing her name pop up. One of the first posts that came up in that group after I joined was someone looking for books about foster care. Since I need 12 hours a year of continuing education to continue being a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate - basically a voice in court for a child in "the system"), I perked up at that question and looked at the recommendations. Several of them didn't mention foster care at all in the book's description, so I discounted those. I had a couple that I opted to look up at a later date. The "Holly" novels by C.C. Warrens was also listed. Though these books take place after Holly has aged out of the system (and therefore can't be used as CE), it still piqued my interest since it was listed as Christian suspense and that is my genre of choice. I finally succumbed to the pressure to check it out when the first book went on sale for $0.99. At an author takeover event a couple weeks later, I won book 2 - and when the author started looking for "Street Team" members, I decided it was time to start reading. Oh. My. Goodness. These books were amazing! This author had the perfect mix of things. Well developed, quirky and likeable (or hateable as necessary) characters, on the edge of your seat action and suspense, laugh out loud humor, human struggles and an excellent story line.

These books center on the life of a girl named Holly. We don't know her last name - and only know her first name because it was on a bracelet that she had when she was found 18 years ago, but Holly doesn't remember the first 10 years of her life. There are many parts of the past 18 years that she wishes she didn't remember as well. Life has taught her to avoid staying in one place, stay off the radar completely and don't form any relationships. She breaks the most important of these rules when Jace, a girl in her apartment complex, befriends her and won't let her not respond. In book 1, Criss Cross, when she is attacked in a park after a photography session, she ends up having to file a police report and ends up not being able to stay under the radar, either. A series of events following make her need continual protection from the police and she struggles to remember what she knows about the killer whose face she saw before she lost her memories. Book 2, Cross Fire, continues the relational aspects of Holly's story as she learns to depend on her new friends and actually begins to exhibit some trust. One of the most intense scenes of trust building had me ugly crying as Holly experienced some healing. The villain in this book was completely unexpected, and though Holly's life is once again in danger, it's because of one who cares about her. Book 3, Crossed Off, offers an exceptional ending to this series and Holly faces off with the person who is responsible for her phobias and night terrors. It is intensely emotional and had me crying through the last 3rd of the book, but that only goes to show how well the characters are developed in this series that had me so emotionally attached. One thing I loved about this series is that it's unapologetically Christian, but it is not at all preachy. Holly found God at the age of 15 when He literally saved her life, and though she is a Christian, she is also very human. She struggles with forgiveness and trust, but she knows that she is never alone. The books are written in first person format from Holly's point of view, so we see the struggles in her thought life. She writes in her journal daily things that she is thankful to God for. We also see the Christian elements in occasional conversation, but by and large, everything we see and hear is very true to life. This conversation was one of my favorites, and it was brought up simply because Holly wanted to change the subject - away from having to answer something personal about herself:

So, after reading the books, I contacted the author for some Q&A. Here is some bonus material for my blog - extra trivia:

1. The author uses a pen name. Her initials are C.C. and her husband's name is Warren, so she uses the name C.C. Warrens as a pen name. Her husband, Warren, is actually a character in her book. and as a result, she also shows up in her own book. I found this to be a fun little detail. Warren plays with Holly's friend Jace in a wheelchair basketball and sled hockey league. The real Warren really does play wheelchair basketball and sled hockey, as well as wheelchair softball and wheelchair lacrosse. In the books he owns a restaurant and his wife has done paintings for the wall. Here are the paintings C.C. has actually painted that are currently hanging in their restaurant.

That verse is Holly's favorite verse. She references it often and it gives her peace when she finds herself in sticky situations.... which tend to happen often.

2. In Criss Cross, as Holly is searching for childhood memories, we meet the man who had been her childhood best friend. His character was based on a cat that C.C. had as a teenager. Her cat had quite the personality!

3. In Criss Cross, Holly's friend Jace went on a blind date. That date had an odd fascination with feet. This character is based on someone C.C. actually met in Walmart, who held her shoe for ransom because he wanted to touch her feet! Word to the wise - never be weird around an author. You may find your nuances show up in print some day!

4. As a person who suffered abuse herself growing  up, C.C. is able to write about these tough issues with realism and grace - and isn't afraid to tackle them. Side note - I LOVE the fact that she brings about much of Holly's healing through men who are not, by and large, romantically inclined towards her. Though the author credits her husband with helping her heal, I love the fact that there is not much romance (just some between some side characters) in this series. I don't mind realistic romance in books, but I enjoy books where it really isn't much of a factor.

5. C.C. indicated that writing this series was actually therapeutic for her and brought some healing to those broken places in her past. I asked if she'd heard from others who had experienced similar abuse to see how the books were received by those who could better relate. She'd heard from one who appreciated Holly's strength and another who indicated it brought healing to here life. Therefore, I would recommend to someone who has experienced this!

6. The author's note at the end of book 3 really brought things home for me. While I've not experienced the same abuses that Holly has seen, her abuser (Collin) has told her many things that I've heard as well - from the father of lies - "you're not good enough", "no one really cares about you", etc. So, that helped me to relate to Holly and her insecurities. C.C. indicates in that note that we all have our own personal Collin. From the author: My personal "Collin" is depression, something I have struggled with since I was a child. When Holly's in the hospital and she talks about moments of hope-gulping despair that left her crying, that's a very personal experience for me. And I have spent my entire life fighting to see the glimmers of hope all around us (like Holly does with her journal entries) because if I didn't, I knew I wouldn't live much longer.

Now I use that story to help others who are struggling with similar situations. That is the hope in my darkness.

 I found that to be a beautiful comparison, and something that is very relatable.

7. While this series is complete, C.C. is thankfully not done with these characters. While there was some closure in the story lines, I really want to see what else happens with Holly and her friends. Right now, works in progress are "Imperfect Justice" and "Injustice for All", which will have snippets of Holly in them. I'm super excited for them and release dates are hopefully for later this year. Fingers crossed!

The weightiest Sins of All

I’ve had this “sermon” burning inside of me for a few days now (not sure what else to call it). My Bible reading plan has me currently in the book of Deuteronomy and Moses is re-capping all of the things that happened (I tend to believe he’s stalling since God has told him he’s going to die after his speech). Anyway, he’s just re-capped the 10 Commandments and I got hit square between the eyes.

Before I go any further, let me give you a bit of my background. I grew up as a pretty severe perfectionist, which had me about as much of a legalist/Pharisee as one can be in modern times. My view of God was of someone who was simply waiting for me to mess up so He could punish me. While this was advantageous in that it kept me out of trouble, it is disadvantageous when it comes to judging others. This is only amplified by the fact that I grew up in a small conservative town in the Bible belt.  It was my freshman year in college, when one of my Psych professors opted to start class with a devotional, reading an excerpt from Max Lucado’s “In the Grip of Grace” that I finally started to get the true Gospel message that I’d been missing all of my life (of course, that professor got reamed for teaching Baptist theology at a Nazarene college, but I’ve no doubt if he knew the impact it had on me, he would find it worth it). Anyway, moving on to present day – while I still struggle with judging and striving to be perfect, I find myself currently a member of a church where the pastor is a Millennial and is from the Pacific Northwest. This means that he has some more liberal thinking than what I’ve grown up with and it’s stretching me. And it’s this stretching that has brought me to this “sermon”.

I’ve noticed that often-times, we as Christians will apply a weight to certain sins. For example, murder and adultery are worse sins than lying, etc. And while we all KNOW that all sin is equal in God’s sight, we still place a judgmental weight to each sin. And to be fair, there are sins that cause more damage than others, and that may be part of why we assign weight to it. However, I’ve noticed in my conservative Midwest life, that I (and those around me) have assigned a great deal of weight to things that aren’t nearly as weighty in the grand scheme of things. For example, (and I’m preparing to hear you gasp out loud when you read this), if a homosexual couple were to walk into your church, how would they be received? If someone came in with a beer in one hand and a cigarette in the other, how would they be received? If someone came in dropping the “F-bomb” every 30 seconds, how would they be received? And here’s where my reading in Deuteronomy comes in. As I’m reading through the 10 commandments, I notice that NONE of these sins are listed amongst the “thou shalt nots”. Don’t get me wrong – I know the Bible addresses these and that’s not my point. The point is that the things that we as Christians get all up in arms over, aren’t even in the “big 10” – the list that God repeats in scripture as the law. The 10 words that are inscribed on the stone tablets that are in the Ark of the Covenant. The sins that cause us the most alarm don’t even make that list.

But you know what does make that list?

1.       You should have no other Gods before Yahweh. That includes not only other “gods”, but also money, your stuff, your habits, your relationships…. Nothing. Pretty sure we’ve all been guilty of this one – putting something (or someone) else first.

2.       You should not create any idols (graven images). While the literal-ness of this is not quite as valid these days, I believe that in modern times, we make idols of our status, of our time.

3.       You should not take God’s name in vain. The number of times I hear “Oh my God!” or “I swear to God” or even “Jesus Christ!” when not calling on his name astounds me. I think we also take his name in vain when we proclaim to be his followers and we lead others astray.

4.       Honor the Sabbath Day and make it holy. Honestly, how many of us actually take a Sabbath? But God insists that if even HE needed to rest after the work of creation, then we really should too.

5.       Honor your Father and Mother. I’m just gonna leave that right here.

6.       Do not murder. I’m pretty sure most of us could check this one off; until we get to the New Testament where Jesus tells us that hatred and anger are the same thing. I’m pretty sure I’ve threatened to throttle someone at least once every day this week.

7.       Do not commit Adultery. Again, thinking most of us can check this off – until we get to Jesus – who says if we look lustfully at someone else, we’ve committed adultery in our hearts. How many who sit in the pews next to us are hooked on pornography? Or wish their husband was more like the hero in the latest romance novel?

8.       Do not steal. Probably also can check this off….. unless you discover after you get home that you have 3 cartons of ice cream, but you only paid for 2 and you don’t do anything about it. Or if you take office supplies from the office home…. Guilty!

9.       Do not bear false witness. Hands up if you’ve ever told a lie? Yeah, that’s what I thought.

10.   Do not covet. How many of us want what we don’t have – a bigger house, better car, nicer clothes. We see what others have and we covet.

So, yeah. Pretty sure we’re all a bunch of sinners in need of grace. That said, getting back to my point – as we sit together in church on Sunday - The liar next to the porn addict next to the person who puts their money or their comfort before their God, next to the person who wanted to kill their co-worker this week – be mindful that if a homosexual drunk who curses like a sailor comes into your midst, that before you can point out the speck in their eye, you need to remove the plank from your own.