Winter Wonderland

This morning as I was listening to the news on my television. I could not help hear that Fall is not over until next Wednesday, December 21st. If I would have not known that, I would think that we were already in Winter. Looking outside my bedroom window, it clearly looks like Winter to me. Pile of fresh snow on the ground. Big and little snowflakes that look like cotton balls falling adding to the snow on the ground. It is a wonder to see the changes in each Season.  From Winter to Spring, Spring to Summer, Summer to Fall, and Fall to Winter.  But, one thing that never changes is Reading.  You can read in the Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.  Especially, in the winter wherever you might live. If you live somewhere where it snows, rains, or sunny, but cool. You can always find a nice spot in your home with a nice cup of coffee or tea (whatever is your choice) with a great book needing to be read.  A Winter Wonderland is not a place where you can go, but it is an imaginary place that you can create in your mind.  So sit yourself down with a nice Christmas story and venture off to that imaginary place.  Merry Christmas!

Simpler Life

How many of us urge to have a "Simpler Life?"  I know at times, I wish for things to be slow and simple.  Life can be a struggle at times.  That is why, I enjoy reading so much!  When life gets a little unbearable, I just reach over on my nightstand and select a good read that will put me in perspective of how wonderful life is.  The simpler things are to enjoy the idea of being able to be blessed with good books and a nice cup of tea, or whatever may be your source of drink, while reading a book.  Yes, life is simpler with a good read!

When the Hurt Runs Deep, By Kay Arthur

What an inspiring book to read!  So many people are hurting...trying to find ways to be healed from their hurt, instead of being destructive and miserable in their pain.  Kay Arthur's book, "When the Hurt Runs Deep" helps you to understand that through strength and anchoring on to Christ will help you to overcome your deepest pain.  To find hope in the future of what God has promised for your life.  This book is a must "get" book!  To be able to put the pieces back together again, and fill your life with hope in knowing  GOD will get you through.  Awesome book by Kay Arthur!!!

Josie Mitchell wished she could go back and change things...But life doesn't give do-overs.  Josie's Mitchell sister thinks she is home to pitch in with the apple harvest and save the family orchard.  Her Brother-in-law Nate thinks she is there to talk her sister, Laurel into selling the famly business.  Manager Grady Mackenzie thinks she is trouble with a capital T.  Why does Josie pushes herself so hard...and what is she running from?

Densie Hunter, "Sweetwater gap" drew you into the lives of these individuals in the book. The struggle of Josie Mitchell's past and present is sense in Denise Hunter's writing.  I can relate to Josie's troubled past with her father.  For a good read,  I suggest this book.

"A Widow's Hope," the first book in "The Miller Family Series." A young Amish widow, Hannah Brown makes a new life for herself in Ohio with her sister's family.  Hannah Brown, moves her sheep with her to Ohio.  Which causes her deacon brother-in-law, Simon, to find just about everything about Hannah vexing.  The deacons brother, Seth, finds Hannah interesting. Hannah is willful, and Seth has an independent streak.  Will they be able to move past their own pain to find lasting love?

I really loved this story.  At times I was frustrated at Simon, for being unfair and unruly to Hannah.  Hannah was a kind woman, who was being misunderstood.  Read this story of "A Widow's Hope" you will enjoy this book, as much as I did. 

Enjoyable reading

"Hidden," is the first book in the series "Sisters of the Heart."  A story about a young woman named Anna, who finds herself in a abusive relationship.  With no help from her family, she finds herself alone in her situation.  She plans an escaped to the only place she knows she will feel safe at an Amish Bed & Breakfast with her long time friend, Katie.  Does Anna find happiness?  Is she able to leave the past behind?  To find out, I recommend that you read this book by Shelley Shepard Gray. 

 This story grabbed my attention from the starting point.  The struggles and fear this young woman had to face alone showed that God was in the midst of the storm.  I encouraged you to go out and pick up this book to read.  You will not be disappointed. 

"Wanted" is the second book of the series "Sisters of the Heart" from Shelley Shepard Gray.  This story is based on Anna's friend, Katie.  Katie, is a young Amish woman who has dark secrets from her Rumspringa days.  Katie has fancied a widow named Jonathan Lundy with two small girls.  An opportunity has risen that she cannot pass up to get to know this man better.  But, will her secrets be exposed?  Will Katie allow herself to accept God's love, forgiveness for her past, or will she lose everything?

Like the first book, I was not disappointed with the second book.  It only took me a day to finish reading this book. The storyline captivated my attention.  I was on edge to know what dark secrets she was hiding. If she was going to be loved and accepted by the man she wanted. I was deeply satisfied at the end of the book.  I am looking forward to reading the third book in the series. Stay tuned!

Summer Days

Summer days are filled with an expectation of scorching heat, fun filled days at the beach, kids out of school, a time to be lazy, air conditioners blasting, and sitting on your porch with a nice cold ice tea.  Whatever summer days are to you, I like it best when Henry James described summer, "Summer afternoon - Summer afternoon...the two most beautiful words in the English language"  What makes summer days so different from other days?  Summer is a time of relaxation, living easy, and enjoying your surrounding.  Where in the summer afternoon, a calmness flows gently through.  Giving you a satisfaction of how good life is.