Made for the Journey ~ Review

Made for the Journey: 

   One Missionary's First Year in the Jungles of Ecuador
by Elisabeth Elliot

with foreword by Kay Warren
First off just for those who think they have all of Elisabeth Elliot's books this book was originally published in 1998 as These Strange Ashes: Is God Still in Charge? For those who are unfamiliar with the previous title (which I was) this a most interesting and insightful look at Elisabeth Elliot's first year as a missionary (which I might add was before she married Jim Elliot).

All too often the life of a missionary is glamorized in the hard work and effort that goes into the life well Made for the Journey doesn't glamorize it. Elizabeth went to Ecuador with the intention to learn the language of the Colorado Indians and then work on developing a written language with which the Bible could be translated for them. But her first step was learning Spanish so that she could communicate with those who called Ecuador home. Which makes one realize just how valuable an understanding of languages truly is to those who serve in the mission field. 

The community to which Elizabeth and her colleagues settled was not home to the Colorados to whom the deeper jungle was home but it was an area which they frequented upon occasion. But obtaining the willingness of one of these individuals to sit with her for hours, days, and weeks was nearly impossible. The need for her to learn their language was not nearly as important to them as it was to her. And there were setbacks that made her at times question her work and whether she had misheard God's calling.

Through her efforts, successful and not, Elizabeth wondered at times what God's purpose for this year of her life was. Years later she had her answer (revealed at the end of the book) and we need to remember the truth that God, that Christ is sufficient for all our trials and sorrows - that was and is the purpose of the cross. We often don't know the "why" but that is not important in our journey only that we trust in Him and follow His leading.

This book is not long at only 166 pages but there is a lot of information and depth to be found within these pages. I wouldn't say this should be read as a devotional but rather as a welcome addition to one's daily readings. There are 19 chapters so this could even be read over a couple of months if one only has free reading time on the weekends. This is labeled as a memoir and most will find it to be so much more. 

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations but that I offer my honest opinion.

About the Book:
In this deeply personal account of her first year as a missionary, Elisabeth Elliot shares the challenges she faced as she worked in the jungles of Ecuador to bring the Word of God to a people virtually untouched by the outside world. With fascinating detail, she captures the stark realities of life in the jungle, the difficulties she encountered while developing a written language for the tribe, and her confusion when God didn't "cooperate" with her efforts to accomplish what she believed was His will.

More than just a memoir, Made for the Journey is a beautifully crafted and deeply personal reflection on the important questions of life and a remarkable testimony to authentic Christian obedience to an unfathomable God.

Lethal Target ~ Review

Lethal Target
Line of Duty #2
By Janice Cantore

Tess O'Rourke thought the past of Long Beach was behind her now that she has become a part of the community of Rogue's Hollow. The police department is facing a new crisis with the death of an 18-year-old young man that appears to have been due to a drug overdose. But when the evidence doesn't prove conclusive Tess is left with more questions than answers. Is it related to the new pot farms setting up around the area or is it something more sinister? Especially when the bane of her existence in Long Beach shows up ready to start a new smear campaign against her in Rogue's Hollow.

Tess has definitely crossed someone and once again her career is on the line but she's not about to back down and fade into the shadows when she has a job to do. And she does have a job to do when an unexplained death and potential missing persons on her watch. What Tess doesn't know is just how large a target she has on her back and whether she'll survive the threats that seem to be surrounding her.

Through it all, those who know and believe in her stand firm in their support. But with a contention ballot measure and the mayor's race just days away, Rogue's Hollow may soon erupt under the building tension. And Tess is under her own personal turmoil as the anniversary of her father's death comes around yet again - can she let go of the anger and allow her heart to heal? Or will her anger end her friendship with Pastor Oliver Macpherson, who seemingly overcame his own personal loss? Only time will tell and it is quickly running down.

This is the second book in the Line of Duty series and it takes place a few months after the events of Crisis Shot with Tess well-situated in her new home. Her relationship with Sergeant Steve Logan has come and gone in the time between, her choice. Tess's determination and drive make her a compelling character. And then there is Oliver who through his interactions is a caring person who tries to help others see that all sin is sin and all are guilty but redemption is possible and it is never too late to change. Rogue's Hollow is like many smaller communities with issues that seem larger than they truly need to be just because everyone knows everyone and it becomes more personal. Altogether a well-written and engaging book that is perfect for a long chilly weekend.


About the Book:
Police Chief Tess O’Rourke thought she’d taken care of her small town’s drug problem last year. But now Rogue’s Hollow residents are up in arms over a contentious vote on legalizing the sale of marijuana within city limits. And when an eighteen-year-old is found dead of a possible overdose, Tess wonders if the local pot farms might be involved and begins to fear that a new, deadlier drug supply chain has cropped up. As tempers flare and emotions boil over, Tess faces the possibility of losing the town’s support.

With her relationship to Sergeant Steve Logan on shaky ground, Tess could really use a friend, and she feels drawn to Pastor Oliver Macpherson’s quiet presence. But the anger she holds over her father’s death prevents her from embracing his faith and finding peace.

Battling storms within and without, Tess is shocked when a familiar face from her past shows up in town to stir up more trouble. And his threats against Tess may prove lethal.

No Safe Place ~ Review with Giveaway

No Safe Place
By Sherri Shackelford
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense

She thought she could use the long holiday weekend to cover her escape and save her life. But she was wrong, coming to the attention of the wrong people thanks to her job as a forensic accountant. She thought she had covered her tracks but someone knows and they are determined to keep her from revealing just what she knows.

Corbin Ross is tracking potential terrorists and his investigation has lead him to Quetech Industries and Beth Greenwood. With Beth's name linked for a second time in as many years to suspicious financial activity, she and her employer are both under surveillance by Homeland Security.  And when Beth shows signs of running Corbin is sure that is proof of her guilt until she is attacked. But getting Beth in custody may prove almost as difficult as determining who is trying to grab her unless it is part of her plan.

When he finally has Beth in his custody it will take some careful think to lose whoever is tracking them. And soon they are on the run and local law enforcement may not be able to help them with trust at a premium. With communication at a minimum Corbin is on his own as he tries to determine just what Beth's role is in his case especially if the evidence she claims to have can't be obtained. But the biggest danger may be if he can't keep his heart from becoming involved.

If you like suspense with a touch of romance that's clean you'll enjoy this new book from Sherri Shackelford.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the author with no expectations of a review - all thoughts expressed are my own.



About the Book:

He lives by the law

She’s running for her life.

After forensic accountant Beth Greenwood uncovers a money-laundering scheme tying her company to the organization that murdered her mentor, she knows she needs to go into hiding. With ruthless killers in pursuit, she’s forced to rely on homeland security agent Corbin Ross’s protection—even as his investigation suggests Beth is complicit in embezzlement. Can their uneasy alliance develop into something deeper—and keep them alive?

Giveaway:

(1) US winner will win a "Current and Classic Gift Box"!

See launch page for a list of items

  http://bit.ly/NoSafePlaceTakeover 

The book can be purchased at  https://amzn.to/2Vl1TJo

Hosted by JustRead Book Tours.

The Making of Mrs. Hale ~ Review

The Making of Mrs. Hale
Regency Brides: A Promise of Hope #3
By Carolyn Miller

Julia Hale, whom the reader was introduced to in Winning Miss Winthrop has her story told in this book. Julia was determined to escape her brother and her mother's control and with Major Thomas Hale ran off to Gretna Green to get married. Thomas was not whom her family envisioned her marrying - he had no title and no estate - and though he was her brother Jon's friend he wasn't considered good enough for her. And now Julia is left wondering if she made a mistake - Thomas has been gone for months and she is at the end of her means and her funds.

Thomas never thought he'd be separated from Julia for so long but then he never thought he'd be in a Spanish prison wasting away. The mission he had been sent on was to be of short duration, not months. He can only hope if he can escape that Julia is still waiting for him and that her love is as real as his is for her.

Can two people who've been separated by circumstances and manipulations find a way to reforge the promises that they made to one another and see past their hurts and have the marriage they wanted? Or will they allow the past with its pain and grievances keep them from growing into the people they were meant to be?

Fans of Carolyn Miller's Regency Brides series will enjoy this latest offering which concludes the Promise of Hope trilogy. And past characters from this trilogy and her previous trilogy A Legacy of Grace make appearances to offer insights and guidance to both Julia and Thomas as they navigate the life they share and work towards a future of hope. One can read this book on its own and still fully enjoy and follow the story easily if you have not previously read the proceeding works.


About the Book:

Marry in haste, repent in leisure

Mrs. Hale is about to find out how painful that repentance can truly be.

Julia Hale ran off to be married in Gretna Green, following romance instead of common sense. But her tale isn't turning into a happily ever after. Her new husband is gone and she doesn't know where—or if he's ever coming back. Julia has no option but to head home to the family she betrayed by eloping and to hope they'll forgive her. Especially now that she might be carrying a baby from her brief marriage.

Carolyn Miller's clean and wholesome Regency romances continue with The Making of Mrs. Hale, following familiar characters as they learn how restoration can occur by finding hope and healing through a deep relationship with God. Full of rich historical details and witty banter, this series continues to draw in fans of Jane Austen, Sarah Ladd, and Julie Klassen.

Code of Valor ~ Review

Code of Valor
Blue Justice #3
By Lynette Eason

Sometimes time off just doesn't turn out the way you're expecting and for Detective Brady St. John the vacation he needs is just about to become a working one. The quiet of his lakeside cabin vacation is shattered when a scream cuts through the rapidly chilling October evening air. Doing what he does best Brady goes into action, rescuing Emily Chastain from certain death.

Somehow, somewhere Emily Chastain has made an enemy and they want her dead. Her job as a financial crimes investigator has her looking for irregularities in banking accounts. Emily never thought her job involved danger or risk but now she's not so sure. What other than an investigation could put her in danger?

When the people targeting Emily come back to finish the job they're taking no chances and Brady is now in their line of sight too. Unfortunately for these criminals, they've picked the wrong family to target and the St. John family comes out in force to determine just what Emily has unknowingly stumbled into. But can Emily trust these people who are trying to save her life when in the past she has been betrayed by others when she most needed them? And then there are the secrets she is closely guarding that while making her who she is, also scarred her deeply.

To crack this case Emily needs to learn what she doesn't know. But how do you find what can't be found? Worse her best friend and family are in danger if she doesn't provide the answer that someone is willing to kill for.

Code of Valor is the third novel in the Blue Justice series and again follows the pursuit of justice that is the calling of the St. John family.  One can safely say that family is the driving force behind this book as family relationships and the many ways they bind and tear have profound impacts on all the characters. And did I mention manipulation? There is a master manipulator that is pulling the strings for their own purposes that are only revealed at the climax. If you want sleep-deprivation due to can't-put-down suspense you'll want this one!

This is the third novel of the series (but the fourth offering as there is an in-between novella also) but you can read this book without reading the previous books. The main characters are different for each book so you won't get lost without the backstory (you can read the other books later and still enjoy them).

I was provided a complimentary copy by the author/publisher with no expectations but that I offer my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.


About the Book:

She's living proof that what you don't know could kill you

What Detective Brady St. John really needs is a relaxing vacation. Unfortunately, just as the sun is setting on his second day at a friend's cabin on Lake Henley, he hears a scream and races to rescue a woman from her would-be killer. When the killer escapes only to return to finish the job, Brady vows to utilize all of his many resources to keep her safe--and catch those who would see her dead.
Financial crimes investigator Emily Chastain doesn't trust many people. And even though she's trying to cooperate with the detective who saved her life, there are some things she doesn't know--and some things you just don't share with a stranger. Little does she suspect that what she doesn't know just might get them both killed. 

Their Secret Baby Bond ~ Review

Their Secret Baby Bond
Family Blessings #3
By Stephanie Dees

Wynn Sheehan left Red Hill Springs behind as soon as she graduated from high school. She wasn't going to let anything or anyone get in the way of her dream of changing the world. Not even her heart and she knew if she delayed even a day Latham Grant could possibly change her mind.

But time and choices have changed everything and Wynn finds herself back home in Red Hill Springs with all her dreams on hold while she deals with the secret she's carrying - a secret that soon everyone will be able to see. Can she rebuild the life she once gave up or will D.C. draw her back after she regroups? Wynn doesn't know what the future holds beyond having her baby.

Latham Grant's heart was broken when Wynn slipped away without a goodbye. And the life he had hoped for took a backseat when his grandfather needed him. Teaching at the local college and working with wood is a far cry from what he had envisioned but following his grandmother's death, his grandfather started failing mentally.  When Wynn comes back to town Latham is determined to guard his heart but how do you guard yourself against your first and only love? When she starts helping out with his grandfather in exchange for his help with the cottage she's moving into Latham knows he'll get his heart broken again unless Wynn decides to call Red Hill Springs home.

Wynn can't believe anyone, especially Latham would want anything to do with her. After all, she let her job and environment change her rather than being the force of change she expected to be. And how could anyone want her and her baby especially with the way she left everyone behind. But Red Hill Springs and those who call it home just might surprise Wynn and just might allow her to find a home for her, her baby and her heart.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the author with no expectations but that I offer my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.


About the Book:

He wanted roots. She chose career.

Can a baby bring them back together?

Wynn Sheehan planned to change the world—not return to Alabama alone and pregnant. Her life is in shambles, but at least she can help take care of Latham Grant’s ailing grandpa. Latham isn’t ready to trust the woman who eagerly left him and their small town behind. But can they ignore the spark rekindled by unexpected Family Blessings?

A Baby for the Doctor ~ Review

A Baby for the Doctor
Family Blessings #2
By Stephanie Dees

Jordan Conley's life is complicated - she's attempting to grow her equine therapy practice while working with her twin sister Claire and her foster home. But when a call for a child in need has her signing the paperwork Jordan finds herself as the foster mom to a severely traumatized young boy. With Claire extending herself with her own foster children and her pregnancy progressing Jordan feels that she can provide the specialized care that Levi needs.

When she finds herself having to deal with Dr. Ash Sheehan Jordan sees a side of him she never expected. He is more than just good looks and a different woman on his arm. He has a caring personality that extends to Levi on a personal level.

Ash understands illness having experienced it both personally and professionally he's able to connect with his patients. And Jordan's determination to give Levi the best care possible doesn't surprise him though how she's managing to juggle his care along with her equine therapy business is even more impressive.

When a potential health crisis threatens Red Hill Springs Jordan, Claire and Ash are all worried about their youngest charges and the potential danger it poses to them. Even more concerning will this set back Levi's progress?

This is the second book in the Family Blessings series and has as much if not more emotional rollercoasters. Levi's story will break most hearts when he is first taken in by Jordan and the judgments of those who don't understand his needs are almost unbelievable. Ash has a layer of complexity that is slowly revealed as the book progresses as is his special bond with his most vulnerable patients. If you are looking for a read that will leave you on a happy, heartwarming note be sure to add this one to your TBR (to-be-read) list.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the author with no expectations but that I offer my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.


About the Book:
Author: Stephanie Dees Genre: Contemporary Romance Publisher: Love Inspired Release Date: September 19, 2017 ISBN: ​9780373623075

A Family

to Call Her Own

After becoming a foster parent to a young boy, equine therapist Jordan Conley's life gets turned upside down. Little Levi is in need of an exceptional pediatrician, which means seeking help from Dr. Ash Sheehan—a man that, despite her heart-pounding crush, isn't her type. Her life is horses and hay, and she can't imagine the suit-clad doctor in a pair of cowboy boots. As a confirmed bachelor, Ash has never been nervous around women, but there's something about Jordan that flusters him, and working closely together doesn't help. The last thing he's looking for is long-term romance. But the more involved he gets, the more he wishes they could stay together…always.

FAMILY BLESSINGS:

Forging a home with love and faith

Learn more about book 1 The Dad Next Door