Month: November 2021

Current fiction read November 16, 2021

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The cover doesn’t do a whole lot for me but I’m really liking the story.

A Distant Heart (Burning Dress Ranch Book 1)

This story is about a successful ranch staffed mainly with women. Women who have been scarred by abuse. It’s a place for them to recover, find a new sense of themselves, and eventually leave with skills to support themselves in a way that will leave them vulnerable never again.

There were many memorable moments so far in this story but the one on page 85 I found most interesting. I’ve never heard it put quite like this and it bears thinking about.

“If you come to understand what Jesus did on the cross — the incredible sacrifice — it makes humbling yourself a little easier. You have to be humble to forgive. But it’s so freeing to live without bitterness”

Forgiving, humble. I guess I can see how humble would fit in with forgiving. It is definitely necessary to lay down and let go of some things. It wouldn’t work well if we were proud and defiant. Food for thought.

So, on to the story.

Two wounded souls. One loving, relentless God.

Welcome to Burning Dress Ranch.

Miss Sally, the mysterious and secretive owner of Burning Dress, established the operation with a very particular mission—to make sure her charges leave with a useful skill, and to share the love of Christ with their hurting, wounded souls.

Cecelia Huggins, broken by a bitter, shameful divorce, has come to Burning Dress to take control of her own destiny. She wants to work and learn. She doesn’t want friends, and she certainly doesn’t ever want to fall in love again.

Jax Taylor is foreman of the Burning Dress and he’s the perfect man for the job. Most of the ranch hands are women who are healing from some pretty tough blows. Just like them, he’s pushing past his own hurts and would rather drink poison than fall in love again.

Miss Sally has had some tough cases before but Cecelia and Jax may be the toughest. How do you convince two stubborn hearts that the only way to find rest for their souls is to give in to love?

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This story is still a bargain if you are interested.

Happy Reading y’all

Formidable, truly formidable. November 16, 2021

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It’s a slow book day today. That’s OK

I’ve been paying attention to what is happening in British Columbia Canada, weather-wise.

It’s crazy what’s going on there. That’s for sure

They have been having unusually heavy rain and highways and train tracks are experiencing washouts and slides. Flooding in low lying places with people evacuated.

There have been floods before but I don’t remember anything as wide spread and destructive as this.

Rushing rivers taking out anything and everything in their path

Many of the highways and rail lines run through mountainous areas. Supply shortages will be worse than they were already with trains at a standstill

The high mountains are beautiful on a dry sunny day but formidable when slides and washouts happen.

The force of nature is truly impressive, take a look. It is awe-some.

Current Read “How can I ever really forgive?” November 15, 2021

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Love Like You’ve Never Been Hurt, now that’s something many of us can relate to. Having been hurt.

This book has been out in the open on a shelf for a number of years. Tonight I decided I need to read one of the many non fiction books I’ve been stock piling the last few years. The name of this one popped into my mind before I could even cross the room.

It’s something, because as I read the first two pages I found a conversation pretty much like the one I’ve been having with a friend recently. Hurt, betrayal, pain, a universal problem.

This book talks about all of that and it includes the author’s personal story of pain. Lending credibility because he has walked this road himself.

Jentezen Franklin is a well known public figure and his story is out there but this time it is his telling.

I learned of him in an interview on a popular podcast. I was impressed and bought his book the first chance I got. In paperback so I could mark it up and take better notes.

I’m looking forward to this read. I think it will answer a lot of questions and probably raise a few more.

Love Like You’ve Never Been Hurt: Hope, Healing and the Power of an Open Heart

The human heart was created with a great capacity to love. But along with that comes a great capacity to feel pain. There is no denying that those who love us, who are closest to us, can wound us the most profoundly. That kind of pain can be difficult, if not impossible, to overcome. And it can feel even more impossible to continue loving in the face of it. Yet that is exactly what we are called to do.

Sharing his own story of personal pain, pastor and New York Times bestselling author Jentezen Franklin shows us how to find the strength, courage, and motivation to set aside the hurt, see others as God sees them, and reach out in love. Through biblical and modern-day stories, he discusses different types of relational disappointment and heartache, and answers questions such as Why should I trust again? and How can I ever really forgive?

The walls we build around our hearts to cut us off from pain are the very walls that block us from seeing hope, receiving healing, and feeling love. Here are the tools and inspiration you need to tear down those walls, work through your wounds, repair damaged relationships, and learn to love like you’ve never been hurt.

Free and bargain books November 15, 2021

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This month is half over already. It happened when I wasn’t looking. Sigh.

At least we have a couple of books today, to brighten our day. I’ve read and enjoyed this first one. I read the first few pages of the sample just to be sure and now I wish I had time to read it again.

Dakota Peace 

After a traumatic call, emergency dispatcher Natalia Brynner flees the city, desperate for some distance from her stressful life. Her peace is short lived when a flat tire strands her on the other side of South Dakota with nothing but her high heels and a speeding ticket. State Trooper Travis Wilkins offers to keep her company while she waits for a new tire, but the quick fix turns into an overnight visit which turns into an extended stay.

She soon finds herself in the middle of a foster child’s kidnapping case helping the handsome law man. His presence doesn’t quite settle her anxious heart. With the support of her new friends and her blossoming relationship, Natalia starts to believe she could finally experience a peaceful life … until an armed madman threatens it all.

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I’ve read many of Christy Barritt’s books but not this one.

While You Were Sweeping: A Riley Thomas Novella: A Squeaky Clean Spin Off

Riley Thomas is trying to come to terms with life after a traumatic brain injury turned his world upside down. Away from everything familiar in his life—including his crime-scene cleaning ex-fiancée and his career as a social rights attorney—he’s determined to prove himself and regain his old life. But when he claims he witnessed his neighbor shoot and kill someone, everyone thinks he’s crazy. When all evidence of the crime disappears, even Riley has to wonder if he’s losing his mind.

Note: While You Were Sweeping is a spin-off mystery written in conjunction with the Squeaky Clean series featuring crime-scene cleaner Gabby St. Claire.

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I’ve started to read another book but I will wait and talk about it in it’s own post.

Happy Reading!

This and that November 14, 2021

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Our neighborhood woke up to a winter wonderland this morning. The first serious bit of snow this winter. It’s wet and heavy, perfect for making snowballs and snow men. I wonder if snowball fights are a thing anymore? I haven’t noticed one in a long while.

Shoveling is not a lot of fun with this heavy stuff. I’m all the more grateful for a kind neighbor. He’s smart. He cleared both driveways yesterday when there wasn’t much and then again today. I have a snowblower he uses with serious snow but this time he shoveled. Must be wanting the exercise.

I’m taking a break from exercise at the moment. Vacuuming. This is a make do day. My vacuum cleaner motor went a few weeks ago and it hasn’t been replaced. I have been using a broom and mop but today I had a brilliant idea. Why not use the shop vac, it should work in a pinch. It had to be cleaned up a bit and it’s awkward but it does a reasonable job.

The other thing on my agenda was reading up on bonsai and how to do it and care for them. I like the look but have no experience. My daughter gifted me with three cuttings off of the bonsai that has gotten away on them. I think it’s going to be fun to learn.

My plant menagerie was getting a little out of hand too. The aloe plant split in about 6 different ways and was crazy. I was feeling ruthless so I tossed all but one stem which I repotted. The ruthlessness continued on with tossing entirely a neglected plant from an unused bedroom. I could have kept a cutting but the plant grows like crazy if it’s watered properly and I don’t really have a good place for it anyway. Company is coming next week so it seemed like the perfect time to say bye bye.

I just saw a snowmobile go by on the back of a pick-up truck. Guys eager to get back out there for winter sports.

I’ll leave you with a shot of my new cuttings. The vacuum is calling my name.

Happy Sunday

Free and bargain books November 13, 2021 Part two

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BookRunes has a FREE suggestion.

Hope (Rescued Hearts Book 2) 

Recently widowed, Luna Salcedo is recovering from years of emotional and physical abuse. On her way home to her temporary housing at Hope House Women’s Shelter, she spots an injured dog lying in the road and realizes it’s still alive. Without a second thought, she carefully rushes the dog to the vet.

Carl Thomas can’t explain his draw to Luna. He’s admired her from the day she came to Hope House, and they’d formed a tentative friendship. When she asks him to take in the dog she named, Hope, he immediately agrees. Only, he didn’t realize the amount of care required.

As Luna and Carl work together to restore Hope’s health, attraction blossoms. Carl knows he’ll have to take it slow, but can he convince Luna that not every man is like her abusive late husband?

Hope is the second book of the Rescued Heart series, where dogs help to bring love to the ladies of Hope House Women’s Shelter.

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An interesting book showed up while browsing

A Distant Heart (Burning Dress Ranch Book 1) 

Two wounded souls. One loving, relentless God.

Welcome to Burning Dress Ranch.

Miss Sally, the mysterious and secretive owner of Burning Dress, established the operation with a very particular mission—to make sure her charges leave with a useful skill, and to share the love of Christ with their hurting, wounded souls.

Cecelia Huggins, broken by a bitter, shameful divorce, has come to Burning Dress to take control of her own destiny. She wants to work and learn. She doesn’t want friends, and she certainly doesn’t ever want to fall in love again.

Jax Taylor is foreman of the Burning Dress and he’s the perfect man for the job. Most of the ranch hands are women who are healing from some pretty tough blows. Just like them, he’s pushing past his own hurts and would rather drink poison than fall in love again.

Miss Sally has had some tough cases before but Cecelia and Jax may be the toughest. How do you convince two stubborn hearts that the only way to find rest for their souls is to give in to love?

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Happy Reading!

Bargain books November 13, 2021

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BookBub has several suggestions for us, actually I think someone else suggested both of these once before. They are worth looking at again though.

Hometown Heroes: the complete collection

Here’s your chance to read the complete Hometown Heroes series in one collection for the first time. Plus the bonus prequel novella, Promise Me.

In Laguna Vista, California, these heroes protect their hometown. But who will protect their hearts?

Protective Custody (Hometown Heroes book 1)

Flash Point (Hometown Heroes book 2)

Special Assignment (Hometown Heroes book 3)

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Vacation Sweethearts Books 1-3: Smile for Me, Reach for Me, Wait for Me (Vacation Sweethearts Boxed Sets Book 1) 

Book 1: Smile for Me (The Bahamas) – International Biracial Romance

A deadline-driven workaholic assistant school principal who meticulously plans his schedule months in advance meets easygoing art teacher and studio potter with no sense of time, living her life as the seasons come and go. When they cross paths again at the Summer by the Sea Day Camp sponsored by his church in Nassau, Bahamas, how can they get along if they cannot see eye to eye?

Book 2: Reach for Me (Great Smoky Mountains) – International Romance with a Side of Suspense

He leaves his homeland to protect his family.
She flees her hometown to abandon hers. 

At a remote mountaintop retreat, an optimistic triple amputee veteran of the British Special Forces meets a pessimistic American beauty in the valleys of their lives.

Book 3: Wait for Me (Alaska Cruise) – Second Chance Romance with a Side of Suspense

A divorced single dad with full custody of his son made a promise he now has to keep: invite his ex-wife to enjoy their son’s birthday gift: a seven-day cruise in Alaska. Can two people who have given up on each other put aside their emotions to make their five-year-old son happy for a week? What could possibly go wrong in this Christian romance with a sidearm of suspense?

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I have at least one more so there will be a part two for this post.

See you soon.

Happy Reading.

C-PTSD this and that November 12, 2021

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The worst thing about an emotionally high day, is the low day that is sure to follow. After two in a row, it has me seriously considering sticking to emotionally mediocre days. This statement is truer than I like to admit.

Today was one of those low days and most of the day was past me before I tried to derail my negative thoughts, replacing them with healthier positive ones. The hardest thing about accomplishing this is the high level of self discipline required.

Cracking out a Christmas DVD seemed like a good distraction and it was helpful. It even gave me the push needed to prepare supper for myself.

On these down days it’s easy to neglect eating altogether. Not exacting the best way to keep my emotions on a even keel

What we eat, or don’t eat as the case may be, can have a huge impact on our emotional well being, but who feels like thinking about it some days.

Usually after a week or two or three of avoiding the grocery store I stock up on bananas and vegetables and then wonder why I feel so much better all of a sudden.

For a few days I plan to do better but after awhile I lose the will power to stop the vicious cycle.

Hope lives eternal though. I hope that one day things will change and these unhealthy days will be behind me.

I know I’m not alone in this dilemma, I’m hearing similar struggles expressed by others.

When others are having similar issues, I have to wonder what’s behind it (besides PTSD). Seasonal changes? Political struggles? (everyone seems to have them these days) Something else going on? We may never know.

This song is from the DVD I was watching earlier. It’s upbeat and cheerful, just what was needed today.

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I’m gong back to my book for awhile.

My current read is from earlier today and it’s not easy to put down.

Security Detail: Faith in the Face of Crime (Secret Service Agents Book 1)

Happy Reading y’all