Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Summer Reading






The sister circle, by authors Vonette Bright and Nancy Moser is a work of fiction centered around the character, Evelyn, who is a widow in need of income. Since her husband’s death she has been living by herself in a large antique house and finds that she is not as financially set as she once believed. Her house is transformed into a boarding home in order to meet her financial obligations. Throughout this delightful novel there are several boarders who come and go in Evelyn’s life and everyone brings a learning experience with them. Evelyn learns how to live by herself and provide for herself she also makes great new friendships. Through the people that she meets and the relationships that she cultivates Evelyn’s relationship with God grows and blossoms and she is able to use her home for His glory. The reader will enjoy this light read and learn again the importance of friendship.




Have you ever wondered what it must have been like to have been a woman in America during the 1940’s? In her historical fiction A woman’s place Lynn Austin answers that question through the lives of four fictional women. These women suddenly found themselves in what was once considered a man’s world, as the men were off fighting in World War II, they were left to keep America running. Austin does a skillful job creating these four women characters and the circumstances they find themselves in. Each woman went through something separate and yet they all came together in their passion and belief of the soldiers fighting for freedom overseas. They discover a strength inside of them that can only happen with the help and guidance of Christ, they discover that they can contribute to their families on a financial standpoint. These moms and wives rise above their circumstances and rise up to fight for their families and their faith in what was once considered a male dominated world. Austin’s work of historical fiction allows the reader a little glimpse into the past and sees what life may have been like for women during World War II. The reader experiences their heartache and their joys, of course in the end everything is brought together and healing begins.


When the Nile runs red by Diann Mills is an amazing work of historical fiction. Mills paints a picture of war ridden Sudan and the effects of civil war on the natives and missionaries. Her characters consist of a former Muslim turned Christian missionary, Paul, now reaching out to the natives through providing food and water, his wife, Larson, is a doctor who provides not only much needed medicine but also education to the Sudanese women. During the reading of this novel the reader is suddenly transported into Sudan facing the fears of Paul, Larson and the Sudanese; the fears of a lion on the prowl or being discovered by an enemy soldier ready to die for the cause of the government. As Paul and Larson question their faith during their daily struggle for survival, the reader also finds themselves questioning the extent of their faith, would I die for Christianity? Would I leave everything I’ve known my whole life to go preach the Word in a war torn country where Christians are tortured and killed?The main characters of Paul and Larson face many trials throughout this novel as well as several joys, their marriage is tested as is their friendships. There is also a mystery informant who is tracking their every move and reporting it to the enemy. This historical fiction by Diann Mills has a great message, wonderfully mastered characters, and an excellent story of intrigue and love. When the Nile runs red by Diann Mills (insert hyperlink) is an amazing work of historical fiction. Mills paints a picture of war ridden Sudan (insert hyperlink) and the effects of civil war on the natives and missionaries. Her characters consist of a former Muslim turned Christian missionary, Paul, now reaching out to the natives through providing food and water, his wife, Larson, is a doctor who provides not only much needed medicine but also education to the Sudanese women. During the reading of this novel the reader is suddenly transported into Sudan facing the fears of Paul, Larson and the Sudanese; the fears of a lion on the prowl or being discovered by an enemy soldier ready to die for the cause of the government. As Paul and Larson question their faith during their daily struggle for survival, the reader also finds themselves questioning the extent of their faith, would I die for Christianity? Would I leave everything I’ve known my whole life to go preach the Word in a war torn country where Christians are tortured and killed?The main characters of Paul and Larson face many trials throughout this novel as well as several joys, their marriage is tested as is their friendships. There is also a mystery informant who is tracking their every move and reporting it to the enemy. This historical fiction by Diann Mills has a great message, wonderfully mastered characters, and an excellent story of intrigue and love.
Check out this link for more of my reviews on summer reading


http://www.examiner.com/x-13015-Dallas-Christian-Fiction-Examiner




We learned our lesson this week about getting Reghan a dog, don't get an 8 month old terrier mix and expect her to fall in love with your soon to be 3 year old. Everything was going fine until the first day we brought her home but the second day the dog thought she belonged and Reghan didn't. The dog snapped at Reghan and scratched her nose with her teeth (mama just about came unglued) so we had to give her away.

Reghan is now terrified of any dog including my in-laws black lab who she used to LOVE. Animal control told me I never should bring home anything but a puppy when I have children at home - now I know!!!